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HISTORY Strawberry is a small township nestled in the foothills of Mount Shann- a town with a proud history of rugged individualism and independence. In August of 1899, a rebellion broke out against the local government that shattered the identity of the town, pushing most of it's prominent members to flee. Since then, the wounds of that rebellion have healed, and few now live to remember it. Now, however, a new era awaits as more and more settlers begin to move into the area, seeking fame, glory... and silver. FACTION GOALS COMMUNITY West Elizabeth is a wide and varied county, with Strawberry anchoring it's Northern half. Serving centrally to accommodate both Little Creek and Pronghorn, it provides a middle ground for these occasionally spatting ranches. To the South, travelers from Blackwater can stop and rest before continue their journey. A mingling ground for entrepreneurs, traders, and wanderers, Strawberry provides a unique experience to roleplay just at the cusp of the frontier- just don't piss off the locals, or you may find yourself down river without a paddle. BUISNESS The opportunity for business in Strawberry is immense- though specialized. Surrounded by dense forests, logging is a major industry in the area that fuels the purses of the locals, allowing for buildings to be erected from the East coast to the West. Seasoned timber from Strawberry is used to build homes for the exploding American population. The exquisite wilderness around attracts not only trappers and hunters- but a new kind of person who is more than happy to shoot animals- the photographer and tourist! And yet the wilds hold other secrets as well- camps for those who wish to remain hidden and ply their fiendish trades at the point of a gun. Those fires in the hotel at Strawberry sure are friendly!- But can the same be said about the ones just over the saddle of the mountain? And last, but certainly not least, is the yet undiscovered wealth under Mount Shann, a vein of silver that lies far below the earth for the hardest working and most eager prospector. The American dream is out there- you just have to reach out and work for it! ... Or take it. THE STORY The main idea of this faction is to engage in roleplay set in a booming mining and silver town of the late 1890's and early 1900's, echoing some of the great mining towns of Northwestern America and Canada, as the Western frontier slowly became more and more civilized. With a direction upwards and onwards, the wealth of the North can be vied for and fortunes made as an unfolding narrative plays out among the most famous denizens of Strawberry. After all, few get rich without stepping on a few toes- or shooting a few folks. Feel free to reach out to @Soucy with questions, or Join the Discord

The overarching goal of the West Elizabeth Sheriff's Office or W.E.S.O. is to achieve a realistic representation of an era-accurate, county-based law enforcement agency complete with its own aims, flaws and complexities which evolve through the natural progression of roleplay. From the rolling southern plains to the rugged northern frontier, the county is home to several diverse regions and biomes, each offering its own unique challenges and opportunities. A picturesque study in contrasts, the political landscape of West Elizabeth is often as formidable to navigate as the terrain. The 'civilized' and growing region of Blackwater offers appeal to investors and those seeking to escape the big-city hurdles of Saint Denis while the untamed northern wilderness and the sleepy town of Strawberry offers a simpler existence to those seeking it...or to those who wish to remain unseen... The West Elizabeth Sheriff's Office is tasked with the challenge of maintaining order during a time of change. Often the last bastion between civilization and the restless wilds, the W.E.S.O. prides itself on both professionalism and the hardiness of the lawmen called to serve the people of their Godly county... We seek to create an immersive and engaging collaboration between law and lawlessness through the development of roleplay. We prioritize organic stories that evolve over time while welcoming the unexpected. Rather than endeavor to ruthlessly search out and extinguish all traces of a criminal presence in the county, we hope to offer those seeking to cultivate lawless storylines with us a challenging environment in which to do so. Likewise, those seeking to begin or continue their law enforcement journey with us will find that we provide a quality experience that bridges the gap between big-city professionalism and small-town frontier justice. The West Elizabeth Sheriff’s Office is presently recruiting for Deputy Sheriffs of all levels of experience. Candidates are encouraged to present in-person (in-game) to speak with the county Sheriff or Undersheriffs to discuss suitability for the position where possible. Additionally, arrangements may be made through telegram or Discord (see below). What we are looking for: Committed individuals with any degree of law enforcement experience. Drive, professionalism and a willingness to learn are the foremost qualifying traits we are looking for in Deputies, though experience in the field will be highly regarded. Upstanding individuals of character with respect for the chain of command and a strong sense of community. Able Christian males in good-standing with the law on both a local and Federal level. What we can offer: Generous pay and compensation for time spent on-duty. On-the-job and ongoing training opportunities. Access to a fully-stocked armory and provisions. What we expect: Professional appearance and conduct at all times. Clean clothing of a respectable cut is to be worn while on-duty without exception. Courteous and respectful language and behavior while on-duty at all times. A visible presence both within the department and the community. We reserve the right to remove absentees from our roster without notice. The conducting of regular patrols and a vigilance to what is transpiring within the county. Participation in functions and events organized by the W.E.S.O. Enforcement of city ordinances within the city perimeters of Blackwater. Familiarity with the South Tahoma Criminal Code of 1900 and its associated provisions for offenses, fines and sentencing. Respect for the chain of command. Moderate level of competence in horsemanship. OOC Contacts: For more information, please contact @Merovech or @Stillwater on the forums (or in Discord at @merovech666 or @justanothertwi) or send a telegram ICly to BW2197 (Sheriff Oliver Ware) or BW7152 (Undersheriff Beauregard Prescott) to express your character’s interest in joining the W.E.S.O.

The Holy Peak People (Naatomiistáko'p) Origins The Sacred Mountain Makoyi are a recently formed band comprised of various Makoyi misfits, outcasts, and outliers. It was originally founded by exiles from Secret Lake, but it's membership is now much more diverse. Due to extreme circumstances, a handful of exiles of the Lake people were forced to band together for survival. They settled along the Owanjila fleeing Secret Lake persecution. It was nearby on Mount Shann that they found a few people of a long-forgotten band of Elk Face people known as the Holy Peak people or Naatomiistáko'p. Numbering only a dozen or less, these people enlightened the exiles with their knowledge of Mount Shann and their history. They had avoided the reservations but had become dispersed in the surrounding areas along the way. Not having a chief for many decades. A band so small and isolated on Mount Shann that many younger Makoyi were not even aware of their existence. To the Makoyi at large, the area was regarded by many to be the realm of skinwalkers. The exiles used this to their advantage and began to court these people into joining their newly formed band, position what remained of these Holy Peak people against Secret Lake. They sought allies from every corner of the area: Other Makoyi, other natives, and even sometimes the odd white man. What were considered pale demons before by many were viewed less threatening than the the mad chief of Secret Lake and the aggression of their people Emboldened as their numbers began to swell, they began to head north beyond Colter breaking out various other Makoyi from reservations. Mainly targeting Rising Mountain reservations as this was the background of one of it's leaders, Crow Song. Wandering Elk Face people also made their way to the band's camps due to their affinity with the Holy Peak people. Due to their exiled status, and the Makoyi belief that any led by an exile is an exile themselves, the band is also referred to as Makoyóhkomaki or Bad Wolves. Crow Song and the others have thus embraced this identity in the face of these rising tensions. The Holy Peak People (Naatomiistáko'p as they likely appeared in the early 18th century) The Naatomiistáko'p, also known as the Holy Peak people, has it's origins in the early 1700s as the Makóyi expanded from Mount Hagen into Big Valley and ultimately to Mount Shann. Here, they began to distinguish themselves as the People of the Holy Mountain, marking a significant religious divergence from other Makóyi groups due to their reverence for Mount Shann, which over the course of generations they came to incorporate into their religious beliefs. Residing on Mount Shann for nearly two centuries, they adapted fiercely to the rugged terrains, with this adaptation permeating all facets of their culture—from hunting and gathering to their methods of warfare. Their societal evolution reflected their profound connection to the mountain, which they considered sacred. The aftermath of the Battle of Big Valley in 1876 marked a pivotal era of change for the Naatomiistáko'p. The intensified efforts to eliminate the Makóyi presence led to the merging of the Sacred Mountain Band with the remnants of the Makoyópowáóowahsin ("Rising Mountain") and Ponokáísski ("Elk Face") bands. Many of these band members were forcibly relocated to reservations, but a significant number fled to Mount Shann to evade the authorities. For decades, this band remained transient, moving frequently around the mountainous regions from Mount Hagen to the Montana River. Despite the isolation, the Naatomiistáko'p occasionally traded with the Ponokáísski and maintained connections with their cousins from the Rising Mountain. Even after the broader Makóyi Confederacy's surrender to the American military in 1891, the Sacred Mountain Band persevered. However, a brutal crackdown in 1896, driven by the broader conflicts involving other Makóyi bands, led to a forcible displacement from Mount Shann. The dispersed Naatomiistáko'p sought refuge among smaller, scattered bands or settled in the valleys below. Their history of integration, isolation, and subsequent diaspora renders the Naatomiistáko'p uniquely assimilated yet markedly isolationist and xenophobic, even towards other Makóyi. Their story is one of resilience and fierce independence, striving to maintain their unique cultural identity amidst changing landscapes. Modern Times (Naatomiistáko'p band encampment circa 1887) Recently, the Naatomiistáko'p band has fallen on extremely hard times. Due to the activities of other bands in the Confederacy, coupled with increased pressures from the United States government and the encroachment of settlers, they have been forced to reconsider their once isolationist stance. The early years of the 20th century have seen the band grappling with profound changes, pushing them towards a more assimilated and adaptable approach to survival. As the traditional lands of the Makóyi have been overrun and their resources depleted, the Sacred Mountain Band has started to engage more with the outside world. They are increasingly seen in nearby towns, trading not just in goods but in ideas and technologies that were once foreign to them. This engagement has brought electricity, firearms, and other modern conveniences into their lives, altering their daily existence and their long-held beliefs. In a turn toward the spiritual practices of other Plains Indians, the Naatomiistáko'p have embraced beliefs such as the Ghost Dance, hoping to invoke the spirits of ancestors to return the land to its original state before the arrival of Europeans. Intrigued by tales from other tribes, they have also begun to incorporate stories and beliefs surrounding Skinwalkers into their folklore, blending these new elements with their traditional veneration of Mount Shann. Religious syncretism has become a survival strategy, helping to bind the band together in the face of external pressures and internal divisions. These changes reflect a broader trend among the Naatomiistáko'p of adapting to and incorporating outside influences while trying to preserve the core of their identity. Some have even begun a slight turn towards Christian elements. Moreover, the band has opened its arms to other Makóyi from older, more traditional bands, including those exiled from the Secret Lake who are often referred to derogatorily as Makoyóohkomak, or "Bad Wolves." These individuals, once shunned for their perceived transgressions or failures, are now accepted as part of a broader effort to consolidate strength and unity. The integration of these Makóyi, with their varied experiences and skills, has injected new vitality into the band, helping them to navigate their evolving world. As they move into the 20th century, the Naatomiistáko'p find themselves at a crossroads, balancing between the preservation of their heritage and the inevitable march of progress. Their adaptation and resilience, tested by years of hardship and change, underscore their enduring spirit and determination to thrive despite the challenges of an increasingly modern landscape. The Sacred Mountain Band, once secluded and mysterious, now steps forward into a new era, hopeful yet cautious about the future they are shaping. Membership (Naatomiistáko'p band members circa 1895) Most members are expected to have origins from the Naatomiistáko'p of Mount Shann. However, due to the circumstances of this band and the greater Makóyi Confederacy at large, members from the other, far older historical bands of the Makóyi Ótapi’sin are also accepted. This extends to members of the Rising Mountain, Big Coyote, Elk Face and Secret Lake people, whose fates have intertwined through shared challenges and battles. Our doors are even open to the Makoyóohkomak, or "Bad Wolves," those exiled for past transgressions yet seeking redemption and unity in the face of adversity. Due to their circumstances, the Naatomiistáko'p have also been known to affiliate with Native warriors from other tribes whose own bands have been decimated by the relentless campaigns of the US Army. While traditionalist minority factions within the band disagree, the Band has even been known to adopt such Natives whom prove their loyalty. We maintain a cautious stance towards outsiders, recognizing the complex history we share with white settlers. To the more radical, these settlers are seen as invaders to be eradicated. To others, they are unwelcome guests that can be learned from. Regardless, white Europeans are not accepted on the whole, but there are rumours of extraordinary circumstances once in a generation. We'd like members to share our enthusiasm for what we're trying to portray. That is an eclectic band focused on survival, community building, and a shared cultural history. Members who wish to join the Naatomiistáko'p, and stand with us as guardians of Mount Shann and defenders of their fleeting way of life. Mission We aim to portray the remnants of a tribal band on cultural decline, distinctly different from the broader "Makóyi Ótapi’sin", which embodies the traditional, uncivilized, outlaw image of Plains Indians. Our representation is of a band more civilized and assimilated, and by extension open to coexistence. Our mission is to depict a band that, while facing cultural erosion, is simultaneously adapting to the influences of both white European settlers and other Plains Indian tribes. As the Naatomiistáko'p, we acknowledge the encroachment of European customs and technologies which weave through our daily lives, shaping our interactions and challenging our traditions. Yet, we also draw strength from our Native neighbors, adopting practices that resonate with our spiritual needs and enhance our resilience. Our band is markedly isolationist, keeping a wary distance from outsiders to protect what remains of our culture and sovereignty. Yet, fiercely militant in our defense, standing as vigilant guardians against any threats to our territory and people. We strive to strike a balance between embracing necessary changes for survival and fiercely resisting the dilution of our heritage. In this light, our portrayal is not just a story of decline but also one of adaptation and subtle resistance. We offer a narrative of a people who navigate the complex tides of history, culture, and identity, crafting a unique path forward in the face of an ever-evolving world. Story Prologue: The Gathering of the Exiles Characters JOIN THE DISCORD

Introduction Pronghorn Ranch stands at the western entrance to Big Valley, nestled in northern West Elizabeth County. Two decades past, it was a picturesque homestead. A stable grew into a stud farm, expanding with larger pens, a forge, a bunkhouse, and additional lodgings. Pronghorn has since alternated between cattle and horse ranching. The Valley cradled all manner of life. Ownership of Pronghorn Ranch has changed hands many times. Sold for profit to enterprising ranchers or relinquished due to economic hardship. The Pronghorn deed has thus passed down through the years—until now. The Reid family hails from Kansas, playing a part in its tumultuous pre-Civil War formation. Though they possessed a sizable parcel of land, it fractured among siblings upon the patriarch's passing. Difficulties beset them: rustlers, escaped Natives from the south, and the misfortune that cattle seemed to invite. Yet, like a pendulum, the land swung between extremes. Oil surveyors discovered vast seeps across the range. The siblings sold their holdings one by one, all except Ambrose Reid and his brother, Benjamin. Benjamin Reid met a tragic end, shot dead outside his home. Fear for his family eclipsed Ambrose's stubborn pride in holding onto the land. He resolved to sell and set his sights on Tahoma. ∗ ∗ ∗ Life on the ranch consists of hard labor. Most tasks are mundane: caring after livestock and the various repairs and upkeep required around the homestead. Still, there’s a sense of a close-knit community on the range, and no blood needs to be shared to form bonds of kinship with those that work the range.

Excerpt from the Blackwater Journal, sometime fall '98. It's a mother's worst nightmare. One day they're here and the next, returned to dust. Feels like yesterday he was playing in the dell with his daddy; but what's a girl to do? Abe built that place with his hands, can't just leave it all to rot. It'll take hard work and no small amount of mettle. Nature provides, but she sure don't make it easy—and it's safe to say there's no dirty coyote what prowls Painted Sky that's more terrible than man, a fact little Betty Olson knows weller than she'd like. Grief does strange things to the soul; makes it want for purpose it never thought of before and foolhardy, too—most of all when it's left with scarce reason to carry on but for the memory of the people you loved most. These are the dull errands and reckless pursuits of a widow in West Elizabeth.

The Story of a common man seeking out the ⭐ AMERICAN DREAM ⭐ A thread to detail the trials and tribulations of the man Otto Schultz. Life in Lemoyne The wizened man hailing from Germantown, Philadelphia sought his purpose in the navy, though an early injury would cast his aspirations to the wayside as he settled down south near his planned deployment to make his name in Tahoma. He soon found a place amongst the people of Lemoyne, putting his agrarian parentage to good use in the fields of Braithwaite. Throughout his time in the county of crimson dirt and emerald grass, he worked. The fruits of his labor soon ready to be plucked as he rose to the position of Supervisor under the revered family Braithwaite . Fruits he soon grew all too complacent with as years turned to decades. Making Connections Reaching the fifth decade on god's green earth, he managed to work closely with his employer. Acompanying them on business trips throughout the State, making sure to establish pertinant contacts that he could rely upon. Seeming the forthright man, he would use his image as a mellowed old man to keep unseeming, cutting deals off the records. A change of scenery Nearing the end of 1899, the Braithwaite Manor switched residents, and the middle-aged man found himself out of the job again. His prospects in Lemoyne now dried, he turned West in search of the fortune he now fought for. A new chapter that is yet unwritten... and a Station he seeks to fill. -

Berkley Blackburn is the second child from an modest American family coming from Saint Denis, New Hanover. The Blackburns arrived in South Tahoma a long time ago and they have lived there for many generations. His parents are Roscoe Blackburn, a retired police-officer of the Saint Dennis Police Department and Ashley Blackburn, a dangerous woman who was an experienced bounty hunter of the county. In the company of his best friend, Frank Meyer, Berkley grew up around the city, playing and learning the necessary skills to survive. Like a person who's coming from an industrial big city, soon learned to fight and defend himself. When Berkley had his eighteenth birthday, his father Roscoe Blackburn gave to him his old bowie knife, like a symbol of his start as an adult man. In contrast to his brother, Berkley chose the good way of life and soon left Saint Denis in search for his own story. Later, after many days of travel, Berkley arrives at Strawberry, the city where he decided to establish. In this place Berkley helps the town and the citizens against the wild wolves around the territory, earning the life of a professional hunter. This job let him make it a name in the city and earned trust from his citizens. With this reputation and good standing, Berkley tried to follow his father's way, and started to campaign to become the Sheriff of New Elizabeth County. Today, Berkley tries to make a name on Blackwater, because he has the objective to become a lawman of the county (as a Sheriff or Deputy).

Little Creek Ranch is a fledgling ranch named after the creek its nestled beside. Located in northwest Big Valley along the pass leading towards Colter, it sits at the foot of expansive mountain rangeland teeming with wildlife. In the spring of 1899 Dalton Kinsley acquired the property as a speculative investment given the long-standing profitability of the cattle & beef trade. Jeremy Burke, an experienced rancher, was hired to manage the establishment for him and provide practical oversight as well as find ranch-hands and various employees. The property was considered ramshackle - sitting abandoned and often used by squatters for the previous decade - and as such it was purchased for a cheaper price than established ranches located to the south & east. The area itself is considered challenging due to the cold winters and the abundance of predators - wolves, grizzlies, and the occasional cougar make the region intimidating for settling & livestock rearing. Despite this and its comparable lack of infrastructure it sits on the only range-land north of the lower Montana river & west of the Dakota river, with close proximity to the growing town of Strawberry. With the growth of Strawberry and the increased demand for dairy & beef products in Tahoma's urban centers, the promise of return on Dalton's investment seems likely - but it will require the hard work of the various individuals Burke can find willing to take employment in a remote and rugged region. While the main venture of Little Creek Ranch is the ranging of beef cattle, dairy production & agricultural activities suited to the region (apple orcharding, short season crops) will also be pursued. OOC: We're looking to portray a more rugged frontier style ranch at a slightly smaller scale than other ranch-locations. Our goal is create RP that can benefit the general region as well, including those who RP Strawberry locals or frontier hunters, trappers, and prospectors.

West Elizabeth Sheriff's Office If you have any questions, shoot me a message at @zuhils Discord: https://discord.gg/85GytmCBkC