Journals of Captain Hoarwae: Part 2
nown across the realm of magic as one of the greatest sea captains of all time, Captain Hoarwae and his adventures are wide spread knowledge for generations after his demise. Sailing with his crew in a time period where many were focused on portal magic, exploring the vast realms beyond the world of Violem. Hoarwae instead looked for adventure closer to home, by saving enough money to buy his own vessel, gathering a group of men who shared his passion for exploration and set sail across the uncharted waters.
Keeping track of each day in his journals that now reside inside The Great Library of Birohhal. Some of his most recognisable achievements include the relations he built with the kingdom of Arison; discovering the third continent of Hoarwae and uncovering many secrets throughout the Untouched Lands. Eight of his nine journals were kindly donated for others to read. With the final journal being lost at sea with Hoarwae, his men and his ship in an encounter with an unknown creature. Many assume to be the legendary Kra-Ken.
Below are a hand picked selection of journal entries that have been copied and catalogued in the library for public reading.
Vol 3: Day 349
Whilst I enjoy my days at sea, discovering new lands and meeting all manner of creatures. There are some days I that are more enthralling than others, today is one of those days where not much has occurred. It all began with the bitter cold winds yesterday, forcing me and my men to stay up all night to try and correct our course. But even seasoned sailors such as myself are pawns to the elements. We strayed far off course and have ended up on some sort of frozen isle. I ordered the men to take the day to rest and warm up. In truth, it was so I could spend some time to rest after a harsh, cruel night. During my resting period, I have sat at this desk trying to work out exactly where we are. Although I believe we have yet again come across uncharted waters. You would imagine that after three years of this, I would have gained some ability to get out of these situations with ease. Sadly, it is just as difficult today as it was all those years ago. At the very least, I have some experience in figuring out an actionable plan that has led us in the right direction. Eventually… What did brighten today was the strangest of creatures on the shore. I allowed Col-Cha and a few of the other men to investigate this group of waddling birds. When they returned, they had smiles on their faces and simply could not contain their excitement. These small and friendly beings seemed perfectly harmless and were described as following my men with the greatest interest. It is moments like this which boosts the morale of us all, and a hearty sight in my personal viewpoint. If we did not already have a pre-determined destination to achieve. I might have stayed an extra day or two to explore the isle further. The white mountain tops and icy hills, while dangerous terrain, looks rather beautiful. My instincts tell me, I shall be back here in the future. But that is only if I can find it once more. Signing off, Captain HoarwaeVol 4: Day 191
I have seen something. A vision. It came to me, just now in my dreams. I fear if I d not write down all I can remember then I will simply forget or worse, miss its warning entirely. It began with myself standing on white sandy beaches. Staring out into the calm pale blue ocean. I experienced the same feelings you get when you accomplish a long-lasting goal. But the moment was interrupted, by a simple noise behind me. I turned to see the tropical woods we currently stay in at this very moment. The noise calls for me once more. A feint, quiet noise. Barely noticeable, if it was not for the fact there was no other sound present. I enter the jungle to follow the noise. I now stand deep inside the thick foliage trying to focus on the noise once more. Passing flowers of vibrant yellow that resemble orbs? No, bubbles. Yes, bubbles that would form in the foam of waves crashing on the shore. They seem to be familiar. But I am distracted once more by the noise. It has grown louder, the sound of a person calling out. My surroundings seem to hide my senses, confusing me. I am lost, so I take a deep breath. To focus, to concentrate. The voice echoes into the jungle once more. West. I travel west through the forest. Brushing past giant leaves and tangled vines. Pushing deeper into darker greens but I know I am getting closer. All I can see now is dark shadows of trees towering above me. Grass climbing up my legs and the sensation of fur as I try and feel my way around. then, a light! It nearly blinds me and I have to shade my eyes. When I risk seeing where it came from, I am standing in a clearing in the jungle. The grass has died and turned brittle, the trees are dull and lifeless. The bones of men scatter the ground. Circling around a ghostly figure. It is too blurry to make out any significant details and yet, I feel as I know them. They silence that already surrounds me enchants me. Taking hold of all of my attention. The figure, glowing a soft blue and white calls out into the air with one word. LEAVE! And then… nothing. That is when I woke up in a cold sweat. Gasping for air, not for the feeling of suffocation but to hear the sound of my own voice. To feel the beat of my heart once more, pounding in my ears. The relief that I am no longer dreaming. What could it mean? What have I seen in this vision? And who has sent me this message? I cannot think clearly at this moment. I have too many questions and it is late into the night to talk with my men. I feel too tired to come to a solution right now. I must try and return to sleep, to rest. I hope that by morning, after some rest that I find these written thoughts useful. Signing off, Captain HoarwaeVol 7: Day 8
In my many years of exploring the seas, I have come across many wonderful things. Peculiar places that never cease to surprise me in new ways. And that summarises my feelings towards Sailor Bay. A place which is unlike any other. It is not ruled by any sort of king. A council do not make the decisions of its inhabitants. I am not sure there even is one person in charge. And yet, it seems to run smoothly. Truly a remarkable place. What I find fascinating is the simple rules put in place that we all seem to follow. And it is these commandments which keeps the peace. Allowing anyone from any background to be welcomed to the bay. Pirates from the South can mingle with law enforcements. Royalty can converse with the poorest of soul. It even allowed me to encounter an old face who I have clashed with many times. Captain Bola Vishalla, a vile piece of work. He and his Brazen Bandits are constantly raiding the Southern ports of Ascor with little to no resistance. Only ever after one thing, and that is a life of a pirate. Yes, he may seek riches and hunt for buried treasures of the past. But I can see in his eyes what he truly desires. And that is the life he lives. Which is why I found it quite astonishing when he came over to my table this afternoon to, chat. It was a rather civilized conversation. We mentioned the recent harsh seas, the troubles we have both experienced around the underwater city of Wae-Vun. I could not figure out what he wanted or expected to get out of this interaction. He threw a few hollow threats in my direction, which I expected. But then he did something rather unusual. Bola offered me genuine advice. About the Seraleye tribe. He warned me of the shaman and their plans with the next blood moon. Although he did not say it, I could tell he was afraid. Is this just Bola playing tricks with my mind? Only time will tell, when I return to the jungles. That was not the only strange thing that occurred on land today. I noticed that several men were digging a rather large hole, further in land. I asked a Gillan passing by what they were planning. To which she mentioned whispers of a monstrous corpse they plan to bury… of all the things I thought I would hear today, I did not expect that combination. I guess I shall add that mystery to the list of surprises Sailor Bay has provided me over the years. Signing off, Captain HaorwaeCheck out Part 1 here:
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