Aldecaldos
“You got your ride, you got your family, and you got the open road. What else do you need?”
Overview
The Aldecaldos are one of the most respected Nomad families in the American West, with a long history of transport, combat, and community. Originally formed from displaced farm families during the Collapse, they have evolved into a powerful nation of road warriors, mechanics, and traders who helped rebuild Night City after the 4th Corporate War.
At a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Territory | Badlands around Night City, with camps throughout the American Southwest |
| Population | 5,000+ (one of the larger Nomad families) |
| Leadership | Family Council, headed by the Santiago line |
| Symbol | Eagle with spread wings |
| Primary Activities | Transport, escort, construction, trade |
| Allies | Night City (reconstruction contracts), some Corporations |
| Enemies | Raffen Shiv, hostile gangs, some corporate interests |
History
Origins (1990s)
The Aldecaldos began as a loose coalition of displaced farm families during the Collapse. When agribusiness and the Megacorps pushed small farmers off their land, many took to the roads. Juan Aldecaldo, a charismatic Texas rancher, united several of these groups into a family that could protect itself.
The Nomad Era (2000-2020)
During the early Cyberpunk era, the Aldecaldos established themselves as reliable transporters and fighters. They developed a reputation for:
- Keeping their word on contracts
- Protecting their cargo at all costs
- Fair dealing with clients
They also became known as El Lobos (The Wolves)—their warrior arm that specialized in combat and escort missions.
4th Corporate War
The Aldecaldos played a crucial role in the 4th Corporate War:
- Provided transport and combat support
- Protected refugees fleeing combat zones
- Made connections with key figures like Rogue and Johnny Silverhand
Time of the Red
After the war, the Aldecaldos became essential to Night City’s reconstruction. Working with StormTech Corporation, they:
- Built temporary housing from shipping containers
- Established trade routes through the Badlands
- Provided security for reconstruction crews
Today, the Aldecaldos maintain a large camp on the outskirts of Night City and run one of the most robust transport networks in the region.
Culture & Identity
Core Values
Aldecaldo Values
- Family above all — Blood and clan are sacred
- Freedom of the road — Never be caged
- Honor your contracts — Your word is your bond
- Protect the weak — Help those who can’t help themselves
- Adapt and survive — The road always changes
The Family Structure
Aldecaldos operate as an extended family:
- Blood relations form the core
- Married-in members are fully accepted
- Adopted members can earn full family status
- Associates work with the family but aren’t members
Traditions
| Tradition | Description |
|---|---|
| The Gathering | Annual meeting of all Aldecaldos clans |
| First Ride | Coming-of-age ceremony when a young Aldecaldo gets their first vehicle |
| The Wake | Elaborate funeral ceremonies honoring fallen members |
| Contract Feast | Celebration after completing a major job |
Aesthetics
Aldecaldos favor a rugged, practical style:
- Leathers and denim with family patches
- Weathered and functional clothing
- Vehicle-focused chrome — not for show, but for the road
- Tattoos marking family achievements and losses
Organization
Leadership
The Aldecaldos are led by a Family Council consisting of:
- The Family Head (currently of the Santiago line)
- El Lobos Leader (war chief)
- Trade Chief (manages contracts and business)
- Camp Chief (manages daily operations)
- Elder Council (advisors from senior members)
El Lobos (The Wolves)
The warrior arm of the Aldecaldos:
- Elite fighters trained from youth
- Specialize in vehicle combat and escort
- Wear wolf insignia alongside Aldecaldo symbols
- Led by a war chief chosen for skill and experience
Subdivisions
The Aldecaldos have several specialized groups:
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Haulers | Long-distance transport crews |
| Scouts | Advance parties, intelligence |
| Wrenchers | Mechanics and engineers |
| El Lobos | Combat specialists |
| Traders | Business and negotiation |
Operations
Primary Businesses
| Operation | Description |
|---|---|
| Transport | Moving goods across the Badlands and between cities |
| Escort | Protecting high-value cargo and VIPs |
| Construction | Building and infrastructure work |
| Scavenging | Recovering materials from abandoned areas |
| Trading | Buying and selling goods at Nomad markets |
The Camp
The main Aldecaldo camp outside Night City is a small mobile city:
- Dozens of vehicles from bikes to massive roadtrains
- Modular housing that can be packed and moved
- Workshops for repair and fabrication
- Trading posts open to outsiders
- Community areas for gatherings and celebrations
Relations
With Night City
The Aldecaldos have a complex but generally positive relationship with Night City:
- Construction contracts provide steady income
- Trade agreements allow access to city markets
- Some tensions with city authorities over Nomad rights
With Corporations
| Corporation | Relationship |
|---|---|
| StormTech | Close allies; joint reconstruction projects |
| Militech | Neutral; occasional contracts |
| Arasaka | Cool; old grudges from the war |
| Biotechnica | Business relationship; transport contracts |
With Other Nomads
| Family | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Jodes | Allies; united under Aldecaldo leadership during Chicago rebuild |
| Blood Nation | Friendly; entertainment exchange |
| Meta | Neutral; military backgrounds create common ground |
| Raffen Shiv | Hostile; Aldecaldos hunt Raffen when possible |
With Gangs
The Aldecaldos generally avoid city gang politics but:
- Valentinos: Trading relationship; mutual respect
- 6th Street: Tense; some territorial disputes
- Maelstrom: Hostile; Aldecaldos dislike their chaos
Key Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Aldecaldo Camp | Main encampment on Night City’s outskirts |
| Trade Posts | Various locations throughout the Badlands |
| Rest Stops | Secured waypoints along major routes |
| The Garage | Main vehicle maintenance facility |
Notable Figures
Historical
- Juan Aldecaldo — Founder of the family
- “Nomad” Santiago — Legendary war chief, father of current leader
- Various El Lobos — Heroes of the 4th Corporate War
Campaign Connections
| NPC | Role | Appears In |
|---|---|---|
| Patch Ramos | Transport contact | Mission 01 |
Using Aldecaldos in Play
As Allies
Aldecaldo Contacts Can Provide:
- Trans-Badlands transport
- Vehicle repairs and modifications
- Temporary safehouses outside the city
- Backup muscle for dangerous jobs
- Information about Badlands routes and hazards
- Access to Nomad markets (better prices than Night Markets)
As Employers
Common Aldecaldo jobs include:
- Escort missions through dangerous territory
- Recovery of stranded cargo
- Scouting new routes
- Dealing with Raffen Shiv attacks
Typical Stats
Aldecaldo Driver (Transport crew):
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 30 |
| SP | 7 (Nomad Leathers) |
| REF/DEX/TECH | 7/5/6 |
| MOVE | 5 |
| Weapons | Hvy Pistol (3d6), Shotgun (5d6) |
| Skills | Drive +10, Handgun +8, Land Vehicle Tech +8 |
El Lobos Warrior (Combat specialist):
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 45 |
| SP | 11 (Light Armorjack) |
| REF/DEX/COOL | 8/7/7 |
| MOVE | 6 |
| Weapons | Assault Rifle (5d6), Hvy Pistol (3d6) |
| Skills | Shoulder Arms +12, Drive +10, Evasion +10, Tactics +8 |
| Cyberware | Basic cyberoptics, subdermal radio |
🔗 Related Topics
- Nomads — All Nomad families
- The Badlands — Aldecaldo territory
- Patch Ramos — Campaign contact
- Vehicle Combat — Rules for road combat
Aldecaldo Slang
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Choombatta | Close friend, family |
| The Road | The Nomad lifestyle; freedom |
| Rollin’ | On the move, traveling |
| Corral | Camp or base |
| Iron | Vehicle |
| Raffen | Derogatory term for outlaw Nomads |
(Sources: Cyberpunk RED Core Rulebook, Cyberpunk 2077 lore)