The Gold Rush

The new world and its promises have been stained by human madness. The extermination of Native Americans, slavery, religious extremism, a bloody and violent civil war, the absence of justice in the far west, tuberculosis and the fierce competition for the continent's resources marked society of that time.

Traumatized by one or many of these tragic happenings all individuals are eager to build a better future. On the lookout for fortune, Americans and people from around the world stream into the tamed state of California, the blood of the past slowly but not entirely washed away.

The new train and ship lines connect the far west like never before, clearing the way for thousands, trying their luck. Americans from the east north or south, Europeans, Asians, businessman, traders, survivalists, outlaws, women, men, good and bad, rich and poor, old and young... everyone was coming.

When the whispers of a gold abundant valley reach Sacramento, not much time passes before the first adventurers decide to go see the place

The valley named Grande Oro because, so the legend says a huge gold nugget of one kilogram was found there, is so remote that civilization struggles to reach it. Only the bravest, dare to make the 300 kilometer trip north, through tribal land, deep bear infested forests, and outlaw territory.

New people arrive daily racing for the big gold find while others have been there for a while having long sensed the business opportunity. They have taken it upon themselves to build a village with a shop, a tavern, an exchange bureau , a marshal bureau and a prison. The state of California has sent some law enforcers and even has established a post line in an effort to help develop the region.

The perspective of a new and better life drives the local community towards good things... but not only! Ambition, greed, jealousy, racism, violence, fanaticism and hatred always finds its way, even to the most golden paradise.

The United States of America, State of California, spring 1881.