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SETTING
This game takes place in and around the town of WESTWARD, UTAH.
Westward is a small town of little note in a small county somewhere in the middle of Utah. It lies in the exact center of a natural formation known as the Kumachi Basin. Population is around 200, and declining.
Westward was first settled in the mid-1800s. Originally, settlers heading to California would stop here due to the abundance of water, game animals and grazing land. The basin sits in the middle of hundreds of miles of water-poor badlands. Most settlers moved on to their final destination, but handfuls over the year settled in this idyllic spot, and a town soon formed. The town remained an important stop for travelers heading west for decades, and the name Westward stuck. Curiously, the Kumachi Basin and surrounding areas show no sign of settlement prior to American expansion. The cliffs on the eastern edge of the basin do sport some interesting petroglyphs, but there is no sign of Native American activity anywhere inside the lush basin.
The town's income mostly comes from farming, from the several large ranches around the basin, and from tourism. The basin's beautiful scenery attracts artists, sightseers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The basin's history also attracts UFO and supernatural fanatics.
Westward and the surrounding areas have experienced strange phenomena since the first settlers passed through the area. Some of the earliest known reports of UFOs were recorded here. Buildings, even brand new constructions, report hauntings and poltergeist activity. There have even been bigfoot sightings in the wilderness around town.
For locations of note in and around the town of Westward, see HERE.
The Kumachi Basin is a very curious natural area. The bottom of the basin is mostly level, sloping gently upwards from east to west. The eastern edge of the basin is sharp, marked by high ridges and cliffs. The western edge, however, is difficult to determine, as the gentle upward slope blends nearly seamlessly into the surrounding scrubland. The basin is bisected by the Beryl River which flows from the north out of Polaris Canyon. The basin is astoundingly fertile and lush in contrast to the badlands to the east and the dry scrubland to the west.
Carey is the closest city to Westward, lying about 120 miles east of town. Population is around 3,000. Unlike Westward, Carey is on the national highway system and easily accessible. It has a thriving art community, and is located in very scenic badlands. The closest hospital to Westward is here, along with the usual big box stores and other signs of civilization. Most people in Westward do their bulk shopping in Carey these days. Between Carey and Westward there's absolutely nothing but a few homesteads, and a long stretch of badly-maintained road.