Our last edition was rather rich with features, was it not? We understand that not every feature will appeal to everyone; it is perfectly alright to skip those things which hold no draw for you and engage instead with those that pull you in with ease. We have vampires and ghouls and classic horror and cinema now! Just, so many things, and we all have so little time! So, peruse this edition with the clarity of knowing what you like and dive into that which grabs and holds you most closely.
Though, I do encourage to catch Bus Driver at the very least. Our Bus Driver has quite an interesting ride ahead of him …
Let’s get into it →
Remember our little checklist from last week? Well here it is again for posterity:
🟢 Body Count
🔴 Last Resort
🔴 Rise of the Warlock Queen
🔴 The Groundskeeper
Children of the Damned:
🟢 CYB3RPVNKCVNT
🟡 Unholy Requiem
🟡 Irreverent Eulogy
🟡 Shrine of Radiance
🔴 Dark Father
🔴 The Archivist
As you can see, the foundation remains to be rebuilt in a number of upcoming attractions. While the attractions are of the utmost importance, management reorganization was an absolute necessity this week. And what I mean when I say this is I needed to revisit and improve upon the project and content management systems in place, now that Volume II is live. It was a prime opportunity to understand what works and what could be improved, and so this week was spent in improving those areas that could be improved.
You can expect updates to actual attractions in development in the next issue. For now, enjoy the added feature Backstage!
You would think a tour of the Calamity would end in the Necropolis. But we, apparently, like to do things backwards. If you aren’t already subscribed to the Necropolitan Gazette, what are you waiting for? The Groundskeeper shares with us some interesting tidbits about the goings-on of the Calamity’s notorious Necropolis.
When last we saw our vampire, he had awoken, dressed, and stepped out of the vault. In this week’s chapter, he …
Ha ha! Just kidding! Did you really think I would just tell you what happens? Go read it and found out for yourself:
Our foray into classic tales of woe takes us on a rambling voyage on the high seas. We visit one of Edgar Allen Poe’s lesser known works, originally published in 1833, and republished in Weird Tales in 1969.
This week’s cinematic list is an assortment of terror ranging from folklore to religion to good ol’ fashioned zombies! We love zombies, don’t we? The Necropolis is chock full of them, but don’t tell The Groundskeeper about that.
Anyway, read the review, check out the list on Letterboxd, and enjoy your weekend cinematic itinerary.
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When last we visited the Bus Driver, he was getting a tour of the vessel in which he would leave the safe confines of the settlement and journey forth into the troubled world. You can read Part I here. For what purpose is he leaving? Why is anyone leaving? Ah, we will, perhaps, understand in due time. For now, let’s see how he fares in getting the bus moving.
The Bus Driver plopped down behind the wheel and started the engine. The hulking beast vibrated with heavy intensity as it roared to life. The engineer stood off to one side of the bus, well out of its way, offering the Bus Driver a quick salute. The Bus Driver nodded in return as he put the vehicle in gear. With a clear view before him, he applied weight to the gas and felt the beast lurch forward. Lightening up on the pedal, he moved the bus out of the bay and guided it across and down the tarmac toward the heavily fortified gate.
It was a cool autumn day, though this didn't stop sweat from breaking out on his forehead. He was filled with apprehension. His heart beater louder and faster the closer he got to the gate. This would be his first time ever leaving the compound. He was not a brave man and he knew it. But he saw the sacrifices so many others made day in and day out, all for the well being of everyone in the compound and neighboring settlements; he couldn't sit idly by as others risked their lives so he could live a mundane one.
They had assured him the path to the highway was clear of wanderers; wanderers were all that were left of the mass of infected in the cities. They had even worked to clear the highway of abandoned vehicles: a massive effort undertaken by who knows how many settlements, survivors, and urbanites. Hell, he heard rumors even the bandits provided support. If everything they told him were true, he should have a straight shot up to the Calico trading hub. From there, it was up to the rovers to confirm they did their part to clear the way to Las Vegas. Otherwise he'll be coming right back.
Part of him hoped that was the case.
That part of him wanted to crest the Cajon Pass and be told something was wrong, the he needed to turn around. Victorville terrified him. The rumors pouring out from the region since the outbreak settled were fear-inducing, even if they managed to produce a secure route through. And beyond that? Desert. And swarms.
Why the infected congregated in the desert, no one knew. They congregated, they roamed, and they evolved. He didn't know what was worse, the turf wars in the High Desert, or the swarms of infected beyond. He hoped he wouldn't find out.
The bus crawled to a stop at the gate where a small crowd was gathered. Security was tight on this day, but this was no different than any other time the main gate was opened. The council was present, standing alongside members of this little community. The passengers were lined up in front of the crowd with their belongings stacked in front of them. He recognized every passenger, and every face in the crowd, all of which expressed some mixture of hope, excitement, fear, and pity. He understood the pity, though he refused to accept it. He asked for this job; it wasn't thrust upon him. He would see it through to the best of his ability.
Interesting. Very interesting indeed. Wanderers. Settlers. Survivors. Urbanites. Bandits. Rovers. And swarms! What are these swarms? I don’t know about you, but I’m already invested in, and I’m writing the damn thing. Well, only one way to learn what all of these are and what part they play in this grand adventure! You can read Part III here.
Another edition of Volume II is under wraps! Our resident Groundskeeper seems to be acclimating well to their position, and the vampire has quite the mystery to solve, and Bus Driver is about to embark on a perilous journey. All told, I think these series are off to a wonderful start! Don’t you?
Anyway, thank you for being here, and for reading this far. I do hope you are immensely enjoying yourself. I look forward to visiting with you again in the next edition!
Cordially,
Mad Alex
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