Archive 21

News from Carolina Radlands • Volume II • Number 1 • May 2288 • Price: 2 caps

Dark Waters

Enclave Poison Grips Bartertown

Black-and-white photo of a man in a tactical vest crouching beside a rusty barrel and a wooden stand at a muddy well in a pine forest.
Black-and-white photo of a blonde figure in a jacket and boots running along a dirt track past a wooden palisade, carrying a bottle and a white cloth.

A foul stench, rank as the breath of death itself, has seized the once vibrant well of our beloved Carolina Radlands. The Enclave, that vile faction of sinister schemers and heartless technocrats, has poisoned our lifeblood. And who’s to blame? Us, for trusting the illusion of safety they peddled. Wake up, Radlanders! The poisoned chalice has been poured, and it’s time to taste the bitter brew.

I was there, knee-deep in muck, watching children cry for thirst. This ain’t just another rumor blown in on the wind. It’s the real deal, as real as the Geiger clicks in the air. The water, once a shimmering promise of life in this desolate landscape, now shimmers with the sickly green of death. The Enclave, those dark-suited devils, have done this, and they’ve done it with cold, calculated precision.

Picture this: the sun’s high and unforgiving, the air crackling with radiation and desperation. I stumbled upon an old timer, Crazy Knife Johnson they call him, hunched over the well, eyes wide with horror. He’d seen the Enclave dumping barrels of God-knows-what into our water. “They’re turning the water against us, man!” Johnson croaked, spittle flecking his clean-shaven chin. “They want us weak, thirsty, begging for mercy!”

I believed him. The telltale signs are everywhere: livestock behaving strangely, crops wilting like they’ve been kissed by the Grim Reaper, and folks, strong Radlanders, developing bizarre mutations. It’s not just radiation sickness, it’s something far more insidious, a new breed of poison brewed in the Enclave’s dark labs.

I ventured to the heart of the contamination, to the once-pristine well, now a source of poison winding through our lands. There, I saw it, the source of our misery: an Enclave plot, bristling with guards and sinister machinery, pumping filth into the water. The stench was unbearable, the air thick with chemicals that burned my lungs. This, my friends, is the heart of darkness.

What’s our recourse? The NCR’s numbers are dwindling, and our local militia, bless their hearts, can only do so much. It falls on us, the common Radlanders, to rise up and fight. We must uncover the Enclave’s schemes, expose their operatives, and reclaim our water, our lives, our future.

To you, dear reader, I say this: grab your guns, your wrenches, your pitchforks. March to the well and make your stand. Let the Enclave know that the Radlanders will not be poisoned, will not be cowed. We will fight for every drop of water, every breath of air, every inch of our beloved Radlands. The Enclave has awakened a sleeping giant, and now it’s our turn to roar.

Stay vigilant, stay angry, and most of all, stay alive. This is Kodak, signing off, with a pledge: we will take back our water, we will take back our land, and we will show the Enclave that the spirit of the Carolina Radlands is unbreakable.

Viva la Radlands!

Politics

Election Campaigns for Mayor, Sheriff, Begin.

Attention, citizens of Bartertown! Election season is upon us, and it’s time to start campaigning for the coveted positions of Mayor and Sheriff. With our Fall gathering marking Election Day, now is the moment to declare your intentions and rally support. Newcomers and veterans alike, take heed—your voice matters in shaping the future of Bartertown.

The Mayor’s role is open to all, regardless of faction affiliation. Whether you’re a lone wanderer or a faction leader, you have the chance to run for the highest office in town. The Mayor holds the power to create official laws and regulations, which the Sheriff will enforce. It’s a position of great influence, and anyone with a vision for Bartertown’s future should consider stepping forward.

The Sheriff’s position, however, comes with stricter criteria. Candidates must not have any faction affiliations. Faction leaders are excluded from this race, ensuring that the Sheriff remains impartial and dedicated solely to maintaining law and order. If elected, Sheriffs will lead the town’s police department and have the authority to deputize others, provided these deputies are also free of faction ties. This impartiality is crucial to fair enforcement of the Mayor’s laws.

Campaigning kicks off this Spring, where all interested parties can declare their candidacy. Make your voice heard, gather support, and prepare for a spirited election season. Remember, your presence at the Fall Election Day gathering is mandatory to secure your election.

Bartertown’s future is in your hands. Step up, campaign, and let the best candidates win. Viva la Radlands!

The Great Cazador Hunt: Blood Bugs’ Challenge to the Radlands

Attention, Scavvers and Muties! The Carolina Radlands are abuzz with anticipation as the notorious Blood Bugs prepare to host the First Annual Great Cazador Hunt. The infamous Blood Bugs’ leader, Cazador, has gone rogue, and the glowing bastard is pilfering people’s beer. It’s time to put an end to his wild spree.

Cazador’s comrades, each carrying a precious beer, have scattered through the wasteland. The mission is clear: recover these brews to put an end to his rampage.

Every wastelander, save for the Blood Bugs, will be equipped with handcuffs. Capture, detain, and return Cazador to Bartertown to pay for his crimes. But be warned, Cazador won’t go down without a fight. He’s as tough as a deathclaw and twice as cunning.

If all the beer is recovered and delivered before Cazador is caught, the Blood Bugs will claim victory, escorting him back to their camp. However, should a daring scavenger succeed in capturing Cazador, a handsome reward awaits: 50 caps, a crate of Roach’s finest chems and elixirs, and a mysterious gift of untold value.

This hunt isn’t just about caps and glory; it’s a call to arms for fresh meat eager to make a name in the wasteland. Whether you’re a contract killer, a thief, or simply looking to earn some caps, the Blood Bugs have jobs for you. Fresh food, booze, and chems are on offer for all members willing to join the cause.

The excitement is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher. Join the hunt this weekend, bring your A-game, and let’s make this wasteland a little wilder. Here’s to a free Radlands, and may the best scavenger win.

Mutant Mayhem

Bartertown Grapples with Nightmarish Transformations

Black-and-white grainy illustration of a Vault Boy-style figure waving, half his body overgrown with tentacle-like limbs and glowing veins, surrounded by labelled circles showing a staring eye, an alien skull, “Extra Limbs”, “Glow Eyes”, a lizard creature and a small winged critter.

It started with a whisper, a low hum of fear that spread like wildfire through the cracked streets of Bartertown. Our once bustling hub is now a sideshow of strange and grotesque mutations, leaving its residents in a state of shock and confusion.

I saw it with my own eyes. Old man Jenkins, once a spry scavenger, now sports a third arm growing out of his back, twitching like it’s got a mind of its own. The poor bastard was crying into his beer, the one thing he can still hold onto. “I woke up and there it was,” he muttered, eyes wild with a mix of fear and awe. “What the hell am I becoming?”

And Jenkins isn’t alone. Mary Lou, the baker’s daughter, has developed scales—yes, scales—that shimmer eerily under the harsh wasteland sun. Her once rosy cheeks now glint with a reptilian gleam, and she hisses when you get too close. “Stay away,” she warned me, her voice a mix of sorrow and menace. “I don’t know what I’ll do.”

Children, too, are not spared. Little Timmy, now with eyes that glow an unnatural green, sees in the dark and claims he can hear whispers from the shadows. His mother, frantic and exhausted, begged me to find answers, but what answers can I give? These mutations are a nightmarish twist, turning the familiar into the monstrous.

The local militia is at their wits’ end, trying to maintain order as chaos erupts. Dr. Crank, the town’s eccentric healer, works day and night concocting remedies, but what good are herbs against the twisted genius of these mutations? “We need to fight back,” he growled, hands stained with the blood of his latest experiment. “We need to find a cure.”

Bartertown is mutating, evolving into something unrecognizable. The transformations have made us strangers in our own skin, and the once tight-knit community is fraying at the edges. The question on everyone’s lips: What comes next? Only time will tell if Bartertown can survive this mutant mayhem or if we’re doomed to become a footnote in the annals of wasteland history. The bizarre nature of these changes leaves everyone on edge, questioning what horrors tomorrow might bring.

Stay vigilant, stay strong. This is Kodak, signing off, hoping that Bartertown’s spirit proves as unbreakable as ever.

Eat at Vixxen’s!

Ad reading “Eat at Vixxen’s!” over a grainy black-and-white image of a smiling man in power armor eating a burger at a wooden table in a ruined settlement.

Remembering Cesil Lexington

Black-and-white portrait of a person in a flat cap, aviator sunglasses and a flamingo-print shirt, lowering the sunglasses with one hand, in front of a wooden hut.

Cesil Lexington, born on October 17, 2258, in Raven Rock, passed away at the age of 26. He was the son of Finn and Amber Lexington and was raised within the Enclave. From an early age, Cesil showed a keen interest in science, pursuing a robust education that would define much of his professional life.

As an adult, Cesil contributed significantly to several pivotal projects. He was part of the team at Project Purity, a role he commemorated with a tattoo. Additionally, he played a crucial role in the development of the X-03 power armor, showcasing his technical expertise and dedication to innovation. These achievements were a testament to his brilliance and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Cesil’s commitment to the betterment of his community extended beyond his technical achievements. He was instrumental in helping Bartertown recover from a devastating FEV contamination of the food supply. His efforts in this crisis highlighted his resourcefulness and willingness to aid those in need, earning him the respect and gratitude of many.

Despite his many contributions, Cesil was known to be a very private individual. His personal life remained largely a mystery, with few details known about his time in the Enclave and later with the NCR. He remained unmarried and had no children, dedicating his life to his work and his community. Those who knew him respected his wish for privacy, understanding that his reticence did not diminish his impact.

Cesil was the last surviving member of the Lexington family. His parents, Finn and Amber, as well as his siblings, Augusta Dornan and Blydden Lexington, preceded him in death. With his passing, the Lexington lineage comes to a close, marking the end of an era. His family’s legacy, however, lives on through his contributions and the lives he touched.

Cesil Lexington’s legacy will be remembered for his scientific contributions and his efforts to protect and rebuild his community. His life, though private, had a lasting impact on those he helped and the projects he championed. May he rest in peace, knowing that his work and dedication made a significant difference in the world he left behind.

Wasteland Reflections

In Defense of Raiders and Building Our Own Town

Close-up black-and-white photo of a weathered raider helmet with a mesh visor and a scratched mark on the side.

Greetings fellow Wastelanders,

The sprawling expanse of the Carolina Radlands is not just a battleground; it’s a land of potential, a blank slate waiting for those brave enough to seize it. Over the years, I’ve wandered these lands, witnessing countless groups rise and fall, each leaving an indelible mark on the dusty, irradiated pages of our history. Today, I come with a bold proposition—our wasteland needs more raiders, and it’s high time we had a town to call our own.

Raiders, in the heart of chaos, embody the raw spirit of the wasteland. We live by a credo of freedom, independence, and fierce loyalty to our own. Yet, we’re often misunderstood, labeled as mere outlaws or scavengers. The truth is, raiders are the heartbeat of this barren land, the unyielding force that turns adversity into opportunity.

Consider this: every single raid, every skirmish, and every conquest isn’t just an act of survival, it’s a testament to the resilience and ingenuity that defines us. We are not just surviving; we are thriving in a world where others crumble. Our resourcefulness, our daring raids, and our unbreakable bonds make us a formidable force—and now, it’s time to direct that force towards something monumental.

I envision a thriving town built by raiders, for raiders—a sanctuary where we can regroup, trade, plan, and live in a semblance of security, all while staying true to our roots. Imagine a hub bustling with activity, strategically fortified yet welcoming to all who embrace the raider code. A place where we can sharpen our skills, train the next generation, and build alliances, ensuring our legacy of strength and resilience endures.

Creating our own town isn’t just about carving out a piece of the Radlands for ourselves; it’s about establishing a new order amid the chaos where our values of independence and resourcefulness can take root and flourish. Picture the town square, flanked by makeshift defenses and lively with barter markets, the air buzzing with the stories of old battles and plans for new ones. This town would be a beacon for all raiders—whether seasoned veterans or fresh-faced recruits—showcasing our ability to not just survive but to build, create, and prosper.

Enemies will come, that much is certain. The NCR, the Khans, and every wanderer in between will have their eyes on our burgeoning home. But that’s where our strength lies—in unity and preparedness. By creating a central stronghold, we can better coordinate our defenses, distribute resources, and execute raids with unmatched precision.

So, fellow raiders, it’s high time we transformed our dreams into reality. Let’s gather our wealth, not merely from spoils and loot, but from ideas and cooperation. By pooling our skills and resources, we can construct a town that stands as a testament to our resilience and defiance. Embrace this vision, for it is not just a place on a map, but a statement to the world: Raiders are here to stay, and we’re taking the Radlands by storm.

In closing, remember this: every wasteland needs its lawmen, traders, and settlers—but more than anything, it needs raiders. And we need a place to hang our hats, store our loot, and plan our next conquest. Let’s make this vision a reality. Together, we’re unstoppable.

To the future of our Raider Town—let’s build our legacy, one raid at a time.

Food

Fizzys Food Stop

Grainy black-and-white close-up of a bowl of rice with a round slice of sausage in the middle.

Fissera “Fizz” Hartford, born in the protective confines of Vault 114, is a name now synonymous with culinary excellence and community spirit in the harsh wasteland. Her story, deeply rooted in family tradition and resilience, begins with her grandparents, the original owners of the pre-war Boston diner “Hartford’s Homestyle.” The diner’s popularity and a Vault-Tec sponsorship secured the family a place in Vault 114 before the bombs fell in 2077.

Growing up in the vault, Fizz was immersed in tales of Hartford’s Homestyle, a beloved local spot renowned for its hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere. Her parents continued to cook with whatever limited resources they had, teaching Fizz the family recipes and the art of bringing joy and comfort through food. These meals brought a sense of normalcy and warmth to the vault dwellers, fostering a tight-knit community despite the isolation.

When Vault 114 opened after two decades, Fizz emerged into a world drastically changed. In her mid-twenties, she faced the harsh and unforgiving wasteland but was determined to revive her family’s legacy. Armed with her culinary skills and the cherished stories of her grandparents’ diner, she founded “The Rusty Spoon” in a small but thriving settlement amidst the ruins of pre-war Boston.

The Rusty Spoon quickly became a beacon of hope and community. Fizz’s diner stood out for its unique blend of pre-war recipes and innovative dishes crafted from wasteland ingredients. It was more than just a place to eat; it became a safe haven for weary travelers and settlers, offering both nourishment and a sense of normalcy.

Running The Rusty Spoon was no easy feat. Fizz had to fend off raiders, negotiate with traders, and manage the scarcity of ingredients. Her determination and resourcefulness, however, kept the diner thriving. She formed crucial alliances with local farmers, scavengers, and traders, ensuring a steady supply of fresh and unique ingredients.

Fizz Hartford’s journey from a vault-born descendant of diner owners to a legendary wasteland restaurateur is a testament to her resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering spirit. Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest times, the simple act of sharing a meal can bring light and warmth to the human soul.

Classifieds & Missed Connections

Black-and-white photo of a bearded, tattooed man in a chest harness holding a can, standing in a pine park with picnic tables behind him.

For Eternity

Join the Hive

Everywhere

Attention citizens of the waste. Join the hive - the cyborg faction. Achieve cybernetic perfection. Abandon flesh, become one with machine. The broken god, Mekhane, whispers to you now… LISTEN TO HIM.

Anytime

Delivery You Can Trust

Bartertown

Count on our post office for fast, reliable mail and package delivery. Your only and best solution!

Business Hours

Bartertown Radio

Bartertown

Seeking junk parts to keep the transmitter alive. Earn caps for your scrap! Tune in and trade today. Help keep the airwaves alive in the wasteland!

Business Hours

Weapons for Sale

Vendor Row

Discounted pre-war military surplus! Plasma weapons, ballistics, rocket launchers. All field-tested and certified 82%+ rad-free. Discretion assured. WoDA, BarterTown. Ask for Marcus.

Business Hours

Help Wanted

Vendor Row

Experienced wastelander wanted for arms vending. Must have own armor, not afraid of radscorpions. Sturdy back for hauling inventory required. Good caps, clean water. BarterTown. Ask for Marcus.

Business Hours

Come Get Boned

The Forge

Genuine wasteland bones! Perfect for crafting or decor. Get them before they’re gone. Contact Roadkill for a unique deal!

Business Hours

Roadkills Lost Comic Books

The Forge

Prize for whoever retrieves them all. Only one winner—find them by any means! Good luck, hunters.

Saturday 5PM-9PM

Archive 21 Casino

Great Hall

Are you feeling lucky? Archive 21 is running the casino Saturday afternoon and evening.

Anytime

Friendly Super Mutant

Radlands Forest

Seeking human companion for food... I mean, friendship. Don’t write that first part. Must enjoy big hugs and occasional bone-crushing handshakes. Look for big green friendly guy.

ASAP

Lost Fusion Core

South Filly

Brotherhood of Steel Knight seeking missing power source. Essential for mission success. Reward for safe return. Contact Knight for details.

ASAP

Daddy Issues

Greater Filly Area

Vault Dweller in search of a robotic head to save her father. Time is of the essence. Reward offered for assistance. Contact Lucy for details.

ASAP

Missing Family

Greater Filly Area

Pre-War ghoul seeking kin. Looking for family from before the blast. Help reunite us, a ghoul’s heart beats eternal. Contact if you know them.

Anytime

Super Duper Body Part Mart

Downtown Filly

Your one-stop shop for slightly used body parts at unbeatable prices! Upgrade today - limbs, organs, and more available. Visit us now!