PRELUDE*

The Chromeskulls, colloquially recognized by Sunrise locals as Adrenaline Junkies, Prosthetic Fanatics, and Violent Criminals, frequently engage in public displays showcasing their ruthless inclinations and passion for excitement throughout Sunrise City, such as deathmatches or live “Chromings.” Originating as a modest mercenary crew, they ventured to Lake Erie Ohio, specifically the Sunrise Isles, in pursuit of easy profits and fresh opportunities within a more lawless part of the Post-Flash world. Despite the contemporary ambiguity about their origins, indications suggest ties to NEU or Coalition territory due to the later views they’d take up once Chromeskin culture began to impact the gang. Upon their arrival, however, they encountered significant rejection from the local populace, struggling to establish themselves due to the reluctance of anyone to lease them space. Eventually, they found refuge on the top floor, essentially squatting in the rooms of the old Sunrise High School, although this act resulted in numerous conflicts and disputes with existing residents. An intense shoot-out erupted during one of these disputes, leading to injuries and some parts of the settlement destroyed their eviction from the premises. Undeterred by this setback, the Chromeskulls shifted their focus to the adjacent town of Amberley, where they redefined their role as Soldiers of Fortune and forged a new path forward.

SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE*

Establishing themselves in Amberly, they commenced undertaking mercenary assignments for the local populace and wastelanders across the familiar territory. Over a span of 3 months, the Mercenary Group garnered substantial renown within the town. Finally finding stability, they expanded their influence deeper into the Isle, sparking a renewed passion for adventure and excitement. This exposed them to a variety of novel tasks, notably aiding in suppressing the eldritch inhabitants at the southwest point of the Isle. As the role of mercenary groups evolved due to the emergence of additional factions, by 2159, they found themselves tackling exceedingly perilous yet rewarding endeavors, evolving into true adrenaline enthusiasts.

Among these missions, one took place within Amberly and placed them in a precarious situation. This event led to a segment of the Mercantile crew being framed for a murder within the town, with rumors circulating that corrupt city officials were behind the setup.

On the following day, the remaining members took to the streets, initiating a large-scale riot aimed at drawing attention and expressing their grievances against the town. The riot escalated, revealing the harsh living conditions in post-flash settlements. Local town guards intervened to suppress the unrest, which led to clashes escalating into a full-fledged street shootout. The city experienced incidents of vandalism, arson, and various other crimes. As the day subsided, the remaining members of the now redefined "gang" were apprehended and subsequently banished from the town.

However, prior to their expulsion, they demonstrated a final act of ruthlessness and violence by detonating a remote explosive in their former gang hideout, leading to a stagnation period in Amberly and a need for rebuilding. Riding on their newfound notoriety, they rebranded themselves as a criminal gang named 'The Jumpers', adopting anti-government and anti-establishment ideologies that resonated with their members. Their focus shifted back to a place where they once aspired to establish a home: the old high school, now commonly referred to as 'The Square'.

GEARS OF MISCHIEF*

Upon settling in, The Jumpers swiftly claimed the top floor of the square as their own domain. This transition marked a significant shift in their mindset. They harbored a deep-seated sense of injustice stemming from their experiences in Amberly, a government-controlled settlement. This fueled their resentment towards other factions that held governmental authority, leading them to question the viability of the prevailing system. Reflecting on their time in Amberly, where they endured burdensome taxes and felt neglected as mere cogs in the machinery, solidified their belief in the system's failure.

As their reputation underwent a dramatic transformation, The Jumpers adopted a markedly ruthless, even cruel demeanor in their endeavors. Ethical considerations took a back seat as they engaged in their tasks. Striking alliances with various crime syndicates and city gangs became the norm, entwining them deeply within the criminal underbelly. Early ventures into drug production, particularly the nascent stages of a substance known as 'frost,' gained traction. The influx of makeshift weaponry was seen to have to fuel the growing rank numbers. Despite the outward appearance, supplies began to run low, leading to sloppy work while trying their high risk jobs they loved.

By 2162, The Jumpers had metamorphosed into a fully-fledged criminal enterprise, seamlessly integrated into the shadowy realm of Sunrise City's illicit activities. The gang's ranks experienced a gradual expansion, mirroring the expanding boundaries of their influence extending across The Square. This evolution signaled their growing prominence within the criminal landscape.

LIMB BY LIMB*

As notoriety and reputation spread, a particular demographic felt an irresistible pull toward the gang's allure. Swiftly, an influx of new recruits from the cultured circles of Chromeskin origin converged on the island. Intrigued by the promise of a 'clean slate,' many were enticed by this notion, only to find themselves once again ensnared in their past criminal tendencies. The unmistakable impact of these diverse cultural currents left an indelible mark on the Jumpers. Each unique cultural background wielded a significant influence over the gang's methods, beliefs, and core principles.

At the helm of the Jumpers was 'Karson Fuse Blinds,' their leader, himself hailing from a region steeped in the Chromeskin Cultured movement. His personal ties to this culture catalyzed the inception of 'The Shift to Steel.' This marked the genesis of his discourse, in which he championed the idea that the human body is our innate prosthetic, and the desire to augment it is a natural aspiration. Consequently, a fresh strain of Chromeskin culture sprouted, distinct yet interwoven with its counterparts. Amidst this dynamic backdrop, the Chromeskin Gangsters found their niche, assimilating into the budding and distinctive culture of the Jumpers.

From this point forward, the Jumpers embarked on a journey of heightened prosthetic integration, tapping into the latent potential enabled by the absence of pain receptors upon implantation. As the surge of new gang members brought an abundance of fresh resources, bolstering their ranks and influence, murmurs of a strategy known as 'The Night of Lead and Steel' circulated among the gang. Peering down from their vantage points in the lofty square rafters, the gang members readied themselves for the impending event, intrigued by the unfolding plans orchestrated by Karson and his trusted advisors.

The Chrome Skulls continue their criminal operations and cutthroat tactics. Their headstrong love for the rush of ‘liberation’ continues to fill their head, as combat continues to break out in the streets. The Gang now turns attention to the complete section of South Sunrise, fostering concepts of establishing autonomous zones, riddled with anarchy, and free from the touch of the factions and corporate entities against their anti-establishmentarianism ideals.

ACT I: TERRORWAVE

EP. I: SMOKE, SLABS, AND SUBMACHINE GUNS—OH MY!

A miniature battalion of Chrome Skulls is positioned at an ice lab outside of a waster settlement by the name of 'Ambery'. Surely nothing could go wrong here.

Something went wrong here, the skulls begin to shoot at the town's walls.. Bored target practice with their assault rifles. Little did they know this would spell their doom, as soon after a small group of 'police' were sent out from the town to come confront the chromes.

Peace was never an option, as soon after the police show up bullets begin to fly. Two chromes 'heroically' take the brunt of the fight for the chromes, the others laying cover fire and fleeing. The two goons are promptly arrested, and after the chromes come out of the battle on their last leg their commander decides they need to go back..- Not for vengeance, but to assert themselves as the dominant species in the region.. And maybe even save the two people that got arrested, maybe.

Taking the back entrance the chromes attempt to make their way into the town, but are promptly spotted by a gaggle of guards. Whilst the chromes are preoccupied with this battle, the two prisoners are audibly executed in the distance.. Losing this fight is not a choice. Hearing the gunshots, the whole town runs over.

The chromes have now awakened the beast, the entire town is against them and they are carrying some HEAT. The towns people seem to have a near infinite amount of bullets, smoke grenades, and some even carry guns the chromes had never seen before. It isn't even a choice, the chromes have to let up..- Or they'll die.

EP. II: THE AMBUSH

The Chrome Skulls successfully lead an attack on RELISTAR Industries, taking exotic and powerful explosives from them

The Chrome Skulls moved to an abandoned settlement within the Deadlands, taking up positions in the gutted homes and businesses. Many of them were giddy with excitement, and all were ready for bloodshed. As night fell, the sound of APCs could be heard moving into the abandoned city. As the first APC passed the city, an explosion rocked the entrance of the town trapping the APC convoy within city limits. As RELISTAR APD Agents funneled together to get ahold of the situation, heavy metal music blared through Chrome Skull PA systems, and with the music blaring so did the retort of gunfire begin. The ambush was brutal as APD Agents fell to the ground immediately. Specialists within the Chrome Skulls used anti-material weaponry to punch holes through the APC eviscerating engines and APD Agents inside the vehicles. The ambush was quick and effective, with the Chrome Skulls dispatching of all the APD Agents. Not a single one was left alive. The Chrome Skulls packed their vehicle full of explosives and returned to the Square where Karson awaited them. Upon Karson's inspection of the explosives he revealed they had stolen a sizeable load of plastic explosives and white phosphorus. The ingredients necessary for causing as much terror as possible. The town of Amberly is in store for some long nights...

EP. III: AMBERLY

The Chrome Skulls finish what they sought out to do, put down Amberly for their transgressions against Karson in the early 2150s and send RELISTAR out the door

The Chrome Skulls prepared the convoy loading a "hell cannon" onto one of their trucks, and stuffing as many Chrome Skulls into their stolen RELISTAR "APC". The drive there was quiet, for many of the gang members, this was their first battle. No longer would they have the benefit of a gang ambush or a drive-by. They were being thrust head first into a battle of attrition ordered by, their Warlord, Karson. As the convoy arrived to the gates of Amberly, tensions rose, some Fiends had thoughts against the idea of destroying a civilian population, others were excited to exact the ruthless bloodshed that Karson had promised against the "cog machine". 

The battle began with the launching of two thermite shells into the city. Chrome Skulls rushed into the fray being met with automatic gunfire from the Amberly Peoples Militia and RELISTAR Units. The Chrome Skulls overwhelmed the defender with a brutality they had never seen. They rushed into homes, kicking the civilians out, and creating a hellish urban warfare environment.  Those that stuck with Karson saw his true personality. They saw a man who thrived in the chaos of war. Throughout the battle, Karson's squad placed explosives around the city preparing it for its annihilation.

As the battle ended, the Chrome Skulls swept the city killing and murdering any defiant defenders. Many left the grisly scene, ashamed of what they had done, while others applauded the destruction of the "authoritarian regime".  As Karson and his Chromeskulls departed, a "hell cannon" released a barrage of RELISTARs very own gas shells, meant for the inhabitants of the Square. Many looked in horror as Karson simply said:

"If not them, it'd be us." 

Refugees poured out of the city, being harassed and heckled by the victorious Chrome Skulls.

EP. I: THE CALL TO ARMS

The Square is bustling with activity as Chrome Skulls from all corners of the city return to their beloved home. However, they notice there are a lot more fortifications and defenses.

Karson looked out to the crowd, seeing his soldiers, the people who believed in him to give them a better future. He cleared his throat and began:

"We have sought the truth and power from within, looking around our surroundings and seeing only despicable governments and treacherous settlements. We have brought ruin to Amberly, the first one on the chopping block. Now, we turn our attention to Sigil Carne. A cult that preys on the weak and uses them to feed their blood lust. It is up to us, as the bearers of equality and strength to liberate those that want to be liberated. I will be honest, there will be a handful who want to be saved. The rest...the rest of them can die in the fires just like those in Amberly. The Square has been fully prepared for this war. For many, this will be your first, and for others, you will be experiencing something you've always known. I ask that you fight with me to solidify ourselves as a just and fair city."

The speech finished, and Karson returned to his room, leaving the rest of the Chrome Skulls to do their business. Aside from moving in the Chrome Skulls also kept a close eye on the new gangs that have moved in. One gang known as the Track Hawks experienced a turf shootout with another unknown gang causing chaos within Dredger Drive.

This begs the question; All this disorder within the Square before a war? Surely there will be a unified support against Sigil Carne. 

EP. II: SLIM PICKINGS

The underbelly of the Kingfisher and the Square are in for a rude awakening.

A contingent of Karsons best fighters set out for the city of Ecclessia Vita, headed by the Warmongers. The sleepy town of Ecclessia Vita had just stepped out of morning prayer when suddenly the forest began to open up on them with automatic gunfire and laser fire. The Manus Carne defended valiantly, with a majority of them dying to protect the civilians of the town. Many went to hide inside the prayer room while the Shaman and his Immolator stood guard against the attacking psychos. 

Civilians decided to take up arms and die a worthy death, instead of dying scared and afraid. This action set the tone for the rest of the battle with multiple Spines being injured and a Warmonger being mortally wounded. The chaos of the battle led to one Warmonger abandoning the others, whether it was on purpose, or on accident, no one knows. Karson certainly did not care as his objective, The Shaman, was brought to him. As the deserted Spines and Warmongers fought, they soon succumbed to the unknown might of the Carnites and were imprisoned. 

Despite no official statement by Karson, many Chrome Skulls have noticed a handful of Spines and the Warmonger Loudmouth gone. Regardless, many Chrome Skull homes have had deliveries of ammunition and surplus weaponry sent to their front doors. Many can assume that Karson has thrust them into another one of his glory and power fueled wars. 

EP. III: SEWAGE GANG

The underbelly of the Kingfisher and the Square are in for a rude awakening...

A squad of Cybres are tasked with investigating a loss of profit from multiple SynthSource deliveries being missed. In their investigation they come upon a cave entrance that leads into the underbelly of Sunrise City. Within this cave system are a multitude of traps, all of which are intended to kill someone. As the Cybres make their way through the cave they encounter a handful of people vehemently defending their territory in hand to hand combat. 

As the dust settled in the cave, Cybres were made aware of the presence of the SynthSource employees who were abducted. Covered in wounds and infections, they were on their deathbed. All they could offer was that they had seen a handful of Chrome Skulls dragged deep into the cavern. 

As the Cybres began to investigate the caverns they would come upon writings and books, written in an odd language. While others tried to decipher the books, others came upon a dimly lit room that hummed with life. As they attempted to enter a large man bust out through the door covered in flames. The berserker lay waste to the crowd of Cybres but he was eventually dispatched. As the Cybres investigated the room they were hit the with foul smell of rotting flesh and grotesque sounds of gurgling and popping sounds. To their horror, they'd find the Chrome Skull POWs encased in some sort of flesh mound. To the knowledge of the Cybers, there were stasis coccoons in the room. To the surprise of many, a Warmonger was also found inside this room. As the Cybres regrouped the cave rumbled as explosives were remotely detonated most likely by the defenders of said cavern. 

As the the Cybres nearly escaped, they discussed the ramifications of an underground network being inhabited by cultists. Astute observers would have noticed the caves covered in Carnite paintings...it seems Sigil Carne runs deeper than many would have expected.

EP. IV:  INNOCENCE DECIMATED

The true extent of Chrome Skull hate upon Sigil Carne is revealed, causing innocent lives to be forced to match the Chrome Skull brutality

A squad of Chrome Skulls, led by the Warlord Vic, had found themselves lost from Chrome Skull frontlines and traversing a desolate wasteland, nearing the fringes of Sigil Carne territory. Unbeknownst to the Chrome Skulls, a small Carnite church was inhabited by elderly Manus Carne veterans and women and children. As a blizzard picked up, the Chrome Skulls stumbled upon the Church of Sanctus Alanact and forced their way inside.

As the Chrome Skulls began to deal with the situation, one elderly man, with the strength of the Sigil fought back for a solid 10 minutes, along with the help of a one-armed refugee. These two allowed for the rest of the church to escape in the scuffle. During this, the loyal Spines fought to carry out Karson's hatred, while a single Booster watched the horror unfold. The lone Booster knew that the children and other weak refugees who escaped would succumb to the blizzard, but there was nothing she could do. Their brutality caused pieces of the church to fall apart with stray shotgun blasts, and broken windows allowing frigid air to drop the temperature of Church. 

The elderly Manus Carne succumbed to his injuries, his life was ended with a crushing blow to the head with a machete. One refugee, who had not been mentioned before, was busy caring for Rattlechrome who had gotten injured in the scuffle. As the Chrome Skulls looked around the bloodied Church, they found that their radios were able to faintly pick up a Chrome Skull transmission. To their dismay though, it seemed they were suffering heavy casualties in a skirmish. As the squad of Boosters huddled around the refugee caring for Rattlechrome, the blizzard ended as quickly as it had arrived. With more than favorable conditions to return to the front-lines, they asked the last refugee for directions, and left. The Church would serve no purpose, just like the war. Many Boosters come to question why the hatred for a group who had rarely ever struck the first blow. Regardless, the brutality of the Chrome Skulls will not go unchecked.

EP. V:  BACK FOR BLOOD

TBW...