Bleed It Out (part 1)

Dawn and Jack moved through the ruined housing development, towards the camp they had left barely an hour earlier.  They had left the white Buick sitting in a driveway, next to a burned out minivan.  Jack had suggested they make a haphazard attempt to cover the car, to make it less obvious they had another car nearby.

Combining with the humidity, the ash and dust made the walk through the ruins unpleasant.  Remains of the burned homes and cars created an ugly gray film on everything.  Sweat from the midday heat made the film run in black streaks down Dawn’s face.  She imagined both her and Jack looked like strange tribal warriors from another time.

“Let’s be careful and quiet.  If we can sneak up on the camp, maybe we can see what’s going on.”  Dawn suggested as the pair slowly moved through the ruins.

Jack nodded, tying a bandanna over his mouth to keep the dust out.  “Good idea.  What do we do if we get the drop on the gang?”  He asked, checking his assault rifle.

Dawn didn’t pause.  “If it looks bad, we attack them first.  If things seem calm, maybe we try and talk it out.”  She didn’t sound too hopeful.  “Either way, we should deal with these guys right now.”

Dawn and Jack return to town

Dawn and Jack have returned to the town, near the camp they met earlier in the day.  They are making a stealthy approach, and are expecting a fight.  The gang that has taken control of the town has sent a force to see what happened earlier.  It looks like all the elements are in place for a fight!

Some special rules will apply for this scenario, beyond the normal really tight ammo rules.  First, there will be no zombies on the table to start.  After shooting starts, then zombies can appear on a 5+.  Next, there are 3 PEFs, one each in the buildings along the street.  These will not activate or move until shooting starts.  They also will only be gang members or zombies if they reveal as Contact.  They have the normal chances to be a Contact.

There are no rules for stealth in ATZ.  I am going to make it simple – as Dawn and Jack move into what would be ‘in sight’ they will roll their Rep, looking for successes.  I will roll Rep for any groups of models that would be involved in the ‘in sight’ test, looking for successes.  Very similar to the ‘Meet and Greet’ mechanic.  I will take the highest Rep from the group, if they are closer than 12”, they get a free success, and from 12”- 24”, they roll one less die, losing a die for every 12” further away, if applicable.  I will only check this when the sneaking people move.  Once in a position and hidden, they do not need to check again.

Once Dawn or Jack decide to attack, they will go to immediate ‘in sight’ checks, and then to active attacks.

This gang is well organized, well equipped and dangerous.  They are waiting on a final reinforcement to show up - which is a simple check each turn, looking for 2 successes.  The reinforcement will be determined by a D6 roll:

1-2: “Gun Truck”- a Pickup truck with a 30mm cannon mounted in the back, with 2 crew and driver.  The 30mm cannon is Impact 5, Target 2, counts as 6 for zombie spawn.

3-4: “Riders” Bikers – 4 gangers on motorcycles, each Rep 4, armed with SMGs.

5-6: “Party Bus” – An SUV that has been modified with armor and an LMG on the roof.  2 crew plus driver, carries 3 more gangers Rep 4 armed with SMGs.

Once reinforcements arrive, the gang reaction will be decided.  The gang reaction will be determined by the leader, who will have an ‘attitude’ die next to him.  It starts at a 3, each turn Mary (the camp leader) will roll her People skill (which is 3).  If she scores 2 successes, the attitude lowers by 1.  If she scores zero successes, it increases by 1. 

The turn after the reinforcements arrive, I will roll 2D vs the attitude number.  This results in the gang reacting - 2 successes will mean an attack on the camp.  One success means the gang leaves half their number at the camp and the rest move off in search of Dawn and Jack.  Two failures indicate all the gangers leave to search for Dawn and Jack.  Each turn, Mary in the camp will make a People roll to try and reduce the attitude number.

It is still morning of Day 81.  The ER is 5 and there are three PEFs deployed one in each building along the road opposite the camp.  These will react per the special rules detailed above.  The day part may change to afternoon on a double 6 roll for initiative.  Once the day part changes, it will not change again.

The Gang sets up

There are two SUVs (military hummers that have been ‘appropriated’) and 7 gangers plus their leader, Shades, deployed along the road outside of the camp.  Each hummer has a ganger driver still in the driver’s seat, ready to startup and drive if needed.  The gangers are all Rep 4.  They carry various armaments; each group has at least one model with an assault rifle, and another with a shotgun.  The remaining weapons are machine pistols, SMGs and one BAMP.  Shades, the leader of this group is a Rep 5 star, with Hard as Nails and Rage for attributes.  He is protected, armed with a shotgun, BAP and a Machete.  Shades will be a dangerous opponent for certain.

Shades Talks to the camp

“Now, I know we have had problems, but damn, Mary, I thought we had an understanding.”  Shades said while leaning on the hood of the Hummer he had rode in.  Gangers moved slowly around the area, keeping cover from the camp.  “You know this is not allowed.”

“Stuff your ‘allowed’ crap!”  Mary yelled back, her bow in hand, but not ready.  “You’re supposed to be protecting us, that didn’t work so well two weeks ago!”

Shades shook his head.  “I’m real sorry about that mess.”  He looked at the rest of the gang and saw some glancing at each other.  “But you didn’t want to stay at the fort, so you’re out here.  That’s on you all.”

Dawn and Jack get into position

Dawn and Jack creep up the stairs, but stay out of sight for the first turn.  The attitude of the gang doesn’t change, and Shades and Mary keep arguing over the situation.  The next turn Dawn and Jack move into position.  Dawn gets 4 successes on her stealth check, and Jack manages the same – they are both tough to see.  Shades gets 3 successes, luckily he is outside of 12”, I suspect he might have seen Dawn if he was closer…  The remaining gangers don’t score any better, most being even further away.

Negotiations are going no where

“If you’re not protecting us, why do we need you around?”  Mary offered. “We can be attacked without your help, just fine.”

Shades stood up from his casual position at the truck.  “Now, just calm down.  That is how this all got started, remember?  The town was covered in the dead, you were barely hanging on in those apartments downtown.  Where would you be without us?”  Shades finished with a wide arm gesture at the gang.

“Not hostages in our own town.”  A man yelled from the camp.

“Ho!”  Shades yelled back, laughing.  “Is that you Ned?  How is that relic of a rifle working for you?”  Shades chuckled.  “I was wondering if you were going to keep hiding behind Mary’s skirt!”  Shades and several gangers laughed at the comment.

Just about time...

I go a couple of turns, and Mary doesn’t have any luck lowering the gang attitude.  Dawn and Jack stay hidden, waiting to see what is going to happen.  Finally the rest of their reinforcements show up – it only takes about four turns.  It’s the gun truck that shows up.

The gang have themselves an RV!

“What do we do?”  Jack whispered, braced against the ruined roof.  “I don’t know how much longer I can stay still up here.”

Dawn gave a slight nod and whispered back “I know, I’m getting hot and they keep talking.  Maybe that’s a good sign.  We can try-“ Dawn was cut off suddenly by the rumble a heavy truck engine.

The gangers all reacted to the truck driving along the street by leaning more into their positions, more alert that before.  Shades even paused in his discussion and waved at the truck.  He paused, glancing once back at Mary, and waved at the truck with a fist pump, pointing towards the nearby intersection.

Turning back towards the barricades, he yelled back at Mary “Time’s about up.  I need a volunteer to go talk to the boss about what happened.”

The gun truck gets into position

I roll the reaction, it’s a Pass 2, so the gang is going to attack the camp.  I figure they aren’t going to do anything until they have their truck in position, so there is a final turn before the attack as the truck drives into its attack position.

Dawn and Jack see the gun truck

“Crap, look at the gun on that truck!”  Jack said, looking at the gangers getting ready.  “That’ll turn those people into hamburger!”

“I see it.”  Dawn said, watching the scene on the street.  The gun truck drove along the street to the corner, turning towards the camp.  She could see the gang leader heft his shotgun, getting ready to attack.  At the same time, she saw Mary ready an arrow in her bow.

“You’re going to just butcher us!”  Mary yelled as she readied her arrow.  “You’re no better than any of the animals out there!”  Knowing it was futile, she still drew her bow and took aim.  “We’ll still fight for our camp!”

Shades smiled, turning to the gun truck.  “It’s not going to come to that.”

“Go for the gang.  I’ll take the truck.”  Dawn said, clearing the safety on the SAW.

Well, this is it.  I see the gun truck roll up, it’s got a cannon that will level that camp and make short work of everyone.

This kicks off one of the most confusing turns of ATZ I have ever had.  I shouldn’t have, but I give Dawn and Jack their active fire before going to In sight checks.  I figure this is going to be a mess anyway, and it’s an ambush – going first makes sense.

Dawn rakes the gun truck crew with the SAW

Dawn rolls four hits, hitting both gunners twice.  They are killed in the hail of bullets.  At least that gun is out of the fight for the moment.  Jack shoots at the exposed gangers further away, killing two of them.

Jack kills two gangers

Gunfire thundered into the late morning air, bullets zinging and pinging off of the pavement and trucks.  The bullets tore into the gangers on the back of the gun truck, killing them before they even knew what hit them.  Mary watched from the barricade, hearing the bullets cutting through the air.  She looked at Shades, seeing him shake his head and raise his shotgun.  She made a choice..

Mary shoots Shades with an arrow

Mary takes the shot she has on Shades, her bow has a better range than the shotgun Shades has.  She gets a hit and rolls a kill.  His Hard as Nails kicks in and he is knocked down, he passes 2d and carries on.   Her attack will trigger In Sight checks with the camp and the gang as well.  It's a crazy turn!

Dawn fires first and clips two more gangers

Now come the in sight checks.  Dawn and Shades get 4 successes, Jack gets 3 with one of the closest gangers, the rest get ones or two succeses.  The survivors in the camp have no ranged weapons, so they are out of the in sight contest.  Luckily, most of the gang is out of range of the house Dawn and Jack are in, and Dawn fires another burst into the nearest group of gangers, taking out two of them.

Two gangers down, Shades gets to act

Shades is out of range to Mary, but takes a shot at Ned, rolling 3 sixes!  He kills Ned, even with him behind cover.  Heck of a shot!

Jack kills the driver

Jack fires on the driver of the gun truck, its the closest target in cover.  He kills the driver, the truck rolls to a stop.  One ganger returns fire on Dawn and Jack, but misses.The rest of the gangers are out of range, so they fire on the camp.  The cover from the barricades keeps them from hitting anyone.

Now for reaction rolls.  Shades as a star passes 2D for his received fire roll.  The last ganger nearest Dawn and Jack has had enough and is running away.  One of the gangers near the second Hummer ducks back, using the SUV as cover.

One ganger makes a break for it

Dawn and Jack pass 2D for Received Fire, and get to fire.  They shoot at the nearest Hummer, but fail to do any damage.  They do make the driver Duck Back in reaction, and we finally get to the end of the turn.  Whew.  No zombies appear from the shooting, but will now appear on a 5+ from each shot.  Good thing they didn't - it would have been around 35 rolls for zombie spawn!

On the next turn, we get a random event...

Good News?

Well, there won't be many zombies in this game I guess.  we do get some PEF movement, one comes out of the liquor store, revealing two zombies.

The PEF comes out of the store

Two zombies decide to try and eat Shades!

 Across the street a trio of zombies wandered out of the liquor store, attracted to the sounds of battle.  Sporadic gunfire continued from the gang, answered by burst from the SAW or a high powered rifle.  Shades knew this was out of control.  Leveling his shotgun on the undead, Shades blasted at the zombies shambling towards him...

Shades makes short work of the zombies

Shades kills the two zombies, but runs out of ammo.  He gets in the hummer and 'encourages' the driver to recover from duck back.  They will try and drive away next turn.

Shades heard his shotgun click over to empty.  “Damn it!” He yelled, his shoulder aching from the arrow that had miraculously just grazed him.  He could hear the bark of the SAW firing from his left, but couldn’t see where it was.  Bullets pinged off his Hummer, letting him know whoever was shooting had an idea he was there.  He realized the gang was on the wrong side of this ambush.

“Get us out of here!”  Shades yelled at his driver as he dove into the back, dropping his shotgun in favor of a pistol.

"They'll cut us to ribbons if I start this thing up!"  Ted, the driver said from his hunched over position in the front seat.  

Shades pulled back the slide on his pistol, chambering a round.  "What do you think will happen if you don't get this started?"

With a roar, the Hummer fired up and even though hunched down, the driver started backing up towards the cover of an alley.

Shades in in the Hummer

Dawn and Jack shoot at the hummer, but don't manage to damage it at all!  It seems these trucks are made to last.

It seems my ambush plan is off to a good start.  The SAW sure evens out the odds.  I keep pumping rounds into the Hummers, but don’t get a damage result.  Looks like Shades is going to get to cover and escape, but I hope I can eliminate the remaining gangers, regroup with the camp and get out of Dodge!

To be continued...

A Simple Run (Conclusion)

Dawn attacks the feasting zombies

Dawn saw the zombies tearing at the ganger and knew he was dead.  She couldn’t stand to see the zombies feasting and ran from the car wreck she had been using as cover towards the grisly scene.  Holstering her pistol, she used her machete to finish off the zombies as well as ensure the ganger would not rise later.

Jack jogged up beside her.  “It seems the locals aren’t too happy with us.”  He gestured back at the barricades.

Dawn checked and reloaded her SMG, glancing at the woman staring at her.  “I don’t get it.  You’d think they’d be glad to have some help.”

“LEAVE!”  The woman shouted and pointed at Dawn.  “GO AWAY!” 

Dawn shrugged and pointed across the street.  “We’re going to check these buildings and then we can leave.”  She said to Jack, who nodded.

“If we can get some gas we can move on.”  He suggested, looking back at the camp.  “I still don’t get what their problem is.”

Jack catches up to Dawn

We pick up part 2 with Dawn and Jack killing the zombies that were feasting on the ganger.  They still need to search the shops nearby, they need fuel and food to continue their trip.  Dawn clears her out of ammo, getting her SMG reloaded and operational.  They move across the street to the discount store.

Dawn and Jack approach the dollar store

Peering through the broken glass doors, Dawn could see the interior of the dollar store was a tumbled mess.  “Looks looted.”  She said to Jack as she pulled open the door and they entered.

Sunlight from the street illuminated the interior and the crunch of broken glass gave away their movement as they entered the shop.  Displays were knocked over and piles of boxes and clothes littered the floors.  A turned over display blocked the center of the store, and as they approached it, a young black woman stood up, holding a sub-machine gun at the ready.

“That’s far enough.”  She said.  “You’d best be getting back in camp.  When the boss hears about this, he’ll be pissed enough.  Maybe if you get back in there, he’ll let some of you live.”  She sneered as she spoke.

“What the hell do you mean?”  Jack said, his own weapon at the ready.  “We’re just trying to get back to our friends east of here.”

The young gang member laughed.  “You’re not even from here?  Yeah, right.  Nobody is on the road these days, I bet you’re from the school camp, out making trouble.”  She lifted her SMG to aim.  “Maybe I should shoot you now…”

A lone ganger

Checking the building, they find a lone ganger.  The meet and greet goes to Dawn, she scores more successes than the ganger.  We don’t learn much more, but I decide Dawn isn’t going to leave a ganger who is threatening to kill a bunch of people alone, and we go to in sight checks.

Jack fires and knocks the ganger out of the fight.  They take her SMG and search the store and find nothing.  Time to move to the next shop.

Checking out the liquor store

Checking the liquor store, Dawn and Jack find the building empty.  Searching yields nothing of value.  This is starting to look like an empty town.

The store is empty

There is a small tanker truck on the street, it is inoperable, out of fuel.  The tank on the back was most likely water or heating fuel (it’s a small truck) but still worth checking out.

Old Tanker truck

Jack stood looking at the small tanker truck, sitting on the sidewalk.  Bullet holes pockmarked the tank and the cab.  Shaking his head Jack checked the valves, getting nothing from opening them.  “Looks like a bust again.”  He said as dawn hopped down from the cab.

“Yeah, the cab is empty too.”  Dawn shrugged and pointed across the street.  “Let’s check the rescue truck, it looks like it’s in rough shape, but maybe there is something useful.”

A ruined rescue vehicle

Checking the truck as they cross the street, they find nothing of value.  It is out of fuel, so no point wasting any more time with it.  Dawn and Jack continue to the gas station.

Jack closed the utility cover with a clunk.  “I can’t believe there isn’t anything on these trucks.”

“Well, they did say some gang was around here.”  Dawn replied, gesturing to the camp.  She shook her head when she saw Mary still standing at the barricade, bow ready.  “They probably stripped this place clean.”

Jack sighed and scratched his chin.  “If that’s the case, there won’t even be a scrap left at this place.”  Moving forward with his SMG at the ready he continued “Never know ‘til ya try!”

As they walked towards the pumps, Dawn stopped, looking at the pearly white sedan parked at the gas pump.  It was in good condition, barely any dirt on the white paint.  Looking at the rear, it had a dealer name where the rear license plate should have been.  “Well this seems odd.”  Dawn said, looking around.

“Hey, alright!”  Jack said flashing a thumb’s up.  “About time we get some luck!”

Finding a car with gas

Moving to the gas station, the pair check the car parked at the pumps.  I check and it has gas (4 units – the most you can find) and the keys!  Did someone just leave this here?  It never fails to amaze me how the randomness of the dice rolls create things sometimes.

Not much left to do – time to check the gas station.

Checking the gas station

“We’re going to go at the ready.”  Dawn said, checking her SMG and stretching out her arms as she and Jack stood by the brand new Buick.  “I have to think whoever left this car here is inside looking for whatever else might be left.”

Jack nodded, checking his own weapon.  “Makes sense.  I can’t believe anyone would just leave a new car and gas just sitting.”  Cracking his back with a twist, Jack added “Let’s do this.”

Dawn and Jack plunged through the doors of the station, a small bell tinkling as they entered.  Holding their weapons at the ready, they startled a young man rummaging through some boxes at the counter.  He quickly held up his hands, not even trying to raise the shotgun he had slung.

“Don’t shoot!  I’m no threat!”  He yelled, panic edging his voice.

“Who are you?”  Dawn asked, not relaxing.

“I’m Will.”  He gestured slowly towards the camp barricades.  “From the City Park Camp over there.”

“We’re moving east, towards some friends.”  Dawn said, easing her weapon down.  “You’re welcome to come along.”

Will shook his head.  “I appreciate it, but my home is here.  Besides, you have plenty of trouble ahead of you.  The Jackals are a big gang and they do not forgive.”

Jack snorted a short laugh.  “Nothing we can’t handle.  Hell we’ve been on the road since Minneapolis.  Roads are rough, but if we keep moving we’ll be fine.”

Dawn nodded.  “I doubt any of that gang wants to bother trying to chase us down.”

Will shook his head slowly.  “Those guys you shot are just a few of the Jackals.  They are going to chase you down and kill you.  They have plenty of military hardware, and I’ve seen it happen.”

“What do you mean?”  Jack asked, his grin slowly fading.

“A dozen men attacked our camp two weeks ago.  We did what we were told to do by the Jackals - we gave up everything the raiders demanded, but within an hour or so, more than twenty Jackals showed up.  It didn’t take long for the Jackals to win, they shot a few of the raiders and took a few prisoner.  The others fled, but the Jackals chased them all down and dragged their bodies back in front of us.  We didn’t get the food back, and what they managed to do during that hour…”  Will shook his head.

Dawn nodded, looking out the window.  “So you’re saying they are already coming here to kill us?”

“I’m sure of it.”  Will said.  “Mary should have invited you in and kept you until the gang showed up.  That’s what we’re told to do, until the Jackals can show up.  If you go now, the Jackals will chase you down.”

A long silence followed, as Dawn and Jack exchanged glances.  Dawn slowly shrugged, looking around the gas station she asked “Well, what do you think Jack?”

With a sigh, Jack replied “Looks like we’re back on the road.”  Pointing out the front window he asked “Is that your car?”

Will shook his head.  “No.  That was left here by the Jackals.  They have a few cars and trucks around town, probably some supplies as well.  Nobody touches their stuff, if they catch you messing with it at all…  Well,  they have killed and maimed people.  It’s not worth it.”

Dawn snorted.  “Looks like we have fresh wheels, right Jack?  If they are going to chase us down, they will know what car to look for.”

Will’s eyes went wide.  “You’re crazy!  Why would you make them more upset?”

“If they’re coming anyway, we might as well use their gas to get a head start.”  Dawn said.  “Well, Jack, Ready to roll?”

So the gas station is not empty, we meet another survivor.  The meet and greet is tied, so he is talkative, but won’t join.  His story is a pretty standard development in the post-apocalypse, there is a gang that has taken over the town.  If Dawn and Jack leave, there is a chance the locals won’t be punished, and instead ‘The Jackals’ will hunt down our survivors.

I decide to take the car; they will head back to the station wagon and load up.  At least they have the fuel to move if they need to.  Given what this gang can muster for equipment, they need to get moving.

The new ride attracts some attention

Dawn starts up the car and she and Jack drive back out of town, past the camp and stony gaze of the leader, Mary.  I can’t believe I couldn’t get some better People skill rolls or even reaction rolls.  The dice really don’t want these people to get any help.

Leaving town in their new car

Dawn drove down the county road, circling back to the house where the station wagon was parked.  The morning was giving way to midday, the heat and humidity was going to make the day miserable.  Even the bright sunlight did little to brighten the mood.

“We should have done something.”  Jack said for the tenth time since they got in the car.  “Something to help.”

Dawn pulled up next to the station wagon, turning off the car.  “You heard them.  Us being gone was the best chance they had.”  Getting out into the summer heat reminded Dawn of the morning.  “Transfer the gas to the wagon, leave enough to ditch this thing when we can.”  She said, walking to the back of the car.

Jack grabbed a siphon hose from the station wagon and began to transfer the fuel.  Grumbling he said “We should do something.”

“Jack, make sure to leave a gallon or so behind.”  Dawn said from the rear of the car.

“I’m done.  You want to torch this or something?”  Jack asked, walking to the rear of the station wagon.

Dawn tossed Jack an assault rifle.  “I think it will be good wheels to get back to town.”  Dawn replied and checked the action on the SAW she had pulled from the back of the car.  “I’m not going to wait for them to find us.  Let’s go see what these ‘Jackals’ are all about.”

Jack smiled.  “Damn right.”

A Simple Run (Part 1)

“This should be decent cover.”  Dawn said to Jack as they walked around the station wagon, parked on an overgrown gravel driveway.  The house had burned, and several trees had gone with it, but the rest of the area was covered in weeds and scattered trees.

Jack threw a few branches over the roof, scattering more around the car.  “Yeah it will do fine.”  He said, standing back and looking over the scene.  “I wish Traci had shown up.  I really thought she would come back.”

Dawn shook her head, adjusting her pack and checking her SMG.  “She made her decision.  We need to find food and fuel and keep moving.  She had a week to change her mind, plus we left that note.”

“I know.”  Jack said, also checking his gear.  “I had just hoped she would come to her senses.”  Looking around, he pointed to the burned out subdivision ahead to the right.  “We should cut through there, the ruined homes should give us cover and we can take a peek at that camp we saw before we get too close.”

“Sounds good.”  Dawn replied, looking ahead down the road.  “Hopefully they are friendly and want to trade.”

Slowly the pair moved down the road in the muggy morning air.

Dawn and Jack approach the camp

It is morning of Day 81, Dawn and Jack have moved on from the wayside where Traci had left them a week ago.  She didn’t return to the group, so they are continuing towards the east.  While they have plenty of guns, they need food and fuel and are approaching a small town, hoping to find some supplies.  They have scouted the edge of town a little, and found a camp they have decided to approach.

The camp

The camp is in a city park, behind some hastily built junk walls.  There are four tents and one camper, scattered around some trees and a small pond.  There is also a generator, which will not be running.  At the start of the game, a ‘blank’ PEF is placed in the center of the camp.  Once one of the survivors can draw line of sight to it, I will determine the camp make up.  The PEF will automatically resolve as an encounter, and each tent and the RV will each have a roll for occupants as well.  I’ll explain it when it happens.

There are three more PEFs on the table, treated normally.  There are also 4 zombies on the table, wandering as they have no active targets to start.  It is morning and I will be using really tight ammo rules, but normal looting rules.  The area is suburban and has an ER of 5, zombies will appear on a 5+.

Dawn and Jack look for a vantage point

“Let’s try that house up there.”  Dawn pointed ahead as the pair moved around a burned out shed.  “Those stairs look rickety, but we should get a better view from the second floor.”

Jack looked towards the house Dawn had pointed out and nodded.  “Good idea.  Though I think I saw something moving just east of here.”  Jack pointed with his SMG to their right.  “Let’s be careful.”

Dawn and Jack on the second floor

The first few turns are uneventful, zombies wander randomly, though one does get close enough to detect Dawn and Jack, and starts moving towards them.  The PEFs move around, moving away and then moving closer.  There is a ruined house with stairs to its ruined second floor.  This will give good sight lines towards the camp, and Dawn and Jack move to it and climb up.

Dawn sees the camp

Scorched boards creaked as Dawn stepped through the ruined house, passing through what might have been a bathroom.  She stepped out towards the east edge of the second floor and looked out across the street, over the low ramshackle wall that had been built around the camp.  The morning sun still cast long, deep shadows from the trees in what had been a park.  As Dawn watched, three people walked into the center of camp.  They didn’t appear armed, and one of them stopped and pointed towards Dawn.

“Here goes nothing.”  Dawn muttered, standing up and waving to the people.  The three seemed to be confused and had a quick discussion amongst themselves before one waved back.  Dawn relaxed a bit and said to Jack “They seem friendly.  Let’s approach the wall.”

Giving a snort Jack answered “Well they didn’t shoot.  I guess that’s a start.”

Moving towards the camp

Dawn triggers the Camp PEF and I roll for occupants.  I get three citizens.  What an odd find after day 30, I didn’t expect that.  Each tent and the RV have a 50% chance for occupants, I get two tents and the RV and rolling for those, I get survivors, more citizens and zombies.  I decide the zombies are actually citizens – I don’t need to have a separate battle in the camp to deal with.

The long distance meet and greet goes okay, Dawn wins by 2 successes.  That means the camp isn’t initially hostile, but we need to do a meet and greet at close range to get a final result.

She also triggers the nearest PEF and finds 3 zombies, who move towards the camp...

Moving closer to the camp

Zombies attack the barricade

Dawn and Jack picked their way through the ruined house, their movement kicking up gray clouds of ash as they crossed the burned yard.  As the sun rose into the morning air, the humidity rose as well, making the day uncomfortable.  “This is like moving through a wet ashtray.”  Jack said, wiping away grime from his face.

Dawn nodded, glad when they finally stepped onto the pavement of the road.  “Let’s head around that car, it should shield us from the zombies over by that gas station.”  She said and pointed ahead.

“Right with ya.”  Jack said, checking his SMG.  “I’ll watch our back and you talk with the nice folks.”

Commotion from the walls ahead made them pause, and Dawn saw a woman stand up on the barricade and fire an arrow, killing the nearest zombie.  A man in a mix of camouflage and hunting gear moved to the wall with a bayonet on an old rifle, making short work of the last zombies threatening the walls.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out from behind the pickup truck... 

Dawn meets the camp

Holding her SMG down, Dawn stepped from behind the wrecked pickup truck towards the woman on the barricade.  “Hello!  We’re not looking for any trouble!”  She called out.

“Stop right there.”  The woman replied, holding her bow ready, but not drawn.  “You need to leave.  Now.”

Dawn was surprised and disappointed.  “We’re just passing through, we won’t cause any trouble.”  Dawn let her SMG hang on its sling and held out her open hands.  “Do you have any food or fuel to trade?  We can offer a couple of guns.”  Dawn suggested.

The woman shook her head waved off Dawn.  “No, we have nothing to spare or trade.  You need to go, right now.”  Looking around towards town she turned back to Dawn.  “Whatever you do, don’t fire those guns or they’ll be coming after you.  Just go, if they catch you, they will kill you!”

“We can handle the dead.”  Dawn said, shrugging and checking her weapons.  “We’ll leave you alone, but we’re going to at least check the gas station for fuel.”

“Don’t be stupid!  Just leave while you can!”  The woman yelled back, before her attention was drawn into her camp.

 

Time to leave the camp

So the meet and greet goes poorly.  Dawn only gets one success and the survivor gets four.  At least they don’t draw down on each other.  Why the survivor is so hostile is a bit of a mystery, I tried a PEP test to get to barter and Dawn failed at that as well.  Not a great turn.  Time to move onto the buildings, maybe there is something worth salvaging.

Dawn and Jack move away from the camp

 “Well, let’s check the gas station, hopefully we can get some gas.”  Dawn said to Jack as they walked away from the camp walls.  “I wonder why they are so unfriendly.”

Jack shrugged, looking at the barricades.  “Well, those walls aren’t all that sturdy, maybe they just want to keep the dead away and stay safe.”  Giving a short laugh he added, “Maybe they have had to deal with some people coming in and taking their stuff.”

Dawn nodded.  “That’s true, we have certainly met our share of assholes on our trip.”

Jack laughed again.  “Maybe if we show we’re not, they might be more friendly.”  Jack moved to cover at a car wreck and became more serious.  “Sounds like some dead moving around here.  Better be careful.”

Dawn moved next to Jack, hearing the same tell-tale movement in the grass.  “I’ll check it out.”

Dawn and Jack moving in the street

Dawn and Jack move off, picking their way from car wreck to car wreck.  The last two PEFs move up, almost together.  I figure now is as good of a time as any and Dawn steps out to trigger them.  The first is two zombies, but the second is three gangers.  It’s time for another meet and greet…

Dawn sees the dead and the gang

Dawn stepped out from the car wreck, expecting to find zombies wandering towards her.  Instead a loud voice boomed out at her.  “Just stop right there sweet pie!”  It was followed by a gruff laugh.  “See I told ya, Zeke would find something.”  The other men laughed.  “You were warned if we found any of you outside the camp, there’d be hell to pay!”

“Darren!  She’s not with us!  She doesn’t know!”  The woman yelled from the barricade of the camp.

“Shut up Mary!”  Darren yelled back, ignoring the zombies that now seemed interested in the humans.  “The rules are the rules!”

Dawn looked warily at the three people, just beyond the pair of zombies they had apparently been following.  They were a rag-tag looking group, the leader, Darren, was sporting a wicked looking machine pistol, and the guy to his left was carrying a shotgun.  The last man had a pistol at the ready, clearly watching for zombies sneaking up from behind.

“We’re just passing through.  I’m not looking for any trouble.”  Dawn said, tightening her grip on her SMG.

“Well you sure found trouble!”  Darren laughed and gestured to his companions.  “Brett what do you think?”

Brett with the shotgun gave a half smile and looked Dawn up and down.  “I bet she could be fun to play with.”  Brett ran his hand down the slide on his shotgun and gave a lewd look at Dawn.  “Been a while since I got to play.”

“Whach you think T-Diddy?”  Darren asked the man with a pistol.

“Rules are rules.  What you say goes Darren.”  T-Diddy replied, glancing around.

“Well, I give you this chance.” Darren said turning to Dawn.  “Toss down your hardware, you come with me and the boys to that liquor store over there and after we all get a tumble, we’ll let you go.”  Darren gave a wide toothy smile.  “If you play nice that is.”

Dawn gave Darren a cold stare.  “How about we all just go our separate ways and everyone lives to see another day?”

“Ha!”  Darren let out a loud laugh at Dawn.  “You know that ain’t gonna happen, right?”

Gunfire erupted on the quiet street…

Time to draw down

What an odd development.  Revealing the PEFs, I get 2 zombies from the nearest.  The second PEF is three gangers.  After this came up, I decided they must be the reason for the camp to not be friendly.  There is gang in this town that is in control, and they are ruthless.  This could lead to some other encounters, if we get through this game first…

Anyway, the meet and greet goes about as you expect, with the gang scoring more successes.  We go to in sight checks and Dawn gets four successes (a good time to get a good roll!) and goes first.  Jack is still behind cover, so will not participate.

Dawn fires, trying for all three, and gets two hits.  Darren and Brett each get hit.  I roll a one for Darren, he is Obviously Dead and a 4 for Brett.  Brett is knocked down and goes Out of the Fight.  T-Diddy fires and hits Dawn, getting an obviously dead result!  Dawn’s Hard as Nails kicks in and she is knocked down instead.  Passing 2D she carries on.  Wow, what an in sight round!

Dawn gets two down

Dawn felt the punch of a bullet slamming her shoulder, spinning her around and down to the pavement.  Rolling up she saw T-Diddy’s eyes go wide as he jumped for cover.  Raising her SMG, Dawn pulled the trigger snapping off a single shot that went wide before the magazine dropped from the weapon.  Cursing to herself, Dawn let the SMG hang from its sling and pulled her pistol.

Jack finishes off two zombies

Dawn passes 2D for received fire, and fires again, missing and going out of ammo (triple ones came up!)  T-Diddy passes 1D for received fire and 2D for man down and elects to duck back, moving to the cover of the car behind him.  Jack moves up and kills the closest zombies, but as T-Diddy has Ducked Back, he can't be seen so no in sight check.

A few more zombies appear from the shooting noise.  It’s making the area a mess, and the zombies activate first the next turn.

More zombies appear

T-Diddy heard the two zombies closing in around him, watching the rear of the car, he saw an undead salesman step out, reaching for him.  Firing quickly, T-Diddy killed the zombie, quickly shifting to the second zombie that just burst from the nearby bush.  Grappling with the zombie, he managed to draw and plunge his knife into its skull, killing it before it could bite.

Looking over the car hood, he saw the crazy chick had drawn a pistol that looked like a small cannon.  Some dude had joined her and was moving towards the car with an SMG at the ready.  “Hell with this!”  T=Diddy said to himself.  Pushing the dead out of his way he turned and sprinted up the street, yelling behind him “You’ll all pay for this!  We’ll be back for you all!”

Mary yelled back from the barricade “No!  They’re not with us!  We’re not breaking the deal!”  She watched T-Diddy running away, a look of desperation taking over.

“Jack, we need to stop him!”  Dawn yelled at Jack, pointing at the fleeing ganger.

“On it.”  Jack replied, running after the young man.

Jack takes his shot

T-Diddy passes 0D to recover from Duck Back and will Run Away.  Normally this is just the figure being removed, and T-Diddy almost makes it with a double move to the exit table edge.  He is out of range of Dawn and only Jack has a chance to shoot him.

Running up, Jack fires and manages to hit T-Diddy once, knocking him down.  T-Diddy passes 2D for knockdown and is stunned for one turn.

More zombies!

Four new zombies spawn, and go first the next turn.  Unfortunately for T-Diddy, a pair of zombies are close enough to find him delicious.

The zombies find the ganger tasty!

Dawn watched as the zombies devoured the gang member.  His screams were cut short in a wet stuttering gasp as the undead tore into his chest.  Clearing and reloading her SMG, she waved at Jack “Let’s kill those things.  Nobody should go out that way.”

Jack nodded, looking around to see Mary firing an arrow from the barricade.  “You’re welcome!”  He yelled and gave a mock salute before jogging off.

“That’s not all of them!”  Mary yelled.  “They’ll be back and we’ll be the ones to suffer!”  She watched as Jack and Dawn ran up and killed the zombies feasting on T-Diddy.  “Why didn’t you just leave?  Just go away!”  She yelled.

To Be Continued...