If the isle of Aeternum is known for anything, it is mysteries.

Indeed, the island itself is the grandest mystery of all – located somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, protected by the ever-churning Stormwall. While people from seemingly all ages and regions find their way here eventually, so too do many of the animals native to each corner of the Earth. At this point in time, it is highly likely that adventurers have encountered most of them. But there are rumors of another, more hidden creature.

To whit, and of late, a certain Dr. Aenwyn has been raising much ado throughout the settlements (even as far north as the outposts of Shattered Mountain) about a “Grate Discovery To Rival All Known Discoverys”. Her atrocious spelling aside, the volume of her voice does make this pronouncement intriguing.

A new animal? Here, on Aeternum? And yet, located exactly where…?

Everywhere, she claims! She has supposedly seen not one hippopotamus, but rather myriad hippopotamuses of every shape and size roaming freely the island. The descriptions do make the mind boggle, question her sanity, and – dare we say – pique an interest most profoundly. Even saying the word feels a kind of magic after listening to one of her presentations. Hippopotamus. Hippopotamus! How utterly fascinating they must be! Within those five syllables is contained a bizarre and majestic world that may, perhaps, outshine what strange things have already been chronicled in Aeternum.

Yet where there is new knowledge, there will surely be skepticism. Bystanders were quoted as having said, after leaving her talk in a huff when she refused to answer even basic questions from the audience:

“That just sounds like a bear!”

And: “We need proof!”

As well as: “Is she actually even a doctor, does she have a valid certificate, and is it from an accredited institution at all?”

Undeterred by dwindling listeners, including the occasional growing mob, Dr. Aenwyn continues onwards. You may spy her out in the fields of Everfall, down in the muck of Reekwater, or squatting atop a dune in Brimstone Sands with the most curiously pensive expression imaginable. She squints. She wonders.

Is that an uncatalogued, as-yet undiscovered breed of hippopotamus over yonder?

Off she dashes, pursuing her dream again with a passion that – if it cannot truly be understood – can certainly be appreciated. This will surely be a lifelong quest for the good doctor, but the mystery of hippos on Aeternum may never truly be solved in even our eternal lifetimes.

Wow, a real hippo! I can bearly believe we found one in just under 1,000 days. Continue your adventurers across Aeternum with your very own Hippo Burley mount, available now through the in-game Store.

We had to ask ourselves how to take this fun idea and blend it into the style and look of New World: Aeternum, where as of yet, hippos do not exist. That kernel led us to have a little extra fun with this mount. If you decide to get it, I hope it will bring a smile to your face (as it does for us) when you're running around on a giant bear in a hippo costume.

We were looking to hit something entertaining and ridiculous with the hippo bear design. We explored a few different stylized options before trying a couple costumed ideas, as we wanted to push the comedy and turn this item into something players would really get a kick out of putting on their mount. In the end we settled on a costume made of stuffed, baggy cloth stitched together, that would sit awkwardly on the bear but not obscure it.

Where will your search for hippos take you next? Thanks for your support and we’ll see you in Aeternum.

Nov 06 2024

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