Nipahem

Welcome to Sutter’s Fort! The year is 1848, and Captain John Augustus Sutter has commissioned James Wilson Marshall to build a sawmill at the point where the American River meets the Sacramento River. Although you notice many male laborers, women are scarce. You think about Awendea your sister, who is only 15. Maybe she could work here too! She finds a job in the Kitchens. Would you like to begin your work day? If so, you must choose where to devote your skills: [[Chop Trees]] [[Excavate by the River]] Or, would you like to visit your tribe to see Awendea and tell her of this opportunity? [[Go to Tribe]]

You have chose to chop down trees! Captain Sutter's vision is to build a sawmill that will be able to use the river to transport the lumber they generate. Your job is to collect as much wood before the end of the day. Once you are done, you head back to base. Never having done this type of work before, you require help. You can either wing it and try your best, or you can ask for help. [[Begin Chopping]] [[Ask for Help]]

You have chosen to excavate by the river! Captain John Sutter intends to use the energy produced by the river to build a large wheel. The harnessed power would then result in a water driven process which would facilitate the production of usable lumber. You may begin! [[Begin Excavation]]

In the 1840's, the chopping of wood required a two man whipsaw. Your partner, Achak, is also from your tribe. You pass the time by reminiscing about home. Achak misses his daughter who has had breath for only 3 moons. Suddenly, you hear someone shouting "come quick!!" [[See what the commotion is about|Mill]]

You walk to the Mill with Achak, your friend, and discuss what this could be about. A few of the excavators are talking about quitting...Maybe the pay will change... You walk towards the mob and hear James Marshall proclaim "I have found it!" In his hand was a glittering nugget of solid gold. Your people have been familiar with the presence of gold, but did not hold much importance for it. Times have definitely changed, maybe you you should adapt. In a workplace where you have to fight to even get paid, why not be in charge of your destiny and try to score some gold for yourself? What will it be? [[Eavesdrop on Neighboring Conversations and Gather Some Information|Join Them]] [[Visit Awendea to Discuss Your Future|Visit Awendea]] [[Visit Your Grandparents to Ask Them For Advice|Grandparents Advice]]

Once you have obtained your tools, you begin to walk to the river and you notice James Marshall, inspecting the ground and commenting on some stones. After some inspection, he pounds the rock with his hammer and raises his fist triumphantly in the air. He orders everyone on site to go to the mill. Go to the [[Mill]]

In the 1840s, a young 20 year old male Nisenan named Nipahem loses both of his parents to violence, leaving him to care for his grandparents and sister. Captain John Sutter has decided to establish a sawmill operating on the Sacramento River, and Nipahem decides to try his luck as a laborer. At Sutter's Mill however, an Indian such as himself would have be paid in tin currency only accepted at Sutter's own store! You can either accept the tin money, leaving you to provide your family with items exclusively from Sutter's store, or you can appeal to your chief to speak to Sutter in your favor. [[Sutter's Fort|Are You sure?]] [[Consult With Chief]]

You approach a group of Mormon laborers who also work at Sutter's Mill. Many of them are already speaking of obtaining permission from Marshall to dig during their off hours. Some are already buying their tools to dig in their spare time. It inspires you to check out Sam's Store yourself...However, you must first visit your sister to see what you should do... [[Visit Awendea]]

You arrive at your grandparents house. Having told them of your predicament, and what they think you should do, your grandfather says: "For too long we have been cheated out of a means of survival. Though in the past we considered gold but a shiny piece of earth, it is time to see the light. Our money consists of beads and shells and what do the palefaces do? They laugh in our face and deny us any goods. But gold? They would take that in a heartbeat! While we starve, they take from the river and live in bounty. You must claim some of that gold for us my child, if only to guarantee our survival." To begin your journey, you must buy supplies. Luckily, Samuel Brannan owns a store which sells everything you need! However, first you must ask Awendea for her support [[Visit Awendea]]

You are whipped In Front of New Native American Laborers. As your punishement, it is ordered that you will not be paid for this day of labor. You are sent to the mill for a meeting with other laborers. [[Go to the mill|Mill]]

As you walk back home, you think of the various advantages of having Awendea work with you. Not only would you be in close proximities allowing you to watch her safety, she would only be doing work in the kitchens. Honorable work for honorable pay...right? Maybe the chief can put yet another word in, but for now, Let's see what she has to say... You: Hey sis, there are openings at the kitchens where I work. As you know I would never ask you to work unless we really needed it, but the truth is me working alone is not enough. The only reason I'm allowing it is because I feel I can keep you safe. We would have to leave now. WHat do you say? Awendea: Brother, I would never turn away your proposal. I know times are tough and its time I take some responsibility in this family. I will gather my things. We will leave at once. Return to [[Sutter's Fort Kitchens]]

Having arrived at Sutter's Fort once again, you take your sister to the kitchens. You make sure she has a place to sleep, and tell her you will see her everyday to check on her. Now, it is time to go back to work. Do you: [[Excavate by the River]] Or: [[Chop Trees]]

On your way to Awendeas dormitory, you think of what you will tell her. It is too risky for both of you to quit your job, you two are your families only income. You arrive at Awendeas dormitory, and find you cannot enter her room. She has been locked inside!!! Luckily, you can hear her through the door. You: Sister! What has happened!? Awendea: (crying) Brother, it is awful here. The work does not stop at the kitchens. In the dead of night, awful men come to visit us and tell us we must sleep with them, and that they have paid well for our services. I did not comply, and was taken without my consent. After the deed was done, I was severely beaten and told I must do as I am told. Brother I hate it here. Please, let me find a job elsewhere! You: You must stay strong sister. As soon as I can I promise I will come for you but as for now, what can I do? Awendea: I place my trust in you brother. I am to be locked up for three days, I am sure I can survive. You are full of anger and think of revenge. Although the whites are outnumbered by Indians, how many would really revolt? The search for Gold is no longer an option, but a necessity, however you also want justice for your sister. Now what? [[Begin Looking for Other Indians willing to revolt with you|Complain]]

You find Achak, and tell him what has happened. Appalled, he explains that he will join you in whatever fight you are planning on inciting. He also tells you that if you really want Justice, you will join him in meeting a group of Indians and other laborers who are thinking of revolting. [[Follow Achak to Secret Meeting|forest]]

The construction of the sawmill will require plenty of Native American laborers. In order to maintain connections to Indian labor, Sutter keeps good terms with local chiefs who provide him with workers. You tell your leader that you are now responsible for your family's well being. He ensures you he will Sutter to do him the favor of providing you with payment in real currency. [[Continue]]

Congratulations! You have earned the opportunity of a real wage! Many other laborers are not so lucky, and were often not paid for their work. Although your work is now paid, you will receive no special considerations or allowances. You should know, Sutter is known for his exploitation of laborers, and crude puhnishments. Good luck on your first day of work! [[Sutter's Fort]]

You are scolded for not knowing how to chop down wood. You are ordered to get back to work and are notified you will not be given a bed that night. You will also be whipped. [[Proceed]]

Achak and you walk through the forest to the secret meeting. Whether it is to revolt, or to get rid of Sutter, you are ready. No amount of bloodshed will compare to what your people have gone through. Suddenly, you hear calls for all laborers to get back to work, or you will face punishment. Do you hide, and risk being caught, or do you head back to work? [[Hide]] [[Go Back to Work]]

You and Achak find shelter amongst bushes. From a distance you can hear men on horses patrolling the forest. Dogs are barking, and you fear they can smell you. You are found and beaten along with Achak. You black out. [[Wake Up]]

Although you are angry, you decide to go back to work. What use is trying to get vengeance when you have no power? As you walk back to Sutter's Fort, you are hit on the head. You black out. [[Wake Up]]

Upon waking up, you smell urine and rotting flesh. You awake to find yourself in a dimly lit room surrounded by many Indians, all beaten and bruised. You ask for the whereabouts of Achak, and learn that although you survived your beating, he did not. He is dead. [[Proceed|Continue 2]]

Your time of punishment is that of one week, and you immediately think of Awendea. How can you be so stupid to have gotten yourself in this situation? "It was foolish for me to think there was a way out of this nightmare" you think out loud. "It was foolish for you to think there is no way out" Said a voice in the shadows. You notice Amiwek, an older Indian who has labored with Sutter for 3 years. "Keep Faith" Says Amiwek. "The meeting you were supposed to be at was one to plan what needed to be done a long time ago. The finding of gold will surely attract a crowd, and THAT is when we will strike. For now, try to gain as much strength as possible." [[Two Days Later...]]

Within your prison, there is cold, hunger, and hopelessness. There are no windows, so you do not know if it is day or night. You head the voice of Awendea, and she urges you to be strong. She tells you that she is safe and has managed to escape her prison with the help of fellow Indians. [[4 days left of punishment]]

Stay Strong! [[Complete Punishment]]

You are finally FREE! You have spent your time in captivity thinking of ways to get revenge. You find Awendea, who briefs you on where you can find the men who will be revolting. You know it is a risk, but the treatment you have been under is over. You must fight for your rights. You find the men, Indian laborers who have been mistreated and enslaved, and gather that NOW is the time for action. You must be ready with weapons...you realize the tools used for mining (picks, shovels, and hammers) also serve as weapons. You decide to finally visit that Sam Brannan... [[Sam Brannan's General Store and Supplies]]

Welcome to Sam's Goods! Here you will find everything you need to begin your mining career! Since you have come shopping for your tools now, (as opposed to when the real rush begins) you will find these prices much more affordable! You will need a shovel, a pick, and a pan. For all three items I will charge you $5. If you do not have the funds necessary, you may give me ur services of labor for three weeks. You are sure you can find the money and agree to meet the next day. In the mean time, you reunite with the Indians who wish to revolt. [[Attend Meeting|Continue 3]]

You walk to the designated meeting place, and upon seeing your beloved sister, you find a seat next to her. You see a man beginning to call the attention of the others: "My brothers, it is time for us to rid ourselves of the Sutter beast! Day after day he loads us with more work. We break our back, have our women raped and our labor sold! Let us stand and unite against him. Our desertion is only the beginning! Those who are with me let us desert this wretched place!" [[Join The Men Departing]]

In your pursuit of justice, there is no limits to what you will do. Departing is only the first step of your revenge. The news that gold has been found is now widespread and hundreds of people, primarily men have come to see about the Gold at Sutter's Fort. Your comrades have decided to loot Sutter's fort. The many people who are now squatting will be a perfect cover to hide after the looting. Are you ready? [[Let The Looting Begin]]

The looting has begun! You take gold, tools, furniture and any goods you can find! With these items you will finance your new life as a miner. Although you know the risk is great, you are able to triumph. You become a miner and come across enough gold to help your family. Awendea finds a better job at a tavern as a waitress. Your family is at peace. Sutter is left in ruin, and the Gold Rush has officially begun! [[Bibliography]]

Historic California Posts: Sutter's Fort (Including Camp Union). Accessed March 17, 2019. http://www.militarymuseum.org/Sutter.html. "A Map of the Gold Mining Districts of California Showing Mining Locations and Native American Villages, 1850." A Map of the Gold Mining Districts of California Showing Mining Locations and Native American Villages, 1850. | DPLA. Accessed March 17, 2019. https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/california-gold-rush/sources/1913. Blakemore, Erin. "The Enslaved Native Americans Who Made The Gold Rush Possible." History.com. January 24, 2018. Accessed March 17, 2019. https://www.history.com/news/the-enslaved-native-americans-who-made-the-gold-rush-possible. Brown, James S. Eyewitness to the Discovery of Gold at Sutter's Mill - 1848. Accessed March 17, 2019. http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist6/grush.html. "California Tribal Communities." California Tribal Communities - Tribal_projects. Accessed March 17, 2019. https://www.courts.ca.gov/3066.htm. "Five Views: An Ethnic Historic Site Survey for California (American Indians)." National Parks Service. Accessed March 17, 2019. https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/5views/5views1h90.htm. Massachusetts. "Comparative Wages, Prices, and Cost of Living : (from the Sixteenth Annual Report of the Massachusetts Bureau of Statistics of Labor, for 1885) / by Carroll ..." HathiTrust. Accessed March 17, 2019. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044050806330;view. "Native American Gold." Latest on Silver and Gold News. May 16, 2018. Accessed March 17, 2019. https://invest.usgoldbureau.com/news/native-american-gold/. Staff, HistoryNet. "John Sutter and California's Indians." HistoryNet. August 09, 2016. Accessed March 17, 2019. https://www.historynet.com/john-sutter-and-californias-indians.htm.

Don't waste this opportunity to attain a real wage! [[Consult With Chief]]