The Horizon

Once crafted to be a magnificent venture into the world beyond the continent of Westerin, this grand expedition placed curiosity and intrigue on the minds of many Ravennians, hopeful for what opportunities present themselves should new lands be found. But to everyone's dismay, the moment the expeditionary ship, The Horizon, left the views of Ravennian harbors, it was never seen again.

A Dream and a Hypothesis

The one who began such a well-funded expedition was a short, brown haired man, Dominik Kaiden. From an early age he grew up as an apprentice under several different sailors, and the constant work over the water brought Dominik to a fascination with the sea and the horizons beyond it. He truly saw the sea as a home. One day, while staring off at a distant island, he came to a realization that not all land is connected, so there could be numerous others past the horizon. This spark of motivation saw Dominik traveling constantly between both Aurathazel, Quieme, and Readsend Harbor as he was now determined to fund an expedition that would stand the tests of time.

Donating to Ghosts

Dominik's original ploy of searching taverns and docks for crewmen for hire grew and grew, before at long last, he had the entire eastern coasts of Ravenna. They backed this expedition and donated large sums of gold to build one of the largest Ravennian ships ever made. It's purpose, to be able to remain out at sea for an eternity. Dominik's dream had been achieved the moment he, and his crew of over one-hundred people set out into the distant seas of the north. The expedition itself had been contracted to last no more than six months. The six months have long since ended, and the ship has not returned, sparking countless rumors about the ship's fate. Nevertheless, none know what truly happened except Dominik himself, documented in his journal he hoped to show nobility upon his return.

Those who called me a fool now work under me for their wages. Those who made fun of me now gather in awe and aspiration as the beautiful ship sits, ready to begin her voyage. Those who believed in me will now get to see the fruits of their trust, for I will leave an expeditioner, but I shall return a vanguard!

~ Dominik Kaiden

Read the Document

The Horizon

Agelm, the 13th of Gronbis
At this moment, I sit down for the first time in my Higherman's quarters aboard the beauty herself, Horizon. I can see the vast, open docks full of bustling traders, civilians, sailors, and all other kinds of persons outside my portside's window as they continue to gather here for a very special occasion. Today is the day when the vision I've had ever since I was a simple youth, tossing fish on a dingy, becomes reality, for she sets sail out into the distant beyond this day! Now might be my only chance to commemorate this day before I'm left to help oversee her crew's maintenance. I hope and pray to the Brother Gods that the winds guide us on our long journey ahead!
Faselm, the 16th of Gronbis
It has been three days since we have set sail from Readsend Harbor -- the horizon has already swallowed up the continent. This expedition's purpose is twofold: we must discover a fresh set of land and map its details within our six-month time frame, and we must prove Horizon's capability to withstand the wilderness of the waters in any capacity. I have full faith in her strength, for not only is this the largest Ravennian vessel ever to be constructed, but time and time again has been used to outfit her with features not commonly seen upon ships. Namely, our own plot of farmland and soil atop the back deck for our own source of food.
Faselm, the 21st of Gronbis
I never thought it to be true, but my heart has been pierced by one other than Horizon or the sea herself. Her name is Aubree. Funnily enough, we share a common interest in writing and many of our discussions have gone into the night talking about such a thing. I can feel we both genuinely enjoy each other. Perhaps when we finally return to Ravenna in the coming months, I shall court her on the request of marriage!
Zaxelm, the 29th of Gronbis
We are now almost one month into the expedition, but still no speck of land has been spotted. Some of the crew are starting to lose hope and I fear any of them await the opportunity to simply head home now. I remain head strong in my faith! However, on another note, more of the crew have started reporting themselves falling ill. Plenty of citrus is stored within the ship, so I'm certain this is simply sea nausea. It's very common among most sailors, especially those who've never been.
Qudelm, the 1st of Pelis
I had yearned for this entry to be thankful, gracious, and filled with joy for the start of the new year, but I can write now only in despair and sadness. Earlier this evening, one of our crew breathed their last who was continuing to suffer from an illness. This has begun to spark paranoia amid the crew and I've witnessed a few confrontations already. Aubree still holds close to me and I pray we will find our salvation in what we've been searching for soon!
Agelm, the 4th of Pelis
Clouds and fog have covered our sight for a while now, and tension with the crew still grows. I regret to say more and more have been falling ill, just as they have been falling deceased. Aubree claims to be fine, but I've seen her look away as she tries to cover her coughs. I'm beginning to wonder if such a thing like this expedition really is worth going through such suffering...
Trixelm, the 8th of Pelis
I did not believe this possible, but those who have fallen have started to rise again! We have been forced to blockade the lower halls and rooms of the ship to keep them from the rest of our crew. I am writing this on the deck of the ship as my quarters were part of that section. We now number only just over twenty. Thank goodness Aubree still remains with me but I fear for her condition, and this fog still has yet to yield itself. Forget this expedition, whatever magic is afoot now, we can only hope and pray to survive. I also regret to write that I too, am beginning to feel ill...
Zaxelm, the 10th of Pelis
I am alone on the ship... The surviving crew mates were driven to madness. Some chose to jump ship while others looked to kill any of us who showed the faintest sign of illness. Yesterday, it was just me and Aubree left. The illness had gripped hold of her tightly, and her body was frail, able to see the bone lines under her skin. She perished in my arms... I have completely forsaken the expedition, as now all I can think about is the pain I'm feeling from my ill body.
Qudelm, the 11th of Pelis
The fogs hav lifted sligtly... I can barely mov the hand that wrtes this. I cn't think straight, and my body is stil riddled with pain. From the distnce I finaly see, a glimmer of a distant shor, coverd in mist and gray lke bone. I can't stnd the pain anymore... I don't kno what to thnk about the ghastly creture flying up out of the shore's mst far away. All I can think abot is the cold, welcoming watr below me. If anyone reads this, run nw. These ar my last words, I'm coming home.

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Type

Journal, Personal

Medium

Paper

The Brother Company

This organization stands as the richest and most successful trading company in Ravenna. Dominik upon gaining momentum reached out for this company to fund his expedition. They initially denied his request, but retracted that answer after Dominik's expedition continued to raise more. Once the company agreed to fund him, Dominik's dream had been fully realized.