Raid Parties

“The old Costco in Zone 4 hasn't been fully picked over. Yet. We hit it before rival crews realize the North entrance is clear. Last time Jenkins came back with something that 'tastes like chicken.' We don't ask questions anymore.”

“Night raids are Cyber-Viper's specialty. The old Best Buy has power somehow. We don't ask how. Whatever's running the lights is also running security drones that weren't there before The Event. Bring EMP grenades.”

“The old Walgreens isn't just a pharmacy. It's THE pharmacy. This is the holy grail of medicine. Doc Holliday has lost 3 party members on this run. But he came back with enough meds to save his entire sector. Worth it? He says yes. They probably wouldn't.”

“No hostile factions. The main danger is the old sprinkler system (still works) and The Librarian refusing to leave without EVERYTHING. She cries every time we bring back Shakespeare. That's weird, but I respect the commitment. Bonus: free library card (doesn't work anymore).”

“Fort Knox wasn't protecting gold. It was protecting THIS base. Automated defenses are still running on backup power. Sgt. Steele knows the override codes. She says. We've made it out 4 times. Lost 2 people total. Acceptable losses, apparently.”

“Fuel is the new gold. Fred knows every gas station in a 50km radius and which ones still have underground tanks that haven't been tapped. The snacks are a bonus - Twinkies really do last forever. Danger level depends on who else figured out the same station.”

“The layout was already a nightmare with the lights on. Without power, it's a genuine labyrinth. We've picked up radio signals from a group that went in two years ago — they say they're fine, they've built a life in the bedroom section, please send meatballs. Speaking of which, the frozen meatballs are the real prize here. Navigator Nils claims he's memorized the arrows on the floor, but last time he led us in a circle past the KALLAX shelf four times.”

“The backup generators are still running, which would be comforting if we knew why. Some floors have lights that flicker on when you walk past — motion sensors or something worse, nobody's checked. The pharmacy is on the 7th floor, elevator's dead, and the stairwell is 'contested' by something that growls. Nurse Nightshade worked here pre-Event and has the floor plans, which she's laminated. Twice.”

“Nobody's done a full inventory of what survived in the zoo, and honestly, nobody wants to. The reptile house is thriving — turns out reptiles don't care about apocalypses. The penguin enclosure is mysteriously well-maintained, which raises questions no one is brave enough to answer. The big cat section is a hard no. Ranger Rick insists we can 'negotiate' with whatever's in the aviary. Last volunteer came back missing a boot.”

“The data center is still climate-controlled because the servers generate enough heat to keep the whole building warm. Cozy, if you ignore the constant humming. The real treasure is the copper wiring — worth more than gold these days. Server Sarah insists on checking every hard drive for 'historically significant data.' Last run she found someone's 2019 tax returns and cried for twenty minutes. We don't rush her.”

“The safest raid on the board because absolutely nobody else wants wedding decorations. Planner Patty insists everything be 'tastefully salvaged' and will lecture you if you fold a tablecloth wrong. The DJ booth still has a playlist queued up — someone always hits play, someone always gets emotional about 'how things used to be,' and then we all stand there holding centerpieces in silence for a bit.”