Survey of Ocotlan

Survey of Ocotlan tells the journey of Jane the Bane as she circumnavigates the island of Ocotlan. This work was commisioned by the Tlatoani in preparation for colonizing the island. Published by the PPC.

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Survey of Ocotlan

By Jane the Bane

On November 27, 2020, Tlahatl expanded its claimed territory to include the great majority of the island of Ocotlan, only excluding the Escharien colony of Fernheim and the surrounding grasslands. Three days later, I circumnavigated the island to create a survey of our new territory.

My journey started in Cuiciloa, where I headed straight north to Ocotlan. My first sight of the island was an expanse of rocky mountains which jutted out from the sea. I remarked that it was unfortunate that I would be unable to safely land if needed. Should a storm arrive, I would be dashed against the harsh rocks which dot the shoreline. No port could be built in this land. This was reconfirmed to me when I came across a stream of lava pouring out of a mountain into the sea below. My boat was nearly burned by getting too close to it.

The southern mountains broke at the eastern island. The island was a savannah, not unlike the tropic coasts of neighboring Ummarnu. It had a settlement of native villagers who lived off of fishing and subsistence farming. Upon embarking, I discovered that there was a fort at the top of a nearby hill. When I approached, I discovered that it was named Westphalz. At its peak was a black and yellow flag, waving in the wind. This was an Escharien fort on Tlahatl land. I sent a messenger to the Tlatoani, and continued on my way.

As I journeyed east, I came across a patch of bamboo. Knowing this was not native to the area, I embarked to investigate. Beyond the bamboo patch was a settlement in a wooden style whose name is unknown to me. It had been recently ransacked by the Tlatoani and his men for refusing to comply with Tlahatl rule in Tlahatl lands. I do not know where the inhabitants went off to.

Shortly thereafter, I spied a hill from the sea. It carried the fort of Nordphalz. It was built in the same manner as Westphalz, with crenelations, an outer wall, and a tower containing the Escharien flag. I wrote down its location, knowing this would cause a diplomatic row upon my return.

The strangest thing I found in my trek was a patch of netherite along the coast. In its center contained an incomplete obsidian portal. Perhaps this leads to the nether highway. However, that wouldn’t explain why the portal was missing its top half. I will report this to the relevant authorities when it is time to settle the northern forests.

As the trees got thicker, it became harder to see into the land. That is what made it so surprising when I saw a third Escharien fortress, this one more secure than the others. Ostphalz loomed high above the trees, having cleared everything within arrow distance from the fort. From the main courtyard was a bridge linked to a tower which loomed even over the fortress. This could not be taken by siege.

Lastly, I came across the sleppy port of Fernheim. For all its faults, it is still civilization, and for that I was happy. Having fulfilled my mission, I went home knowing I had done my duty to the Huitca people.