Post by Arson Anthem on Apr 4, 2011 13:30:25 GMT -5
ZONES SURVIVAL GUIDE
First, some history. You probably already know most of this, but it’s important you get the facts straight. Everything you’re dealing with now ultimately started back in 2013, at the beginning of World War 3 and the Helium Wars. World War 3 was largely composed of all the major world powers shooting nuclear bombs at each other – that was when most people were evacuated to secure underground settlements. Eventually, the bombs ran out; most of them never even reached their targets, having been stopped by various missile defense systems. Those deserts that you see in every direction depending on which Zones you’re running are the result of the few that made it through. The Helium Wars came after that, when useful elements like helium were in short supply. The rest of it, you’ll have learned in school – if you stayed long enough, anyway.
The other thing you need to know about is Better Living Industries. I’m sure you’ve heard of them, seen their logo on everything from billboards to those pills mom made you take every morning. Back during the wars, though, BLI was a relatively small pharmaceutical company based in Japan.
So, back to the underground settlements for a moment: everything was going pretty well considering it was the third world war. But circumstances like that change people's behavior, and the most important change was a massive increase in demand for medication of all kinds - pills to take away pain, insomnia, anxiety, fear, anger, and anything else that made people unhappy. One company in particular provided that medication: Better Living Industries. By 2015, BLI had taken over the entire pharmaceutical market, as well as the media, military, and government of almost every country on the planet. And if that doesn’t scare you, here’s something that should: when you were a law-abiding citizen, Better Living Industries was the overprotective big brother whose one goal is to keep you safe, happy, and thoughtless while you keep the economy running and the money for pills flowing. But now that you’re an outlaw, a self-declared killjoy, BLI is the all-knowing, all-powerful force whose one goal is to exterminate you as quickly and quietly as possible.
So now that you’ve got the history down, let’s look at the ways BLI is trying to kill you, and what you can do to stay alive.
CHAPTER 1: KNOW YOUR ENEMY
As a killjoy, you have to defend yourself against many dangers, and sometimes you need to know when to fight and when to run. The following is a short description of each type of adversary you might encounter, in increasing threat levels.
CIVILIANS
Civilians, people who coexist with BLInd and support their medication-ruled society, are not normally a threat. Because they are not actively opposing us, you should avoid injuring or killing them if at all possible – many have been brainwashed from childhood and are relative innocents. If you need to subdue a civilian, stun or otherwise restrain them.
DRACULOIDS
Draculoids are civilians who have been completely stabilized (BLInd’s word for ‘brainwashed’) and enlisted by BLInd. They act as security guards, soliders, and military backup. Because they can’t think very well for themselves, they are fairly easy to put down. Beware of numbers, though – the best killjoy can be overwhelmed by enough Dracs, and they rarely show in groups of less than five.
Zone Dracs patrol the Zones and can be identified by their BLInd issued white suits and plastic “Dracula” masks. They're also called in to the city when needed for backup.
City Draculoids are identical to their Zone versions, but they stay in the city for the most part, acting as security guards for BLI. They’re often better with a gun, and their uniforms are white suits with cotton doll masks.
SCARECROW
BLInd’s SCARECROW unit is their elite intelligence force. Highly educated and funded, the purpose of SCARECROW is to discover and control possible insurgencies against BLInd – specifically, us killjoys. SCARECROW's science and health departments are who developed the robotic flies, barcode tracking system, and more potent mind-shaping methods. They also control the deployment of Draculoids and Exterminators, and sometimes send special agents out on missions. Where Dracs will shoot to kill, those agents will shoot to stun – and then take you back to their labs for experimentation.
EXTERMINATORS
Exterminators are BLInd’s heavy artillery. They’re the force behind the threats. They take care of situations that can’t be handled with Dracs, and after they’ve taken care of something there’s not much left to look at. Like their name implies, they’re here for one reason and one reason only – exterminate the threat. If you so much as hear a whisper of an Exterminator your way, run immediately. It doesn’t matter who you’re with or what guns you have. And if you’re ever tempted to try your luck, just remember this: Jet Star and the Kobra Kid stood up to an Exterminator and didn’t live to brag about it. Do you really think you have a better chance than two of the best killjoys out there?
CHAPTER 2: KNOW YOUR WEAPONS
You have a lot of options during your quest to rid the world of BLInd, so try out a few different weapon styles and see what you think. The following is a brief description of the pros and cons of some of the more common weapon types.
RAY GUNS
The most well-known killjoy weapon, ray guns are great for several reasons: they’re accurate from a distance, they’re lethal with the right shot, and they’re damn classy. Their drawbacks are that the energy of a laser bolt runs out after a certain distance, and the gun needs to be recharged every few days.
REGULAR GUNS
Also handy in a fight, different models will give you different ranges and strikes. They don’t need recharging, but ammo can be harder to find than batteries, and they tend to be heavier than ray guns.
KNIVES
Knives are always good to have as backup. They can be hidden easily, are more maneuverable in close combat than guns, and with a little practice can be thrown accurately. Their main drawbacks are that they’re not generally considered long-distance weapons, and it’s harder to keep yourself clean while killing.
LONG-DISTANCE WEAPONS
Long-distance weapons include rocket launchers and large guns. Pro: great for attacking while maintaining a safe distance. Cons: Hard to transport, ammunition is more difficult to come by, and they’re nearly impossible to conceal.
BOMBS
Bombs of any type, from hand grenades to car bombs, are extremely effective if used correctly. They can be activated remotely, take out more than one target at once, and can destroy entire buildings. Their main danger is misuse – too many killjoys have crossed the wrong wire or set the timer a few seconds short. Bombs are not weapons to be used by a new killjoy. Have someone more experienced give you a crash course before trying anything on your own.
MISCELLANEOUS
Other weapons can include anything from crossbows to attack dogs to scrap wood. You’re a killjoy – you won’t always be prepared, but you can use almost anything to your advantage. Pick a couple weapons to build up your talent on, but always be ready to improvise.
CHAPTER 3: KNOW YOUR SUPPLIES
No matter how much fun you’re having defending our freedom, eventually you’ll get hungry, tired, or hurt. Make sure you have access to some basic supplies at all times.
FOOD AND WATER
You might think this one’s obvious, but a lot of killjoys go hungry when they assume they’ll be able to steal something the next town over. Hoard food whenever you find it, especially non-perishables that you can keep for a while. Don’t turn down anything, but especially be on the lookout for protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. Water’s even more important out here in the desert. If you find a well remember where it is and spread the word to other killjoys – it can be a life saver. One word of caution, though – always test any fresh food or water you find before you eat, to make sure it hasn’t been contaminated or poisoned.
AMMUNITION
Your weapon is only as valuable as the amount of ammunition you have for it. If you have a gun, keep a supply of extra bullets or batteries on you at all times. The last thing you want is for your ray gun to run out of charge in the middle of a firefight.
MEDICINAL SUPPLIES
You’re a killjoy – you’re bound to get hurt sometime. It’s always good to have some knowledge of healing, but you should at least know the basics: keep it clean, elevate a bleeding wound, avoid exposure, set and splint a broken bone as soon as possible, and try not to move a killjoy if you don’t know what’s wrong. No matter your medical skill, you should have emergency supplies like bandages, disinfectant, needle and surgical thread, pain pills, and cooling salve. The last treats everything from a sunburn to a laser bolt graze. Use the pain pills sparingly if you’re on your own; a drugged killjoy is a dead killjoy if you don’t have backup.
MISCELLANEOUS
A few other useful items to pick up if you get the chance are a flashlight, a clean change of clothes and soap, a set of flares, a shovel, a radio, and a gas mask.
CHAPTER 4: KNOW YOUR SAFEHOUSES
Safehouses are places where killjoys can go to lay low, avoid capture, or rest up for a few days. They’re always changing, so there’s no point in listing current safehouses here – by the time you need them they’ll probably have been compromised. A good safehouse has defenses, at least one emergency exit, and a good stock of supplies. Talk to your fellow killjoys to find out about safehouses in the area, and if you find a good location go ahead and set one up yourself. The one thing you shouldn’t do is form an attachment to it; even the best safehouses only last a few weeks of regular use. If your safehouse is compromised, take what you can, get out, and don’t look back.
CHAPTER 5: USEFUL SKILLS AND GOOD MANNERS
A killjoy encounters a lot of different situations, and the more you know how to handle, the better off you’ll be. To help you keep things under control no matter what happens, you should learn how to:
DRIVE AND HOTWIRE VEHICLES
You don’t exactly need a license as a killjoy – if someone tries to pull you over, they probably don’t want to give you a ticket. No matter how old you are, it’s a good idea to learn how to drive common vehicles, like motorcycles, cars, and vans. Depending on your location and how ambitious you are, it might also be worthwhile to study up on planes, helicopters, and boats as well. Hotwiring techniques vary slightly depending on the vehicle, but the skill comes in very handy when you need a quick getaway and your old vehicle is in multiple, fiery pieces.
REPAIR MACHINERY AND ELECTRONICS
That car you stole won’t be worth much to you when the engine overheats or the brakes go out, unless you know how to fix it. The same goes for that laptop with G.P.S. capabilities, or the radio you’re using to communicate with your fellow killjoys. It’s not practical to replace everything that breaks over the course of your career as a killjoy, so you’d best learn to fix them.
TREAT WOUNDS
We won’t go into any detail here, just check the Medicinal Supplies section of Chapter 3. Just remember, the more you know the longer you’ll stay alive, and now is NEVER the time to get squeamish.
HAVE GOOD MANNERS
Treat your fellow killjoys with respect, don’t steal from people who can’t afford it, avoid unnecessary torture, and bury the bodies. Yes, even the Dracs. Partly for sanitation reasons, partly to cover your tracks, and partly because no matter how brain-dead and violent they are, they’re people too.
CHAPTER 6: KNOW YOUR KILLJOYS
Killjoys come from all over the world and we all have our own stories, but we work together as one unit. We are the resistance. A killjoy is always a friend, and if you have the chance to help, take it – that killjoy you’re saving would do the same for you. Get to know each other, spread information, get a network up. The biggest threat to BLInd is our communication; if we’re isolated and alone we’re easy targets. Make friends, make groups, but always welcome newcomers. If we’re not there for each other, no one will be. And when your new friends fall in the line of battle, salute the dead and lead the fight. We mourn our fallen, but we don’t let that stop us. We face the pain and take it on. We live forever. We are the enemy. We are bulletproof. WE ARE THE KILLJOYS.
First, some history. You probably already know most of this, but it’s important you get the facts straight. Everything you’re dealing with now ultimately started back in 2013, at the beginning of World War 3 and the Helium Wars. World War 3 was largely composed of all the major world powers shooting nuclear bombs at each other – that was when most people were evacuated to secure underground settlements. Eventually, the bombs ran out; most of them never even reached their targets, having been stopped by various missile defense systems. Those deserts that you see in every direction depending on which Zones you’re running are the result of the few that made it through. The Helium Wars came after that, when useful elements like helium were in short supply. The rest of it, you’ll have learned in school – if you stayed long enough, anyway.
The other thing you need to know about is Better Living Industries. I’m sure you’ve heard of them, seen their logo on everything from billboards to those pills mom made you take every morning. Back during the wars, though, BLI was a relatively small pharmaceutical company based in Japan.
So, back to the underground settlements for a moment: everything was going pretty well considering it was the third world war. But circumstances like that change people's behavior, and the most important change was a massive increase in demand for medication of all kinds - pills to take away pain, insomnia, anxiety, fear, anger, and anything else that made people unhappy. One company in particular provided that medication: Better Living Industries. By 2015, BLI had taken over the entire pharmaceutical market, as well as the media, military, and government of almost every country on the planet. And if that doesn’t scare you, here’s something that should: when you were a law-abiding citizen, Better Living Industries was the overprotective big brother whose one goal is to keep you safe, happy, and thoughtless while you keep the economy running and the money for pills flowing. But now that you’re an outlaw, a self-declared killjoy, BLI is the all-knowing, all-powerful force whose one goal is to exterminate you as quickly and quietly as possible.
So now that you’ve got the history down, let’s look at the ways BLI is trying to kill you, and what you can do to stay alive.
CHAPTER 1: KNOW YOUR ENEMY
As a killjoy, you have to defend yourself against many dangers, and sometimes you need to know when to fight and when to run. The following is a short description of each type of adversary you might encounter, in increasing threat levels.
CIVILIANS
Civilians, people who coexist with BLInd and support their medication-ruled society, are not normally a threat. Because they are not actively opposing us, you should avoid injuring or killing them if at all possible – many have been brainwashed from childhood and are relative innocents. If you need to subdue a civilian, stun or otherwise restrain them.
DRACULOIDS
Draculoids are civilians who have been completely stabilized (BLInd’s word for ‘brainwashed’) and enlisted by BLInd. They act as security guards, soliders, and military backup. Because they can’t think very well for themselves, they are fairly easy to put down. Beware of numbers, though – the best killjoy can be overwhelmed by enough Dracs, and they rarely show in groups of less than five.
Zone Dracs patrol the Zones and can be identified by their BLInd issued white suits and plastic “Dracula” masks. They're also called in to the city when needed for backup.
City Draculoids are identical to their Zone versions, but they stay in the city for the most part, acting as security guards for BLI. They’re often better with a gun, and their uniforms are white suits with cotton doll masks.
SCARECROW
BLInd’s SCARECROW unit is their elite intelligence force. Highly educated and funded, the purpose of SCARECROW is to discover and control possible insurgencies against BLInd – specifically, us killjoys. SCARECROW's science and health departments are who developed the robotic flies, barcode tracking system, and more potent mind-shaping methods. They also control the deployment of Draculoids and Exterminators, and sometimes send special agents out on missions. Where Dracs will shoot to kill, those agents will shoot to stun – and then take you back to their labs for experimentation.
EXTERMINATORS
Exterminators are BLInd’s heavy artillery. They’re the force behind the threats. They take care of situations that can’t be handled with Dracs, and after they’ve taken care of something there’s not much left to look at. Like their name implies, they’re here for one reason and one reason only – exterminate the threat. If you so much as hear a whisper of an Exterminator your way, run immediately. It doesn’t matter who you’re with or what guns you have. And if you’re ever tempted to try your luck, just remember this: Jet Star and the Kobra Kid stood up to an Exterminator and didn’t live to brag about it. Do you really think you have a better chance than two of the best killjoys out there?
CHAPTER 2: KNOW YOUR WEAPONS
You have a lot of options during your quest to rid the world of BLInd, so try out a few different weapon styles and see what you think. The following is a brief description of the pros and cons of some of the more common weapon types.
RAY GUNS
The most well-known killjoy weapon, ray guns are great for several reasons: they’re accurate from a distance, they’re lethal with the right shot, and they’re damn classy. Their drawbacks are that the energy of a laser bolt runs out after a certain distance, and the gun needs to be recharged every few days.
REGULAR GUNS
Also handy in a fight, different models will give you different ranges and strikes. They don’t need recharging, but ammo can be harder to find than batteries, and they tend to be heavier than ray guns.
KNIVES
Knives are always good to have as backup. They can be hidden easily, are more maneuverable in close combat than guns, and with a little practice can be thrown accurately. Their main drawbacks are that they’re not generally considered long-distance weapons, and it’s harder to keep yourself clean while killing.
LONG-DISTANCE WEAPONS
Long-distance weapons include rocket launchers and large guns. Pro: great for attacking while maintaining a safe distance. Cons: Hard to transport, ammunition is more difficult to come by, and they’re nearly impossible to conceal.
BOMBS
Bombs of any type, from hand grenades to car bombs, are extremely effective if used correctly. They can be activated remotely, take out more than one target at once, and can destroy entire buildings. Their main danger is misuse – too many killjoys have crossed the wrong wire or set the timer a few seconds short. Bombs are not weapons to be used by a new killjoy. Have someone more experienced give you a crash course before trying anything on your own.
MISCELLANEOUS
Other weapons can include anything from crossbows to attack dogs to scrap wood. You’re a killjoy – you won’t always be prepared, but you can use almost anything to your advantage. Pick a couple weapons to build up your talent on, but always be ready to improvise.
CHAPTER 3: KNOW YOUR SUPPLIES
No matter how much fun you’re having defending our freedom, eventually you’ll get hungry, tired, or hurt. Make sure you have access to some basic supplies at all times.
FOOD AND WATER
You might think this one’s obvious, but a lot of killjoys go hungry when they assume they’ll be able to steal something the next town over. Hoard food whenever you find it, especially non-perishables that you can keep for a while. Don’t turn down anything, but especially be on the lookout for protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. Water’s even more important out here in the desert. If you find a well remember where it is and spread the word to other killjoys – it can be a life saver. One word of caution, though – always test any fresh food or water you find before you eat, to make sure it hasn’t been contaminated or poisoned.
AMMUNITION
Your weapon is only as valuable as the amount of ammunition you have for it. If you have a gun, keep a supply of extra bullets or batteries on you at all times. The last thing you want is for your ray gun to run out of charge in the middle of a firefight.
MEDICINAL SUPPLIES
You’re a killjoy – you’re bound to get hurt sometime. It’s always good to have some knowledge of healing, but you should at least know the basics: keep it clean, elevate a bleeding wound, avoid exposure, set and splint a broken bone as soon as possible, and try not to move a killjoy if you don’t know what’s wrong. No matter your medical skill, you should have emergency supplies like bandages, disinfectant, needle and surgical thread, pain pills, and cooling salve. The last treats everything from a sunburn to a laser bolt graze. Use the pain pills sparingly if you’re on your own; a drugged killjoy is a dead killjoy if you don’t have backup.
MISCELLANEOUS
A few other useful items to pick up if you get the chance are a flashlight, a clean change of clothes and soap, a set of flares, a shovel, a radio, and a gas mask.
CHAPTER 4: KNOW YOUR SAFEHOUSES
Safehouses are places where killjoys can go to lay low, avoid capture, or rest up for a few days. They’re always changing, so there’s no point in listing current safehouses here – by the time you need them they’ll probably have been compromised. A good safehouse has defenses, at least one emergency exit, and a good stock of supplies. Talk to your fellow killjoys to find out about safehouses in the area, and if you find a good location go ahead and set one up yourself. The one thing you shouldn’t do is form an attachment to it; even the best safehouses only last a few weeks of regular use. If your safehouse is compromised, take what you can, get out, and don’t look back.
CHAPTER 5: USEFUL SKILLS AND GOOD MANNERS
A killjoy encounters a lot of different situations, and the more you know how to handle, the better off you’ll be. To help you keep things under control no matter what happens, you should learn how to:
DRIVE AND HOTWIRE VEHICLES
You don’t exactly need a license as a killjoy – if someone tries to pull you over, they probably don’t want to give you a ticket. No matter how old you are, it’s a good idea to learn how to drive common vehicles, like motorcycles, cars, and vans. Depending on your location and how ambitious you are, it might also be worthwhile to study up on planes, helicopters, and boats as well. Hotwiring techniques vary slightly depending on the vehicle, but the skill comes in very handy when you need a quick getaway and your old vehicle is in multiple, fiery pieces.
REPAIR MACHINERY AND ELECTRONICS
That car you stole won’t be worth much to you when the engine overheats or the brakes go out, unless you know how to fix it. The same goes for that laptop with G.P.S. capabilities, or the radio you’re using to communicate with your fellow killjoys. It’s not practical to replace everything that breaks over the course of your career as a killjoy, so you’d best learn to fix them.
TREAT WOUNDS
We won’t go into any detail here, just check the Medicinal Supplies section of Chapter 3. Just remember, the more you know the longer you’ll stay alive, and now is NEVER the time to get squeamish.
HAVE GOOD MANNERS
Treat your fellow killjoys with respect, don’t steal from people who can’t afford it, avoid unnecessary torture, and bury the bodies. Yes, even the Dracs. Partly for sanitation reasons, partly to cover your tracks, and partly because no matter how brain-dead and violent they are, they’re people too.
CHAPTER 6: KNOW YOUR KILLJOYS
Killjoys come from all over the world and we all have our own stories, but we work together as one unit. We are the resistance. A killjoy is always a friend, and if you have the chance to help, take it – that killjoy you’re saving would do the same for you. Get to know each other, spread information, get a network up. The biggest threat to BLInd is our communication; if we’re isolated and alone we’re easy targets. Make friends, make groups, but always welcome newcomers. If we’re not there for each other, no one will be. And when your new friends fall in the line of battle, salute the dead and lead the fight. We mourn our fallen, but we don’t let that stop us. We face the pain and take it on. We live forever. We are the enemy. We are bulletproof. WE ARE THE KILLJOYS.
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