Mission Statement:
To endeavor to bring to all residents of the Five States the most current and important news from across the entire Five States region. Never yellow, the Five States Herald vows to serve only the people of the Five States, from New Austin to Lemoyne, free of charge now and forever.
Trader alliance breaking down, as feuds ignite between “honest” traders and those willing to do anything to make a buck
For a long time it seemed that traders across the Five States were mostly united in a single goal: create a robust and widespread trade network among locals and travelers alike. Traders got together to assist each other when delivering their goods and even came together to support one another during longer trade routes that required train transportation. That loose alliance appears to have finally fallen apart. Several traders have reported being attacked by their peers during trade routes. “I had to move goods across a state and so I joined a train trade route with other traders,” one woman said, “and I was shocked that cooperation was such a low priority.” She described the cooperation as strong initially as a first wave of bandits came for the train. However, after several minutes passed, some of the traders began pushing others off the train. “I watched a man fall to his death when another pushed him from behind,” a witness said.
Others opted to use a lasso instead of a shove. “We had a few escorts on horse back, chasing down attackers and bringing the fight to them,” said another participant, “however, after a vicious gunfight one rider got close to the train and a man on the train threw a lasso at them.” The rider was immediately pulled off his horse and landed hard on the ground. They were unable to catch back up to the train. This conflict costs many traders much of their goods. “I paid a fair price for goods I was trying to move to my camp, but I didn’t get it all because some bastard lasso’d me and dragged me off the train,” one of the effected traders said, “how am I supposed to defend the train of goods and watch my back for allies who may turn on me?” The BHTNC has remained silent on any action it could take against such cowpokes. For now, the best advice is to be wary of anyone you work with who you cannot personally vouch for.
Wagon attacked by revenue agents, no moonshine found in the aftermath
By Wylie Frey
An innocent man was pulled over at a moonshine checkpoint this week. The man was driving a wagon in New Austin, heading east toward West Elizabeth. Huston Bandy, the name of the victim, was said to be traveling from New Austin to Lemoyne, according to those that knew him. Mr. Bandy was moving to a less dry climate and “looking to enjoy a more lively state,” said one of his friends. The details about the incident are murky at best, with a single witness reporting what happened and the Bureau of Internal Revenue remaining mostly quiet about it. What is known and confirmed both by the Bureau and the witness is that Mr. Bandy was asked to pull his wagon to the side of the rode. According to the witness, he complied. “I was out of earshot for most of the conversation, but it picked up when the agents drew their guns,” the witness said. At that point they reported hearing Mr. Bandy yell, “I ain’t got nothin’ illegal in here just look, just look!”
While still in the wagon driver’s seat, Mr. Bandy stood up. That’s when the firing started according to the witness. The witness said Mr. Bandy then fell from the wagon to the floor, not moving, after being shot at multiple times. It was only after Mr. Bandy was killed that the agents began searching the wagon. The witness then rode off, not wanting the agents to see him. Through an anonymous source in the Bureau, I was able to confirm that no moonshine wagon had been confiscated in New Austin or anywhere near South West Elizabeth. This indicates that Mr. Bandy was likely telling the truth when he screamed that he had nothing illegal.
There was also no official report of the shooting. Mr. Bandy’s body was later found north of the checkpoint. Authorities explained that Mr. Bandy was likely assaulted by a gang. The witness I spoke to agreed, “right, a gang with badges.” The Governor of New Austin has promised a thorough investigation into the federal government’s activities in the state.
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Man survives being thrown inside a geyser
By Delphia Atwood
A pair of cowpokes caught a man and hogtied him, before throwing him inside of a geyser at Cotorra Springs. The victim was unable to identify his attackers, but described the experience as frightening. He said he was thrown into the geyser and could feel nothing but heat as he was surrounded by steam. He heard something bubbling beneath him when suddenly the geyser shot up, pushing the victim out of the geyser and knocking down his attackers. “I was still tied up, but the ropes were a bit looser than when I was thrown in,” the victim said. His attackers decided that lady luck saved him and left him alone. “They didn’t untie me, but they rode off,” he said. After getting out of the hogtie, the would be victim rode to Valentine for a little rest and relaxation.
Good Samaritan rescues trader, escorts them to destination
By Clifton Odell
A trader reported being attacked in route to their destination this week. The attacker followed them closely and pulled out his weapon. The trader immediately pulled out their own gun to defend themselves. “He was more mobile, being on a horse and I couldn’t quite get an accurate shot off,” the trader said. After taking a shot to the shoulder, the trader thought they were done for. “I figured I was about to die, and even if I survived I was about to lose a week’s work in a few minutes,” they said. However, fate would have a different idea for the trader, as they reported a mysterious stranger showed up to help. “He definitely had skill with a gun,” the trader said, “he put the attacker down quick.”
More attackers showed up, however the Good Samaritan followed the trader fending off attack after attack. “They never said a word to me, just kept fighting off anyone who attacked me,” the trader said. After arriving at their drop off location, the trader attempted to thank the Good Samaritan. “I wanted to offer them a drink,” the trader said. However, the Good Samaritan tipped their hat and rode off. “I couldn’t thank them, but I think they knew I appreciated their assistance,” said the trader, “it’s good to know that there are decent folks out there looking to help and not harm.”
Giant the Five States? Or just a tall tale?
By Lucien Privitt
In a story that is as unbelievable as it is shocking, some residents are reporting spotting a giant wandering the Five States. “When first I saw him, he was walking calmly in the Heartlands,” one witness said. The giant, though alarming and frightening, was said to be friendly. “With his long strides, what took me several paces took him a single stride,” so large was this alleged giant. Witnesses encountered the giant again in Saint Denis, where it rode a giant horse as well. Saint Denis residents avoided the giant, clearly unsure what to make of him. One explanation was that the man was a descendant of Goliath. “You know Goliath, from the Bible, right?” asked a witness before explaining that, “Goliath was a nephilim, half angel and half man, incredibly tall. Clearly this giant people have seen, and I saw myself, is such a creature.” However, another explanation was offered by a member of the Respawners.
The Respawners are a unique group in the Five States that believes the entire world is false. Death here is temporary, until you “respawn” and live again, according to them. They say that the false world gives a false sense of reality to those who immerse themselves in it. However, others, find ways to exploit the falseness of the world. There are many folks from Pawnee County, often referred to as the PC folks, who claim to be able to warp the false world in ways the creatores never imagined. “Make yourself a giant? Why not?” asked Lawrence Cain, a member of the Respawners. Mr. Cain reports that some Pawnee County folks warp the world to give them an advantage over others, some just have fun. As the giant was not reported in any conflicts, it is unknown if his immense size would offer an advantage of other cowpokes. Despite his massive size, eventually he “disappeared” from the Five States, unable to be found again.
Mine War Brewing in Annesburg?
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
There is no harder job than a coal miner’s wife. A statement often said but rarely untrue. Working in a coal mine is truly a miserable experience. You expect death at every turn, from a cave in, to your lungs giving out. It pays little; the hours are long, there are few kind words for the profession. The workers know this; they know this all too well. So why don’t they try for a better job, or fight for some rights? Well, Annesburg is the current hotbed for such questions, but the answers aren’t hard to figure out.
Of course, workers don’t want to die in a hole for only a few dollars a week. But they fear going on strike even more, for they know what their employer will do. Cornwall will just bring in the Pinkertons; with modern firearms, miners don’t stand a chance. He would sooner line up an entire group and kill them with a Gatling than lose money. We all saw what happened to his last major strike; he isn’t a man to turn the other cheek.
Yet, the lust for freedom is intense, and many people are willing to die for a brighter future. Will there be a mine war in Annesburg before too long? For these workers, death is inevitable. The only question is, will it come from black lung, or bullet?
Woman sent out for elk pelt comes back with dead dog
By Donna Deshner
A woman is being called insane by her trade partner, who accused her of bringing a dead dog instead of an elk pelt to a exchange for supplies. “It ain’t that difficult to get an elk pelt, is it?” the trade partner asked, “and how do you mistake a dog as an elk?” The cowpoke who brought the dead dog to trade said she did not kill it, but found it already dead. “Look, when I grabbed it, it was definitely an elk pelt,” she said, “I recall going straight to it and finding it already dead.” However, her trade partner points out that it was a whole dog body she tried to trade, not just a pelt, which suggests her story may not be entirely accurate. “It’s hard to run a trade business when you are out of certain supplies and hard to get those trading dead dogs,” the trader partner said. The cowpoke defended her actions, “my trade partner’s twin brother must have swindled me,” the cowpoke said, “he sent me to the wrong place, I’m sure of it!” Her trade partner denied having a twin brother, though during the interview I could have sworn I had seen him at camps all over the Five States. Fortunately, the cowpoke and their trade partner made amends, with nobody being sent to the almshouse.
Two men found dead in their long johns; killed by alligators
By Emeline Vickroy
A bayou local heard a commotion in the swamp that led him to a grizzly, though not entirely shocking, scene. “I heard screams, ya know?” the local said, “and then the kind of silence that gives ya chills.” He went to investigate, minding his steps as he went. “The bayou is more dangerous than folks know, ‘gaters can hide in the mud or shallow pools,” the local stated. When he arrived at the scene he saw two alligators, each with a man in their mouth. “I wasn’t sure if they were dead or alive, so I fired my gun to scare the beasts,” the local said. The alligators dropped their prey and ran off. The victims were wearing only their long johns and both had weapons found near their body. The weapons were not discharged, indicating that the attack came as a surprise. “I suspect one got taken out and before his friend could help him, his friend became a snack too,” the local witness reasoned. The identities of the men and what they were doing in the bayou wearing only their long johns is unknown. This story should serve, however, as a remind to respect the bayou and the predators that hide within it.
Bounty hunter thwarts bounty thieves
By Mathilde Orry
A bounty hunter known only by the alias “Shivy” was spotted fighting bounty thieves just outside of Rhodes. The conflict spilled into the town and nearly injured locals. “Bounty thieves have been growing in number lately,” said Rhodes Sheriff Leigh Gray. These bounty thieves are licensed bounty hunters who opt for an easier path. Instead of tracking and capturing bounties, bounty thieves wait for other bounty hunters to do the work. Then, while the bounty hunter is in route to turn in the bounty, bounty thieves strike. In this case, three bounty thieves pursued Shivy into Rhodes, where witnesses say Shivy put the bounty thieves to down with calm efficiency. According to those witnesses, Shivy turned away from the town before slowing down and letting one one his pursuers pass him, then kicked the rear of the thief’s horse and sent him crashing to the ground. As the other thieves changed course, Shivy headed back to Rhodes, dropping a stick of dynamite between him and his pursuers, ending the pursuit. Free of the thieves, Shivy turned in his well earned bounty. “I suppose those thieves got what they deserved,” said Sheriff Gray, “but trust me when I say usually the thieves win, this Shivy must be a helluva bounty hunter.”
Rise in masked criminals has Five States residents demanding that the Grey Cowboy be offered clemency
By Nick McCrary
Masked outlaws begin terrorizing the Five States again after a significant decline. Many residents say this is because the Grey Cowboy can no longer go after masked villains while being on the run. As a result, a movement has started to demand leniency for Nathaniel Cross, the man believed to be the Grey Cowboy. “It’s no surprise that when that Grey Cowboy fella was around, crime dropped,” a resident said, “now he’s on the run and crime is going up.” Several posses of outlaws wearing bandanas over their face, modified to be worn with strange eye glasses. The mask is simple compared to some of the other elaborate masks other criminals have been reported wearing. However, teh effect of the large eye glasses popping out of the bandana is enough to send many residents hiding and calling out for the Grey Cowboy to help. Those calls have been unanswered.
The federal government has said that it takes vigilantism seriously and cannot offer leniency on a man as dangerous as Nathaniel Cross. State officials, however, have taken a different approach. Many local lawmen know Nathaniel Cross not as a dangerous vigilante, but a successful bounty hunter. “Cross has helped keep our streets safe, not sure I want to see him arrested,” said a Saint Denis lawman. Sheriff Sam Freeman of Tumbleweed has gone so far as to say, “my town is a haven for Cross, should he return, my deputies will fend off any federal assault on our town.” Though the federal government continues to take a firm stance in public, an anonymous source has admitted that capturing Cross may be more difficult than they first assumed. “With so many state and local lawmen defending him, we have to ask ourselves, do we want that kind of conflict just to capture a man who, by all accounts, has only gone after the guilty?” my anonymous source said. No new sightings of the Cross has been reported, though agents are spread through the region searching for him.
Minister criticizes American actions in Cuba and other surrounding nations
By Frederick Vannesse
“I have been to Tampa,” said Dwight L. Moody from his office at the Bible Institute, “and have seen 10,000 Cuban refugees-meek, innocent, and in offensive people.” Mr. Moody explained that now that the war is over, America has an obligation to assist not just the refugees, but the people in Cuba and the surround island nations that have had their lives disrupted by war. “The war is over, the mending, however, has yet to begin,” Mr. Moody said. Mr. Moody said he never understood the horrors the Cuban people faced until he arrived in Tampa and so starving innocents. He explained that, “The Almighty demands that we feed even our enemies.” The plight of war refugees has been controversial. The U.S. government still maintains that it was attacked by Spain and so the war was necessary and justified. Mr. Moody does not engage in that debate, “war or no war, this is a blot on American on the name of America and a deep disgrace to the American flag!”
Others agree with Mr. Moody. “Not only is this a disgrace, but it is occurring just as America comes out of its self impose isolation to become an international actor,” said member of Congress who asked to be kept anonymous, for fear of upsetting voters. The fear is that this will set a trend that goes against the individualism and self determination the U.S. represents and start a path toward the U.S. being a colonial power in its own right. For now, private citizens are trying to assist the refugees, but without government support, demand for assistance is unlikely to be met.
Respect for the Dead Limited at Best
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
We all die; it’s a fact of life. Our souls corrode, our organs falter, the end always comes. Some of us get a grand farewell funeral, some of us get a tiny hole in the ground. Some like to think death makes us all equal, but that’s not entirely true. In places like London, being buried in a pauper’s grave doesn’t mean your body will remain at peace.
Graveyard space is always limited; sure, the grounds can be expanded, but how often does that happen? Once a cemetery fills up, it’s not usable unless specific measures are taken. This means multiple people will be buried in the same spot on top of previous burials. Or bodies will be dug up and placed somewhere else. Guess who usually suffers this fate, it’s not Queen Victoria’s family, that’s for sure. It’s the poor and downtrodden, the ones who were casually murdered in the streets years ago. They aren’t allowed to rest in peace because the economics of the graveyard demand it.
That’s a sobering thought. Even when you’re dead, it’s entirely possible you’ll still get screwed over. I want to think it doesn’t happen in the Five States, but I’ve seen the cemeteries in Saint-Denis, which makes me wonder.
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