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.
A letter from a killer!
By Odell Clifton
This week a letter arrived to our office. There was nothing at all remarkable about the letter until we opened it and read it. The words of a self proclaimed killer written on paper. The words of Khali Rosehall. We struggled with whether or not we should print it, but have decided to do so so that our readers can decide what to think for themselves. Below, the letter is printed in its entirety.
Dear Readers and Writers of The Five States Herald,
This letter is long overdue, I write only to this publication as I believe it to be the only one lacking the greed and sensationalism which would prevent my intended message from reaching an audience. My name is Khali Rosehall. Not long ago, I was falsely implicated in the assassination of Murphy James, Governer of Lemoyne, the act was a gruesome and senseless one which resulted in not only the death of the target but also his family. Including his two children. In this letter, I am proclaiming my innocence of this crime, but not of all crimes.
In truth, I am a killer, a thief, and an outlaw. I wish I could say in honesty that I had valid reasons for these acts, but I cannot. As much as I have tried to hold myself to my mantra of only killing those who I need to and those who deserve it, the reality is that these criteria are more often than not blurred. My actions have undoubtedly left some perceiving me as a hero, even if they do not know me as anyone more than a helpful stranger, but at the same time, I know many see me as a monster. I have killed for love, I have killed for revenge, I have killed for cowardly self-preservation.
I suppose what I truly am is probably a grey blur in and of itself.
I have no ambitions of glory, I do not wish to be some sort of notorious outlaw, I wish only to live the life that has been taken from me time and time again. Perhaps it’s my pride, but in spite of the things I’ve done, or perhaps because of them, I refuse to surrender myself to hang for a crime I did not commit. I write this not for pity, sympathy, or an attempt to elude judgment for what I have done. I write it only to clear my name of this specific, atrocious act committed by a monstrous individual. Myra Rose Hart has shed violence with impunity, she has terrorised my struggling home of Armadillo, she has now brutalised a prostitute, a crime that bears enough similarities to the slaughter of my own mother to unnerve me.
As an outlaw, I have often been in the company of others like myself, but I only hope to never be in the company of The Black Rose. I am not a proud man, I have no qualms admitting that my survival thus far has been thanks to my wits over my skills with a weapon. Though in the presence of such an individual, I will likely throw my wits aside and instinctively attempt to bring a slither of justice into this cruel world. However, I know full well such an action will lead to a painful and eminently unpleasant death, something that I do hope to avoid.
-Khali Rosehall”
Dare-devil dies in barrel ride down Manteca Falls
By Wylie Frey
Well known risker of life and limb, Benedict Benzinger, has died this week in a failed attempt to preempt Desiree LaFlamme. Miss LaFlamme has been planning to ride a barrel down Donner Falls for over a year now. Her preparations included sending a cat down Donner Falls in a barrel. When the cat survived the fall without physcial harm, LaFlamme announced her own death defying trip down the waterfall. Mr. Benedict Benzinger has been in heated competition and has worked hard to upstage her. One anonymous source in Mr. Benzinger’s inner circle informed me that Mr. Benzinger’s zeal to outperform Miss LaFlamme is a result of her being a woman. “He doesn’t like being shown up by the fairer sex, you see,” the source told me. As a result, he chose to perform her stunt before she did and change the location as not appear terribly petty, all according to the source.
There was a great deal of fanfare as Mr. Benzinger prepared for his launch. He got in into the barrel and was sealed in at the top of the waterfall, then was pushed into the current. It only took a few minutes for onlookers to realize something was wrong. At the top of Manteca Falls the river is split by a large rock andMr. Benzinger has the misfortune of heading directly to it. The crash did not entirely break the barrel, however, it did result in a significant hole. The significance of the crash became apparent when witnesses saw a piece of the barrel floated away. Too late to stop, the barrel tumbled over the waterfall, breaking as it hit the bottom. Those waiting for Mr. Benzinger’s arrival immediately provided aid, but he was already unconscious. He was taken to Blackwater with all haste but he died on the way there. The doctor said that while the crash was serious, his death was the result of suffocation due to water in his lungs. “He was knocked out so probably couldn’t tell anyone he couldn’t breathe,” the doctor mused. Miss LaFlamme offered no comment on the death of her rival.
Outlaw captured after 10 murders, but gets released shortly after
By Caylen V. Hornby
The BHTC is once again under criticism for bounty policies after a mass murderer is allowed to go free after a short stay in jail. The murderous cowpoke was captured north of the Dakota River by a distinguished bounty hunter, who managed to bring the outlaw in alive. The outlaw was said to be calm as he served a sentence that, according to some, was far too short. “The man committed dozens of crimes and earned himself a $22 bounty, he should have spent more than a day in jail,” said Valentine Sheriff Curtis Malloy, whose town was shot up during the outlaw cowpoke’s rampage. It should be pointed out that this was not a break out but a legal release. While most are focusing on the short sentence, others have noted the way bounties are doled out and payments awarded seems arbitrary.
“$22 doesn’t seem so high for the amount of people killed,” said a Valentine Resident. While the BHTC does not have full control over how bounties are given, they do discuss the issue with law enforcement in the Five States. Many have pointed out that murder can earn one less than a $1 bounty, which is hardly a deterrent. Residents of the Five States are demanding that bounty amounts be reconsidered and increased to better reflect the crime committed.
Mount Shann becomes safe haven for outlaws
By Caylen V. Hornby
As the Five States continues to modernize, outlaws are finding it harder to hide from the law. While the lawlessness of New Austin is often noted, Ambarino is not much safer. Home to predator animals that will have you for dinner and outlaws who will kill you just for fun, behind nearly every tree is something that can kill you. Many outlaws have begun to embrace these dangers as a way of shielding them from the rest of society. Mount Shann, in particular, has been chosen as a safe haven. Out of sight and mostly out of reach, Mount Shann offers the kind of safety that the most fortified base cannot.
“That mountain is treacherous,” said Strawberry Sheriff Hanley, “more bounty huntrs complain about that place more than any other.” The complaints about Mount Shann are generally related to accessibility. The path is covered in thick snow with a steep ledge offering a painful death to those who slip. Bounty hunters with bounty wagons often outright refuse to head into the area. Law enforcement officials have likewise refused to apprehend outlaws known to make camp at Mount Shann. As a result, the cold and isolated location has become a safe haven for outlaws. Several gangs have passed through the area and out of a form of mutual respect, have avoided fighting each other. Sources have told me that an unofficial truce has been called while visiting Mount Shann. Neither law enforcement nor the BHTC responded to a comment for this article.
WANTED!
Investigators: Travel the Five States and report on what is going on.
Writers: Write the stories investigators find!
Photographers:
To take photographs to be used in the Herald.
Can also do all three!
O´Driscoll boys preparing something big
By William Cormac (Freelancer)
A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article about the gang war in West Elizabeth and two other states, and my next stop was New Austin to be able to find out how much presence the O´Driscoll had, the first week I have to say that there was not much more than some group that attacked a solitary caravan and even that was solved by the sheriff of tumbleweed Sam Freeman. But the the day I finished my original article I noticed that the D`Driscolls had returned and in greater numbers than before, so I decided to investigate a little more and it was not until I found out about the assignment of Marshal Raymond Gibbons in West Elizabeth that I was able to put enough pieces together to get an idea of what was starting to happen. The O´Driscoll were preparing themselves to end the war.
From what local authorities can deduce, the O’Driscolls felt threatened by having to fight the Skinners and having to evade the law more carefully, so the outlaws decided to start buying military-grade weapons from the Del lobo who are known to smuggle and sell stolen weapons from the Mexican army. The New Austin Rangers, along with several marshals and bounty hunters, managed to stop two sells and confiscate a loaded wagon that was passing through Benedict Point, as well as arrest a notorious Del Lobo smuggler, Joaquin Coronado , which after the “hospitality” of the Tumbleweed jail gave an approximation of how much the O’Driscoll bought and how much he thinks they managed to get out of the state
Although the authorities did not disclose the amount of weapons that the O’Driscoll obtained, it is known that they obtained several carbines and Lancasters along with several types of shotguns and it is even believed that they acquired several Maxims, so if you cannot avoid traveling this week I recommend that you bde careful dear reader, since it seems that the dispute between gangs is about to escalate.
Hunter trampled by aggressive bison
By Emery Cosberry
A pair of hunters were tracking a heard of bison through the Heartlands when they stumbled upon the aggressive Tatanka Bison. “We weren’t thinking of such a beast being around, we weren’t prepared when it charged,” said the surviving hunter. While both hunters fired their bolt action rifles at the beast, it was not enough to even slow down the charge. One of the hunters was hit hard and knocked to the floor before being trampled by the Tatanka Bison. “I couldn’t believe it. Been on many hunts with that man…” the survivor said, though with great difficulty. The survivor ran to a copse of trees to take cover until the beast ran off behind the rest of the bison pack. By the time he made it back to his trampled friend it was too late. Upon examination it was determined that the man’s ribs were crushed and pierced his lungs, causing him to be unable to breath.
Saint-Denis Woman Challenges Governor in Election
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
For some, the horrors of All Hallows Eve didn’t end with October. For it is an election year, with countless people waiting to see who runs our great nation. In Lemoyne, the anticipation is palpable; the state’s governor is already up for election. Governor Franklin Bufford has kept a low profile in the months since a deadly riot swept through Saint-Denis. He has never had the support of the people, only being given the role because of the dreadful assassination of Murphy James. Despite all of this and his previous Civil War record, it didn’t seem like anyone was going to seriously challenge Bufford’s seat until now.
A week ago, a challenger arose from the most unlikely of places. Eleanor Rockwell is the chapter head of the Lemoyne Suffragette Movement. Having been arrested at least 12 times for attempting to vote. Associates of hers from Rhodes to Lagras have worked tirelessly, fighting for the right to vote and other female-centric issues. Why she has chosen to run for governor is anyone’s guess.
Rockwell certainly cuts a unique profile, wearing the type of fancy suit and hat usually worn by men. Not to mention a gunbelt, like she’s a cowpoke. This fashion statement has led many to assume she has sexual relations with only women. We cannot confirm or deny these accusations, but we do know that despite not being able to vote personally, others might.
One local Saint-Denis resident admitted that although he hates women, he hates Bufford far more. Various upper-and lower-class Saint-Denis citizens have repeated this sentiment. Rockwell’s assistant, a man named Alec, strongly believes the Saint-Denis native has a chance of winning.
Will the great state of Lemoyne actually elect a woman? Anything goes this year, I suppose. The Five State Herald is not a paper drenched in yellow journalism, so we will not be endorsing anyone. I will disclose that my mother definitely wishes her well, and I shall do the same. Here’s to a hopefully stable election.
Man taken to jail accused of murder claims he shot a boar, not a man
By Mathilde Orry
Charlie M. Wade was arrested this week for murder. Witnesses found him standing over a dead man’s body south of Rhodes near Bolger Glade. Mr. Wade was reportedly in shock and the witnesses said they only were alerted to his presence because he was frantically screaming for help. “We thought he is in trouble or something, so I stopped my wagon, pulled out my shotgun and went out to help,” said Percy Fernan. However, Mr. Fernan was shocked to see Mr. Wade standing over a dead man. Mr. Wade offered no resistance and turned himself into to the Rhodes sheriff office. Mr. Wade claims he was tracking a wild boar, which he shot clean. However, he said that the board, “turned into a man as it died, I can’t explain it.” Authorities in Rhodes do not believe the story and will hold Mr. Wade until he gets his day in court.
Popularity of Suffragette Movement at All-Time Low
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
Even as a major Suffragette leader aims to become a governor, the movement is not in great shape. Across the United States, people’s opinions of the movement is near rock bottom. The common reason given is not because of a strong belief that women shouldn’t vote. The reason is the notable uptick in female related crime.
Gerald Thomas, a coal worker in Annesburg, is fearful that his life might get taken by the nation’s top female boogeyman. “I come to work every day with my father’s old pistol. Every night I go home worried she will come. She has no heart, no belief in our lord. Before that movement became big, she wasn’t here. Do the math.”
Thomas is, of course, talking about Myra Rose Hart, although the reason she wasn’t committing crimes 15 years ago might be because she was five years old. But the Black Rose is hardly the only woman who has made Suffrage unpopular. The recent arrest of nurse Honora Kelley has led to accusations at hundreds of nurses nationwide. Many families now claim female nurses cannot be trusted because one was secretly killing patients for years. Her trial is expected to be a sensational mess when it begins a few weeks from now.
Various female leaders all strongly condemn these horrific criminals, but refuse to accept blame for them. Eleanor Rockwell summarized the situation in the following statement. “Women are not infallible; read a Bible, and you will surely know that. But God didn’t give power to Eve and make her steal; she did it independently. I strongly condemn women like Myra Rose Hart; she deserves nothing less than the full force of the law. But I didn’t give her the power to mutilate and murder. She did it on her own accord.”
Republicans hold on to Congress
By Adam Parvey
Election results are in and the Republicans maintain control of Congress, but suffered several hits in the House, where the Democrats made most of their gains. In the Senate, the Republicans strengthened their control, taking several seats that formerly belonged to Democrats. The Populist party took the most significant losses, losing most of the seats they previously held in the House. Most of those seats went to the Democratic Party, indicating that the Populist Party may be fading and as members move to the more mainstream Democratic Party. This bodes well for President MacAlister in the short term, whose party maintains the legislative branch of government. It is unclear if the growing coalition of voters moving toward the Democratic Party will spell doom for Republicans.
International conference held in Rome to combat anarchists
By Ivy Seager
In September the Empress of Austria was assassinated by an anarchist. The international world was up in arms that an anarchist was able to achive such a feat. As a result, a conference is scheduled to be held in Rome. The International Conference of Rome for the Social Defense Against Anarchists. 21 countries are scheduled to attend. They will not only discuss solutions to the anarchists problem, but establish binding protocols to survey and root out anarchists within the member countries. Anarchists in the United States have criticized such conferences and have demanded the U.S. not participate as it would be a “blatant violation of the 1st Amendment.”
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