A Study in Cosmology - The West

https://youtu.be/NYOG74JIUj0

The West

I literally can’t believe I ran into my own fucking brother in some random reality in the middle of nowhere. There I was, having fun pirate adventures, when Tommy and Servus just show up and ask if I want a ride.

So, okay, the ride was appreciated, and maybe I was a little in over my head. But like, what are the odds of that?

I did tell you not to get in trouble, Cynthia.

And why would I actually listen to you?

Because I’m an “old man” who knows what he’s talking about?

I’d rather fuck around and find out than not, just because “something might happen.”

Anyway, after too much drinking and one too many fire fights for my liking, Tommy + I decided to head back to Discord for a little R + R. And by “R + R+” I mean helped out at the Smiling Goat and dealing with the weirdos that make up its clientele.

Like that idiot with the horns. I wouldn’t like him even if it wasn’t for the obvious. He and his crew come in sometimes, which includes Kei for some reason? I’d have some things to say to her if I could ever get her alone, but I guess she + Bacchae are tight now, so that’s never happening.

I don’t have time for drama, Cynthia. Where are you now?

I was getting to that. So anyway, Frisky McPartyboy and his gaggle of Loons are in one day and he starts going on about how much he hates this guy “Holliday.” Out of curiosity, I ask him how they even started this dumb feud in the first place, and he says that they met before this Holliday character was even a daemon.

He refuses to tell the tale no matter how drunk he gets, but I do manage to get the reality out of him. So I decide: “What the hell,” might as well make it the next stop. I mean, I just did pirates, so obviously cowboys are the next logical step.

Only one question: what sort of lazy-ass name is “The West,” anyway?

Other “period” realities tend to be named after a central location important to their construction: “Loeilham,” “Dryden,” etc. “The West” in contrast is a fixed manifestation, containing a vast majority of the United States, usually at a time just past the end of the civil war. Unfortunately, there are many “United States,” and so it would be confusing to refer to it as such.

Thus, the outer population has elected to name it after its time period’s distinctive identity and wash their hands of the whole affair. So, “The West” it remains.

Well, why didn’t they just call it… okay, you know what, you got me. Continue.

Considering that you originate from a reality approximately contemporary to mine, I do not intend to bore you with a history lesson. Instead I shall attempt to focus on the differences between the West and what most would consider the norm for that era.

The basic construction is relatively similar to what you most likely know. The North-East has large, industrialized cities, a “civilized populace” if you will. The South is in a bit of disarray. You see, as I mentioned the civil war has recently ended, and not only has that left them thoroughly beaten, but a large portion of their workforce has been suddenly freed, and sharecropping has not quite taken hold as strongly as it will.

While the Midwest is still covered in forests and dotted with settlements, it is the true western portion of the country that is the most exciting.

Everything west of the Mississippi is mostly lawless, with a few beacons of civilization dotted here and there. Chicago, Independence, San Francisco, just to name a few. Pioneers are rapidly continuing to manifest their destiny, as it were, and would-be prospectors are joining them, hoping to make it rich on gold deposits found in the mountains.

Yeah, right, their destiny to spread like cockroaches and destroy any semblance of the home that the people already living there had.

And the wheels of the propaganda machine keep turning. Regardless, settlers, lawmen, shady types as well, all are heading west in the hopes of finding something better. Despite the hard life led by all on the frontier—the vast plains, deserts to the south, mountains to the north—it is a surprisingly optimistic time for many, as most try to leave the war of years’ past behind them.

Slowly, it seems they might be winning. Forts dot the landscape, and more and more signs of civilization—opportunity—are springing to life across the West. Outlaws, gamblers, and prospectors are all striking it rich, and that’s not to mention the business. There’s talk of a cross-continental railroad in the air.

I’m getting the distinct impression of a “but” incoming.

What tipped you off?

You mentioned something about differences?

Ah, yes, of course. Recall, if you will, those infamously old maps, where large swaths of territory or ocean remain unexplored. The symbol of a dragon or serpent was often used to indicate the unknown. For all the cartographers knew, “here be monsters” was an accurate description.

Well, “here be monsters” indeed. Whether they be creatures from folklore, invaders from other worlds, strange plagues, or demons of the unholy variety, the corners of civilization and the deepest, barrenest stretches of land inevitably contain the unknowable.

Monsters of all varieties thrive in the uncharted wilderness, from all sorts of origins. Whether conjured from the tales of native legend, conspiratorial hearsay, or a variety of traditions brought with immigrants from all parts of the world, this West is, frankly, weird.

Trying to go for the alliteration, huh?

“Trying” apparently being the operative word here.

Of course, the average gent from back east is not typically aware of such phenomenon, yet it bubbles just under the surface, barely out of sight. Hits on particularly formidable beasts crop up in small settlements everywhere, and a fair decent amount of bounty hunters make their living hunting not people, but things.

Every whore in every brothel has a tale of something heard slithering in the night, every cowpoke of a creature eating his cattle, and every gambler of playing a round with a ghost. Despite its newness to the settlers, the West is still a very old place with many secrets.

Some view the strangeness of the territory as a scourge that must be purged entirely, that it is their destiny to conquer the land and bend it to their wills. Yet despite their best efforts, resistance has proven futile. Even as organizations both holy and secular begin their ascents and affluence, the West simply defies all attempts at domination.

The only method that has been found to help is that of discovery and study. It is not in opposition, but in learning that eliminates the threat.

Funny, it’s almost like if the invaders didn’t try to bulldose over everything already there, but instead attempted to integrate with their new environment, it might yield better results.

It does feel almost purposeful, in a way.

This is a word of caution for you as well, Cynthia. It always behooves one to respect what is already present. Whether man or beast, intellect or nature, there is much to learn from what already exists.

I don’t know how long I plan to stay here, but for once, I may just take your advice.

I wish you would do so more often.