Monsters, Mayhem, and Modernity: Puerto Rico, 1995 MONSTERS

iBienvenidos a Puerto Rico en 1995!

Great change is occurring in Puerto Rico. Two hurricanes and a tsunami have swept the land. As the turn of the century approaches, the island faces a crossroads: voters deciding between Commonwealth status, statehood, or independence. A time of great turmoil, thousands displaced, industry destroyed, political tensions at an all-time high, and uncertainty of every form. Amidst all these tensions, 150 sheep are found dead at a pasture. Blood drained. Bodies left behind. In this land dominated by superstition, where legends of El Cadejo and other monstrous creatures seem all too real, the people are angry, scared, and deeply hesitant of the oncoming tide of change.

Our committee will be situated in the fall of 1995, and will mimic the governing cabinet of Puerto Rico. Delegates will play the part of cabinet ministers: from the minister of agriculture to a representative from a rural town council and local business leaders, each will be uniquely motivated to decide the fate of this lovely island. The people are in a state of mass hysteria, and the island is in desperate need of leadership–and, well, repairs. It will be the delegates’ job to find solutions to the monsters, mayhem, and wave of looming modernity threatening to sweep the region. How will Puerto Rico rebuild itself after this series of unprecedented national disasters? Will the island successfully transition from its rural roots into the age of modernity—and what will that mean for the people, and folklore, of Puerto Rico? What is El Chupacabra— the mysterious creature who villagers claim is the cause of these mass livestock deaths– and can it be stopped?

We welcome you to join us to decide the fate of the vibrant island of Puerto Rico – the Land of the Valiant Lord.

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