[HOE] Businesses in Pre-War HoE...

["Ray C." <r_a_c_@hotmail.com>]

OK folks...  I'm starting up a list of Non-Real Life Businesses that were 
mentioned in Deadlands...  And, so far, I've gotten some that I remember off 
the top of my head from the books, and a few that I remember that I stated 
existed during my games.  Most are arms factories at the moment, as they 
stick out in my head a bit more (And are more often mentioned by the 
PEGheads.).

This way, you don't just keep having the standard "Colt, S&W, HI" weapons, 
and the usual vechicles and all that...  It's a nice change...  And, 
frankly, what Confederate would be caught dead using a Yankee Vechicle 
anyhow???

Stupid Yuppiemobiles...  All Fuel Efficency and no Guts!!!  When you hit one 
of those Walkin' Dead types, it shouldn't get up!!!  :-)
---
Hellstromme Industries:  The premier weapons builder for the World!  While 
diversified into almost every market (They never could really break into the 
prestidgious fake doggie-doo market for some reason), HI's main 
bread-and-butter was arms, both "New Science" (Read:  MAD Science!) and 
"Conventional".  HI's prices were usually higher than most, but are the 
bleeding edge in both styles of sciences!  Thier main purchasers at the time 
of the Last War was the USA, but there were orders the World over.  In 
addition to arms, HI produced almost everything and anything, usually 
starting out with the Mad Science version, then switching to the Traditional 
Science version as it was safer, cheaper, and more reliable.  Their PR, 
frankly, sucked, but folks still bought from them, as they had the best 
stuff in the market more often than nought.

Dixie Arms:  "The Dixieland Firearms Company of the Confederacy" being the 
full name, but everyone called it "Dixie Arms" (Even the markings on the 
guns said it.).  While they delt with "Conventional" weapons almost 
exclusively, and tended to keep to "Tried-and-True" designs, very few 
companies could match their reliability and simplistic products.  The main 
purchaser of weapons was, of course, the CSA, with Canadian Militias being 
second (The regular Canadian Armed Forces purchased from New Sterling 
Firearms, a British Company.).  Their products were usually viewed with 
contempt by Unionists, being likened to "Stone Knives and Bearskins".

New Sterling Firearms:  British Arms Factory, and designer of the Gyro 
Rounds.  While high-tech, their weapons were unconventional and not very 
popular outside of the Commonwealth.  (Or even in some parts of the 
Commonwealth for that matter.).

Granny Smith Arms Factory:  The main weapon proucer for Deseret after HI 
left, and pretty much the only one left in the Wasted West!  Small, usually 
producing weapons designed by other companies, but known for quality.  It 
produced the D-20 for the Nuvoo Leagon, and later the Junkyard Militia for a 
bit, but has been retooled completely for making bullets in various 
calibres.

Lone Star Guns:  Texas-Based rival to Dixie Arms.  Produced Revolvers and 
Rifles almost exclusively, but also made their own version of the .45 
Automatic that the Texas Rangers swore by.  Small, with no Military 
purchasers, but VERY popular with the Texas Rangers (Who got a number of 
discounts), and Confederate Civilians.

Sacred Arms:  Unscrupulous Ravenite Firearms Manufacturers.  Stole designs 
from, and sold to, almost anyone and everyone.  While mostly known for 
low-price, fair-quality weapons, the SA-13 has sullied the name of this 
not-so-fine company.  Most Ravenites will touch these weapons only to spit 
upon them (And that's only if they feel they're worthy of their SPIT!!!).

Sitting Bull Sporting Goods:  Founded by the Grandson of Sitting Bull.  
Known mostly for High-Tech Archery weapons (Compound Bows and Crossbows), 
but also produced a number of target and hunting rifles.  Know for reliable, 
accurate weapons.  When not building bows or guns, the company also produced 
gear for hunters and campers (Boots, Tents, Civilian Version MilRats, Ect.).

Ontarian Arms:  Based in Toronto (But with factories throughout Canada).  
They mostly "Sub-Contrated" themselves, selling machine time and gunsmith 
skills, but they also made a few in-house designed weapons.  Not really 
noted for anything, but made a fair bit of business.

Kalisn Weaponry:  Russian Fireams Company, maker of the AK-2047 and the 
Kalish Hunting Rifle.  Founded by Mikhail Kalashnikov (The original designer 
of the AK-47!!!) in 2002.  Known for crude manufacturing (Compared to the 
rest of the arms manufacturers), but good, simple, reliable designs, at a 
very good price!!!  "Ugly but Dependable!!!" as one Texas Ranger called his 
Kalish.

Indian Automotives:  Ravenite Vechicle factory.  Due to the small size of 
the factory, they didn't produce much, or anything really large (Aside from 
customized limos for the REALLY Rich Ravenites!), but their Motorcycles were 
very popular!!!  The "Wolf Pack" streetbike is a good, reliable ride that is 
the iron horse of choice for alot of Road Gangers out there!  And the Indian 
"Warpony" Sub-Compact at one time, rivaled even the ubiqious VW Bug!!!
---
Well folks, whatta think???

Ray.

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