KARMA RECEIPT

Pilot Episode Drivers, Medics, and Mechanics... Oh My! New folks are making their way to the Land of Enchantment, for one reason or another. We have seen two episodes toward this driven campaign. More to come... Stay Tuned! Clyde made a quick run south with a package, and then got ambushed on his way home. He survived, but his vehicle is hurting. He scrounged what he could, but it didn't make his financial situation any better. His employer thinks he's going to ask for a lot more on the next job, if he gives him one. He later grabbed a chance to work out some frustrations, and maybe gain some quick cash from an Amateur Night Event at the Fire Rock Casino and Arena. On a different front, Briana is making her way to someplace else. Her medical school didn't work out so well. Her internship to an ADA sanctioned medical official didn't work out so well either. Folks about town are aware of her, but not certain of she came from Flagstaff AZ, or Albuquerque NM. If her work situation does not improve, she's gonna move on to see what she sees next. Edward got dropped off in town in the worse possible way. Whatever the cause, his asshole boss kicked him out the door of a moving vehicle. He landed hard in the street. Luckily for him, Briana witnessed the new arrival become an unwilling resident. He was knocked out by the rude maneuvering, and she came to his aid. She pulled him out of the street so nobody would discover a new speed-bump. Later that evening at the Stay-n-School Saloon, Briana spotted Clyde. Overheard him ranting and raving, while celebrating his win (-$50 for the booze, and a round on the house). Brianna later met Jenny James and her partner Stacie Ironheel. She got a lead from them on possible work as a medic. Edward finally recovered, and found himself in an abandoned shack. He came to find out, that Briana was using it as temporary place to sleep. The next day, Edward and Briana followed up on the line of work. Made it through the interviews, skill assessments, and skills testing. They got hired to work for Medi-Kart, a mediocre medical branch of Doc Wagon. Meanwhile, back at Clyde's busted truck, he woke up that same afternoon with a raging hangover. The price of potential fame. Welcome to Gallup, New Mexico. GM: There are still several job openings with Medi-Kart. The word from the street does fall on Clyde's ear. It is something for him to think about. This local company needs Drivers and Gunners. Must be able to get along with the Mechanic and Medic they have already brought into the company.

Episode Two: Ridin'Dirty Clyde, Edward, & Briana "They see me rollin' They hatin' Patrolling they tryin to catch me ridin dirty." -- Chamillionaire A lot did happen to the new crew. They are all working for Medi-Kart now. One of them was hired in a more hap-hazard way. They elected to become roommates, outside of work. Which does place them into better lifestyle. They should be feeling better about that. The question will be on whether if they can continue to afford it. Only time will tell. Chances do favor them, while they keep their day jobs. The big event of the day - the episode, would be their first patrol. Life in the city, might be slightly better than... life on the Savage Street. They made their way around about town. They did get a dispatch call. It taken them outside town, roughly 5 minutes North. A client was coming into town for some reason. Bandits clipped a different car, and caused it to crash with her car. Wasn't the best plan on their part, but their objective was the ambulance. It was rough going. They were not readily prepared for the heavy lifting. As for carting patients around, it may be a very common practice. Anyhow, the crew was able to get the job done. They grabbed both victims, and got them back to town. Leaving them none the wiser as to how difficult of a job it really was for them. To top it off, more than one bandit attacked. They very much wanted the medical loot from the Medi-Kart medkart. However, while the Ambunaught did take a single scratch of damage to its chassis, its driver Clyde, spent a full load of ammo to smash his opponents. The recoiless rifle proved to be the larger stick to put a hurting on three bandit buggys. Only one of the vehicles stayed intact after the assault. After everything said and done about the bandits, the salvage rights went to the winners of the supposed "ambush" the attackers failed to do. The highlight, was how serious Edward became, in regard to claiming the last operable bandit buggy. Since the Ambulance was meant to carry injured folks, and it was full, it had no room to carry loot. So "Fast Eddie" jumped into the buggy's driver seat. Well, not exactly jumped into. He did take a body bag to cover the mess left behind by the mangled driver's body. And then, he drove the battered battle buggy home.

Episode Three: City Livin' Clyde, Edward & Briana Most of the crew has been around for a few months. Work for Medi-Kart has proved absolutely mundane. It has been a couple weeks since Edward had been officially dropped off, though it starting to become a distant memory. At least for Eddie, since he's been under the hood more, over the last few days. He might feel better for getting his hands dirty in truck and van guts, rather than a person's mid-section. Life about town is as interesting it might get. Gallup is not a large place, but it does see a lot of traffic. Either by road way or by foot trail. Some of the more intriguing collection of folks come in to the city by pedestrian means. A band of natives lead by a fella named Two Wolves. Their most particular interest is on groceries that their tribal leader came into town to get. Though they did express some concern for the hospitalized elder. "Big Daddy" is a mountain of a man. Not the most healthy sort, but capable to near carry the burdens of family and tribe. During a very brief interview with the man, the crew learned a little about Two Wolves and his possible agenda. The tribal elder is thankful that the Medi-Kart crew didn't leave him to the circling vultures. However, he did express how the rest of family suspects the crew to being vultures of a different kind. The elder took it upon himself to voice what his tribal brave is thinking. Certainly they have no evidence to act on, but law in these parts works a little different than in other parts of the world. "Big Daddy" suspects there is more to the story, but he didn't share his feelings on the matter. Maybe he will have to rely on the faith of others to sort the dilemma out. On a different side of the coin, Walter asked into the situation. The old indian trader sat in his office of the pawn shop, speculating on the very details of recent events. He will most likely not act or intervene into the situation, but he does want to stay on top of matters. In case they fringe on his interests. At the moment, he hadn't shared any real thought with Clyde. He likes the kid. After winning another Arena event, Walter might change his mood to a more positive and open relationship with him. In the meantime, the crew is at the Saloon celebrating. Walter can't shake a few facts from "Big Daddy's" supposed bandit ambush, or accident with Medi-Kart's client. If the tribal elder is so important to the Indian Nation, why did he go collect family supplies. He should have people to do that. GM: As good as it sounded, George didn't follow through on Briana's suggestion. George didn't want to spell out his thoughts to anybody. Though he did acknowledge it. He did understand the merit in the idea. The concern he has is with the individual in question is not a paying client, and that the tribal elder is from an area the company doesn't serve. If Medi-Kart didn't technically belong to another company, he might have a different attitude. I am loving the direction of our little story. I hope the other players have the same feel for it as I do. In respect to it making it seem and feel more real. Each of the characters have a stake into what is happening. I am eager to get back into the game and see what else happens. The characters have a lot of options and choices on the table. What will they do next?

Episode Four : Black Fingers Walking Clyde, Edward, Briana, & Blackfinger It had taken a considerable amount of time, but the man with black fingers found the man driving the red pickup. As so he believes. There is no other prospect, and the bullet holes seem to pair up with what he remembers. Was it curiosity? Did the driver steal his quarry? The mechanic tracked the driver from the ambushing bandit's crash site, all the way to the town of Gallup. What compelled the mechanic to take the long journey? Better yet, what was the mechanic already doing, to be on a walkabout in the first place? The culture shock is obvious. For both sides of the same coin. The mechanic found himself someplace more mundane, and law biding than what he is used to. A few residents of the town, startled by his presence, were very willing to give the mechanic plenty of room. Nearly everyone the mechanic met on his travels began showing less and less familiarity. His cultural background doesn't carry the same level of intimidation or respect, as it had did back on his home turf. The Highway is proving to be a very different animal than the one he grew up with. Home is still where the mechanic left it. Does he plan to go back? The Era of "Chassis and Crossbow" as it was coined by the mechanic's grandfather, seems to be fading. As the black fingered mechanic continued north, he would discover that the style of living he was taught, was a real thing long ago. Maybe his fanaticism, or V-8 Combustion is leading him toward a more prevalent truth.  Back in Gallup, the crew made their way to the Stay-N-School Saloon to celebrate Clyde's newest victory in a different arena. After a couple rounds of drinks, the happy crew was about ready to settle down for the night. The mechanic entered the saloon, and made his presence known. The small crowd of people inside the bar witnessed his entrance. Nearly everyone was unsure with how to act in the moment. A few of the patrons were more stunned than anything else. The awkwardness didn't last long. The night was interrupted by an act of destruction. The violence was a small flash-fire attack on personal belongings. The main target being Clyde's near-immortal red pickup truck. The mechanic wasn't the only person looking for it. It set on fire with a molotov cocktail. Clyde got the truck started, and then rammed it into a fire hydrant. The vehicle survived. The mechanic ran after and scrapped with the attackers as they tried to flee. Briana and Edward tried keeping clearer heads, while controlling the scene. Once the smoke cleared, with the help of an uninterested cop, the crew discovered that Two Wolves was responsible. The Indian Leader accused the crew of pretty blatant things. He can't prove it, but he sent the  war band to assault them over the matter anyway. At the same time, he dispatched another small group to attack and vandalize their home. That action succeeded better than the attempt on the Clyde's pickup. They did some pretty offensive things to the house, except burn it down. GM: If I had stuck to my regular intervals of homework, game prep, and story updates, I think making this entry last week would have panned out differently. I am adding this note, after making some edits to details. I think there is something really cool that the characters can discover with the Blackfinger character. In hindsight, the collective that he comes from doesn't need to a member of the Native Nations. I am following Dan's lead on it, because he is right that Blackfinger's home doesn't need to be. It was my assumption that it would be, based on the current location of the campaign setting. As a group, we wouldn't necessarily know how long Blackfinger had been travelling before the bandit ambush. So now I am taking advantage of the stall-out I did with my episode update. Having to go back, and reflect on character's original development. All of the characters having a unique background. Each owning some significant detail or spark, that brought them to the story. In the world of Autoduel - Car Wars, Chassis and Crossbow is an element that was introduced through Autoduel Quarterly. A magazine that was dedicated to all things Car Wars. The one specific article in the magazine was more of a scenario setup, and it spoke to a more Road Warrior ideology for the game. In later game editions, I believe it became more of historical detail in the fluff writing. I believe it can be a healthy story hook here, especially for Blackfinger. Not that I am calling the character out to being like a woodland hill billy or an Amish farmer. However, here in the North America, we do have hidden cultures living in various areas. Maybe a little like that, but you might get what I am saying. The character Blackfinger, has a very distinct culture that he embraces and presents. That's my part of the story anyway, and when I find more to share about it, I can get it added to our campaign forum.

Episode Five : Cold Front Clyde, Edward, Briana, & Blackfinger It's been a week or two later since the vandalizing event. Blackfinger seemed to manage well during his recovery. He earned himself a pretty nasty scar, as the knife wound healed. Briana having to take more of the credit of the mechanic's care. However, Blackfinger might have felt some level of discomfort, rather than show it. Because he is out of his element. The city living lifestyle is something he isn't familiar with. As the Highway beckons to him, a different notion is left on Clyde's shoulders. Between fits and phases of drunken bitterness, the driver expressed giving Two Wolves a bold challenge. A one on one match between just the two of them. Unfortunately, the lack of contacts doesn't help toward accomplishing this goal. The few people Clyde does know, didn't have any clue toward helping him achieve his cause. In the meantime, the rest of the crew tried having a conversation about what to do next. Establish some goals. The talk wasn't fully embraced. Edward had a real paying job, and it had the best chance of setting a more successful career path. He didn't elaborate, nor did he get asked for details. Briana's expressed having the most flexibility. While Blackfinger shared his only motivation being the V-8 Combustion. When Clyde was awake, his whole take on goals was either fame, glory, or both. Later in the day, both mechanics got an opportunity to scrounge Walter's back lot at the Rio Puerco Pawn & Plunder. Everything still a shade too high in cost for the crew's collective coffers. However, Briana decided on something specific, and followed through on her plan. While Edward and Blackfinger poked around for useful things, she got lucky. She managed to find a small bag of precious gems in a car's smuggler compartment. The newly found windfall could prove advantageous during the  junkyard visit. While Blackfinger was getting the cold shoulder from V-8 Combustion, Edward found a vehicle that may prove useful to the crew's long term goals. Briana decided to use the gems to negotiate a trade. The crew met Walter for the first time. Briana managed to exploit the old man a little during negotiations with Blackfinger's help, and they got a great deal on a 6-wheel SUV. They did get some extra parts thrown in, and still had some trade left over. The outcome being a more decisive victory for the crew than it was for the pawn shop owner. Walter got raked pretty hard, and might not be any wiser from the affair. Walter ended up being quite agreeable, and gave them what he physically could with the stock he had on hand. After getting back to the Apartment form Hell, Edward and Blackfinger set themselves on the tasks of truck rebuilds and repairs. Clyde could have had a little objection on the matter, if he was more sober, but wasn't in agood position to stop the mechanics from setting upon his truck. It was on its last leg anyway, and the driver was unconscious from another bout of inebriation. The crew took claim on the pickup, and built something bigger and faster. They managed to get a lot done, with as little time as they could muster as a team. In the end, Brianna and Edward devoted themselves to their day jobs. They have rent overdue on the house. Medi-Kart is slow and steady work. All the while, Blackfinger was left alone back at the house. He set upon his creativity and inspiration from V-8 Combustion. He finished rebuilding the pickup by himself. Where Clyde's truck would be no more, to be then replaced by the "Hyena". The crew's first war machine. GM: Given, this is only an impression toward what it may look like. The "Hyena" still sports the red paint job that Clyde's pickup originally had. Maybe less skulls and roll-bar frame also, but it contains a lot of the dramatic intimidating flair that Blackfinger aimed for. It will be interesting to hear Clyde's reaction. Maybe Edward's and Briana's reaction as well.

Episode Six : Black Betty Clyde seemed happily surprised with finding his truck rebuilt. He hadn't said anything to the accessories. Maybe the skull and bones were an added level of intimidation, that he didn't quite know how to exploit. In any case, he was more than happy to take it out for a spin. Briana tagged along. While riding shotgun, it gave them a moment to catch up on current events. Such as crew decisions about Gallup and Two Wolves. Clyde spent $100 to refuel the "Hyena" and Briana kept her eyes glued to the city streets. She spotted a vehicle she thought might be following them. Being somewhat aware of rumor mill and local gossip, they felt that friction from recent events could be catching up. The menacing vehicle on their tail would confirm it. No matter what they did, it kept pace. Briana came up with a hasty plan, and Clyde bought it lock, stock, and two smoking barrels. He had taken the initiative and led the chase just outside of town. Out on dirt roads and among abandoned buildings, he started dropping mines. Briana plotted their positions in her memory, so that they might avoid them later. The opponent's vehicle sported a turret, armed with a laser. It would be a tough fight. BLACK BETTY vs. SNAKE EYES "FIGHT!" Briana made sure her seat restraints were cinched up, so she wouldn't bounce around inside the truck cab. She was along for the ride. Her life at stake, and there was very little she could do. The passenger seat wasn't exactly rigged up as a gunner's position. Clyde thought he might have Blackfinger look into that later. After the fight. If he survived. Then he had a brief flash - a cold beer would taste great about now. The black car easily maneuvered around the hindrance. She kept on the prowl. She got a chance, and took a shot on Clyde's Pickup. The laser flashed red, and nailed its target. It burned and flared into the cab. The laser seared across Clyde's arm. The two duellists kept dancing on road, off road, and between rocks as they continued to out maneuver each other. Clyde could easily tell he was up against a veteran road warrior. He was able to rattle off rounds from the Hyena's machine gun. Some of the shots hit, to do little damage. They were both attempting to miss Clyde's collection of mines, that were left on the road. The black car caught one. It bursted up through the cars floor board, and damaged the turrent motor and controls. The laser lost its edge. The fight continued on. Briana was able apply medical attention on Clyde's injury. The violent tango of car tires and debris, kept the duelling pair in close with each other. The black car failed to miss one of Clyde's well placed mines. The new explosion ruptured the car's suspension and also interfered with a well aimed laser blast, which hit Clyde's pickup anyway. The Hyena was slain at the same time. Leaving all of the combatant's to continue their fight on foot. Luckily for Clyde, the opponent driver got caught in seat restraints. Like a fly in a spider's web. She struggled and tried grabbing at Briana, while she was close to her. She lost the car fight, she didn't like the outcome. She wanted to hurt her opponents badly. Clyde placed a couple revolver shots on top of her body armor. It pissed her off more, but she got the message. Clyde won this fight, and he was going to keep it that way. In the end, they stripped Black Betty of armor and weapons. They sent her packing, and told her to deliver a message to Two Wolves. To let him know that they think he is a coward. Clyde wanted to go one on one with the tribal leader. Afterward, Clyde and Briana salvaged what they could. They got a tow truck driver to come meet them. The driver delivered them and the truck at the house. Two Wolves, or not, it was time to put Gallup in the rear view mirror. They began packing what the could of personal belongings and household items into their newest vehicle, the Marauder. Then Blackfinger showed back up. He saw how badly his premium work was laid to waste. The Hyena, recently killed. It was going to need some serious restoration work. Edward, either stuck at work or laid out sleeping in an ambulance, has not been seen in a day or two. He is aware, that the crew wanted to leave town, but does not know how far along the plan really is. Days ago, he had expressed reluctance about leaving. He had a good job, that seemed to pay well. He had other reasons for staying too. Edward doesn't yet know about the "Apartment from Hell" being left vacant. Clyde and Blackfinger want to put some serious time in on vehicle improvements. They are camped out somewhere, and lack good facility equipment. They got a pool of money, salvage, a trailer for the broken pickup, and plenty of food stocked up. Life is taking them back out on to the Highway. Las Vegas is the newest prospect. 400 miles and Two Wolves stand between them and paradise. What else, lies ahead of our fearless crew? To be continued... in Episode Seven: Wild Ride