[Story] The Brotherhood

[Uskazd]

OOC: The following story is based on my experience in the game, when playing it together with a friend of mine. We like to roleplay in these type of games. I do not have any pictures because firstly everything that's written has already happend or is impossible so show ingame. I hope this story is on the right place here.
More Chapters will be added on the main text as time passe. Enjoy it, and feel free to discuss it.
Tip: press Ctrl+F and type chapter to quickly navigate trough the story.


Prologue
To whoever will be reading this,
My name is Uskazd, the current leader of the Brotherhood. As I write this text down, I start to relive all the memories and ordeals in my mind one by one...

Let us start at the beginning of my story.
As I said, my name is Uskazd, as was my father, grandmother and great-grandfather. The name is being given traditionally to each family member that has a certain returning trait; bleach white hair.
My parents were travelling nomads, going from town to town, and trading whatever they could.
In this harsh world we found a way to live in peace.
But alas, it was not meant to last forever...


Even though I was only 5, I still remember it as tough it was yesterday.
Our caravan was moving south, towards Clownsteady. My father was handling the large bags, filled with grain from the last town.
The towns walls were coming into sight, when all of the sudden a scream was heard from the back of the line. For a moment the caravan stood still and all eyes were focused on the rear. From the sand dunes I saw one of our scouts running towards us, screaming unrecognizable words to us. A few seconds later we found out why.
A large group of cannibals (I think maybe 20 or 30) were chasing him, heading straight for the caravan. Their painted skin instilled a fear I can only describe as a man-eating sandstorm.
In a matter of seconds the entire caravan was in turmoil, with people pushing, pulling and shoving each other, trying to get to reach the town as fast as possible.

From my right I could hear my father calling for me. I turned and tried to run towards him, but fell over a bag of wheat someone dropped in their haste. Trying to crawl back up, I heard a sound from behind. A cannibal was standing right over me. The paint on his face made it look as if he had 4 eyes and a black skull with 2 large fang on the side. Frozen by his appearance I didn't dare to move.
When suddenly Helena, my friend Firsty's mother jumped towards him, and hit his face with a horse chopper. The blow knocked the cannibal of his feet, and he fell down screaming in some sort of strange language. Some of his close friends heard it, and came rushing in.
"Run Uskazd!" I heard Helena yell at me.
As fast as I could I took to my feet, and went running towards my father. Who was now halfway towards the gate, bleeding heavily from the side of his chest. I let him support on me while we made our way to the town gate. He kept telling me I should go ahead without him, but I did not dare to let go.
Another two cannibals saw us and decided it would be a easy win. However, just at that time the mercenaries, who defended the town, arrived. Forcing the cannibals to retreat.

Of the 15 people in the caravan, only 4 survived the attack; Me, Firsty, Stan and his son Mark.
My father died shortly after arriving in the bar for medical attention.
Stan decided to get himself a house in the town, and raised us there. He would often give me and Mark lessons in trade, literature and sometimes even philosophy.
Firsty preferred to spend his time around the mercenaries. Learning the art of combat, intimidation and drinking. Despite that we both could get along together fine.
My life in Clownsteady taught me that the town was often the target of cannibal attacks.


Chapter 1
When we had turned 15, me and Firsty became scavengers for Stan and his son. It was our job to get the clothes, weapons and any other useful wares from the corpses of cannibals, mercenaries or traders. We got paid money to buy food and water.
I had stopped growing after a certain while, but Firsty kept on going. Making him a giant compared to me and the other adults, and earning him the nickname 'Titan'.

After a certain time Lucas, one of Stan's regular costumers, came to us with a new business proposal. We were to get a shipment of fabrics from a caravan that should have arrived, the payment was better than the usual, so we accepted. He gave us the document and money the caravan leader needed to confirm the order. After a few hours travelling we found the caravan and made the deal.
We hurried back, and got our payment as agreed.
When we went outside Lucas' store we went to see Stan if there was more work to be done. At that moment the caravan arrived in the town, and entered Stan's shop. Curious we entered the store.

"What do you mean it was already collected?" Stan yelled at the caravan leader.
"Exactly as I said." Was the response. "Two boys already went ahead to us and traded the document and Cats."
"But that's impossible! I have the document right here." Stan started searching through his pockets.
I could see his eyes going to the corner where Firsty and I stood. "Uskazd, have you seen my order?"
The caravan leader turned around. "Sir, these are the two boys who collected the fabric. If these are your employees I see no reason why you wouldn't have your order."
Stan stared at us, eyes blazing in fury. "Is that so?" He said in a harsh tone. "Then c'mon, tell me where they are!"
"Lucas told us that it was his order." I mumbled in response, partially intimidated by his temper.
"What sort of lie is that?" I looked behind me, where the source of the loud voice came from.
Lucas stood right behind us, arms crossed. "If you're going to lie about something at least make it believable."
"You are calling us liars? We just came from your shop, Lucas." It was Firsty who had said it.
"I was not in my shop today, the bar had a discount. I've been there the whole time, ask around."
"Oh c'mon, that's just plain lying! Nobody in the bar will give you that alibi." I answered to him.
"I guess there will be only one way to find out." Stan broke in between us. "We will go to the bar."

We left the shop and crossed the street. When we entered the bar the barkeep welcomed us.
"Ah Lucas, it seems you still can't get enough of the rum." He says laughing.
"I'm sorry Henry, but that's not why I'm here." Was the answer. "Can you explain to everyone what has been happening around here today."
"What? Your new drinking record?" He says, trying to keep his cool but feeling pressure from the group surrounding him. "Lucas, what is this about?"
"Uskazd and Firsty claim Lucas stole my fabric. But Lucas says he has been here the whole day." Stan explains. The barkeep looks at us with a strange look in his eyes.
"I can assure you that Lucas didn't leave the bar till a few moments ago. Boys, I didn't expect something like this from you two." He says disappointed.

"Then I guess this makes it clear." The caravan leader speaks out loud when we enter Stan's shop again. "The two probably sold your wares somewhere. Anyway, it's not my problem anymore."
"Yes, but I still won't have the fabric I need." Stan replied.
"The next shipment we can deliver will take about 1 to 2 weeks tops."
"Very well, I guess I have no choice." Stan sighed.
I could hear Firsty protest against the accusations, but to no avail. Meanwhile my head was trying to figure out what was happening. The barkeep and the other guest all claimed Lucas was in the bar the entire time. But we traded the fabric with him at the same time. It just didn't make sense.

"Ok boys." I raised my head. The caravan leader was leaving the shop, Stan was coming closer to us.

"It seems you don't want to admit where you left the fabrics, so I'll just have to make you repay the new order I had to make." Firsty wanted to protest, but I stopped him. It wouldn't matter what we'd say, all evidence points against us. "And how much would that be?" I asked.
"20,000 Cats." Was the short answer. "So you better find a way to gather all that money before the end of the week."
"Fine, we'll get your money." I clenched my fist in frustration. "C'mon Firsty, let's get his money."


Chapter 2

For two hole days we didn't make any progress at all. There were no fights, and because of the commotion created by our 'embezzlement' no one was willing to trade with us or give us jobs.
The third night, I got approached by Mark.

"Hey Uskazd..."
"What is it?" I asked slightly aggregated.
"Did you really steal dad's fabric?"
I turned around in my bed facing him. "Of course I didn't, and now because of that no one is even willing to give us jobs, or trade."
Mark sighed. "If you really were lying you probably wouldn't keep it the same story that long."
I raised my head and went lying on my side. "So you believe me..."
"Of course I do, but you have to admit it's hard to believe from my point of view."
"Yea, I guess you're right. So why are you here?" I asked, not sure what to expect.
"Well, this is my house." He laughed at me. "And maybe I can also help."
"You have my attention." I said in the tone Stan used when he barters with customers and suppliers.
Mark smiled at the sound of my tone. "I can buy the things you salvage from you, but only at half regular price." I looked at him. He was without doubt a trader, like his father.
"Half is a little few don't you think?" I tried to haggle. "Why not full price."
"Because... I can only keep that much change in the register secret from dad." He did have a point. Even Stan, who raised us as his own children made it clear he wouldn't buy our stuff until we repaid him. I stood still to think for a moment.
"Fine, you got yourself a deal." Mark smiled. "Just come and see me when you have some wares."

The next day I talked to Firsty about the deal I made with Mark. He was very happy that we are able to sell things and pay of our dept.
"But now we only need to find things to sell" He sighed and fell down in the sand.
"I think I may have a idea for that." His head went my way to listen better. "But it will be dangerous."
"Well, spill it out!"
"We... We try to force the cannibals to attack the town."
Firsty sat up. You could see in his movement it was making him uncomfortable.
"You're going to endanger the entire town?" He asked. His voice was filled with a combination of fear and anxiety.
"It's not in any real danger." I tried to explain to him. "We had a new group of mercenaries join us a couple of days ago. And after the attack, we can scavenge the bodies. Besides, they give us no other choice." "
"Hmmm... Ok, but how are you going to get the cannibals to attack?"
I swallowed. "I will play human bait."


Chapter 3

Out of the two of us, I have always been the fastest. Whether it was running, climbing or talking my way out of problems. Firsty on the other hand was a fighter, capable to outdo at least several opponents, but even he has a limit.
I managed to get the bartender to sell me some extra water and food. And went on my way via a rope over the town wall. There I stood with some food and water. Slowly I started to make my way north-east.

It took me almost a day of travel before I finally came across a group of cannibals in the desert. Even though the town had had many kidnappings and attacks from these barbarians, I could not stop but admire their war paint for a moment. Every time I had seen them until this moment they were in a frenzy to kill and eat everyone that crossed their path.
I drank from my water and took a deep breath. I would be needing my energy if I were to lure them to Clownsteady. I took a position, ready to storm at them, when suddenly a scream from behind entered my ears.
I was just in time to dodge one of the cannibals jumping at me like a frog. I started running away, only to see a even larger group coming at me.
"Well, the bait worked" I said to myself. "Now let's hope this bait stays alive."

I kept running through the sand dunes for several hours. From behind me I could only hear their screams echoing through the desert. I made my way to one of the higher dunes, and used my binoculars to have a closer look.
The sun was setting, so the cannibals decided to make camp. It didn't look like they would still follow me. Small tents got erected, and a big bonfire got lit as a second group arrived at the camp.
This group seemed to carry large bags and larger tents were set up.
It seemed like the group I first encountered was some sort of support group. In the left corner a small ray of light caught my eye. Looking closer, I was stunned. One of the cannibals was looking straight at me with a telescope. Curious I raised my right hand. Were they spying at me?
And sure enough, the cannibal called some of his friends, and pointed them towards me.
Also raising their right hand.

The morning had dawned. I had barely slept, knowing that those cannibals were watching me. The cold also made it unbearable to sleep. A quick look trough the binoculars showed that the cannibal camp was near deserted. "Where did they go?"
I looked around, thinking to find a cannibal jumping at my throat.
Nothing.
I went all around, in the distance I could see Clownsteady. But something didn't feel right.
I decided to take my chance, and ran towards the town.

When I came near the wall I could hear the sound of metal clashing, and people screaming their last breath in agony. My rope was still there, and I managed to climb back into the town, without anyone noticing me.


Chapter 4

The plan was a success, though there were more casualties then intended. At the break of dawn the cannibals had marched to the town. Thus surprising the mercenaries. Luckily a fresh battalion of the Holy Nation came passing by, aiding in the effort to defend the town.
At the end of the battle me and Fisty were able to salvage loads of weapons and armour from all fallen parties. Firsty decided to keep one of the mercenaries outfit, much to my displeasure.
After a hour of arguing I decided to stop and let him have it. We were able to sell everything for a total of 16,250 Cats. We would almost be able to pay our 'debt'.

The following day rumours started spreading. Someone had found a rope hanging by the wall. And the idea that the cannibals had help from inside spread like wildfire. Of course the mercenaries weren't happy with that and placed a reward of 5,000 Cats for the traitor.
Me and Firsty felt the pressure building up around us. All eyes were focused on us as we went into Stan's Shop to repay part of our debt.
"And how did you get that money?" He asked with a grim look on his face.
"We found a Free Trader who wanted to buy our salvage." I lied.
Stan looked at me again, distrust in his eyes, as he counted the money. "Tell me Uskazd, why weren't you doing your job two days ago?" His eyes stared at me like needles.
"I told you, I was out looking for someone who would buy my wares." Did Stan realize?
"That's funny." He laughed. "The mercenaries didn't see you leave the gate till after the attack."
Firsty was starting to feel uncomfortable. "Can we go now?" He asked impatiently.
"Sure." Stan said politely and calm. Tool calm. "But you might need some help getting out."
Two large hands grabbed me and Firsty by the shoulders. "I think we heard enough." It was one of the mercenaries. "Here is your reward old-timer." A second mercenary moved to the counter, and placed a bag, which presumably contained the 5,000 Cats reward.
My eyes opened wide. "Did... Did you just sell us out?" I asked in disbelief.

"Be happy boys." Stan had a grin on his face like I had never seen before. "This means your debt is now fully repaid. Your are free again." He paused for a second and looked at us. Our captors were holding us very tight. "Well, maybe not that free. Endangering the town for your own profit is very bad you know." Again he smiled in satisfaction. How I would have loved to punch that smirk off his face. But the mercenary kept his grip on me so hard it made it difficult for me to move.


Chapter 5

Our hands bound with rope behind our backs, we were dragged through the gate. Some of the corpses from the battle were still lying around, most of them cannibal. Some of the mercenaries were intimidated by Firsty's rough appearance, and took a few steps back. The mercenary Captain came forward, addressing us and the crowd that had gathered at the gate.
"These two have been found guilty of collaborating with the cannibals." He said in a formal tone.
"Is there anything you would like to add to that?" He looked at us and with him the entire crowd seemed to glare even more intense.
"I didn't do anything like that." Firsty answered. The Captain focused to him.
"Oh really, coming from one who dresses as one of us." Pointing at the mercenary clothes Firsty was wearing. "How do you explain such a coordinated attack on us? Seems a little convenient that you were able to pay off your debt because of this, isn't it?" Of course, everyone in town knew about the debt. And I knew nothing I'd say would get us out of that mess.

"Now then, what would be a befitting punishment?" He turned to the crowd, clearly indicating that they could decide our faiths.
"Of with their heads!" I looked at the origin of the sound and saw it was Mark. Not long after, the entire crowd was shouting for our execution. This seemed to please the mercenaries. And they drew their swords. From the corner of my eyes I could see Stan and Lucas, as tough discussing something. Lucas handed over a pouch, most likely filled with Cats, and they both grinned at us.
"I hope you have a plan." Firsty said from behind me. "Because I'm all ear."
I moved my eyes, focussing on our captors. It seemed they were discussing how to finish us, and what to do with our bodies afterwards. I didn't feel like staying to find out.

My hands went to one of my back pockets, were I usually hide a small carving knife. Luckily the mercenaries were so focused on anger that they hadn't bothered to search us.
My fingers went in my pocket, and I grabbed the knife, pulling it to me. Once it was out I found my grip and started cutting trough the rope. When I was done I moved closer to Firsty and passed the knife to him unnoticed.
"You ready?" I asked him after he was cut loose.
"Yes, let's go." In sync we turned around, and started to run into the sand dunes.
The first reactions came from the crowd, followed by the cursing of the mercenaries as they ran after us. The race was on, and for nearly half a hour we were followed through the desert before they finally gave up and returned to the town.
Exhausted we fell down in the sand. Smiling because we just evaded certain death.


Chapter 6

After a quick brake we decided where to go next. The north was filled with cannibals, not to mention returning to Clownsteady wouldn't be a option. During my lessons from Stan and the stories of caravan members that had passed through the town I had learned some about the geography of the surrounding land. The south of these wastelands contained several towns were we could try to rebuild our live. So we decided to go south.
Not much was said during the trip. Ideas of revenge came screaming trough my head. But I knew it would not end well if I were to go back then. Firsty stopped in front of me.
"What is it?" I asked. He pointed to the sand. Half-buried a corpse could be seen laying on its stomach. We had heard the stories of bandits from the south, so we approached carefully.

In the sand lay a man, his skin all wrinkled and hands clenched around a parcel as tough he would die if he let go. Of course, the heath of the desert had already come to him. His eyes were closed, and he wore some old rags around his body. This drifter probably was heading to the southern settlements.
Carefully I tried to pry the parcel out of his hands.
Even though the body looked fragile, the post-mortem seemed to have strengthened his grip. With some force I managed to get the parcel out of his hands, leaving his body as if he was sleeping a eternal slumber. Firsty continued searching the body and found a katana and some Cats. Small and fast weapons weren't his style, so I decided to keep it for myself.

I found no writing on the parcel, so I decided to open it. My eyes glared at the treasure inside. Books, scrolls, notes, and some seeds. All contained in a small wooden box. At the moment I didn't realise it would be these texts that would change my vieuw of this world. I closed the box and decided to keep it. After all, the guy went through so much trouble to keep it at his side.
So it must be worth something. Aside from some hard bread there was nothing of value left on him. We continued south and at sunset we could see a mountain in the distance.

As night fell we really started to regret running, without any water on us. With the bread we were able to keep ourselves at strength, but the thirst was killing us from the inside. In turn we stood guard watching over each other, while the other tried sleeping in the cold dry sand that seemed to find every way possible to get in your clothes.

The following morning we continued, partly against our will until we reached the foot of the mountain. I say mountain, but compared to the Midland Mountains it looked like a hill.
We heard screams and the clash of metal from the east. Two groups of bandits were going at each other. Hacking, slashing and kicking. Until only one remained standing. As token of his victory he grabbed something from one of the corpses and made a victorious yell. Looking closer we noticed the object was a flask, most likely containing water.

Firsty went headfirst to the bandit who was trying to open the flask. Realizing he didn't have any weapons on him I ran after him, katana drawn. The bandit saw Firsty coming at him and grinned thinking some easy prey came to him. When he went to hit him with his blade Firsty rolled forward, evading the blade, and grabbed one of the swords on the ground. In one clean movement he cut the bandit's legs, making him fall to the ground. He immediately continued his offence by burying the blade in the bandit's neck.

With the last bandit dead, I came closer. Firsty drank from the flask, and then handed it over to me.
"Pretty cool hé." He said with a smile on his face. I drank from the water. It was so refreshing.
"You're crazy you know that." I joked at him. "But still, these bandit must have been desperate, fighting over one flask of water." I looked around. We were surrounded by about 12 corpses.
"Yea, let's let their dead not go to waste." He answered. We stripped down the bodies, gathering the swords, and I equipped some of their armour. Feeling refreshed we continued our journey up to the small mountain.


Chapter 7

When we arrived at the top of the mountain we could see the city of Brink in front of us. The guards, samurai of the United Cities, let us pass without question. After all we looked like a travelling weapon trader with his mercenary bodyguard walking beside him. This place was brewing with more life then Clownsteady. Samurai patrolling the city kept order, and discouraged mischief. Traders of all kinds moved around with their wares to sell, or buy. We entered a store that was marked as a weapon dealer, and sold the weapons we salvaged from the bandits. We went to the Flophouse not far from the gate, and hired a bed for the night.

Finally having the time and rest I decided to have a look at the texts in the box we got from the dehydrated corpse. The Flophouse wasn't the ideal place to study these. It was calm, but also too dark. The bars were to loud to my taste, and so I decided to go to the Trade shop near the edge of the city to study. Firsty preferred to go train with the mercenaries and hone his skills.

While heading to the edge I came across a policeman. This group hold itself responsible for keeping the 'Civil Law' as they called it. He looked at me with a glare every person in these wastelands looks at strangers. Then he moved on, patrolling the city.
When I reached the edge, standing on the metal-like platform, I looked down from the cliff. It was only then that I finally understood how high we were. From this position of the cliff you had a clear view of the Northern desert. It was the perfect position to look out for the caravan that would come from Clownsteady, most likely with news of our 'misadventures' and profit from the fabric.
We could leave at least a day before the caravan would arrive and not have to go through the trouble of explaining our side of the story to the people here.

I sat down and placed the box in front of me. I decided to start with a quick look at some of the notes. Many of them contained scribbles in different handwriting, it looked as if our corpse was a collector. But a collector of what?
Aside from the text there were some blueprints showing strange machinery and a map.
Closely examining the map, I could easily orientate myself with the help from the tales of travelling merchants. This map contained the Northern Wastelands and the Midland Mountains, as well as the location of cities, outposts and villages. This was definitely worth something.

Then the corner of my eye caught a glimpse of a band of travelling dots. That must have been the caravan, they were faster than expected. I packed everything and went to the community centre where Firsty was training with a training dummy.
"We have to go." I told him, looking as casual as possible.
"Why?" Was the obvious answer.
"Because a caravan from Clownsteady will soon arrive here."
"So?" He pulled up his shoulders and continued training.
"So?" I answered in a irritated tone. "When they come here and they see us, don't you think they'll recognize us?" Firsty stopped, and looked at me.
"We didn't do anything to them, so what's the problem?"
"Because I bet our nice neighbours in Clownsteady have told them all types of tales about us." I had some trouble keeping my voice down. Firsty sighed, it was clear he now actually understood the problem. "Then where will we go?" He asked nonchalant.
"West." I answered. "The caravan will most likely stop here and then continue to Traders Edge. We will go west, to Catan."
"Why won't we go to Traders Edge?"
"Because we can't use the eastern slope. The caravan will most likely use it. And going around the mountain we'll probably run in them when we'll just arrive in Traders Edge, or on the way."
Firsty nodded. "Then West it is." He started to gather his few possessions while I headed out to the armour shop to sell some of my equipment.

The trader was more than happy to buy the armour, I had scavenged from the bandit, for some coin and a backpack. While bartering for the price I saw a beautiful girl standing at the back of the store. She smiled at me with clear blue eyes. I smiled back and tried to wave at her. The trader saw this and used this as a excuse to say I agreed to his price. I left the shop with enough money to buy enough water and food for the trip. With the girl still in the back of my head I went to the gate.

[LostSaint6689]

I like it so far, keep it up! I'm Curious, how do you and your friend achieve this co-op roleplay with a single player game?

[Uskazd]

I like it so far, keep it up! I'm Curious, how do you and your friend achieve this co-op roleplay with a single player game?

We play it behind the same PC, both of us have equal acces to the keyboard and mouse. We set up some goals at the begining (for example: become a master blacksmith) this gives us a direction for the game to play towards.

We started a game in Wanderer were I created a character. Then I went into a bar and recruited another character my friend costumised. We each have 'control' over our own character, and when something happens ingame we usually make a joke-like explenation about it (especially with glitches and bugs). We also do some in-character conversations with each other while we play.

Then I felt the urge to write about the story. But first i made the prologue to explain how we ended there.
I've already written until Chapter 7. But I won't release it all at once since the times we play together is irregular, you'd sometimes have to wait a week for the next part. While other times a month or even two. And having to read large protions of text at once may be a little difficult for some people.

[LostSaint6689]

Oh cool... I don't have anyone who would do all that.

[Bruno]

Excited for more.

[Uskazd]

Added Chapter 1

[Santaissick]

It's real cool story. I'm looking forward to seeing more. It's interesting how Kenshi attracts this many story tellers/role players. Maybe we need ingame word processing program to run alongside the game? To write as we play if we choose to...

Anyways, I love where this trend of Kenshi writing is going. Great stuff is coming out everywhere. Maybe next years Santas competition has to be about short novels

[Uskazd]

Chapter 3 may be short, but here it is.

[Uskazd]

Added Chapter 4

PS: Feel free to give feedback or discuss the story

[Uskazd]

Added Chapter 4

[Uskazd]

Nearly forgot to add Chapter 5 :p

[Uskazd]

Added Chapter 6

[Uskazd]

Added Chapter 7