In late 1876 word comes across the Mississippi that gold has been discovered in the Whispering Hills of Arkansas. With the river again passable, thousands begin to look west to try to strike it rich, or make a new start.
With the dissipation of The Fog, the river is again patrolled by ironclad steamboats from both the FSA and LSA. The large amount of people moving west has caused both militaries to restrict travel from the normal hubs of St. Louis, IL and Memphis, TN. These cities have quickly become overcrowded with people waiting for a spot on a riverboat.
Rumors circle that there are other ways across the river. Cate’s Landing, known to be a hive of scum and villainy, is also a gathering spot for riverboat captains willing to risk the guns of interdiction boats and ferry folk across… for a price.
The Southern Belle, recently repaired from damage sustained during the Calamity is preparing to make its first trip across since the disaster. Commodore Edgar Brookhart wants a full load, and is enticing passengers with the promise of food, drink and entertainment for their voyage.
