The Treasure Hunter's Journal, Vol III: Palaysian Island by Gnorman MacDonald

[Sternhund]

The Treasure Hunter's Journal, Vol III: Palaysian Island
by Gnorman MacDonald


Palaysian Island is one that remains unmarked on the maps of even the most traveled of sailors. It is an oddity of the Archipelago as it is an island shrouded entirely in a fantastic purple mist. Many sailors have sailed unfortunately in this mist, and have soon thereafter wrecked upon its shore. Only the most worthy of sea farers have visited this island and have returned alive.

Those who explore Palaysian Island will immediately hear the cheerful melody of a woman's singing encompass the area around them. The song is not to be confused with that of a siren's song, for it does not lure men, women, or sailors of any sort to Palaysian shores. It is known to provoke different reactions in different travelers. Some find the song soothing, while others feel afraid. The source of this song is discussed later in this text.

Travelers to Palaysian Island will notice multiple themes. The first is death, or lack thereof. It can be said that perhaps everything that lives natively to Palaysian Island lives forever. Those few who have visited the island believe that this may be a sign that the Fountain of Youth is hidden atop the dense forests of Palaysian Island. Others feel that the thick mist of the island perpetuates magical properties of eternal life. The result of this has been that adventurers, wizards, and necromancers seeking eternal life have often spent years seeking Palaysian Island to never return. Whether these explorers found a life eternal, or have been doomed upon Palaysian shores, is unknown.

Despite the island's small size, it has many other notable features. Atop the island in the forests live an intelligent tribe of orcs who make worship to the mist. Unlike the common or stereotypical orc, these have interest in astronomy, mathematics, and poetry. However, let not their intellectual pursuits fool you. They are indeed considered a tribe most powerful, and will wreck those who oppose them with ease.

The source of singing at Palaysian Island, the "Cave of Songs" is worthy of high note. Inside the caves, adventurers may find an unusual Palace where an unfortunate King and Queen once made their residence. Recent testimonies from adventurers claim that a Baatezu who will grant one's wishes can be found beneath the Palace. An unusual property of the Cave of Songs is that the inner caverns are shifting. This property of cavern geology has been most unique to the Underdark, which leads me to believe that the Cave of Songs may hold a path to the Underdark.

Another notable location of Palaysian Island is Lost Man's Shore. The shore is known to harbor many destroyed vessels who have lost themselves in the Palaysian mist. Continuing on the theme of immortal life, the sailors who once manned these ships continue to live on Lost Man's Shore. Although the flesh of the sailors are still intact, they have clearly suffered much damage from the passing centuries. It is acceptable to qualify these sailors undead, although unlike most undead creatures adventurers will encounter, the sailors of Lost Man's Shore are notorious for getting back up to fight after being slain.

WHERE TO START? It is difficult to find a sailor that both knows the true location of Palaysian Island and is willing to travel there. It is nearly impossible to find such sailors at the colony. Therefore, it is advised that interested adventurers inquire with the sailors of Old Port, and have lots of money to boot.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gnorman MacDonald is a long time treasure hunter and former denizen of the Underdark. He continues his life long passion of treasure hunting to this day on the Archipelago Islands, and encourages all adventurers to pursue the unknown, in hope of finding both glory and riches.

ABOUT THE TREASURE HUNTER'S JOURNAL:

We the Treasure Hunters vow to dedicate our lives in the pursuit of mystery, so that we may uncover hidden treasure and secrets of great value. We do not act simply out of greed, but rather we are allured by the excitement of the hunt. The Treasure Hunter's Journal serves as a publication to inform all Treasure Hunters of the most desirable riches within our Archipelago, and to promote the act of Treasure Hunting among the adventurer populace.