[DL] (Marshal Talk) Power Groups [spoilers]

["Roger Bert" <deadlands@triton.net>]

Greetings.

With the Rail Wars heating up, the end of the Doomtown TCG, the start of the
Range Wars disc game, possible trouble from Santa Anna, and the devious
plans of Grimme's crusade all happening at the same time, much has happened
in the Deadlands power group structure lately.

I must admit that I am not 100% fully read up on current events but I am
going through the books now in both preparation to run a Weird West game and
rekindle an interest in the Great Rail Wars here locally. There are tons of
groups, organizations, outfits, etc., all clashing together in a messy
fashion in the west.

I want to understand the relations between these groups on at least a basic
level of who is working with who and know where any direct conflicts are
really heated currently. First I have listed some of the power groups I
believe to be important. Then I am trying to place them together in a
meaningful way. Comments are appreciated as are suggestions and groups I
missed, etc. This is kind of like a brain storming post here meant to clue
me in on the things I have missed lately. Thanks.

Power Groups
Major:
The Agency
Bayou Vermillion
Black River
Dixie Rails
Grimme's Lost Angels
Hellstromme Industries
Iron Dragon
Pinkerton Detective Agency
Santa Anta's Army
Texas Rangers
Union Blue
Wasatch

Minor:
Collegium
Guardian Angels (Lost Angels or the Flock? Not Sure.)
Maze Rats
Smith and Robards
Sweetrock Mining Company
Whateleys

OK. We know the original major Rail Gangs (Bayou Vermillion, Black River,
Dixie Rails, Iron Dragon, Union Blue, and Wasatch). We know that originally
the Pinkertons had major dealings with Union Blue under a protection and
services contract as well as the usual government connection. Now that the
Pinkertons have been "dealt out" of US government affairs does this mean
that the Agency would step in and perform 'protection' for Union Blue? It
seems to me that the Pinkertons would remain working with Union Blue as
before but it also seems very likely that PEG would replace them with Agents
anyway since the whole Pinkerton thing has been majorly downplayed. So if
Agents are working protection on Union Blue rail crews would they be
incognito? Disguised as gunmen or rail workers or possibly Pinkertons? Just
as a side questions is there going to be new figures for agents in GRW
replacing the original Pinkerton posses or just a new name? Will there be
rules for using both hired Pinkerton enforcers and Agents?
(Union Blue + Pinkertons + Agency) ?

With Dixie Rails I make the assumption that nothing has majorly changed.
That the Texas Rangers are still assigned by virtue of the Confederacy to
guard and protect their military interests in the Dixie Rails co.
(Dixie Rails + Texas Rangers)

What's up with Wasatch? Hellstromme owns Wasatch but I thought I read that
Hellstromme Industries was going to directly enter the Rail Wars situation.
Is this just a plain situation of Hellstromme Industries = Wasatch in all
respects? So far I don't believe that Hellstromme's adversaries, Smith and
Robards, have aligned with any of the power groups. Is that correct? And I
believe I read that Hellstromme is working on a deal with the Collegium.
(Wasatch/HI + Collegium) ?

Anyone know the nature of the arrangement that Bayou Vermillion has with the
Whateleys family other than their basic natures?
(Bayou Vermillion + Whateleys) ?

Has Rev. Grimme organized an effective rail gang yet to strike out against
his enemies? I seen something on a TCG website about a former flock leader
working with a group of Guardian Angels and if I am not mistaken that is a
extension of Grimme's Lost Angels. I haven't followed the TCG beyond the
Pine Box edition so I missed all of the story cards here. Are the remnants
of the Flock working with Grimme or was the Flock a secret group of Grimme's
to begin with?
(Grimme's Lost Angels + Flock) ?

What's the deal with Black River working with the Sweetrock Mining Company?
Just a money and convenience thing?
(Black River + Sweetrock Mining Company) ?

I haven't heard much about the Iron Dragons. There seems to be a trend to
pair up a major player with a minor player. Will the Iron Dragons join up
with the Maze Rats since there all ferners?

Has Santa Anna's army of Mexican Undead appeared yet?

Thanks and Good Gaming!
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Roger Bert <rogerbert@old-oeridians.com>
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Old Oeridians Game Club:
http://www.old-oeridians.com/
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