Notice: This document has been translated from Korćettan to modern Staynish so that more readers can enjoy it.
Captain Jakub Palubicki’s Personal Log
December 21st, 1678
The Queen Maria set off from Portmorski harbor today. I was granted permission by King Leo to lead an expedition to find the Southern Land. During my time in Aurora, I learned about said land and I believe that it may hold riches for the kingdom, which intrigued the king. I was given a crew and enough supplies to last half a year. I hope that this expedition does not last that long, as I already miss my home. Once I get back I hope that I may be rich enough to live in the Stakari Isles, because although I love sailing I tire from being away from home for so long each year.
I do not know what the bottom of Urth holds for me, but I hope that the King appreciates whatever I bring back, be it goods or knowledge. I also hope that this expedition will bring me some fame, so that I may be well known in the adventuring world, which is all I ever hoped for out of life. Maybe I may even become one of the King’s court and become his trusted adventurer for the rest of my life. These thoughts are starting to tire me. Before I retire for the night I will make one last round of the ship to make sure everything is in working order.
December 22nd, 1678
We reached the mouth of the Sea of Gondwana today. As we left the sea there was an endless ocean in front of us, deep blue as the dusk sky. Seeing something this beautiful always made the tiring days out at sea worth it. My lungs filled with the salty ocean air as the wind blew in my face. To the east I could still see the Gondwanan coast, further, I could see the Floosian Strait, our next destination. Manning the helm is where I truly feel at home on the ship, but nothing can truly feel like home when I am away from the love of my life.
It truly gets lonely out at sea, even if I have all of my men with me, I do not know them and they do not know me, we are not as connected as I am with people back home. My heart is torn in two, one half loves exploring the world while the other half wants to stay at home with my love. I attempted to drown out my thoughts by focusing on manning the helm, but it could not spare me from my mind. I instead retired to bed early for the night and instructed my second in command to take charge until the night crew took over. I could not tell him that I was just sad, so I told him that I had come down with something and had to rest it off. I cannot show weakness in front of my crew.
December 25th, 1678
The Queen Maria has reached the mouth of the Floosian Strait, the next step of this journey. We have had a few issues so far, the biggest being that we were set off course for a few hours. This morning we stopped in Tornales to give the crew a break from being at sea. I will admit that it is nice to be on land, but I also love the sea nearly as much. The port was bustling with people of many cultures, merchants lined the streets all selling different wares. While we were docked there I also purchased a trinket to bring back for my love, who is always sad when I am away for long periods. I met another captain while on this island, he told me stories of his time at sea, so I told him stories of my time at sea. The man bought me a drink and we talked for a couple more hours. Then when the time came, me and my crew got back onto the boat and set off.
Our next destination is Saintmagnus on the other side of the Floosian Strait. We plan to stop there to once again get some rest before setting off for the Southern Land. The final leg of our journey is bound to be the toughest, so we will rest for as long as we need before setting off for that final stretch. For now, we will sail through this strait, watching the passing land on either side of us, it’s quite beautiful when you stop to look at it carefully, one other reason I love to be captain of a ship like this one. I have to make one last round of the ship before retiring to my quarters for the night once again, the crew morale still seems high, and I hope it stays so for a while.