Fallout 4's Commonwealth Baseball Organization

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

The View from the BMU

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

16 August 2298 – Postal Square

On certain Tuesdays for the 2297 and 2298 seasons, we will feature one of the settlements where teams in the Boston Minor Union play.

In our twenty-second trip around the BMU, we are going to Downtown Boston to the home of one of the most popular restaurants in the Commonwealth, Joe's Spuckies.

A Station by Any Other Name

Postal Square Station makes the center of the area, thus the attachment to it by Nate Howard. This is a settlement that is not centralized nor does it have a local government like most other settlements, though that could change. Like Nate points out, many of the settlements will eventually be a part of larger local governments. For now, Nate compares each settlement to something like a housing authority.


Postal Square Station, the center of the area

Postal Square is east of Goodneighbor, which acts as its own settlement. To the north there is Faneuil Hall, to the northeast the Custom House Tower and Christopher Columbus Park where the Postal Square Action Boys play, to the east the Shamrock Taphouse, and to the southeast the Harbormaster Hotel where visitors to Postal Square typically stay, including visiting baseball teams.

A Sandwich to Remember

Vault dwellers may have the opportunity to enjoy sandwiches on the regular, but we top-siders never had that luxury. It wasn't until a former Gunner took over the shop that the topsiders got to have these delicious delicacies known as the spuckie. Now, Joe's Spuckies is open for business, but get there early or you will remain hungry!


Joe's Spuckies before brooms and mops entered the location. It's pretty now, and the Radstag Spuckie is worth the wait!

Ryder, now known as Joe Ryder, left the Gunners after a falling out with Gunners leadership at the former Gunners Plaza. Not known for his great leadership, he was very good at his hobby of turning the yuck that are the Commonwealth food choices into delicious offerings.

After he started turning powdered razorgrain into dough, Ryder started created a baked bread that he used for sandwiches. He would make simple sandwiches like putting canned Cram on his "spuccadella" bread. In time, he started to use brahmin milk to create a cheese that became a popular edition to his sandwiches.


Joe Ryder happy people enjoy his spuckies

Ryder later made deals with Commonwealth hunters, buying any meats he could. The most popular by far was radstag meat that he cured into a radstag roast. Soon, the Radstag Spuckie became so popular that the sandwiches would sell out before 1 PM.

Christopher Columbus Park

The Postal Square settlement uses that area as its central base for identifying where it is, but most of the people living here have occupied buildings in the area.


Christopher Columbus Park - now the home of Shamrock Taphouse Stadium of the Square

The ballpark location for the Postal Square Action Boys is the place formerly known as Christopher Columbus Park in pre-War Boston. According to a terminal, "The Christopher Columbus Park is [a] . . . location in the Commonwealth. . . . It is just east of Faneuil Hall, and just behind the Custom House Tower.

"Named after Christopher Columbus, this small, harborside park is home to some radstags. A monument . . . once stood in the park. . . .There are also some mutfruit plants and lounge chairs around the location. There is a boat anchored just outside of the park."

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall is the major housing complex in the Postal Square area. It is a historic building with quite the story.


Faneuil Hall - It has been converted to apartments where most Postal Square settlers live

According to a terminal entry, "After the project of erecting a public market house in Boston had been discussed for some years, French merchant Peter Faneuil offered at a public meeting in 1740 to build a suitable edifice at his own cost as a gift to the town. There was strong opposition to market houses, and although a vote of thanks was passed unanimously, his offer was accepted by a majority of seven. Funded in part by profits from slave trading, the building was begun in Dock Square in September 1740. It was built by artist John Smybert from 1740 to 1742 in the style of an English country market, with an open ground floor serving as the market house, and an assembly room above. Topping the cupola was the gilded grasshopper weather vane created by Deacon Shem Drowne.

"Donated to the city of Boston in 1742, Faneuil Hall fulfilled its role as a commercial hub in colonial Massachusetts. The structure received damage in the 1755 Cape Ann earthquake, which was repaired along with the weather vane. In 1761 the hall was destroyed by fire, leaving nothing but the brick walls; it was rebuilt by the town in 1762.

"Faneuil Hall also played a notable role in the American Revolution. Protests against the British Sugar and Stamp Acts that began here led to the doctrine of 'no taxation without representation.' Later, meetings were held here that culminated in the Boston Tea Party. Many of the Founding Fathers met or gave speeches here (notably Samuel Adams), leading to the building's nickname, 'the Cradle of Liberty.' In 1775, during the British occupation of Boston, it was used for a theater.

"In 1806, the hall was greatly expanded by Charles Bulfinch, doubling its height and width and adding a third floor. Four new bays were added to make seven in all, the open arcades were enclosed, several galleries were added around the assembly hall, and the cupola was moved to the opposite end of the building. Faneuil Hall was later entirely rebuilt of noncombustible materials in 1898–1899.

"As time marched on, Faneuil Hall had become the civic heart of Boston for the next three centuries. The meeting hall had hosted speakers and debates from the first patriots to modern presidents, and Faneuil Marketplace was an oasis of commerce in the center of Boston's Financial District. This historic landmark became part of the Freedom Trail, and governed over by the Freedom Society.

"At the Freedom Society's September 2077 meeting, they discussed the motion to consider merchants' proposals for Protectrons to secure the Faneuil Hall marketplace from petty thieves. Objections were raised on historic preservation grounds and the motion failed unanimously. However, sales noticeably dropped the week of August 8 and the shoplifting continued. They all agreed to take a more detailed approach to their inventory to verify the thefts. It was the week of August 15 that their real problems surfaced. Despite sales being up by 11% due to the Columbus Day holiday, the merchants' inventory report showed net losses of $2,294 for the week, with twelve confirmed shoplifting incidents. Several merchants threatened to sue for breach of contract over security issues, and Fallon's prepared to withdraw immediately. With the pressure building, the mayor of Boston insisted that the Protectron installation proceeds despite objections. By this time the society, whose representatives shrank from fourteen to eleven, also had to allocate funds for roof repairs.

"As the week moved forward, a massacre occurred at the building. The Protectrons that were installed killed seven people, including five alleged shoplifters, one bystander, and one Fallon's cashier. A public relations nightmare followed, and sales dropped 81%. To avoid further media scrutiny, the Society canceled further weekly merchants' meetings.

"The Great War saw to it that the roof repairs were never completed, and the building remained relatively intact for the next two centuries. By October 2287, however, the place became a super mutant encampment. They tore the place apart and burned most of the meeting hall chairs in two bonfires: one in the center of the hall, the other around the remains of the Samuel Adams statue. However, this did not dissuade detective and treasure hunter Marty Bullfinch from braving the dangers in an attempt to solve the case of The Gilded Grasshopper. His former partner, Nick Valentine, and Nick's new partner, [Nate Howard chose] to track him down and solve the case."

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

16 August 2298 - BMU: Colbert Delivers Walk-Off Grand Slam for Action Boys

The Postal Square Action Boys finished things off in style.

Behind a fine performance from Darius Yurnday, the Postal Square Action Boys knocked off the Boston Common Lead Bellies, 11-8. Yurnday belted 2 home runs, while scoring 3 runs and driving in 2 for the Action Boys. The Action Boys, at 28-39, sit in 5th place in the Massachusetts Association Downtown Boston League.

The game ended with a bang. In the bottom of the ninth, with Postal Square trailing 8-7, Belly Colbert jumped on a 0-2 fastball from Craig Tomsboy for a grand slam home run, sending the Action Boys to a walk-off win.

Yurnday called the triumph "a good team win."

16 August 2298 - BMU: Jacomet Batters College Square Big Time

It was a big day with the bat for Danny Jacomet of the Corvega Flamers at Corvega Stadium as he bashed out hit after hit after hit to defeat the College Square Nerd Ragers, 11-4.

After the game he said, "Guys, it's just one game in a long season. I hit it hard and found some holes today. 5 hits in 5 tries. But my hits are not the big thing in the game. The victory is the important thing. That's the story."

At the end of the game Jacomet had collected 5 hits in 5 at-bats and a small mention in the record book. And the Flamers had won. Danny Jacomet singled in the 1st, singled in the 4th, hit a three-run home run off Jalen Gibbons in the 5th, singled in the 6th and hit a three-run home run off Schmere Papp in the 7th.

This year Jacomet is batting .291 with 3 home runs.

16 August 2298 - Going, Going, Gone! Assman Hits 3 Homers

Goodneighbor Hancocks first baseman Bryan Assman had a magnificent game against the Vault 81 Dwellers today, rocketing three balls out of CURIE Inc. Field to help the Hancocks take the 8-7 victory.

"I got some good pitches to hit and I creamed them," he said after the game. "The first was a big, fat fastball and the last two were hanging curves. All three were mistakes."

For the game, Assman went 4-for-5 with 5 RBIs and 4 runs scored.

"There's a fine line between hitting home runs and line drives," Goodneighbor manager Jeremy Whiteplate said later. "Seems like Bryan found his home run stroke today."

Bryan Assman hit a solo-shot off Godfather Hough in the 1st, singled in the 4th, flied out in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off Godfather Hough in the 8th and hit a three-run home run off Dave Caveman in the 9th.

Currently Assman is hitting .376 and has collected 29 home runs, 88 RBIs and scored 98 times, while playing in 94 games.

Assman was not the only outstanding hitter in the game. Vault 81's Deer Quickwalker also had a day. Quickwalker was 4 for 5 with a double, a home run, three runs, and three RBI. He also stole his fourth base of the season.

16 August 2298 - Collins Shuts Out Assaultrons

The Easy Town Assaultrons were almost helpless today in their 1-0 loss to the Sunshine Tidings Chemists and hurler Jamie Collins. Collins kept the Assaultrons confused all game, spinning a 5-hit shutout.

"Tip your hat to Collins," Easy Town manager Graham Route said in his postgame interview. "He kept us off balance all night."

The 20-year-old left-hander had 2 walks and 5 strikeouts in a strong performance.

"It just happened to be one of those games where even when I made mistakes, they either fouled them off or someone would make a fine defensive play," Collins said. "It was just one of those games that things went my way."

16 August 2298 - Waples Goes 5-for-5 Against Nordhagen Beach

Today at Slocum's Joe Seaside Stadium, Jim Waples put on an impressive display.

The Abernathy Adamantium second baseman tagged Nordhagen Beach pitching for 5 hits in 5 at-bats, but his teammates were unable to capitalize on the spree and lost the game to the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys by the score of 11-5.

"The loss takes some of the joy out of it, but I'll take it," Waples said. "5-for-5 ain't bad in any league."

Despite the terrific performance, the Adamantium manager was unwilling to offer his second baseman much praise, saying he holds his "whole roster" accountable for losses.

"Jim told me 'Coach, I had 5 hits' and I said 'Well that's great, but it looks like we needed one more from you,'" manager Chase Stingwing said.

Jim Waples singled in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, singled in the 6th and singled in the 8th.

Waples is batting .345 with 2 home runs and 33 RBIs this season.

Nordhagen Beach's Tomas Jones also had an outstanding game offensively, falling a single shy of the cycle. He finished 3 for 4 wth a walk, a double, a triple, a home run, three runs, and four RBI.

The Party Boys entered the bottom of the sixth trailing 5-4 before scoring a run to tie it up. With two runs in the seventh and four in the eighth, they surged ahead in this potential playoff matchup.

16 August 2298 - Storts Shorts the Fort

The Slog got a strong outing from Tyler Storts as the Ghouls defeated the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud, 4-1, at Tarberry Field Forever. Tiny Greene earned his 28th save in 29 tries. With the win, The Slog pushed its record to 55-39.

With the game tied, 0-0, in the bottom of the sixth, Storts had a key at-bat for The Slog. With a runner on 2nd, Storts hit a run-scoring single off Joey Dimes, making the score 1-0, Ghouls.

"We did a lot of things right," said Storts.

While his bat provided the winning run, Storts' pitching kept the Shroud in check all day. In 8.1 innings, Storts allowed one earned run on five hits with five walks and four strikeouts.

[OrangeP47]

I'm caught up now. Too much to comment on, but let me just say I like the new analysis format with the power rankings. Really helps me keep an overall "big picture" view of what's going on.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

17 August 2298 - BMU: Action Boys Clip Lead Bellies, 5-4

Postal Square picked up a win at Shamrock Taphouse Stadium of the Square, toppling the Boston Common Lead Bellies, 5-4. Pitcher Danny Janssen was one of the reasons the Action Boys triumphed. Taco LaVergne notched his 7th save in 14 chances. The 5th-place Action Boys now have a win-loss record of 29-39.

Danny Haircutter hit a run-scoring double off Tup Mallory in the bottom of the eighth, which put the Action Boys in front, 4-3. In addition to the double, Haircutter had 2 singles, while going 3 for 4.

In comments to the Postal Square Daily, Janssen insisted that he's not as disinterested as it often appears. "Haters will hate," he added.

17 August 2298 - BMU: Galleria Punchless in 10-0 Loss to Spy Hunters

The Taffington Boathouse Spy Hunters shut out the Galleria Robotics Experts 10-0 today behind the strong pitching of Wilson Beachball. Beachball surrendered only 2 hits in recording the complete-game victory, and struck out 9.

Following the last out, Beachball appeared to celebrate a little too boisterously for Galleria manager Alfredo Barios, who could be seen scolding the famously outspoken right-hander as the clubs left the field. Beachball's own manager then intervened with some words for his counterpart.

The Robotics Experts skipper would not comment on the exchange, but at the Spy Hunters press conference, Beachball confirmed that it was regarding the celebration.

"He basically told me I was being a lousy winner," Beachball said.

"And I told him he was being a lousy loser," Taffington Boathouse manager Tim Haysneedle added.

Beachball has gone 4-8 this season with an ERA of 4.57 and 77 strikeouts in 100.1 innings pitched. Other clubs are hitting .254 against him.

17 August 2298 - Nukes Excels, But Assaultrons Win

Despite a great performance by Sunshine Tidings left fielder Amari Nukes, the Easy Town Assaultrons defeated the Chemists by the score of 5-4 at ArcJet Systems Stadium. Nukes was 3 for 4 with 2 home runs. He drove in 4 runs and scored twice. Smoker Caliman was the winner. Over 8 innings, he allowed 4 runs on 9 hits, with 1 walk and 9 strikeouts. Aaron Geneva recorded the save. In save chances, he's now 32 for 34.

It could have been a different outcome for Easy Town, had it not been for Adam Henderson, the 21-year old catcher . Henderson contributed a 2-run double in the top of the fifth inning to put Easy Town up, 4-2.

"I was a little disappointed," said Sunshine Tidings manager Cozy Burmaster. "We could've and should've scored more runs."

With the win, Easy Town upped its record to 53-42.

17 August 2298 - Hayes goes 4-for-5, Leads Hancocks to Win

The 7-4 Goodneighbor win over Vault 81 was due largely to Jumper Hayes. The Hancocks second baseman went 4 for 5 with a home run and 2 doubles. He scored 2 times and drove in 2. The victory gives Goodneighbor a record of 66-29.

Goodneighbor used the timely hitting of Good Don Duck to seize the win. The right fielder stroked a 2-run single in the top of the ninth inning to put the Hancocks on top, 5-3. It was his only hit in 5 at-bats, but it was a game-changer.

"We're stringing together some nice wins," said Goodneighbor manager Jeremy Whiteplate.

17 August 2298 - Ninjas Beat Red Rockets, 6-2

Getting an impressive start from Phlip Wallace, Egret beat Jamaica Plain by the score of 6-2. In 9 innings, Wallace surrendered 7 hits, while striking out 10 and walking 1. He allowed 2 runs. The Ninjas saw their record improve to 43-52.

Kurt Kilgore dealt the Red Rockets a blow in the bottom of the fourth. Batting with runners on 1st and 3rd and Egret leading 3-2, Kilgore, the 20th overall pick in the 2296 draft, hit a full count fastball for a 2-run double.

"It's a mindset," said Wallace. "Just trying to do your job, trying to be consistent."

17 August 2298 - Nordhagen Beach Gets 7-5 Win Against Adamantium

Nordhagen Beach and Abernathy duked it out and the Party Boys came out victorious.

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys bested the Abernathy Adamantium by a score of 7-5, with center fielder Ryan Combs getting the main credit. On the day, Combs went 3 for 4 with a triple and 2 singles. He scored 2 runs for the Party Boys. Nordhagen Beach improves to 60-35 with the win. They lead their division by 4½ games.

In the bottom of the third, Dustin Mart hit a 2-run home run. The 29th home run of the season for the Nordhagen Beach first baseman put the Party Boys on top, 4-3.

"You know, at the end of the day, it's about who scores the most runs," said Nordhagen Beach manager Craig Robinson.

17 August 2298 - Silver Shroud Dealt 5-3 Loss by The Slog

Led by C.T. Woodard, the The Slog Ghouls defeated the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud, 5-3. Woodard was 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 singles, while scoring 3 runs for the Ghouls. Matt Suds, now 3-3, was credited with the win. He allowed no runs on 2 hits, while striking out 2 and walking 0. The triumph puts The Slog at 56-39 for the season.

Nick Homebody dealt the Silver Shroud a blow in the bottom of the third. Batting with the bases loaded and The Slog leading 1-0, Homebody hit a 1-2 forkball for a 2-run single.

Woodard called the triumph "a good team win."

Jim Tiller's consecutive-game hitting streak has now climbed to 20 games. The Fort Hagen first baseman smacked 1 hit against the The Slog Ghouls in today's game at Tarberry Field Forever, but he expressed mixed emotions about the streak after watching the Silver Shroud drop the game.

"I feel good about the streak, but don't feel good when we lose," he told reporters. "I'd love to get a hit as well as a win next time so I can celebrate properly."

Tiller grounded out in the 1st, grounded out in the 4th, hit a two-run home run off Bobby DeLaune in the 6th and flied out in the 8th.

So far this year, Tiller is batting .393 with 14 home runs and 79 RBIs.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

18 August 2298 - BMU: Big Leaguers Clinch GSL with Win

The Eastlake Aquaboys went down to defeat to Burp Taylor and his Natick Banks teammates. The final score was 4-2 in favor of the Big Leaguers. Natick Banks has 3 straight wins, Eastlake 3 straight losses.

Natick Banks used the clutch hitting of Tesla Petersen to capture the win. The second baseman drilled a bases-clearing double in the top of the sixth inning to give the Big Leaguers the lead, 4-1. For the game, Petersen had 2 singles and 1 double in 4 at-bats.

"I just trusted my stuff," said Taylor (13-3).

The manager of the Natick Banks Big Leaguers, Scott Vetson, said "a lot of hard work, talent and luck" are the reasons for his team's Massachusetts Association Glowing Sea League championship.

"This club believes in themselves and goes out and gets it done," said Vetson. "You can't ask for much more than that as a manager."

It's the club's 1st Glowing Sea League crown and gives them an opportunity to win the franchise's 1st Boston Minor Series.

"We want that title badly," said starting pitcher Burp Taylor as he took a break from celebrating with teammates. "This is just a start."

18 August 2298 - BMU: Reliford, Action Boys Get 5-0 Win

Postal Square rode a fine outing from starter Josh Reliford to victory over the Boston Common Lead Bellies at Shamrock Taphouse Stadium of the Square. The final score was 5-0. Postal Square is now riding a 3-game win streak.

Reliford made it look effortless. He scattered 4 hits over 7.1 innings, while racking up 11 strikeouts. The Postal Square right-hander encountered little resistance from the Boston Common hitters. His season record is now 4-0.

"Feels good to get the job done," Reliford said after the game.

18 August 2298 - BMU: Churchman Excels, Taffington Boathouse Blows Out Galleria

Taffington Boathouse first baseman Lou Churchman made his presence felt in the 13-3 Spy Hunters triumph over the Galleria Robotics Experts. Churchman went 3 for 4 with a home run, 2 singles, and a walk, while scoring 3 times and driving in 4. Taffington Boathouse, at 32-37, holds down 4th place in the Commonwealth Association Dark Hollow Pond League.

With Taffington Boathouse leading 1-0 in the top of the first, Churchman hit a 2-run single off Galleria hurler Chad Stewburger. It was the 16th hit of the season for Churchman and put his team ahead, 3-0.

"We were able to get some things going offensively," said Churchman.

Lannie Tykeson was the victorious pitcher, moving his record to 4-7 on the season.

18 August 2298 - BMU: Coats, Snipers Wallop Rayguns, 12-1

The Trinity Plaza Snipers buried the Cabot House Rayguns, 12-1, under a barrage of hits. Jonathan Coats led the onslaught, going 3-for-5 for Trinity Plaza. Trinity Plaza now has a record of 40-29 with the win.

With Trinity Plaza leading 2-0 in the bottom of the first, Coats hit a fastball from Joe Osborne for a 3-run home run. It was his 2nd home run of the season and put the Snipers ahead, 5-0.

"If we play like this, we can win a lot of games," Coats told the Trinity Plaza Times.

Josh Dude (2-0) was the winning pitcher, allowing just one earned run on four hits with a walk and 14 strikeouts in the complete game victory. His 14 strikeouts tied the Massachusetts Association record.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

19 August 2298 - Ronnie Shaw Selling Deathclaws Rights to Casdin

University Point Deathclaws owner Ronnie Shaw announced today that she is selling her team rights, effective at the end of the 2298 season. University Point mayor Heather Casdin will take operating control of the team on the first day of the offseason.

"I'm tired, kiddo," Shaw said. "My back hurts, my bones hurt, my cankers hurt. I hurt. I just want to relax and watch. I can't do that as the owner."

Casdin has not been heavily involved in the Deathclaws franchise up until this announcement. She can usually be seen attending home games at Gwinnett Brewery Park, but it seemed there was not enough interest on her part. Still, Shaw said that a favor was Casdin's reason.

"I have no doubt that Casdin will do this team right," Shaw said. "She's savvy, she's a great businesswoman, she has smarts, she has guts. Hell, she'll be much better at it than I can."

Casdin is what Nate Howard has referred to as one of the "Guardians of the Commonwealth." Casdin was one of Nate's companions on his two-year quest to unify the Commonwealth. While she has had some past troubles with the Institute due to a "misunderstanding," she has followed d Nate's leadership and sees what he has done to unite the Commonwealth as more important than any of the horrors committed by that faction.

The daughter of former Brotherhood of Steel parents, Casdin made her life as a merchant. From the Casdin line of the west, Heather has learned how to produce alternative products which can now be found around the Commonwealth. Her products have also provided a large bank of caps for the University Point rebuild project.

According to Casdin, the University Point rebuild project has been successful. "We have businesses doing well, we have baseball, and soon we will have Massachusetts Bay University reopened. I would say that the U-P is back."


Casdin looking like a club owner

19 August 2298 - Castillo Goes 5-for-5 Against Roxbury

Players get multi-hit games all the time, but 5-hit ones are a whole lot rarer. It happened at Graygarden Park today when Prof Castillo of Oberland scattered 5 hits all over the ballpark against the Roxbury Knuckle Punchers.

He went 5-for-5 in a career performance to help the T-51s get by the Knuckle Punchers, 7-2. The left fielder was in a talkative and jovial mood after the game, saying his swing "was really, really there today."

"I made some good, sweet-spot contact and when that happens, good things happen," he said. "You know, like going 5-for-5. I could get used to days like this."

Prof Castillo singled in the 1st, singled in the 3rd, hit a two-run home run off Casey Diehl in the 4th, singled in the 6th and singled in the 8th.

So far this season, Castillo has recorded a .317 batting average with 126 hits, 23 home runs, 74 RBIs, 75 runs scored and a .365 OBP.

19 August 2298 - Sunshine Tidings Shut Out by Radsco

Chris Radsco bent a little, but he didn't break against the Sunshine Tidings Chemists. The Concord Radstags pitcher hurled a 2-hit 4-0 shutout in a fine performance, surrendering 1 walk and tallying 5 strikeouts.

"Chris is good at getting out of jams," Radstags manager Mark Gourdroot told reporters after the game. "He's almost more effective when he gets guys on base or gets behind in the count, because he uses your aggressiveness against you."

On the season Radsco has compiled a 5-4 mark with a 3.82 ERA in 10 starts. In pitching 66 innings he has 63 strikeouts and 13 walks while limiting the opposition to a .237 batting average.

19 August 2298 - Gatekeeper Hits 2 Home Runs in Mirelurks Win

Warwick third baseman Tutton Gatekeeper played a vital role in his team's 7-5 triumph over Goodneighbor. He hit 2 home runs. He drove in 4 runs and scored twice for Warwick. Bobby Van Marter, the winning pitcher, is now 7-9. He went 8 innings, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits, while fanning 7 and walking 2. Pem Pollack got the save, his 21st in 24 chances.

Warwick took a 7-4 lead on Gatekeeper's 20th home run of the season. The 2-run home run, which he hit off Aaron Burton in the bottom of the eighth, propelled Warwick to the win.

"We can always improve and get better, but we're feeling confident after that win," said Gatekeeper.

The victory gives Warwick a record of 56-40.

19 August 2298 - Witch Hats Spill Party Boys, 4-1

Salem Witch Hats starter Roy Syme pitched his team past the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys, 4-1. Syme went 8 innings to notch the win. He scattered 7 hits, walked 1, and struck out 5. His record improves to 3-2. With this game in the books, Salem is 44-52, Nordhagen Beach 60-36.

Salem used the clutch hitting of Kody Downing to capture the win. The second baseman drilled a run-scoring double in the top of the sixth inning to give the Witch Hats the lead, 1-0. For the game, Downing had 1 single and 1 double in 4 at-bats.

Syme told a Salem Times reporter that he was "more than satisfied" with the win.

19 August 2298 - Fort Hagen Gets Big Road Win

The Fort Hagen Silver Shroud topped the Abernathy Adamantium, 11-2, in North Charles Association action at Tato Field, pushing their lead to two games in the battle for first place.

The standout performance belonged to Fort Hagen pitcher and Westford, Massachusetts, native Brent Hooker. Hooker, the winner, moves to 14-9. He threw 8 innings of 4-hit ball, while fanning 3 and giving up 1 walk. At 55-41, the Silver Shroud have a slim two-game lead in the North Charles Association Institute League.

Fort Hagen relied on the hitting of Ben Pawlak to pick up the win. The center fielder ripped a run-scoring triple in the top of the first inning to put the Silver Shroud on top, 2-0. For the game, Pawlak had 1 triple and 1 single in 5 at-bats.

"I felt we were ready to go," said Fort Hagen manager Mark Andersen. "Our pregame was pretty good."

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

20 August 2298 - Red Rockets Blank Atom, Teddybear Winner

Coolest Field in Town played host to a command performance by Chris Teddybear of the Jamaica Plain Red Rockets. In shutting out Atom 9-0, Teddybear limited the Cats to 6 hits. The 22-year-old hurler also fanned 9 and walked 2 in capturing the victory.

This season Teddybear has gone 10-10 with an ERA of 4.78, posting 173 strikeouts in 184.2 innings.

Alan Setter led the way for Red Rockets productivity in the game, going 2 for 5 with his 20th double, a run, and two RBI.

20 August 2298 - Koester Goes on Rampage Against Chemists

Sean Koester said "it felt like taking batting practice" today at ArcJet Systems Stadium, and it showed in the box score. The Concord shortstop had a fantastic 5-for-6 day against the Sunshine Tidings Chemists, leading his club to victory, 8-4.

"I was seeing the ball very well and it was going just about anywhere I wanted," Koester said later."

Sean Koester doubled in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, singled in the 6th, singled in the 8th and grounded out in the 9th.

Koester is hitting .343 this season with 8 home runs, 56 RBIs and 69 runs scored. He has 146 hits in 426 at-bats.

Dan Erb was productive in knocking in Koester. He was 2 for 5 with a home run, a run, and four RBI. Ryan Bobb led the Chemists by going 2 for 4 with a double and a home run with a run scored and three batted in.

20 August 2298 - Pembroke Ices Starlight Offense

In a tight game between the Lexington Synths and the Starlight Lady Killers, pitcher Pete Pembroke was terrific on the mound. The Lexington right-hander helped his team to the 2-0 win. Doug Dee El got the save, his 17th in 18 chances. Today's win puts Lexington at 41-56, while Starlight falls to 49-48.

Pembroke scattered 5 hits over 8.2 innings for the Synths. With the win, Pembroke goes to 7-14 on the year with 105 strikeouts.

"Pete made his pitches," said Lexington manager Sprole Races.

The winning run came in the bottom of the fourth. After Tyler Ross doubled and Swift Hendrix singled to put runners at first and third, Starlight starter City Moore (6-15) threw a pitch that catcher Hope Scrapper could not handle, making the score 1-0. Pembroke added the second run on an RBI single in the 7th inning.

20 August 2298 - Easy Town Beats The Slog, 9-5

The Easy Town Assaultrons topped the The Slog Ghouls, 9-5, with youngster Jarrett Metalbox playing a key role. Metalbox hit 2 home runs, while adding 3 RBI and scoring twice for the Assaultrons in the win. Easy Town now has a record of 55-42 with the win, placing the Assaultrons one game back in the wildcard race in the Brotherhood League.

Easy Town took the lead in the top of the sixth. With two out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Montes Evans stroked a run-scoring single to make it 3-2, Assaultrons.

"Our goal is to improve each and every day," Evans told the Easy Town Chronicle.

20 August 2298 - Silver Shroud Come Up Short at Abernathy, 3-2
Starting pitcher Brad Westing was a major factor in the 3-2 Abernathy Adamantium triumph over the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud. Westing went 6 innings to notch the win. He scattered 5 hits, walked 1, and struck out 6. His record improves to 13-7. T-Bone Heagy notched his 26th save in 29 chances.

In the bottom of the third, Po Greenzone hit a 3-run home run. The 22nd home run of the season for the Abernathy left fielder put the Adamantium on top, 3-0.

"If the personal accolades come, so be it," said Westing. "I just want to win ballgames."

With the win, Abernathy raised its record to 54-43 and now trails the Shroud by one game. A win by the Adamantium tomorrow, and the league is tied at 54-44 apiece.

20 August 2298 - Masterson Slugs Party Boys to 6-3 Win

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys downed the Salem Witch Hats, 6-3, at Slocum's Joe Seaside Stadium. The Party Boys were led by Brian Masterson. He hit 2 home runs, while adding 4 RBI and scoring twice. With the win, Nordhagen Beach upped its record to 61-36.

Masterson had a game-changing home run in the bottom of the seventh. On a 1-1 cutter from Terrence Artman, he banged a 2-run home run to left, giving the Party Boys a 5-3 lead. It was the 15th home run of the year for Masterson.

"We've got a great group of guys," Masterson said, "and we're having fun right now."

Nordhagen Beach entered the 6th trailing 3-0 and the 7th tied 3-3.

20 August 2298 - Swatters Roll Over Yao Guai, 9-4, Closer to WC

Diamond City rode a decent outing from starter Tyler Powers to victory over the FHE Yao Guai. The final score was 9-4. Diamond City raised its record to 52-45 with the win, giving them a six-game advantage over the Yao Guai with just 11 to play.

Jeffrey Curatolo hit a 2-run double off Danny Owens in the bottom of the seventh, which put the Swatters in front, 6-4. In addition to the double, Curatolo had 1 single, while going 2 for 5.

"We took advantage of our opportunities," Curatolo told the Diamond City News. "It's as simple as that."

20 August 2298 - Mirelurks Rally to Beat Goodneighbor, Strengthen Position

In a low-scoring clash between Warwick and Goodneighbor, pitcher John Diner was a difference-maker. The right-hander earned accolades in the 2-1 win. The winner was Warwick reliever Sheffield Williams, now 2-0. The loser was Mayday Wilkins. The triumph puts Warwick at 57-40 for the season. With the Quincy loss, the Mirelurks are not two games up in the Minutemen League wildcard race.

Mut Okoro was the walk-off hero for Warwick. With the game tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Mirelurks pinch hitter hit a dramatic solo home run to send the teams home.

"This joint was rocking," said Diner.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

21 August 2298 - BMU: Gun Fu's Danowski Decides to Retire

Bunker Hill Gun Fu (Abernathy) reliever Randy Danowski said he's had enough of professional baseball, so it's time to move on.

"I'm ready to move on to something else where I can make more caps," he said, announcing this season would be his last. "I'm 36 years old, so I've still got some time to make something of the rest of my life. Besides, I have seven kids who all need a few more yao guai roasts set on the table, you know?"

This season, Danowski has appeared in 20 games for the Gun Fu, going 0-0 with 1 save and a 4.58 ERA. In his two-year minor league career, he has a total of 43 appearances, going 1-2 with 11 saves and a 5.53 ERA.

21 August 2298 - Gonzales Shuts Out Nordhagen Beach, 7-0

Roberto Gonzales allowed 4 hits while giving up 3 walks and collecting 7 strikeouts as the Salem Witch Hats blanked the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys, 7-0.

In the postgame interview, the 19-year-old right-hander said he was focused on "trying to keep the ball down and letting guys put it in play."

"It worked for me today," Gonzales said.

On the year Gonzales has compiled a 10-12 mark with a 3.93 ERA.

21 August 2298 - T-51s Cuff Knuckle Punchers, 12-2, Win Their 70th

The home crowd had a good time watching the Roxbury Knuckle Punchers and Oberland T-51s get after it.

The Oberland T-51s coasted to a win over the Roxbury Knuckle Punchers, 12-2. Curtis Slingshot had a good day at the plate for Oberland. He went 4 for 5 with 2 doubles and 2 singles, while scoring 3 times and driving in 3. Matt Udder picked up the win with 7 innings of work. He allowed 1 run on 6 hits, while walking 2 and striking out 8. On the season, he is now 16-5.

With one out in the bottom of the fourth, Dan Neofotistos barreled up a cutter from Tyler Shuster. The result was a solo home run, putting the T-51s in front, 3-1.

"It was full throttle on our side," said Neofotistos.

Oberland is now riding a 3-game win streak after sweeping the listless Knuckle Punchers.

21 August 2298 - Chemists Buried By Radstags, 14-1

Jason Love was a vital contributor to the 14-1 Concord victory over Sunshine Tidings. The Radstags left fielder went 2 for 2 with a home run. He drove in 5 runs and scored once. Concord starter Phil Cecil was credited with the win after throwing 99 pitches over 8 innings. His record now stands at 12-9. Concord now has a 3-game win streak.

Concord relied on the hitting of Cram Garge to pick up the win. The right fielder clubbed a 2-run home run in the top of the first inning to put the Radstags on top, 2-0. For the game, Garge had 1 home run and 1 single in 6 at-bats.

"We'll savor this win," Garge told the Concord Daily, "then get ready for the next game."

21 August 2298 - Adamantium Edge Past Shroud, Tie for IL Lead

The Abernathy Adamantium topped the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud by a score of 6-5 in 10 innings. Leading the way was second baseman Jim Waples. Waples was 4-5 with 4 singles. He scored 2 times for the Adamantium. Jason Worry, now 1-2, was credited with the win. He allowed no runs on 1 hit, while striking out 1 and walking 2. The win puts Abernathy and Fort Hagen both at 55-43 this season. With one series left to play, it also gives the Adamantium a 5-4 advantage on the season series.

The clutch at-bat came in the bottom of the tenth inning, when Abernathy right fielder Donny Kowalski, facing Curtis Thriceshot, had a run-scoring sacrifice fly. It gave the Adamantium the 6-5 win.

"Our goal is to improve each and every day," Kowalski told the Abernathy Herald.

21 August 2298 - Hancocks Push Magic Number to 1, Clinch Playoff Spot

Goodneighbor first baseman Bryan Assman was a significant contributor in his team's 10-6 triumph over the Warwick Mirelurks. He was 3 for 5 with a home run, a double, and a walk. He scored 2 runs and drove in 2 for Goodneighbor. The first-place Hancocks have their sights set on making a deep playoff run. With the win, they now have a magic number of 1 to win the league, meaning they need any combination of a win or a Mirelurks loss in their last 10 games. Warwick could only tie for the league title. The Hancocks are guaranteed at least a wildcard spot in the playoffs, making them the second team after Oberland to clinch a spot.

The Hancocks got an important contribution from pitcher John Oldsink, who in the top of the third hit a fastball into right-center for a 2-run triple. It was his 1st triple of the season and put the Hancocks ahead, 6-3.

Oldsink (14-5) picked up the win, allowing six earned runs on nine hits with a walk and eight strikeouts in 8.0 innings. Bus Paula earned his 9th save in 10 chances.

Assman called the triumph "an asstastic team win."

21 August 2298 - Gunners Sink Deathclaws, Stay Close in ML Race

In baseball, each game is unique. This one was no different.

Getting offensive support from David Driftwood, the Quincy Gunners topped the University Point Deathclaws, 11-5. Driftwood went 2 for 5 with a home run, while scoring 2 runs and driving in 5 for the Gunners. Ryan Kazarian, credited with the save, is now 3 for 5 in save opportunities.

Early in the game, Driftwood had a grand slam home run for Quincy. It was his 32nd home run of the season and put the Gunners on top, 4-0.

"We were able to get some things going offensively," said Driftwood.

With the win, Quincy raised its record to 56-42, keeping them just a game back of Warwick for the Minutemen League wildcard spot. University Point is now three games back after losing two of three for the weekend.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

22 August 2298 - Noggin Selected Top Player

At the age of 29, Josh Noggin might have some potential he hasn't realized yet -- if his success at the plate last week is any indication. The County Crossing first baseman put up some exceptional numbers the past seven days with a .625 batting average. For his efforts Noggin collected the North Charles Association Player of the Week Award.

He racked up 10 hits in 16 at-bats, no home runs and 10 RBIs last week in 5 games.

This season Noggin is batting .310 with 90 RBIs, 71 runs scored and 23 home runs.

22 August 2298 - SCA's #1 Player, Assman of Goodneighbor

It can be difficult for a young player to step out of the shadows and assert himself in the South Charles Association, but last week Bryan Assman of the Goodneighbor Hancocks reminded everyone just why he's here as he threw up numbers that made him an easy selection for Player of the Week. Assman rocked opposing pitching for a .545 average (12-for-22), 4 home runs and 9 RBIs to come away with the award.

Assman on the season is hitting .380 with 30 home runs. His stats include 92 RBIs and 102 runs scored.

22 August 2298 - BMU: Commonwealth Association Names Jacomet Best Batter

So far in his young career, Danny Jacomet has kept a low profile, but after his performance at the plate last week, he attracted the notice of the rest of the Commonwealth Association in a big way as he was named the Player of the Week today for his efforts.

The 19-year-old Corvega Flamers third baseman hit at a torrid .529 clip as he collected 9 hits in 17 at-bats, 3 home runs, 8 RBIs and 5 runs scored.

So far this year Jacomet is hitting .293 with 4 home runs.

22 August 2298 - BMU: Player of the Week: Fiddler's Green's Roughneck

21-year-old Julian Roughneck made a few Fiddler's Green headlines during this past week as the rookie shortstop proved he could compete at the plate with his high-school idols. He captured the attention of fans, journalists and Massachusetts Association officials last week and today took home Player of the Week honors for his effort.

He cracked 7 hits in 13 at-bats to put up a .538 average. Roughneck collected 2 home runs, 6 RBIs and scored 3 runs.

So far this year Roughneck is batting .266 with 8 home runs, 49 RBIs and 57 runs scored.

[StLee]

Analysis

Oberland is up, Goodneighbor is down but in, Nordhagen loses three of five but maintains 3rd, and Easy Town and Concord(!!!) are wicked hot. Oh, and Roxbury is close to securing the number one overall pick for the supposed right to draft Ajani Peacock. Welcome to the end of Week 20 of the 2298 CBO season!

We'll take a closer look at both the Institute League division race and Brotherhood League wildcard race, but let's look at some of the other happenings around the league first.

Salem has joined the list of eliminated teams despite a series win over BL first-place Nordhagen Beach. It was inevitable since they would need to go undefeated the rest of the way, needed Easy Town to sweep The Slog but then lose the rest, and needed the Ghouls to drop them all. Too tall of an order, and the strange Hats are out for 2298 while at best guaranteeing a 4th place finish.

In the IL, Concord has been tied with the Assaultrons for the hottest team in the CBO. That puts them in the playoff race still, but time is running out soon, and they will need to continue winning while hoping either Easy Town or Fort Hagen drops a lot of games at the end. Likewise, Starlight is not out of the race, but they trail by 5 with 10 to play. It's not likely they will find their way into the playoffs yet again.

We featured the Minutemen League wildcard race last weekend. Warwick and Quincy have slightly pulled ahead of University Point, but the Deathclaws do have the easiest remaining schedule. Still, both the Mirelurks and Gunners had key series wins over Goodneighbor and University Point, respectively, giving them the current edge. It does not matter the number on paper, but the numbers on the final score, and right now that has not favored the Deathclaws.

In the Railroad League, Diamond City lost their chance to pretty much wrap up the wildcard spot over FHE by losing two of three. Still, the Swatters lead by five games with five to play. The Yao Guai can get even closer, though, should they sweep Diamond City next week. Egret and Vault 81 technically could earn the wildcard spot, but we think they will both be eliminated before the weekend. The Ninjas get an angry University Point team (before meeting up with both Oberland and Goodneighbor in their next two series). The Dwellers need even more help but face a tough Warwick team on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Power Rankings

Weekly Team Power Rankings: Here are the current team power rankings for Commonwealth Baseball Organization:

Teams (Total Points, Tendency):
1) Oberland T-51s (133.6, +)
2) Goodneighbor Hancocks (128.1, -)
3) Nordhagen Beach Party Boys (113.0, o)
4) Easy Town Assaultrons (112.9, +)
5) Quincy Gunners (107.9, -)
6) Warwick Mirelurks (105.7, +)
7) Abernathy Adamantium (103.0, ++)
8) University Point Deathclaws (100.2, +)
9) Concord Radstags (99.0, ++)
10) The Slog Ghouls (97.9, --)
11) Fort Hagen Silver Shroud (97.0, --)
12) Diamond City Swatters (92.5, -)
13) Starlight Lady Killers (90.8, -)
14) FHE Yao Guai (87.3, +)
15) Salem Witch Hats (85.7, -)
16) Egret Ninjas (83.8, o)
17) Vault 81 Dwellers (74.1, +)
18) Jamaica Plain Red Rockets (73.6, ++)
19) Finch Farm Four Leafs (72.3, +)
20) Lexington Synths (72.3, -)
21) County Crossing Bloodbugs (68.6, +)
22) Sunshine Tidings Chemists (67.5, --)
23) Atom Cats (56.4, +)
24) Roxbury Knuckle Punchers (34.8, -)

[StLee]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

I'm caught up now. Too much to comment on, but let me just say I like the new analysis format with the power rankings. Really helps me keep an overall "big picture" view of what's going on.

I like it too and plan to keep that format. I don't understand the decision behind the Power Rankings sometimes. Then again, I am a big college football fan and never understand the process for those rankings early in the season!

[StLee]

Where There's a wILl

The best league title race in the 2298 CBO season is in the Institute League with Abernathy, the 2296 champions, battling Fort Hagen, the 2297 wildcard team. As of the end of Week 20, both teams are tied at 55-43. Therefore, let's break down the teams and look at what we think will happen in the final 10 games for the chance to win the 2298 Institute League Championship Banner.

Abernathy - 55-43
Remaining Schedule:
2 vs Nordhagen Beach (1-1)
3 at Fort Hagen (1-2)
2 vs Finch Farm (2-0)
3 vs Starlight (2-1)

Estimated remaining record: 6-4
Estimated final record: 61-47
Estimated place: 2nd
Analysis: This week will be a tough one as the Adamantium draw two of the best teams in the North Charles Association in the Party Boys and Silver Shroud. Just this week alone will mean that we expect Abernathy to fall back two games of Fort Hagen and then have to play catch up in Week 22. Abernathy finishes with the Lady Killers, where the Killers may want to play spoilers. It won't mean anything but who plays Nordhagen Beach in the first round, but that could also mean a lot in the quest for winning the Sole Survivor Series.



Fort Hagen - 55-43
Remaining Schedule:
2 vs County Crossing (2-0)
3 vs Abernathy (2-1)
2 at Nordhagen Beach (1-1)
3 at Sunshine Tidings (2-1)

Estimated remaining record: 7-3
Estimated final record: 62-46
Estimated place: 1st
Analysis: The Shroud definitely get the easier remaining schedule, and that is why we are picking them to win the league title over Abernathy. If the Silver Shroud take care of business at home this week as we expect them to, then they just need to work on being decent the rest of the way. The trip to Nordhagen Beach may prove problematic, though, if Fort Hagen struggles in Week 21. That could mean they are still fighting to keep their heads above water, and may make more trouble for themselves. Lose series this week and then at Nordhagen Beach next week, and the Shroud can go ahead an prepare for a home disadvantage series against the Party Boys in the first round of the playoffs.



A BLoated WC Chase

While they are not vying for a league crown like Abernathy and Fort Hagen are, the Easy Town Assaultrons and The Slog Ghouls of the Brotherhood League are in a fight to the finish to make the playoffs and likely meet the winner of the Institute League in the first round of the playoffs. The Assaultrons have yet to make the playoffs, missing out on an opportunity last season when they tied Nordhagen Beach for second in the regular season, but lost the play-in game for the right to go to the playoffs. The Ghouls, though, won the 2297 BL title and were the 2296 BL wildcard team, which they converted into a Sole Survivor Series championship. Those facts seem to give the Ghouls the advantage, but let's analyze each team's final 10 games.

Easy Town - 56-42
Remaining Schedule:
2 vs Lexington (2-0)
3 vs Nordhagen Beach (2-1)
2 at Concord (1-1)
3 at Nordhagen Beach (1-2)

Estimated remaining record: 6-4
Estimated final record: 62-46
Estimated place: 3rd
Analysis: The Assaultrons definitely do not get a good draw in facing Nordhagen Beach twice and a currently hot Radstags team. One thing that could work in Easy Town's favor is if the Party Boys wrap up the league soon and then rest their starters in the final series since winning the league also pretty much gives them the #1 seed in the NCA. While we expect the Assaultrons to fight for every win like they have all season, as you will see below for The Slog, the schedule is clearly not in their favor.



The Slog - 56-42
Remaining Schedule:
2 at Sunshine Tidings (2-0)
3 at Salem (2-1)
2 vs Sunshine Tidings (2-0)
3 vs Finch Farm (2-1)

Estimated remaining record: 8-2
Estimated final record: 64-44
Estimated place: 2nd
Analysis: The Ghouls get IL 6th-place Sunshine Tidings for four games, 5th-place Finch Farm for a home series, and 4th-place Salem for a road series. Except for the possibility of dropping the series at Salem, we expect the Ghouls to win every other series on their path to the wildcard. The Slog has shown to be a tough out in each of their first two seasons, and they have a will to win when the time comes. Both the pitching staff and lineup are dangerous, and it is likely that they face off against a lot of green players in their last four series. Not only that, but with Nordhagen Beach's tough remaining schedule (the toughest remaining in the CBO), The Slog may give them a slight scare for the BL crown.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

The View from the BMU

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

23 August 2298 – Somerville Place

On certain Tuesdays for the 2297 and 2298 seasons, we will feature one of the settlements where teams in the Boston Minor Union play.

In our twenty-third trip around the BMU, we are going back to the Glowing Sea in a small settlement known as Somerville Place. It is part of the former township of Dedham, Massachusetts, and it acts as one of the farmlands providing food to areas like Vault 95 and Natick Banks.

The Commonwealth Swamps

The area south and southwest of Boston proper is full of swamps in a deposit of the Charles River. According to a terminal entry from 2288, Somerville Place is "located next to the Charles River, near to the Glowing Sea, with the area consisting of a run-down house with some furniture and a small farm. . . . It is initially occupied by a single father and his two children."


Somerville Place 2288 - How did the Somers survive?

Of course, being close to the Glowing Sea, the area has been mostly devastated and it is common for almost daily radstorms to blow through. Residents and settlers typically keep large supplies of Rad-X and RadAway in stock. With the help of nearby Vault 95, the area is now the leading producer of both chems.

The town pre-War has some terminal information also. Interestingly, the Somerville Place name is unknown, though the original occupant that Nate Howard met in 2298, known now as John Somer (father of Roxbury Knuckle Punchers reliever Aaron Somer), said that he believes his family came from the town of Somerville north of the Charles River and settled here after the Great War. The area where Somerville Place is located is actually part of a town called Dedham, a former suburb of Boston. Dedham became swampy after the Great War with the blast breaking apart nearby banks of the Charles River, causing excessive flooding.

Dedham pre-War was "Settled in 1635 by people from Roxbury and Watertown, Dedham was incorporated in 1636. It became the county seat of Norfolk County when the county was formed from parts of Suffolk County on March 26, 1793. When the Town was originally incorporated, the residents wanted to name it 'Contentment.' The Massachusetts General Court overruled them and named the town after Dedham, Essex in England, where some of the original inhabitants were born. The boundaries of the town at the time stretched to the Rhode Island border.

"At the first public meeting on August 15, 1636, eighteen men signed the town covenant. They swore that they would 'in the fear and reverence of our Almighty God, mutually and severally promise amongst ourselves and each to profess and practice one truth according to that most perfect rule, the foundation whereof is ever lasting love.'

"They also agreed that 'we shall by all means labor to keep off from us all such as are contrary minded, and receive only such unto us as may be probably of one heart with us, [and such] as that we either know or may well and truly be informed to walk in a peaceable conversation with all meekness of spirit, [this] for the edification of each other in the knowledge and faith of the Lord Jesus…' The covenant also stipulated that if differences were to arise between townsmen, they would seek arbitration for resolution and each would pay his fair share for the common good.

"In November 1798, David Brown led a group in Dedham protesting the federal government; they set up a liberty pole, as people had before the American Revolution. It carried the words, 'No Stamp Act, No Sedition Act, No Alien Bills, No Land Tax, downfall to the Tyrants of America; peace and retirement to the President; Long Live the Vice President,' referring to then-President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson. Brown was arrested in Andover but because he could not afford the $4,000 bail, he was taken to Salem for trial. Brown was tried in June 1799. Although he wanted to plead guilty, Justice Samuel Chase urged him to name those who had helped him or subscribed to his writings in exchange for freedom. Brown refused, was fined $480, and sentenced to eighteen months in prison. It was the most severe sentence up to then imposed under the Alien and Sedition Acts.

"Dedham is home to the Fairbanks House, the oldest surviving timber-frame house in the United States, scientifically dated to 1637. On January 1, 1643, by unanimous vote, Dedham authorized the first taxpayer-funded public school, 'the seed of American education.' Its first schoolmaster, Rev. Ralph Wheelock, a Clare College graduate, was paid 20 pounds annually to instruct the youth of the community. Descendants of these students would become presidents of Dartmouth College, Yale University, and Harvard University.

"The first man-made canal in North America, Mother Brook, was created in Dedham in 1639. It linked the Charles River to the Neponset River. Although both are slow-moving rivers, they are at different elevations. The difference in elevation made the canal's current swift enough to power several local mills.

"In 1818, though citizens were still taxed for the support of ministers and other 'public teachers of religion,' Dedham set a precedent toward the separation of church and state. Residents of the town selected a minister different than that chosen by the church members; the selection by residents was confirmed by the Supreme Judicial Court. This decision increased support for the disestablishment of the Congregational churches.

"The local Endicott Estate burned to the ground in 1904 after the local volunteer fire department, responding to three separate fires burning simultaneously, reached the Endicott fire last. By the time they arrived, only ashes remained. It is said that the estate's owner, Henry Bradford Endicott (also founder of the Endicott Johnson Corporation) took the burning of the homestead as a divine command to rebuild (which he did). The rebuilt Endicott Estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The estate and surrounding grounds are open to the public, upholding Henry's stepdaughter Katherine's wish to use the house and property for 'educational, civic, social and recreational purposes.'

"In 1921, the historic Sacco and Vanzetti trial was held in the Norfolk County Courthouse in Dedham. Dedham Pottery is a cherished class of antiques, characterized by a distinctive crackle glaze, blue-and-white color scheme, and a frequent motif of rabbits and other animals. Dedham is sometimes called the 'mother of towns' because 14 present-day communities were included within its original broad borders."

Somerville Place, a Minutemen Stronghold

After Nate Howard secured the area, the Minutemen moved in and started building a fort around Somerville Place from materials found in the Glowing Sea. Although there are infrequent attacks from Raiders from the east and north sides, there are frequent creature and super mutant attacks coming from the south and Glowing Sea.


Somerville Place 2298 - The "exciting" businesses, Bar, Clothing, and General

The Minutemen fortifications have contributed to fewer attacks over the years, but many residents consider the settlement to be dull. As you can see in the picture above, the settlers have, ehem, settled into a life of complacent apathy. I mean, "Bar" is an actual business name in the place. As far as entertainment is concerned, baseball has become the pastime of the settlement, taking people out of their drabbiness and into fury for hoping the Sentry Bots can pull through. Unfortunately, they were recently eliminated from the playoffs after the Natick Banks Sentry Bots clinched the Glowing Sea League title.


Somerville Place 2298 - The Minutemen fortifications - https://imgur.com/gallery/1JB9f

The Future of the Swamp

Though the settlers have been complacent, a sketch hangs in Mayor John Somer's office. Settlers who drop by for other business will often turn their attention to the drawing and comment on the reality of it and how it would transform Somerville Place into something different, something new, something . . . exciting.


Somerville Place 2350 - A Palace of Opportunity - https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/31233

In fact, I had the first chance to view the painting, and it made me think that this place would be an excellent settlement if that future would come through. For now, the aggressive revitalization view is just a dream of Project 2350, but we will let you judge. See the terminal link to check out the entire album of the Somerville Place 2350 vision.

[OrangeP47]

That was one of the best settlement writeups IMO. It's a location I hadn't given much thought to. A few places fall into that category (though not many, as unlike probably most of your readers, I've played Fallout 4), but this writeup really gave me a feel for what it's become in your universe and stood out in a way that elevated it up to the status of the locations I already had some liking for.

[StLee]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

That was one of the best settlement writeups IMO. It's a location I hadn't given much thought to. A few places fall into that category (though not many, as unlike probably most of your readers, I've played Fallout 4), but this writeup really gave me a feel for what it's become in your universe and stood out in a way that elevated it up to the status of the locations I already had some liking for.

Yes, if I was going to make a baseball world into the Fallout world, then I definitely had to build it up, not destroy everything like the game wants its players to do. I still don't understand some of the design decisions that (for the most part) there can be only one faction left standing. Why? Why does going against the Institute only result in blowing up the Institute? Surely some of the technology there could be used for good in the future.

Just like the factions, every single settlement needs to build up more and more. In this version of the Commonwealth, people in surrounding areas heard about the new "free and safe" Boston so have moved their en masse.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

23 August 2298 - BMU: Cannibals Outlast Sentry Bots, 13-10

The Charles View Cannibals withstood an impressive performance by Somerville Place catcher Tommy Elsea to defeat the Sentry Bots, 13-10, at Water and Beds Park. Elsea went 4 for 5 with 4 singles. He scored 2 times and drove in 3. The loss makes Somerville Place 35-35.

Charles View relied on the bat of Ryan Pondrose to get the win. The second baseman ripped a grand slam home run in the top of the fifth inning to put the Cannibals ahead, 8-3. For the game, Pondrose had 1 double and 1 home run in 4 at-bats.

"We came out aggressive," said Cannibals manager Jeff Butt. "We came out swinging the bats."

23 August 2298 - BMU: Heat 4-5 in Strongbacks Win

A 4-RBI performance from Keagan Heat, who is tied for 9th in the CA in hits with 82, helped the Outpost Zimonja Strongbacks beat the C.I.T. Ruins Refractors, 8-6. Reliever John McEntee picked up the win. His record improves to 1-1. Bill Early took the loss. Picking up the save was Buckskin Antlerhorn, his 6th.

It could have been a different outcome for Outpost Zimonja, had it not been for Mat Sutor, the 19-year old left fielder . Sutor contributed a run-scoring sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh inning to put Outpost Zimonja up, 7-5.

"Nice to see our side come away with the win," Heat said after the game.

With the win, Outpost Zimonja raised its record to 36-34.

23 August 2298 - BMU: Fahrenkrog Now 8-4 After Subduing Robobrains

The Boston Common Lead Bellies picked up a win at Hallucigen Stadium at Boston Common, knocking off the Mass Pike Robobrains, 8-1. Starting pitcher Ryan Fahrenkrog played a key role in the triumph. The losing skid has reached 9 games for Mass Pike.

Fahrenkrog was in the zone all game. He frustrated Mass Pike hitters while giving the Lead Bellies 8.2 innings of quality work. Fahrenkrog threw 102 pitches, allowing 2 hits and getting 14 punchouts.

"Ryan was throwing free and easy," said Boston Common manager Puddin Greenwall.

23 August 2298 - Weisman Spins 10-0 Shutout Against Vault 81

Warwick's Jerry Weisman dazzled the CURIE Inc. Field crowd with a fine display of pitching. From the start, Weisman dominated the Vault 81 lineup en route to a sparkling 10-0 shutout. He finished with 5 strikeouts and 1 walk.

This year Weisman has a 12-6 record with a 3.75 ERA.

23 August 2298 - Beerholder Razor-Sharp, Shuts Out The Slog

Danny Beerholder was throwing strikes early and getting ahead in the count, his manager said after the Sunshine Tidings Chemists hurler tossed a 3-hit, complete game shutout against the The Slog Ghouls.

"I went right after each hitter, trying to get ahead in the count," said Beerholder. "I wanted them to swing the bats and keep my pitch count down. It worked. I felt strong the whole game, even in the last two innings."

Beerholder walked 1 and struck out 3 in the 6-0 victory.

Currently Beerholder has a record of 13-6 with 133 strikeouts and 52 walks in 183 innings and a 3.79 ERA.

23 August 2298 - Bloodbugs Nip Silver Shroud, 3-2, End Tiller's Streak

The County Crossing Bloodbugs had to overcome a fine effort from Fort Hagen pitcher Derek Green to grab a narrow 3-2 win at Hubris Comics Park. Green went 8 innings and allowed 2 runs. The Bloodbugs sport a record of 40-59.

County Crossing used the timely hitting of Mike McDonie to seize the win. The pinch hitter stroked a run-scoring single in the top of the ninth inning to put the Bloodbugs on top, 3-2. It was his only hit in 1 at-bat, but it was a game-changer.

"We'll kick back tonight, then get set for the next one," McDonie said.

Jim Tiller came rolling into today's game against the County Crossing Bloodbugs with a 23-game hitting string, but he left it on the field at Hubris Comics Park. The 20-year-old Fort Hagen Silver Shroud first baseman went 0-for-4 against the Bloodbugs.

"I swung at a couple pitches I probably shouldn't have and I didn't swing at a couple I probably should have," he said, grimacing. "But that's what makes a hit streak so impressive in the first place -- it only takes a couple mistakes to end it all."

This year Tiller has 14 home runs and a .394 batting average.

23 August 2298 - Pettinato Excels in 8-3 Quincy Win

The Quincy Gunners downed the Diamond City Swatters, 8-3, at The Great Green Jewel. The Gunners were led by Ben Pettinato. He went 3 for 5 with a home run and 2 doubles, while scoring 2 runs and driving in 5. The triumph puts Quincy at 57-42 for the season.

With Quincy leading 1-0 in the top of the third, Pettinato came up to bat against Diamond City pitcher X10-44 Mannson. Pettinato hit a fastball to left for a grand slam home run. His 10th home run of the season put the Gunners on top, 5-0.

"I like our moxie," said Gunners manager Kevin Banner.

23 August 2298 - Two-run 9th Helps Party Boys Earn 5-4 Win

The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys did just enough to sneak past the Abernathy Adamantium, 5-4, at Tato Field. Nordhagen Beach left fielder Michael Fogcrawler, in particular, had a standout performance. Accident John snagged the win in relief. In 2 innings, the right-hander allowed 1 run on 4 hits. He's now 3-0 on the season. With the win, Nordhagen Beach upped its record to 62-37 and drops its Magic Number to 5.

Tomas Jones made it 5-4 in favor of Nordhagen Beach when he delivered a 2-run single. It came with two out in the top of the ninth, blowing T-Bone Heagy's save attempt and earning him the loss to drop to 4-5.

"Our guys are never satisfied," said Nordhagen Beach manager Craig Robinson. "We probably won too many games like this, waiting until the last possible moment to pull ahead, but we did it. Hey, baseball is a 9-inning game, so the last inning counts for runs just as much as the first."

23 August 2298 - Hancocks Prevail, 4-3, Over Oberland

Bryan Assman was a major factor in the 4-3 Goodneighbor win over Oberland. The Hancocks first baseman was 2 for 3 with 2 home runs. He drove in 3 runs and scored twice. Bus Paula got the save, his 10th in 11 chances. Goodneighbor, at 68-31, is 10½ games up in the South Charles Association Minutemen League and trail the T-51s by just two games for the #1 overall CBO seed. The Hancocks lead the season series 4-3 with just one game to play. A win tomorrow earns them the head-to-head tie breaker.

With Goodneighbor leading 2-0 in the bottom of the third, Assman hit a changeup from Gerald Jerry for a 2-run home run. It was his 32nd home run of the season and put the Hancocks ahead, 4-0.

"We'll relax tonight and get back after it tomorrow," Assman said after the game.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

24 August 2298 - BMU: Cannibals Get One-Run Win at Somerville Place

The Charles View Cannibals did just enough to sneak past the Somerville Place Sentry Bots, 4-3, at Water and Beds Park. Charles View pitcher Miles Zoom, in particular, had a standout performance. Zoom went 7 innings to notch the win. He scattered 5 hits, walked 2, and struck out 9. His record improves to 4-0. Capstone Goofson notched his 10th save in 16 chances.

Matt Morrison, the 20-year old first baseman , had a direct impact on the outcome. Morrison contributed a 2-run home run in the top of the fifth inning to put Charles View up, 4-0.

"I'll probably toss and turn tonight," Somerville Place manager Limp Durn said following the tough loss.

Charles View now has a 3-game win streak.

24 August 2298 - BMU: T-60s, Cook Pin Bad Loss on Action Boys

The Fiddler's Green T-60s topped the Postal Square Action Boys, 10-1, in Massachusetts Association action at Shamrock Taphouse Stadium of the Square. The game was highlighted by the performance of Fiddler's Green second baseman Chad Cook. Josh Bum picked up the win, improving his season record to 4-12. He struck out 1 in 8 innings. The T-60s sit in 4th place in the Massachusetts Association Glowing Sea League with a record of 34-37.

It could have been a different outcome for Fiddler's Green, had it not been for Johnny Tattooman, the 28-year old third baseman. Tattooman contributed a run-scoring walk in the top of the second inning to put Fiddler's Green up, 2-0.

"There's never a lack of effort in our clubhouse. We're willing to do the little things to get the win," Tattooman told the Fiddler's Green Citizen.

24 August 2298 - BMU: Vertibird Powers Snipers Offense

The home crowd had a good time watching the Forest Grove Mole Rats and Trinity Plaza Snipers get after it.

The Trinity Plaza Snipers topped the Forest Grove Mole Rats by a score of 13-7. Leading the way was third baseman Danny Vertibird. Vertibird was 2 for 4 with a home run, a triple, and a walk. He scored 3 runs and drove in 5 for the Snipers. Trinity Plaza pitcher Ed Hurtbrain got the win, upping his record to 1-0. Dan Lowbridge got the loss.

Jonathan Coats aided the Trinity Plaza cause with a run-scoring double in the bottom of the third. For the game, the catcher went 1 for 4 with a double and a walk.

"We put it together today and came out with the win," Coats said in postgame remarks. "That's the main thing."

With the victory, the Snipers upped their record to 41-30.

24 August 2298 - Iddings Masterful in Shutout, Hancocks Clinch ML

The Oberland T-51s had no answer today for Goodneighbor Hancocks pitcher Bruce Iddings. They failed to score a single run against him, losing 9-0. Oberland managed only 3 hits off Iddings, who had 8 strikeouts.

The extraordinarily popular Iddings got a standing ovation from the hometown crowd as he left the field, the applause continuing until he returned from the dugout to tip his cap to the crowd.

"Hancocks fans are the best fans, in my opinion," he said. "It's a great feeling to throw a shutout under any circumstances but to do it with the crowd behind you like that is just incredible."

So far this year Iddings has 16 wins and 4 losses and a 3.46 ERA.

With the win, the Hancocks have clinched the season series over Oberland and puts them just one game back of the battle for the #1 overall seed in the South Charles Association playoffs with just eight games to play.

More importantly, Goodneighbor officially clinched the Minutemen League. The Hancocks said they expected to win the ML from day one.

It is now closer to the end than it is to day one, but that brash attitude has paid off, as the team has in fact clinched the division.

"We believe in each other and we think we're by far the best team in the division. We proved that this year," said Assman. "We're sitting at 68-31 right now, well ahead of the rest of the division, it feels good. This is a statement for us."

Whether the confidence carries over into the team's playoff pursuits remains to be seen, but this is the 2nd time they have won the division.

24 August 2298 - Radsco Shackles Salem

Chris Radsco blitzed the Salem Witch Hats at Vim! Park of Salem today, pitching the Concord Radstags to victory, 5-0. Radsco needed 9 innings to shut out the Witch Hats, striking out 10.

"I knew he had it in him, but it's still nice to see him put it all together," said Concord manager Mark Gourdroot.

Radsco surrendered 5 hits and 2 walks in the outing.

Thus far this season Radsco has posted a 6-4 record, started 11 games, struck out 73 batters in 75 innings and compiled a 3.36 ERA.

24 August 2298 - Bertha Twirls 6-0 Shutout

ArcJet Systems Stadium played host to a command performance by Tony Bertha of the Sunshine Tidings Chemists. In shutting out The Slog 6-0, Bertha limited the Ghouls to 2 hits. The 21-year-old hurler also fanned 9 and walked 2 in capturing the victory.

Over the season Bertha has thrown 170 innings and dished out 134 strikeouts with a 10-12 mark and a 3.65 ERA.

The Slog has been reeling lately, dropping their fifth-straight game while league rival Easy Town is riding a six-game winning streak. The Ghouls now trail the Assaultrons by two games in the Brotherhood League wildcard race.

24 August 2298 - Shroud Loses 4th Straight, Fall Behind Adamantium

The County Crossing Bloodbugs beat the Fort Hagen Silver Shroud by a score of 10-6. First baseman Josh Noggin deserved the lion's share of the credit. Noggin was 3 for 5 with a home run and a double. He scored 2 runs and drove in 2 for the Bloodbugs. The second-place Silver Shroud have lost 4 straight games, dropping them a game behind the Abernathy Adamantium who beat Nordhagen Beach today.

Noggin had a key at-bat for County Crossing early in the game. With a runner on 1st, he hit a 2-run home run. It was his 24th home run of the season and gave County Crossing an early 2-0 lead.

"Getting a lot of baserunners and getting some timely hits, it's a good combination," said Noggin.

24 August 2298 - Adamantium Prevail, 5-3, Take Over 1st Place

The Abernathy Adamantium trumped the Nordhagen Beach Party Boys, 5-3, at Tato Field. Abernathy second baseman Jim Waples was terrific. He was 3 for 5 with 2 doubles. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3. Abernathy pitcher Neil Watson got the win. He's now 7-8. Derek Gist was tagged with the loss. The win puts Abernathy at 56-44 this season, one game up on Fort Hagen.

Waples had a timely hit for Abernathy in the bottom of the sixth. With Nordhagen Beach trailing 2-0, he turned a 1-1 fastball into a bases-clearing double. It was his 18th double of the season, making it 3-2, Abernathy.

"We'll put this win in our pocket and go after the next one," said Waples.

24 August 2298 - Vault 81 Season Won't Continue in Playoffs

Postseason baseball won't be coming to Vault 81 this year. The quest for the playoffs ended for the Vault 81 Dwellers today, as they were mathematically eliminated from contention.

"Not the first time I've experienced this," said Dwellers manager Jason Personhood, "but it never gets fun."

This is the 3rd time in a row that the Dwellers have missed the playoffs. They have yet to make the playoffs in their history.

[StLee]

Today in the CBO

News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth

by Nat Wright-Kawolski

25 August 2298 - BMU: Sentry Bots Flatten Cannibals, 11-1

The Charles View Cannibals went down to defeat to Gulp Ochoa and his Somerville Place teammates. The final score was 11-1 in favor of the Sentry Bots. Ochoa got the win, improving to 1-8. He allowed 3 hits and walked 5 over 7 innings. Ochoa allowed 1 run. With the win, Somerville Place pushed its record to 36-36.

The Sentry Bots got a big hit from second baseman Man Chee. In the bottom of the sixth, Chee pounded a grand slam home run to left. His 6th home run of the season put the Sentry Bots ahead, 11-1.

In comments to the Somerville Place News, Chee admitted he's been told to improve his work habits. "But," he said, "I know when to take it to another gear."

25 August 2298 - BMU: Big Leaguers Top Rayguns, 6-4, Behind Jenkins

The Natick Banks Big Leaguers beat the Cabot House Rayguns, 6-4. Natick Banks pitcher and Westport, Massachusetts, native Ron Jenkins led the way. Natick Banks goes to 45-27. The win puts them 9 games up in their division.

Jenkins scattered 3 hits over 7 innings for the Big Leaguers. With the win, Jenkins moves to 2-0 on the year with 34 strikeouts.

"Win or lose, we pick each other up in this clubhouse," Jenkins told the Natick Banks Times.

25 August 2298 - BMU: Mallory Now 3-8 After Subduing Robobrains

Boston Common picked up a win at Hallucigen Stadium at Boston Common, toppling the Mass Pike Robobrains, 5-0. Pitcher Tup Mallory was one of the reasons the Lead Bellies triumphed. The losing streak for Mass Pike has now reached 11 games.

Mallory gave Boston Common a solid start. The left-hander allowed no runs on 5 hits over 8.2 innings.

"We'll kick back tonight, then get set for the next one," Mallory said.

25 August 2298 - BMU: Spy Hunters Lose By a Run at College Square, 3-2

Starting pitcher Manny Madrid was a major factor in the 3-2 College Square Nerd Ragers triumph over the Taffington Boathouse Spy Hunters. Victory Parade, credited with the save, is now 2 for 3 in save opportunities. The win puts College Square at 46-26 this season.

Chris Firstman helped out the College Square cause in the bottom of the first inning with a run-scoring ground out. For the game, the first baseman drove in one run.

"I tell our guys all the time, 'Every pitch is the right pitch if you put it in the right place, you believe in it and have conviction,'" College Square manager Jeremy Jenkins said.

25 August 2298 - BMU: Postseason Bid Ends for Mystic Pines

Despite their best efforts to remain in the race, the playoff chase is over for the Mystic Pines Raybathers. The club has now been mathematically eliminated from clinching a postseason berth.

This is the 2nd time in a row that the Raybathers have missed the playoffs.They have yet to make the playoffs in their history.

Heading into the final four games of the season next week, only seven teams still remain alive for the postseason. The BMU playoffs consist only of league winners, so second place is out. In the Dark Hollow Pond League, Galleria (42-30) and Greentop Nursery (40-32) are still alive. In the Cambridge League, College Square (46-26) and C.I.T. Ruins (45-27) are still alive. In the Downtown Boston League, Haymarket Mall (43-29) and Trinity Plaza (41-31) are still alive. Natick Banks has already clinched the Glowing Sea League title.

[OrangeP47]

Originally Posted by StLee

Yes, if I was going to make a baseball world into the Fallout world, then I definitely had to build it up, not destroy everything like the game wants its players to do. I still don't understand some of the design decisions that (for the most part) there can be only one faction left standing. Why? Why does going against the Institute only result in blowing up the Institute? Surely some of the technology there could be used for good in the future.

Just like the factions, every single settlement needs to build up more and more. In this version of the Commonwealth, people in surrounding areas heard about the new "free and safe" Boston so have moved their en masse.

You sound like you're one of the rare breed who'd like the ending to Mass Effect 3. (Granted, personally I don't mind how it ended either)

[StLee]

Originally Posted by OrangeP47

You sound like you're one of the rare breed who'd like the ending to Mass Effect 3. (Granted, personally I don't mind how it ended either)

I played and beat Mass Effect 1 over a number of years. I think I own 2 but never yet played it. Therefore, 3 is not quite in my wheelhouse. I know there was controversy about 3, but I never looked at why because I didn't want spoilers in case I do play it one day.

If it means everyone wins/survives, then yes. In my Fallout universe, I needed more to survive than did in the game or else my ability to grab photos of the Fallout game characters would be limited. That's why I "rewrote" the ending and made all factions play nice and come together to rid the Commonwealth of unproductive factions like general raiders and Gunners and the Forged and Libertalia, as well as the packs of super mutants and feral ghouls and deathclaws and mirelurks. Of course, there are still fringe elements of all these, thus some enemy encounters (next one September 2 or 3 in my random rolls!!!). As far as the factions are concerned, four was the perfect number. I considered doing the same for Nuka World and making the raider factions there come together for good instead of bad, but that did not seem realistic. I wanted Nuka World to be an actual vacation adventure for people of the Commonwealth like it was pre-War.