NPC Interaction: Young Bill

[singmod]

MARCH 2024 — NPC INTERACTION: YOUNG BILL

A diversion off the tracks into Lakeside brings a group of the Interlopers to the home of one of the natives of the Northern Territories.

WHEN: Mid March, following access into Lakeside.
WHERE: Young Bill's Cabin, Lakeside.
CONTENT WARNINGS: threats of violence;

YOUNG BILL

After Interlopers have crossed the perilous railway bridge over the ravine and slowly make their way into Lakeside, they will notice quickly the heavy woods that quickly surrounds them on the sides of the track. The natural course is to follow the tracks to see where they may lead. However, those paying attention may find themselves noting the scent of wood-smoke clinging in the air. If they look roughly towards the north, they may be able to spot the single plume of smoke drifting high into the air over the tree line.

Venturing into the woods is, of course, a dangerous option. But it’s possible this may be either another Interloper lost within the woods, or perhaps someone native to the Northern Territories. Curiosity gets the better of us all, at times.

Anyone who chooses to go after the smoke plume will find that soon enough, there is a trail within the woods. It's a rough trail, one that has only ever been travelled on by foot, but it slowly makes its way through the woods and Interlopers will find themselves coming into a small clearing.

There are two buildings: the first, closest to Interlopers is a small shed-like building, like one might expect on a farmstead. It's been locked up tight. Almost ridiculously so. Then up ahead, on a small, rocky hill: a decently-sized one-story cabin — a warm, cosy light radiating from the windows and the lazy plume of smoke drifting from the chimney. But before the Interlopers can draw too close, there’s the urgent and snarling barks of a dog from within — they have been noticed.

Quickly enough, a man steps out of the cabin and onto the porch, a rifle in his arms: aimed and ready to shoot at the Interlopers. He is a frightening sight: there is a clear rage in his eyes but his expression is calm and collected. He is tall, even from a distance, somewhere in his early thirties with a thick beard and skin ruddied by the cold. He will not hesitate to shoot.

“I thought I told you eco-fucks to keep the hell away—!” he roars over at the Interlopers. There is the soft click of the rifle as he readies to fire. “Get the fuck off of my property—!”

There is a long pause in this bitter stand-off. Eco-fucks... ? What does he mean by that? Interlopers may have drawn their own weapons on the man at the sight of being aimed at. Some may have raised their hands to show they mean no harm. Others may have already started backing off entirely. But then the man falters, uncertainty creeping into his expression.

“Wait a minute,” he doesn’t lower his weapon. “You’re… not those nutjobs. Who the hell are you? Where’d you come from?”

The Interlopers may mention Milton, and he will slowly lower his gun a little, his eyes wide in disbelief. He explains how the road to Milton is gone, and he hasn’t heard anything from the town in months, worrying for the townsfolk and how they might be surviving up there. Explaining the situation in Milton, with what happened to the original townsfolk will be met with horror and more disbelief, but there’s something in his expression that understands and slowly he will come to believe it.

“Everything went to hell all those months ago. I didn’t know what happened to everyone else.” He is… grief stricken, pain washing into his face. “Then who are you? If everyone died in Milton, what’re you doing here? How did you all get out of town?”

He will be suspicious of answers, but for the most part the man is confused but mostly satisfied. The mention of Methuselah will actually make him baulk enough to lower the gun, a low laugh bubbling from him. Finally, he straightens, holding onto his rifle with one hand and calling through to the barking dog still within the cabin. The dog is instantly silenced, albeit whining a little.

He regards the newcomers for the longest of moments and sighs, his shoulders heavy as he wipes at his face with his free hand. What else is he to do?

“Alright, then.” he nods shortly. “They call me Young Bill.”

He motions with his head over his shoulder behind him.

“Let’s get you folks inside.”

Inside, Interlopers will find a warm and rustic cabin, much like the kind of homes they have found in Milton. There are four rooms: a main living area with a kitchen, lit with a roaring fire. There are two bedrooms and a bathroom, plus ample space in the roof, accessible by a ladder. The cabin is seemingly cluttered, but everything has its place: pelts hang to dry, traps and nets and fishing tackle. There are two lifetimes worth of items in this place.

There is also a dog, the source of the barking from the cabin: an Alaskan Malamute. If asked, Young Bill will tell Interlopers that her name is: “Scout”. She will accept pets.

FAQs

1. This is an NPC Interaction with your new NPC, Young Bill. While a larger group of Interlopers may be present, this is a limited and short-thread interaction, available for up to 5 players. Threads are set at a five comment max totally: three from your character, two from Young Bill. Essentially: nine characters may show up to Young Bill's Cabin and be present, only five characters will be talking to Young Bill.

2. Characters are free to ask anything, but we ask that players don’t take liberties and list off twenty questions, for example. Keep it short and sweet, please!


3. The plotting post can be found here.