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=== Races | Factions, Tribes & Movements ===

====== LONERS ======

===== Overview =====

Loners are a subset of [[outlaws|Outlaws]] on the [[dark_side|Dark Side]] of [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]], known for their rejection of societal structures and independence from organized factions like the [[jane_bold_gang|Jane Mendoza Gang]]. Operating as solitary wanderers, they live by a personal code, making them highly unpredictable yet guided by a certain honor.

===== Historical Context =====

Loners emerged after the signing of the [[peace_treaty|Peace Treaty]] when many individuals rejected the [[federal_confederation|Federal Confederation]]'s rigid rules. These individuals, unwilling or unable to integrate into structured communities or outlaw gangs, chose a solitary path. Their numbers have grown steadily, with an estimated 30 Loners scattered across the Dark Side.

Their disconnection from any larger faction has often placed them in precarious situations, but their self-sufficiency and survival skills have allowed them to thrive in a hostile environment. 

===== Beliefs and Lifestyle =====

  * **Anarchist Ideals:** Loners embrace anarchist principles, valuing personal freedom above all else. They reject any form of collective authority, preferring to “mind their own business” and avoid alliances unless survival necessitates cooperation.

  * **Nomadic Existence:** Loners are perpetually on the move, following the mantra, “Never stay longer than it takes to recover and have a nice dream.” They travel light, carrying only essential items in their saddlebags, often crafted from stolen or scavenged materials.

  * **Code of Honor:** Despite their solitary lifestyle, Loners adhere to a personal code:

  * **Mind Your Business:** Focus solely on personal survival and avoid meddling in others’ affairs. Respect Territorial Boundaries: Never intrude on another Loner’s domain.

  * **No Betrayal:** Trust, when given, is sacred and never broken.

  * **No Harm to Children:** Children are off-limits, both as targets and participants in criminal activities.

===== Survival and Activities =====

Loners rely on a combination of theft, scavenging, and occasional contract work for larger outlaw factions. Their survival is governed by a Darwinian law of the strongest, ensuring only the most resourceful endure.

==== Equipment and Supplies ====

Loners carry all their belongings in saddlebags attached to their Hoos. Common items include:

  * Dry wood and two firestones for warmth and cooking.
  * Lightweight pots and stolen tins from the [[federal_food_plant|Federal Food Plant]].
  * Sleeping bags, often crafted from [[naka_tula|Naka Tula]] skin for warmth and durability.
  * Black market or scavenged gear, tailored for survival on the Dark Side.

===== Campsites and Shelter =====

Loners rarely set up permanent shelters. When stopping to rest, they rely on simple, temporary setups:

  * **Campsites:** Built in secluded locations, often shielded from the harsh winds and predators of the Dark Side.
  * **Firestones:** Used to heat food and warm their surroundings without creating visible flames.
  * **Quick Exits:** Campsites are always prepared for an abrupt departure, ensuring no trail is left behind.

===== Armament and Equipment =====

Loners are self-reliant but opportunistic in acquiring weapons and gear.

  * **Typical Armament:** Includes [[windstrike_rifle|Windstrike Rifles]], [[federal_gun_crossbow|Federal Gun Crossbow]], [[federal_stun_gun|Federal Stun Guns]], and melee weapons scavenged or stolen from trade caravans or Federal supply lines.
  * **Unique Tools:** Loners often modify their weapons for stealth and efficiency, tailoring them for survival rather than confrontation.

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

  * **Unpredictable Encounters:** Use Loners as wildcard NPCs who can serve as allies, neutral parties, or antagonists depending on player actions.
  * **Resource Challenges:** Introduce Loners to highlight the scarcity of resources and the players' reliance on negotiation or bartering.
  * **Moral Dilemmas:** Loners often carry items of dubious origin, forcing players to weigh their survival against ethical choices.
  * **Dynamic Combat:** If provoked, a Loner’s intimate knowledge of their environment and resourceful tactics can turn a straightforward fight into a challenging encounter.



===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[dark_side|The Dark Side]]
  * [[ralar_region|Region Ralar]]
  * [[outlaws|Outlaws]]
  * [[jane_bold_gang|Jane Mendoza Gang]]
  * [[drop-outs|Drop Outs]]

**Known Loners:**

  * **Vaclav Bermuda** (Former Founder and Director of Bermuda Inc.): [[vaclav_bermuda|Vaclav Bermuda]]
  * **Nikita Smirnow** (Former [[free_state_courier_riders|Free State Courier Rider]]): [[Nikita Smirnow|Nikita Smirnow]]
  * **Vincent Montoya** (Former Service Bot Technician): [[Vincent Montoya|Vincent Montoya]]