Secretly born outside of Boomtown's controlled population, Ricky's existence is unsanctioned and off the books. He has learned in the course of a tough life in the slums how to listen, learn, and take care of himself. At his home, he has faced starvation and the Outsiders’ raids. Working In the city, he continues to face discrimination and a cruel military force.

He romanticizes the times of generations past, when heroes such as the legendary outlaw Six-Gun fought for the good of the people. He wonders if such a time can exist again some day. He hopes so, and he hopes that time is now.

Many Outsider tribes have risen and fallen through the years, but none like the one Hank leads - the superstitious cult army of vagabonds who call themselves the Hangman’s Horde. They roam the Wilderness searching for other tribes and non-citizens to absorb into their growing army. All are welcome. Those who refuse are put to death.

The Horde is driven toward the destruction of Boomtown, a mission inspired by Hank's interpretation of a vision received years ago by his brother Donnie. Hank’s faith in the vision is absolute. He knows their charge is divine. He will not stop until it is accomplished.

When Abarth found Joan and the other survivors of her birth tribe Starving and traumatized by the harsh, unexplainable mysteries of the wilderness, He witnessed her aptitude for resolving conflict - whether through diplomacy or force - and was more than happy to accept her offer to become his general.

Joan knew of the Hangman and the reputation of his growing horde. She successfully negotiated the alliance of the wilderness tribes to ensure they could stand against him. She certainly did not expect to like him.

Then they met.

And when he told her of his brother and the message of the vision, She certainly did not expect it to change everything she thought she knew.

Then It did.

Hank has had other names, as has his brother Donnie, but the Hangman’s “Horned” sibling is most commonly called The Demon. It is said he can possess those around him, and that he has a coterie of acolytes in his thrall. It is said he talks to spirits and sees the future.

Since becoming disenchanted with the “gift” of the Vision, Hank has become accustomed to the cycle - they heatedly argue about their purpose, Donnie plunges alone into the wilderness to seek the counsel of mystics and wise women, and returns to camp a few days later with a reinvigorated volition.

Donnie said This time was different. Hank knows he was right.

Like most people in Boomtown, Zoie came from Midtown. Unlike most people, she pursued opportunities beneath her rather than above. In time She became a well-known and well-loved business mogul, developing a reputation for driving a hard bargain and being a true woman of the people. In Lowtown, she is practically a saint.

But Boomtown is a dangerous place to be so well-loved, and the government has taken note that some of Zoie's establishments are rumored to be trading posts for illegal goods and services. Whether she is fostering dissent has become a question the institution is more and more curious to answer.