The Stranded

Lore & Background

During the Emergence, many civilians could not reach the fortified cities of Jacinto or other strongholds. These individuals formed loose communities in the shadows of the war, surviving on what they could find amidst the destruction. Over time, they developed a distinct culture focused on survival at any cost, often clashing with COG patrols who viewed them as lawless scavengers. While initially hostile to organized military forces, their status shifted as new threats emerged. Some Stranded groups eventually allied against common enemies like the Locust and later the Swarm, proving that loyalty was driven by necessity rather than ideology. Their armor is typically cobbled together from old military scraps, reflecting their resourceful but desperate existence in the harsh Seranian landscape.

In Their Own Story

Dust swirled around the rusted skeleton of a Lancer rifle. Kael adjusted his patched respirator, eyes scanning the horizon for movement. The ruins of Ephyra were quiet now, save for the wind howling through broken concrete. He knew the COG patrols wouldn't come this far; they didn't care about what was left behind in the dead zones. But out here, every scrap of metal meant another day alive. A Locust claw glinted in the dirt nearby, a reminder that danger never truly slept in Serenia's wasteland.

Reader's Guide

The Stranded represent the forgotten cost of war on Serenia. While the COG focused on rebuilding society within city walls, these survivors carved out an existence in the dangerous outskirts. They are not a unified army but rather scattered groups bound by shared hardship and desperation. Their relationship with official forces is tense; they are often accused of scavenging restricted tech or harboring Locust sympathies due to their isolation. However, their knowledge of the wasteland makes them valuable assets during crises when conventional tactics fail. In later conflicts, many Stranded proved willing to fight alongside COG remnants when faced with existential threats like the Swarm. Their presence highlights the fractured state of humanity long after the initial Emergence, showing that survival took many forms across the planet. They utilize modified weaponry and armor found in ruins, creating a unique aesthetic distinct from standard military issue gear.

Did You Know?

• They were civilians left behind during the evacuation of major cities.
• Their gear is often customized from discarded COG military equipment.
• Some groups eventually allied against greater threats like the Swarm.
• They feature prominently in the Ephyra sector missions.