Saturday, January 31, 2004
Telimos' Journal, issue 5
Day 181 - We encountered a wreck in the Floatsom sea. Searching it we not only found much gold and silver, but a finely crafted rapier as well! So many amazing things have been lost in that dismal sea...
Day 183 - Sails on the horizon. We evaded them, as always.
Day 184 - We've arrived in brigand Bay. Many of the freed slaves from the Coaker mines departed here. Spent some time in port, explored the wonders of the black market. Came across a masthead that was enchanted to render a ship proof from storms...Aquilikae seemed to think it could cause a ship to fly as well, but the energies that flowed within it were clearly aligned to earth, not wind...
Day 187 - Sails on horizon. Evaded.
Day 188 - We almost ran aground today. Thankfully, Pete was able to save the ship, but it demonstrated to us that we were perhaps a bit off course. I trust Pete will not let such happen again in the future.
Day 189 - Encountered a merchant vessel, the Moon Runner, captained by a Masquani named Keri Kal. They had been attacked by pirates, and needed sailcloth to be able to effect repairs to continue to the nearest port. We were happy to help out, and they gave as a small sum in payment as well. I must admit I was suspicious when I first saw them hailing us, but it is a comfort to know there are honest folks riding the waves as well - we just don't run into them as often!
We arrived in Bluth's Crown this day as well. Manuel and Louis were glad to be home. Manuel gave over El Vampiro, the life-drinking sword, as promised. It is a magnificent if terrifying blade. I trust we have friends in Bluth's Crown if we ever return there again.
Day 190 - Left Bluth's Crown for Azy Cay.
Day 191 - Arrived in Azy Cay. Trading was done by those more capable than me.
Day 193 - Swindon. More trading.
Day 194 - Spotted, and evaded, sails. Arrived in Bristo.
Day 195 - Lanos.
Day 196 - Arrived in Baltimus at last! Strangely, I have almost begun to regard the city as home, despite the time spent away from it. It will do the crew good to rest, relax, and unwind - we have spend a fair amount of time on the open sea of late.
Day 197 - Approached the British East India company about the offer they'd previously given us - the participate in a military venture. They were very mysterious about it, but promised we likely wouldn't need to get very involved in combat unless we wished, they'd pay us 500 pieces of eight per unit of cargo we carried for them, and if we showed ourselves well in the fighting we might receive a Letter of Marque! With the famous Admiral Duckworth commanding the expidition, we felt confidant in our choice - we would aid the East India Company in this venture. We sail in a week.
Day 205 - We've spent the past while gathering supplies, and recruiting marines, true fighting men for our ship. Aquilikae is beginning to feel like a true officers of marines once again, I believe, although our men are sadly uniformly lacking in capability to master the elements. We set out today in the company of a fleet of the East India Company on an adventure...
Day 215 - After 10 days of sailing, our destination has become clear - Brigandy Bay. I write this in the early hours of the morning as the ships glide silently through the mist towards that wretched hive of scum and villainy. The gun ports are doubtless being opened in preparation for a surprise bombardment as I write this. I am needed on deck. With luck, I will return to complete this account.
Day 183 - Sails on the horizon. We evaded them, as always.
Day 184 - We've arrived in brigand Bay. Many of the freed slaves from the Coaker mines departed here. Spent some time in port, explored the wonders of the black market. Came across a masthead that was enchanted to render a ship proof from storms...Aquilikae seemed to think it could cause a ship to fly as well, but the energies that flowed within it were clearly aligned to earth, not wind...
Day 187 - Sails on horizon. Evaded.
Day 188 - We almost ran aground today. Thankfully, Pete was able to save the ship, but it demonstrated to us that we were perhaps a bit off course. I trust Pete will not let such happen again in the future.
Day 189 - Encountered a merchant vessel, the Moon Runner, captained by a Masquani named Keri Kal. They had been attacked by pirates, and needed sailcloth to be able to effect repairs to continue to the nearest port. We were happy to help out, and they gave as a small sum in payment as well. I must admit I was suspicious when I first saw them hailing us, but it is a comfort to know there are honest folks riding the waves as well - we just don't run into them as often!
We arrived in Bluth's Crown this day as well. Manuel and Louis were glad to be home. Manuel gave over El Vampiro, the life-drinking sword, as promised. It is a magnificent if terrifying blade. I trust we have friends in Bluth's Crown if we ever return there again.
Day 190 - Left Bluth's Crown for Azy Cay.
Day 191 - Arrived in Azy Cay. Trading was done by those more capable than me.
Day 193 - Swindon. More trading.
Day 194 - Spotted, and evaded, sails. Arrived in Bristo.
Day 195 - Lanos.
Day 196 - Arrived in Baltimus at last! Strangely, I have almost begun to regard the city as home, despite the time spent away from it. It will do the crew good to rest, relax, and unwind - we have spend a fair amount of time on the open sea of late.
Day 197 - Approached the British East India company about the offer they'd previously given us - the participate in a military venture. They were very mysterious about it, but promised we likely wouldn't need to get very involved in combat unless we wished, they'd pay us 500 pieces of eight per unit of cargo we carried for them, and if we showed ourselves well in the fighting we might receive a Letter of Marque! With the famous Admiral Duckworth commanding the expidition, we felt confidant in our choice - we would aid the East India Company in this venture. We sail in a week.
Day 205 - We've spent the past while gathering supplies, and recruiting marines, true fighting men for our ship. Aquilikae is beginning to feel like a true officers of marines once again, I believe, although our men are sadly uniformly lacking in capability to master the elements. We set out today in the company of a fleet of the East India Company on an adventure...
Day 215 - After 10 days of sailing, our destination has become clear - Brigandy Bay. I write this in the early hours of the morning as the ships glide silently through the mist towards that wretched hive of scum and villainy. The gun ports are doubtless being opened in preparation for a surprise bombardment as I write this. I am needed on deck. With luck, I will return to complete this account.
Telimos' Journal, issue 4
Day 138 - We've spent the past several days in Paltos, trying to find out more information about the mines and where the prisoner might be. No luck. We've decided to drop a landing party on the island, let them search, with the ship returning at scheduled intervals in case the party returns with the freed prisoner. It's a risky plan, but it appears we have few alternatives.
Day 152 - A landing party consiting of myself, Aquilikae, Serenity, Karn and Manuel set foot on Coaker isle today. We're venturing inland to try and find mining camps.
Day 153 - We found a small mining camp in the mountains. A couple of guards, some prisoners - but not who we're looking for, sadly. We've decided to start following the trails that crisscross the island, looking for other camps.
Day 156 - Stumbled across another small mining camp. It pains me to leave these people in bondage, but we have little choice if we are to carry on and succeed in our mission.
Day 159 - We were attacked by a Roc! The gigantic bird almost carried me away, but fortunately we were able to kill it before it could do me too much injury. A truly terrifying, yet amazing experience. We took some of the feathers as trophies - and perhaps to scatter about to confuse the scenes of latter battles.
Day 170 - Another mining camp, a little larger. We've figured out the pattern and meaning of the signs posted up on the trails - and since we also have a short list of likely camps our friend may be in, this should speed up our search considerably.
Day 171 - We have rescued Louis, and eleven other prisoners! We came across a small mining camp where he was being held, and dispatched the guards with extreme alacrity. They never even had time to fire a shot. Two of the prisoners bolted in the chaos, but most of the rest have decided to come with us to the ship.
Day 173 - Stumbled across armed and escaped prisoners, and accidentally killed one of them. We tried to explain the misunderstanding, but they would have none of it. They took a couple of shots at us, and then ran.
Day 174 - At last, we have once again reached the rendevous point. Before our ship arrived, two of the rebels who previously shot at us approached us, asking to come with us. We, of course, said they could.
Day 175 - Pete arrived today. We've now left the Coaker mountains completely behind, and set sail for the Free Towns with 14 freed slaves in tow!
Day 176 - Sails on the horizon. Nimbly avoided.
Day 180 - We almost met our ends today at the hands of the largest swarm of razorwings I'd ever seen. We managed to disperse them, but it almost cost us in lives. Sailing so near the Floatsom sea is dangerous indeed.
Day 152 - A landing party consiting of myself, Aquilikae, Serenity, Karn and Manuel set foot on Coaker isle today. We're venturing inland to try and find mining camps.
Day 153 - We found a small mining camp in the mountains. A couple of guards, some prisoners - but not who we're looking for, sadly. We've decided to start following the trails that crisscross the island, looking for other camps.
Day 156 - Stumbled across another small mining camp. It pains me to leave these people in bondage, but we have little choice if we are to carry on and succeed in our mission.
Day 159 - We were attacked by a Roc! The gigantic bird almost carried me away, but fortunately we were able to kill it before it could do me too much injury. A truly terrifying, yet amazing experience. We took some of the feathers as trophies - and perhaps to scatter about to confuse the scenes of latter battles.
Day 170 - Another mining camp, a little larger. We've figured out the pattern and meaning of the signs posted up on the trails - and since we also have a short list of likely camps our friend may be in, this should speed up our search considerably.
Day 171 - We have rescued Louis, and eleven other prisoners! We came across a small mining camp where he was being held, and dispatched the guards with extreme alacrity. They never even had time to fire a shot. Two of the prisoners bolted in the chaos, but most of the rest have decided to come with us to the ship.
Day 173 - Stumbled across armed and escaped prisoners, and accidentally killed one of them. We tried to explain the misunderstanding, but they would have none of it. They took a couple of shots at us, and then ran.
Day 174 - At last, we have once again reached the rendevous point. Before our ship arrived, two of the rebels who previously shot at us approached us, asking to come with us. We, of course, said they could.
Day 175 - Pete arrived today. We've now left the Coaker mountains completely behind, and set sail for the Free Towns with 14 freed slaves in tow!
Day 176 - Sails on the horizon. Nimbly avoided.
Day 180 - We almost met our ends today at the hands of the largest swarm of razorwings I'd ever seen. We managed to disperse them, but it almost cost us in lives. Sailing so near the Floatsom sea is dangerous indeed.
Saturday, January 03, 2004
Telimos' Journal, issue 3
Day 89 - Spotted sails at sea, evaded them. Arrived in Kiera. Reprovisioned our vessel in preparation for setting sail for Baltimus tomorrow.
Day 90 - We set forth from Kiera, racing time to return to Baltimus before our loan came due.
Day 91 - Sails spotted on the horizon. They gave us chase, but eventually we evaded them.
Day 94 - Spotted a wreck hung up in the Floatsom Sea. We maneuvered closer to investigate. Ash, Aquillikae and myself swam over to look through the wreck, retrieving some gold, silver, and jewelry. Once again, the misfortune of others adds to our coffers.
Day 96 - Another raiding party of Octopons attacked us. We managed to fight them off without suffering any casualties, although it was a difficult battle. With Karn fighting with us, there are few foes who can stand long against us. Fortunately, too, for the magics of myself and Aquillikae seemed inadequate against these Octopons.
Day 103 - Arrival back in Baltimus. We made good on our loan, and are proud now to be the owners, free and clear, of the Jinga-Tahn! Soon we shall tackle the Teeth and enter the Gullet in search of the wisdom of the Archmage Tressa the Red. We found several interesting things at the curio shop in Baltimus, the most amazing of which was a tome which contained the secrets of a spell I had never seen before - Invisibility! Alas, the tome was 90,000 pieces of eight, a price far to high for us to pay...ahh, but if we could somehow gather the funds, it would surely be invaluable... Also interesting was a magical sword of extreme swiftness and sharpness which was purchased for Karn.
Day 104 - Set back out, planning on doing some trading on our way to cross back to Toranth-Ka and visit the archmage. Encountered a shark, which we killed, and hauled it aboard to make use of the carcass.
Day 105 - Arrival in Lanos. Serenity set to work bartering deals before we departed once more for Bristo.
Day 106 - Arrival in Bristo. More trading.
Day 107 - Arrival in Swindon. Yet more trading. Perhaps if I knew more about mercantile practices I would find them more interesting...
Day 108 - Azy Cay. I convinced my fellow officers to visit Bluth's Crown, the site where the original pacts with the elements were supposedly made, in order that we might learn something more of our quest before we tackled the Teeth.
Day 113 - Arrival at Bluth's Crown. A small, quaint little settlement - unremarkable to the outside observer, except for the four pillars that are visible from the shore. But what power and majesty resided there all the same. It felt like returning home after a long journey - almost. Here was where, long ago, those pacts and bindings were made that enable me to weave the craft I do today. I layed fingers upon the pillars, and the strength that flowed through me was unbelievable. Perhaps, when our quest is done and our world restored... If it is the fate of our race to die away, scattered and devastated as we are... If the great Kraken civilization can not be rebuilt, perhaps this is where I shall come to pass away the rest of my days. It is not home, but if home can not be reclaimed it is perhaps the next best thing.
We learned important things about our quest as well. Supposedly, Tressa's home sits atop a pillar of water that soars into the air, guarded by other magical protections. We know that we have not the skill to reach her yet - perhaps I will have to learn to have the winds guide us in flight, or find some password to allow us easier passage to her. But we were in Bluth's Crown at the right time to hear of another quest where we might do good first. Manuel Domingo, one of the magi at Bluth's Crown, received word that his brother Luis had been taken as a slave by the Kieran Empire, and set to work the iron mines in the Coaker mountains. Myself and Aquillikae were willing to help him simply because he needed helping, of course, but Manuel's offer of a magical vampiric sword swayed the minds of the rest of the crew. Tomorrow we set out with Manuel, to rescue his lost brother!
Day 114 - We set out from Bluth's Crown today, sailing towards the Kieran Empire.
Day 117 - Caught sight of the shore of Toranth Ka. We decided to sail along the shore for the next while.
Day 123 - Could it be? I believe we spotted Torquemada's barge on the horizon. Wisely, we evaded. He showed no interest in pursuit.
Day 125 - We left the shore of Toranth Ka today, veering northwards to Kiera.
Day 126 - Spotted the coast of Kiera.
Day 127 - Arrival in Kiera. Spent the day(and night) carousing. Tomorrow we set out for Paltos, where prisoners are held before transport to the Coaker mountains.
Day 128 - Set sail for Paltos.
Day 131 - Arrival in Paltos. We tried going about things the simple way - persuading the magistrate in charge of the transfer of prisoners to simply allow us to buy the slave back. But he could not be persuaded. Our task may be difficult indeed - perhaps we might even need to raid the Coaker Mountains themselves. The choice of what to do next weighs heavily on our minds as we retire to sleep. Perhaps our dreams will give us guidance.
Day 90 - We set forth from Kiera, racing time to return to Baltimus before our loan came due.
Day 91 - Sails spotted on the horizon. They gave us chase, but eventually we evaded them.
Day 94 - Spotted a wreck hung up in the Floatsom Sea. We maneuvered closer to investigate. Ash, Aquillikae and myself swam over to look through the wreck, retrieving some gold, silver, and jewelry. Once again, the misfortune of others adds to our coffers.
Day 96 - Another raiding party of Octopons attacked us. We managed to fight them off without suffering any casualties, although it was a difficult battle. With Karn fighting with us, there are few foes who can stand long against us. Fortunately, too, for the magics of myself and Aquillikae seemed inadequate against these Octopons.
Day 103 - Arrival back in Baltimus. We made good on our loan, and are proud now to be the owners, free and clear, of the Jinga-Tahn! Soon we shall tackle the Teeth and enter the Gullet in search of the wisdom of the Archmage Tressa the Red. We found several interesting things at the curio shop in Baltimus, the most amazing of which was a tome which contained the secrets of a spell I had never seen before - Invisibility! Alas, the tome was 90,000 pieces of eight, a price far to high for us to pay...ahh, but if we could somehow gather the funds, it would surely be invaluable... Also interesting was a magical sword of extreme swiftness and sharpness which was purchased for Karn.
Day 104 - Set back out, planning on doing some trading on our way to cross back to Toranth-Ka and visit the archmage. Encountered a shark, which we killed, and hauled it aboard to make use of the carcass.
Day 105 - Arrival in Lanos. Serenity set to work bartering deals before we departed once more for Bristo.
Day 106 - Arrival in Bristo. More trading.
Day 107 - Arrival in Swindon. Yet more trading. Perhaps if I knew more about mercantile practices I would find them more interesting...
Day 108 - Azy Cay. I convinced my fellow officers to visit Bluth's Crown, the site where the original pacts with the elements were supposedly made, in order that we might learn something more of our quest before we tackled the Teeth.
Day 113 - Arrival at Bluth's Crown. A small, quaint little settlement - unremarkable to the outside observer, except for the four pillars that are visible from the shore. But what power and majesty resided there all the same. It felt like returning home after a long journey - almost. Here was where, long ago, those pacts and bindings were made that enable me to weave the craft I do today. I layed fingers upon the pillars, and the strength that flowed through me was unbelievable. Perhaps, when our quest is done and our world restored... If it is the fate of our race to die away, scattered and devastated as we are... If the great Kraken civilization can not be rebuilt, perhaps this is where I shall come to pass away the rest of my days. It is not home, but if home can not be reclaimed it is perhaps the next best thing.
We learned important things about our quest as well. Supposedly, Tressa's home sits atop a pillar of water that soars into the air, guarded by other magical protections. We know that we have not the skill to reach her yet - perhaps I will have to learn to have the winds guide us in flight, or find some password to allow us easier passage to her. But we were in Bluth's Crown at the right time to hear of another quest where we might do good first. Manuel Domingo, one of the magi at Bluth's Crown, received word that his brother Luis had been taken as a slave by the Kieran Empire, and set to work the iron mines in the Coaker mountains. Myself and Aquillikae were willing to help him simply because he needed helping, of course, but Manuel's offer of a magical vampiric sword swayed the minds of the rest of the crew. Tomorrow we set out with Manuel, to rescue his lost brother!
Day 114 - We set out from Bluth's Crown today, sailing towards the Kieran Empire.
Day 117 - Caught sight of the shore of Toranth Ka. We decided to sail along the shore for the next while.
Day 123 - Could it be? I believe we spotted Torquemada's barge on the horizon. Wisely, we evaded. He showed no interest in pursuit.
Day 125 - We left the shore of Toranth Ka today, veering northwards to Kiera.
Day 126 - Spotted the coast of Kiera.
Day 127 - Arrival in Kiera. Spent the day(and night) carousing. Tomorrow we set out for Paltos, where prisoners are held before transport to the Coaker mountains.
Day 128 - Set sail for Paltos.
Day 131 - Arrival in Paltos. We tried going about things the simple way - persuading the magistrate in charge of the transfer of prisoners to simply allow us to buy the slave back. But he could not be persuaded. Our task may be difficult indeed - perhaps we might even need to raid the Coaker Mountains themselves. The choice of what to do next weighs heavily on our minds as we retire to sleep. Perhaps our dreams will give us guidance.
