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You Have Contracted Scurvy!
Your gums begin to bleed, your energy fades, and the ocean air grows cold. Without eating any fresh fruit—especially oranges rich in Vitamin C—your body cannot survive the long journey across the Atlantic. Unfortunately, your adventure ends here.
She sits alone near the bow, watching the water break against the hull. When you approach, she offers a thoughtful smile.
The sea reminds me of life. Always moving. Never still. We cling to what is familiar, yet life pushes us forward whether we are ready or not. Some board this ship for freedom. Some for land. Some because they have no other choice. But in truth, every one of us is searching for the same thing… a chance to become someone new.
A Struggling Frontier Settlement
The soil is heavy and damp beneath your feet as you step into the clearing. You were promised opportunity, but what you’ve found is backbreaking work and iron discipline. You wear the mark of a contract—bound to toil for years before earning your freedom. The fields stretch before you, dotted with laborers bent low and overseers on horseback. In the distance, one man lies tangled in rope, caught trying to flee. You look away. Your back aches already, and the day has only begun. But somewhere within, you hold onto hope. If you endure this… if you survive this… maybe one day, you’ll own land of your own.
Hopi
The Hopi are one of the oldest Indigenous cultures in North America, known for their peaceful traditions, dry farming, and intricate spiritual ceremonies. Years Active: from at least 500 CE to present day Location: Northeastern Arizona, on the Colorado Plateau—in and around present-day Hopi mesas Religion/Beliefs: The Hopi believe in maintaining balance with the Earth through ritual cycles, ceremonies, and kachina spirits—spiritual beings that guide the rain, crops, and human behavior. Housing: They lived in multi-story adobe pueblos, built from stone and mud, clustered on mesas to protect from enemies and view the surrounding land. Food: Despite the dry environment, the Hopi mastered dry farming, growing corn, beans, and squash using moisture-retaining techniques; they also hunted small game.
The Geneva Bible was the version most favored by Separtists. It emphasized personal interpretation of scripture—one of the main reasons they fled persecution.
A field hoe was used by servants and laborers to till rocky colonial soil. Often shared between many workers, this simple tool could mean the difference between food on the table or an empty bowl come winter.
Aztec
The Aztec civilization was a powerful empire renowned for its advanced agriculture, impressive cities, complex social structure, and vibrant culture. Years Active: 1300–1521 CE Location: Central Mexico (Valley of Mexico) Religion/Beliefs: Polytheistic, worshipped gods like Quetzalcoatl and Huitzilopochtli, practiced rituals including human sacrifices Housing: Homes made from mud bricks (adobe) with straw roofs Food: Maize (corn), beans, squash, chili peppers, tomatoes, avocados, and cacao (chocolate)
During the colonial era, many poor people signed contracts promising to work for 4-7 years in exchange for passage to the New World. These people were called indentured servants. They weren't enslaved, but they had no freedom until their time was done.
Maya
The Maya civilization excelled in astronomy, mathematics, and architecture, creating sophisticated city-states throughout Central America. Years Active: Approximately 2000 BCE–1542 CE (peak between 250–900 CE) Location: Yucatán Peninsula, Guatemala, Belize, parts of Honduras and El Salvador Religion/Beliefs: Polytheistic, with gods representing natural phenomena; believed in cyclical time and rituals to appease deities. Housing: Homes built from limestone and mud, with thatched roofs. Food: Corn, beans, squash, peppers, cacao, turkey, and honey.
Cherokee
The Cherokee are one of the largest and most well-known Indigenous nations, known for their advanced political systems, literacy, and tragic history of forced removal. Years Active: from around 1000 CE to present day Location: Originally from the Southeastern U.S.—including Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama; many were later forced to Oklahoma Religion/Beliefs: Cherokee spirituality honors the balance between people and nature, with sacred ceremonies focused on healing, harvest, and purification; they traditionally believed in a Creator and multiple spirit beings. Housing: In warm months, they lived in rectangular log houses with clay roofs; in winter, they used circular homes partially underground for insulation. Food: They farmed corn, beans, and squash, hunted deer and wild turkey, and gathered nuts and berries—using seasonal rounds to guide their food gathering.
If you're looking for religious freedom, I suggest landing in a settlement known for religious tolerance and community.
If you desire land and opportunity, I recommend a coastal trading post, ideal for ambitious settlers seeking wealth.
If you're trying to escape punishment or debt, I suggest heading to a struggling frontier colony, offering indentured servitude as a chance to rebuild your life.
What is your reason for going to the New World?
I’m searching for religious freedom.
I want land and opportunity.
I’m escaping punishment or debt.
Taíno
The Taíno were indigenous Caribbean peoples known for their rich culture, farming techniques, and interaction with European explorers. Years Active: Approximately 800 CE–1500s CE (rapid decline post-European contact) Location: Caribbean islands, primarily Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica Religion/Beliefs: Believed in zemis, spirits or gods embodied in natural elements like stones and trees; held ceremonies to honor them. Housing: Circular houses called bohíos, constructed from wood, palm leaves, and grasses. Food: Cassava, sweet potatoes, maize, beans, fish, fruits, and various tropical roots.
WANTED: Sôkano
Accused by company officials of leading raids on outposts and blocking trade routes near the Kennebec River. Alleged to have taken back good stolen from his people. Tribal accounts say he is protecting sacred land from illegal seizure.
REWARD: 200 shillingsApproach with caution. Armed and supported by several villages.
Choctaw
The Choctaw were a Native tribe of the Southeastern Woodlands. They were skilled farmers, strong community leaders, and organized into clans. Years Active: About 100–1600 CE Location: Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana Religion/Beliefs: They believed in a Great Spirit and respected nature. Clan membership was passed through the mother’s family. Housing: Wattle-and-daub homes (wood frames covered in mud) with thatched roofs. Food: Corn, beans, squash, pumpkins, deer, turkey, fish.
Plymouth Colony with Fellow Separatists
You step off the Mayflower onto frozen, unfamiliar soil. The wind cuts through your wool cloak as you gather with your brethren to pray. You left Europe for freedom—to worship without fear—and now, here you are, in a land both beautiful and brutal. The sky is gray, the land unworked, and already illness is spreading through the camp. Still, your faith burns stronger than ever. You believe God has brought you here for a reason. As the fire crackles before you, you watch your new community begin to rise—timber raised for homes, barrels cracked open, and prayers whispered into the cold.
Zapotec
The Zapotec civilization developed a significant urban center at Monte Albán and contributed significantly to Mesoamerican writing and astronomy. Years Active: Approximately 500 BCE–1521 CE Location: Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico Religion/Beliefs: Polytheistic, focusing on gods related to fertility, agriculture, and ancestors. Housing: Adobe and stone homes built around central plazas. Food: Maize, beans, squash, tomatoes, chilies, and domesticated animals like dogs and turkeys.
WANTED: Martin Hale
Wanted for smuggling, treason, and inciting mutiny aboard the "Falcon Star." Hale vanished with a company ledger and a cache of French muskets. Believed armed, dangerous, and seeking to disrupt company trade routes.
REWARD: 100 shillingsCompany Justice will be swift
Sailor Benjamin wipes sweat from his brow as he tightens a rope. He glances at you and chuckles.
The sea does not care who you are. Nobleman, farmer, priest… up here, we are all sailors. The wind decides our pace. The waves test our strength. Every rope must be tied tight, every sail trimmed just right. One mistake, and the whole ship feels it. You see these hands? Blisters and salt burns. That is daily life out here. We climb rigging before sunrise, haul canvas in the rain, and sleep when the ocean allows it. But I will tell you something important. No one survives alone at sea. Not the captain. Not me. A ship only moves forward when every soul aboard does their part.
Wampanoag
The Wampanoag were coastal people of the Northeast who played a major role in the early history of English colonization and later resisted the loss of their land and sovereignty. Years Active: from around 1200 CE to present day Location: Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, especially around Plymouth, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard Religion/Beliefs: The Wampanoag believed in spiritual forces in nature, with ceremonies tied to the seasons, harvests, and giving thanks; their spiritual leaders were known as powwows. Housing: They lived in wetus (also called wigwams), dome-shaped homes made from wooden frames covered in bark or woven mats. Food: They farmed corn, beans, and squash, fished in coastal waters, and gathered berries and shellfish from the shoreline.
The pilgrim chest was used to carry the few possessions each family owned. Most of the supplies have already been unpacked.
Haudenosaunee
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy united several powerful Northeastern tribes under a shared government, influencing democracy and diplomacy across early American history. Years Active: from around 1100 CE, with strong political and cultural presence through today Location: Northeastern North America, especially New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario Religion/Beliefs: Traditional Haudenosaunee beliefs emphasize a balance with nature, seasonal ceremonies, and respect for the Great Spirit and Sky Woman, with clan mothers playing spiritual and leadership roles. Housing: They lived in longhouses made of elm bark, large enough to house multiple families from the same clan—leading to their nickname: “People of the Longhouse.” Food: They practiced farming, known for the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—and supplemented with hunting and foraging.
If you're looking for religious freedom, I suggest landing in a settlement known for religious tolerance and community.
If you desire land and opportunity, I recommend a coastal trading post, ideal for ambitious settlers seeking wealth.
If you're trying to escape punishment or debt, I suggest heading to a struggling frontier colony, offering indentured servitude as a chance to rebuild your life.
What is your reason for going to the New World?
I’m searching for religious freedom.
I want land and opportunity.
I’m escaping punishment or debt.
A Small Trading Post Along the Coast
The rain is light but steady as your boots sink into the muddy path. Ahead, the trading post stands crooked against the shoreline, wooden planks faded from years of salt and wind. You’ve arrived with coin, ambition, and a contract. The men here measure each other with wary glances—traders, trappers, and outlaws alike. A ship sways gently in the bay, while wanted posters flutter in the breeze. The local tribes watch from the trees beyond, their trust worn thin. There are profits to be made here—but every deal feels like a risk, and you know that one mistake could cost you your future.
Indentured servants often grew corn, beans, and squash, or worked land for wealthy landowners. These crops formed the foundation of colonial agriculture—taught in part by Native tribes like the Powhatan. But servants rarely saw the harvest, many did not live long enough to earn freedom.
Lakota
The Lakota, part of the Sioux Nation, were fierce warriors and buffalo hunters who played a major role in resisting westward expansion during the 1800s. Years Active: from around 1600 CE to present day (with ancestral roots going back even farther) Location: Great Plains—primarily in North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana Religion/Beliefs: Lakota spirituality centers on Wakan Tanka ("The Great Spirit") and living in harmony with nature; they practiced vision quests, sun dances, and held deep respect for animals like the buffalo. Housing: They lived in tipis made of buffalo hides over wooden poles—portable and ideal for their nomadic lifestyle following bison herds. Food: The Lakota relied heavily on the buffalo for meat, tools, clothing, and shelter; they also gathered berries and roots.
Chinook
The Chinook were expert traders and canoe builders who lived along the Pacific Northwest coast, thriving through river and ocean trade routes. Years Active: from around 900 CE to the 1800s, with descendants still present today Location: Pacific Northwest—along the Columbia River in present-day Washington and Oregon Religion/Beliefs: The Chinook believed in spirit powers called íxt, which individuals could receive through vision quests and dreams; shamans played key roles in healing and spiritual guidance. Housing: They lived in plankhouses made from cedar logs, large enough to house extended families and decorated with carved designs. Food: The Chinook diet centered on salmon, which they smoked and preserved, as well as shellfish, elk, berries, and roots.
She sits alone near the bow, watching the water break against the hull. When you approach, she offers a thoughtful smile.
The sea reminds me of life. Always moving. Never still. We cling to what is familiar, yet life pushes us forward whether we are ready or not. Some board this ship for freedom. Some for land. Some because they have no other choice. But in truth, every one of us is searching for the same thing… a chance to become someone new.
Olmec
Known as the "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica, the Olmec civilization laid foundations for later civilizations through their advances in art, architecture, and societal structure. Years Active: Approximately 1400–400 BCE Location: Southern Gulf Coast of Mexico (modern-day Veracruz and Tabasco) Religion/Beliefs: Belief in powerful gods related to nature, animals, and cosmology, notably the jaguar deity. Housing: Simple homes made from wooden poles, mud, and palm fronds. Food: Maize, beans, squash, cacao, and wild game.
Comanche
The Comanche were powerful horse warriors of the Southern Plains, known for their fierce raids, mobility, and control over vast trade and hunting territories. Years Active: from around 1700 CE to the late 1800s, with Comanche descendants active today Location: Southern Plains—including Texas, Oklahoma, eastern New Mexico, and Colorado Religion/Beliefs: Comanche spirituality focused on the natural world, vision quests, and spiritual power (puha), with medicine men leading ceremonies for healing and guidance. Housing: Like other Plains tribes, the Comanche lived in tipis, which were easy to pack and transport as they followed bison herds across the open plains. Food: They hunted buffalo, their main food source, and also gathered wild plants, traded for corn, and occasionally raided settlements for supplies.
Welcome aboard your ship, sailing bravely toward the New World!
You are currently mid-journey, and your ship gently rocks on the vast Atlantic Ocean. Explore the vessel by clicking on items and speaking with fellow travelers—every interaction could mean the difference between success and failure in your daring adventure.
Three passengers stand near the bow, staring at the horizon. One turns as you approach.
Thomas: They say the New World is full of forests so thick the sun barely touches the ground. They say the land is rich… but also wild. Untamed. Truth is, we do not know what waits for us. We have only stories. And hope. Margaret: Back home, our lives were already written. Here… perhaps we can write them ourselves.Abigail: It is frightening, yes. But sometimes starting over is the only way forward
Welcome aboard your ship, sailing bravely toward the New World!
You are currently mid-journey, and your ship gently rocks on the vast Atlantic Ocean. Explore the vessel by clicking on items and speaking with fellow travelers—every interaction could mean the difference between success and failure in your daring adventure.
Nez Perce
The Nez Perce are a Plateau tribe known for their horse breeding, diplomacy, and the remarkable journey led by Chief Joseph during their resistance to U.S. removal. Years Active: at least 1400 CE to present day Location: Pacific Northwest interior—especially Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Religion/Beliefs: The Nez Perce followed animistic beliefs, holding that all things had spirit and meaning; they honored nature through seasonal ceremonies and had dreamer prophets who guided spiritual life. Housing: They lived in long lodges made of wooden frames and mats in winter and used tipis in warmer months or while traveling. Food: Their diet included salmon from rivers, deer and elk, gathered roots like camas, and berries.
Yokuts
The Yokuts are Indigenous people of California’s Central Valley who lived along rivers and grasslands, developing a rich culture of fishing, trade, and storytelling. Years Active: from at least 1000 CE to present day Location: Central California, especially the San Joaquin Valley—including modern-day Bakersfield Religion/Beliefs: The Yokuts practiced animism, believing in spirits connected to nature, animals, and elements; ceremonies included dances and songs led by spiritual leaders. Housing: They built dome-shaped homes using tule reeds over wooden frames—cool in summer and warm in winter. Food: The Yokuts hunted deer, rabbits, and waterfowl, fished in rivers, and gathered acorns, which they ground into flour for bread and porridge.
Seminole
The Seminole are a resilient Indigenous nation formed from multiple tribes who resisted removal and became known for never signing a peace treaty with the U.S. Years Active: from the 1700s to present day Location: Originally in Florida—later some were relocated to Oklahoma, while others remained in the Everglades Religion/Beliefs: The Seminole practiced a mix of traditional Creek spiritual beliefs and later Christianity, with ceremonies like the Green Corn Dance to mark renewal and thankfulness. Housing: They lived in chickees—open-sided, thatched-roof homes on stilts, well-suited for the hot, swampy climate of the Everglades. Food: The Seminole grew corn, pumpkins, and beans, and hunted deer, alligator, and wild hogs; they also fished and gathered swamp plants like coontie roots.
Three passengers stand near the bow, staring at the horizon. One turns as you approach.
Thomas: They say the New World is full of forests so thick the sun barely touches the ground. They say the land is rich… but also wild. Untamed. Truth is, we do not know what waits for us. We have only stories. And hope. Margaret: Back home, our lives were already written. Here… perhaps we can write them ourselves.Abigail: It is frightening, yes. But sometimes starting over is the only way forward
Sailor Benjamin wipes sweat from his brow as he tightens a rope. He glances at you and chuckles.
The sea does not care who you are. Nobleman, farmer, priest… up here, we are all sailors. The wind decides our pace. The waves test our strength. Every rope must be tied tight, every sail trimmed just right. One mistake, and the whole ship feels it. You see these hands? Blisters and salt burns. That is daily life out here. We climb rigging before sunrise, haul canvas in the rain, and sleep when the ocean allows it. But I will tell you something important. No one survives alone at sea. Not the captain. Not me. A ship only moves forward when every soul aboard does their part.
Inuit
The Inuit are an Indigenous people who adapted to life in the Arctic, thriving in one of the coldest and harshest environments on Earth. Years Active: from at least 1000 BCE to present day Location: Northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland—across the Arctic Circle Religion/Beliefs: Traditional Inuit spirituality centers around animism—the belief that all living and non-living things have a spirit, including animals, weather, and land; shamans helped guide the community. Housing: In winter, they built igloos out of packed snow; in warmer seasons, they used tents made from animal hides over whalebone frames. Food: They relied on hunting and fishing, eating seal, whale, caribou, fish, and gathered berries—using every part of the animal for survival.
Navajo
The Navajo are one of the largest Indigenous nations in the U.S., known for their deep spiritual traditions, weaving, and resilience through centuries of hardship. Years Active: from around 1100 CE to present day Location: Southwest U.S.—including Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, especially near Monument Valley Religion/Beliefs: Traditional Navajo beliefs are rooted in hózhó, the concept of balance and harmony with nature; ceremonies like the Blessing Way are led by medicine men to maintain health and spiritual well-being. Housing: They traditionally lived in hogans, round or hexagonal homes made of logs and mud, with the door always facing east to greet the rising sun. Food: The Navajo farmed corn, beans, and squash, raised sheep, and hunted game; mutton and frybread are key staples in Navajo cuisine.
Anasazi
The Anasazi were early Native people of the Southwest. They are famous for building homes into cliffs and creating strong farming communities in dry desert lands. Years Active: About 100–1600 CE Location: Four Corners region (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado) Religion/Beliefs: They believed in spirits connected to nature. Religious ceremonies were held in special underground rooms called kivas. Housing: Cliff dwellings and adobe pueblos made from stone and mud bricks. Food: Corn, beans, squash, turkey, deer, and wild plants.
Native Tribes of North America
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You Have Contracted Scurvy!
Your gums begin to bleed, your energy fades, and the ocean air grows cold. Without eating any fresh fruit—especially oranges rich in Vitamin C—your body cannot survive the long journey across the Atlantic. Unfortunately, your adventure ends here.
She sits alone near the bow, watching the water break against the hull. When you approach, she offers a thoughtful smile.
The sea reminds me of life. Always moving. Never still. We cling to what is familiar, yet life pushes us forward whether we are ready or not. Some board this ship for freedom. Some for land. Some because they have no other choice. But in truth, every one of us is searching for the same thing… a chance to become someone new.
A Struggling Frontier Settlement
The soil is heavy and damp beneath your feet as you step into the clearing. You were promised opportunity, but what you’ve found is backbreaking work and iron discipline. You wear the mark of a contract—bound to toil for years before earning your freedom. The fields stretch before you, dotted with laborers bent low and overseers on horseback. In the distance, one man lies tangled in rope, caught trying to flee. You look away. Your back aches already, and the day has only begun. But somewhere within, you hold onto hope. If you endure this… if you survive this… maybe one day, you’ll own land of your own.
Hopi
The Hopi are one of the oldest Indigenous cultures in North America, known for their peaceful traditions, dry farming, and intricate spiritual ceremonies. Years Active: from at least 500 CE to present day Location: Northeastern Arizona, on the Colorado Plateau—in and around present-day Hopi mesas Religion/Beliefs: The Hopi believe in maintaining balance with the Earth through ritual cycles, ceremonies, and kachina spirits—spiritual beings that guide the rain, crops, and human behavior. Housing: They lived in multi-story adobe pueblos, built from stone and mud, clustered on mesas to protect from enemies and view the surrounding land. Food: Despite the dry environment, the Hopi mastered dry farming, growing corn, beans, and squash using moisture-retaining techniques; they also hunted small game.
The Geneva Bible was the version most favored by Separtists. It emphasized personal interpretation of scripture—one of the main reasons they fled persecution.
A field hoe was used by servants and laborers to till rocky colonial soil. Often shared between many workers, this simple tool could mean the difference between food on the table or an empty bowl come winter.
Aztec
The Aztec civilization was a powerful empire renowned for its advanced agriculture, impressive cities, complex social structure, and vibrant culture. Years Active: 1300–1521 CE Location: Central Mexico (Valley of Mexico) Religion/Beliefs: Polytheistic, worshipped gods like Quetzalcoatl and Huitzilopochtli, practiced rituals including human sacrifices Housing: Homes made from mud bricks (adobe) with straw roofs Food: Maize (corn), beans, squash, chili peppers, tomatoes, avocados, and cacao (chocolate)
During the colonial era, many poor people signed contracts promising to work for 4-7 years in exchange for passage to the New World. These people were called indentured servants. They weren't enslaved, but they had no freedom until their time was done.
Maya
The Maya civilization excelled in astronomy, mathematics, and architecture, creating sophisticated city-states throughout Central America. Years Active: Approximately 2000 BCE–1542 CE (peak between 250–900 CE) Location: Yucatán Peninsula, Guatemala, Belize, parts of Honduras and El Salvador Religion/Beliefs: Polytheistic, with gods representing natural phenomena; believed in cyclical time and rituals to appease deities. Housing: Homes built from limestone and mud, with thatched roofs. Food: Corn, beans, squash, peppers, cacao, turkey, and honey.
Cherokee
The Cherokee are one of the largest and most well-known Indigenous nations, known for their advanced political systems, literacy, and tragic history of forced removal. Years Active: from around 1000 CE to present day Location: Originally from the Southeastern U.S.—including Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama; many were later forced to Oklahoma Religion/Beliefs: Cherokee spirituality honors the balance between people and nature, with sacred ceremonies focused on healing, harvest, and purification; they traditionally believed in a Creator and multiple spirit beings. Housing: In warm months, they lived in rectangular log houses with clay roofs; in winter, they used circular homes partially underground for insulation. Food: They farmed corn, beans, and squash, hunted deer and wild turkey, and gathered nuts and berries—using seasonal rounds to guide their food gathering.
If you're looking for religious freedom, I suggest landing in a settlement known for religious tolerance and community.
If you desire land and opportunity, I recommend a coastal trading post, ideal for ambitious settlers seeking wealth.
If you're trying to escape punishment or debt, I suggest heading to a struggling frontier colony, offering indentured servitude as a chance to rebuild your life.
What is your reason for going to the New World?
I’m searching for religious freedom.
I want land and opportunity.
I’m escaping punishment or debt.
Taíno
The Taíno were indigenous Caribbean peoples known for their rich culture, farming techniques, and interaction with European explorers. Years Active: Approximately 800 CE–1500s CE (rapid decline post-European contact) Location: Caribbean islands, primarily Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica Religion/Beliefs: Believed in zemis, spirits or gods embodied in natural elements like stones and trees; held ceremonies to honor them. Housing: Circular houses called bohíos, constructed from wood, palm leaves, and grasses. Food: Cassava, sweet potatoes, maize, beans, fish, fruits, and various tropical roots.
WANTED: Sôkano
Accused by company officials of leading raids on outposts and blocking trade routes near the Kennebec River. Alleged to have taken back good stolen from his people. Tribal accounts say he is protecting sacred land from illegal seizure.
REWARD: 200 shillingsApproach with caution. Armed and supported by several villages.
Choctaw
The Choctaw were a Native tribe of the Southeastern Woodlands. They were skilled farmers, strong community leaders, and organized into clans. Years Active: About 100–1600 CE Location: Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana Religion/Beliefs: They believed in a Great Spirit and respected nature. Clan membership was passed through the mother’s family. Housing: Wattle-and-daub homes (wood frames covered in mud) with thatched roofs. Food: Corn, beans, squash, pumpkins, deer, turkey, fish.
Plymouth Colony with Fellow Separatists
You step off the Mayflower onto frozen, unfamiliar soil. The wind cuts through your wool cloak as you gather with your brethren to pray. You left Europe for freedom—to worship without fear—and now, here you are, in a land both beautiful and brutal. The sky is gray, the land unworked, and already illness is spreading through the camp. Still, your faith burns stronger than ever. You believe God has brought you here for a reason. As the fire crackles before you, you watch your new community begin to rise—timber raised for homes, barrels cracked open, and prayers whispered into the cold.
Zapotec
The Zapotec civilization developed a significant urban center at Monte Albán and contributed significantly to Mesoamerican writing and astronomy. Years Active: Approximately 500 BCE–1521 CE Location: Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico Religion/Beliefs: Polytheistic, focusing on gods related to fertility, agriculture, and ancestors. Housing: Adobe and stone homes built around central plazas. Food: Maize, beans, squash, tomatoes, chilies, and domesticated animals like dogs and turkeys.
WANTED: Martin Hale
Wanted for smuggling, treason, and inciting mutiny aboard the "Falcon Star." Hale vanished with a company ledger and a cache of French muskets. Believed armed, dangerous, and seeking to disrupt company trade routes.
REWARD: 100 shillingsCompany Justice will be swift
Sailor Benjamin wipes sweat from his brow as he tightens a rope. He glances at you and chuckles.
The sea does not care who you are. Nobleman, farmer, priest… up here, we are all sailors. The wind decides our pace. The waves test our strength. Every rope must be tied tight, every sail trimmed just right. One mistake, and the whole ship feels it. You see these hands? Blisters and salt burns. That is daily life out here. We climb rigging before sunrise, haul canvas in the rain, and sleep when the ocean allows it. But I will tell you something important. No one survives alone at sea. Not the captain. Not me. A ship only moves forward when every soul aboard does their part.
Wampanoag
The Wampanoag were coastal people of the Northeast who played a major role in the early history of English colonization and later resisted the loss of their land and sovereignty. Years Active: from around 1200 CE to present day Location: Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, especially around Plymouth, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard Religion/Beliefs: The Wampanoag believed in spiritual forces in nature, with ceremonies tied to the seasons, harvests, and giving thanks; their spiritual leaders were known as powwows. Housing: They lived in wetus (also called wigwams), dome-shaped homes made from wooden frames covered in bark or woven mats. Food: They farmed corn, beans, and squash, fished in coastal waters, and gathered berries and shellfish from the shoreline.
The pilgrim chest was used to carry the few possessions each family owned. Most of the supplies have already been unpacked.
Haudenosaunee
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy united several powerful Northeastern tribes under a shared government, influencing democracy and diplomacy across early American history. Years Active: from around 1100 CE, with strong political and cultural presence through today Location: Northeastern North America, especially New York, Pennsylvania, and Ontario Religion/Beliefs: Traditional Haudenosaunee beliefs emphasize a balance with nature, seasonal ceremonies, and respect for the Great Spirit and Sky Woman, with clan mothers playing spiritual and leadership roles. Housing: They lived in longhouses made of elm bark, large enough to house multiple families from the same clan—leading to their nickname: “People of the Longhouse.” Food: They practiced farming, known for the Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—and supplemented with hunting and foraging.
If you're looking for religious freedom, I suggest landing in a settlement known for religious tolerance and community.
If you desire land and opportunity, I recommend a coastal trading post, ideal for ambitious settlers seeking wealth.
If you're trying to escape punishment or debt, I suggest heading to a struggling frontier colony, offering indentured servitude as a chance to rebuild your life.
What is your reason for going to the New World?
I’m searching for religious freedom.
I want land and opportunity.
I’m escaping punishment or debt.
A Small Trading Post Along the Coast
The rain is light but steady as your boots sink into the muddy path. Ahead, the trading post stands crooked against the shoreline, wooden planks faded from years of salt and wind. You’ve arrived with coin, ambition, and a contract. The men here measure each other with wary glances—traders, trappers, and outlaws alike. A ship sways gently in the bay, while wanted posters flutter in the breeze. The local tribes watch from the trees beyond, their trust worn thin. There are profits to be made here—but every deal feels like a risk, and you know that one mistake could cost you your future.
Indentured servants often grew corn, beans, and squash, or worked land for wealthy landowners. These crops formed the foundation of colonial agriculture—taught in part by Native tribes like the Powhatan. But servants rarely saw the harvest, many did not live long enough to earn freedom.
Lakota
The Lakota, part of the Sioux Nation, were fierce warriors and buffalo hunters who played a major role in resisting westward expansion during the 1800s. Years Active: from around 1600 CE to present day (with ancestral roots going back even farther) Location: Great Plains—primarily in North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana Religion/Beliefs: Lakota spirituality centers on Wakan Tanka ("The Great Spirit") and living in harmony with nature; they practiced vision quests, sun dances, and held deep respect for animals like the buffalo. Housing: They lived in tipis made of buffalo hides over wooden poles—portable and ideal for their nomadic lifestyle following bison herds. Food: The Lakota relied heavily on the buffalo for meat, tools, clothing, and shelter; they also gathered berries and roots.
Chinook
The Chinook were expert traders and canoe builders who lived along the Pacific Northwest coast, thriving through river and ocean trade routes. Years Active: from around 900 CE to the 1800s, with descendants still present today Location: Pacific Northwest—along the Columbia River in present-day Washington and Oregon Religion/Beliefs: The Chinook believed in spirit powers called íxt, which individuals could receive through vision quests and dreams; shamans played key roles in healing and spiritual guidance. Housing: They lived in plankhouses made from cedar logs, large enough to house extended families and decorated with carved designs. Food: The Chinook diet centered on salmon, which they smoked and preserved, as well as shellfish, elk, berries, and roots.
She sits alone near the bow, watching the water break against the hull. When you approach, she offers a thoughtful smile.
The sea reminds me of life. Always moving. Never still. We cling to what is familiar, yet life pushes us forward whether we are ready or not. Some board this ship for freedom. Some for land. Some because they have no other choice. But in truth, every one of us is searching for the same thing… a chance to become someone new.
Olmec
Known as the "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica, the Olmec civilization laid foundations for later civilizations through their advances in art, architecture, and societal structure. Years Active: Approximately 1400–400 BCE Location: Southern Gulf Coast of Mexico (modern-day Veracruz and Tabasco) Religion/Beliefs: Belief in powerful gods related to nature, animals, and cosmology, notably the jaguar deity. Housing: Simple homes made from wooden poles, mud, and palm fronds. Food: Maize, beans, squash, cacao, and wild game.
Comanche
The Comanche were powerful horse warriors of the Southern Plains, known for their fierce raids, mobility, and control over vast trade and hunting territories. Years Active: from around 1700 CE to the late 1800s, with Comanche descendants active today Location: Southern Plains—including Texas, Oklahoma, eastern New Mexico, and Colorado Religion/Beliefs: Comanche spirituality focused on the natural world, vision quests, and spiritual power (puha), with medicine men leading ceremonies for healing and guidance. Housing: Like other Plains tribes, the Comanche lived in tipis, which were easy to pack and transport as they followed bison herds across the open plains. Food: They hunted buffalo, their main food source, and also gathered wild plants, traded for corn, and occasionally raided settlements for supplies.
Welcome aboard your ship, sailing bravely toward the New World!
You are currently mid-journey, and your ship gently rocks on the vast Atlantic Ocean. Explore the vessel by clicking on items and speaking with fellow travelers—every interaction could mean the difference between success and failure in your daring adventure.
Three passengers stand near the bow, staring at the horizon. One turns as you approach.
Thomas: They say the New World is full of forests so thick the sun barely touches the ground. They say the land is rich… but also wild. Untamed. Truth is, we do not know what waits for us. We have only stories. And hope. Margaret: Back home, our lives were already written. Here… perhaps we can write them ourselves.Abigail: It is frightening, yes. But sometimes starting over is the only way forward
Welcome aboard your ship, sailing bravely toward the New World!
You are currently mid-journey, and your ship gently rocks on the vast Atlantic Ocean. Explore the vessel by clicking on items and speaking with fellow travelers—every interaction could mean the difference between success and failure in your daring adventure.
Nez Perce
The Nez Perce are a Plateau tribe known for their horse breeding, diplomacy, and the remarkable journey led by Chief Joseph during their resistance to U.S. removal. Years Active: at least 1400 CE to present day Location: Pacific Northwest interior—especially Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Religion/Beliefs: The Nez Perce followed animistic beliefs, holding that all things had spirit and meaning; they honored nature through seasonal ceremonies and had dreamer prophets who guided spiritual life. Housing: They lived in long lodges made of wooden frames and mats in winter and used tipis in warmer months or while traveling. Food: Their diet included salmon from rivers, deer and elk, gathered roots like camas, and berries.
Yokuts
The Yokuts are Indigenous people of California’s Central Valley who lived along rivers and grasslands, developing a rich culture of fishing, trade, and storytelling. Years Active: from at least 1000 CE to present day Location: Central California, especially the San Joaquin Valley—including modern-day Bakersfield Religion/Beliefs: The Yokuts practiced animism, believing in spirits connected to nature, animals, and elements; ceremonies included dances and songs led by spiritual leaders. Housing: They built dome-shaped homes using tule reeds over wooden frames—cool in summer and warm in winter. Food: The Yokuts hunted deer, rabbits, and waterfowl, fished in rivers, and gathered acorns, which they ground into flour for bread and porridge.
Seminole
The Seminole are a resilient Indigenous nation formed from multiple tribes who resisted removal and became known for never signing a peace treaty with the U.S. Years Active: from the 1700s to present day Location: Originally in Florida—later some were relocated to Oklahoma, while others remained in the Everglades Religion/Beliefs: The Seminole practiced a mix of traditional Creek spiritual beliefs and later Christianity, with ceremonies like the Green Corn Dance to mark renewal and thankfulness. Housing: They lived in chickees—open-sided, thatched-roof homes on stilts, well-suited for the hot, swampy climate of the Everglades. Food: The Seminole grew corn, pumpkins, and beans, and hunted deer, alligator, and wild hogs; they also fished and gathered swamp plants like coontie roots.
Three passengers stand near the bow, staring at the horizon. One turns as you approach.
Thomas: They say the New World is full of forests so thick the sun barely touches the ground. They say the land is rich… but also wild. Untamed. Truth is, we do not know what waits for us. We have only stories. And hope. Margaret: Back home, our lives were already written. Here… perhaps we can write them ourselves.Abigail: It is frightening, yes. But sometimes starting over is the only way forward
Sailor Benjamin wipes sweat from his brow as he tightens a rope. He glances at you and chuckles.
The sea does not care who you are. Nobleman, farmer, priest… up here, we are all sailors. The wind decides our pace. The waves test our strength. Every rope must be tied tight, every sail trimmed just right. One mistake, and the whole ship feels it. You see these hands? Blisters and salt burns. That is daily life out here. We climb rigging before sunrise, haul canvas in the rain, and sleep when the ocean allows it. But I will tell you something important. No one survives alone at sea. Not the captain. Not me. A ship only moves forward when every soul aboard does their part.
Inuit
The Inuit are an Indigenous people who adapted to life in the Arctic, thriving in one of the coldest and harshest environments on Earth. Years Active: from at least 1000 BCE to present day Location: Northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland—across the Arctic Circle Religion/Beliefs: Traditional Inuit spirituality centers around animism—the belief that all living and non-living things have a spirit, including animals, weather, and land; shamans helped guide the community. Housing: In winter, they built igloos out of packed snow; in warmer seasons, they used tents made from animal hides over whalebone frames. Food: They relied on hunting and fishing, eating seal, whale, caribou, fish, and gathered berries—using every part of the animal for survival.
Navajo
The Navajo are one of the largest Indigenous nations in the U.S., known for their deep spiritual traditions, weaving, and resilience through centuries of hardship. Years Active: from around 1100 CE to present day Location: Southwest U.S.—including Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, especially near Monument Valley Religion/Beliefs: Traditional Navajo beliefs are rooted in hózhó, the concept of balance and harmony with nature; ceremonies like the Blessing Way are led by medicine men to maintain health and spiritual well-being. Housing: They traditionally lived in hogans, round or hexagonal homes made of logs and mud, with the door always facing east to greet the rising sun. Food: The Navajo farmed corn, beans, and squash, raised sheep, and hunted game; mutton and frybread are key staples in Navajo cuisine.
Anasazi
The Anasazi were early Native people of the Southwest. They are famous for building homes into cliffs and creating strong farming communities in dry desert lands. Years Active: About 100–1600 CE Location: Four Corners region (Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado) Religion/Beliefs: They believed in spirits connected to nature. Religious ceremonies were held in special underground rooms called kivas. Housing: Cliff dwellings and adobe pueblos made from stone and mud bricks. Food: Corn, beans, squash, turkey, deer, and wild plants.