The Wastelanders

The Wastelanders are a tribe based in Grapeseed.

Backstory
The year was 1999, and with Y2K quickly approaching the U.S. Government was way more afraid of what they let on. The biggest fear was Y2K wiping humanity with no one to carry on the legacy of mankind, and the only thing that would remain would be a vast wasteland. Members of the U.S. government sat down, and tried to come up with ideas on how to prevent the death of humanity. The idea that stuck out the most was something they called "The Project of Tomorrow". The Project of Tomorrow is the idea of handpicking from society to carry on humanity, survive the wastelands, and rebuild what is destroyed by these nuclear bombs being set off by computers from all around the world. The order was given to start constructing underground bunkers to withstand the explosions. In the mean time government officials would begin handpicking individuals to go down into these bunkers, and people to be charge in the bunker. A bunker was constructed Los Santos, and the person selected to be The Commander that particular bunker was a man named Patrick Shryke. When government officials arrived at the house of Patrick Shryke they saw children playing in the front yard. Which made these officials excited at the idea of children down in these bunkers as their minds are still moldable they can easily learn, and develop new sets of skills. So not only was Patrick selected to run the bunker, but his niece, and nephew were selected to go into the bunker. This made Patrick very happy as they would not be forced to go back to their terrible lives with their parents. The names of these children were Draxon Payne (nephew), and Synn Payne (niece).

After the bunker was finished Patrick received word that the bunker he will lead has finished construction and is ready for his arrival, and not to worry about his home that payments will be continued as a form of a "thank you" from the government so when Y2K happens and they go above ground again, and if his home still stands he still has a home to go back to. Before moving Patrick sold off his car which was a 1950s Hermes so it would still get some use before Y2K, and turns into a rusted destroyed vehicle. After he sold off the car they packed their stuff, and headed directly to this bunker. They were the first ones welcomed in so they can learn the layout of the bunker as they are going to be the ones showing the others around upon their arrival.

Just before the turn of the year, the bunker was already filled with the people the government had been choosing. The people of the bunker were let known that while down there they are going to be trained for whatever awaits for them above ground as they are gonna be trained how to fight, defend themselves properly, and shoot. They were also gonna be trained in survival skills such as tracking, hunting, and farming so they may continue to feed themselves. The children of the bunker would still get their regular schooling as they would above ground so they don't lack intellect compared to the adults in the bunker. They were taught wide variety of things such as math, science, and even sex ed, but when those classes started Draxon was pulled by his uncle so he can work on his training as a soldier so he is able to defend the entirety of the tribe.

One day, while the government officials were checking in with Patrick, he lost his temper. He was tired of feeling like he had no real power, and he was just the middleman between everyone else in the bunker and the government. He went on a rampage and destroyed the communication device, leaving those in the bunker completely unaware of the happenings outside. He warranted a final notice to all in the bunker that there was no more going outside of the bunker, and we were to await to emerge once things seemed okay for a prolonged amount of time. Some of the residents of the bunker started asking questions after not hearing any updates from the government for a while. Out of the normal residents they weren’t quite sure what was happening, but rumors began flowing throughout the bunker. The Payne Family caught wind of the situation, and brought forth the rumors to their uncle. When Draxon, and Synn sat their Uncle Patrick to explain what they’ve heard, and when it happened Patrick was not happy he didn’t expect this to come so sudden, but with a couple of months left until the year 2000 he expected the news to come AFTER Y2K, but he knew it was time to come forward, and explain what has happened in the past few months. Patrick announced a meeting for all people of the bunker to attend so he can address the concerns that have risen in the community.

What you read next is the speech from Patrick Shryke telling his people what is going on.

“Ladies, and Gentlemen I have heard your concerns on possible lack of communication of relaying information from The Government to you all. I think you all deserve the truth of what’s going on here. As a great leader will not lie to his own people, but before I explain, allow me to ask all of you a few simple questions… Have you ever been babied before? *Patrick looked around the room gauging people’s reactions to the question* Have you ever been constantly monitored like you are not to be trusted? *Again Patrick pauses looking around the room and seeing a lot of people shaking their heads* I was hand picked for the position, and I am very thankful for that, but as I was doing my duties to help, and teach all of you, little did you all know I constantly had The Government breathing down my neck, and to be honest… It made me feel like I was not trusted, and they were concerned with my abilities to lead. So I did what was best for each, and every single one of you I intentionally broke our communication device with The Government, and sealed the bunker from the inside out so they do NOT interfere with my leadership. *Some people in the crowd seemed stunned by his statement* I believe I have done a great job leading you all thus far, and we shall continue to move onward, and upward. At this moment going forward you all will refer to me as The Commander as I will continue to teach you on how to fight, and survive so you all may prosper in the apocalypse, because let’s be honest with Y2K on the approach you will be faced where these skills will come into play, and the way I teach YOU will overcome every obstacle put before you. We will rise from the ground once this is all over, and become Wastelanders who travel the plains SURVIVING. *Patrick stops speaking for a moment and looks around seeing the room full of smiles*  From my understanding there are other bunkers out there, but we will become the best WASTELANDERS that will thrive as we welcome the apocalypse with open arms…”

The people of the bunker clapping, and cheering showcasing they are on the side of Patrick and on board with his idea.

Time passed and now here we are December 31st, 1999 there was New Years party in the bunker. Where everyone celebrated almost as normal minus fireworks. Then, just as the clock struck twelve on New Year's Eve, everyone yelled “HAPPY NEW YEAR!”, an earthquake started shaking the world and the bunker around them. Screams filled the air along with the sound of glass shattering, and metal creaking. Patrick grabbed hold of his niece and nephew, and dragged them under a sturdy table with him.

“This is it guys! They were right! Just hold on, I won’t let anything happen to you!”

Patrick's cackle echoes through the bunker. Eventually, after about three aftershocks, things seemed to have calmed down. They assumed that the earthquake was the big Y2K, and knew it was more than likely a wasteland outside. For all they knew, their family or anyone else that they knew that was outside of the bunker was dead.

It was shortly after this is where Patrick was given the nickname, "The Commander" from Draxon, and Synn since they knew he was the man in charge now, and they heard government officials refer to his role being The Commander.

The time while being in the bunker is an incredible experience. A bunch of strangers coming in together in an enclosed space and getting close just like a family.

[15 years in the future] Word has spread through the bunker that The Commander is sick and may be on his death bed. During the middle of the night Draxon is awoken by the doctor of the bunker and her name is Lilies Jords, and she broke it that his uncle has passed away. The Commander's final words were for Draxon to take charge of the bunker, but Draxon asked to see the body. He was not allowed to see the body which he found odd, because the families are always allowed to see their loved ones before the bodies are devoured. (Wastelanders are Cannibals, but for a different reasons. They eat people to gain their knowledge and strength to help them carry on in the course of battle). The people rallied behind Draxon as through his actions he was a spitting image of his uncle, but a terrifying thing happened the food supply was running low... Draxon realized that people will have to venture out to get food for the tribe. So he planned accordingly, and took his trained people along side with him. While outside of the bunker hunting for deer or anything else that could be used for food, Draxon notices movement in the city. He sees cars driving around, and buildings that look completely unharmed. Quickly, they make their way back to the bunker. He explained to everyone what he saw, and asked who would like to go and check things out. His sister, Synn, was one of the first to step forward, and not before long they had a team of the strongest to go out, and see what the world had turned to after their believed apocalypse.

Ever since then, that group has been keeping in contact with those too scared to leave the bunker, but have been living in Los Santos, trying to once again understand what life amongst people that weren’t in the bunker was like. It has been hard, and there have been a lot of things they have been learning, but they wouldn’t ever make the decision to go back to the bunker unless they absolutely had to.

The Wastelanders vs The Lost
blah blah

Huskarl

 * Storm Creed † - Huskarl who was out with family member, was shot by a man on a bike and well evading didn't feel so good and slowly bled out before EMS arrived and pronounced him dead on August 5th, 2022.

Grunt

 * Annie Quigley † - Grunt was defending Grapeseed with the family against the Lost MC and Diamond Dogs, was shot and pronounced dead at Viceroy Hospital on July 3rd, 2022.

Huskarl

 * Billy Walker - Retired from The Wastelanders to happily live with his partner Rose, up on Iona's Farm.

Berserker / Valkyrie

 * Synn Payne - Valkyrie who left the Wastelanders after personal differences with her Brother in December, 2021, and is now a Patched Member of Mayhem.


 * Jessie Dagger - Berserker who caused trouble for other groups in the name of Wastelanders, was beaten and removed from the group on July 1st, 2022. Continued to cause trouble for the group, so was put to a vote to execute him. Dagger was killed August 2nd, 2022.
 * Francis Angel Luis - After months of being part of the Wastelanders and being loyal to them, he decided it was time for him to hang up his armor and go off and follow his heart. He wished to leave on good terms with them because he did not wish ill will against them and still considered them family(Has Yet to speak to Them But Has Been Bed Ridden Due to Illness).

Grunt

 * Nolan Nicholson - Grunt who left the Wastelanders after personal differences on June 30th, 2022.


 * Max Moody - Grunt who left the Wastelanders on July 4th, 2022.


 * Baby O'Conner - Left on 10/26/2022


 * Bree McNab - Left on 11/5/2022
 * Ell LeFant - Left on 11/5/2022
 * Tom Ryan - Left on 11/5/2022

Wastelander's Ranking System meaning

 * 1) The Commander - The highest of Command. This person was hand chosen by the government to lead these people before Y2K could strike.
 * 2) Fenrir - Is the second in command and a heavily proven Wastelander with their extensive training, but must be kept on a leash due to their anger may cause them to make rash decisions.
 * 3) Radningar (Rad): Strong Warrior that has proven his/her loyalty and strength during their course of training.
 * 4) Huskarl: Veteran Warrior, has proven his/her loyalty and skills and is considered a trusted member, can be chosen to lead battles by any of the above.
 * 5) Berserker/Valkyrie (Brk/Vlk): Veteran, given to those who  have shown an outstanding attitude, skill, dedication and is considered a trusted member. You may be a subject for a higher rank. This rank is “Berserker” or “Valkyrie” dependent on your character’s gender. This is the stage where a Wastelander will gain their armor.
 * 6) Skelmir: Another Veteran, but doesn't differentiate gender like the other two and is more selective then the other ranks. They are more of an outlier compared to Berserker/Valkyrie and decide to not wear their armor unless needed, even though they have also earned it.
 * 7) Grunt - is a person that has been accepted into the group for their work thus far BUT DOES NOT WEAR ARMOR has to earn by becoming a Berserker/Valkyrie or Skelmir.

Territory
The Wastelanders currently claim Grapeseed but operate out of the City in Grapeseed.