Undying, Marked Men
This particular type of Undying is only found in a highly radioactive and blasted zone of the Mojave Desert. During the final wars, this particular zone had been home to some of the most devastating nuclear and anti-matter ICBM’s possessed by the United States of America. When the final wars began, this area was frequently targeted by weapons of mass destruction and as a result, the area is highly radioactive. Few above ground structures remain intact, and the area is frequented by powerful storms that can strip the flesh from a man in a matter of minutes. Few life-forms can survive in this zone due to the high level of radiation that is present.
No. Enc: 2d12
Alignment: Neutral
Movement: 90' (30')
AC: By Arnour or 8
HD: 7
Attacks: 1 weapon
Damage: by weapon type
Save: L7
Morale: 8
Hoard Class: VI (x3), VIII (100%), IX (75%), 3 artifact weapons, 1 artifact armor.
This particular type of Undying is only found in a highly radioactive and blasted zone of the Mojave Desert. During the final wars, this particular zone had been home to some of the most devastating nuclear and anti-matter ICBM’s possessed by the United States of America. When the final wars began, this area was frequently targeted by weapons of mass destruction and as a result, the area is highly radioactive. Few above ground structures remain intact, and the area is frequented by powerful storms that can strip the flesh from a man in a matter of minutes. Few life-forms can survive in this zone due to the high level of radiation that is present.
It is in this zone that these unfortunate creatures have been cursed to live. They are the surviving remnants of the various military forces that had been stationed in this area to man the missile silos and act as a garrison. Wasteland scholars are unsure what caused the creation of these creatures, but one thing that they do agree on is that they are an offshoot of the Undying.
These unfortunate souls appear as men and women who have had their flesh flayed from their muscles. Their bodies are raw and wet-looking and the unfortunate creatures are in a constant state of pain as a result. Wastelands scholars are unsure if this was a by-product of one of the weapons used in the final wars, or if it was caused by the constant storms that wrack the region. It is clear that their condition is quite painful, although the creatures have grown used to the discomfort over the centuries of life the toxins have brought them.
Two major mutations occurred in these creatures. First, they are similar to the Reavers insomuch as they are constantly emitting a powerful radioactive field. Unlike the Reavers, this field only radiates 5’ from their bodies. Also, the class of radiation varies from individual to individual. It is always 6+1d4. The second major change is that they are cannibalistic in the sense that they require the flesh of Pure humans, Humans (see Wisdom from the Wastelands issue 4: New Races for more details) and Mutant Humans to survive. No other meat will suffice. The only way that they can heal from any physical damage they have sustained is to consume human flesh. They can go indefinitely without eating and not suffer, but if they wish to heal any damage, they must eat 1 pound of human flesh per day. Doing so will heal 2d4+4 points of damage.
These creatures do not require radiation in order to survive. They can move about perfectly well in even the most irradiated location without feeling any ill effects. As a result, these creatures will often travel to hot zones in order to try and recover lost technology to add to their growing bases. Also, these mutants are immune to all known toxic weapons such as poisons, acids and so forth.
Although not as sturdy or physically powerful as regular Undying, nor as tough and deadly as the Reavers, the fact that these particular mutants possess powerful military weapons and armor tend to balance the scales. No single individual has ever been encountered without at least three different firearms and a wealth of military artifacts, including personal shields (see Wisdom from the Wastelands issue 22: Personal Shields for more information) and even EMA.
Even though the final wars have been over for centuries, these mutant humans still maintain strict military discipline and have a rigid and distinct command structure. As legend has it, during the final wars, the region had been home to over one hundred thousand soldiers. Less than 1% of these soldiers survived and those that had became these mutant creatures. Rough estimates suggest that there approximately a thousand of these creatures still inhabiting the region.
They have spent the past several hundred years rebuilding several bases in the blasted and radioactive ruins, refurbishing these redoubts and repairing what weapons, tech, armor, and vehicles they can find.
Many scholars fear these mutants because of the massive armies they are building, and despite the fact that it is known that they can be killed, somehow their ranks continue to grow, albeit at a very slow rate. The scholars believe that it is the radiation and other toxins that have contaminated this particular region lead to the mutation of Pure Humans and Humans that enter the region unawares.
One would think that these mutants have every intention of using their massive armies and technology to eventually take over the world. Despite their strength, there has been no obvious signs of any such goals. They appear to be content to hold their little corner of radioactive hell and rebuild there. In fact, it has been discovered that they will occasionally open trade with tribes and the Uplifted animals (see Wisdom from the Wastelands issue 6: Factions, for more information) that are often discovered in the wastelands. The scholars who study these mutants realize that only time will tell as to their true intent.
Mutations: Bizarre appearance(d),dietary requirement change (cannibalism)(d),extended life span, immunity to radiation and all toxins, toxic weapon (radioactive aura).
Source: Fallout New Vegas (2010)
