I have again been unable to write in my journal the last few days, things have been..hectic..to say the least. I'd decided after all to stay on the boat after Riverford, a decision prompted in part by a refund of a portion of my payment, since I had proven able to help defend the boat and willing to do so. The captain seemed grateful for the additional hand. We set out again, heading north at the usual slow pace, and the first day things went well until almost nightfall. About the time I would normally have written in my journal, all hells broke loose at once.
No one had even seen the Orcs moving along the bank, and before we knew it, they were all over the ship. Strange that there had been no word of their movement or activity in the region at the village or city. Things were hectic, and we fought as best we could, but we were no match either for their ferocity nor their numbers. After the captain was cut down, I grabbed my pack from the rear deck as I went overboard. I feel a certain guilt for abandoning any who may have survived, but in all honesty, I think the captain was the last to fall, at least in my field of vision. Thankfully, the Orcs seemed to think I wasn't worth risking the chilly waters for one probably dead floater.
I managed to get back to shore, just one cut and an arrow in my leg. The arrow didn't hit anything important, thankfully, broke it off and pushed it through. The cut wasn't bad, just hurt like hell.. Wrapped em both up and slipped into the woods. I wasn't even sure until the sun came up the next morning what side of the river I was on. Of course, luck being what it is, I was on the eastern bank instead of the western.
I've been making my way North still, trying to move mostly at night, and avoiding any areas that looked as though they might be good places for ambush. It seems that the increased traffic on the Sellen heading northward has drawn out more than a few parties who are interested in making profit off of the slow moving barges as they travel up river. I've seen at least one company of bandits, mixed races and the like, as well as spotting those Orcs from across the river again. I'm still hoping for a place to get across river fairly soon..I seem to recall there being a village not too much farther north, perhaps a boat there. I'm just thankful I paid for the wax pouch for my maps and journal, otherwise I'd have been lost completely after that swim.
The Journey Begins (pt 7 - The Sellen River)
The drifting and waves of the river are a new thing all together, and one I find I am not as settled by as the rocking of the waves at sea. There never seems to be any consistency to the movements of the water on this river. Indeed...it's hard even to tell that we are moving sometimes, and others it seems we must certainly be drifting backwards along the river. We stayed a few nights ago in the village of Riverford...I asked about the name of the village, if there was indeed a ford across the mighty Sellen there, and one of the old men in the village explained that the name was somewhat of a harsh joke that stuck. Apparently, the man who founded the village believed that a ford could be created across the river, and meant to capitalize upon the trade it would open up... When that proved impossible, the nearby towns began calling the village Riverford and eventually the original name of the village was forgotten.
We departed from Riverford the next morning early, heading Northward again, along the Sellen. A rockslide of an outcropping near the west bank of the river meant we had to swing close to the eastern edges, and we encountered the first significant troubles of the trip. Goblins apparently had been setting up ambushes along the river, knowing that the narrowing of the river meant that more boats would be in range of their attacks. I did what I could to aid of course, after all, if the boat were captured I would be as well. I grabbed the bow of one of the guards who had been struck already, firing back. I haven't had much cause to use bow in the past, preferring my blades, but I have to say I'm rather pleased. I managed to score two of the little beasts before we were past that ambush and through. Two oarsmen and a guard were down though, and at least half the crew were wounded. We limped north to the next village on the eastern side and made port around four candle marks past sundown.
Two days recuperating in the village have given me time to consider my plans to travel by boat. It had seemed to provide a safer, quicker means of travel..but I'm finding that it's no quicker to go upstream by boat than by horse, and if we do come under attack, fighting on a boat gives considerable lack of options should things seem overwhelming..
In the morning, I have to decide whether to continue on the boat or take horse out of the village.
I apologize for the lack of update for a few days, my computer has been having some issues. Hopefully I will be back on schedule now.
The Journey Begins (pt 6 - The Sellen River)
I'm amazed at how different traveling the Sellen River is than the Inner Sea. The boat doesn't rock nearly as much for one thing, though it's not quite as large as the one I traveled in before. I had wondered how they would manage against the current of the river, but the boat has made what I would consider decent time. A mixture of oarsmen, poling in the shallows, and sail power has propelled the boat along at a serene pace today. There's a small cabin on the back of the boat, and I'm bunking in one side while the captain has the other. The crew seems to sleep on deck, though I will say they have canvas rigged to roll down if the weather is inclement.
We're following the western shore of the river..I asked about it earlier and the captain explained that, considering the eastern shore is most likely to have trouble, they always preferred the western on principal, even when things seemed quiet.
As a passenger on the vessel, I find this caution both respectable and appropriate.
I've been watching a group of travelers throughout the day though who are moving along the bank, and they seem to be keeping pace near perfectly with us. It seems as though perhaps traveling by horse up the river might have accomplished the same speed as riverboat. At least on the boat I'm vaguely less likely to be attacked by monsters..I hope.
Captain Smykes says that we'll reach a village near nightfall tomorrow, so will spend the night there, as the boat makes frequent stops as it travels northward to bring goods from the port to villages along the river. It seems a good arrangement..bringing wood and resources to Cassomir on the down river trip, and imports on the return trip.
We're following the western shore of the river..I asked about it earlier and the captain explained that, considering the eastern shore is most likely to have trouble, they always preferred the western on principal, even when things seemed quiet.
As a passenger on the vessel, I find this caution both respectable and appropriate.
I've been watching a group of travelers throughout the day though who are moving along the bank, and they seem to be keeping pace near perfectly with us. It seems as though perhaps traveling by horse up the river might have accomplished the same speed as riverboat. At least on the boat I'm vaguely less likely to be attacked by monsters..I hope.
Captain Smykes says that we'll reach a village near nightfall tomorrow, so will spend the night there, as the boat makes frequent stops as it travels northward to bring goods from the port to villages along the river. It seems a good arrangement..bringing wood and resources to Cassomir on the down river trip, and imports on the return trip.
The Journey Begins (pt 5 - Cassomir)
Another day, and I'm still here. I've looked over my maps, and settled on a decision to travel via boat the first leg of the journey after all. I headed to the docks this morning, searching for a river vessel heading back up river, and was unable to find anything until well into the day that I both trusted and could afford. Finally a lumber vessel came in, shepherding quite a haul of logs to the shipyards, and I was able to book passage with them as they headed back up river. They'll get me most of the way to Bellis at the least.
The fever from whatever was on that wretched thugs knife has finally subsided completely, and I'm certain now that I will be fine in a day or two. However, the incident has left me a little concerned. I hadn't the coin for a potion of curing for disease or poison, but I was able to acquire a vial of antitoxin and a healing potion. They might come in handy down the road..though I'd certainly prefer to be traveling with a better stockpile.
The Inn has been rather quiet the last night and tonight, most of the patrons having moved on. I asked the serving girl in the tavern about it, and she said that it always seems that travelers come through in waves, leaving and going in groups rather than as individuals. I suppose I'm odd in that I am traveling alone, perhaps I should look to find some companions for the road ahead after all. If the incident in the alleyway has taught me nothing, it is that a single person is an inviting target, even when they are under arms.
It's something to consider. My boat leaves early in the morning, so I'll take breakfast in the Rusted Rudder and never see Cassomir again it is likely. The journey continues onward, and tomorrow is a new horizon to see!
The fever from whatever was on that wretched thugs knife has finally subsided completely, and I'm certain now that I will be fine in a day or two. However, the incident has left me a little concerned. I hadn't the coin for a potion of curing for disease or poison, but I was able to acquire a vial of antitoxin and a healing potion. They might come in handy down the road..though I'd certainly prefer to be traveling with a better stockpile.
The Inn has been rather quiet the last night and tonight, most of the patrons having moved on. I asked the serving girl in the tavern about it, and she said that it always seems that travelers come through in waves, leaving and going in groups rather than as individuals. I suppose I'm odd in that I am traveling alone, perhaps I should look to find some companions for the road ahead after all. If the incident in the alleyway has taught me nothing, it is that a single person is an inviting target, even when they are under arms.
It's something to consider. My boat leaves early in the morning, so I'll take breakfast in the Rusted Rudder and never see Cassomir again it is likely. The journey continues onward, and tomorrow is a new horizon to see!
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| Dinner at The Rusted Rudder Inn & Tavern |
The Journey Begins (pt 4 - Cassomir)
Yesterday was a long sort of day..don't even know where to start at this point how to put the last couple of days on paper.
The morning was strange to say the very least. I was wandering the marketplace when a strange old Varisian woman came up to me and pressed something into my hand. Before I could say I wasn't interested, she said 'Take it..you will need it in the places to which you will journey child.. There is darkness beneath the shadow of viridian boy.." and then she vanished again into the crowd. When I looked down at what she'd given me, there was a beautifully made pendant of Iomedae..
First thought was, check my purse..but I still had all my belongings. I'm not sure what it was all about, but..I think I'll hold onto this pendant for a while. Just in case.
Didn't bring me much luck, maybe I should have gone with a pendant of Desna... The day didn't end very well. When I was headed back to the inn that evening, three thugs grabbed me and pulled me into an alleyway. Should have been paying better attention. I managed to wriggle free and get blades drawn, but three on one isn't ever a pretty situation. I managed to bleed one of them pretty well and the other two decided that I was more trouble than whatever was in my purse was worth..unfortunately, turns out that one of them had either poisoned his dagger or just not cleaned it. Not sure which. Wound's been on fire for the past day, and I've puked up everything but my toe-nails..and I've been checking the bucket to see if they came out.
Had to pay for another day, don't want to travel till I'm sure this is over. I think I'll probably take boat tomorrow headed North. For some reason, Cassomir seems to have lost a bit of it's attraction..
The morning was strange to say the very least. I was wandering the marketplace when a strange old Varisian woman came up to me and pressed something into my hand. Before I could say I wasn't interested, she said 'Take it..you will need it in the places to which you will journey child.. There is darkness beneath the shadow of viridian boy.." and then she vanished again into the crowd. When I looked down at what she'd given me, there was a beautifully made pendant of Iomedae..
First thought was, check my purse..but I still had all my belongings. I'm not sure what it was all about, but..I think I'll hold onto this pendant for a while. Just in case.
Didn't bring me much luck, maybe I should have gone with a pendant of Desna... The day didn't end very well. When I was headed back to the inn that evening, three thugs grabbed me and pulled me into an alleyway. Should have been paying better attention. I managed to wriggle free and get blades drawn, but three on one isn't ever a pretty situation. I managed to bleed one of them pretty well and the other two decided that I was more trouble than whatever was in my purse was worth..unfortunately, turns out that one of them had either poisoned his dagger or just not cleaned it. Not sure which. Wound's been on fire for the past day, and I've puked up everything but my toe-nails..and I've been checking the bucket to see if they came out.
Had to pay for another day, don't want to travel till I'm sure this is over. I think I'll probably take boat tomorrow headed North. For some reason, Cassomir seems to have lost a bit of it's attraction..
The Journey Begins (pt 3 - Cassomir)
Cassomir...heart of the Taldan Empire's navy.. To hear most, heart of all naval activity on the Inner Sea. I've never seen so many shipyards laying in so many keels at once. I hear tell that they launch a capital class ship every week just about, year round. Guess it's a tribute to the amount of pirates and conflicts in the Inner Sea that they haven't put themselves out of work yet. I wondered at first how they managed to get enough wood for all those ships, then I realized that the trip up the Sellen is likely more complicated than I originally thought it would be.
I have to admit that a city sandwiched between a swamp and a harbor doesn't have the loveliest fragrance I've ever encountered. I never really understood why people can't seem to catch on that what they dump in the harbor in the morning comes back with the evening tide..guess some people are just slower than others. Whatever the case, the smell of salt air is a welcome change when the breeze comes in. There was a convenient altar to Gozreh right on the docks when I disembarked, so I made a final offering and bid the God of the Sea farewell. I'm not particularly sad not to be sailing any more, I don't like being cooped up on the ship for so long as I have been. Still, I've made good time so I can't complain.
The next leg of the journey is a long one, and I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to go about it. Travel up the Sellen is fairly normal, but that doesn't mean that it's easy. I think I'd prefer to not be on a boat the entire time, not much chance to learn anything about where I'm headed that way, and talking to the same river boatmen for the length of the journey would get pretty old.
I've settled in at The Inn of the Rusted Rudder, kind of a strange name but who am I to judge. I've gone ahead and paid for two more nights, give me some time to stock up here in town and see if I can't feel things out about the road ahead of me. currently I'm leaning towards taking a boat up to Bellis, near the Kyonin-Andoran border, then going by foot or horseback from Bellis up to Kallas Lake. To get where I'm headed, I'll need to go up the West Sellen, and it should be fairly easy to find a boat from one of the towns near Kallas. I'm definitely sure I want to stick to the west bank of the Sellen, I hear Galt's pretty awful on the best of days, and don't want to find out first hand.
Interesting mix of folks staying in the Inn here, a lot of travelers and chat in the tavern was more than a few talking about the road north as well. Only one that really stuck out was a somewhat down at the heels looking dwarf with the sigil of Torag on his shield. Not sure if it's cultural homage or religious fervor, seemed a nice enough fellow but it's always hard to really get a dwarf talking without buying him drinks, and I was running a bit light on coin.
I have to admit that a city sandwiched between a swamp and a harbor doesn't have the loveliest fragrance I've ever encountered. I never really understood why people can't seem to catch on that what they dump in the harbor in the morning comes back with the evening tide..guess some people are just slower than others. Whatever the case, the smell of salt air is a welcome change when the breeze comes in. There was a convenient altar to Gozreh right on the docks when I disembarked, so I made a final offering and bid the God of the Sea farewell. I'm not particularly sad not to be sailing any more, I don't like being cooped up on the ship for so long as I have been. Still, I've made good time so I can't complain.
The next leg of the journey is a long one, and I'm not entirely sure how I'm going to go about it. Travel up the Sellen is fairly normal, but that doesn't mean that it's easy. I think I'd prefer to not be on a boat the entire time, not much chance to learn anything about where I'm headed that way, and talking to the same river boatmen for the length of the journey would get pretty old.
I've settled in at The Inn of the Rusted Rudder, kind of a strange name but who am I to judge. I've gone ahead and paid for two more nights, give me some time to stock up here in town and see if I can't feel things out about the road ahead of me. currently I'm leaning towards taking a boat up to Bellis, near the Kyonin-Andoran border, then going by foot or horseback from Bellis up to Kallas Lake. To get where I'm headed, I'll need to go up the West Sellen, and it should be fairly easy to find a boat from one of the towns near Kallas. I'm definitely sure I want to stick to the west bank of the Sellen, I hear Galt's pretty awful on the best of days, and don't want to find out first hand.
Interesting mix of folks staying in the Inn here, a lot of travelers and chat in the tavern was more than a few talking about the road north as well. Only one that really stuck out was a somewhat down at the heels looking dwarf with the sigil of Torag on his shield. Not sure if it's cultural homage or religious fervor, seemed a nice enough fellow but it's always hard to really get a dwarf talking without buying him drinks, and I was running a bit light on coin.
The Journey Begins (pt 2 - Voyage of the Taldan Star)
You know, I've heard of the snobbery of the Taldan of course. Everyone has. I never really appreciated it until I was on this ship. Most of the crew are out of Taldan, and even while they're trying to size me up to decide whether it's worth it to jump me or not, they're trying to turn their noses up at me. I wonder if Cassomir is going to be as bad.
I have picked up a bit of useful gossip on the way though..seems I'm not the first one that's been heading towards the Sellen and up it lately. Apparently rumors of land grants in the River Kingdoms have gotten around. Seems like everyone has heard that some or another in the North has started granting titles and recognition to anyone who can carve some order out of the chaos up there and quiet down the borders. It's attracted attention it looks like.
One of the sailors mentioned that this was his last journey on the Star, and that once things are squared away in Cassomir, he's taking contract on another boat headed northwards. Sounds like there's been a spike in banditry and pirate activity along the river, some of those headed north are apparently going slow and supplementing their income along the way it sounds like.
I've also started to wonder about the nature of this shield my father left me. It just seemed like a fancy sort of shield with a seven pointed star motif..but one of the sailors saw it and looked like he was going to be sick. He's practically hid from me ever since. I've never seen a Mwangi turn that pale before.
Anyway, I figured out a way to secure the lock on my cabin at least, and I've checked and rechecked for hidden openings to get in here..including the ceiling and under the little cot.. I think I can risk a bit of sleep. Mind you I'm taking my sword to bed with me, but few things in life are without risk.
I have picked up a bit of useful gossip on the way though..seems I'm not the first one that's been heading towards the Sellen and up it lately. Apparently rumors of land grants in the River Kingdoms have gotten around. Seems like everyone has heard that some or another in the North has started granting titles and recognition to anyone who can carve some order out of the chaos up there and quiet down the borders. It's attracted attention it looks like.
One of the sailors mentioned that this was his last journey on the Star, and that once things are squared away in Cassomir, he's taking contract on another boat headed northwards. Sounds like there's been a spike in banditry and pirate activity along the river, some of those headed north are apparently going slow and supplementing their income along the way it sounds like.
I've also started to wonder about the nature of this shield my father left me. It just seemed like a fancy sort of shield with a seven pointed star motif..but one of the sailors saw it and looked like he was going to be sick. He's practically hid from me ever since. I've never seen a Mwangi turn that pale before.
Anyway, I figured out a way to secure the lock on my cabin at least, and I've checked and rechecked for hidden openings to get in here..including the ceiling and under the little cot.. I think I can risk a bit of sleep. Mind you I'm taking my sword to bed with me, but few things in life are without risk.
The Journey Begins (pt 1 - Absalom)
My mother told me once of the city of Absalom. She spoke of the beauty of the city, and of the amazing variety of people she had seen when visiting there. I'm glad I'll never have to tell her my thoughts on the city.
Absalom is a cesspool.
I should have realized that no city that big could be anything else. There are splendors to behold there, certainly..but it doesn't make up for what the city lacks in decency. Almost as soon as I got off my ship, a boy no older than seven tried to slit my purse. It sort of started the day off right. I decided I'd cut my sight-seeing short at that point, and immediately booked passage on The Taldan Star for Cassomir. The port on the river Sellen is a good place to find passage up the Sellen river..I imagine it will take most of what little gold I have left, but it should get me to the River Kingdoms.
Four hours..that's all I was in Absalom for, waiting for the ship to finish loading cargo and be ready to embark passengers. I have to admit, Starstone Cathedral is a sight I will never forget as long as I live. On the other hand, the slave blocks will haunt my nightmares for just as long. Just another bonus of heading to the River Kingdoms..no slaves. I stopped by the shrines of Desna and Gozreh to make offerings, had a pint at Cayden Cailean's Longhouse afterwards...three brawls broke out in the time it took to down a single pint. I'm guessing Cailean likes it that way.
Just too crowded. I'm looking over the back rail of the ship, watching Absalom fade in the distance..we'll be turning North soon to head for Cassomir. The captain seemed a little less enthusiastic about having me as a passenger when I came on board under arms, probably thought he'd be able to pick up an extra bit of gold and a few trinkets before feeding me to the fish. Ah well, the trip isn't too long..I can sleep when I find an inn in Cassomir. Until then, I think I'll take the time to sharpen father's sword..he always said that sharpening a sword sorta encouraged people that saw you to behave themselves.
Absalom is a cesspool.
I should have realized that no city that big could be anything else. There are splendors to behold there, certainly..but it doesn't make up for what the city lacks in decency. Almost as soon as I got off my ship, a boy no older than seven tried to slit my purse. It sort of started the day off right. I decided I'd cut my sight-seeing short at that point, and immediately booked passage on The Taldan Star for Cassomir. The port on the river Sellen is a good place to find passage up the Sellen river..I imagine it will take most of what little gold I have left, but it should get me to the River Kingdoms.
Four hours..that's all I was in Absalom for, waiting for the ship to finish loading cargo and be ready to embark passengers. I have to admit, Starstone Cathedral is a sight I will never forget as long as I live. On the other hand, the slave blocks will haunt my nightmares for just as long. Just another bonus of heading to the River Kingdoms..no slaves. I stopped by the shrines of Desna and Gozreh to make offerings, had a pint at Cayden Cailean's Longhouse afterwards...three brawls broke out in the time it took to down a single pint. I'm guessing Cailean likes it that way.
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| Absalom Skyline |
Just too crowded. I'm looking over the back rail of the ship, watching Absalom fade in the distance..we'll be turning North soon to head for Cassomir. The captain seemed a little less enthusiastic about having me as a passenger when I came on board under arms, probably thought he'd be able to pick up an extra bit of gold and a few trinkets before feeding me to the fish. Ah well, the trip isn't too long..I can sleep when I find an inn in Cassomir. Until then, I think I'll take the time to sharpen father's sword..he always said that sharpening a sword sorta encouraged people that saw you to behave themselves.
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