The Expedition Of Man
Rylan Swint’s rendition of His Imperial Majesty’s Ship “Red Helena” moments before it sets sail, 1756
It was a quiet day as the Imperials boarded their boat. Whether they were happy to go, or sad to leave there was tension in the air that no one could ignore…
The journey to Athera kicked off without a hitch. Not long after the last Orenians entered the boat, it began to sail on the high seas. Across from His Imperial Majesty’s Ship,the Haense boat “Geltenkaros” could be seen at all times as it’s yellow and black sails kept it at a good pace.
Rylan’s rendition of the Haense Boat “Geltenkaros” as it sets sail, 1756
The first month of the journey was met with minor conflicts for the Imperials. Many claimed a room and began to settle in. However, the occasional sea monster was seen, though they mostly fled when confronted. The mood on the ship was cheerful and hopeful, and the skies were clear throughout...
Captain Rylan Swint’s drawing of a sea monster, moments before it fled.
A drawing of an Officer’s room.
The second month began much like the first. On one particular day, spirits were high for the Imperials and decorations were hung around the boat. A party was planned for mid day, but just as the sun began to rise a Siren was heard singing on the side of the boat. Though it proved no match for those on board and the gathering continued unimpeded. As the Imperials and Haensemen began their celebration, a ghostly sight interrupted the affair. Out of the water arose a ghostly ship demanding gold and threatening death if payment was not made quickly. Once again, the ghost crew stood no chance against the might of Oren- for the volley of arrows and blades were both swift and true. The ethereal visage was returned to the icy depth of the boundless ocean from whence it came. With the party over and a successful battle under their belt, the humans went to sleep for the last night.
Red Helena with party decorations on the second day of sailing.
Rylan Swint’s rendition of the ghost ship.
Rylan Swint’s rendition of the battle of the ghost ship.
Another month at sea came and went, the children of Horen had quickly adjusted to a life at sea by this point. Though their complacency was soon interrupted by yet another danger from the sea. A tentacle suddenly appeared from the water, followed by many more. As the two human boats scrambled to gather supplies and fight off the beast, Red Helena was cracked in half by the mighty beast hidden below the water. The groups retreated onto Geltenkaros to defend from the unending attacks. But they too met the same fate as their sister ship and Geltenkaros was split in two. All those that came to the rescue of the scattered passengers met the same fate, and many more boats were lost to the beast. Only those that were able to board the life rafts in time survived the event, with everything else being claimed by the sea. The Imperials were at the mercy of the currents, praying they be taken to their destination . . . Athera.
Rylan Swint’s rendition of a tentacle.
Geltenkaros surrounded by tentacles.
Their prayers indeed seemed answered as the first human boat made landfall at the site of some old ruins. At the order of the Emperor himself, a base camp was established from which the Human Empire could further explore the lost lands of Athera.
Rylan Swint’s rendition of the Peter’s Landing
