World Setting

The Americas: Life on the Western Frontier

The American Wild West was a time of westward expansion, frontier settlement, and conflict.

Early 1800s: Expansion Begins

• The Louisiana Purchase (1803) doubled U.S. territory, fueling migration westward.

• Lewis and Clark (1804-1806) explored the newly acquired land, mapping routes and documenting Native American tribes.

• The Oregon Trail (est. 1810s-1840s) and other trails facilitated settlement.

1820s-1840s: Settlement & Tensions

• Mexican Independence (1821) led to American migration into Texas, eventually sparking the Texas Revolution (1835-1836) and Texas becoming a republic.

• The Indian Removal Act (1830) forced Native Americans westward, leading to conflicts.

• The discovery of gold in California (1848) triggered the Gold Rush (1849), bringing thousands of settlers.

• The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) ended with the U.S. acquiring California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other territories.

1850s-1860s: Violence & Civil War

• Tensions between settlers, Native Americans, and the U.S. government led to conflicts like the Sioux Wars and the Apache Wars.

• The Pony Express (1860-1861) briefly improved communication before the telegraph replaced it.

• The Civil War (1861-1865) slowed westward migration but also led to new cattle and railroad industries afterward.

• The Transcontinental Railroad (completed 1869) revolutionized travel and trade.

By 1870, the West was changing rapidly, with railroads, homesteaders, and government policies shaping the land. The next few decades would see the "Wild West" at its peak, with outlaws, cowboys, and lawmen defining its legendary status.

The History of the Badlands: Before the Rifts

In the year 1869, the Western Frontier was a vast, untamed and ungoverned expanse, brimming with promise and peril. Stretching from then small frontier town of St Denis to the to the desert of Armadillo, this rugged land was a mosaic of diverse landscapes, ranging from sweeping prairies to dense forests and towering peaks. The frontier was a magnet for settlers, driven by the lure of land, freedom, and fortune.

Agriculture and Settlement

For many pioneers, the heart of frontier life was agriculture. Families journeyed westward, staking their claims on parcels of fertile land. Homesteaders built their lives from the ground up, constructing modest log cabins and barns. The Homestead Act of 1862, which granted 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee, spurred a wave of migration. With determination and hard work, these settlers cultivated the soil, planting crops such as wheat, corn, and barley.

Life was not easy. Settlers faced harsh winters, droughts and pandemics. Yet, the promise of owning land and building a new life kept the settlers’ spirit strong.

Cattle Ranching

Parallel to the agricultural boom, cattle ranching emerged as a dominant industry on the frontier. Vast herds of cattle roamed the open range, tended by cowboys who became iconic symbols of the Wild West. These cowboys, with their wide-brimmed hats, leather chaps, and spurs, were the backbone of the ranching economy.

The cowboy culture was one of hard work and hard play. The long drives were grueling and dangerous, fraught with threats from rustlers, predators, and the elements. Despite the hardships, the cattle industry thrived, and cowboys sought rest and recovery in local saloons in towns like Valentine and Strawberry. These towns grew in population home to general store owners, horse trainers, prostitutes and barkeeps.

The Gold Rush

The allure of gold also drew thousands to the frontier. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 had set off a feverish rush that continued into the latter half of the century. By 1869, new strikes in Colorado, Nevada, and the Black Hills of Dakota Territory attracted prospectors from all over the world.

Mining camps sprang up overnight, transforming into boomtowns with saloons, gambling halls, and hastily constructed shanties. Life in these camps was harsh and uncertain. Miners toiled from dawn to dusk, panning for gold in icy streams or digging deep into the earth in search of the elusive mother lode. The promise of striking it rich kept hope alive, even as many faced disappointment and hardship.

Community and Society

Despite the rugged individualism that characterized frontier life, communities began to form as settlements grew. Churches, schools, and general stores became the heart of these budding towns. Social gatherings, barn dances, and church services provided a respite from the isolation and a chance to build a sense of community.

Law and order were often scarce, with frontier justice meted out by vigilante groups or local sheriffs. The rule of law was tenuous, and disputes were sometimes settled with a gunfight rather than a gavel. Yet, as more families settled and towns developed, a semblance of stability began to take root.

A Land of Promise and Peril

The Western Frontier of 1869 was a land of stark contrasts—of immense beauty and relentless hardship, of boundless opportunity and constant danger. It was a place where dreams were forged and fortunes won and lost. As settlers pushed the boundaries of the known world, they laid the foundations for the future, shaping the history of the Badlands and the broader American West.

In the following chapters, we will delve deeper into the transformative events that reshaped this rugged land, from the opening of the Rift to the enduring legacy of those who braved the frontier’s many challenges. The story of the Badlands is one of resilience, determination, and the unyielding human spirit.

Darraknoir: The Other Side

In our exploration of the Badlands and its tumultuous history, we must turn our gaze to a distant and shadowy realm that few can truly fathom. This place, known as Darraknoir, is a universe apart from our own, a world of perpetual twilight and eldritch horrors. Our understanding of this dark land is pieced together from the fragmented tales and hushed whispers of the creatures who have crossed the rift to our world.

A Land of Eternal Dusk

Darraknoir is a land shrouded in perpetual twilight, its skies stained a deep, unearthly red. This eerie hue casts an otherworldly glow over a landscape of twisted forests, jagged mountains, and shadowed valleys. It is a realm where the natural laws that govern our world hold little sway, and where the line between the mundane and the magical blurs into obscurity.

Demons and Magic

In Darraknoir, magic is not a hidden art but an everyday reality. The land teems with magical energies, which manifest in myriad forms. From the luminous flora that glows with an inner light to the fierce storms that crackle with arcane power, Darraknoir is alive with enchantment and peril.

Demons are commonplace in this realm, their forms as varied as the nightmares of humanity. Some are monstrous and terrifying, while others are deceptively beautiful, hiding their malevolence behind a veneer of charm. These creatures roam the land freely, preying upon the weak and dominating the strong.

The Veilguard

Amidst this chaos stand the Veilguard , a brotherhood of magical warriors dedicated to combating the demonic scourge. These men and women are trained from a young age, undergoing rigorous physical and magical training to hone their abilities. Armed with enchanted weapons and protective talismans, the Veilguard are the first and often the last line of defense against the horrors that stalk the night.

A History of Conflict

Darraknoir was once home to a sizable human population, who carved out a life amidst the dangers of their world. Villages and towns dotted the landscape, each protected by the valiant efforts of the Veilguard . However, the balance of power shifted dramatically with the rise of Zarakel, a demon lord of unprecedented power and ambition.

Zarakel’s ascension began with the discovery of an ancient artifact, a relic of immense and terrible power. This item, known as the Obsidian Crown, amplified his abilities and those of his followers, allowing them to channel the raw magic of Darraknoir with devastating effect. With the Obsidian Crown in his possession, Zarakel forged a demon army that swept across the land, leaving destruction in its wake.

The Fall of Humanity

The human populace of Darraknoir was ill-prepared for the onslaught that followed. Villages were razed, and cities fell under the relentless assault of Zarakel’s forces. The Veilguard fought bravely, their enchanted blades flashing in the blood-red gloom, but even their formidable skills could not stem the tide. One by one, the bastions of humanity fell, until only a few scattered pockets of resistance remained.

The Portal

In the midst of this despair, a Veilguard woman named Lysa devised a desperate plan. She sought to open a portal to another universe, a place where her daughter, Ailynn, could escape the horrors of Darraknoir and find safety. Using the last of her strength and the ancient magics of her order, Lysa succeeded in creating the portal, sending Ailynn through to our world.

This act of sacrifice and love marked the beginning of a new chapter for both worlds. The portal, once opened, could not be fully closed, allowing not only Ailynn but also other creatures from Darraknoir to cross into the Riftlands. Some of these beings, fleeing the tyranny of Zarakel, sought refuge and a chance to start anew. Others, however, brought with them the darkness and chaos of their homeland.

As we continue our journey through the history of the Badlands, we must remember that the rift between worlds is both a bridge and a barrier, connecting our fates to those of distant realms and ancient struggles.

The Rift: The Day the Sky Split

In the annals of the Badlands’ history, few events are as significant or as cataclysmic as the opening of the Rift. It was a day that began like any other on the Western Frontier, with settlers tending to their crops, cowboys herding cattle, and miners toiling in search of gold. Yet, by the time the sun had set, the world they knew would be irrevocably changed.

A Tear in the Fabric of Reality

It was a clear, crisp morning when the first signs of the Rift appeared. The sky over the Badlands shimmered with an unnatural light, a distortion that grew more intense with each passing moment. By noon, the air was thick with a strange energy, and whispers of fear spread through the towns and homesteads. Then, with a deafening crack that echoed across the plains, the sky split open.

A great tear, like a wound in the fabric of reality, appeared above the land. From this rift poured a darkness that seemed to absorb the very light around it. As the rift widened, figures began to emerge—creatures of nightmare and shadow, beings from the dark world of Darraknoir.

The Arrival of the Demons

Vampires, with their pale, predatory elegance, were among the first to step through the rift. Their eyes gleamed with a hunger that sent shivers down the spines of all who saw them. Werewolves followed, their forms shifting between man and beast, howling with primal fury. Berzerkers, hulking and fearsome, their bodies rippling with muscle and rage, trampled the earth beneath their feet.

But it was not just these creatures of legend that emerged. Demonic entities of all shapes and sizes spilled forth—fiery hounds with eyes like burning coals, shadowy wraiths that seemed to flicker in and out of existence, and grotesque, twisted monsters born of pure malice.

The Battle for Survival

The initial hours after the rift’s opening were a chaos of blood and fire. Settlers, cowboys, and miners alike took up arms, desperately trying to defend their homes and families. Guns cracked, arrows flew, and the air was filled with the sounds of battle—the roars of demons, the screams of the wounded, and the cries of the dying.

In towns like St. Denis and across the frontier, hastily formed militias fought valiantly but were often overwhelmed by the sheer ferocity of the invaders. Buildings were set ablaze, crops trampled, and livestock slaughtered. The land itself seemed to tremble under the weight of the onslaught.

A New Reality

As the initial frenzy subsided, a grim realization set in: the Rift had forever altered the landscape of the Western Frontier. The creatures from Darraknoir were not merely invaders; they were now a part of this world. Some, like the vampires and werewolves, began to establish their own territories, carving out dark domains amidst the human settlements. Others, such as the berzerkers, roamed the land in bands, driven by an insatiable thirst for battle.

Amidst the darkness, however, there were glimmers of hope. Not all the beings from Darraknoir were malevolent. Some sought refuge from the tyranny of their homeland and chose to ally with the humans, fighting against the demonic hordes. Bonds were formed between unlikely allies, and a new kind of frontier society began to emerge—one where humans and supernatural beings coexisted, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in conflict.

The Continuing Struggle

The Rift remained, an ever-present reminder of the day the sky split open and the world was forever changed. At night, when the veil between worlds grew thin, new creatures would sometimes slip through, adding to the ever-present threat. Vigilance became a way of life, and fortifications were built around towns and homesteads to ward off nightly incursions.

In the years that followed, the people of the Badlands adapted to their new reality. They learned to fight alongside their former enemies, to harness the strange magic that now permeated their world, and to rebuild amidst the ruins. The Western Frontier, once a land of promise and peril, had become the Riftlands—a place where the mundane and the magical collided, where every night brought new dangers, and where the struggle for survival was unending.

The Crimson Era: A Time of Rebuilding and Unity

As the Rift’s influence waned and the flow of demonic invasions lessened, the land began a period of cautious reconstruction known as the Crimson Era. This era, named for the red sky that now marks the Badlands, due to the Rift, saw the Western Frontier transform into the Badlands—a new union where humans and otherworldly beings sought to forge a new normal amidst their scarred landscape.

Statehood

The year 1882 marked the official formation of the Badlands, a unified territory where the surviving inhabitants endeavored to rebuild their lives. Communities banded together, mixing human ingenuity with the unique abilities of their supernatural neighbors. Towns and cities rose from the ashes, blending traditional frontier architecture with magical enhancements.

New Societal Norms and Integration

In this new era, coexistence became the cornerstone of society. Humans, berserkers, and werewolves found common ground and worked together, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect. While old prejudices linger in some pockets, many communities thrived through collaboration and shared goals. Intermarriage between humans and otherworldly beings became more common, symbolizing the growing acceptance and integration within the Badlands.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Badlands is its unique connection to magic. Due to the Rift’s lingering influence, the Badlands became the only place in the world where magic could be practiced. The residual energy from the Rift permeated the land, allowing for the use of arcane arts that were impossible elsewhere. This singular attribute made the Badlands a hub for magical activity and study, attracting those eager to learn and wield these otherworldly powers.

The foundation of the International Order of Arcanists was a significant development during the Crimson Era. This organization, dedicated to the study and practice of magic, opened its doors to humans and supernatural beings alike. Schools for mages were established, offering training in both combat and arcane arts. This exclusivity allowed humans to harness magical abilities and contributed to the defense and prosperity of the Badlands.

Despite the strides toward peace and integration, the Badlands still faces challenges. Vampires remained objects of suspicion due to their need for human blood, and occasional acts of violence and prejudice reminded everyone of the fragile nature of their hard-won peace. Vigilance remained essential, with Blood Hunters and the Veil Guard continuing to protect the land from any lingering threats.

The Crimson Era solidified the Badlands as a place where resilience and adaptability were paramount. It was a time of rebuilding, not just of towns and cities, but of trust and cooperation between diverse beings. The era’s name served as a reminder of the bloodshed that had paved the way for this new beginning and the enduring hope for a future where humans and otherworldly beings could live together in harmony. The Badlands stood as a beacon of magic and unity, a unique region where the extraordinary had become the new normal.

The Badlands Revolution

In the past decade, the Western Territories have undergone a significant transformation. Civil unrest reached a tipping point as the population grew increasingly disillusioned with the oppressive government. The administration was notorious for its human-centric policies, severely marginalizing and discriminating against other castes. This systemic inequality and the resultant social strife culminated in a revolution that dramatically altered the political landscape.

The Fall of the Government

The revolution was marked by widespread protests, skirmishes, and eventual full-scale conflicts. The citizens, energized by a desire for freedom and equality, rose against the government. After a prolonged struggle, the oppressive regime was overthrown, and its leaders were forced into exile. The collapse of this government left a power vacuum, leading to a period of uncertainty and instability.

The Role of the Peacekeepers

In the wake of the government’s downfall, the Badlands faced the challenge of maintaining order and preventing chaos. This responsibility fell to the Peacekeepers, a group originally formed to combat the malevolent forces during the War with the Rift and the Demons. With the cessation of hostilities, the Peacekeepers transitioned into a role as the de facto law enforcement and peacekeeping entity.

The Peacekeepers are respected for their bravery and dedication during the war, and their reputation has helped them maintain a semblance of order in the absence of a formal government. They operate under a code that emphasizes justice, fairness, and the protection of all, striving to uphold the values that the revolution sought to establish.

Law and Order in the Badlands

Currently, the Badlands lack a formal governmental structure. The absence of a centralized authority means that the law is often interpreted and enforced by the citizens themselves. Vigilante justice is not uncommon, as individuals and communities take matters into their own hands to address grievances and disputes. However, such actions are still subject to oversight by the Peacekeepers, who act as arbiters to ensure that justice is fairly administered and to prevent abuses of power.

This decentralized system has its challenges, but it also provides a unique opportunity for the people of the Badlands to shape their future governance. The potential for a new government to evolve remains open, allowing the community to experiment with different forms of self-governance and social organization. This fluid state of affairs encourages active participation and civic engagement, fostering a sense of empowerment among the populace.

The Future of the Badlands

As the Badlands navigate this transitional period, the role of the Peacekeepers is crucial. They provide stability and a sense of security, allowing the community to explore and establish a new political framework. Whether this will lead to the formation of a new government or the continued reliance on the Peacekeepers as a stabilizing force remains to be seen.

The recent history of the Badlands is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. The revolution has set the stage for a new era, one where equality and justice are not just ideals, but the foundation upon which the future is built. The journey ahead is uncertain, but the potential for a brighter, more inclusive future is within reach.

This chapter marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Badlands—one that is still being written by its inhabitants. The path they choose will determine the legacy of their revolution and the future of their land.