Intro
This is the 47th story in the Smallville series and the 4th part of the Overland Trail mini series. This story continues the tale of the 16th expedition to leave Smallville. Six families went south to the Outskirts and became part of a wagon train going in search of family and friends left behind when the lowlands flooded years earlier. The wagons left Outskirts in early spring of year 50 SVT and traveled overland arriving in the town of Skyview of story 44 in late summer. In autumn, two families left the wagon train heading to the Animal Refuge. The wagon master, storage wagon, and four families continued on and arrived in the town of Respite of story 45 in late winter. They left Respite in early spring of year 51 SVT. The four families then detoured to the nearby Refugee Camp to make inquires, only 2 of them rejoined the wagon master at the river before crossing to arrive at the Rescue Mission of story 46 in late summer of that year. At the Rescue Mission they were asked if they could take much needed supplies to a drought stricken area where missionaries have gone to help. In the summer of year 53 the wagon train left the Rescue Mission, made a stop at the Mountain Mission of story 2, then headed farther south than they had originally planned.
Map # 108615489 Red Desert, Small, Desert Climate, disasters Off, Vanilla Hard (No Special Starts)
Mods enabled in load order:
Starting and Map Changing Mods: Call of Nature Soundtrack, Banished UI Maps, Banishes UI Town Names, Labor Window, RK Minimized Status, Kid Red Desert (new, testing), Jinxie Natural Decorations
Tweak Mods: Better Fields, Busy Laborers, Fishing Dock 25%, Hunting, Increased CC, 1:1 Alternative, override White Clothes (new testing), Rocks Respawn, Tiny Smoke
Major or Must Have Mods: An Empty Square, Fenceless Pasture, Nomad Sign Complete, Storage Crates, Jinxie Bitty Chicken Coop, Kid Abandoned Places, Kid Mexican Fantasy v2 (new, testing), Kid Old Town, Kid Tequila Addon, Kid The Mission, Kid Westward Ho Wagons, Kid Workplace, Mini Buildings
Supporting Mods: Greenhouse, Kid Deco Plants, Kid New Well, Kid Vegetable Garden, Kid Washing Mod, Small Well
So, weary traveler, it's just our 2 families now. It was a happy reunion for the other family to have found family members at the Mountain Mission. From the sounds of it, your dear friends were at the Mission but headed north some time ago. I think your decision to return with us to Smallville is a good one, there is more of a chance you will hear news of them from people arriving there. But first we must deliver the supplies to the market town. Town officials at the Mountain Mission were most grateful for our help. They sent missionaries to establish the market town, but they had little merchandise to spare to send with them. What we have with us will be most welcome. It's not far, we'll be at the Mountain Mission Markets soon.
Chapter 1
Welcome, travelers. We missionaries cannot thank you enough for bringing us firewood, iron tools, and, oh my gosh, tree seedlings. All of which are badly needed here. Yes, that abandoned farm is a sad sight when you first enter the valley. We came here the same way and immediately realized the situation here was worse than we expected, the non-abandoned farms were nearly as bad. The farm houses were in sad states of disrepair, the farm fields were all but barren, and the wells had gone dry. The landscape consisted of dusty dry red sand, a lot of exposed rocks and iron, dead trees, and prickly cactus. What roads there were, were mostly covered with sand. It was no wonder that families were leaving this area in droves. Sad because the families had been here for many years as were their parents and grandparents before.
Although the families were here for many years, we considered the Mountain Mission Markets town began in year 48 SVT, 2 years before we got here. It was at that time that 7 families with young children arrived at the Mountain Mission. We had no food or housing for so many, and we doubted the newly established Rescue Mission could handle that many newcomers either. We convinced them to return to their homes and farms and promised we would send help as soon as we could. There were 19 of them and they were uneducated although they did say they had a mini school. They also had a town hall but there was no town and no town name. They had a small workshop and managed to make a few tools and hide coats. They were cutting down dead trees for firewood. There were 7 farm cottages, 4 small houses, and 3 abandoned sites. We told them to do the best they could until we got there to help.
Chapter 2
The evacuees did as we advised and returned to their homes and failing farms and the 4 families they had left behind. They arrived back in spring of year 2 and continued on as before. They had no seeds to plant their fields but they hunted wild boar and caught fish from the river. Their wells had long since gone dry and it was a long way for most of them to go to the river for water, but they had carts and the donkeys who used to help plow their fields. They still had some chickens for eggs and meat, but the cattle had died off some years back. There was no grass to graze on and no grain to feed them. There was an abundance of cactus fruit that would fall from the cactus plants and only needed to be collected. The cactus absorbed and stored what little light rain would fall, and in an emergency, the cactus plant could be cut down and it would provide some much needed water. It was a struggle but they would survive until help arrived.
Chapter 3
We arrived in early summer of year 3. As I said, we were amazed at the devastation the drought had caused. It was worse than we expected. The families welcomed us and insisted we get settled before doing anything else. There was a large area east of the town hall and storage barn that would do nicely for a small mission base. They would provide as much clay as we need.
We marked off the area that would be surrounded by mission walls and made plans for what we would built. Our first consideration was housing. There were 8 of us, two families with 2 adult children and 2 young children. Oh, I'm sorry weary travelers, I failed to introduce myself. My name is Ettina and my husband is Ellison, the blacksmith.
Before that first year was over we had housing, a Mission chapel and school, a storage unit, and a clinic. We would keep production and population records in the chapel tower. We were most concerned for the diet and health of the poor people here. We planned to increase production, improve the diet of the people, and build markets so more foods and needed goods would be available to everyone. We named the town Mountain Mission Markets.
Chapter 4
We brought seeds with us from the Mission. There were not enough seeds for the big fields but enough for several small patches that could be kept watered. Ellison developed a small simple irrigation system that seemed quite promising. The farmers would only need to keep the water barrels filled. A source of water closer to the farms was needed. A water pump was built closest to the majority of the farms. The farmers soon had healthy green patches of corn, cotton, peppers, and tomatoes growing. The corn was a welcome addition to their diets. The trip for water with their donkeys and carts was considerably shorter.
Chapter 5
By early spring of year 5 we had a trading post built and it wasn't long before Emers, the general goods merchant stopped by. We had nothing to trade for what little he had, there were not many stops on his route and all were still trying to recover from the droughts and floods. However he did have a special delivery for us. The town of Respite send items to the Mountain Mission who in turn was sending some of the tools and firewood to us, they knew we would be short of wood here. We gratefully accepted the items. Emers said if we needed anything else specifically he could try to get it from Riverboat Junction but it would take quite awhile. We asked about livestock but he said we would need a special trading post before someone would come from Animal Refuge with any. We could see a seed or food merchant though.
After Emers left we considered how we would get the tools and firewood to the people. Most of the folks here did not want handouts, they were self-sufficient before the drought and did not accept help easily. They did not want us to repair or rebuild their houses for them. Ellison and I came up with a solution; we built a trade post near the town hall. They could bring their extra leather, cotton, or produce from their patches and trade for tools, firewood, or water. The idea caught on and soon the hunters were bringing leather to trade for iron tools.
We built a new house next to the trade post and convinced one of the farmers to let his adult son move into it and work at the trade post. They did not want help or new houses for themselves but were happy to accept it for their children.
Chapter 6
The trade post was well accepted by the townspeople. The tools and firewood from The Mission were a tremendous help but would not last long, we were in need of both. Dallis & Joellene, the ranchers set up an anvil by their stockpile to help make iron tools. Dallis was doing some minor repairs to his old pasture fence hoping we could get him some more cattle. We convinced Stacio and Tessandria that their cotton crop would be better used to make cool linen clothes instead of being trading for tools. A tailor's spinning wheel and loom was set up close to their farm and a tailor market was built next to it.
In late autumn, weary travelers, we were amazed to see covered wagons coming through the same pass we had come through from The Mountain Mission. Needless to say again how delighted we were that you brought us tools, firewood, and seedling, especially those seedlings. As you can see, there are not many dead trees left, we have been cutting them down to use for tool making, building, and firewood. We started constructing a greenhouse immediately to care for those seedlings until we could start planting some. We had been getting some light rain off and on now, enough to keep the cactus blooming and dropping cactus fruit. The fruit contains seeds so if we are ever in need of more water, we can build a cactus forester to plant cactus plants.
Also needless to say, we were very happy to hear you would stay here with us a while and help with our mission to build a market town to improve the lives of the people and encourage them to stay where they are rather than immigrating.
I see the village is coming around just fine :)
If someone would like white clothes with colored belts I have included an override
for the citizens. It only changes clothes.
Thanks
@kid1293 I just can't believe there are no comments on the new and interesting thing in this mod and story. It is a fun and decorative mod, love those donkeys :)
Will the donkeys be available in some sort of stand alone mod?
@Kristahfer , there are no plans for these donkeys to be a stand alone mod, but (secret) donkeys are being included in another mod for later this year that I know you will like. :)
Added note regarding donkeys : The donkeys are included in the new Mexican Fantasy mod which is separate from the new Kid Red Desert terrain mod. Mexican Fantasy mod has no special start conditions or terrains, it plus those donkeys can be used anywhere.
Chapter 7
The following year, year 7, we built that livestock trader in the hopes of getting cattle for the rancher. We needed trade goods so we built a potter workshop, we had plenty of clay to make pottery. We also needed workers so we appreciated that you set up a hunting tent by your wagon camp and another just inside our mission walls. Our food supply had greatly increased and our diets improved but we did need meat. Our food surplus consisted mainly of cactus fruit. As you know, they are abundant and easy to gather. You were as amazed as we were how quickly those Josuha tree seedlings sprouted and grew in our hot and dry climate.
In late autumn Hannamaris, the livestock merchant brought 6 cattle. We only had enough trade goods for 2 of them but he said he would bring more the next time he came this way. We hoped a seed merchant would come this way soon, we built a special trading post for receiving and storing seeds next to the livestock trading post. Dallis came quickly to pick up the cattle and then did not have far to go to the water pump with his donkey and cart to get water for them. It was not long before green grass sprouted in the pasture for the cattle to graze upon.
By the end of year 7 Mountain Mission Markets town was doing well. There were 62 happy citizens, 35 adults, 10 students, and 17 young children. Their health and diets had improved.
Chapter 8
In early spring of year 8, Auren and Maddilyn brought a hen and baby chicks to the Mission as a thank you for all we had done for them. We used wood from the Joshua trees to build a chicken coop within the mission walls.
Kiyoshio, the seed merchant, arrived at the trading post shortly after. He only had potato and plum seeds and we were not sure either would grow well here. He said he could bring corn and cotton seeds but we could get those from our patches. When he mentioned mixed vegetable we did not hesitate to order them.
In spring, 4 evacuees from further south arrived at the town hall. We told them that The Mission was not accepting newcomers because of food and housing shortages and it was a long way to go to the Rescue Mission or Refugee Camp. They agreed to stay here with us. A second-floor house was built above the trade post.
In early summer Hannamaris, the livestock merchant brought more cattle but we only had enough trade goods for 1 of them. In early autumn Kiyoshio, the seed merchant, bought the mixed vegetable seeds we ordered. Being a special order they cost considerably more trade goods, which we did not have. We assigned another trader to the trading post in order to get enough goods to it before the merchant would leave. We wanted those seeds for spring planting. It took several months but we did finally make the trade and Kiyoshio was on his way. We looked forward to spring.
Chapter 9
In early spring of year 9, Hannamaris surprised us by bringing 3 donkeys from the Animal Refugee. They heard about our mission and thought we could use a few more donkeys. We were very grateful for the gift. We only had enough trade goods for 1 more head of cattle. It joined the other 3 plus the newborn calf already in the pasture which was now irrigated.
Yoshi and Millianne's farm had 2 crop fields so theirs were chosen to grow the mixed vegetable seeds. Irrigation barrels were set up in time for spring planting. The roof of the abandoned house on the property was repaired and Auren and Maddilyn's 15-year-old daughter, Illian, moved in to help with the farming. The irrigation water and warm desert sun soon had the vegetables up and growing. A garden storage shed was built along with a garden workplace to sort the vegetables.
That summer 13 evacuees arrived on their way to the Mountain Mission. We convinced them to stay with us and see what we have done to help the families here stay in their homes. Perhaps later they would want to return to theirs. They agreed to stay. Before new houses were built for them, the storage unit and donkey pen were complete. There were carts available for anyone who need to use a donkey and cart.
The mixed vegetables that were harvested went into the garden shed until they could be sorted at the garden workplace. There were potatoes, peppers, squash, cabbage, pumpkins, and beans, and more vegetable in the shed to sort. We were pleased with the harvest.
Yes travelers, we have more houses to build.
Chapter 10
In early spring of year 10, Hannamaris, brought more cattle to our trading post. We traded for 3 of them which was all we needed to fill Stacio's pasture. We would soon have beef. The new houses we built needed easier access to the food supply so we built a food market right behind them. Farther west we built a general market and a tally tent where merchants could check the inventory records. In front of the trade post we built a baker where corn was made into a tasty bread. To the east of the baker another general market was built and a siesta tent where the vender could rest in the heat of the day. The last newcomer became the vender of that general market and took up residence there in the siesta tent. It was only big enough for 2 people.
The last newcomer had just moved into that siesta tent when another group of evacuees arrived, 16 of them. They like the idea of staying here, learning what they could about surviving in the desert, and then returning home. We would need a lot more houses and those houses would need firewood for cooking. We must also insure that our food supply does not suffer.
South of the trade post and baker we built another fishing pier and another tree forester. We added another worker to the clay pit, and temporarily stopped making clay pottery. More patches of corn and tomatoes were planted. By the end of the year all the newcomers had homes. There was now beef, and a taco kitchen was up and running.
At the end of 10 years, the Mountain Missions Markets town is doing good. The population is 108, 65 adults, 16 students, and 27 young children. There are many young people living at home that want places of their own. But despite that, the citizens are 100% healthy and happy, but sadly only 18% are educated
Chapter 11
We thought to remedy the education rate by building a mission school at the west end of town. The currant mission school was a long way for most children to go. The adults that missed schooling are getting educated in the art of desert survival.
One young couple built a spacious hacienda where an abandoned ruin once was. They cleared the field, irrigated it, and planted mixed vegetables. A garden shed and workplace were built close by. Most of the farm fields are now irrigated and in spring were planted with mixed vegetable. We are sure to have a record good harvest this year. The herd of cattle are also thriving. The little light rain we've been getting has the cactus and other desert plants blooming.
Market Street is very colorful with many new houses and market tents. In summer, several families arrived in town but they were not evacuees and they did not want to stay. They only wanted to make a few trades at the trade post and then they were on their way back home.
By early autumn, our auxiliary Mission area at the west end of Market Street was complete with school, chapel, and clinic. The needs of the people of Mountain Mission Markets were being served.
You manage this very well. :)
I thought I had given you a hard scenario. The desert is relentless.
I am glad we did it separate. It is too odd to include in a mod.
:) Thank you, the red desert with lack of trees is not easy, after first test I decided to use Abandoned Places to set story atmosphere and I was glad I did. :) Mexican Fantasy V2 is challenge enough with the need for clay for buildings but a good combination. But there again I added some housing from The Mission that did not require the clay to build. Also glad you added the cactus fruit. :)
Final Chapter of Mission Markets tomorrow and wagons will roll again.
Chapter 12
I would say, travelers, that the 2 thing mainly responsible for our success here in the drought stricken red desert are the water pump and the donkeys. The water pump brought the water supply closer to where it is needed and the donkeys make it possible to get the water to the irrigation barrels and to the livestock. The irrigated patches and farm fields are thriving, and so are the cattle and chickens. If we continue to get the occasional light rain maybe the farmers will want those damaged roofs repaired. The rain has certainly helped those Joshua trees grown, and the greenhouse is producing enough seedling for the river boatmen to take to other areas of the desert. Has it really been 5 years since you arrived here with those seedlings? We missionaries were only here 6 years before you. And just look how the town has grown.
Now, in autumn of year 11 the population is 117, 66 adults, 18 students, and 33 children. They are 100% happy and healthy. Our education rate continues to improve and is now at 20%. The only thing here that has not improved is that old abandoned farm by the pass. And now, travelers, you're packed up and ready to head back to Smallville. I do wish you had filled your supply wagon instead of dismantling it and taking the parts. But as you say, traveling will be easier with the 2 oxen pulling the one storage wagon. I know after all this time you are eager to return home. We will miss you.
We can't thank you enough for delivering those tools, seedlings, and firewood, or for all the help you've been to us establishing the Mission Markets.
Safe journey, traveler.
Overland Trail to be Continued.
Red Desert start mod with wild boar has been released - find link to download and mod info here:
http://worldofbanished.com/index.php?topic=3315.0
Mexican Fantasy v2 link to download and mod info can be found here:
http://worldofbanished.com/index.php?topic=3316.0
Thank you for a wonderful story :)
:) Your welcome :) Thanks for more wonderful mods. :)
So the other mods I used prevented the clay pick-up problem from being discovered. I am glad the problem was found.
@Abandoned ;DI love reading your stories and at the same time I'm learning to build houses using beautiful surroundings.Thank you for a wonderful story :D ;D
:) Thank you so much
@taniu for such nice words. I am glad you enjoyed the story and Kid's new Red Desert setting. :)
Once again I spent some wonderful time following another creation of yours.
Thank You For Great Work
Can't wait for your next story concept.
Thank you
@Kristahfer for encouraging words. I am so glad you enjoyed the story. :)