The Cowboy Collective is a faction that emerged in the years following the apocalypse, formed by a group of ranchers and cowboys who banded together to protect their land and livestock from raiders and other threats. They have a deep connection to the land and a strong sense of self-sufficiency and independence, and they've combined this with an appreciation for the aesthetics of the Old West.
One of the most striking things about the Cowboy Collective is their use of energy weapons that resemble traditional western firearms. They've modified laser pistols and rifles to look like six-shooters and lever-action rifles, and they've even created energy-based shotguns that fire explosive shells. This gives them a unique advantage in combat, as they can take advantage of the iconic look and feel of classic western weapons while also having access to the advanced technology of the post-apocalyptic world.
In addition to their weapons, the Cowboy Collective has also developed a range of high-tech tools and equipment that they use to maintain their land and livestock. They have laser-powered plows that can clear fields in minutes, as well as energy-based fences that keep their cattle and horses from straying. They've even developed an energy-based lasso that can capture and restrain targets without harming them, which they use both for herding livestock and for capturing raiders and other threats.
The Cowboy Collective is also known for their unique sense of style. They wear a combination of traditional cowboy clothing and post-apocalyptic armor, with cowboy hats, leather vests, and bandoliers mixed with high-tech helmets and chest plates. They've also incorporated elements of western folklore and legend into their culture, with members taking on names like "The Lone Gunman" or "The Quickdraw Kid."
The Cowboy Collective is based out of a large ranch or series of ranches located in the countryside outside of Austin, Texas. They've fortified their ranches and turned them into defensive strongholds, using the natural features of the land to create a series of barriers and traps that make them difficult to attack.
The ranches themselves are sprawling and self-sufficient, with the Cowboy Collective growing crops and raising livestock to sustain themselves. They've also established a network of trade with other factions in the area, providing them with food and supplies in exchange for advanced technology and other resources.
The Cowboy Collective's ranches are not easy to find, as they're located in remote areas that are difficult to navigate without knowledge of the land. They've also set up numerous lookout points and patrols to detect any potential threats, making it difficult for outsiders to approach without being noticed.
Despite their isolation, the Cowboy Collective is not completely closed off from the outside world. They occasionally send out scouts and traders to establish contact with other factions and maintain their supply lines. They've also been known to offer assistance to settlers and travelers in the area, although they're cautious about revealing the location of their ranches to outsiders.
The Major Ranches are: