Surviving The Bedlam

[silencer_pl]

 

BEDLAM is a strategic rogue-like game with tactical combat. You are the Mechanic, the last known member of a once-thriving guild of brilliant operators of the rolling fortresses called Dozers. You are in charge of commanding your crew in battles, managing your resources, improving your Dozer, interacting with various characters, and protecting your passengers while navigating through the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Your goal is to travel from the futuristic metropolis of Bysantine through the chaotic realm of Bedlam to reach the rumored utopia of Aztec City with as many of your passengers and crew intact as possible.

 

 

Our journey begins in the Boneshaker Dozer. Constructed by the Mechanics Guild, was long believed lost to the hazards of Bedlam until Rasputin Lazarus discovered the ancient wreckage and rebuilt this incredible fortress.

 

 

The massive Dozer cautiously navigates through the congested streets of Bysantine. While it draws some attention from the pedestrian stream, most of the civilian throng is too distracted by ubiquitous hovertisements, VogueBand broadcasts and quantum cranial devices. With a resounding clamor, the reinforced gates slowly part and the great machine forges ahead into the unpredictable land of Bedlam.

 

 

Shortly after leaving Bysantine, the Dozer approaches a large obstruction of scrap metal in the road. The crew disembarks to inspect the debris, only to be suddenly surrounded by one of King Viscera's murderous Marauder patrols!

 

"Amzo-o rig ya got there! King Viscera gonna want that! We's gonna burn you scuzzers an' take it fer him!".

 

After a short battle, the Marauders are defeated.

 

 

While exploring the area, the crew discovers a derelict facility built into the side of a cliff wall. A faded sign near the entrances reads "MAJESTIC INDUSTRIES FELON STASIS -- YOUR CRYO-CONVICT SOLUTION". The facility appears to have once been a functioning cryo prison. Areas of the building interior have collapsed. There halls are lined with large cylinders, some of which have cracked and spilled their contents onto the floor. Others have bloated remains of inmates floating with them. It seems clear that the prisoners all perished when the power ceased, likely during the catastrophe that caused the Barren Age long ago.

 

"Been in an' outta my share o' penitenatiaries. Usually on early release I dictated myself! Bet I can find where they stockpiled their auxiliary fusion batteries in this hole." -said Croffer Klack.

 

Some time later, he returns with a full rack of power cells, which still retain a charge after all this time! The crew returns to the Dozer with the valuable resources.

 

 

While exploring the rough terrain, the crew's attention is drawn by the sounds of human groans and wails, with the occasional horrifying shriek. Cresting a nearby plateau, the crew discovers a Marauder camp where dozens of helpless people are being confined in cages.

 

"Lookit the little rescue party come ta save the choppin' dolls! Gonna pound ya to the ground scuzzers!" - said the Marauder.

 

After a short battle the Marauders are dead, but we've also lost Maygrim Roarer.

 

 

Near the top of a craggy bluff, the crew discovers a large improvised statue of an intimidating armoured man. The spike-covered outfit and grimacing helmet indicate that the statue was constructed in recognition of King Viscera, the ruthless self-proclaimed overlord of Bedlam. At the base of the statue are several barrels of crude and recently carved meat. These items were obviously placed here by the local residents in tribute to King Viscera as a means to absolve themselves from his wrath. As the crew approaches the cache of goods, one of Viscera's outrider patrols arrives just in time to witness your behavior. They leap from their vehicles and immediately attack!

 

"Tryin' ta poach King Viscera's tribute? Gonna peel off yer faces an' wear'em!"

 

After a short battle the Marauders are dead, but we've also lost Leanndra Twizz and Ambarra Spector.

 

 

While exploring the area, the crew encounters a man driving a strange fusion-powered crawler across the dunes. As the crew approaches, the vehicle stops and the operator climbs from the cab to greet them. Judging from his appearance, he is one of Bedlam's "bodmod" surgeons that specialize in performing cybernetic enhancements.

 

"Ah, greets to you, travelers! Perhaps our crossing paths is advantageous! My fusion batteries are nearly frazzed! If you could provide a small quantity, it should prolong the journey to my destination. I could offer a selection from my fine wares in exchange!" (hand him the cells).

 

"Brills! This will keep the crawler in motion! In haggle I present you with this refurbished cranial targeting system from Zigue-Zigue Optics. Guaranteed to turn a sharpshooter into the sharpestshooter! Good journeys, travelers!"

 

The surgeon climbs back into his vehicle and continues on his way. The crew returns to the Dozer.

 

 

As the Dozer travels along the road, a figure was noticed atop a craggy bluff. It appears to be a large improvised statue of an intimidating armoured man. The spike-covered outfit and grimacing helmet indicate that the statue was constructed in recognition of King Viscera, the ruthless self-proclaimed overlord of Bedlam. The statue was likely assembled by local Bedlam dwellers in an attempt to appease King Viscera and absolve themselves from his wrath. The Dozer continues along the road. After few days of travel, the Dozer is stopped by a giant mutant.

 

 

 

"Chunderok be giving you morts da belly o' bile! Turn you morts ta meat chowder!"

 

After a very short battle, Chunderok decides to join the crew.

 

"Chunderok got da hungries after all dis fight. Chunderok come wit' you morts an' replenish his belly."

 

 

As the crew is exploring the strange enviroment, their attention is drawn by the sounds of some type of animals. In a nearby area, the crew discovers a Mutant encampment filled with grotes, small plump creatures that the Mutants of Bedlam raise for livestock.

 

"Interlopers! Dey be thinking of snagging da grotes! Dat be a wicked think! Shred'em to shreds!"

 

After a short battle the Mutants are dead, but we've lost Zebastron Orth.

 

 

As the crew explores the toxic terrain, their attention is drawn by the sound of grunting and bladed weapon strikes. Following the noise, they discover a tribe of Mutants who appear to be engaged in hand-to-hand combat practice. There are also valuable supplies nearby.

 

"Heed, warriors! A heap o' wicked morts be coming to assist wit' yer killstrike coaching! Bloody up yer pikes!"

 

After a short battle the Mutants lie dead.

 

 

 

As the crew explores the strange environment, they encounter a wandering tribe of Mutants. The Mutants are carrying a large pair of slain kiloraptors, vicious Bedlam predators. The freshly killed beasts and the rifles carried by the Mutants would seem to indicate they are a hunting party.

 

"Hoy, roamers! Dis territory be dat of So'Kraytz de meganificent! Spake dat you be loyal to da hundred-horned king or we be giving da penance!" (making fake pledge)

 

"Dese morts got da mox! You be on da right side wit' da hundred-horned king! Not many morts spake loyalty to So'Kraytz. We be giving you some of da eatables for dat respect!"

 

 

As the crew ascends a rocky incline, they come across a curious mess. It appears to be a large pile of moist meat and bone. There also seems to be pieces of Marauder armour and weaponry mixed in with the sickening mound of we flesh. While the crew is attempting to establish the origin of the strange flesh-heap, a fizzling sound suddenly fills the air. Seemingly out of nowhere, another mess of flesh and bone appears and plops on the pile, splattering blood everywhere. Heading further up the incline, the crew eventually hears several Marauders shouting and laughing, followed by occasionally by the same fizzling noise heard earlier. Approaching cautiously, they can see the Marauders each individually stepping onto some kind of metal platform on the ground. After they each stomp on the surface for a moment, the fizzle resonates again and their bodies transform into a quivering jumble of meat before blinking out of existence. The others laugh riotously. As the crew draws near, the final Marauder disappears. From what the crew can determine, this was some kind of tactical displacer platform that was used long ago, likely to teleport combat automatons into battles during the A.I. Wars long ago. Although smehow still functional, it was clearly not designed to transport organic material, hence the hideous meat-mound encountered earlier. However, it is possible that the Dozer technicians could research and reconfigure this device for humans, turning it into a Battle Equalizer that could give the crew an advantage in battle.

 

 

 

As the Dozer travels along a portion of meat stock must have been tainted by the toxic sludge found in Bedlam! While some passengers merely became ill, it had an accelerated evolutionary response in others that caused their metamorphosis into ferocious Mutants! The spontaneously transformed Mutants have overwhelmed some of the security personnel, and are using their weapons to attack passengers and crew!

 

"Mmwwwaaarrr!!! Urge ta kill! Don't wanna stop it! Gonna feel good!!" -roared one of the Mutants.

 

After short battle the Mutants are dead.

 

 

As the crew explores the strange enviroment, they come across a headless Mutant corpse. Judging by the footprints and trail of green blood, the Mutant's evolved physiology allowed it to wander quite some distance even after decapitation. The trail of blood and footprints eventually leads to a Mutant settlement. Strewn about the area are the bodies of a dozen Mutants in pools of green blood. There are no signs of a firefight, so the Mutants must have been unarmed at the time of the slaughter. No survivors are found. The Mutants are all missing their hands, and some have also had their heads removed. It is known that some human Bedlam residents despise Mutants to such extent that they consider their severed heads and hands to be a valued form of currency. This bloodbath would seem to be evidence. In a nearby pen are several grotes, small plump creatures raised for livestock by Mutants. The grotes were shot and left for dead during the massacre. The crew decides not to let the meat go to waste and returns to the Dozer with the supply of meat, along with the question of who was responsible for the carnage.

 

 

As the crew explores the area, they discover a rusted metal doorway built into the side of a cliff wall. Above the doorway is a large metal cog engraved with various symbols. The crew uses their fusion torches to cut through the latch of the door. Pushing it aside, they find what looks like an elevator. The controls no longer appear functional, but there is a shaft extending from the rear wall of the cage. The crew attempts to patch the ancient circuitry but is unable to get the elevator running. The crew returns to the Dozer, leaving behind the mysteries at the bottom of the elevator shaft.

 

As the crew explores the area, their attention is drawn by the sound of conversation. From a nearby ridge comes a lone wanderer, engaged in a spirited discussion with himself.

 

"The tonkaberries, they taste like starlight! The gems are slumbering, spared the sorrow of the undoing. Motor masterstroke, the wheelsisters! Watch the pivots, they come at ya slideways! Hoy! Emissaries to Navigator Prime of the cryptonautic prophecies! Be vigilant for the underfingers, they will deter the pilgrimage! Only the song can diminish the underfingers! Wither and wane!"

 

The wanderer holds out some kind of strange makeshift device, motioning for the crew to take it. The wanderer bows and continues on his way, still discussing matters known only to himself. The crew returns to the Dozer.

 

 

While exploring the area, the crew's attention is drawn by the sound of battle. Following the noise, the crew discovers a clearing where a female Mutant is locked in savage combat with a massive mangler vixen, a vicious Beldam omnivore. As the crew watches, the Mutant displays considerable cunning, swiftly slaying the oversized creature with several precise strikes of her spear.

 

"Hoy, morts! Eyeball dat fabbing killstrike? Ha! Tribe cheif want Teegra to be hatcher! But Teegra be fierce warrior, no time for breeding! Teegra leave and seek tribeworthy of her battle skill!" (proposing to join)

 

"Teegra be willing to join mort tribe fer chance to shred rivals! See if mort tribe be worthy of Teegra's pike!"

 

As the Dozer travels through an area of rubble and collapsed structures, the sensors detect weapon fire somewhere in the vicinity. The Dozer comes to a halt and you disembark. Following the sound of nearby combat, you discover a group of Cyborgs engaged in a heated skirmish with a clutch of Marauders! As you observe, the battle spills into the road in front of the Dozer!

 

"Hoy! Lookit this buncha banoobs an' their snaz wagon! The friction with these jankin' gearheads here is personal, but we's gonna slit ya just fer the joykills!" -shouted the Marauder.

 

After short battle, the Marauders and Cyborgs are dead, but so is Jazerium Boothe and Teegra.

 

[Matri]

Well, Teegra lasted all of one turn...

 

Also, re: Body Displacer. Did those Marauders basically just kill themselves while laughing about it?

[silencer_pl]

Well, Teegra lasted all of one turn...

 

Also, re: Body Displacer. Did those Marauders basically just kill themselves while laughing about it?

 

It seems like it.

 

::

 

 

While traveling along the road, the Dozer scanners detect impact tremors. Someone is deploying munitions nearby, but it doesn't seem to be aimed in Dozer direction. The crew disembarks and follows the sounds of destruction. Soon after, they discover a pair of heavily armed Cyborgs blasting away at a group of troglopods, large pustuled Bedlam vermin that are skittering around a nearby rock formation. A caravan of nomads has stopped to observe the explosive festivities. As the crew approach, the Cyborgs momentarily cease display of weaponry.

 

"Ah! More come to witness the might of the BigNasty Dynasty! We are the Krunch Brothers! I am Rustel and this is my brother Braindom. We are Bysantine's leading source of personal armament augmentations! Something of celebrities as well, I don't mind saying! Braindom here is field-testing our new Active Aggressor product line. Better splatty targets here in the wastes outside the city. Impressive enough to attract a crowd see?"

 

The cybernetically enhanced brother called Braindom launches another volley from his wiregun rig in the direction of the trglopods, with a messy display that elicits gasps of awe from the gathered Bedlam denizens.

 

"Satisfying results." - said Braindom.

 

(on recruitment proposal)

 

"Hmmm, been curious about that Dozer ever since the announcement from Lazarus back in the city. Seems like quite a beast! We could expand our evaluations even deeper into Bedlam. Whatsay, Braindom?"

 

"Sounds good."

 

"A man of few words, but a huge capacity for inflicting violence! Looks like we're on board!"

 

(when asked about some Dozer weapons).

 

"Dozer, huh? That beastly vehicle seems extraordinary, but there's nothing in our arsenal at that scale. Our expertise is really in neurotech body armaments. Legal or otherwise. Preferably otherwise!"

 

(asking nomads to join)

 

"Ha! Indeed? Riding a grand machine rather than footing the hellified lands? The pleasure would be ours indeed, indeed!"

 

 

 

While exploring the area, the crew discovers a massive spherical structure. It has been overrun with thick mutated vines, which have crawled up its outer surface nearly to the top. At the base of the purple vines are the mangled corpses of several Bedlam dwellers. As the crew gets near the structure, the vines slither off the outer shell and lash out in attack. They are clearly not letting intruders come any closer. The crew moves to a higher vantage point that allows them to see a point on the structure uncovered by the vines. The transparent surface of the structure lets them see inside so they are able to program the Body Displacer with safe coordinates rather than materializing in a wall or other solid surface. Inside the vast biosphere are rows and rows of dried husks. They appear to have once been natural-grown vegetation! Sadly the fusion batteries that maintained the interior environment must have been depleted over the ages, and the plants perished long ago. However, the crew finds one remaining piece of natural vegetation that somehow survived and flourished after all this time! From a thin branch hangs a shiny, perfect apple! The crew leaves the structure and returns to the Dozer with the precious piece of fruit.

 

 

While the crew explores the area, they discover a large shrine assembled from of all kinds of dangerous-looking instruments and technologies. The shrine seems to depict the Machine God SKARRA, a merciless biomechanical being who rectified errors with wayward A.I. units according to legend. The figure is surrounded by a ragged ring of wire and cybernetic components. At the base of the shrine are several cloaked individuals who appear to be preparing a sort of ceremony, fastening fusion batteries around the figure of SKARRA. They appear to be techno-cultists but do not wear the symbol of the COG.

 

"Ah, greets to you, intrepids! You have come to witness her beautiful terror! We are summoning the malevolent spirit of SKARRA herself into this realm, so that she may calibrate the unfaithful and malfunctional! Our efforts thus far have only resulted in the manifestation of otherworldly horrors, but we consider those a harbinger of the cruel queen of discipline! Come forth, SKARRA, and execute your calibrations! We await the talons of your enthusiastic sadism!"

 

The fusion batteries suddenly spark and crackle, lighting up the ring around the statue! The figure of SKARRA seems to shift as though alive! Or perhaps it was a trick of the light. The power surge quickly subsides. Dejected but undeterred, the techno-priests begin removing the drained fusion batteries and start their preparations for another ceremony. The crew leaves the shrine behind and returns to the safety of the Dozer.

 

 

As the crew explores the area, they discover a path burrowed in the ground. The surface is scorched as if some kind of otherworldly aircraft once landed here. At the end of the path, almost entirely buried in the terrain, is a vessel of unknown origin! It seems entirely intact despite likely being here for ages. The surface of the vessel is entirely smooth, with no apparent damage or entry points. The hull suddenly begins to emit a peculiar humming noise as the crew approaches. The crew's fusion torches are unable to even leave a mark on the vessel's alloy casing, nor does a barrage from their weapons. It seems clear that the crew will not be entering the vessel with the tools at hand. The crew leaves the craft behind and returns to the Dozer.

 

 

As the crew explores area of rubble and scrap, their attention is drawn by the sound of drifting music. Following the music, the discover a Cyborg woman performing a song for a large group of gathered nomads, while using various cybernetic augmentations as instruments. After finishing her song, the Cyborg turns and addresses the crew.

 

"Greets to you, travelers. My name is Cerula Dubloon, once the most popular musical performer on Bysantine's VogueBand network! Unfortunately I had a spectacular public meltdown and my reputation never recovered. My once-lucrative brand was irrevocably damaged, and my entertainment agency physically ejected me from the city. The cruel reality of business in Bysantine. Rather than succumb to the elements, I embraced the idea of presenting my talents to new audiences, and adapted myself with melody augmentations and acoustic upgrades. Now I serve as a minstrel to the people of Bedlam. As you see, I can still attract an audience!"

 

(invitation reply)

 

"An opportunity to perform for a captive audience is something I could never refuse! My followers here would surely wish to accompany me!"

 

The crew returns to the Dozer with the Cyborg minstrel and her followers.

 

 

 

A recent seismic event has created a large crevasse in the unstable terrain. The rift is so deep that it struck a pocket of raw crude, which has partially filled the gap in the brittle earth. The crew is fortunate enough to be the first to discover this coveted source of fuel! The Dozer siphons the crude pool nearly dry, and departs before any unwanted competition arrives.

 

 

While the crew explores the area, their attention is drawn by the sound of conversation. From over a nearby dune comes a lone wanderer, engaged in an enthusiastic discussion with himself. The crew recognizes him as the odd wanderer encountered earlier in the wasteland.

 

"Hoy! The emissaries to Navigator Prime! The skin of the tesseractus is mendacity! The shard shooters! Only bilocation through fifth-force from a fracture in the razorweeds! Unrefined and elegant design, the immortal coils!"

 

The wanderer holds out a large piece of parchment, motioning for the crew to take it. It appears to be a chart of some kind. The wanderer bows and continues on his way, continuing to discuss matters known only to himself. The crew returns to the Dozer.

 

 

After climbing a rocky ridge, the crew discovers a makeshift shack assembled form various scrap, nestled in a crevice of a cliff wall. Approaching cautiously, the crew notices a patch of fresh blood on the ground near the entrance. Weapons at the ready, the crew enters the shack to find two fairly fresh corpses. Both men are holding bladed instruments and appeared to have died from many deep cuts. On a nearby bench are several recently carved flanks of runkalo meat. Whatever the specifics, the two men clearly had some kind of altercation over the meat. The crew takes the meat and returns to the Dozer with the valuable supplies.

 

 

While the crew explores the area, they encounter a curious duo in a large cart being towed by a borpotmus, a big six-legged Bedlam creature. One of the men is tinkering with a portable fusion reactor, while the other smaller man is scanning the surroundings with a fusion turret. The tinkering man rings a bell and the borpotomus halts. The man hops down from the cart and approaches the crew.

 

"Greets to ya, travelers! Got need o'fusion batteries? We have some ta spare! An' I could rightly use some meat ta fill the grumble in this great beast! Wanna haggle?" (of course we do)

 

"Brills! The beast will have a grateful gut! An' those power cells are guaranteed not ta irradiate the user for at least a few suns!"

 

 

Near the road, several frantic men and women can be seen running toward the Dozer as it approaches. Some of them appear wounded. The nomads are desperately trying to get attention. A woman steps forward to speak for the bedraggled Bedlam denizens.

 

"Struth, you're a sight! A nasty clutch of Marauders attacked our caravan a few suns ago, they been on our trail since. Would you be able to provide sanctuary in your amazo-o rig there? Don't have anything to offer in haggle, but pledge we'll work for our keep!" (OK)

 

"Grats to you! Pledge we'll earn our way!"

 

The distressed nomads board the Dozer and continue along the road.

 

 

The Dozer passes a crippled Marauder vehicle on the side of the road. Some time later, a single Marauder can be seen slowly trudging along on the road ahead. The Dozer comes to a halt, and the crew disembark and approach the Marauder. The Marauder is packing a pair of large pistols, but she makes no sigh of hostility.

 

"Hoy! Amaz-o rig there! Me own jankin' roadster finally murked out on me back-a-ways. Fabbing to see some other living souls out here! Name's Zilla Klash. We was seekin' eatables when a plasmic hailstorm scribbled out the whole clutch. Been wanderin' since, got the max nasty hungers. I could eat a troglopod -- an' they guts is poison!" (invite her in)

 

Zilla Klash fires her pistols in the air and howls to the sky.

 

"Brills! For a good feed, I'll murderize anyone ya tells me to! Point the way an' I'm triggerin'!"

 

 

After climbing a rocky ridge, the crew discovers a makeshift shack assembled from various scrap, nestled in a crevice of a cliff wall. Approaching cautiously, the crew notices a patch of dried blood on the gravel near the entrance. Weapons at the ready, the crew enters the shack to find three desiccated corpses: two Marauders and the Bedlam denizen whose home was apparently invaded. The man who lived here clearly put up a fight. On further inspection of the shelter interior, the crew uncovers a hidden compartment in the floor, containing what the inhabitant was likely protecting: a rack of fully charged power cells! The crew returns to the Dozer with the valuable stash.

 

 

While exploring a barren stretch of desert, the crew sees what looks like some kind of large tanker vehicle in the distance. From this vantage, the vehicle appears motionless. No living presence is observed. As the crew steps closer, they discover that the stationary vehicle is a Marauder crude tanker truck. The Marauders must have either abandoned the vehicle or been dragged of by one of the many vicious species of Bedlam creatures. There are no signs of life. Suddenly, a number of Marauders spring from the sand surrounding the vehicle!

 

"Gave a good rookin', ya lunks! Thought we was gonna starve out here tryin' ta deliver the juice, then some meals footed our way!"

 

When the battle was done, all of the Marauders were dead. No casualties.

 

 

With the last of the Marauders finished off, the crew checks the tanker truck. It is nearly filled with crude! The crew returns to the Dozer with the valuable fuel.

 

 

The Dozer slowly travels through a narrow canyon. Suddenly the vehicle plows into a huge mire-wire trap that Marauders have triggered in the path of the vehicle! While the duraplex fiber isn't enough to halt the Dozer completely, it sufficiently slows progress long enough for invaders to leap onto the outer hull with crash and clatter. Moments later, the sizzle of fusion torches is followed by the sounds of bloodshed as vicious Marauders board the vehicle and attack!

 

"Time ta spill crimson! Nobody's gettin' outta here with all their parts!"

 

The battle was won, but Croffer Klack perished.

 

 

As the crew explores an area of crumbling buildings, their attention is drawn by the sounds of celebration. Following the thumping drums and hollering, they find themselves in the middle of a Marauder den!

 

"Footed into the wrong neighborhood, ya lunks! Now we's gonna decorate the place with yer skins!"

 

The battle is won, but Durgo Brutton didn't make it.

 

 

Traveling down the road, the Dozer is stopped by a very large man.

 

"King Viscera said you scuzzers would be a challenge! HA! Krobarr Mane is gonna pound you puny banoobs with the man-masher! Time ta make paste!"

 

 

"Mark o' shame! King Viscera would pull Krobarr Mane's head off his neck fer the failure! If you take me in yer machine, I'll pulverize any lunks ya tells me to! You got Krobarr Mane's pledge!"

 

 

As the crew explores the area, the sound of nearby construction draws their attention. Following the mechanical noises atop and abandoned structure, they discover a group of Rogue A.I. units building some kind of unknown devices from various salvaged technology. Unfortunately, the A.I.'s periphery sensors have detected the crew's presence and deemed them a threat. They immediately attack!

 

"Hostile meatforms approaching! Initiate defensive protocols and engage until defunct!"

 

The battle was won, but Braidom was killed.

 

 

While exploring the area, the crew discovers a large structure built into the side of a cliff wall. It appears to be the remains of an assault drone factory from the A.I. Wars long ago. There are a number of Rogue A.I. units outside the structure, possibly attempting to get it functioning again.

 

"Intrusion! Soft machines attempting to impede progress of manufacturing reactivation! Engage and disseminate an excess of discomfort!"

 

In the end all A.I.'s were killed.

 

[Space Voyager]

AAAAAAA, I'm soooo not reading this one! DAMN you're fast, Silencer! I've installed the game but I'm waiting for the initial balancing (which is happening), then I'll give it a go.

[silencer_pl]

Don't be a wuss SV, you will forget about everything before they will release proper balance.

 

--

 

 

While the crew explores the area, their attention is drawn by a thick plume of black smoke behind a nearby vridge. In the ravine beyond, the crew can see an encampment of corporate excavators from Bysantine, judging by their equipment and the logos of Solune Overcorp. One of their vehicles seems to be on fire.

 

"Greets to you, travelers! It seems we find ourselves in something of a predicament..."

 

Suddenly the roar of approaching engines is heard, and several vehicles arrive. One of Kings Viscera's notorious outrider patrols!

 

"Pardon the deception, but we made an arrangement with this compelling King Viscera character. In exchange for assisting with your elimination, he will allow us a complete examination of your Dozer once it is in his possession, permitting us to utilize the collected data as we see fit. He seems an entirely reasonable fellow!"

 

As the Marauders surround the encampment, they quickly begin slaughtering the excavators before turning their attention on the crew.

 

"Ha! Gave these lunks a good rook! Now we's gonna scoop out yer skulls an' deliver'em ta King Viscera!"

 

The battle didn't end well for them.

 

 

When backtracking, the Dozer was stopped by a cowboy looking Mutant.

 

"A salty ol' scuzzer taught Abe the ways o' the gun. Gonna show you unlucky morts how well Abe learned!"

 

Well obviously he didn't learn enough.

 

"Came closer ta killing Abe than any other scuzzers in Bedlam. Maybe you morts have earned my guns at yer side."

 

 

 

As the crew is exploring the area, they see a lone figure wandering the dunes. Closer investigation reveals it is a Marauder wielding a bludgeon weapon. He notices the crew's presence but does not appear immediately hostile.

 

"Hoy! Yer not the kinda dreggers I'd excpect ta see out here in the big chaos. Not like the dreggers Nytarr Fang is lookin' ta tool! Chafed at all these clutches out fer nothing' but plunder an' joykills! Enough anarchy in the big chaos already. They needs ta quit so much muderizin'! Nytarr Fang gonna get'em to brain my way... or they get the basher down on their skulls!" (let's invite him)

 

"Fabbing offer! Rather be on the road lookin' fer skulls ta bash than out here footin' the big chaos! Just know that some clutches may be lookin' ta spite ya fer havin' Nytarr Fang aboard!"

 

 

Up ahead near the road, there appears to be some kind of large metallic construction. As the Dozer draws closer, the wreckage looks like the mangled remains of some type of satellite that crashed to the ground long ago. It appears to be a weapons satellite of A.I. design. It must have been used against mankind during the A.I. Wars long ago, before it inevitably lost orbit and plummeted to the ground. Parts of the exterior have clearly been scavenged already, but the core remains mostly intact. Your engineers manage to extricate several primary components from the casing and reassemble them into a functional weapon, a protovolt disruptor designed to fire powerful focused electrical pulses. (every one now do the evil smile).

 

 

Ahead on the horizon, the crew see wisps of black smoke rising into the sky. As the Dozer draws closer, you can see that a clutch of Marauders is attempting to block the road with a number of their vehicles. They have lit several barrels on fire, and seem to be anxiously anticipating carnage. The Dozer comes to a halt. As soon as you disembark, the Marauders waste no time in attacking!

 

"Grats fer makin' this easy! Maybe we'll murderize ya qicklike! Nah, gonna drag the agony out fer as long as we can, ya lunks!"

 

The battle was too "shocking" for the aggressor.

 

 

While exploring the rough terrain, the crew's attention is drawn by the sound of human groans and wails, with the occasional horrifying shriek.

 

Cresting a nearby plateau, the crew discovers a Marauder camp where dozens of helpless people are being confined in cages!

 

"Lookit the little rescue party come ta save the choppin' dolls! Gonna pound ya to the ground, scuzzers!"

 

A "shocking" victory

 

 

While exploring a rocky ravine, the crew steps upon a patch of ground that makes a metallic noise under their boots. Clearing away decades of dust, they find a large hatch in the ground! There is a manual override panel that could activate the door, but the fusion batteris that power the latch motors are depleted. After installing the cells and performing a bit of tinkering on the panel, the metallic hatch rumbles open and the crew descends to investigate. Inside the reinforced bunker below, they discover a silo station for a short-range tactical Nuker missile! (evil smile please). The warhead appears intact, and could be used to atomize a number of enemies if properly directed onto a battlefield.

 

 

While exploring the craggy region, the crew's attention is drawn by the crackle of fusion power. Reaching the top of a nearby plateau, the crew discovers an encampment of Marauders where they appear to be charging and storing power cells!

 

"Think yer gonna steal our sparkers? Whatsay we chops ya inta chunks!"

 

Unfortunately they didn't heard the "shocking" news.

 

 

The Dozer slows and comes to a halt. You disembark to examine the surprising situation ahead. The raod ends at a massive wall, constructed from some unknown substance. It is higher than the Dozer itself, and stretches to both ends of the horizon. It appears impregnable. Near the side of the road is a tall metallic statue of a robotic warrior, partly tarnished from enduring ages of exposure to the harsh Bedlam elements. Suddenly the statue groans to life and moves toward you!

 

"VIGILUS-Omega online! All imperfect beings are to be eradicated as per eternity protocols. Assessing threat and processing tactical strategy. Support units mobilized. Obliteration of inferior forms commencing!"

 

He didn't take well the "shocking" news.

 

 

"Sentinel has been subjugated! For this unprecedented accomplishment, the vehicle and its occupants have been calculated to be of acceptable merit and shall be allowed passage. VIGILUS-Omega will accompany travelers to the intersection."

 

A seam in the massive wall appears, and a section slides aside to allow the vehicle entry. As the portal seals behind the vehicle, the Dozer continues along the road into uncharted territory on the quest for the legendary Aztec City.

 

The Dozer continues along the road, traveling for a lengthy period of time without any sign of trouble... or of life. Suddenly the Dozer's instruments going haywire, detecting mysterious signals ahead! Could this be an indication that you are finally approaching the fabled Aztec City? The passengers begin buzzing with anticipation! The Dozer's sensors reach a crescendo as the vehicle draws close to the source of unknown energy! The Dozer travels over a rise and arrives at what is beyond! The vehicle comes to a halt and the crew disembarks. The road ahead abruptly ends at a vast crater, expanding as far as the eye can see. Its surface seems fused by some kind of powerful otherworldly weapon. Aztec City is gone.

 

 

Shimmering in the air above the crater, a monolithic pyramid appears! The passengers rejoice at the astonishing sight! A small door opens on the surface of the incredible structure. A hovering orb of mystical light approaches, carrying a curiously garbed man.

 

"Greetings to you, brave travelers! I am the Tellikhan, herald of the tesseractus! It has been many ages since we have seen a Mechanic! Your perilous journey will be rewarded -- your courageous passengers have been deemed worthy to join us within the glory of Aztec City! Now we must swiftly return to the sanctuary of the fractal carousel or risk permanent flux! But your hardship is not over, Mechanic! You must return to your point of origin and offer additional salvation! The other residents of Bysantine and the citizens of Bedlam must be liberated from adversity and the torturous reign of King Viscera! Deliver this construct of our technology, a vertex bridge that allows instantaneous travel to this location over vast distances! And you will be accompanied by a quartet of the Ossotrina, our formidable order of guardians! (what for? they are just level 1 veterans :/) Because you were able to to bring so many fortuante travelers to the glory of Aztec City, select from the following items to assist in your challenging journey! (always take Abuse Absorber) You will undoubtedly require additional offensive capability to overcome the threats you shall face! Now you must make the harrowing journey back through the chaotic dominion and bring more of your people to the sublime society of Aztec City! Good yourney to you, Mechanic!"

 

The Tellikhan gestures and the passengers are surrounded in a floating orb of energy that rises and delivers them to the massive pyramid. You hear their cries of elation as they are drawn into the mythical perfection of Aztec City! Moments later, a phosphorescent glow fills the air, and the monolithic structure blinks out of existence. The remaining crew return to the Dozer and begin the difficult journey back through Bedlam on your new heroic mission to Bysantine.

[silencer_pl]

 

We are reaching the end. It's only time to go back and kill King Viscera. Every pit stop is more or less encounter with traders, so I'll just skip those and jump to encounters with King Viscera.

 

 

The Dozer arrives at the massive wall, and a section once again opens to allow passage for the vehicle. The passengers are left behind, they will begin life anew in Aztec City, and head back into Bedlam on a course for Bysantine. Somewhere in the brutal and chaotic wasteland, King Viscera and his forces await.

 

As the Dozer travels along the road, you see a huge menacing vehicle blocking the path ahead. The Dozer comes to a halt and the crew disembarks to investigate. A massive man steps from the opposing vehicle and stands before you. From the scowling helmet and fearsome armour. This must be the merciless self-proclaimed overlord of Bedlam!

 

"Ah, the evasive Mechanic finally stands before the mighty King Viscera! You should consider it an honor merely to be in my presence... before I spill your entrails and adorn my armour with the puny skulls of your crew! The power and technology at my disposal are beyond your comprehension! My influence is immeasurable! And soon I shall be ruling the wasteland in your machine! Prepare to be overwhelmed by the unimaginable dominance of King Viscera!!!"

 

King Viscera didn't last long....

 

As the Dozer travels along the road, King Viscera's enormous vehicle is blocking the path ahead once again. The Dozer comes to a halt and the crew disembarks to investigate. King Viscera yet lives! He emerges from his vehicle in a frightening new incarnation, with gnarled skin and organic carapace!

 

"King Viscera has returned! You were lucky during our initial confrontation, Mechanic. But I have consumed the larvae of toxic snarlers from the pit of Tygannus and evolved through an accelerated mutation! My impervious shell and impaler spikes will seal your fates!" (guess again buck-o)

 

 

As the Dozer travels along the road, once again the path is blocked by the gigantic vehicle of King Viscera. The Dozer comes to a halt and the crew disembarks to investigate. Although seemingly defeated twice before, King Viscera has continued to modify himself on his relentless quest to destroy the Mechanic and claim the Dozer!

 

"You may have bested me in our previous encounters, but now I have augmented my body with the necessary cybernetic warware to obliterate you and you accursed crew! King Viscera is now unbeatable!!" (he dosen't know when to quit)

 

The king is down for the count for the third time, but VIGILUS did not make it.

 

 

As the Dozer travels along the road, the monstrous vehicle of King Viscera once more is blocking the path. The Dozer comes to a halt and crew disembarks. This time, the man that steps from the vehicle is no longer a man at all! The King Viscera that stand before the crew is a machine of shiny metallic armour!

 

"I have cast off the flesh that failed me in our past THREE encounters! My consciousness has been uploaded into the shell of this A.I. mobile assault unit! This Omnium-alloy plating is imprevious! Your annihilation is imminent! The reign of King Viscera is nearly complete!" (God his ego)

 

 

It appears that King Viscera is FINALLY defeated! (too bad I've missclicked and Chunderok died) Bedlam has been saved from his tyrannical wrath! This triumph will become legend! Weary but victorious the remaining crew trudge back to the damaged Dozer and begin the final approach to the outer walls of Bysantine.

 

 

The excruciating but successful journey through Bedlam has come to an end! The Dozer finally approaches the colossal outer walls of Bysantine! The automated perimeter defenses deactivate as the reinforced barricades slowly open to welcome back to the city! The Dozer navigates through the streets of Bysantine as the residents celebrate triumphant return! The impossible have been somehow accomplished! The Dozer arrives at the corporate headquarters of Rasputin Lazarus, the industrial benefactor of the journey. The mysterious Aztecan device is brought to his research facility.

 

"An astonishing achievement, Mechanic! You survived the harsh domain of Bedlam to safely deliver your passengers to the distant utopia of Aztec City! You liberated the people of the wasteland from the ruthless oppressor King Viscera! Alas the delays caused by the persistence of that terrible tyrant have resulted in this Aztecan device being depleted of its mystical energies! We unfortunately will not be able to use their vertex bridge to instantly deliver more travelers from Bysantine to the sanctuary of Aztec City! But I shall devote my considerable resources to understanding this omnidimensional technology! I shall endeavor to make this device operational if it takes forever! It will be my forever endeavor! (you're immortal or something?) As of this moment I am reestablishing the Mechanics Guild! Having heroically navigated the wasteland to reach Aztec City, I can think of none more qualified to lead such an undertaking than yourself! (did the Mechanics do something bad previously?) There remain many others who would be willing to embark on that daring adventure again with you! Congratulations, Mechanic! And good journeys!"

 

THE END GAME CRASH!

 

 

[Space Voyager]

Man, you succeed at every game! Even Bedlam, notoriously hard! Great job, poor king never stood a chance!

[silencer_pl]

A success comes with a ton of failures you know.

[Matri]

I'm guessing the Nuker and the Guillotine proved "shockingly" helpful.

[silencer_pl]

I don't know if Nuker was shocking. But it definitely blew their minds.

[Space Voyager]

Have you ever returned to the game? I see updates every now and again yet I can't force myself to reinstall. And it is quite a good game...

[silencer_pl]

I have a plan, but don't know when it comes to a fruition.