as they are able. It’s often very difficult to get into position near enough to a Breach to operate the Breach Closure Device without running into hostile aliens, Breach creatures, or foreign environments, so the squads are very cau- tious before they proceed into what they term a “Hot Zone,” or the area within about a mile (1.6 km) of a Breach.
A BRAC Squad originates at a Cooperative cell, but usually severs all ties once it leaves for its mission, in the interests of security. Squads usually hire non-Cooperative personnel as guides, specialists, and muscle, rarely mention- ing their affiliation with the secretive group to anyone.
The Resistance
is a loose affiliation of native humans dedicated to elim- inating all alien presence on Earth. They view the planet as being under oc- cupation by invading foreign forces, and the Resistance is the heroic underground army dedicated to reclaiming humanity’s birthright.Resistance influence varies from small, isolated cells to the control of en- tire settlements. Its operations vary with the level of influence of their oper- atives. In most situations, individuals associated with the Resistance focus on committing acts of retribution against aliens, ranging from harassment to as- sassinations.
The acquisition of territory through the infiltration of existing settle- ments and colonization of resource-laden territories are a top Resistance pri-
ority. Where the Resistance wields legitimate political power, governments under its control establish pro-human policies, limiting or forbidding aliens from entering their territories, and even conduct raids and campaigns against alien towns and villages. Chief among the primary cities where the Resistance is at least highly influential, if not in out- right control, are Hood, River Bend, Kerrville, and Parada. Dozens of other smaller towns and villages are ideologically sympathetic, or even just sup- portive in order to buy protec- tion and consideration from more powerful Resistance towns.
The Resistance reaction to humans that seek to coexist with aliens varies greatly. In most cases, humans found to be living in harmony with aliens are left alone, as human life is too rare and valuable to the movement to be disposed of casually. Those humans that actively fight against the Resistance, however, are likely to be branded as race trait- ors and treated no differently than the aliens they protect. This
us-or-them view often puts these freedom fighters at odds with the more collaborative-minded and apolitical Cooperative.
Reptilian Raiders
are alien raiders and bandits of unknown origin that travel the region in large bands, looting and pillaging as they go. They are eas- ily identified as green-brown scaled humanoids most often seen riding what look like huge jungle cats, known as Trapcats. The Raiders hunt in groups of 20 or more, and prey on humans and aliens, alike. They prefer to set traps that exploit the speed advantage granted by their mounts, usually on openRose Armaments
isn’t precisely a political or social power, but is an actor in the Civilized Lands with much influence, in any case. Its representatives claim that Rose Arms is a manufacturer of weapons, armor, and the equip- ment needed to survive in a harsh world. Others claim that they are simply a very lucrative salvage and repair operation. Either way, the traveling salesmen bearing the Rose banner have the very best in offensive and defensive imple- ments to offer for sale, with much of the gear being pristine pre-Fall techno- logy, or replicas of such quality that they might as well be.Salesmen for Rose Armaments can be found plying their wares up and down trade roads in heavily armed and armored convoys. They sell to adven- turers, mercenaries, and all manner of bandits and heroes. They are rarely as- saulted, and those foolish enough to pick a fight with Rose security usually wind up on the losing end of a massacre, leading some to question why Rose doesn’t simply plant a flag and lay claim to a portion of the Lands for them- selves. As it stands, the company appears to have no political aspirations.
Rose is rumored to be headquartered far to the north, up what was once I-35, although company representatives come and go from the Civilized Lands in every direction.