Location: A remote settlement on the Island of Moog, nestled in a secluded area of Varak Bay. Despite its grand-sounding name, Port Holkenborg is little more than an outpost, its isolation making it a near-forgotten destination. The port is named after Holkenborg, a wealthy regent and explorer who claimed the spot for himself after landing on its shores. Despite its meager offerings, the settlement's location makes it a useful stop for those looking to avoid attention on the island.
The "Port" in Name Only
Though called a port, Port Holkenborg is without the basic features of a traditional harbor. The lack of a dock or even mooring facilities for boats or ships of any size makes it ill-suited for large vessels. Instead, travelers arriving here must beach their ships directly onto the shore. The settlement consists of only seven tin huts, making it more of a glorified camp than a bustling hub.
- Tin Huts: These simple structures serve as housing for temporary residents or supply runners. Weathered by the constant rain and humidity, they offer basic shelter but little comfort.
- Supply Depot: The only significant structure in the settlement, the well-stocked depot provides essential supplies such as food, tools, and simple goods for any passing travelers, making it a vital lifeline for the settlement’s continued survival.
- Vegetable Plots: Two small gardens provide basic sustenance for those staying at Holkenborg, growing hardy crops that can withstand the area’s frequent rains and poor soil quality.
- Train Station: Perhaps the last station on the Kerkhof Route, the train station lies in ruins towards the east side.
The Graveyard
One of Port Holkenborg's most notable features is its graveyard, an unusual sight for settlements on the Island of Moog. The graveyard is said to be more densely populated than the surrounding lands for miles, suggesting the settlement has seen more death than life. Given the harsh conditions, many speculate that explorers or unfortunate travelers have perished here over the years, adding to the somber tone of the place.
- Graveyard's Mystique: Local rumors suggest the graveyard is haunted, with strange lights occasionally seen flickering between the graves on misty nights. Despite the eerie tales, the cemetery is one of the few consistent reminders of the settlement's history and the sacrifices of its early inhabitants.
A Hidden Landing Spot
Despite its dilapidated condition, Port Holkenborg has a singular advantage: its secluded location. Tucked away in a corner of Varak Bay, far from the more popular ports of Moog, it serves as a perfect landing spot for those seeking discretion. Smugglers, pirates, and explorers with secret agendas have long used the settlement as a way to enter the island without drawing the attention of local authorities.
Weather
Port Holkenborg is notorious for its foul weather, with the air being hot, muggy, and rainy for much of the year. Frequent rains drench the settlement, yet visitors often find that their clothes are already soaked from perspiration and the oppressive humidity, making it hard to even notice the rainfall. This oppressive climate discourages long stays, and most who land here prefer to resupply quickly and move on.
Legacy of Holkenborg
Though once the vision of an ambitious regent, Port Holkenborg now stands as a forgotten remnant of exploratory misfortune. Its graveyard is more populated than its huts, and the settlement's usefulness lies more in its secrecy than in any grand vision of prosperity. Yet, for those who know of it, Port Holkenborg remains a valuable asset to the island’s more unsavory visitors, offering a quiet, overlooked entry point into Moog's dangerous wilds.
