Emerald Ranch

History

Emerald Ranch is a sprawling, well-kept farm and ranch nestled in the Heartlands region. On the surface, it appears to be a prosperous, albeit isolated, homestead, with a main house, a large barn, and various livestock. However, a dark and unsettling mystery lies beneath the ranch's pristine facade. Rumors of a "curse" and the disappearance of the owner's daughter, Miriam Wegner, have long plagued the community.

The central mystery revolves around the ranch's owner, Eugene Wegner, a domineering and hostile man who is known to be overly protective of his family and particularly of his daughter. Miriam, according to accounts from farmhands and neighbors, was once in a relationship with a man named Joshua Burgess. It is believed that Eugene disapproved of this relationship and, in a fit of rage, killed Joshua in the now-abandoned saloon on the property.

Evidence of this violent event is scattered around the ranch. The saloon, which has since been closed, shows signs of a struggle, including blood stains on the floor and bullet holes in the wall. A small, unassuming headstone behind the saloon marks Joshua's grave, with the epitaph "Accidentally shot." This detail, combined with Eugene's aggressive and hostile behavior toward strangers, has led many to believe that he covered up the murder.

The mystery deepens with Miriam's whereabouts. She is believed to be confined to the main house, where she can sometimes be seen looking out of an upstairs window at certain times of the day. A letter found in a nearby mail wagon, written by Miriam's cousin, suggests that Eugene is either keeping her locked away or withholding her mail, likely due to his deep-seated issues and his violent actions toward her lover. The ranch, while outwardly beautiful, is a place of sadness and a testament to a dark secret.

Locations

  • Ranch Main House (ERMH)

    • Owner: Eugene Wegner

    • Description: The large, well-maintained main residence of the ranch. The house appears normal from the outside, but it is the source of the ranch's dark secrets. It is a large, two-story Victorian-style farmhouse with bright white wooden siding and dark green trim. It features a wide, covered wraparound porch, tall windows, and a well-maintained roof, standing stately against the utilitarian ranch buildings.

  • Ranch Main Barn (ERMB) / Fence

    • Owner: Seamus

    • Description: A very large, traditional American barn with a gambrel roof, painted a weathered red with white trim. It features large sliding doors on either end, several windows along its sides, and a hay hood visible on one of the gable ends. The barn is used for storing hay, sheltering livestock, and housing essential farm equipment. It also doubles as a small-time fence, run by Seamus, that buys and sells stolen goods and wagons.

  • Ranch Bunkhouse (ERB)

    • Owner: None listed

    • Description: This bunkhouse offers lodging for the ranch hands, providing a comfortable and secure place to rest after a long day of work. It is a sturdy, rectangular wooden building, smaller than the main house but larger and better maintained than the second bunkhouse. It features a simple porch with a couple of rocking chairs and several windows that allow natural light to fill the interior.

  • Emerald Ranch Abandoned Saloon (ERAS)

    • Owner: None listed

    • Description: Once a lively hub of social activity, the Abandoned Saloon now stands as a haunting relic of its former glory. The empty interior echoes with the whispers of laughter and music, now replaced by an eerie silence that fills the air. The saloon is a weathered, single-story wooden structure with a classic false front. Its windows are boarded up, paint is peeling, and the faded sign hangs precariously, hinting at the vibrant life it once hosted.

  • Emerald Ranch Horse Pen (ERHP)

    • Owner: None listed

    • Description: A secure pen or corral used for keeping the ranch's working horses and for breaking or training new ones. It serves as a vital area for the ranch's operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of the horses. The horse pen features high, sturdy wooden fences that are well-maintained to prevent any escapes. The ground is a blend of sand and dirt, and it may include a smaller, circular breaking pen within the larger enclosure.

  • Cemetary

    • Owner: None listed

    • Description: A small, fenced-in burial plot behind the saloon where Joshua Burgess is buried.

Notable Inhabitants

  • Eugene Wegner (Owner)

  • Miriam Wegner (Eugene's daughter)

  • Seamus (Fence owner)