Echoes of the Fall

The Fall

The 2024 US presidential election was the spark that ignited a catastrophic series of events, leading to the downfall of the United States and the emergence of a fractured world. The election's outcome was hotly contested, with allegations of fraud and corruption from all sides. Protests erupted nationwide, quickly escalating into violent clashes. As tensions reached a boiling point, foreign adversaries took advantage of the chaos, launching cyber-attacks that crippled critical infrastructure. The situation spiraled out of control, culminating in the deployment of weaponized EMPs by rival superpowers, plunging the globe into darkness and severing all forms of electronic communication.

In the aftermath of the EMP detonations, the once-unified United States splintered into several warring factions, each vying for control in a world without modern technology. The Sovereign Republic rose from the remnants of the federal government and military. Centered in Washington D.C. and the surrounding states, they sought to reestablish order through authoritarian rule, using military force and propaganda to suppress any opposition. Their vision was clear: a return to the pre-apocalyptic order, but at the cost of individual freedoms.

Meanwhile, in the heartland of America, the Free People's Coalition emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking a democratic and egalitarian society. Grassroots organizers and community leaders from the Midwest, particularly around Chicago and the Great Lakes region, banded together to form a decentralized network of self-governing communities. They focused on mutual aid and cooperation, believing that a new society could only thrive through unity and collective effort, standing in stark contrast to the authoritarianism of the Sovereign Republic.

In the South, the New Confederacy took shape, driven by conservative and traditionalist values. Disillusioned by the federal government's collapse, these groups sought to establish a new nation based on states' rights and traditional societal structures. Utilizing guerrilla warfare and fortified enclaves, they defended their territories with fervor. Their aim was to create a separatist nation that harkened back to a time before centralized federal power, echoing the ideologies of a bygone era.

As these factions vied for dominance, other groups emerged with different visions for the future. The Green Commune, formed by environmentalists and rural communities in the Pacific Northwest, sought to live in harmony with nature. They prioritized sustainability and ecological restoration, advocating for a peaceful and communal way of life. In contrast, the Raider Clans in the Southwest adopted a ruthless survival strategy, thriving through raiding and scavenging in the harsh desert environment. Finally, the Faithful Remnant, deeply religious groups in the Bible Belt, saw the apocalypse as a divine event and aimed to build a society grounded in their interpretation of faith and morality.

In this new world, the struggle for survival and dominance continues. The factions, each with their unique ideologies and goals, are locked in a relentless battle. The fall of the United States has given rise to a landscape of conflict and uncertainty, where the future is shaped by the echoes of the fall and the dreams of those who survived.

Materials Needed:

• A standard deck of playing cards (Jokers Removed)
• Two six-sided dice (2D6)
• A journal or any means of recording your journey
• A pencil or pen (or crayon. The world has fallen there are no rules.)