Grimey - Another Kingpin

The banshees are definitely swarming again. I scouted the woods and found their numbers are increasing and now they're perching in the trees near McGrady's farm. Purple things look a little too comfortable like they're watching the town. There's another Kingpin in the woods for sure. That’s the only time they get organized and brave. I’ll need to head into the woods and track down the Kingpin. Once the beast is dead the rest of them banshees will scatter back into the woods in fear. Cowardly things.

You see every now and then a banshee leader is spawned. We call it a Kingpin. They're larger and ferocious. Your average banshee is about half my size. A Kingpin is a little larger than me. I once saw one twice my size. That sucker really got things buzzing. Anyway, the dangerous thing about a Kingpin isn't their size or aggression. They’re intelligent. They coordinate all the other banshees into organized attacks. Farms and livestock are picked at. Small groups of banshees attack one after the other. Things like that. More scary, Kingpins make the banshees brave enough to go after people straight away. Anybody wandering close to forest gets scratched up pretty bad. Banshees don’t scare so easily with Kingpins around either. So you gotta take out the Kingpin. It's the only way to get things under control.

The Kingpin dies as easily as the rest. Just a little intimidating if you’re a softie on account of their size. It's like a giant dark-purple bat that could rip a mans head off. But it's nothing. Just kill the thing before it takes flight. Most hunters have problems finding the Kingpin because it stays deep in the woods while all the banshees swarm and attack. The trick is simple though. Run into the woods and follow the banshees. The banshees protect the Kingpin so there’ll be more and more of them as you near it. Once found, put an axe in the Kingpin’s head. Or an arrow, or knife, or whatever weapon is handy. Hell, throw a rock at it even. Just keep running and don’t miss and you’ll get out without a scratch. It’s when you slow down the problems start. Can't let them banshees get a hold or they're scratch the hell outta ya and won't stop until you stop moving. Gotta keep running and hunt on the move. Good workout, I say.

I met with Clyde after scouting the woods to talk about the hunt. Scully will no doubt want to help. We'll keep him at the edge of the woods to cover McGrady's place. Smythe is out of town. Clyde thought about waiting for him to return in the next couple days. I see no reason to wait. Me and Clyde agreed to hunt down the Kingpin tomorrow. Kill the blasted thing before banshees start attacking town.

Leo - Northern Island Washed Away

I knew something was wrong when we got near the island. There was no welcoming party. There was no sign of anybody on the shore at all. Surely somebody should have spotted our canoe by now. What sent a chill down my spine was nothing was moving nor was there any smoke rising from fire pits, blacksmiths, or ovens.

We landed on the beach and immediately felt a difference in the sand. It wasn't the usual powdery consistency but felt thicker and almost damp. Two of the crew stayed with the canoe while Kane and I led the rest inland toward the center of the island. We sloshed our way through the jungle. I noticed that all the plants and trees were leaning south and some of the smaller trees were uprooted.

Our group emerged from the jungle to find the village destroyed. Shacks and houses had been completely swept away. Other than spots of rubble that littered the ground there was no sign the village had ever existed. There were no signs of civilization and so signs of life. Any life. We explored the village and found nobody. Our group split up and searched the island and still nothing. No person, no birds, no animals.

The day was growing late when Arlen, one of the crewmen, came running up to me and Kane with news of a body on the west side. Kane and I made our way west to the rocky crags that contain the mineral we trade for to find them flooded. What was once a natural depression filled with columns of jagged rocks that stood taller than the high ground had become a basin. Only black rocky peaks stuck out of the water. It looked like a lake with spikes.

Stuck against one of the larger rocks was a body floating face-down motionless. The skin looked pale and bloated. This man had drowned here. He was a Northern local but where was everybody else? Something terrible had obviously happened here. It seemed like the entire island had been flooded and battered by some great force. We found no survivors and no other bodies. Everything was gone.

By the time Kane and I returned to our canoe the sun was setting and our companions were ready to leave. We set sail back through the shallows and left Northern Island behind us. I hear murmurs from the crew about an island tomb and curses. I have a feeling many superstitions and fantastic stories will rise from their accounts. All those people...gone. The entire Northern civilization wiped away. I must figure out what happened here. I must travel back to the continent and visit the archives at Thurn. I may find some answers there. How could this happen so suddenly?

Grimey - Boiling Seas and Fiery Skies

The last thing I remember was my eyelids getting heavy and my mind drifting away. When I opened my eyes I was on a white sandy beach. Crystal blue water kissed my feet as the sand gently massaged my ankles. The sky was clear, the sun was bright and warm. Nice place I thought, a paradise for many but I'll take a mountain wood any day.

I looked around and saw nothing on the horizon ahead. Just an endless blue sea. I felt the water at my feet get warmer. Before I could move the sand got thick and clamped down on me. The water got even hotter and started to burn my feet. Something moved on the horizon and I spotted a face peering out of the water. Whatever it was it only rose high enough so its eyes broke the surface. Thing must have been miles out but I could see its eyes. Those green, narrow, and cunning eyes. It glared at me and I could tell it was laughing with a sneer. The water got hotter.

The sky above turned blood red and the sun began to burn with ferocity. Everything was getting hotter. The water begin to boil and and the air became like a furnace. Sweat poured out of me and I glance up to see the sun burst into a red ball of flame. It burned crimson and then opened to reveal a ruby-red eye. At the eye's center was a black, narrow slit. It looked like the kind of eye found on a cat or lizard or something like that, well except that it was red and wreathed in flame. It blinked and looked down at me. Flames shot out from the edge of the sun-eye thing and red rain began to fall from the sky. The rain was even hotter than the water and I felt the burning all over and around me. What the hell is going on, I thought.

There was a tug at my feet, next thing I knew I was swept into the boiling sea. Laughter echoed all around me and I was pulled into the darkness of the deep. The currents whirled violently and shook me every which way. The Laughter was deafening and pounded on my entire body. The world around me grew darker and even hotter. My limbs flailed wildly. I tried to scream but nothing happened. I was helpless and running out of breath.

My eyes shot open with a jolt. My body was covered in a cold sweat, which made things a bit cold. I took a moment to catch my breath and remember where I was. The air was cool, trees whispered in the breeze, and the skies were clear. I'm in the woods outside of Quarry. There's a faint glow on the horizon. Sunrise soon. No point in going back to sleep. What a dream. But I swear it actually felt like the ground had really been shaking.

Leo - Sailing North

It's been over a week since the rumble. Nothing has been out of the ordinary since then so life on Southern Isle carried on as usual. Kane and I spent a few days preparing to sail to Northern Isle for trade. The land on Northern contains a very unique mineral that we use in our blades. Something about the mineral makes steel extremely sharp and much more durable. Our blades can be thinner and lighter than traditional weapons giving an advantage in speed. The mineral was used to make my sword along with Kane's spear and short-sword. I also used the mineral in a select few arrows in case I need to penetrate an exceptionally thick hide. In return we trade lumber from our Oka trees. A very durable, yet flexible wood perfect for making bows, arrows, fishing poles, and just about anything else crafted from wood.

Kane and I along with a small crew set sail two days ago. The currents have been friendly, the skies have been clear, and now the Northern Isle is visible on the horizon. A small dome-shaped mountain covered in lush green jungle lies at the center of the island. At the west end of the island are small rocky crags that jet up from the ground. These crags contain the mineral we trade for.

We sail north passed the island so that we can turn and approach the north-east side of Northern where white-sand beaches line the shore. Until we reach the turning point our canoe keeps close to the main continent where the water is shallow. Giant eels pass our outrigger canoe from time to time but they're not aggressive or powerful enough to harm us. The danger is in the deep with the Krakes and if we're foolish enough to venture into the open ocean the Kraken will take anything it wishes. We navigate near the continent until we reach the channel of shallows that connects to Northern.

When we sailed far enough north to begin the turn toward Northern, which was clearly visible on the horizon, we noticed something about the continent. Part of it was missing. It looked as if a Kraken had swam ashore to bite and tear away the landscape. But these waters are too shallow for Krakens. Krakes are too small to do this kind of damage. An entire mountainside was missing. How? I wonder if the rumble had something to do with this...

We've found the channel of shallows and we're navigating toward Northern Island now. From here the shore seems peaceful and calm. It should be smooth sailing to the beach. The wind even shifted into our sails so we won't have to paddle until we're ready to run ashore. As we near the beach I should be able to spot the welcoming party. Northerners have a strict protocol to welcome incoming vessels. A small group will line the beach to signal where to run our outrigger ashore. We'll be greeted by the island chief who will then take us to the main village to relax and unwind from the voyage. There will be fresh fruit and some sort of spiced meat, usually a bird or fish, to welcome us to the island.

There was a movement in the water and I spotted black scales gleaming in the sunlight. A giant eel had swam up next to the canoe. It nudged one of the outriggers but the canoe is too stable to be bothered by that. The the eel's head breached the surface and displayed its razor-sharp teeth. Its eyes appeared narrow and it's mouth seemed to curl almost like it was smirking at us. It dove under and left. All the better. We'll be on land soon where it couldn't follow us anyway.

Grimey - Trading Some Ore

Met up with Clyde at the trade pavilion on the other side of town. He let his shaggy blonde hair go untied and fall down over his shoulders. He was bartering with another trader when I arrived. I watched Clyde sell the man a pair of traveling boots for a newly polished bow and full quiver of arrows. Clyde told the trader the boots were made from northern leathers where animal hides are thicker and more durable. Them boots will last for quite some time, Clyde told him. Poor lad, never knew he just gave up his bow for Clyde’s old worn out boots.

“Hope ya not givin' away my ore for any other flimsy weapon.” I said shaking Clyde’s hand. Better not have either, I been needing some more metal to make more hatchets.

“Of course not Grimey.” Clyde said, his voice calm. He reached into his bag and pulled out a canvas pack bundled and tied up. He set it down on the table with a loud clank, obviously being full of metal, “there you are fella. Some nice shining steel ready for the anvil. You got what I had asked for?”

Clyde wanted some small polished rocks in all kinds of shapes. Some shaped like castle towers, others shaped like horses, and a couple that looked like staffs wearing a crown. Clyde said they’re for some game played in the east that's gaining popularity in the region.

“Absolutely lad!” I said, “Can't nobody carve and shape a rock like I can, especially the small ones.” I put my small sack of rocks on the table next to the bundled steel. We gave each other a brief nod and picked up our items.

Clyde had no news to share from his last trip, said it was just was all business. Told him that Leo had passed through the other day. Also told him about Scully's run in with the Deadlings and the increasing numbers of banshees in the woods. Clyde got them narrow twitchy eyes he gets when concerned about something. He figured there must be another Kingpin stirring up all the banshees. I must agree with the lad.

Back home now and gonna start me a fire and hammer some more hatchets with that ore. I should get a couple dozen or so before using up all the metal. Can’t wait to throw ‘em at some beasties!

Leo - Rumble

The earth rumbled this morning. It’s happened before on occasion. The ground shakes, leaves and coconuts fall to the ground. On rare occasions a home falls over but our huts are light and easy to rebuild. People hardly get hurt when the earth rumbles, except when a coconut falls on an unfortunate victim. Makes for a really bad headache.

Something was different about this rumble though. There was an eerie stillness in the air when the ground stopped moving. Not a sound could be heard. No birds stirring in the trees, no bugs or other creatures rustling in the foliage, even the sea was still. It was as if the world had exhaled and was at the bottom of its breath bracing itself for the inhale. And when the earth took a breath again strange things happened.

The waters began to surge up onto shore. Whitewash covered the sands and reached the edge of the surrounding jungle. Then the waters receded far back into the sea. So far back that the shallow areas of the reef I often swim through were exposed. Then the water surged high onto the shore again and receded back. This continued for quite some time.

I've never seen the sea behave like this before and I started to worry if things would return to normal. I watched the waters surge and recede when I spotted something on ocean surface rapidly approaching the island. It was some sort of invisible force rippling across the waters surface. I still don't know what it was but when it hit the shore a gust of wind ripped through the island. I was knocked to the ground and the wind blew with such force I had to shield my eyes. My senses were completely blurred as the wind roared past like a battle-cry.

As quickly as it came, the mysterious force left. When I stood the sea was back to normal. Waves gently washed onto the beach and receded like always. Trees swayed in a soft breeze and birds flew overhead. I cannot recall ever hearing of such a phenomenon occurring after a rumble. It was very strange.

Leo - Back Home

Ahh there's nothing like a morning swim in the ocean to start the day. There is something about the ocean water that revitalizes the body and raises the spirit. A much needed therapy after a journey to the main continent. I come to the shore before dawn when the skies are dim and the seas are calm. I swim for about an hour while the faint glow on the horizon comes alight.

I waded into the shallows where the water is waist-high. The cold shot a chill throughout my body. Even in the dim light the waters are clear enough to see the sand below. I closed my eyes and listened to the gentle waves caress the shore and felt a soft breeze embrace my skin. I took a few more steps out and spotted a small school of fish heading toward the reef for a quick meal before sunrise. I dove under and began my swim.

Today I decided to swim through a trench in the reef and spotted a turtle nibbling at the coral. The turtle saw me but paid no mind. I wasn’t about to bother it and the turtle knew it as well. After a while I took a look at the horizon. The dim purple had become a soft orange. The sun would be rising soon so I turned and made my way back to shore.

As the sky grew brighter sea-life became more scarce. I didn't see anymore schools of fish on my way to shore. The turtle I spotted earlier had gone. I emerged from the water onto the white sands and I saw my shadow growing along the ground. Behind me, the sea come to life. The water began churning and the waves rose up and crashed upon the shore. The sun had risen. I hope that turtle had found shelter.

I turned to face the sea in time to see a black eel break the surface. Its black scales gleamed in the morning sun. The eel appeared to be around twenty feet long, perhaps as thick as my torso. A moderate size for a black eel. Further in the distance I saw a Krake treading water. The beasts eyes scanned the shallows for any small boats. Krakes tend to attack small vessels and eat whoever may be inside. Well not this morning, not any morning. Over the years we’ve learned to keep away from this side of the island and their kind. It let out a low growl that reverberated across the ocean's surface and disappeared in the deep waters.

With the sun now fully over the horizon I have taken a seat on the beach. The sky is rapidly becoming blue and the air is warming. Soon my back will be dry. It’s going to be a beautiful day. I'm glad to be back home.