isa-field-journal

[isa-field-journal]

Entry #005

Logged by Captain Vinarei Brooks, August 3 - Evening

I have much to jot down, but I should start with where I last left off.

As we ventured further into the temple, there were traps riddling the stones that made up the walkway and the steps. We managed to set off only one, however. Thankfully, I’d come across these same traps in old ruins when exploring Pandaria.

But it wasn’t the traps that was exciting. The temple was actually a sort of catacomb, though some of the tombs had been opened prior to our arrival. Others remained shut, and we didn’t bother to explore what might be hiding within each. Foolish on our part, perhaps, but we had more pressing matters.

The hozen were continuing to try to get in, but Ralphaldo had barred the door. It would only last for so long. There was a pillar along the far side of the catacomb with an odd light shining down from above, though the source was unseen. The runic pattern on the pillar seemed to change shape as I neared it, the glyphs becoming recognizable.

‘Blood’ was the answer to the riddle, and I swiftly cut my palm and smeared the life essence onto the glyphs.

The stones seemed to absorb the blood, and the moment it was all but erased, a massive skeletal mogu came crashing through one of the tombs.

Thankfully, with the blood offering, a stairway began to reveal itself just behind the pillar, and we managed to escape. It led into a hallway that was lined with gold, gems, murals on the wall of a map of lands that we know now to be the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor, but were once far from that. The room itself was so bright, that it hurt the eyes to linger for long, and as we exited, we came to a throne room.

We have to come back with a larger party. The walls were lined with scrolls and text and tomes, but in a dialect of Pandaren I’m unfamiliar with. I can make out some of the root words, but it’s merely guessing at this stage. Atticus and I will be taking what we can with us, and will turn them into the right people. There is too much history here, clearly lost, to simply ignore. 

One thing I’ll not be handing over, however, is this coin I found next to the massive throne itself. It’s roughly an inch in diameter, with eight runic symbols along the outer edge. They’re too small for me to make out, but it calls to me. I find it constantly in my hand, unable to stop touching it.

We’d been searching through the room for hours, but it grows late, and finally that feeling of being watched has temporarily lifted. We’re sleeping here for the night, and hopefully will make our exit in the morning.

(Relevant: @atticus-angus-andrews @consider-things-done @vinarei)

[isa-field-journal]

Entry #004

Logged by Captain Vinarei Brooks - August 3, Evening

It’s been non-stop all afternoon. It’s as if the entire island is trying to kill us. Though the morning went without issue as we ventured further into the depths of this jungle, the afternoon did not go as smoothly.

We came to the river that fed into the lake from the prior day. Not wanting to disturb the creature we’d seen previously, we attempted to cross at the most shallow point. We’d almost made it across when the fauna hidden in the water latched onto all three of us and dragged us into the water. It was like growing seaweed, vines of some kind. I didn’t get a good look, as it was wrapped around my throat and we were all struggling. But the moment Ralphaldo sliced the vine free, this purple liquid spewed from the plant and filled the area around me. It felt like acid against my skin, and it ate into some of my leather armor. As much as I’d love for Atticus to bring some back with us for research purposes, we don’t have the time, nor do we have the ability to do as much without further injuring ourselves.

My suspicions about still being along the coast of Pandaria are correct, however. The moment we were free from the river, we were attacked by nearly a dozen Hozen. We were able to dispatch a few of them, but we were no match and fled towards the temple we’ve found ourselves in now.

We’re going to allow for a small break before we venture further inside, and only hope that the hozen get bored waiting for us to exit. Doubtful, but I’m hoping for anything at this point.

(Relevant: @atticus-angus-andrews @consider-things-done @vinarei)

[isa-field-journal]

Entry #003

Logged by Captain Vinarei Brooks - August 3, Morning

A successful night, if one could call it that. We’re living, so there’s that.  We made camp late last night, taking setting up a shelter beneath one of the ridiculously large roots of one of several trees that make up the landscape. I’ve never seen trees this big. If there is one thing I can say about this island, it’s that it’s beautiful.

Upon arrival, the fog seemed to thin out along the shore, allowing us to see with relative ease as we made our way inland. Along what I assume to be the South side of the island was a large temple, and I feel our earlier suspicions were correct. Judging by the architecture of the temple, we’re somewhere along the coast of Pandaria, but not the main continent itself. We couldn’t enter the structure, but without question it was either built by, or used by the Mogu. 

Weapons were scattered about out front, and judging by the massive doors, it was clear someone (or several someones) were trying to enter. Aside from the weapons, there’s no sign of other humanoids here, Pandaren or human alike. We’ve both seen and heard animals, but nothing out of the ordinary. And while we know they are watching, there’s still that feeling of something more… sinister lurking about within the shadows.

Our plan had been to stick to the treeline and walk along the outside of the lake that we came across, but Atticus and I were both taken by the gorgeous waterlilies that were present. They were a hue of orange I’d never seen before, and so bright that they all but lit up the darkened area around them.

They were deadly as much as they were beautiful. Though I’m sure Atticus will go into further detail with his findings, I will note that they are used to attract prey for the hideous, disgusting -thing- that lurks in the center of the lake. If it weren’t for Ralphaldo, Atticus and I would have been dinner.

I only caught a glimpse of the creature, but it looked similar to a massive sized tunnel worm, with a thorned, tooth-filled maw. I could see row after row before we sprinted towards the treeline. Thankfully, it couldn’t leave the water. 

Still, Atticus was able to grab a sample of the lily before the creature arrived, and will be taking it home with us to study.

Our plan today is to move further inland, seeking assistance in some fashion, though I’m not counting on it. It’s too... quiet. 

((Relevant: @atticus-angus-andrews @consider-things-done @vinarei))

[isa-field-journal]

Entry #002

Logged by Captain Vinarei Brooks - August 2

We'd been sailing for roughly four hours, the fog just as thick as when it rolled through the first time. Ralphaldo caught sight of what appears to be an island, however. We've been able to make out a tree-line, and we've slowed dramatically in speed. We believe we are somewhere along the coast of Pandaria, though it's anyone's guess to whether that information is accurate or not.

The crew was spoken to, and it's been decided that a few of us will head to shore on one of the boats. We may be able to find aid there, but there's this eerie feeling that has come over each of us. It's clear that continuing to sail is not the best of ideas, and so we're headed to shore to find what assistance we can.

The fog itself.... it doesn't feel natural. I'm not sure how to quite word it. There's this sensation that we're being watched, and everyone on board can feel it, too. There's really only one route to take, and Belghast has been left in charge, though that's nothing new.

Ralphaldo and Atticus packed our supplies for the trip, and we're planning on camping there for the night once we reach the shore. So long as it's safe enough.

I have my reservations; we all do.

But... when has that ever stopped us before?

(Relevant: @atticus-angus-andrews @consider-things-done @vinarei)

[isa-field-journal]

Entry #001

Logged by Captain Vinarei Brooks - August 2

The interception of the weapons shipment for the Horde went smoothly enough and was a success. However, as we sailed further South towards Pandaria, we were overcome by a thick veil of fog. The needles of the compasses began to spin in all directions, and the massive waves sent us in an unknown direction. The cloud coverage was too thick, and coupled with the fog we were at a loss as to what direction we are headed.

For the moment, neither the Draconis comms, nor the rune-powered ring used for ISA are working. We've tested with Atticus and myself and standing beside one another, our messages do not transfer. Oddly enough, the runes continue to pulse with color. There's an interference of some kind that I've never come across.

As it currently stands, we're only down three crewmen from the interception, but they're being well taken care of below deck. All others are accounted for and able to take orders.The Lady Malevolent is in excellent condition, taking little to no damage during the interception. 

Belghast is keeping us on track in a single direction, and Ralphaldo is attempting to do what he can to keep us on this new course.

Surely the fog will lift soon enough and we'll know where we are and how to get home.

(Relevant: @atticus-angus-andrews @consider-things-done @vinarei )