Gnome Empire BREAKING NEWS: Emperor's Royal Visit- Ocracoke Island

This is one of six posts documenting our week on Ocracoke Island (March 31–June 6), each highlighting a different part of our journey.

Click/ tap here for a linked list of all 6.

Editor’s Introduction: In October 2024, we began reporting on the activities of the infamous Gnome Empire, ruled by the malevolent Lord Emperor Wilson, located in the southern region of the continent Tampa on the distant planet Florida.

Far from the Gnome Empire lies a tiny continent on the distant planet of North Carolina. This secluded landmass, Ocracoke Island, has long served as a favorite summer escape for the Empire’s human subjects. This year, Lord Emperor Wilson braved planetary travel to grace the island with a royal visit. Our intrepid news team accompanied the Emperor’s entourage to capture every moment of this historic occasion.

Three whimsical gnome figurines wearing colorful hats and sunglasses, decorated with various pins, sit in front of a wooden sign that reads 'WINE TASTING DAILY.' A grape-shaped drink container is on the left, and a postcard featuring a lighthouse is on the right. — Lord Emperor Wilson was accompanied by his cronies, George to the left and Jimmy in the center.

**Useless information**:
Jimmy is named after the late, GREAT Jimmy Buffett.
George got his name, well, because everything is named George.
And everyone knows the Lord Emperor is named after a certain famous volleyball.

Three women posing in front of the 'Welcome to Ocracoke Island' sign, featuring vibrant colors and coastal themes. — The Emperor and his loyal entourage relied on pack minions to transport them around the island.

In a rare display of benevolence, the Emperor permitted the faithful pack minions to believe they were in charge, even bestowing upon them distinguished names: Ruth, Jodi, and Denise.

First stop: visiting a favorite hangout…

The Emperor’s human subjects have been eating… and drinking… at Howard’s since the late 70’s. There may have been multiple visits during this journey.

Three women standing in front of a colorful sign for Howard's Pub on Ocracoke Island, NC, each holding a plush toy.

Exterior view of Howard's Pub on Ocracoke Island, featuring two double doors, a sign indicating the establishment, and three people standing on the deck. — The Emperor and cronies await the Royal Welcoming ceremony. The pack minions waited patiently outside.

The Royal Island Carriage…

Three women sitting in a golf cart on a sunny day, with greenery and a beach in the background. One woman is laughing, while the others show surprised expressions.

A mandatory government visit…

Colorful stuffed figures sitting on top of the Hyde County Sheriff's Office sign, which features a star-shaped badge with the text 'SHERIFF C.M. CAHOON' and illustrations of local landmarks. — Lord Emperor Wilson may have been heard saying, “I am, as usual, above local law enforcement.”

In search of the island’s holy grail…

Ocracoke Island is renowned for its iconic lighthouse, constructed between 1822 and 1824 to guide sailors safely through the Ocracoke Inlet. The Ocracoke Light ranks among the oldest operating lighthouses in the United States and is the oldest still operating in North Carolina. Today, fishing, ferry, and pleasure boats glide past its watchful gaze, while the inlet remains as challenging and shoal-ridden as ever. The historic beacon continues its steadfast vigil, ensuring mariners’ safety.

Small models of the Light are scattered throughout the village…

A rustic lighthouse-style structure with a rounded base, featuring colorful decorative figures on top, surrounded by trees and grass.

A small lighthouse figurine surrounded by colorful dolls and rocks, with a house and trees in the background.

Two decorated shells with lighthouse drawings on either side of a square piece of material. — Small painted seashells depicting the lighthouse.

Finally, the famous lighthouse itself hosts Lord Emperor Wilson…

A tall white lighthouse reaching towards a blue sky, with a sign in the foreground and decorative items at its base.

Bringing his benevolence and blessings to a Grand Reopening…

The Jolly Roger Pub & Marina long stood as a fixture on Ocracoke Island’s Silver Lake Harbor. Established by the Wrobleski family in 1987, it welcomed generations of locals and visitors alike—until disaster struck and its remarkable revival began.

In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian battered Ocracoke Island, unleashing a massive storm surge that inundated the village and destroyed the Jolly Roger. For years, the site remained a silent ruin, closed off from the community it once served.

In late summer 2025, the property was acquired for $4.1 million. The new owners immediately launched an ambitious restoration, rejuvenating both the Jolly Roger and the motel across the street.

On June 5, 2026, after nearly seven years shuttered, the Jolly Roger Pub & Marina made its triumphant return—timed perfectly with the Lord Emperor’s visit on June 6.

Lord Emperor Wilson told our reporters,