Elsewhere on the docks the intrepid Crew sit round the breakfast table and begin to plan their next step. The skeleton in the shipyard is given form and life by way of powerful charms and fledgling genius. And yet there still lies the question of destination. Troubling information carried back with Zidell and Sellis Varl set the Crew to seek out the boy wounded by the Lintha.
The Crew sees first hand the map carved into the small child’s back. A horrible thing even in this Age of Sorrow. Between the boys tear-choked answers and what information his father possesses they learn the dire tool used in this innocents torture. The thaumaturgical ritual,the Blood Compass. The Captain,Ruby Bloome pays the family for their trouble and the Crew moves on to seek answers on the nature of the compass.It is through Vanquo that answers are found.
Madame Vispy is a respected sea witch within those who respect such things in Azure. Hidden away on the cities hills she holds council for her colleagues and those who can afford her wisdom. She reveals that the ritual used is indeed the Blood Compass. A foul thing that calls for a partial map from the blood’s memory to treasures long lost. And that also another came seeking knowledge of a map,Ragara Kashun.
The Deathknight has left word with the Harbor master and collected a hefty chunk of jade from his new employer. Despite the trappings of death and his capacity to deal it out the Champion of Oblivion does care about something. The twisted raiton large enough to serve as stead was wounded when he sought to claim the prey that drew him to Azure to begin with.Medicine is sought to repair the bird’s wounds. When he returns he is sent to Landi Rowe the only Crew member currently on the docks. A deal is struck. An escape prepared.
Soon everyone regrouped and resupplied for the voyage ahead. Still mystery hanging on the horizon. Ragara Kashun suggests he may still have some piece to the puzzle unknown to the crew before hiding below deck. It is explained that the dragon blooded is to be referred to as “Fritz” for his and the ship’s safety. The map’s importance revealed the Crew now has a goal even if not yet a heading. With a whisper on Zidell’s lips the ship is branded,The Redemption and soon baptized in open waters.
Aboard there are secrets revealed and conflict at every corner. The Dragon Blood,though exiled from home and on the run from Peleps troops is no less the Dynast then when he left the Blessed Isle. Out here in the West it is easy to forget the might of the Scarlet Empire’s scions. The Captain reveals her secret which causes a bit of chaos. She trusted but one cannot help trust the truths that have lived centuries strong since the Usurpation. Perhaps The Redemption would be lost without “Fritz” and his key to the first age map and its bloody counter part. Perhaps but not so. With the aid of the incorrigible Sellis Varl,Zidell and Vanquo seek out the exiled Prince of the Earth and manage to bring him back to the fold.
The Crew now knows more of what they seek. A artifact of the First Age. Supposedly a weapon of the Anathema,the Shield of the West. Regaled on stories of Dynastic youth and half remembered rumor. Out at the corners of creation, so very near where the dreaded Fair Folk claim the Wyld sea lies the next clue to this lost treasure. With heavy heart the Crew’s shipwright,Landi Rowe suggests they plot a course between the watery territories of Skullstone and the Neck. To her home where so recently everyone she knew and loved was scattered to the sea.
A small peck of land between Solid Shell and Petraya is where the Crew take there boats ashore. The place Landi Rowe remembered has seemed to recovered with new faces. New islanders looking to make a new life for themselves. Wounded gods desperately try to keep life living on this tiny land. It on there landing that new secrets come to light. The Deathknight’s appearance sends the island folk scrambling. They run to gather what ever tribute they can find to soothe the representatives of the Silver Prince and spare themselves the fate of Landi Rowe’s family. Shocked the Crew tries to find some answers within the village. It seems here Deathknight has clashed with Deathknight and those whose fortunes put them near the fray suffered dearly for it. At this time The Dark Sanguis of Shadows reveals his nature as a Chosen of Oblivion and refugee from the Silver Prince.
The Crew gathers to ask questions of themselves and the nature of their intentions. Each in turn honestly reveals themselves as not to surprise the others if something should happen. Questions remain many of which are yet unspoken. Necessity is forged from the timber of Landi Rowe’s home and the Crew is prepared to take their next step.
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