STQK: EP.2 (A West side Tale)

21 Feb, 2026

New to the ongoing blog series called STQK "Would you like to know more?"

Hello there,

We continue with the next episode in the Gamma World 1e system.

Scene 1

Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) have just witness what seems to be a forcefield explosion off the perimeter of Gah Grah Village. Leaving little behind to investigate the duo, head towards the entrance; a decrepit towering temple lies in the distance. Hopefully someone of authority can help find them answers.

Gah Grah Village adapted the western cowboy motif after the founders came upon old visual manuals depicting such things. The street judge was the authority in the village; they acted as judge, jury, and hangman. This tiny desert oasis had everything a "marked" mutant would need. A Marketplace that sells radioactive onions, to a rival adventure guild and gun club, trying to keep a grip on the surrounding desert territory.

As Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) enter the west side of the village the creepy and intense¹ temple that overshadowed the entrance comes into view. As they approach the crumbling steps a local street judge² was there naturally assisting³ someone in need.

Scene 2

Even with the ominous temple, this part of Gah Grah Village seemed reasonably safe as the street judge directed foot traffic. A Mantis mutant priest continued to shout to his mantis underlings "pick up the pace this judge doesn't have all day!" The little mantis mutants hurried and continued to grab garments from the local tailor across the street. Leaving a trail of mini footprints to the side entrance of the temple.

The religion of the Manti was formed by mutants for mutants to help give the community a sense of belonging in these trying times. Over the centuries it was written, the mantis insect prayed to the sun god to destroy those that have wronged them, and the sun god has given.

Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) walked up to this friendly and helpful⁴ judge as he waved to onlookers of the mantis clergy. They hoped to find answers to their inquire.

Nodding with disbelief the judge said he heard the explosion from the temple steps. "Crowds have been questioning⁴, the court has started an investigation⁴, any judge is asking allies⁴ of Gah Grah village for any information to help solve this crime." Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) opened their hands showing off the coins left at the scene. The judge shrugging it off, having no idea⁵ what those are or where they came from, gave only one possible suggestion.

"Go east towards the Sah B Roads, near the river. There is an insane⁶, but knowledgeable⁶ mutant that claims to know everything. It seems like a facade⁶ though, no one can know everything." As the two stepped away from the conversation, they could hear in the distance "don't slip in the water, he is a aquatic plant⁷ mutant."

Scene 3

Things would not be easy⁸ for Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) as they start leaving the village. A judge overhearing their conversation closes⁹ the gate of the village and became anxious⁹ as the two approach.

Unwilling¹⁰ to speak to either Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) this scented tooth¹¹ creature was silent during their interaction. This Cren Tosh¹² had a terrible smell resonating from his mouth, probably the remains of a recent meal stuck in his lizardly teeth.

Onfi(∫⋢≬) knew this "judge" was hiding something, so a battle of minds ensued. The mental gymnastics taking place was difficult for the cren tosh to handle. The mental attack¹³ caused a disastrous blow to the creature. Finally, it was forced to reverse course and open the gate.

Devastated by this mental headache, the mutant reverted back to his fish form and burrowed deep in the ground. Nathal(⇟∲⇟) and Onfi(∫⋢≬) knew this aquatic sand creature was not by happenstance and should keep their guard up when traveling through the desert.

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