Journal of Javiden of Incaras

Large parts of the journal were published in the Letters of The Theophilosphical Society of Incaras, a newsletter of research and discovery last year (486 of the New Era after the Great War). Parts were reprinted in the Journal of the Mages Guild of Kharaz with much debate and discussion of the discoveries and potentially useful resources amongst members. Over the past several months the author and explorer has made quite a following as dinner guest and speaker. He has also produced a number of copies of his journal, which he offers for sale.
Javiden is a senior gryphon rider of the Guild of Incaras. He has served courier missions and as messenger for the Lords of Asir Keep in the northeast mountains. He is also a member of the Hunter's guild and has engaged in a variety of assignments hunting fell beasts and spying on the Sidereal Fae invaders of the town of Sea Keep. He is in his 50's with sparkling green-hazel eyes, and dark haired, though showing grey at temples and in the neatly kept goatee.
He brought back a large collection of samples and specimens, and posted weekly journal entries that appear to have been couriered back to the Gryphon Rider's guild during his expedition to the Hakat. Some well placed persons ventured that the Gryphon Rider's satchels possess magical storage and communication properties. This would account for their legendary speed delivering messages and items hundreds of miles within just hours.

Purpose

This is the journal of Javiden of Incaras, Knight of the Griffin Rider order of Incaras and registered Hunter of the Hunter's guild. These are my notes of the mystery region which the inhabitants call Hakat.
The land I have set out to explore is a region known only by rumors and legends. It is said that a desert region lies past the Red (or sometimes called the Blood) mountains on the east of the wide plains past the gap of Chentor, and north of the poison and fire of the Dread mountains north of the Sea of Sands. It is rumored that a lost and ancient tower of great antiquity stands in the deserts of this region. The area is said to be inhabited by strange creatures that use boats to travel the sandy wastes of their lands. These rumors are true.

Document Structure

Publication Status

Bilzatz, gnomish scrivners and binders have produced copies of the full journal with the sketches and drawings. The fine linen paper is bound in green dyed leather.  They possess a stock for sale, as does the author.

Historical Details

Public Reaction

The journal has produced a great deal of excitement amongst Hunters, adventurers, traders and merchants. The Hakaskaziu possessing primarily bronze tools and utensils, while also producing a variety of unique materials and resources has fired the imaginations of traders and those who might seek a quick fortune in trade.  Adventurers are lured by the gemstones, treasures, mysteries and monsters which may give them fame and wealth. Expeditions have set out seeking passes through the mountains that the Gryphon rider flew over. If any have had success, they have not yet returned or are keeping it secret.  Some have hired the Gryphon Riders themselves to transport them and to bring back goods, but at outrageous cost.

Read the Document

Journal of Javiden of Incaras

The land I have set out to explore is a region known only by rumors and legends. It is said that a desert region lies past the Red (or sometimes called the Blood) mountains on the east of the wide plains past the gap of Chentor, and north of the poison and fire of the Dread mountains north of the Sea of Sands. It is rumored that a lost and ancient tower of great antiquity stands in the deserts of this region. The area is said to be inhabited by strange creatures that use boats to travel the sandy wastes of their lands. These rumors are true.

The first section is the account of the Dire mountains approach and the Sea of Sand.  This proving too toxic and hazardous led to attempting crossing the Red Mountains above the Gap of the Plains of Chentor and the region of barbarian Bahku  and isolated Centaurs towns called The Dancing Grass. Here Rocs, Thunderbirds and Dragons presented hazards as well as Ghenid  tribes, and Bugbear.  Passage is completed and the vista of the green sands of the unknown region are exposed.

This desert of green sand extends as far as the eye can see eastward. I have spied a faint suggestion of mountains visible on the far eastern horizon when at several hundred cords flying elevation.  Isolated spots of oases with vegetation can be seen  from the air.  This also afforded me opportunity to observe several of the sailing sand craft. The passengers are centaur-like brown creatures that seem smaller than humans. Several had sighted me, and seemed to point hands and viewing tubes towards us. No arrows or bolts, nor magical assaults were observed. I do not know if this from lack of said items, limits of range or benign disposition. In the middle of the desert stands a black tower, smooth and without ledge or window. It is several hundreds of feet tall, and the black smooth surface reflects the late afternoon sun. The boats keep well away.

The second section is initial explorations and observing that the region is inhabited by a short insectoid species, the Hakatskaziu. He spies Kaavsch: The sandship skimming over the sands and notes the presence of settlements along the mountain feet at the edges of the green sand desert.  Javiden remarks that his presence is observed by the loacls and produces evident excitement. He notes the strange vegetation, most notably Wandering trees. Other flora and fauna are listed with observations of behavior, characteristics, qualities and dispositions.

Today I ventured closer to the resident creatures on their sand boats.  Flying low and in line with their travel I called out and showed empty hands. I could see they possessed bronze swords and spears tipped with the same metal. The creatures are insect like and centaurish - with four arms ( two and two) and four legs. The brown and sandy carapaces shade to black in some. The eyes are without pupils or lids like an insect.  My calls produced much action and reaction with gesticulations, whistles and chatter. I showed no threat and neither did they.  My hails in Centaur, Elvish and other civilized languages produced no reply. The response to Ghenid was one of withdrawl but no reply.  Perhaps they are without speech? They seem to recognize Ghenid. I know not if this is a familiarity as friend or enemy- though no known Naming kind list Ghenid as friends.

The third section is his contact with the Hakatskaziu in cautious approaches with speech and offering gifts. Eventually he flies to a settlement and starts a slow and careful introduction. He uses hand gestures, pantomime and gifts to smooth the introductions. The Hakatskaziu practice cultivation of plants but domestication of creatures was foreign to them and the Gryphon was a wonder to them - along with harnesses and tack. Eventually he is accepted as a strange foreign visitor and guest and he begins to build language skills. In the following weeks and months he learns about the Hakat  and the Hakaskaziu.

Success at last! I had approached a settlement of mud brick and stone domed buildings interlinked as a solid wall, set in a ring with a gateway at an uphill side. I called out and saw the residents looking out. I showed empty hands, then set out gifts of good steel daggers, water skin, a mirror and fruits.  I retreated to my mount some 100 paces away and sat.  The creatures ventured out with caution and poked at my gifts with spears. Apprehending no threat they took them up and investigated. The steel daggers and mirror produced much excitement and were shown and passed from one to another.  This ritual was repeated daily for 5 days, each a bit closer, until we stood just a wagon distance from each other.  I started naming things- the desert, the sun, myself. After a pause some began to repeat my sounds and make their own!

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