The Captain's Log: 1010 LD

New Log, New Ship, Nearly a New Year

Zule, 4th of Red Hearth, 1009LD

Normally a Captain waits for the new year to close out a Log before opening another, but in light of the damage done to the old book, here is a new one.

The Debtless has been a good ship, but the damage it took makes it no longer seaworthy. My options for a new ship were limited and I have settled on a small, rebuilt pirate corvette. She has been christened Barracuda. This should prove seaworthy enough to get us back to Ostr’Haus to fix Malcom’s pact, and then back to Foriedy where more options should be available. Marissa made a statement of intent to buy the ship from me once we are back to Foriedy.

The Debtless was put to rest a mile off of the shores of Darigad with the permission of the City’s port authority. Thanks for the journey old girl, your spirit is free to sail other waters.

Marissa Possessed

Luce, 8th of Red Hearth, 1009LD

Marissa is possessed by an Ephryn spirit called Yhasta. Some level of possession was suspected, but I did not have any real proof until Alenka confided in me that Marissa and Lea needed my blood. Marissa apparently gave Alenka a bladder bag designed to keep raw materials. A container designed for holding my blood I suspect.

I spoke with Keeper Agis, servant of Demuen within the Scarlet Order regarding my suspicions that something was in control of her. He seemed to think it was demonic possession and came directly to the ship to perform an exorcism. His attempt failed and only made Marissa angry. She stormed off the ship so I decided to confront her directly along with Alenka, Lea, and Raul. She accused me of not coming directly to her to confront her initially, so I played her game and asked her about the bladder bag. She avoided the question until Lea and Alenka asked about Yhasta who then revealed herself.

The ghost seems to think I need to spill my blood over some sigil to awaken a bunch of dead Ephryn warriors. It seems that Raul and Tan Re Shii have been assisting it as well, though admittedly neither of them were aware any harm might come to the crew as a whole. They likely know more than they have let on and I will have someone I trust - Gregory - get the information out of them. Lea and Alenka are compromised for the time being.

We will aid this spirit only so we can get it the hell off my ship. It also seems that Marissa is in some control of her own actions and has been despite the possession. She claims to have lost all trust she had with me and claims she will be leaving when this is resolved.

Slim Pickins and No More Ghost

Maxas, 7th of Dawntide, 1010LD

For all the hassle involved in getting into the sunken tomb on Eliquary Island, I find the ‘spoils’ we have gotten to be rather limited. A bowl full of gems that while shiny have little value, under which was a small locked but rotten wooden chest holding some simple trinkets. Whatever debt I had with this Ephryn ‘Matriarch’ damn well better be repaid now because I risked the lives of my crew for it, and the opportunity to rid us of the ghost Yhasta.

Marissa no longer appears to be possessed, though I am only getting information second hand. The Barracuda is a small boat but Marissa has proven adept at avoiding me, or any meaningful dialog since we left Darigad. Not that I wanted to talk to her while she had a ghost riding around in her head. She kept to her duties and didn’t cause any trouble on the voyage over, and even offered some assistance while we worked our way past the traps inside the Ephryn tomb. I’m not sure what I going to do about her…

No one was hurt, which is more than I could ask for. We encountered an Avatar of Iro, supposedly some offshoot of the evil god of death Surdem or some other. It left us alone after giving us one hell of a scare. Now we can get the out of here. And good riddance at that. I’ve had it with all of this Wayward crap.

• Captain’s Note: No more Ephryn aboard my boat. Raul and Tan Re Shii will be the first and last exceptions.

She Left

Ouras, 11th of Dawntide, 1010LD

Marissa left. She won’t be coming back.

Until We Meet Again

Ouras, 11th of Dawntide, 1010LD

We took on a new cabin girl today, miss Jenny Kincade. Alenka tells me that the girl is nine years old, and I suspect that we are giving her an opportunity to be more than menial labor for Condor Rock’s infrastructure.

We set sail to test our special cargo and discovered a pirate vessel intent on following us. A great storm rose that I chose to use to our advantage and pressed Raul to sail into it. The dragon was unexpected. It struck in the midst of the roughest patch, spitting lightning across the deck of the ship. No major injuries to report though Alenka’s logs will show more if needed. I ordered the crew to lay low as we tried to keep the Barracuda from capsizing in the waves. The dragon turned its attention to the pirates when they tried to defend themselves. Sounds of their battle carried even over the winds.

To our amazement, and likely our saving grace, several water elementals appeared and seemed to be keeping the ship afloat. One of the elementals came aboard the ship, and had I not been there I would have a hard time believing that it washed over us without causing us hard. The event was not any that I have seen recorded. We chose to remain passive the entire time which is likely what kept us alive.

In the aftermath of the storm we found the wreckage of the pirate ship. We set about assisting any survivors to shore. Mercy separates us from the animals. Their captain Gretel Bloodblade showed her appreciation for the act by turning over a treasure map, but maintained a veiled threat that she and hers would still be coming for the treasure and we would be treated as an opponent should we cross paths. Nevertheless, I intend to check it out.

Many of our supplies were damaged by seawater, forcing us to return to Condor Rock to resupply. Iley Rose fled from the ship upon docking, claiming that she was cursed and clearly a Praff. Malcom followed her promising to keep her safe. I suspect that our former cabin girl needs to find herself. Malcom swore he will help her find her way, and when the time is right they will return. To our friends who have recently set out on their own journeys, I bid you the best until we meet again.

Shock and Awe

Veras, 15th of Dawntide, 1010LD

Testing of the special cargo has been completed upon the shores of Thunder Bay. It is without a doubt a powerful weapon. Now the question is whether to keep it for a rainy day, or sell it? Some mention has been made that the world may not even be ready for it and we should ensure that it become lost at sea. I am certain that we could make a king's bounty, or even several king’s bounties worth if we sold it. Alenka believes that she can accurately replicate the powder that makes it function, so we should have little problem fueling it as necessary.

Oceanic Anomaly

Veras, 29th of Dawntide, 1010LD

We were suddenly caught in a strange current today. It has been marked on the map so that warnings can be provided to other travelers. The current spans about 230 yards and rotates in a full circle, much like a whirlpool. Though slow moving, it took incredible effort to pull free from the waters. Inspection of the Barracuda revealed that the mollusks usually found growing on the bottom of the ship had been scraped off with obvious force, enough to leave scratch marks on the surface wood. Alenka and Gregory experimented with a buoy that vanished after sitting in the center of the pool. Lea was the one that noticed it was gone. Alenka is doing further studies of water samples that she took from the water, but I have denied any closer investigation. Whatever this is, I believe it to be dangerous.

Attack on Piruen Reach

Gevras, 3rd of Springtide, 1010LD

We have survived an encounter with the notorious undead that plague the Halim’Ra Isles. Last night Kyras spotted a large fire coming from the Island. This morning we were able to confirm this from the ruins of a small village. We set out to look for survivors, but we found an ambush instead. The dead of village rose from the waters and marched onto the beach. Along with them rose a great turtle that would have carried the new army away.

Being caught off guard, things would not have ended well had it not been for the quick thinking of Tan Re Shi. She navigated the ship into range of the turtle and then ordered the crew to fire on it with the cannon. It was the break we needed, though not before we were able to subdue the undead leader, a corpse woman who Gregory quickly interrogated. The information we got from the creature was fairly useless and Raul chose to finish it off with the scye he took from the Ephyrn tomb. As the blade touched the curse flesh of the undead, the ghost of the thing was swept up into the blade. When I asked Raul about it, he shrugged and indicated that to the best of his knowledge the creature was permanently vanquished. I can’t say I approve of Ephyrn voodoo, but being able to put the dead to rest for good puts my heart at ease.

With the threat of the undead put to rest we will pursue the contents of the treasure map taken from Gretel Bloodblade. It appears that we are close. According to Kiera there was a river mouth several miles up the beach from here. We will find out soon if it matches the description on the map.

The Pure Waters

Gevras, 3rd of Springtide, 1010 LD

It would seem that we hadn’t found enough adventure with the dead, so we took on an elemental too, only after bringing a dwarf aboard. The dwarf appears to have been a survivor, likely the only one, of the village that was attacked. We brought him to safety, and it sounds like his is willing to help us as we journey. After discussing our options with the other Officers it was decided that we would venture up one of the river’s on Piruen Reach that best matched the description on the treasure map. Gregory and Raul brought us to a point on the river where three streams converged, pouring into a basin. The waterfalls made an intense fog that we quickly determined to be unnatural. Gregory and Kiera explored above the falls and determined the best location to approach the treasure would be from up high. It all went wrong from there.

Gregory and Keira descended into the mist and became trapped within the vortex of what I can only assume was a Mist Elemental. Kiera was able to free herself and Raul recklessly leaped into the creature intending to help. It may have been poor judgement on my part, but I climbed down the rope we had dropped intending to help where I could. It may have worked it Leah hadn’t slipped, sending us both into the vortex where I remember only a blur of swirling water and bubbles. Then it was over. The creature was gone and the fog began to clear.

Gregory found an enchanted anchor that may have been maintaining a magical barrier around the treasure. Once he removed it Raul was able to retrieve several necklaces that will require further study to understand. More interesting was the water around the falls. It seems to have restorative properties, but Lea was wary of it claiming legends about such waters often refer to victims falling to rapid aging. We took a few samples, but I am going to make sure it stays regulated. Lea had some sort of episode while on the island as well. She will be ordered to rest while Alenka and I ensure that she is alright.

Resupply at Darigad

Zule, 14th of Springtide, 1010LD

We have landed at Darigad for resupply. The crew has been given a gag order regarding the cannon, and to ensure that even fewer opportunities for loose lips occur, only a handful of officers will be allowed off of the ship.

Imras, 15th of Springtide, 1010LD

We are still at Darigad. I am taking this opportunity to grant a bit of ‘On Ship’ rest to the crew while the Officers inventory the treasury. There is a lot of talk going on about how we should use what we have. We will sell the elven swords, and a number of other supplies. I will be informing the crew shortly about what I have decided. Lea will be assigned to sell everything.

Ouras, 16th of Springtide, 1010LD

Still here. Lea sold everything and then tried to disappear. Sounds like stress is becoming an issue, but she came back to the ship this morning seeming better composed if that makes sense. I will be keeping an eye on her until we reach Foriedy. After Marissa, any changes in behavior must be suspect. Gregory and Tan Re Shi will be ordered to remain vigilant as well. The resupply is complete. We set sail today.

We Have Returned to Foriedy

Maxas, 3rd of Greentide, 1010 LD We have landed and are docked at the Corvosa Shipyard. The stupid gnome has been in contact with Gregory, and it looks like I owe him now. He said the docks were under the authority of a new aspiring House called Asteres and it seems from everything I have heard that they are fairly liberal when declaring goods contraband. Just what the dockside needed… It seems that Asteres is competing with another group called Fimton Shipping over the open Consulate Seat. Too bad I don’t have the coin right now to contribute. House Endili has a nice ring to it.

The Halodwell Carnival

Veras, 4th of Greentide, 1010LD

Miranda clued us in that there is a carnival in town. Lea and Alenka are convinced that this would be a great opportunity to get the kids out to see something new. I think it is more of an excuse for them to educate Jenny or see what kind of crazy ideas spout out of her mouth. She’s a smart one. Alenka has begun school sessions while we are at the Manor for the benefit of the younger crew.

The festival itself was all the distraction I could have hoped for, but I am discovering that adventure finds us if we aren’t looking for it. Lea was attacked after hours. It seems that she thought there was a fellow ‘kin’ of hers being abused in the House of Horrors. She said it was a massive Ephryn that assaulted her, and stabbed her, and then used blood magic on her. She believes that she is cursed, and can feel a tug where the wound is. I don’t know anything about blood magic, but I guarantee it’s not good. She is going to rest tonight and then see if she is better in the morning.

Lea thinks the curse will allow the Ephryn to find her. She is usually right about these kinds of things, so I am posting a watch throughout the night. I may also need to force a buddy system whenever anyone goes out to keep this kind of thing from happening.

Cutting Our Losses

Zule, 5th of Greentide, 1010LD

Everything is going wrong. Or right in some ways I suppose, since I’m writing in the Log still rather that rotting in a cell. Missives came in this morning for Alenka and me. Gregory got one too but luckily it came from a friend of his and not some impending crisis.

Alenka’s message was from The Alchemist, or Kelsey something or other. She’s got to be the one behind the drug mess. Alenka claims to feel some responsibility over her actions. She doesn’t. It isn’t her problem, but I have been unable to convince her there. The written message requested that Alenka meet K.D. at a dockside tavern to discuss alchemy. I don’t trust The Alchemist and have ordered Gregory and as much muscle as I could pull to go down there with her. They aren’t back yet. If I have to I’ll march over to Xemnon and send an army to retrieve them damn it.

We have lost the “bell” to House Corvosa. The crew on the ship were taken into custody and brought to the Sunguard Edifice to await my arrival. Tan Re Shii was able to send only a short message; she and Raul are currently trying to get the orcs out of Corvosa’s brig. It seems they ran when Corvosa boarded the ship and demanded that the crew stand down.

A writ was presented ordering the search of the ship. I sought out Great House Xemnon for council about the whole thing, so I was able to get the information on the writ. Asteres wanted to get the ship inspected after they saw us dock and apparently paid out because the consulate signed allowing them to move on us. Corvosa stopped them short and oversaw the inspection which lead them to the “bell” where they found combustible materials. I negotiated with Myranda Corvosa, and Lea (I owe Lea something fun) but I wasn’t really hold any cards. I got the impression it was more a courtesy to use for having some good rep on the island.

Corvosa will remove our record and exile the bell to ensure that it does no harm. Corvosa will outfit me with a ship as well, to my specifications. It hasn’t been a good day, but I am willing to cut my losses and keep what I can. I hope Alenka’s mission is going well...

I want it officially noted here that I fully believe Kelsey DeMaria to be The Alchemist regardless of what she claims. According to Alenka, the meeting between DeMaria and the crew went well. It was a cordial introduction and resulted in the return of Alenka’s journals. Gregory is certain that the whole event was a setup to make Alenka the fall man. Alenka was advised to destroy the journals but chose not to, citing that they represent years of research and study that she couldn’t simply recreate. She found a message in one of the books that she is trying to decode.

A Meeting

7th of Greentide, 1010LD

Munthalk and I had a meeting with House Xemnon. I believe that it was productive and has provided me with an opportunity to repay my debt to them. I will include the details of this meeting at a later date.

An Invitation to the Opera

8th of Greentide, 1010LD

Alenka decoded the message left by DeMaria and determined its content to be dangerous. The message left an invite for an Opera that is being performed tonight. Despite our warnings, Alenka has expressed that she still intends to seek out DeMaria, and I can’t allow something bad to happen to my crew. We (Lea, Alenka, Gregory, Munthalk, and myself) intend to attend the play and see if we can’t confront her.

The 12th Witching Hour

9th of Greentide, 1010LD

That was one of the dullest plays that I have needed to endure. The story could have been told in 2 Acts, or maybe not at all since the main character died at the end. Dumb.

Alenka had her seat paid for (a 2nd floor booth) by the Alchemist and they talked the entire time while the rest of us sat below. Gregory and Lea took turns harassing them, and Lea was able to confirm that the Ephryn DeMaria keeps as a bodyguard was the one who attacked her. They are lucky they got out of there before we could act. I can’t have someone attacking my crew like that.

Lea has been taking the whole event especially hard and threw something of a jealous fit when she knew Alenka and DeMaria were enjoying themselves. The Alchemist left the door open to a collaboration between herself and Alenka, but to my relief Alenka has stated that she doesn’t think any such cooperation would be to anyone’s benefit, beyond probably DeMaria herself.

I don’t trust the woman and it would be best if Alenka put this behind her. Gregory has already suggested that we turn her over to Xemnon, but we are still lacking any solid evidence. It may be possible to use this proof of concept that she gave Alenka as evidence, but Alenka already expressed doubt due to her inability to break it down to us. If she couldn’t explain it to her own crew, it would only be an uphill battle explaining it to a guard. It’s too early. I have order everyone to bed.

Keeping Secrets

17th of Greentide, 1010LD

I would like to keep this record in one piece, but this entry may need to be removed. I intentionally waited to create a record of recent events. Secrecy, even from the crew was warranted. At least that is what I believed. We were misinformed, I know that now. You’d think that I’d be give all of the details for a mission. Information can mean the difference between success and failure. Perhaps we were set up.

Munthalk and I met with the heads of House Xemnon, and took on a mission to repay the debt that I owed. I don’t know what I was thinking. It was a gamble, and I don’t know if it will ever pay off now. Zephom Vale asked me to help him get the Banefire Ark off of the island, and I agreed. The job occurred on the 14th, but the leadup wasn’t without its own trials.

Lea and Kiera have been troublesome of late. Defying orders, fortunately not in front of the bulk of the crew. They went drinking and in their drunkenness they disrupted Alenka’s lab within the mansion. Lea claims that Alenka is acting like a bad friend because of her fixation with the Alchemist. I ordered them to sleep off their stupor, but they snuck out to turn in Kelsey DeMaria to House Corvosa and House Xemnon.

Raul informed me that DeMaria’s companion is his grandfather, possessed by a demon. I don’t know when he went off to meet with this demon, but he did it alone. Also in defiance of my orders that no one goes out alone. Can’t anyone listen!? It isn’t that hard and will keep us all safe. Apparently the demon teleported Raul out of the sewers, so the Ark’s magic doesn’t work on demons. We’ll have to keep watch on Lea in case the demon comes for her, but she hasn’t complained about her injury lately. Raul also mentioned that the gang presence in the sewers are outfitting themselves with mechanical suits. I’d leave this godforsaken island if we didn’t have friends still here.

Gregory thinks the same. He met with Tydel and tried to get more information but that didn’t get us any further. He then informed the temple of Demuen about Raul’s demon claim and they pretty much blew him off. What good are any of the authorities here? They don’t listen or bother with anyone except their own gold laden pockets. I don’t care anymore. Especially now.

So we set sail on the night of the 13th and met up with a ghost ship that carried us back to the island. From there we entered a cave per the instructions we received but we weren’t the only ones who arrived. Another group of adventurers were there, who have been quite cooperative since the event went down, but in the moment they were our enemy. Alenka discovered Zephom Vale there as well, poisoned by an Assassin. She slowed the poison, and without his assistance serving as a distraction we would all be dead.

We engaged in a short skirmish with the the other adventuring party but our bout was interrupted by an Assassin claiming to be with the House of Knives. Vale stepped in and ordered us to extract the Ark, which we did. Gregory hauled the ark, and some of the injured members of the other group while Vale kept the assassin at bay. We safely rendezvoused with the Barracuda and set sail along with the Ark, Pasquit, and a group of adventurers with untested loyalties. Turns out they were ok, and certainly the least of our problems.

The Ark should have been an easy thing to haul. We were instructed to keep a rotating watch on it, and when it asks where is you respond that it is In the Vault of Sacrifice. I don’t quite know when things broke down, but they did and it quickly went downhill. The damn Ark can talk into your head streaming constant nonsense for hours. No clue how they managed 9 hour shifts in the Vault without going insane.

We decided to increase the frequency of our shift rotations and added a second person to sit in with the Ark in order to distract it from talking to just one person. As it turns out, that doesn’t work as it can hold multiple conversations at once…

Munthalk was the first to lose himself, attacking barrels of water claiming they needed to be destroyed. Others soon followed. I had them chained until we could prove whatever mind control that held them had passed. One of them burned all of the maintenance supplies on the ship, including the spare sails. Thankfully the ship is still in one piece, but we will be in trouble if any repairs are needed.

Just as sudden was the collapse of the Ark. It melted into blood around us (Alenka has a sample for study) and served as a conduit to allow a minion of Immorashi to board the ship by what could only have been teleportation. At least that proves that teleporting works again… We fought the creature off, but it left us a parting message. “She is coming”

Damn it, I need to understand this magic stuff.

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