Paha Sapa

Paha Sapa known to most as the Black Hills is a sacred birthplace to many of the Plains nations. It is the center of most Native American spiritual ceremonies throughout North America. The Black Hills begins in western South Dakota and expands into Wyoming. Black Elk Peak us among the highest point in Paha Sapa. European's suggest the Lakota violently moved into the region taking out the Cheyenne but our stories would suggest that not such a violent transaction took place as the Cheyenne where close allies to the Lakota and many nations for thousands of years prior to European invasion seen the Black Hills as a sacred place for all tribes to pray. Seeing as we are a roleplay site we will not debate the history around this but just try and paint a picture for the prelude to our story in the Black Hills. It is discovering of Gold that will bring the Americans into the Black Hills creating the prelude to the conflicts between the Native people of the Plains and the American Army. The Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868 which asserts Native sovereignty over Paha Sapa was recently signed by Chief Matho Sapa and others. The growing populations of Lakota and Cheyenne now have seen a new Fort erected in their territory which causes many to worry soon the Chiefs of the Paha Sapa will form a grand war council to meet on these changing times.

Communities in Paha Sapa

Siha Sapa- As you first enter the Black Hills region you will come across a medium sized Lakota village which is known as Siha Sapa by the Lakota. The region had a few teepee's and a medicine lodge set up with a Elder who lived within who seemed to be the leading member of the community at that time. Waves of conflict in the east and south brought more members to this village growing into one medium sized community of teepee's. Chief Standing Wolf Man was elected in the Siha Sapa Tribal Council meeting following the annual Sun Dance outside of Oglala. Siha Sapa is closely connected to both the Brule and Oglala as they boarder the region. It is plentiful in fishing locations, small game to hunt, canoes and horse's it is very close to the Black Hills so it is quite a sort ride. It is the last community you see when leaving to travel towards American settlement.

Brule- On top of the hills behind Siha Sapa there is a road (teleporter) that will lead you to the Brule community it is the smallest of the Lakota but hosts some of the most respected members in the Lakota nation. Matho Sapa's parents and sister hold a key leadership role in the community and are very active in Sun Dance and other ceremonies the Lakota nation hosts. For some this may be the second Lakota community you wander across if you explore the hills for others this may be one of the hidden surprise's you come across while on sim. Without Horse the farther of Oglala Chief Matho is the Chief of the Brule and is known among all Lakota for his knowledge and wisdom.

Oglala- The biggest of the Lakota communities in the Paha Sapa sim. It is hard to miss as all roads lead to Oglala it is in the center of the Black Hills region over looking the biggest part of the Hills. Chief Matho Sapa and his wife serve as the main form of leadership along with the War Chief Grey Wolf. Oglala has the most people and braves among the Lakota nation. Oglala influences many of the surrounding communities and nations in Paha Sapa due to their size and location. They are a proud people who are peaceful yet just if any where to cross them.

Chinese Settlement- There is a trading post one of the roads on the outskirts of Paha Sapa on the right road leaving Oglala. Behind a outhouse there is a road( teleporter) that leads to the Chinese settlement. There is a one layer platform that contains a beautifully constructed little Chinese town or village there are some npc figures that exist within the community. One of the Chinese Settlers have been adopted into the Lakota which has created some bonds between the two groups. It serves as a home for one of the braves and a potential trading partner among the tribes.

Open Plains/Buffalo Hunting region- There is another big platform accessible not far from the road to the Chinese Settlement this leads to the open plains where tribal members of the Paha Sapa tribes enjoy the great buffalo hunt. It is seen as almost a ceremonial or sacred hunting place as when they do lead hunts it is organized and the tribes properly manage the buffalo herds not over hunting as there are many other things to hunt in the sim on the main region.

Cheyenne Village- On the left hand side of the road leading out of Oglala there is a boar standing guard you cross pass the woods and come to the road that leads to the Cheyenne village (teleporter). Upon arriving in the Cheyenne village you will see a small encampment surrounded by the woods and a waterfall. The Chief of the Paha Sapa Cheyenne is Many Bulls a elder and leader among the Cheyenne his sons are leading braves and although small in size there are a number of braves here who are vital allies to the Lakota.

Mi'kmaq Reserve- In the Cheyenne village region you will find a road that leads to the north east (teleporter) This will take you the Mi'kma'ki the home land of the Mi'kmaq or commonly known as eastern Canada. You will arrive near a dock which gives you the feel you have arrived on a island by boat or canoe. There is one traditional wigwam on the reserve and many 1800's style lodges or homes that the Mi'kmaq are living on it is in a time between traditional ways and Catholic influence from two hundred years of interaction from European's. The Island represents summer annual gathering places where grand council and leaders would have met in the summer time. During this time many policies took place in Canada putting Mi'kmaq on reserves and relocating most of their people to few spots reducing their land size greatly. The island resembles the small islands off of Cape Breton where missions and traditional gatherings took place. Few of these islands became reserves where some of the residents endured hard winter.

American Fort- Recently constructed a fort has appeared in a isolated region in the plains close to Paha Sapa a soldier and physician has been issued to the fort by the American Government. Patrols and interaction has caused worry among the Lakota some fear it is a invasion of territory others feel they should be at peace with these new comers. As winter sets in it would seem they outnumber the Americans in their region but when the snow melts it is expected many settlers will find their way to the fort and a clash of cultures will begin in Paha Sapa.

Languages spoke within Paha Sapa

Many players speak a mix of languages that come through here the main are English and Spanish. As we try our best to make this a real experience many have taken to speaking Lakota or a mix of Lakota and their language or origin.

Events

Paha Sapa hosts a annual pow wow and sun dance which is displayed to the best of the communities ability in respect with real live Lakota traditions and ceremonies. This is something that only occurs once a year out of respect for the real life spirituality custom.

Sim Owner: Matho Sapa (matosapa)