Description 

Decker Slade, a figure emblematic of the late 1800s, is a man of profound duality and compassion. Born to a Cherokee mother and a Texan father, he embodies a unique blend of cultural heritage that deeply influences his worldview. As a deputy and doctor, Decker is a guardian of both law and health, navigating the rugged terrains of the Wild West with a badge on his chest and a medical bag in hand. His connection with nature is spiritual, almost palpable; he treats every creature with reverence, believing that every life, whether human or animal, is sacred. This respect for life extends to his medical practice, where he is known for his gentle hands and reassuring presence. Decker's belief in the inherent goodness of people guides his every action, prompting him to aid those in distress without hesitation. His reputation as a healer of bodies and mender of spirits makes him a cherished figure among the communities he serves. In a time of relentless expansion and often ruthless ambition, Decker Slade stands as a beacon of empathy and harmony, a testament to the enduring human capacity for kindness and understanding.

Early Life 

Decker Slade's early life was a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and rugged individualism, set against the backdrop of the late 18th century. His Cherokee mother, having left her tribe for love, embraced her new path as a healer, blending traditional indigenous remedies with the emerging practices of Western medicine. Her resilience and adaptability were a testament to her strength of character. Decker's Texan father, a renowned hunter and tracker, was a man in tune with the land, his reputation built on his uncanny ability to read the subtle signs of nature. From his parents, Decker learned the value of knowledge and the importance of living harmoniously with the environment. His mother taught him the healing arts, instilling in him a deep respect for life and the interconnectedness of all things, while his father passed down the skills of survival and the art of tracking, which would serve him well in his later travels. The passing of his parents when he was just 22 years old marked a turning point in Decker's life, propelling him into a journey of self-discovery and adventure, as he sought to apply the lessons of his upbringing to the wider world. Decker's story is one of learning, loss, and the ceaseless quest for understanding—a narrative that echoes the complexities of the American frontier experience.

Present Life 

Decker Slade, at 29, is a man shaped by loss and discovery. His journey began at 22, when he set out to traverse the states, a path of self-discovery following the passing of his parents. By 27, his travels led him to New Alexandria, a place that would mark a new chapter in his life. Here, he embraced the role of a healer, becoming a doctor dedicated to preserving life, and later, a deputy, upholding the law with a reverence for the natural world. Decker's deep respect for nature and life is a testament to his mixed heritage, which he further explored through friendships with local natives. These bonds allowed him to delve into his Cherokee roots, enriching his understanding of his identity and strengthening his connection to his new home. Decker's story is one of resilience, a man who, amidst grief, found purpose and a place to belong in the tapestry of New Alexandria.

Affiliations 

Arikoan
Decker maintains a friendly and respectful relationship with the Arikoan tribe that inhabits the Big Valley region of Central New Alexandria. He is often times found there either conversing with the natives, enjoying the views of the valley, or paying his respects to the mother tree.

Wapiti Nation
Though it is only speculated as to what his relationship with the Wapiti people is, Decker is known to visit the Wapiti Reservation regularly to deliver supplies to the elders that reside there as well as ensuring that the area has not been messed with by outsiders.

King's Cross General Practice
King's Cross General Practice was the place where Decker Slade learned to hone in his skills as a medic, practicing alongside such folk as Jacob Loveday, Elinor Doyle, and Josephine Godfrey. His time with King's Cross granted him the knowledge and skill necessary to eventually become a doctor within the state of New Alexandria. Though King's Cross no longer holds a presence within the state, Decker still accredits his medical knowledge to the training he received from them.

New Alexandria Sheriff's Department
Decker joined the New Alexandria Sheriff's Department on October 14th, 1902 where he spent the following three months learning the ins and outs of the department before being promoted to a fully fledged deputy on January 7th, 1903. Decker has made a gentle name for himself, working alongside other deputies to help ensure the safety and well being of the citizens of New Alexandria.

Quotes 

"Even in the darkest of times, hope can be found in the pursuit of truth and the exercise of reason."

Trivia 

-> Decker Slade will rarely, if ever, turn down a bowl of Texas chili, which also happens to be the only food he can make well.
-> Decker Slade favors a cooler climate and often spends most of his time around the Central part of New Alexandria. He detests any time he has to spend out west or east and will get away from those areas as quick as he can.
-> The eyepatch that Decker wears covers up a scar he received from a wolf attack as a young boy which cost him that eye.
-> Decker keeps a throwing knife in each of his boots in case he ever finds himself without his guns. This is a testament to his father from whom he learned the trick from.