In Darkest Africa
Sir Henry M. Stanley

Sir Henry Morton Stanley has often been described as a sadistic, corrupt soul who tortured the innocent continent of Africa and extorted from its natural state riches and fame. Quite simply this is true because he became a mythical figure in Victorian society. To the present day, 'Dr Livingstone, I presume?', is probably one of the most legendary quotes in journalistic history. His massive contribution to world history does not come in the form of a public, self-confiding quest to rescue a lost, old explorer but also as the pioneer of the Belgian Congo State and for his late adventures back into the very heart of Africa to 'save' Emin Pasha.

Stanley's many expeditions were strewn with unimaginable dangers and thrills. As he navigated the unknown jungles of Central Africa he was faced with massive wars, slavers tearing apart ancient communities, diseases which were long extinct in Europe as well as politics back in England and interfereing leaders who merely harboured colonial ambitions.

His life is shrouded in baseless claims usually self invented to insure he would remain a legendary figure in history, or lies drawn up by envious opponents who stabbed him from behind as they comfortably sat in London. Stanley made some awful mistakes in his time, most of them being made by his regular correspondence with newspapers back in the States and Britain, where his statements of violence and death were met with heavy criticism – and he was unable to defend his usually innocent remarks. Well, lets wind back the clock and attempt to forge these mistakes into an even more brilliant career.

I find Stanley fascinating, especially his 'adventures' in Africa. The last mystery of our world, except perhaps for the Polar Caps, was the heart of Africa – and Stanley was one in a long line of famed explorers. But he forged a path no other had taken – a entrepreneur, explorer and pioneer he himself had flaws of character which dominated European society for many decades.

Either way we will be going through a 'alternative' route of Stanley's life over this game, so lets get to the actual game. This Interactive History will be a small, decision based game which is told through chapters – much like a interactive book but much more interactive! Anyone can join, you do not have to 'sign up' for roles but rather every reader is guiding Stanley through the wild jungles of Central Africa!

Time to begin, I presume?

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