Rippers live and die by their ability to process junk, stolen tech, and salvaged parts. You want to be a Ripper, walking around with your own battlesuit, and freaky alien cannon? You have to start by clearing out the trash, finding the viable parts just like everyone else.
So who are the grunts who do the initial processing and low level raids on mechanics and junkyards?
Gutter Scraps (Exceptional Gang Members + 2 Templates)
New recruits are sent to scrap yards and garages. They don’t get any cool toys, just tools for taking things apart. Their goals are simple, grab the best working parts they can find, any high quality materials that can be repurposed, or at least sold.
Benders (Low Powered Gang Members + 3 Templates)
Once a scrap has completed enough runs they officially earn their jackets. These aren’t traditional gang leathers, but cobbled together back braces and exoskeletons that allow them to carry hundreds of pounds with ease. In addition to being able to carry an engine block, Benders can use their jackets to deliver devastating blows.
It may take a dozen or more raids before a Gutter Scrap earns a jacket. The street cost of the exoskeleton is not trivial, so the Rippers will use trash runs to weed out the posers, and goons that lack the technical skills to progress further in their origination.
Tough Nuts (Low Powered Gang Members + 5 Templates)
Some Benders have the bright idea that if they can carry a quarter ton, why not bolt on some metal plates where one can. While the weight is virtually nothing to the Bender, it demonstrates a modicum of technical skill, and resourcefulness, in addition to adding a solid layer of protection in case the spandex types show up.
Gunners (Low Powered Gang Members + 6 Templates)
Like the Tough Nuts, Gunners have figured out how to leverage their enhanced strength. Namely rigging machine guns, shotguns, or other heavy projectile weapons in place and wiring them to hand triggers.
Hope you enjoyed this first look at the Rippers. Next time we’ll dig into their more seniored members, AKA those cats who really get to have some fun. Get ready for the: Junk Dogs, Astro Kiddies, and Docs.
