Outlaws

Lore & Background

On the fringes of civilized space, where imperial reach fades into dust, Outlaws carve out their own territories. These groups often form from escaped prisoners, drifters with no home to return to, or disgraced soldiers who turned to crime for survival. They operate without a central command structure, meaning alliances are fleeting and betrayals common. Their bases are typically fortified ruins or makeshift camps hidden away from trade routes. The relationship between Outlaws and legitimate colonies is defined by mutual distrust. Unlike professional mercenaries who might sell their swords, these opportunistic predators view settled colonists primarily as targets for plunder. They see settlements not as clients to protect, but as walking treasure troves of food, medicine, and weapons to be seized through force or ransom.

In Their Own Story

The dust kicked up by their boots was the only warning before the shot rang out. Three figures in mismatched armor stepped from the treeline, rifles raised toward the colony's perimeter wall. They didn't shout demands or demand tribute; they simply wanted what they could carry and leave before the sun set. In this world, there were no police to call. There was only the rifle in your hand and the hope that you were faster than them.

Reader's Guide

Outlaws are a primary threat faction encountered throughout the game, representing criminal gangs operating outside societal norms. Their goals are straightforward: acquire resources through force or theft without regard for collateral damage. Members of Outlaw groups typically include skilled marksmen and melee fighters equipped with scavenged firearms, knives, or explosives. They often recruit captured colonists into their ranks if the colony is overrun, highlighting their opportunistic nature. In gameplay terms, players must defend against raids from these factions to protect their stockpiles and people. While they generally do not trade openly like merchants, some interactions may occur if a player chooses to engage with them diplomatically or through coercion. Understanding their raid patterns is essential for survival on the frontier.

Did You Know?

• Outlaw factions often utilize scavenged technology rather than advanced manufacturing, reflecting their resourceful but limited nature.
• While the Empire is known for slavery, standard Outlaw raids typically result in prisoners being killed or held for ransom rather than enslaved.
• Unlike the Empire or Mecha-Hive, Outlaws do not have a unified political ideology driving their actions.