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.
Strange Man Heralds Doom?
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax – Lead Correspondent
Death awaits us at every turn on the planet, but he seems to like the Five States more than most. He is known to stalk these lands, from the mountains of New Austin to the bayous of Lemoyne. He carries many names and many images, but he seems to prefer one above all. A dapper man in a suit and hat, at least that’s what many people believe.
There are more stories about this man than can be recounted, asking for assistance or helping a wanderer. Sometimes he asks for something in return; sometimes, he merely watches and observes. The bargain is something you hear about constantly.
Doubtless, you may have heard about Doctor Herman Strauss. The German doctor capable of performing medical miracles, popular in Blackwater. The story goes that he met this strange man late one night and asked to be the best doctor alive. He was given such powers at a price he wasn’t informed of. Years later, he was found floating in the Flat Iron Lake, didn’t take long for people to suspect the devil had come to collect.
Are these stories true? Does Satan walk among the living? Or does the presence of a well-dressed gentleman merely scare people? Unlike these other legends, something about this feels different. Perhaps there are things in life best not pondered about for too long.
Self proclaimed “detectives” argue over possible initials written into Five States map
By Jose Chavez
Cowpokes who fancy themselves Five States detectives have questioned whether the official map of the Five States contains clues to a gran mystery. At the center of the controversy is the border region of the most western part of the map. Here, these detectives claim are initials disguised as border lines. However, there is no consensus among these detectives as to what these initials are. One suggested the initials CFNA, while others said the letters are CENA, though very few people can see the latter. Cartographers, however, say there is no mystery. They say the oddly drawn border line is nothing more than a “fictitious entry.” “A fictitious entry is when a map maker draws something they know to not actually belong in order to catch those who try to pass off copies of their map as originals,” said an experienced map maker. Whatever the source, readers, grab a copy of the official Five States map and decide for yourself.
Outlaws Massacred by Outlaws in New Austin
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax – Lead Correspondent
A massive gunfight was reported in the vicinity of Fort Mercer early this morning. It appeared to have raged on sometimes the previous night. The fight seemed to concern a large group of Del Lobos and a smaller Mexican gang of banditos. This battle was massive in ways local law cannot fathom. Cannons, war wagons, armored soldiers, things common criminals shouldn’t have access to. In the thick of all this was an old familiar face and name.
Both sides were more or less wiped out; only two or three survivors from the small gang were reported. They claimed Myra Rose Hart was one of the defenders, sent to help by an unknown individual, possibly the Saint-Denis mafia. She fought long into the night and vanished into the dark just after the battle concluded. Her black dress stained red from the blood of dozens. The woman’s presence was further confirmed by a large number of spent LeMat rounds, a gun not used by either gang.
Deputies in Tumbleweed are not sure what to be more concerned about, that the Black Rose was seen not too far away, or that criminal gangs continue to grow in size and power. If a gang from Mexico has the strength to include cannons and automatic weapons, what fresh hell does the future hold?
Man rescued after being covered by a covered wagon
By Delphia Atwood
A man lost control of his wagon near a railroad track, after it backed downhill and over a train tunnel entrance. According to the driver of the wagon, he attempted to push the horses to move forward, but the wagon’s momentum was already against them. The horses were unable to pull the wagon back up the hill and the wagon tipped over the tunnel entrance. Eventually the man managed to free his horses, saving them from a certainly fatal fall. However, he was unable to maintain his own footing as the wagon fell to the tracks below, resulting in him falling into the wagon. As his misfortune would have it, the wagon landed in a vertical position and due to its solid crafting, did not break. Thus, he was trapped within the wagon. His misfortune would not last, however, as a traveler found him before the train arrived. After assisting the man out of his wagon trap, they pulled the wagon over and cleared the tracks of debris.
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Aurora Basin Moonshine Operation Wiped Out
A small-time Skinner Brothers moonshine operation seemingly sprung up out of nowhere this last weekend at Swadbass Point on Aurora Basin. To their misfortune, it was raided and completely decimated the first night most likely by another rival moonshiner outfit.
The operation had started with only eight men as the Skinner Brothers slowly eased into the shack on the lake. Before long they had the still running at full speed on the porch outside. However, once night fell, locals have reported being able to hear an unnerving amount of gunfire coming from the northern lake. Local Marshals and Revenue Agents have released a statement saying whoever raided the moonshine operation did so initially using stealth tactics and a smaller attack group.
Blackwater Police Chief Oswald Dunbar mentioned to the Herald that most of the apprehended moonshiners in these parts have spoken of the notorious “Queen of Moonshine” — Maggie Fike. If legend is true Maggie herself controls all the moonshine made, distributed, and sold in the state of West Elizabeth. Can there be any truth to the fugitive’s words?
“When enough of these half-wits spread out over the area are all saying similar things, it leads me to believe there could be some truth to it.” –BP Chief Dunbar
Rare obsidian arrowhead found in woods near Wickiup
Any local could devote a pleasant day in Tall Trees to leisurely walking the woods and enjoy the nature of West Elizabeth. On this particular day — Sunday morning to be exact — something interesting was waiting to be found as Shea MacKinley was making his weekly trek out to the Aurora Basin. Shea goes for some fishing at Swadbass Point, as well as to drop off the basket of supplies his wife consistently sends to the Wickiup Indians.
Mr. and Mrs. MacKinley had both spent numerous afternoons fishing on the lake together and came to know the local Indian tribe. Before long they recognized them as friends – which led to the weekly food donations. Once a week on Sundays she would make up a large basket of food for the tribe and send it over to help aid them.
The retired Master Collecter sat his pack down next to a tree just a few yards from the camp. Not a moment later he accidentally booted his metal detector and noticed the tool started blinking rapidly after it fell over. Mr. MacKinley seized his portable shovel and after a quick dig discovered another cool find from the forest — a highly valued Obsidian Arrowhead. On average an arrowhead of that quality can go for around 17 dollars.
Whether it is the continued presence of Skinner Brothers or other unknown forces, the Wickiup tribe has seemed to abandon their camp after taking on pretty severe damages. The Wickiup is still missing from their camp with no word of their whereabouts.
Shea MacKinley has pledged to auction off the obsidian arrowhead at the Saint Denis Archaeological Society Auction; where he will use the profits to help rebuild the camp into a real tribal reservation. “I told the Mrs. the reasons why the camp has been abandoned – sad as they are – but she wanted to keep dropping off a basket on Sundays so I didn’t complain. They were good people and I kinda thought that maybe by finding the arrowhead it was a nod to us to keep giving to them anyway we can.”
Outlaw Hannah Hadley-Masden captured at Cochinay
Notorious murderer and con artist, known as “truly deviant” has been brought to justice in Tall Trees on Thursday evening when Hannah Hadley-Madsen mounted her last stand at Cochinay. Local Bounty Hunter Harlow Mitchell took up the task of capturing Ms. Hadley-Madsen who had wed a man whilst married to another; then shot and killed both of them in cold blood. Mitchell proceeded with caution when approaching the outlaw’s hideout and left his caged bounty wagon at the base of the road leading up to Cochinay.
In recent months Madsen’s gang has dwindled in numbers according to local authorities; who say that between deserters and getting killed, the group is most likely down to single digits. This was later confirmed by the bounty hunters after sneaking past the one guard Madsen had. They approached just a few feet short of the campfire before surprising the gang and opening fire. Initial reports stated 7 were shot and killed just moments after their reveal and that Ms. Hadley-Madsen was able to fire a bullet at one of the bounty hunters. She was then tackled and bound. With her outfit now completely destroyed, the outlaw then watched — tied and bound to the back of a horse — as the remains of her camp and gang burned before her eyes.
Strawberry Sheriff Hanley was only all too happy to receive Hadley-Madsen and in the end had her thrown in the darkest cell in the Strawberry Jailhouse. Harlow Mitchell was seen walking out of the jailhouse stuffing his roll of cash in his jacket angrily, cursing Hanley’s name.
Drunk murderer escapes Blackwater!
By Jebediah Sawyer Nixon – Local Correspondent
Blackwater – On Monday evening, just past 8:30 PM; an unknown man visiting the town was forcibly kicked out of the Saloon where most of the night had been spent pestering the bartender and patrons. According to the bartender, the drunken man had begun to aggressively pester some of the women who owned a small dog sitting with them. After being told to leave multiple times the Saloon flung him out and informed him he wasn’t allowed to return.
A few of the town’s more curious patrons took to the streets at the same time; all of them worried for the wellbeing of the citizens due to this now enraged and possible menace. Morris Wakefield had been drinking with his son that evening and slowly followed the unknown man down Main Street to Wakhanknee Drive where the real trouble began.
After a long day of working the fields, Peter Keller decided to walk his dog to the lake edge of Sisika Avenue; where they liked to sit and watch the sun go down on beautiful nights. However, this night they only got as far as Main Street and Wakhanknee Drive when he and his dog ran into the drunken vagrant. The vagrant — who must have still been enraged by what happened earlier — wasted no time in attacking Peter out of the blue, punching and dropping him to the ground unconscious.
To the vagrant’s surprise, the man’s dog then attacked and bit into the vagrant. It was then that the man put a bullet in the dog, killing it next to his owner. The gunshot was a great surprise to the town’s folk, and a few passersby have witnessed the sad event in shock. The vagrant holstered his weapon and began running back down Main Street with witnesses still in tow as he ran into the Saloon!
When the vagrant stumbled into the Saloon, he was surprised to be met almost instantaneously by the men that he was fighting with earlier and a struggle ensued. Despite being outnumbered by the other patrons and local law arriving on the scene, the vagrant was able to free himself and run back outside towards the stables.
By the time they had a clear story from the collective of panicked and upset voices of the townsfolk; the vagrant had already gotten on his horse and escaped the town. A bounty is being issued currently by the Blackwater Police Department and will be posted soon. Nearby local authorities and informants have reported seeing the described assailant riding southwest in New Austin.
Owiza bear attack at Diablo Ridge
Diablo Ridge is named that for a reason. Early Sunday morning local hunter/fur trader Robert Randall, who merely goes as “Bob”, was trotting his horse at Diablo Ridge headed towards Wallace Station from his camp when the hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he heard the all-too-familiar growl of an enraged bear. Bob armed himself immediately with his pump-action shotgun and decided to identify what he was dealing with before riding away from the potential pelt.
Abandoning the road at Diablo Ridge, Bob rode down the gorge towards the Dakota River, following the sounds of roars coming from the bear. As soon as he reached the river’s edge, he glimpsed it standing in the water before it turned and started to charge at Bob. Instead of shooting right away at the beast; Bob made sure to gain sufficient control of his horse and began leading the bear out of the river and back up the gorge. Once he had the high ground, he began firing slugs into it, taking advantage of the distance gained and by staying on his horse. The black and white-colored bear pursued the hunter, despite the barrage.
According to Bob – the legendary Owiza Bear made a final leap at him just as he directed his horse behind a rock. Doing this opened up a vulnerable spot and allowed him to get his kill shot on the bear. The hunter said he would most likely use the pelt to produce a lovely sable and pale Owiza Bear coat. If anything like the coats Gus MacMillan crafts it could potentially sell for as high as 500 dollars.
Not a bad welcome back to Big Valley!
Gypsy naturalist overstaying her welcome in Big Valley?
A cloud has come to Big Valley. It comes in the form of a young activist named Harriet Davenport.
There is no question Big Valley has entered its Golden Age and as a whole has truly begun to embody the State’s motto of “Prosperity and Industry.” In the past few years the area has seen a boost to regional commerce for the benefit of local ranchers, cattlemen, and tradesmen alike. However, as the county has begun to boom an idealistic and borderline violent adolescent woman — who considers herself a peaceful naturalist — has made her way to the area causing problems left and right.
“She’s got that hell hole of a camp all set up east of old Watson’s place, which just so happens to be where over 9 mother lovin’ grizzlies were spotted this week already. If it ain’t some feed trap she’s workin’ on ’em it some voodoo malarkey,” local wrangler Josiah Aberdeen was quoted saying. Many locals suspect Davenport has been intentionally luring the predators into the Valley using planted feed-caches and other primitive means.
“We ain’t ever had this many bears come down off Hagen or Shann before and I think it’s got all to do with that she-devil over in them woods by the stone chimney! She wants to fill Little Creek River with monsters to get rid of all us! We ain’t havin’ that here she can go back to Annesburg or Saint Denis or wherever she learned that black magic,” another local, hunter Barney Jacobs told the Herald. In addition, some say she operates a strange shop out of her tent which is a crime in West Elizabeth without a proper business license or permit. To them it feels like it is taking business away from Wallace Station and Mr. Wallace himself – someone all Big Valley residents are fiercely loyal to. The Valley and Station are huge resources for the Commonwealth and allowing anyone — “Professional Naturalist” or not — to put those resources into jeopardy with criminal behavior should not be tolerated!
Wanted outlaw tearing across Big Valley subdued by local cattlemen
After leaving Strawberry at around 2:15 PM on Monday afternoon; West Elizabeth Cattle Association Officer Titus Thorpe was riding his horse along Little Creek River on the south trail when he heard some wild activity coming from behind him. The cattleman generally dealt with livestock claims, disgruntled ranchers or duty delegated to him by the Association Commissioner, Eli Samwell; but after turning around on the trail and pulling out his binoculars, he saw three men on horseback riding his direction as fast as the wind could carry them. They were all wielding rifles and revolvers and to Thorpe, “Had the look of men who just committed some dreadful sins.”
Thorpe felt compelled to aid the lawmen and swiftly drew his Lancaster Repeater, ready to standoff against the three men tearing down the Valley. With their attention on the lawmen; they didn’t see the cattleman jump off his horse and run to an adjacent tree along the trail, readying himself for a surprise attack. As soon as the outlaws neared a few dozen yards away, he jumped out and shot the two on the outside before realizing where the danger was coming from. The man in the middle — the true subject of the chase from the law — brought his horse to a thundering halt, watching in horror as what remained of his friends fell lifelessly.
Another bullet quickly hit the outlaw square in the chest before he could withdraw his revolver on the cattleman, just as the pursuing lawmen finally arrived on the scene. Thorpe quickly learned that the men had recently attempted to kidnap a young girl outside of Strawberry and shot her father — a local rancher — who now lay dying at the town doctor. After aiding the lawmen with loading up the dead bodies for transport, they allowed Thorpe to keep the men’s horses and saddles for his help.
Sometimes it pays to do the right thing folks!
Melee in Valentine ends when attacker is killed
By Donna Deshner
A man who had been standing outside of the Valentine Stable was attacked by an ax wielding wild man. The defender, who witnesses say was wearing a suit and completely bald, had appeared to be in deep contemplation when the attack occurred. Witnesses say the bald man put on the greatest display of hand to hand combat they had ever seen, which is saying something as Valentine is home to many bar room brawls every week. Despite being tackled to the ground, the bald defender managed to fight the attacker off. “They squared off, one with the ax and the other just fists and skill,” a witness said. The witness then described the fight, “the bald feller kicked the ax man in the leg, then followed up with a fist to the face!” The ax wielding attacker was dazed for a moment, but regained his composure and swung his ax at the bald man. “It was the most amazing thing I ever saw!” the witness elaborated, “the man dodged, leaping to the ground under the ax and was suddenly behind the ax man!” From there, the bald defender took his attacker down with a hit to the kidney and the a strike with his gun to the attacker’s head. The Valentine doctor determined the attacker to be dead moments later. No charges were filed as the bald man was merely defending himself.
Trick horse riders arrive in Saint Denis, shocking and astonishing all who witness them
By Emeline Vickroy
It appears that trick riding is becoming more popular, with riders upping the ante in the heavily populated city of Saint Denis. The first of the reported “impossible” tricks was witnessed by a Ms. Ellis. She reported that the rider mounted a horse that was, “simply not there.” Though some have asked if this was the work of a mime, who mimics an act that they are not actually doing, Ms. Ellis said this was impossible. The rider literally, “floated in the air, as if there was in fact a horse underneath him,” said Ms. Ellis. Other witnesses confirmed the event, though experts say that the described action is impossible, it may be the case that the witnesses are unreliable. A second trick spotted in Saint Denis this week was much more visible but just as impossible. A Mr. Tratten was driving a wagon through Saint Denis in a hurry when a man riding a horse, “came straight at him like a freight train!” according to several witnesses Most readers likely assume the horse rider did not fair well, however, the horse proved to be, “terribly strong and resistant.” The wagon was stopped in its tracks. The rider then effortlessly trampled over the horse pulling the wagon and with a kick of its legs, sent the entire wagon flying down the street. The wagon rider was killed in the process though onlookers were stunned at the horse’s strength and the rider’s skill in keeping the horse under control while flinging a wagon more than 50 feet.
In both cases, the trick rider’s identity has remained anonymous. In the latter case, it may be due to the death the trick caused. The rider who caused the death left the city before authorities arrived, likely because onlookers were so impressed by the impossible feat that they did not immediately seek assistance from the city’s police. Authorities have warned trick riders to be wary such escalation that involves non-consenting parties.
Unofficial “adoption” program eases new residents into the Five States
By Adam Parvey
Over the years, the Five States has become home to many cowpokes trying to stake their claim in the region. Success in the Five States, however, has never been guaranteed. To increase the rate of success, a few long time residents of the Five States have taken it upon themselves to “adopt” these new residents and ease them into the Five States. “New folks have a hard time making money, and you need money to get far in the Five States,” explained Ms. Holiday. By taking new residents under her wing, she manages to help them earn money and learn the unspoken rules of the Five States. “A new resident may need to spend hours, doing jobs for multiple folks to make money,” Ms. Holiday said, “but I can afford to bring them on as shotgun messengers, paying them a much better wage than freelancing for strangers across the Five States.” The “adopted” resident then have money to spend in the region to improve their equipment, which improves their life in the Five States.
“It goes beyond just helping them earn money, but helping them find place and meaning in the Five States,” Ms. Holiday said. The adoptees build relationships with each other, establishing a strong connection among the group. As long time residents know, having a posse to back you up can make all the difference in the world. The Five States is a dangerous place, after all. Ms. Holiday claimed that her posse is, “22 cowpokes deep, making us a risky target of opportunity for outlaws.” Few outlaw gangs are large enough to threaten a posse that large. The safety provided by the group allows adoptees and the adopters alike to enjoy the Five States in ways that very few are able to. “Most folks leave us alone, as most cannot form a posse so large,” Ms. Holiday said, “but when someone does attack, they lose.” The unofficial program has been highly successful according to Ms. Holiday, leading to more successful cowpokes, which leads to a more prosperous Five States.
Record heat temperatures are set across the nation
By Frederick Vannesse
All across the United States people are feeling the pressure of a hot summer. Though the summer typically brings expected heat, the heat being felt is greater than ever before. In the town of Prineville, Oregon, a temperature of 119 degrees was recorded. That is the highest temperature that has ever been recorded. Some are concerned, as they remember the heat wave of 1896 that hit the east coast. That heat wave lasted 10 days and killed over 1,000 people. That temperatures are being recorded today that are even higher than in the past has caused some concern among experts. If past heat was unbearable, they wonder what future even higher temperatures will mean for those in the United States and possibly the world.
Queen Victoria speaks out against the destruction of Muhammad Ahmad’s tomb
By Ivy Seager
During his successful campaign to take full control of Sudan, Lord Herbert Kitchner ordered the tomb of former Mahdi of Sudan Muhammad Ahmad to be destroyed. Some of Lord Kitchner’s peers questioned if this was a sound decision. Now, Queen Victoria has added her voice to the discussion, asking if the destruction of the tomb was necessary. Lord Kitchner defended his decision, stating that he believed the tomb would serve as rallying point for his enemy. Such a rally would end in more lives lost on both sides, according to Lord Kitchner. Whispers have also begun to spread among Lord Kitchner’s subordinates expressing regret and disgrace to have taken part in the destruction of the Mahdi’s tomb. One woman who said her son served under Lord Kitchner has stated that her son wrote to her, writing that he had been ,”disgraced by the inhuman slaughter of the innocent,” casting full blame on Lord Kitchner.
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