Hodgepocalypse Ontario: A Thousand Fragments - Part 5 - The Great Lakes - Part 1

From the Waves of the Hodgepcalypse, the Great Lakes region had transformed into a volatile flashpoint where the struggles of a world on the brink of collapse coalesced. What began as environmental crises and political tensions over dwindling freshwater resources escalated into a shadowy cold war between global superpowers, corporations, and rogue factions. Amid this turmoil, strange occurrences of magic and supernatural forces slowly surfaced, intertwined with the technological arms race for dominance. As powerful psionics, mutant factions, and secretive mage covens emerged, the balance between technology and magic reached a critical tipping point. 

The Great Lakes became a battleground, its waters hosting covert naval battles, piracy, and rogue experiments that destabilized the region further. When the Great Tear—a catastrophic event that unleashed raw magical energy—ripped open the boundary between the material and magical realms, it triggered the apocalyptic event known as the Hodgepocalypse. In the aftermath, the once-vital Great Lakes were forever altered, leaving a chaotic, shattered world where magic and technology clashed for supremacy, and new powers rose from the ashes to shape the future of humanity.

The Time Before

• The Great Lakes Federation: Canada and the U.S. form a joint defense pact over the Great Lakes region, creating the Great Lakes Federation (GLF) to manage resources, coordinate environmental recovery, and prepare for possible conflicts over freshwater.
• Rising Tensions with China and Russia: Both China and Russia covertly fund proxy factions in the region, seeking to influence local politics and exploit natural resources. Skirmishes occur, involving sabotage of water-treatment facilities and cyber-attacks on infrastructure.
• Technological Warfare: Quantum computing and AI-controlled drones become central to defense strategies. The militarization of the lakes intensifies, with naval bases and unmanned submarines patrolling the waters.
• Pollution Crisis: Microplastics and chemical pollutants accumulate despite efforts to clean the lakes. Algal blooms plague the waters, creating "dead zones" devoid of aquatic life. Desperate solutions, including nanotech bio-filters, are deployed but only slow the degradation.
• Mythological Awakening: Reports of strange, mythical occurrences in the Great Lakes—such as sightings of ancient lake monsters and supernatural weather phenomena—begin circulating. At first dismissed as superstition, these events grow increasingly frequent, hinting at magical forces stirring in the region.
• The "Silent War": Though not officially at war, various world powers continue covert operations in the Great Lakes region. Underwater espionage has become commonplace, with robotic submarines and drones deployed for surveillance. The GLF forms a naval defense fleet, while rogue factions pirate the waterways.
• The Occult Underground: Paranormal activity surges around sites like Isle Royale, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Mackinac Island. Ghost ships and mythical creatures are no longer just legends; they're actively encountered by sailors and adventurers. Secretive groups of mages, seers, and occultists gather in these places, preparing for a coming "great shift."

The Hodgepocalypse begins: 

The convergence of global conflicts, environmental collapse, and magical forces culminates in the Hodgepocalypse—an apocalyptic event triggered by the collapse of the rift in the Great Lakes. Magical energy floods the world, merging with technology in unpredictable ways. The Great Lakes become a battleground between surviving human factions, rogue AI, eldritch magic, and ancient forces. Massive storms, magical surges, and reality-warping events reshape the land, while ancient spirits and newly created beings rise to claim the waters

The Great Lakes in Ruins

• Islands of Power: Following the magical apocalypse, the islands of the Great Lakes become key strategic points, each with its own unique magical properties or resources.  
• Mythical Beasts Return: As magic saturates the Great Lakes, mythical creatures once believed extinct or imaginary, like lake monsters, return in full force, claiming dominion over various parts of the lakes and its islands.
• Endless Conflict: The Great Lakes become an eternal warzone, a fractured land of pirates, mages, and technocrats, where survival depends on mastering both technology and magic. The cold war never truly ends—it simply evolves into a new, chaotic reality.

The Five Great Lakes

All five Great Lakes have their own unique anomalies:

Lake Superior

Real-Life Fact: Cold Waters Preserve Shipwrecks – The waters of Lake Superior are incredibly cold, which slows decay and preserves many of the shipwrecks on the lakebed.

Hodgepocalypse Twist: Frozen in Time – After the Hodgepocalypse, Lake Superior’s icy waters have become unnaturally cold, trapping not just wrecks but also the souls of the dead in a state of preservation. Those who die in the lake remain suspended in time, neither fully dead nor alive, creating undead mariners who wander the shores or serve as guardians of ancient wrecks. The lake is rumored to be a gateway to a plane of eternal winter, where time flows differently, and magic related to ice and time can be harnessed by those brave enough to delve into its depths.

Lake Michigan

Real-Life Fact: Treacherous Waters and "The Chicago Bermuda Triangle" – The unpredictable weather and treacherous waves have caused countless shipwrecks and disappearances, with some linking it to the so-called Michigan Triangle.

Hodgepocalypse Twist: The Vanishing Waters – The Michigan Triangle has become a supernatural vortex after the Hodgepocalypse, causing entire ships, and even islands, to mysteriously disappear. The Triangle now distorts space and time, and those who sail into its waters may find themselves transported to alternate realities or trapped in a magical maze of shifting islands. Myths tell of ships that left Lake Michigan centuries ago, only to return in the present day, crewed by confused sailors who haven’t aged a day. Adventurers who dare explore these waters may uncover powerful dimensional magic or risk being lost in time.

Lake Huron

Real-Life Fact: The Graveyard of the Great Lakes – Lake Huron has claimed more shipwrecks than any other lake, particularly in its infamous Thunder Bay, where treacherous waters have caused many ships to meet their end.

Hodgepocalypse Twist: The Restless Graveyard – After the Hodgepocalypse, Thunder Bay has become a ghostly graveyard, where the shipwrecks stir to life at night. Ghost ships rise from the depths, crewed by phantom sailors reliving their final moments in endless loops. Thunderstorms over the bay are now charged with magical energy, causing the dead to rise from the lake and haunt the living. Travelers near the shore hear the eerie sounds of long-lost ships’ horns and sailors calling out through the mist. Those daring enough to explore these ghost wrecks may find cursed treasures or relics imbued with the power of the dead.

Lake Erie

Real-Life Fact: Shallow and Warm Waters – Lake Erie is the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes, prone to frequent storms and dangerous ice in winter.

Hodgepocalypse Twist: The Living Lake – Lake Erie’s warm, shallow waters have become infested with life—but not the kind people are used to. After the Hodgepocalypse, the lake developed an arcane ecosystem. The lake is now teeming with magical creatures, from enormous serpents to ethereal jellyfish that feed on the ley line energies crisscrossing the lake. At night, the lake glows faintly with bioluminescent magic, and it’s said the water itself has become sentient, shifting currents to protect or drown those it chooses. Mythical creatures, such as lake spirits or elemental beings, control its depths, and magical flora grows along its shores, creating potent alchemical ingredients.

Lake Ontario

Real-Life Fact: Lake Ontario, the smallest by surface area, is one of the deepest Great Lakes. Throughout history, it has seen its share of military battles, smuggling operations, and hidden treasures. Its waters have long held a reputation for concealing secrets beneath their surface.

Hodgepocalypse Twist: The Hallowed Gate – Following the Hodgepocalypse, Lake Ontario’s deep waters became the site of a mystical rift—a gateway to the Hallowed World, a strange, inside-out mirror dimension believed to be the origin of life on Earth. The rift pulses with eerie, otherworldly energy, allowing strange creatures and arcane magic to leak into the lake. The Hallowed World is a land of prehistoric beasts, reversed geography, and distorted natural laws, and the rift draws travelers and adventurers into its bizarre depths.

Islands of Note

Amherst Island

• Description. Amherst Island is a rugged, windswept isle, its shores lined with jagged rocks and dark forests that seem to whisper with unseen forces. The land is steeped in a sense of dread, and strange shadows flit among the trees. The heart of the island is dominated by an ancient graveyard, where an ever-burning candle stands atop the graves of those claimed by the curse. This eerie, supernatural flame never dims, flickering even in the heaviest rain. The sky above the island is perpetually overcast, and the air feels thick, as though the weight of the curse presses down on everything.

• Purpose. Amherst Island serves as a cursed location that adventurers and treasure seekers approach at their peril. It is said to hold ancient relics and untold wealth, but the price for such riches is steep encounters with the malevolent, ghostly presence that haunts the island. The island is also a dangerous waypoint for those traveling across the Great Lakes, as its cursed waters often pull ships off course, leading them into the island’s grip. The island’s cursed nature makes it a place of dark rituals and forbidden magic, attracting cultists and necromancers who seek to harness its power.

• Local Myths. The most feared legend of Amherst Island is the tale of The Demon of the Loyalists, a malevolent entity brought back from the Loyalists’ campaigns during the Revolutionary War. According to the myth, the Loyalists unknowingly unleashed the demon when they tried to bring back powerful artifacts to restore their fallen fortunes. The demon now resides on the island, its presence felt in the unnatural happenings that plague the land.

The Apostle Islands 

 

• Description. This cluster of islands has become notorious for its dangerous, shifting sands and unpredictable currents. The numerous shipwrecks around the islands have made them infamous as the "Graveyard of the Great Lakes."

• Purpose. An area avoided by most due to the high number of ghost ships and undead sailors that patrol the waters. However, daring adventurers sometimes attempt to recover lost cargo or search for ancient treasures rumored to be buried deep within the caves.

• Local Myths. The "Witch of the Apostles," a powerful sea witch or hag, is said to control the fog and currents, ensnaring ships to add to her ghostly fleet. She commands a host of undead minions and bargains with mortal visitors for a steep price.

Belle Isle 

 

• Description. Belle Isle, once a peaceful park in the Detroit River, is now a place of calm amidst the chaos. It is considered a sacred site by sea elf communities and is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.  It is the one point where the Detritians, and the Windsorites can meet for parley.

• Purpose. A sanctuary and diplomatic ground, where even pirates tread carefully. It is a neutral zone protected by powerful enchantments, where various factions come to negotiate peace or seek counsel from the sea elves.

• Local Myths. The "Guardian Spirit of the River," believed to be an ancient elemental or fey creature, watches over the island, maintaining its tranquility and repelling those with ill intent.

Bois Blanc Island 

 

• Description. Known for its dense fogs, rocky shores, and dangerous reefs, Bois Blanc Island serves as a temporary camp or hideout for pirates, raiders, and scavengers.

• Purpose. A staging ground for raids and an ideal location for secret meetings and clandestine activities. It is often used by pirate crews needing a temporary base while operating in the area.

• Local Myths. Stories speak of the "Fogwalker," a mysterious figure who moves through the mists, guiding lost souls back to their homes—or to their doom.

Devils Island

 

• Description. Devils Island is one of the striking Apostle Islands situated in Lake Superior, renowned for its rocky cliffs, lush forests, and rugged shorelines. Often enveloped in dense fog, the island presents an almost eerie landscape, where visibility can be reduced to mere feet, enhancing the sense of mystery and foreboding. Scattered throughout the island are towering stone monoliths, remnants of a bygone era, believed to be a part of a temple dedicated to an ancient giant said to have risen from the depths of the lake. The land boasts a unique vibrancy, with flora and fauna that thrive amidst the legends that hang heavy in the air. The one prominent structure left on the island is the historic lighthouse, a resilient sentinel that once guided sailors through treacherous waters, now serving as a symbol of the island's haunted legacy and rich history.

• Purpose. Devils Island serves as a nexus of ancient power, folklore, and the supernatural, beckoning adventurers and seekers of wisdom. The island functions as a site for exploration, where brave souls venture to uncover lost relics, gain insight into the mysterious giant, and confront the enigmatic forces that linger. It attracts those drawn to magic and ancient wisdom, as well as thrill-seekers seeking to connect with the uncanny. However, the island also stands as a cautionary tale, warning of the consequences of meddling with forces beyond human understanding.

• Plot Hook. The Giant of the Lake: Central to the lore of Devils Island is the tale of a giant who rose from the depths of Lake Superior, said to be a guardian of the waters and the ancient secrets buried within. The giant is described as a being of immense strength and wisdom, embodying the fury and beauty of nature. Those who visit the island may leave offerings at the monoliths, hoping to gain the giant's favor or insight into their quests

The Door Peninsula and Rock Island

 

• Description. The Door Peninsula, once known for its natural beauty, is now a rugged, overgrown place rich in rare herbs and medicinal plants. It is fiercely defended by a Rainmaker circle that has sworn to protect its resources from marauders.

• Purpose. A place sought by healers and alchemists for its unique flora. It is rumored to be a sacred place where the veil between the living and the dead is thin, and where ancient rituals are still performed.

• Local Myths. The "Green Warden," a Rainmaker protector who can control the plants and creatures of the island, is said to appear in times of need to defend the land against invaders.

Fishing islands.

 

• Description. The Fishing Islands are a bleak and mist-shrouded archipelago, their rocky shores battered by cold winds and crashing waves. The waters around them are treacherous, littered with the wrecks of ships lost to the unpredictable storms that plague the region. Fishermen avoid the area, whispering tales of eerie figures that wander the shores at night. Ruins of old fishing shacks and cabins dot the landscape, abandoned long ago, and a perpetual chill seems to cling to the air. The land is sparsely vegetated, with hardy grasses and gnarled trees clinging to the rocky soil, giving the islands an almost otherworldly appearance.

• Purpose. In the Hodgepocalypse, the Fishing Islands serve as a mysterious and dangerous region, perfect for those seeking occult knowledge, supernatural encounters, or the thrill of battling ancient creatures. The islands offer a wealth of secrets buried beneath their windswept surfaces—lost shipwrecks, forgotten treasures, and hints of long-abandoned rituals that may have given birth to the Wildman or summoned the lake’s monstrous denizens. However, the risks are immense, as the islands are plagued by both natural hazards and paranormal threats. They draw those looking to prove their mettle, treasure hunters chasing forgotten riches, or mages searching for arcane secrets hidden beneath the waves.

• Local Myths. The most notorious legend associated with the Fishing Islands is that of the Wildman of 1900. According to local lore, the Wildman was once a sailor who lost his mind after his crew was devoured by a mysterious sea creature. He survived, only to become something more than human. The Wildman is said to haunt the shores of the islands, his appearance marked by glowing eyes and a primal, beast-like demeanor. Those who seek him often return disoriented and changed, their minds broken by the encounter—or they vanish altogether, becoming part of the islands’ ghostly roster of lost souls.

Grand Island 

 

• Description. Grand Island, also known as the maw, is named for its jagged cliffs that rise sharply from the water, resembling the fangs of a massive beast. The island is believed to be the home of a ghost who commands both the waves and the dead.

• Purpose. A place shunned by most sailors, but occasionally visited by those seeking forbidden knowledge or dark power. The ghost  is known to trade favors, but his deals are often more costly than they first appear.

• Local Myths. A fur trapper named Jean LaSalle lived a solitary life on Grand Island, hunting beavers and trading pelts with passing voyageurs. As the fur trade declined, LaSalle refused to leave the island, convinced there was still a fortune to be found. He was last seen heading into the dense woods one winter, never to return. His abandoned cabin was found years later, with his traps reset and pelts hanging from trees, as if LaSalle had continued his work in death.  This is a ghost of the island and while not always hostile, you should always be wary.

High Island

 

• Description. High Island, located in the northern reaches of Lake Michigan, is characterized by its steep cliffs, dense forests, and hidden clearings. The island's terrain contrasts with the surrounding bodies of water, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that feels alive in eerie ways. Once known for its picturesque landscapes, High Island has transformed into a land shadowed by a dark mystery. Formerly home to artisanal fishermen and farmers, remnants of abandoned homesteads and dilapidated buildings now stand as haunting silhouettes. The most prominent feature is the imposing structure often referred to as the "Diamond House," a crumbling monument of grand aspirations that now acts as the headquarters of a secretive cult.

• Purpose. High Island serves as a place of deep intrigue and danger. It was once envisioned as a utopia—an idyllic community where individuals could escape the chaos of the outside world and reconnect with nature and each other. However, the utopian dream devolved into madness, giving rise to the Diamond House cult and its eccentric worshippers. The island has become a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corruption of idealism. Adventurers flock to the island, drawn by rumors of a powerful relic hidden within the remnants of the Diamond House, believed to grant immense power but at a terrible cost.

• Local Myths. The Diamond Relic: According to legend, the cult of the Diamond House unearthed an ancient relic during their quest for enlightenment, said to be an artifact of unimaginable power and wisdom. This relic is rumored to be buried within the island’s depths, guarded by supernatural forces that drive the cult's members to madness. Anyone attempting to claim the relic must face the trials set by its guardians, including delusions, nightmarish visions, and, ultimately, their own worst fears.

Isle Royale.

 

• Description. Formerly a national park, Isle Royale has been transformed into a stronghold for pirate factions. The dense forests and rocky shores make it ideal for hiding ships and conducting clandestine raids across the Great Lakes.

• Purpose. A major base for pirates, with a loose council of captains who enforce a harsh but fair code of law. It has a bustling black market where anything can be bought or sold, from ancient artifacts to the latest in scavenged technology.

• Local Myths. The island is said to be haunted by the spirits of miners who perished in the copper mines in centuries past. Ghostly apparitions sometimes appear, warning of impending doom or seeking revenge against the living.

Johnson’s Island

 

• Description. Johnson’s Island is a landscape where the past and present blend in unsettling ways. The island is littered with the decaying remnants of an amusement park, built atop the unmarked graves of Civil War prisoners. Rusted rollercoaster tracks wind through overgrown trees, while broken-down rides stand silent, their once-joyful appearance now a stark contrast to the island’s haunting atmosphere. In the island’s center lies the crumbling remains of the old prison camp, its foundations barely visible beneath the vines and rubble. The air is thick with an unnatural chill, and at night, eerie fog rolls in from the lake, bringing with it the sounds of spectral voices and the creak of long-abandoned rides.

• Purpose. Johnson’s Island serves as a grim reminder of the Hodgepocalypse’s ability to twist history into something more sinister. Once a place of both war and attempted entertainment, the island now acts as a cursed ground, haunted by the souls of those who perished in the prison camp and the amusement park that followed. It’s a place for treasure hunters, adventurers, and occultists, drawn by the legend of a hidden fortune guarded by the ghost of John Yates Beall. The island’s ruins offer countless opportunities for exploration, but they also carry significant dangers, both physical and supernatural. The decaying structures, combined with the presence of restless spirits, make this island a treacherous location where the lines between life and death blur.

• Local Myths. The most famous legend associated with Johnson’s Island is the tale of John Yates Beall, the Lake Erie pirate said to haunt the island. According to the myth, Beall was executed during the Civil War, but his spirit returned to the place where so many others perished unjustly. Locals believe that Beall, now a spectral guardian, watches over a hidden treasure buried beneath the old rollercoaster tracks. The treasure is said to include gold, weapons, and magical artifacts Beall had stolen during his time as a pirate, items that could grant great power to anyone who uncovers them. However, no one who has attempted to find the treasure has ever returned, fueling the belief that Beall’s ghost is actively protecting it.

Les Cheneaux Archipelago

 

• Description. The Les Cheneaux Archipelago is a stunning chain of islands nestled among the shimmering waters of Lake Huron, characterized by lush greenery, craggy shorelines, and hidden coves. The islands are small and varied in size, with some merely rocky outcrops while others boast dense woodlands and sandy beaches. Wild magic pulses through the channels that separate these islands, creating an ethereal atmosphere that often confuses the senses and distorts reality. As travelers navigate these waters, they may encounter mist-shrouded paths that lead to ancient ships drifting in time's current or stumble upon the ruins of fortresses long since reclaimed by nature.

• Purpose. Les Cheneaux serves as a mystical nexus where the boundaries of history and magic blur. It is a place for adventurers seeking forgotten knowledge or treasures, where time itself is non-linear, and the islands shift in and out of existence. Raiders and scavengers might flock to these waters, hoping to plunder the remnants of bygone eras. It also serves as a haven for magic users seeking to harness the wild energies found within the islands, as well as a refuge for those escaping the turmoil of the outside world. The archipelago is a place of conflict, exploration, and discovery, drawing in those with a thirst for adventure and the unknown.

• Local Myths. The Fortress of Whispers: Ruins from an ancient fortress, shrouded in mystery, are believed to house the voices of its long-dead defenders. Those who venture too close may hear echoes of past battles, warnings, or even receive cryptic guidance that leads them on unexpected journeys. It is said that those who heed the fortress's whispers may uncover treasures, but those who ignore its warnings could face dire consequences

Mackinac Island

 

• Description. Mackinac Island, once known for its historical sites and tourism, is now a neutral trading hub amidst the chaos of the Great Lakes. The island is famous for its skilled shipbuilders who can repair or retrofit any vessel.

• Purpose. Serves as a neutral ground where various factions, including pirates, scavengers, and local communities, come to trade, negotiate, and resupply. It's known for its horse-drawn vehicles and Victorian-era technology, blended with futuristic enhancements.

• Local Myths. The Ghost Fleet of Mackinac: Mackinaw’s history as a critical naval hub during the War of 1812 gives rise to stories of lost ships and sailors. Many ships sank in battles or in treacherous waters around the straits.  The ghost fleet might has returned as spectral pirates, preying on anyone who dares sail the lakes. The phantom ships, cShiprewed by undead sailors, could appear on foggy nights, driven by the dark magic that now surges through the region. These undead pirates might demand tribute from coastal settlements, becoming a recurring threat for survivors and adventurers in the area.

Main Duck Island

 

• Description. Main Duck Island is a rocky, treacherous isle surrounded by shipwrecks and wreckage from centuries past. The island’s shoreline is dotted with the hulking remains of old vessels, their masts poking through the mist like tombstones. Dense forests blanket the inland, concealing hidden pirate hideouts, old smuggling routes, and secret coves that make it a perfect base for lawless activity. At night, eerie lights flicker across the island, as if guiding vessels into Randall’s treacherous waters. The island is isolated, cut off from the mainland, accessible only to those who know the hidden routes through the dangerous reefs.

• Purpose. Main Duck Island serves as a pirate refuge, a gathering point for raiders, scavengers, and other lawless figures. The island is also a treasure trove of pre-apocalyptic technology and artifacts, hidden within shipwrecks and pirate stashes, making it a lure for adventurers and scavengers alike.

• Local Myths.  Legends tell of Harry Randall, a pirate captain with immortality granted by a dark pact, who commands an undead crew formed from the remains of shipwrecked sailors. Randall’s crew is said to be bound to him through arcane rituals, their bodies cobbled together from sunken ships and drowned men. Some whisper that Randall’s power is tied to a cursed treasure buried deep within the island, guarded by his crew and a sea spirit that ensures no one escapes with the loot. Another popular tale is of The Wraith Fleet, a ghostly armada of past shipwrecks that sails the waters around the island at night, trapping any vessel within a magical fog that leads to their doom.

Manitoulin Isle (Enchanted Haven)

 

• Description. Manitoulin Island, known as the "Enchanted Haven," sits atop a powerful leyline nexus that radiates supernatural energy. This convergence has turned the island into a vibrant yet eerie hub of magical activity, attracting practitioners of various arcane arts. One of its most infamous features is the Mounted Animal Nature Trail, a macabre exhibit of lifelike taxidermy creatures created by a necromancer named Gary. These creatures, preserved for tourists, are often animated through necromantic magic, wandering the trail with an unnatural presence that both fascinates and unsettles visitors.

• Purpose. The island serves as a sanctuary for those who seek to tap into its potent leyline energies, drawing in mages, druids, and psionics from around the world. For some, it is a place to study and experiment with raw magical power, while for others, it has become a center for occult gatherings and arcane research. The Mounted Animal Nature Trail initially aimed to be a unique tourist attraction, showcasing taxidermy in a mystical setting. However, it has evolved into a grim curiosity, with its undead creatures becoming a symbol of the island’s uncontrollable magical phenomena.

• Local Myths. The Awakening of the Trail: Legends say that when the Hodgepocalypse looms near, the creatures along the Mounted Animal Nature Trail will break free from Gary’s control, turning from a tourist oddity into an unstoppable army of undead. Locals whisper that these animated animals will roam the island, hunting down any who attempt to exploit the leyline nexus for selfish purposes.