OUTLAWS

Outlaws are a marginalized group within the Exohuman Gamma Age society of VOI 700 D, consisting of individuals who live beyond the confines of the Federal Confederation's laws and regulations. Without a fixed abode as defined by the Civil Code, they reject the professional roles assigned by the GAIA system, making them illegal in the eyes of the Confederation.

Motivations for becoming an Outlaw vary but often include dissatisfaction with GAIA's job assignments, resentment of the regulatory constraints of the Peace Treaty, or the need to escape a conviction.

It is estimated that there are about 500 Outlaws scattered across VOI 700 D, with at least 90% living on the Dark Side. This harsh, unforgiving environment provides concealment and resources unavailable in the Confederation-controlled areas.

The rise of Outlaws is deeply rooted in the tensions between the ideals of Communardism and the pursuit of personal freedom. Communardism, with its focus on equal resource distribution and sustainability, emerged as a response to the societal collapse following the Great War.

While this system provided stability for many, it alienated individuals who sought autonomy or opposed the strict controls imposed by GAIA. The restrictive nature of assigned roles, combined with the AI's pervasive influence, led to a growing number of citizens abandoning the system altogether. These individuals became Outlaws, forging their own path outside the Confederation's framework.

Outlaws initially formed loose alliances for mutual survival, but over time, organized groups and gangs emerged:

• The Jane Mendoza Gang is the largest and most powerful outlaw faction, boasting 170 members.
• Led by Jane Mendoza, a charismatic and strategic leader.
• Known for their control over black-market operations and smuggling networks.

• The Drop Outs are smaller gang of around 30 members.
• Less organized but fiercely independent, specializing in high-risk robberies.

• Loners operate independently, relying on their strength and cunning.
• Engage in unpredictable criminal activities such as contract killings and robberies.
• Known for their ruthlessness and lack of allegiance to any gang.

Outlaws survive by engaging in various illegal activities to secure essential resources. Their most common crimes include:

• Robberies targeting Federal Courier Service merchant caravans on the Trade Route.
• Illegal trafficking of stolen goods and resources on the black market.
• Drug manufacturing and distribution.
• Running gambling dens and extorting winnings.
• Residential burglaries in less secure settlements.

Outlaws have developed unique traits and practices that set them apart:

• The Chain Walk is a tactical single-file walking formation used to maintain cohesion and vigilance in dangerous or dark environments.
• The leader, often equipped with night vision, scans the path ahead, while the rear guard ensures no ambushes from behind.
• Silent signals, such as taps and squeezes, are used for communication.

• Prioritize personal freedom and self-preservation above all.
• Distrust of centralized authority and AI systems like GAIA.
• A culture of resourcefulness, relying on scavenging and improvisation.

• Extravagant clothing and accessories serve as both a status symbol and a mark of defiance against the Federal Confederation.

The Outlaws can be a versatile element in tabletop campaigns. Incorporate them into your game to:

• Introduce High-Stakes Conflict: Outlaws can serve as antagonists during Trade Route missions, attacking caravans or ambushing players.
• Create Moral Dilemmas: Players may encounter sympathetic Outlaws, forcing them to choose between aiding the Confederation or helping those rebelling against its system.
• Encourage Creative Problem-Solving: Survival encounters with Outlaws often involve improvised weapons, scarce resources, and challenging environments.
• Highlight Societal Tensions: Use Outlaws to showcase the cracks in Communardism, emphasizing the cost of rebellion versus the weight of conformity.

• Gamma Age
• Federal Confederation
• Region Ralar
• The Federal Trade Route
• The Peace Treaty
• Communardism
• Jane Mendoza Gang
• The Drop Outs
• Loners
• Chain Walk