The Drake Cluster, a section of the underhive city of Necromunda, is a place where gangs fight for survival and dominance. The Ash Wastes, the barren lands beyond the city walls, are a source of valuable resources and trade routes. The Iron Bridge, a toll booth connecting the sector with the Ash Wastes, is a strategic point that many gangs covet.
Recently, a fierce skirmish took place on the Iron Bridge between two rival gangs: The Sump Saints, a Cawdor gang led by Prestwold, and The Iron Assemblage, an Orlock gang led by Ramsey Boltgun. I was able to witness the battle firsthand and interview some of the survivors.
The Sump Saints are followers of the Redemption, a fanatical cult that seeks to purge the underhive of sinners and mutants. Prestwold is a charismatic preacher who claims to have visions from the Emperor. He leads his flock with zeal and fervor, often using fire and explosives to cleanse his enemies.
The Iron Assemblage are newcomers to the Drake Cluster, having migrated from another sector. Ramsey Boltgun is a former bounty hunter who decided to form his own gang after making a fortune in the Ash Wastes. He leads his crew with pragmatism and cunning, often using stealth and surprise to gain an advantage.
The conflict started when Ramsey Boltgun decided to take over the Iron Bridge, hoping to profit from the tolls. He had been informed by a local snitch that the area was quiet and unguarded. However, he was unaware that Prestwold and his gang had taken refuge in a nearby settlement after a brutal encounter with another gang, the Vixens.
Prestwold was alerted by three local lads who offered to join his cause and informed him of Ramsey’s approach. Prestwold armed the boys with some basic weapons and sent Milford, his heavy crossbowman, to ambush the Orlocks on the bridge.
As Ramsey and his gang approached the bridge, they were greeted by a massive explosion that rocked the ground and sent debris flying. Milford had planted a bomb on the bridge and detonated it as soon as he saw the Orlocks. However, Ramsey and two of his gangers survived the blast thanks to their sturdy armor. Ramsey was furious and vowed to make his informant pay.
Milford’s smile turned into horror as he saw the Orlocks get up unscathed from the explosion. He tried to reload his crossbow, but it was too late. A bullet hit his chest and sent him tumbling down from his vantage point.
Ramsey ordered his gang to be careful and advance slowly towards the bridge. He suspected that there were more Cawdors hiding in the shadows. He was right. As soon as they crossed the bridge, they were met by a hail of gunfire from Prestwold and his gang.
The battle was fierce and chaotic. Both gangs exchanged shots, but few hit their mark due to the tension and fear. Those who did were either protected by their armor or wounded but not killed.
Prestwold shouted prayers and curses at his enemies, inspiring his flock to fight harder. He also used his flamethrower to set some of the Orlocks on fire, causing them to scream in agony.
Ramsey tried to keep his cool and direct his gang to flank and overwhelm the Cawdors. He also took out some of the Cawdor juves who were poorly equipped and inexperienced.
The casualties mounted on both sides. Some of the gangers succumbed to their wounds or fled in panic. Others fought on despite their injuries or tried to help their fallen comrades.
The tide turned when Prestwold charged at Pistols Pete, one of Ramsey’s lieutenants, and knocked him out cold with his power maul. Seeing their leader in trouble, some of the Orlocks lost their nerve and decided to retreat.
Becka the Wrecker, one of Ramsey’s best fighters, tried to save her boss by using her jump booster to leap at Prestwold. However, her device malfunctioned and left her stranded in her original position.
With most of his gang either dead or gone, Ramsey had no choice but to follow suit. He grabbed Pistols Pete and dragged him away from the bridge.
The Sump Saints cheered as they watched their enemies flee. They claimed the Iron Bridge as their own and thanked the Emperor for their victory.
The battle was over, but at what cost? Both gangs suffered heavy losses and injuries that would take time to heal. The Iron Bridge was damaged by the explosion and would need repairs before it could be used again.
Who will benefit from this conflict? Will Prestwold be able to hold on to his prize? Will Ramsey come back for revenge? Will another gang take advantage of their weakness?
Only time will tell in this brutal world of ours.
