Post by The Entity on Jun 5, 2012 0:20:17 GMT -5
It's always been this way. Anyone old enough to remember what the world was like before is long dead. The shining city Veygis became the center of this corner of the world. The rich and powerful spend their days isolated within their lives of luxury while the surrounding cities crumbled into ruin. After years of failed rebellions and lost wars the lower class were left on the outskirts of Veygis. Ever since those days food has been scarce in the valley and other towns outside the city. Civilians left to fend for themselves in a near-barren wasteland. Small townships were created, but have since been lost to gangs of violent civilians who grouped together to gather food for themselves. The more gangs emerged the more violent the outskirts became. The governing body of Veygis began reporting on the gang wars and chaos they created, and the citizens of the rich city became addicted to propaganda. Since then food, medicine, and other supplies became harder and harder to find, but somehow the gangs of the outskirts 'mysteriously' became equipped with weapons; some new, some old, but always a steady supply. Also, along with these mysterious arrivals came a series of heavily armed and armoured contingents of soldiers, soldiers and camera crews. Every day more footage is captured to perpetuate the spread of propaganda that keeps the chaotic outskirts as they are. But it has always been this way
Tom was running late. The meeting had started ten minutes ago and he could hear the crowd cheering. The long-abandoned arena was vibrating with the energy of his companions. Tom slipped through a small crack in the wall and stuck to the shadows on the outside of the crowd. Marko was giving his pre-broadcast speech. The massive television was suspended above the center of the arena, with Marko underneath it. Always the center of attention.
The Stained Hands were the big dogs in this sector, and Marko was their leader. Tom watched his friend inspire his cohorts, trying not to be noticed. It was hard enough being the most hated member of the upper echelons in Marko's inner circle without giving everyone reasons to dislike him. At least Tom had a reason: he was getting ready for a raid. Tom liked being prepared, and this was an important run. Infiltrating Wrapped Skull territory, this was a big job.
The Wrapped Skulls had recently wiped out a larger rival gang. The power vacuum could lead to the Wrapped Skulls becoming a serious threat. Everything was planned: sneak in with the truck, hide the truck behind the warehouse, break in, have fun with whoever's inside, and get out with the loot. The warehouse was in a rural area, so escape would have to involve hiding this time. No way to outrun anyone in a suburb. Thomas was making sure he had everything he needed, and a little extra. Last time someone got lost on a raid they starved for eight days before turning up again. Thomas packed food.
Marko finished his speech and the crowd went wild. They knew how big this raid was, and they knew that even though it was a small operation it meant a great deal for the Stained Hands. The television turned on with the traditional fanfare. Meghan Romfeld, the traditional broadcaster, began her traditional report with the traditional greeting. Once again, the lies began. Every day that woman would lie to the people and tell us that the governing body was 'deliberation on a solution for the dangerous outskirt scenario'. The words never changed, neither did the scenario. It's always like this.
But tonight, Tom would help change that.
It was time to put the Stained Hands on the map.
Tom was running late. The meeting had started ten minutes ago and he could hear the crowd cheering. The long-abandoned arena was vibrating with the energy of his companions. Tom slipped through a small crack in the wall and stuck to the shadows on the outside of the crowd. Marko was giving his pre-broadcast speech. The massive television was suspended above the center of the arena, with Marko underneath it. Always the center of attention.
The Stained Hands were the big dogs in this sector, and Marko was their leader. Tom watched his friend inspire his cohorts, trying not to be noticed. It was hard enough being the most hated member of the upper echelons in Marko's inner circle without giving everyone reasons to dislike him. At least Tom had a reason: he was getting ready for a raid. Tom liked being prepared, and this was an important run. Infiltrating Wrapped Skull territory, this was a big job.
The Wrapped Skulls had recently wiped out a larger rival gang. The power vacuum could lead to the Wrapped Skulls becoming a serious threat. Everything was planned: sneak in with the truck, hide the truck behind the warehouse, break in, have fun with whoever's inside, and get out with the loot. The warehouse was in a rural area, so escape would have to involve hiding this time. No way to outrun anyone in a suburb. Thomas was making sure he had everything he needed, and a little extra. Last time someone got lost on a raid they starved for eight days before turning up again. Thomas packed food.
Marko finished his speech and the crowd went wild. They knew how big this raid was, and they knew that even though it was a small operation it meant a great deal for the Stained Hands. The television turned on with the traditional fanfare. Meghan Romfeld, the traditional broadcaster, began her traditional report with the traditional greeting. Once again, the lies began. Every day that woman would lie to the people and tell us that the governing body was 'deliberation on a solution for the dangerous outskirt scenario'. The words never changed, neither did the scenario. It's always like this.
But tonight, Tom would help change that.
It was time to put the Stained Hands on the map.
