The Tale of Little Creek

In the 1830's, Andrew Jackson passed the Indian Removal Act which required Native Americans to be relocated, often by force, from their ancestrial lands to territories west of the Mississippi. This story will follow the journey of Army Lieutenant, [[Joshua Abrahms]], and his part in the removal of the Creek Indians, an Indian Tribe located in Georgia who will be relocated to Indian territory in modern day Oklahoma.

Joshua Abrahms graduated from West Point, a top school for Army officers. The year is 1839, we find Abrahms alongside his company of military officers who recieved orders to help in transporting the [[last remaining Creek Natives in Georgia.->Pick up the Natives]] Unbeknownst to his fellow military officers and the Natives they are going to escort, Abrahms has a secret...

"For disobeying orders from our Commander in Chief Andrew Jackson you are officially court Marshalled" Abrahms is dishonorably discharged and [[sent to the brigg.->Game Over]]

Abrahms and fellow military officers arrive in Georgia to pick up Natives from village. They forcibly remove natives from their homes. Some in the company does not allow Natives to grab their belongings such as their clothes, shoes, sacred artifacts. Does Abrahms allow his troops to let the Natives grab their belongings? [[Yes]], Abrahms understands that they may need provisions for the journey. [[No]], extra cargo means extra weight

Abrahms' Captain shouts to him, "Belay those orders and round them up!" Does Abrahms [[question his captain's orders]] or does he [[follow his Captain's Orders->No]]?

Abrahms orders his troops to take Natives, as is, leaving their stuff behind. As a result, some of the Natives are taken with no or very little clothes, unable to prepare for the harsh conditions ahead. In preparation to start the long haul Westward, Abrahms witnesses his troops within the company being especially brutal to the Creek Natives. He orders his troops, "Don't be to aggressive, we need them there alive!" The [[Journey Begins]].

Abrahms questions his Captain, "Can't they at least grab their clothes?" His Captain gets angry and replies, "What did I say Abrahms? Are you questioning my orders?" His Captain then goes over his list of rules, "Don't question my orders, Keep them in line, Don't let them bad mouth American policies or government, Don't let them speak in their native tongue." Does [[Abrahms agree to his orders without issue->No]] or [[is Abrahms visibily annoyed but follows his orders->Grungingly Follows orders]]

A week into the journey, the Natives are visibly tired, they have already lost loved ones to sickness and suicide. One day Abrahms overhears them discussing their dissaproval with removal acts in their native tongue. Does he [[allow them to continue talking]] or does he tell them to [["Shut Up"]] with fear of being reprimanded by the Captain for not keeping them quiet and letting them speak in their tongue.

One night in camp, Abrahms approaches the Natives and gives them a warning through their interpreter, "Tell them to be careful who they talk their native tongue in front of. It's alright for them to talk in front of me but they must avoid speaking their language in front of anyone else." Abrahms sees his platoon Sergeant, Sergeant Russel, watching this interaction. Does he ignore Sergeant Russel and [[bring the discussion to an end]] or does he switch his attitude towards them and [[yell at them->"Shut Up"]], "No speaking in your native tongue!"

In fear of his Captain, using their native tongue, Abrahms aggresively tells the Natives to "[[Stop talking and keep walking!"->stop talking]]

A week into the journey, the Natives are visibly tired, they have already lost loved ones to sickness and suicide. One day Abrahms overhears them discussing their dissaproval with removal acts in their native tongue. Does he [[allow them to continue talking->allow]] or does he tell them to [["Shut Up"]] with fear of being reprimanded by the Captain for not keeping them quiet and letting them speak in their tongue.

Abrahm's Captain gets upset with Abrahms for not following his orders. The Captain shouts, "If you disobey my orders one more time, there will be consequences for your actions!" [[Continue Story->allow them to continue talking]]

Ignoring Sergeant Russel, Abrahms tells the Natives "I have to go now." As he walks off, Abrahms whispers [["Be Safe"]] in their native tongue.

A few weeks later Abrahms finds himself in the middle of a morning brief amongst the company officers and non-commissioned officers. During the meeting the Captain reinforces the importance of not letting the Native Americans converse with each other too much, out of fear that they may be "planning something." In front of the group, Sergeant Russel, criticizes Abrahms, "I saw you being friendly with them Natives, seems like you care more about them than your own men." Does Abrahms [[convincingly justify his actions->Abrahms Apologizes]], "I was following orders, but I don't like to see senseless death. I don't sympathize with them, but I don't feel the need to be cruel" or does Sergeant Russell not believe Abrahms and [[continues antagonizing him?]]

Sergeant Russell gets in Abrahms face and tells him, "You're a goddamn liar!" in front of the group. Continuing to berate Abrahms, Sergeant Russell questions, "Are you mixed-blood? Are you one of them? Why you care about them so much? If I didn't know any better I'd say you's one of them." Abrahms gets flustered and pushes Sergeant Russell, "Get out my face!" Sergeant Russel responds, "I tell you h'what why don't you make me?" Abrahms punches Sergeant Russell and a fight between the two ensues. The Captain comes rushing in between them to stop the fight, Abrahms accidently punches the Captain. The Captain believes that the punch was purposeful and tells the two, "y'alls actions warrant y'all to be [[Court Marshalled]]"

A few weeks later, Abrahms notices the Natives talking around a fire due to the frigid temperture because of the first snow fall. Abrahms hears the Natives discussing multiple topics such as Chief John Ross court hearing, the location of where they're going, their disapproval of Indian Removal Act, and how many have died along the trip. Abrahms joins in on the conversation, using the excuse to stay warm. What is Abrahms next action? Does he offer to [[help the Natives?->Sympathic Response]] Does he [[just listens in?->Just listens]] Does he put out the fire and [[chastize them?->Abusive Response]]

Abrahms tells the Natives, "I'm sorry for they way we have been treating y'all, it's not much but please take this food and blankets to help you through the night." Before departing, one of the native elders asks "What tribe are you from?" Confused, Abrahms responds, "What do you mean?" The Elder responds, "I can always recognize one of us." [[Journey Continues->Endgame Final Interaction with Troops and Natives]]

Abrahms chooses to follow orders from his Captain and just listens to the Native's discussion. He chooses to not punish them for their conversations or speaking in their native dialect. A Native elder directs the conversation towards Abrahms, "What tribe are you from?" Confused, Abrahms responds, "What do you mean?" The Elder responds, "I can always recognize one of us." [[Journey Continues->Endgame Final Interaction with Troops and Natives]]

Abrahms says, "Y'all obviously don't need a fire, that shit talking is keeping you warm." The Natives grow discontented with Abrahms and talks secretley amongst themselves about [[what to do with him.->Abrahms is found dead]]

The next morning Sergeant Russell goes out looking for Abrahms, only to find him dead in the snow just outside the camp. Sergeant Russell yells out, [["Dayum! They killed 'em!"->Game Over]]

A few weeks later Abrahms is talking to his Captain about the journey. Abrahms asks his captain, "Why don't you like the Natives?" His Captian responds, "I lost friends in the Post-Creek War in which wwe were pursuing the last remaining Creeks." The Captain continues, "It's because of those wars I lost so many of my commrades and grew to dislike Natives. A trooper comes running in explaining, "More of the Natives escaped last night!" Abrahms asks, [["How did they escape?"->Abrahms inquires about how they escaped]]

A few weeks later Abrahms finds himself in the middle of a morning brief amongst the company officers and non-commissioned officers. During the meeting the Captain reinforces the importance of not letting the Native Americans converse with each other too much, out of fear that they may be "planning something." Abrahms platoon Sergeant, Sergeant Russel, congratulates Abrahms, "I saw you shut those Natives up and keep them in line Abrahms, good job." The Captain hears the Sergeant and tells Abrahms "Good job sticking to your orders officer." [[Journey Continues.->Abrahms Apologizes]]

The trooper reports, "Apparently some of the natives have been distracting the guards at night so others can escape." The Captain looks at Abrahms and tells him, "I want you on [[night watch]] tonight. Keep a close eye on the Natives and make sure none of them escape." Abrahms accepts his orders.

During night watch does Abrahms follow his orders, keeping a close eye on the Natives during his watch to [[prevent their escape->escape]], or does he speak with the Natives about escaping, telling them, "I will [[help you escape"->help them escape]]?

Late at night during his watch, Abrahms begins to think about his mother and what she would think about his part in this mistreatment of the Creeks. Abrahms grabs bags and fills them with weapons and provisions. He approaches the elder in the group and tells him, "Grab as many people as you can, you guys don't deserve these injustices." Does he: [[give them the bags and watch them escape]] [[take the bags and escapes with them]]

After a successful night without any escapees, Abrahms continues along the path, he is in charge of keeping eye on the Creeks every few nights. They continue along the path and eventually reach Oklahoma territory successfully An elder native tells Abrahms, "I know of your ancestry, you grew up with the name Little Creek, your mother was one of us until she died giving birth, you lived with us until your white father came back from war and took you from the tribe when you were a young boy, your mother would be ashamed about what you have done." Abrahms, understanding his wrongdoings, stays sildent and walks away. Later on, Abrahms is approached by his Captain, "Thank you for all your hardwork Abrahms, I understand this journey was a difficult one but you proved to be an exceptional soldier. Expect a [[promotion->Win Game]] coming your way.

Abrahms gives the Natives the bags of weapons and provisions. A Native elder tells Abrahms, "Come with us, you may face consequences from your superiors for helping us." Abrahms declines, "I can't go with you, the consequences will be worse if they find me." Native elder tell him "Thank you and take care of yourself...Little Creek" Not sure how to respond, Abrahms watches the Natives [[flee into the wilderness->Next Morning]]

One of the english speaking Natives asks "why are you helping us?" Abrahms [[stumbles to answer.]]

Troops wake up to begin the journey the next day. The Captain realizes some of the Natives are gone. He asks Abrahms "what happened?" Sergeant Russell approaches, "I seen Abrahms give dem Creeks some weapons and provisions and then he let 'em free." The captain [[contemplates->Court Marshalled]] what he should do as punishment.

Game Over, you did not find out Joshua Abrahms' secret. [[Play Again?->Tale of Little Creek]] [[Bibliography]]

Game Over, You found Joushua "Little Creek" Abrahms' secret. [[Play Again?->Tale of Little Creek]] [[Bibliography]]

Bibliography Banner, Stuart. “The Debate Over the Legality and Wisdom of Indian Removal.” in Major Problems in American Relations Volume 1: To 1920, edited by Dennis Merrill and Thomas G. Patterson. Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Publishing, 2009. Bhanoo, Sindya N. "Archaeology: The Trail of Tears, and of Damaged Skulls." The New York Times, 2014. Burnett, John G., “The Trail of Tears Birthday Story of Private John G. Burnett: A True Story of the Cherokee Removal 1838-39.” December 11, 1890. Country Road Chronicles, Jan 31, 1999. http://csulb.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/208691059?accountid=10351. Carlson, and Roberts. "Indian Lands, "Squatterism," and Slavery: Economic Interests and the Passage of the Indian Removal Act of 1830." Explorations in Economic History 43, no. 3 (2006): 486-504. Ethridge, Robbie. Creek Country : The Creek Indians and Their World. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 2003. Accessed October 21, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csulb/reader.action?docID=837903&query=. Everett, Edward. “Representative Edward Everett Decries Removal and the Inhumane Treatment of Indians, 1830.” In Major Problems in American Relations Volume 1: To 1920, edited by Dennis Merrill and Thomas G. Patterson. Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Publishing, 2009. Green, Michael D. 1985. The Politics of Indian Removal: Creek Government and Society In Crisis. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. https://www-fulcrum-org.csulb.idm.oclc.org/concern/monographs/q237hs217. (Accessed October 21 2018). HAVEMAN, CHRISTOPHER D. Rivers of Sand: Creek Indian Emigration, Relocation, and Ethnic Cleansing in the American South. Lincoln, Nebraska: University of Nebraska Press, 2016. Ingersoll, Thomas. To Intermix With Our White Brothers : Indian Mixed Bloods in the United States from Earliest Times to the Indian Removals. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2005. Accessed October 28, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central. Jackson, Andrew. “President Andrew Jackson Defends Removal, 1830.” In Major Problems in American Relations Volume 1: To 1920, edited by Dennis Merrill and Thomas G. Patterson. Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Publishing, 2009. Jay, Timothy. "Trail of Tears." 2017, 381-82 Perdue, Theda. “The Origins of Removal and the Fate of Southeastern Indians,” in Major Problems in American Relations Volume 1: To 1920, edited by Dennis Merrill and Thomas G. Patterson. Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Publishing, 2009. Peterson, Herman A. The Trail of Tears: an annotated bibliography of Southeastern Indian removal. Maryland: Scarecrow Press, 2011. Ross, John. “Cherokee Chief John Ross Denounces U.S. Removal Policy, 1836.” in Major Problems in American Relations Volume 1: To 1920, edited by Dennis Merrill and Thomas G. Patterson. Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Publishing, 2009. “Cherokee Nation V. the State of Georgia.” in Major Problems in American Relations Volume 1: To 1920, edited by Dennis Merrill and Thomas G. Patterson. Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Publishing, 2009. "First Detachment of Creek Prisoners, July–August 1836." In Bending Their Way Onward: Creek Indian Removal in Documents, edited by HAVEMAN CHRISTOPHER D., 179-210. Lincoln; London: University of Nebraska Press, 2018. doi:10.2307/j.ctt1zk0n24.14. “Indian Removal Act, 1830.” In Major Problems in American Relations Volume 1: To 1920, edited by Dennis Merrill and Thomas G. Patterson. Boston, Massachusetts: Cengage Publishing, 2009. Nancy Schurr. Cherokee Removal and the Trail of Tears. 2017. Retrieved from the Digital Public Library of America, http://dp.la/primary-source-sets/cherokee-removal-and-the-trail-of-tears. (Accessed October 30, 2018.) "Objection to Removal." Objection to Removal - 1829. Accessed October 31, 2018. http://webtest2.cherokee.org/About-The-Nation/History/Trail-of-Tears/Objection-to-Removal-1829. "Pain of 'Trail of Tears' shared by Blacks as well as Native Americans." CNN Wire, February 27, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. (accessed October 24, 2018). http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A281382434/OVIC?u=long89855&sid=OVIC&xid=ff1112f5. "Trail of Tears." In International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences, 2nd ed., edited by William A. Darity, Jr., 423-424. Vol. 8. Detroit, MI: Macmillan Reference USA, 2008. Gale Virtual Reference Library. (accessed October 24, 2018). http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX3045302790/GVRL?u=long89855&sid=GVRL&xid=e01504d1. War Department. Removal of Cherokees: letter from the Secretary of War, transmitting the information called for by the resolution of the 23d instant, relative to additional allowance to the Cherokees. United States: War Department, 1838. [[Play Again->Tale of Little Creek]]

A Native elder approaches and says "This is Little Creek, he's one of us, his mother was Creek she died at childbirth and his father was a white man who left him with us to fight in the war, he came back when Little Creek was a small boy and took him with him" The Natives embrace Abrahms and thanks him for the help They [[flee into the wilderness.->Win Game]]

THE TALE OF LITTLE CREEK [[Start Game->Introduction]] [[Bibliography]]

[[The Tale of Little Creek->Tale of Little Creek]] The Tale of Little Creek is a player driven narrative where the players will control the action of Joshua Abrahms and, through the experience of Abrahms, the player will be able to see the experience of a soldier and Creek Indians during the trail of tears. The different actions that are taken by Abrams will influence how he is perceived by the Indians and his fellow officers. The story is a third person narrative where the player is in control of Abrahms, viewing how his actions influence the narrative as a whole. The game does a few things really well. It shows a strong and clear narrative with a few different endings depending on the decisions the player makes throughout the game. The game falls short going deep into detailed historical information. It was a sacrifice to make the game flow more smoothly and preserve its playability.