khzmusik
Well-known member
Here is what I can glean about the 7D2D story so far.
Most of this is taken from entries in the translation files. I also took some information from the official Wiki, and sometimes from the game's XML configuration files, or from things the developers have said in the past. However, most of this is not currently in the game.
So until we hear otherwise from the developers, all of this could change.
For real-life information, I'll provide Wikipedia links if I can find them.
The story takes place in Navezgane, Arizona.
This is how Navezgane is described in the translation files:
"Navezgane County Arizona one of the last true Eden’s on Earth where crops can still grow which is mostly Apache Indian Reservation territory."
According to the official Wiki entry:
"In the Apache language, 'Navezgane' means 'Killer of Monsters.'"
The various Apache tribes speak dialects of the Southern Athabaskan language, and as far as I can tell, that is incorrect. However, there is a Navajo mythical hero named Nayenezgani, whose name can be translated to "Monster Slayer" or "Killer of Enemies." The Apache and Navajo have a shared history and mythology, so it is not unreasonable to guess that "Navezgane" is based off of him.
For reasons which will become clear, I believe Navezgane is meant to be located in the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
The Duke is Native American, and the "boss" of Navezgane.
When you first spawn in, you have a note from the Duke which reads:
"Just a friendly reminder that you pay on time, every time or there will be consequences. Next time we won't be so nice. Thanks for the gear, but you still owe us. See you soon. -The Duke"
From his entry in the translation files:
"The most powerful man in Navezgane before the war was an ambitious, crooked Native American of Apache decent named 'Duke Cassadore' which means Warrior and Chief in Apache."
He also owned a casino:
"A Duke's casino coin. After the epidemic and war these brass coins became the main currency for trading in Navezgane."
This is the in-game picture of the Duke:

Neither "Duke" nor "Cassadore" are Apache (Southern Athabaskan) words.
I am guessing that "Duke" comes from John Wayne's nickname. But that is only a guess.
I don't know where "Cassadore" comes from (it's the Portuguese spelling of "Cazador," which means "hunter" in Spanish). But even though "Cassadore" isn't Native American, there are a couple of Apaches named "Cassadore" (for the same reason that some Black people are named Jones). The only two I could find are Twila Cassadore (indigenous food advocate), and Philip Cassadore (traditional Apache singer, spiritual leader, and '70s Presidential candidate).
Speaking of the Cassadores, the translation files describe them as:
"The Duke's personal band of mercenaries."
In previous versions of the game's npc.xml file, there were separate factions for the Duke and for bandits, with the Duke faction disliking the bandits, suggesting that the Cassadores were not going to be the bandits in the game. But in Alpha 21, the "bandits" faction was removed. This doesn't mean the Cassadores are going to be the bandits, but it is suggestive.
Noah Wright (or Noah White) is the main rival of the Duke.
When you complete the first challenges and get a quest to go to a trader, you see this on the screen:
"Good Job Survivor,
"You have proved to be capable with much potential. We have marked your map with the nearest White River Outpost location. There you will find a Trader where you can buy and sell goods, and trade stories with one of our friendly citizens.
"Welcome Aboard, Noah"
This is how Noah is described in the translation files:
"The founder of the White River Settler's Outposts, Noah White stood up to the Duke and is now on the run from the Cassadores."
This is the in-game picture of Noah:

In real life, Whiteriver, Arizona is the seat of government for the White Mountain Apache tribe. But there is no mention of this in the game files, and Noah seems to be "White" in both name and ethnicity.
The end game
Because this isn't in the game yet, people might not want to see where the story is going. If you don't want the game's future story spoiled, don't read any further!
Most of this is taken from entries in the translation files. I also took some information from the official Wiki, and sometimes from the game's XML configuration files, or from things the developers have said in the past. However, most of this is not currently in the game.
So until we hear otherwise from the developers, all of this could change.
For real-life information, I'll provide Wikipedia links if I can find them.
The story takes place in Navezgane, Arizona.
This is how Navezgane is described in the translation files:
"Navezgane County Arizona one of the last true Eden’s on Earth where crops can still grow which is mostly Apache Indian Reservation territory."
According to the official Wiki entry:
"In the Apache language, 'Navezgane' means 'Killer of Monsters.'"
The various Apache tribes speak dialects of the Southern Athabaskan language, and as far as I can tell, that is incorrect. However, there is a Navajo mythical hero named Nayenezgani, whose name can be translated to "Monster Slayer" or "Killer of Enemies." The Apache and Navajo have a shared history and mythology, so it is not unreasonable to guess that "Navezgane" is based off of him.
For reasons which will become clear, I believe Navezgane is meant to be located in the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
The Duke is Native American, and the "boss" of Navezgane.
When you first spawn in, you have a note from the Duke which reads:
"Just a friendly reminder that you pay on time, every time or there will be consequences. Next time we won't be so nice. Thanks for the gear, but you still owe us. See you soon. -The Duke"
From his entry in the translation files:
"The most powerful man in Navezgane before the war was an ambitious, crooked Native American of Apache decent named 'Duke Cassadore' which means Warrior and Chief in Apache."
He also owned a casino:
"A Duke's casino coin. After the epidemic and war these brass coins became the main currency for trading in Navezgane."
This is the in-game picture of the Duke:

Neither "Duke" nor "Cassadore" are Apache (Southern Athabaskan) words.
I am guessing that "Duke" comes from John Wayne's nickname. But that is only a guess.
I don't know where "Cassadore" comes from (it's the Portuguese spelling of "Cazador," which means "hunter" in Spanish). But even though "Cassadore" isn't Native American, there are a couple of Apaches named "Cassadore" (for the same reason that some Black people are named Jones). The only two I could find are Twila Cassadore (indigenous food advocate), and Philip Cassadore (traditional Apache singer, spiritual leader, and '70s Presidential candidate).
Speaking of the Cassadores, the translation files describe them as:
"The Duke's personal band of mercenaries."
In previous versions of the game's npc.xml file, there were separate factions for the Duke and for bandits, with the Duke faction disliking the bandits, suggesting that the Cassadores were not going to be the bandits in the game. But in Alpha 21, the "bandits" faction was removed. This doesn't mean the Cassadores are going to be the bandits, but it is suggestive.
Noah Wright (or Noah White) is the main rival of the Duke.
When you complete the first challenges and get a quest to go to a trader, you see this on the screen:
"Good Job Survivor,
"You have proved to be capable with much potential. We have marked your map with the nearest White River Outpost location. There you will find a Trader where you can buy and sell goods, and trade stories with one of our friendly citizens.
"Welcome Aboard, Noah"
This is how Noah is described in the translation files:
"The founder of the White River Settler's Outposts, Noah White stood up to the Duke and is now on the run from the Cassadores."
This is the in-game picture of Noah:

In real life, Whiteriver, Arizona is the seat of government for the White Mountain Apache tribe. But there is no mention of this in the game files, and Noah seems to be "White" in both name and ethnicity.
The end game
Because this isn't in the game yet, people might not want to see where the story is going. If you don't want the game's future story spoiled, don't read any further!
In the end game, the player will choose to side with either the Duke or Noah.
However, if it wasn't clear from what is already in the game, players are encouraged to consider Noah the "good guy" and the Duke the "bad guy."
There are several translation entries (most new to 1.0) which verify both of these things. Each trader has separate dialog when giving a quest to meet either the Duke or Noah. There are also several "rumor" entries in the translations. Traders that are friendly (Jen, Joel) side with Noah, and traders who are unfriendly (Rekt, Hugh) side with the Duke. Bob dislikes both.
Here are the translation entries, by trader.
Trader Rekt on Noah and White River:
"That Noah fancies himself to be some kind of modern day Robin Hood. He's just a scumbag thief. You'd probably fit in good with him."
"That White River outfit all ought to be hanged."
"Noah's gotta be the dumbest @%$# thinking he can come in here and buy things on credit."
"Noah, that @%$#! You tell him I'm gonna cut his god damned throat."
"If I see any White River scum, I just start shooting. You're not one of them, are you?"
"Noah killed a few of the Duke's men, now he's got to look over both shoulders."
"The only thing good about The White River Settlers is watching the Duke hang 'em."
"Some of those White River @%$#s were in here asking for you. Come to my store, and I'll give you the info."
"I don't know what kind of goody two shoes @%$# you've been pulling, but Noah, that White River @%$#, wants to meet up. You tell those sons of @%$#es that if they come here again I'll shoot 'em."
Trader Rekt on the Duke:
"The Duke's got my vote, and that's all that matters."
"I shot a low life one time, and the Duke said I was in my rights."
"The Duke pays his bills and doesn't ask for credit or favors like those White River Clowns."
"The Duke kills scumbags all the time. I'd watch my back if I were you."
"Me and the Duke go way back. I used to gamble at his casino before the @%$# hit the fan."
"If you think the Duke is mean, you haven't seen me mad yet."
"The Duke's just like me. He tells it like it is and everyone's scared of him."
"Hey @%$#! The Duke wants to see you for some god damned reason. Come to my store, and I'll fill you in."
"I guess you're some kind of hotshot because the Duke wants to meet you at his casino. Or maybe he'll just kill you like I would. Well, get going! The Duke doesn't like to wait!"
Trader Jen on Noah and White River:
"Noah might rough a few people up, but at least that is good for business. The Duke just kills them, and I don't sell shovels."
"Noah has the right ideas. Half the bandits out there are the Duke's men."
"Noah promised me a new hospital if he wins the war. Yeah right.."
"The White River Settlers are the ones dropping free supplies. Who cares where they come from if they are helping folks?"
"The White River Settlers are true heroes. They saved me from a nasty horde one time."
"Oh, you won't believe this. Noah wants to meet you! Come in, and I'll get you the details."
"So you've been doing a lot of great work out there and Noah himself from the White River Settlers wants to meet you! I think you will like Noah. He's got a heart of gold."
Trader Jen on the Duke:
"The Duke is just a hothead who thinks he's God's gift to the apocalypse."
"The Duke charges for protection. That means as long as you pay him, he won't kill you."
"The Duke is more of a terrorist than a visionary like he fancies himself to be."
"The Duke is bad for business. I heal people, not bury them."
"I heard half of the Duke's army came from the prisons. A real rough bunch."
"The Duke owned a casino before the apocalypse started. He's been rigging the game his entire life."
"The Duke would kill me, but I'm the only doctor in town."
"The Duke has some nerve. He tried to tell me I couldn't treat any White River Sympathizers."
"Hey, hotshot, I got something big for you. The Duke wants to meet you. Come in, and I'll give you the details."
"So you've got the attention of the Duke. He wants to meet you in person at his casino. I wouldn't trust him, but it's up to you."
Trader Bob on Noah and White River:
"Noah is as tough as a nickel steak."
"That Noah seems like a nice enough feller, but I think he's as crooked as a dog's hind leg."
"I think Noah is as crooked as a barrel of fish hooks."
"Noah's a few pickles short of a barrel."
"Them White River fellers are ridin' a gravy train on biscuit wheels. Their luck will run out. The Duke is not to be trifled with."
"That Noah is as tight as a fiddle string. Comes in here actin' all high and mighty and talkin' about a good cause, but never pays the bill."
"You're better off skinnin' your own buffalo than joining them White River fellers."
"Well, aren't you popular? Noah from the White River wants to meet you. Come on in, and I'll give you the skinny."
"So apparently, Noah from the White River has noticed you turning in a lot of jobs and he wants to meet you. Don't forget about us little folk once you get all high and mighty."
Trader Bob on the Duke:
"That Duke has got one big hole in his screen door."
"Them Duke boys are tougher than a stewed skunk."
"The Duke has got horns holdin' up his halo."
"The Duke is as mean as a mama wasp."
"The Duke is so crooked, if he swallowed a nail he'd spit up a corkscrew."
"You'd be better off fendin' for yourself than gettin in bed with those Duke boys."
"It looks like yer makin' some noise out there. The Duke wants to set up a meet n' greet, come on in, and I'll get you the details."
"So the Duke sent some men in here asking about you. I don't know what he wants, but be careful. He's slicker than pig snot on a radiator."
Trader Bob on both:
"The Duke and Noah are both full of chicken @%$#, if you ask me."
Trader Hugh on Noah and White River:
"Noah's too soft to ever make a real difference."
"Those White River fanatics are all talk with their hopes and their dreams."
"I think those White River fanatics are just bandits. They hide their faces, so they can rob you blind."
"If there's a way out of this mess, it sure as @%$# won't be following those White River candy-asses."
"Noah had the nerve to ask me for credit. Said he'd pay me back when he takes down the Duke. I told him no dukes, no guns."
"Noah thinking he can take down the Duke is a pipe dream. The Duke is well-armed, well-funded and has an army."
"Those White River idiots are the ones causing all the drama. The Duke is just keeping the peace."
"I don't know what you did, but those White River Rats came in and were asking about you. Come in, and I'll give you the details."
"I don't know what you did, but that Noah character from those White River fanatics wants to meet you. I'd tell that yellow @%$# to go @%$# himself, but whatever, it's your funeral. Go meet him and see what he wants."
Trader Hugh on the Duke:
"The Duke provides order to all this chaos, and he buys a lot of guns, so it's a win-win situation."
"The Duke ain't no saint, but at least you know who he is and what he's capable of."
"The Duke buys more guns in a day than all the rest of these @%$#es do in a year."
"The Duke supports the right to bear arms. He's got my vote, not that he needed it. The Duke gets what the Duke wants."
"It's just a matter of time before the Duke finds Noah and crushes those White River rats."
"The Duke's winning this war for a reason. He buys all his guns from us."
"Trader Rekt sells good food, great booze, and supports the Duke, so what's not to like?"
"If the Duke didn't protect us, we'd all be zed heads by now."
"Well holeee @%$# man! The Duke's men were here looking for you. Get your ass in here and I'll give you the details."
"So you must have done something right. The Duke sent his men in here looking for you and they want to have a sit down. What an honor it would be to meet the Duke."
Trader Joel on Noah and White River:
"Noah's a brave man to go up against a tyrant like the Duke."
"I'll be rich if Noah wins this war. Do you know how much taxes the Duke charges me?"
"Make no mistake, The White River Settlers are the good guys."
"Noah believes in free trade, so he's got my vote."
"The White River Settlers help grease the wheels of commerce. That makes them the good guys in my book."
"People love a good story. Ever since Noah stood up to the Duke, people can't stop talking about him. He's like an apocalyptic Robin Hood."
"Trader Jen and I both support The White River Settlers. That makes us friends, right?"
"The White River Settlers provide hope for a free society."
"I like Noah, but he is so cheap, he'd probably pay you in expired coupons."
"Guess what? Noah wants to meet you! Come in, and I'll give you the details."
"It seems you've been doing good work, my friend. Noah from The White River Settlers wants to meet you. This is an amazing opportunity, friend."
Trader Joel on the Duke:
"One look at the Duke's men, and you can tell they are a bunch of degenerates."
"The Duke tried to get me with his protection racket. I sold that @%$# a bunch of armor and marked it up so high that it covered his bill and made me a nice profit."
"The Duke might kill a lot of scumbags and make Navezgane a bit safer. The problem is that he kills a lot of good people too."
"The Dukes are just a bunch of terrorists, if you asked me."
"The Duke is just a dictator in a fancy suit."
"So the Duke's men were at my store looking for you. Come in, and I'll give you the details."
"I thought you were playing for the right team, but I guess I was wrong. The Duke likes the work you've done and wants to meet you. I wouldn't trust him, if I were you."
However, if it wasn't clear from what is already in the game, players are encouraged to consider Noah the "good guy" and the Duke the "bad guy."
There are several translation entries (most new to 1.0) which verify both of these things. Each trader has separate dialog when giving a quest to meet either the Duke or Noah. There are also several "rumor" entries in the translations. Traders that are friendly (Jen, Joel) side with Noah, and traders who are unfriendly (Rekt, Hugh) side with the Duke. Bob dislikes both.
Here are the translation entries, by trader.
Trader Rekt on Noah and White River:
"That Noah fancies himself to be some kind of modern day Robin Hood. He's just a scumbag thief. You'd probably fit in good with him."
"That White River outfit all ought to be hanged."
"Noah's gotta be the dumbest @%$# thinking he can come in here and buy things on credit."
"Noah, that @%$#! You tell him I'm gonna cut his god damned throat."
"If I see any White River scum, I just start shooting. You're not one of them, are you?"
"Noah killed a few of the Duke's men, now he's got to look over both shoulders."
"The only thing good about The White River Settlers is watching the Duke hang 'em."
"Some of those White River @%$#s were in here asking for you. Come to my store, and I'll give you the info."
"I don't know what kind of goody two shoes @%$# you've been pulling, but Noah, that White River @%$#, wants to meet up. You tell those sons of @%$#es that if they come here again I'll shoot 'em."
Trader Rekt on the Duke:
"The Duke's got my vote, and that's all that matters."
"I shot a low life one time, and the Duke said I was in my rights."
"The Duke pays his bills and doesn't ask for credit or favors like those White River Clowns."
"The Duke kills scumbags all the time. I'd watch my back if I were you."
"Me and the Duke go way back. I used to gamble at his casino before the @%$# hit the fan."
"If you think the Duke is mean, you haven't seen me mad yet."
"The Duke's just like me. He tells it like it is and everyone's scared of him."
"Hey @%$#! The Duke wants to see you for some god damned reason. Come to my store, and I'll fill you in."
"I guess you're some kind of hotshot because the Duke wants to meet you at his casino. Or maybe he'll just kill you like I would. Well, get going! The Duke doesn't like to wait!"
Trader Jen on Noah and White River:
"Noah might rough a few people up, but at least that is good for business. The Duke just kills them, and I don't sell shovels."
"Noah has the right ideas. Half the bandits out there are the Duke's men."
"Noah promised me a new hospital if he wins the war. Yeah right.."
"The White River Settlers are the ones dropping free supplies. Who cares where they come from if they are helping folks?"
"The White River Settlers are true heroes. They saved me from a nasty horde one time."
"Oh, you won't believe this. Noah wants to meet you! Come in, and I'll get you the details."
"So you've been doing a lot of great work out there and Noah himself from the White River Settlers wants to meet you! I think you will like Noah. He's got a heart of gold."
Trader Jen on the Duke:
"The Duke is just a hothead who thinks he's God's gift to the apocalypse."
"The Duke charges for protection. That means as long as you pay him, he won't kill you."
"The Duke is more of a terrorist than a visionary like he fancies himself to be."
"The Duke is bad for business. I heal people, not bury them."
"I heard half of the Duke's army came from the prisons. A real rough bunch."
"The Duke owned a casino before the apocalypse started. He's been rigging the game his entire life."
"The Duke would kill me, but I'm the only doctor in town."
"The Duke has some nerve. He tried to tell me I couldn't treat any White River Sympathizers."
"Hey, hotshot, I got something big for you. The Duke wants to meet you. Come in, and I'll give you the details."
"So you've got the attention of the Duke. He wants to meet you in person at his casino. I wouldn't trust him, but it's up to you."
Trader Bob on Noah and White River:
"Noah is as tough as a nickel steak."
"That Noah seems like a nice enough feller, but I think he's as crooked as a dog's hind leg."
"I think Noah is as crooked as a barrel of fish hooks."
"Noah's a few pickles short of a barrel."
"Them White River fellers are ridin' a gravy train on biscuit wheels. Their luck will run out. The Duke is not to be trifled with."
"That Noah is as tight as a fiddle string. Comes in here actin' all high and mighty and talkin' about a good cause, but never pays the bill."
"You're better off skinnin' your own buffalo than joining them White River fellers."
"Well, aren't you popular? Noah from the White River wants to meet you. Come on in, and I'll give you the skinny."
"So apparently, Noah from the White River has noticed you turning in a lot of jobs and he wants to meet you. Don't forget about us little folk once you get all high and mighty."
Trader Bob on the Duke:
"That Duke has got one big hole in his screen door."
"Them Duke boys are tougher than a stewed skunk."
"The Duke has got horns holdin' up his halo."
"The Duke is as mean as a mama wasp."
"The Duke is so crooked, if he swallowed a nail he'd spit up a corkscrew."
"You'd be better off fendin' for yourself than gettin in bed with those Duke boys."
"It looks like yer makin' some noise out there. The Duke wants to set up a meet n' greet, come on in, and I'll get you the details."
"So the Duke sent some men in here asking about you. I don't know what he wants, but be careful. He's slicker than pig snot on a radiator."
Trader Bob on both:
"The Duke and Noah are both full of chicken @%$#, if you ask me."
Trader Hugh on Noah and White River:
"Noah's too soft to ever make a real difference."
"Those White River fanatics are all talk with their hopes and their dreams."
"I think those White River fanatics are just bandits. They hide their faces, so they can rob you blind."
"If there's a way out of this mess, it sure as @%$# won't be following those White River candy-asses."
"Noah had the nerve to ask me for credit. Said he'd pay me back when he takes down the Duke. I told him no dukes, no guns."
"Noah thinking he can take down the Duke is a pipe dream. The Duke is well-armed, well-funded and has an army."
"Those White River idiots are the ones causing all the drama. The Duke is just keeping the peace."
"I don't know what you did, but those White River Rats came in and were asking about you. Come in, and I'll give you the details."
"I don't know what you did, but that Noah character from those White River fanatics wants to meet you. I'd tell that yellow @%$# to go @%$# himself, but whatever, it's your funeral. Go meet him and see what he wants."
Trader Hugh on the Duke:
"The Duke provides order to all this chaos, and he buys a lot of guns, so it's a win-win situation."
"The Duke ain't no saint, but at least you know who he is and what he's capable of."
"The Duke buys more guns in a day than all the rest of these @%$#es do in a year."
"The Duke supports the right to bear arms. He's got my vote, not that he needed it. The Duke gets what the Duke wants."
"It's just a matter of time before the Duke finds Noah and crushes those White River rats."
"The Duke's winning this war for a reason. He buys all his guns from us."
"Trader Rekt sells good food, great booze, and supports the Duke, so what's not to like?"
"If the Duke didn't protect us, we'd all be zed heads by now."
"Well holeee @%$# man! The Duke's men were here looking for you. Get your ass in here and I'll give you the details."
"So you must have done something right. The Duke sent his men in here looking for you and they want to have a sit down. What an honor it would be to meet the Duke."
Trader Joel on Noah and White River:
"Noah's a brave man to go up against a tyrant like the Duke."
"I'll be rich if Noah wins this war. Do you know how much taxes the Duke charges me?"
"Make no mistake, The White River Settlers are the good guys."
"Noah believes in free trade, so he's got my vote."
"The White River Settlers help grease the wheels of commerce. That makes them the good guys in my book."
"People love a good story. Ever since Noah stood up to the Duke, people can't stop talking about him. He's like an apocalyptic Robin Hood."
"Trader Jen and I both support The White River Settlers. That makes us friends, right?"
"The White River Settlers provide hope for a free society."
"I like Noah, but he is so cheap, he'd probably pay you in expired coupons."
"Guess what? Noah wants to meet you! Come in, and I'll give you the details."
"It seems you've been doing good work, my friend. Noah from The White River Settlers wants to meet you. This is an amazing opportunity, friend."
Trader Joel on the Duke:
"One look at the Duke's men, and you can tell they are a bunch of degenerates."
"The Duke tried to get me with his protection racket. I sold that @%$# a bunch of armor and marked it up so high that it covered his bill and made me a nice profit."
"The Duke might kill a lot of scumbags and make Navezgane a bit safer. The problem is that he kills a lot of good people too."
"The Dukes are just a bunch of terrorists, if you asked me."
"The Duke is just a dictator in a fancy suit."
"So the Duke's men were at my store looking for you. Come in, and I'll give you the details."
"I thought you were playing for the right team, but I guess I was wrong. The Duke likes the work you've done and wants to meet you. I wouldn't trust him, if I were you."