Independence, MN [Too many tags, check inside!]

[GloomCookie]

Welcome to Independence, Montana

Tags: Post-Apocalyptic, Slice of Life, Random Dice Rolls, Game Master, Players, City Building, Combat

Welcome to what has got to be the most ludicrous game I've ever conceived of that didn't first involve a high temperature fever or pain killers.  The year is 1986 in the post-apocalyptic city of Independence, Montana. The town is just one of several communities that still exists following the nuclear exchange of 1951 when rogue general Douglas MacArther created what would be known as the Nuclear Trench, setting off the Soviets and leading to the first atomic war of the world.

The few bombs that existed back then limited the damage but it was enough to level several major American and Soviet cities, such as Washington DC, New York, Seattle, and several others. The rest of the country remains fairly intact, and the loss of a great deal of the federal government led to a few brief but violent attempts by some states, like Texas and California, to attempt independence. Thankfully, a few forward thinking people put together the reformed United States and relocated the capital to Saint Louis, Missouri for the time being, with a new Federal Capital being built near Lebanon, Kansas, the geographic center of the continental United States.

The loss of several cities and disruption of crucial oil supplies for a while has led to many people starting to focus on more self-sustaining measures. Cars are now much more limited without oil, though several still exist and are often purchased by the local communities for people to use as needed, like an ambulance or farm truck where needed. Most people get around the country on wood, coal, and a few oil powered trains, and communications are limited to landline telephones. Computers are still massive machines that take up entire warehouses, so most people must still sort files and write notes by hand.

But life isn't safe, either. The independence movements may have been shattered, but their remnants remain a dangerous and ever-present threat, even in Montana. Groups that saw their chance to break away still conduct raids and attack the hard working people, taking supplies and sometimes slaves to work for them. It's hard not to get angry when everyone knows at least someone taken by them, and it's hard to get a proper militia with enough strength to take them on.

And so it's into this world that you, the player, come in. I'm looking for police, store owners, farmers, people who live in this strange new alternative history. A small, sleepy town of 50,000 in the middle of Montana, where people still know each other.

I, as the GM, will mostly be throwing events at you and your fellow players. At the beginning of the game I'll roll a die, a 1d6, to determine when the next event will take place. Meaning that if I roll a 4 on Monday, you can expect an event to happen on Friday. On Friday, I'll roll a random number determined by the number of players and then the event will focus on them exclusively, though it could affect others too. That event can be good or bad, such as winning a small jackpot in town, or having a truck tire go flat. Or maybe you come home and your eldest daughter is pregnant. I'll create a list and leave it up to tease people with possible ailments. Once you've been targeted for an event, you are out of the running for the next event, giving you time to recover.

I'll also be rolling a 1d20, which causes community wide events. These events affect the whole town, and can again be good or bad depending. A raid may occur, or a few US Marshalls may be in town looking for a criminal. When these events happen, it could just be everyone needs to ration food for a bit just in case, or it could be everyone not on the defense is ready in case fire or wounded need tending to.

If you're interested, fill out the following and if you have any questions or comments, let me know, ok?

Name:
Age:
Biological Sex: [ ] Male, [ ] Female
GM note: I don't care if you identify as something else this is post-apocalypse 1980's so hormone and sexual reassignment surgery are incredibly rare. This is NOT me being trans-phobic or hateful, just being realistic. No hate.

Personality:
Brief Bio (2 paragraphs max):

Family (NPCs):
Family (PCs):
Friends (NPCs):
Friends (PCs):

How long have you lived in Independence?: [ ] Just arrived, [ ] A few months, [ ] A few years, [ ] Whole life

What kind of role do you want to play?: [ ] Police/Militia, [ ] Doctor/Paramedic, [ ] Shop Owner, [ ] Machinist/Mechanic, [ ] Farmer/Rancher, [ ] Hunter/Scout, [ ] Teacher/Professor, [ ] Other:

Briefly describe what you want out of this game:

Starting Equipment (Pick 1 option, you can acquire more later):
[ ] Home Defense Package - (1) 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun, (1) .22 long rifle, (3) utility pocket knives, (24) rounds of 12-gauge buckshot, (6) rounds solid 12-gauge slugs, (50) .22 long rifle rounds, provisions for 6 months without resupply.

[ ] Militia Package - (1) 5.56mm AR-15 single-round rifle, (4) magazines of 30 rounds each of 5.56mm ammunition, (6) magazines of 30 rounds each of .223 ammunition (compatible with 5.56mm rifle for less penetration but more rounds), (1) combat knife, provisions for 1 month without resupply.

[ ] Paramedic Package - (1) .22 long rifle pistol, (3) magazines of 12 rounds each of .22 long rifle for the pistol, (1) trauma kit good to stabilize 2 people with moderate wounds or 1 person with severe wounds, (3) first aid kits for treating minor wounds such as bug bites, scratches, etc., provisions for 3 months without resupply.

[ ] Hunter Package - (1) .30-06 bolt-action rifle, (1) .45 revolver, (4) magazines of 5 rounds of .30-06, (24) rounds for .45 revolver, (2) first aid kits, (1) hunting knife, provisions for 4 months without resupply.

[ ] Prepper Package - (1) 12-gauge shotgun, (12) rounds of solid-slug for 12-gauge, 12 months of provisions without resupply.

Code Select Expand

[b]Name:[/b]
[b]Age:[/b]
[b]Biological Sex:[/b] [ ] Male, [ ] Female

[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Brief Bio (2 paragraphs max):[/b]

[b]Family (NPCs):[/b]
[b]Family (PCs):[/b]
[b]Friends (NPCs):[/b]
[b]Friends (PCs):[/b]

[b]How long have you lived in Independence?:[/b] [ ] Just arrived, [ ] A few months, [ ] A few years, [ ] Whole life

[b]What kind of role do you want to play?:[/b] [ ] Police/Militia, [ ] Doctor/Paramedic, [ ] Shop Owner, [ ] Machinist/Mechanic, [ ] Farmer/Rancher, [ ] Hunter/Scout, [ ] Teacher/Professor, [ ] Other:

[b]Briefly describe what you want out of this game:[/b]

[b]Starting Equipment (Pick 1 option, you can acquire more later):[/b] [ ] Home Defense Package, [ ] Militia Package, [ ] Paramedic Package, [ ] Hunter Package, [ ] Prepper Package.

Accepted Characters: (3 minimum needed to start)

[GloomCookie]

Major locations within Independence

The town of Independence has a lot of things going on even before the game begins. While some of these locations can certainly become run by a PC, for now just assume they're NPC driven and will be handled by me, the GM. More will get added over time, this is just what I came up with for now to give people places to hang out and meet.

Jamie's Hardware
Jamie's hardware is one of two hardware stores in town, and by far the most popular. The owner, Jamie Johnson, supplies a lot of parts for the various industries in and around Independence, and often places orders for the inbound trains to deliver harder to get parts from elsewhere. She's one of the few businesses allowed to have an independent truck, since her deliveries are often what keeps the other major locations running smoothly.

Ethanol Plant
On the east side of town is the Ethanol plant, surrounded by razor wire and a high chainlink fence. The plant runs continuously during the fall and winter, processing the excess corn that comes in from the harvest into ethanol that's used by the town at large. They also run a few batches of corn whiskey, known locally as Bald Eagle Brew. The plant is most popular around Christmas for obvious reasons.

Water Purification Plant
Located just outside of Independence near the Bison Creek source, the Water Purification Plant pumps clean water to most of the residents of Independence and surrounding areas. The plant maintains at least two militia at all times following an incident a few months ago where a few of the secessionists tried to poison the water supply.

Rail Yard
Near the central square is the rail yard, where trains are constantly moving through heading east and west. There are four tracks, two for the main line and two side tracks for trains coming in to deliver passengers, mail, and cargo. The rail yard typically has a train stop every Monday and Thursday, though sometimes there are special occasions. There's often a train that comes through every three hours, give or take.

Independence Regional Hospital
While not the largest hospital in the state of Montana, the central location is enough that a lot of neighboring towns send people over to get surgeries and other necessary but non-critical procedures done. They also maintain a fleet of three ambulances and are able to respond to most of the surrounding areas quickly and efficiently.

Snow Cap High School
A modest school located along main street, the High School is where the bulk of students get educated in Independence. Most students until about the seventh grade go over to the nearby Maple Elementary, but the high school also sees adults coming in to learn trades as well. Among the standard curriculum are classes on welding, handling firearms, law, machining, and other topics that would normally get put in a trade school.

Parker Memorial Courthouse and Police Station
A police station, jail, and courthouse rolled into one, the Parker Memorial Courthouse deals with justice in Independence. Minor crimes are usually settled within 48 hours, while larger crimes such as assault, rape, murder, and so forth may take longer. Most police officers, due to the vast distances they must travel, are given a certain amount of discretion in carrying out their duties, but can pass information up the chain via their radios. It's here also that the local militia maintains their armory, able to defend the city should it come under threat.

Shack Town
Located on the outskirts of Independence, Shack Town is the informal name for low income residents. While the houses may not be entirely shacks, they are usually of poor construction and it's not uncommon for one to fall over during heavy rains or wind. The residents here are most often day laborers, and are wary to help those who aren't from the neighborhood. Gang activity does sometimes occur, but the biggest threat recently comes from the smuggling of hard drugs into Shack Town from the outside. In the center of Shack Town is Puke Green Lake, as it's known, which was a small holding pond now filled with trash and debris, turning it a sickly green.

The First Atomic War

The Korean War began in June 1950 and was headed by General Douglas MacArthur, a veteran of the Pacific theater of operations in World War II. As American forces shored up South Korean troops, MacArthur pushed President Truman to push north and drive communism out of Korea once and for all. Truman agreed, but by November the Chinese government felt pressure from the encroaching American troops and sent thousands of troops south to engage. The sheer weight of men was enough to push American forces back. MacArthur pushed for more American troops, as well as troops from Taiwan to help push back the Chinese and the use of tactical nuclear weapons to create a barrier that the Chinese could not cross. Truman refused, and a public feud began between the two.

In April 1951, President Truman flew out to Korea to meet with MacArthur. MacArthur arrived first in an attempt to upstage the President, which infuriated Truman. Truman attempted to fire MacArthur, but MacArthur used his troops to seize Truman and declared he would be the one giving the orders. MacArthur used his position to get the nuclear devices ordered and sent to Korea, claiming to be working on behalf of President Truman. The planes dropped their ordinance and left a long, radioactive gouge in the earth known as the Nuclear Trench. About the same time, forces in the area learned of the coup by MacArthur and freed President Truman, allowing him to escape. MacArthur was branded a traitor and a rogue, but his damage had been done.

While the Chinese and Soviet governments didn't like each other, they still presented a unified front to the members of NATO and the West. China appealed to the Kremlin that America had dropped nuclear weapons on them, and that action needed to be taken. Premier Nikita Khrushchev ordered full production of nuclear weapons, which the Soviets had been working on for the past two years. He wanted enough to ensure that when the Soviet Union struck, it would strike with a mighty hammer. Even working flat out, the Soviet Union still only had around 500 nuclear warheads by 1955, while the United States had over 2,000. Still, it was hoped that it would be enough when Khrushchev gave the order.

On 2 December 1955, 500 Soviet aircraft took to the sky with the intention of attacking the United States. At the time, North American Air Defense Command had yet to be established, letting the Soviet aircraft through most of Canada before more local radar stations began to detect the incoming bombers. Air bases scrambled and fighters took to the skies, but they were also fighting fighter escorts for the Soviet bombers and so few aircraft were shot down. Out of the 500 aircraft with nuclear weapons, 9 suffered mechanical breakdowns and had to turn back, while only 7 were shot down. Most of the casualties were fighter escorts and a few conventional bombers sent for backup. That left 484 aircraft to strike their targets.

The air raid sirens began all across the country as President Eisenhower was loaded into a car, still in his pajamas, with his wife and were driven as fast as possible from Washington D.C. By 7:40, the first bombs began to detonate. Millions died, trapped in the congested roadways as nuclear weapons fell, leveling huge parts of New York, Boston, Washington, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, and other major cities. Eisenhower, once safely relocated, issued orders for a complete retaliation of both conventional and nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, Soviet troops were pouring out of East Germany and attacking NATO positions. British and American forces began a fighting retreat, buying time while the contingent of French forces stayed behind in Berlin. The two armies had to fight through a Soviet barricade around the city, before making a run for the West German border. Already American Air Force fighters and fighter-bombers were in the air, fighting it out with MiG 15's, 17's, and a few of the new 19's in the skies over Germany. The British had few nuclear weapons of their own, but opted to use them as Prime Minister Anthony Eden authorized them to be used on the advancing Soviets. For the first time, nuclear weapons went off in Europe, putting a brief halt to the Soviet advance.

As authorization from Eisenhower came, Air Force bombers were loaded and prepared. The CV-10 Yorktown was sent to the North Sea along with elements of the British Royal Navy to provide fighter coverage of the nuclear bombers along with the Australian HMAS Melbourne, which had just been completed in England a few months prior. The two vessels helped clear the air for the bombers to strike Leningrad, Moscow, Stalingrad, and several other key production facilities in Soviet territory.

The fighting on the ground continued for over three months, pushing almost to the edge of Germany and into France before the destruction of key cities finally caught up to the Red Army. As ammunition and food began to run out, they tried to continue on with captured weapons, but it was inevitable. On 3 June 1956, Soviet general Vitaly Isayev surrendered his forces in Western Germany. Not long after, other generals would begin to surrender their forces, though a few holdouts would remain and would be mopped up over the next few months. The Allied forces, however, were exhausted from months of fighting, and it would require fresh troops and materials from America to reinforce them for a push east.

The fall and winter of 1956 were spent with both sides licking their wounds. The Soviets had manpower but had lost the bulk of their mechanized divisions and airforce. The Allies had tanks and planes but were woefully short on manpower. By the time fighting began again in the spring of 1957, the Allies were forced to create 'rolling fortresses' as tank divisions shielded infantry divisions and used mounted machine guns to mow down Soviet Red Army troops pouring from the east. Factories in France and England were once more being used to crank out bullets by the ton, while the superior American fighters kept Soviet bombers and fighters at bay. It was a slow and bloody affair of marching across Germany, just as it had been almost a decade before. By the time Berlin was recovered, an estimated 42 million people were dead, quite a few being German civilians used as draft labor by the Soviets or simply executed for helping the Allies. By fall of 1957, American troops were finally crossing the border into Poland for the first time, to a very grateful Polish people.

The winter of 1957 bogged down troop movements again, with the Allies digging in while the Soviets continued to probe with their troops. Their ability to fight in winter was second to none, and they took advantage of it. Almost an entire company of American Patton M46 tanks were captured when the Soviets pushed on a railway depot in Western Germany, giving them additional firepower when conflict came again in the spring. However, the American war machine was once more spinning up for war, and the production of nuclear weapons had never ceased. As the Soviet army lost ground, American bombers were leveling Soviet cities with atomic hellfire. It didn't take long for those in the Soviet Union to realize the situation was unwinnable. On 20 July 1958, Soviet general Trofin Tretiakov took the members of the Kremlin, hiding out in a bunker near the Ural Mountains, hostage. Khrushchev managed to escape, but Tretiakov offered to deliver the members of the Kremlin to Allied hands if they would end the war. The Allies, weary from a long and costly war, accepted.

By the time the United States turned its attention to Korea again, General MacArthur had set up his own private empire on the Korean peninsula, safe from the Chinese because of the Nuclear Trench and believing his knowledge of American tactics to keep him safe by fortifying key areas to make landings almost impossible. The war weary United States decided to leave him for the time being, to simply rest and recover from the war. MacArthur would later die in 1964, and power would return to the Koreans. The Soviet Union was dissolved, with the former Soviet Republics allowed to leave and become independent nations, while Russia was placed under an Allied controlled government similar to Germany, which was reunited as there was no longer a Soviet Union. The war would cost over 125 million lives, mostly civilians in nuclear bombed areas, and the blame has been squarely placed upon Douglas MacArthur's shoulders. History can only guess what might have happened had he simply gone home after being dismissed.

[greenknight]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ4T9CQA0UM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5Lmkm5EF5E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L55dKrjxcCY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXtpNm_a4Us

[GloomCookie]

I'm not sure why this is here o_o

[greenknight]

Something ridiculous I thought might be appropriate to your story. If not, sorry to disturb the flow.