Shipwreck Reef

2022 Location Lore Event Winner (3rd Place)
Author: Valkhana

Somewhere lingering in the depths of the abyss between the Tropical Islands and Paradise Beach, there is said to have been a single ship that sank in the midst of a storm. It is only a rumor, yet for many years those that live one the coastal waters whisper tales of the seven shiji that had been lost to the sea that day. There was an abundance of mystery and confusion that surrounded it. Why wouldn't they have just flown away to save themselves? 

The world may never know! There is some suspicion, where some individuals had started rumors about those lost that day guarding something special… Yet, that "something" always seemed to change from person to person. The imagination of the people is always an incredible thing to behold! The rumors were right about one thing, there was most certainly a sunken ship somewhere in the depths of the tropics. Some may wonder if particular individuals had already found it! It stood to reason that someone must have discovered it after so many years, perhaps one of the aquatic shiji… Right?

Even just the outside of the ship was something to behold, and maybe one day some lucky divers would find it! The years had not been kind to the hull that made up the structure, but it was absolutely wonderful for the wildlife. The algae clung to the grains of wood through the entire vessel, and the erosion had caused some areas to collapse. Some species of corel had taken root, giving life in a spectacular array of color to something that might have once looked cold and foreboding. The sails had, for the most part, been eaten away and were left to dance whimsically in the tides that surrounded them. Not all of the sails could be found, some had completely detached and were most likely the fibers had completely eroded or had been lost under the sands of the ocean floors. 

The ship rested precariously against a rough patch of rock, settled snugly into place. It had been clear that the impact that was made when the vessel reached bottom caused damage… It laid partially on its side, half broken and draping over the boulders. The bow still proudly sported the Figurehead of what was to be perceived as one of the Aquatic shiji, like a mystical mermaid. Perhaps it might have been initially incorporated into the design of the ship as a good omen, who better to guide the crew across the waves than one of those that lived within the waters? 

Upon the starboard side of this ship, a large gaping hole could be seen. The sands surrounding it had partially engulfed the standing figure and scattered debris of cables, stray planks, trinkets and nic knacks from the crew could partially be seen. Surely the sands held more than what was visible on the surface! Once upon a time, this had been a fully stocked and proud vessel… 

The fish could be seen swimming in and out, some even circled the ship in large school units. It was an almost ethereal sight… Venturing into the almost eerie, gaping hole in the ship one would find a maze. A hallway leading straight through, where the port side was still standing strong. It was dark and mysterious on the inside, what little light that could reach the depth only shown through cracks and crevices. Illuminating small portions, and giving glimpses of the memories left behind in this vessel. 

There were many wonders to behold. Exploring the chambers, one might find each of the seven individual rooms dedicated to the crew. Frames with black faces, for sure once a brilliant portrait that had fallen victim to the waters. Clothes, bedding, and personal belongings of various shapes and sizes. What had once been something grand to sail the sea's surface above had become fantastically beautiful. Yet, there was still something solemn to be found within its beauty.