Korick IronBolt : Jurnal entry

The Free Isles have been nothing like what i thought they would be. First we made land fall on an Island inhabited by giant Apes. They seemed to worship this monstrous Gorilla. it stood above the bloody trees! I feared that Geldazar had us all doomed when that monster spotted him. But it seems they had a moment of understanding pass between them. We were able to leave the Island without much blood shed.

We traveled up the coast to a small township. The leader of the tribesmen who lived there said we lucky to lived and were blessed by their god. evidently they worship that giant beast, offer it tribute in the form of live sacrifices. Pitiful savages! Anyway they told us to follow the river north, then trek through the jungle till we get to the pirate city. They also said the pirates had pissed off a "River God."

Well it turned out they were sorta right. There was a large Hipuwotimus with a dagger in its back. Turns out that the dagger was cursed and was causing the beast to go on a bloody killin spree. The dagger was of ( ) make. There hands seem to be in many stews.

When we made it to the pirate city we discovered that a large group of mercenaries named the "Sons of Kander" had made camp just outside of the city. We entered the city and asked the Dock master it he had seen or heard of our ship and captain Darrel. No such luck, sod and all his men could be at the bottom off the ocean for all we know.

As we went about gettin acclimated we found out that the entire city was in a bit of stir with the mercenaries at there gates. No sooner than we learn this Arren manages to get himself forcefully escorted by a lieutenant of the Sons of Kander to their little camp. Me an Idwel promptly set a rescue attempt into effect. The boy can cause quite the distraction. I made it all the way to their captains tent before i was caught. In my defense i never would of been cought had I not been surprised by Arren an the Kanders captain exiting his tent.

Know he has us on a mission to find the man who last saw the prince of the pirates alive. We always seem to be on the move never quite catching that lucky break.

Chapter Six: Contracts and Gods

The trees moved aside as he lumbered across his island.

Each branch and leaf felt like a part of himself. Looking out over the top of the jungle canopy he saw the terrible ocean. The wicked eternal lake of salt. That was where men came from. Always from the sea. On winged houses they came by the hundreds. They cut down the trees and killed his children. They fed and roared and burned all in their path. No men dared come to his island anymore. They knew of his wrath. He had tried to go to out into the sea, to find all the men and kill them, but it never ended. He could swing as strong as any living thing, and hold his breath for days, but still the expanse was too great for even him.

The tiny people from beyond the river feared him. They built stone monsters in his image to protect themselves. They sent rafts of sweet fruits and man flesh in tribute to him. He let them hide in their village and fear him. This was his island, and one day all the islands would be free of mankind's plight. With his great arms he pushed aside the trees and looked out into the blueness. A single winged house drifted towards his shores. Fighting the wind, and weaving through the deadly rocks. More men. Like flies to a corpse they came. He let out a roar that shook the mountains and gave flight to every bird for miles. His children heard him. They knew their god was angry, and none would escape the wrath of Goretusk when he was angry.

Connecting the Dots

The dead moon was early again.

While Idwel watched the expression on the captain's face grow grim at its sight, he couldn't help but find it somewhat comforting.

The dead moon was out the first night Kyzzick had appeared to him, and only tonight did he realize this fact. He pondered the significance of this for a moment, but the thought was interrupted by the appearance of the monster that attacked the ship moments later.

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Kyzzick clicked and gurgled as Idwel stepped off the boat, resting comfortably on his shoulder.

He eyed the dwarf hungrily, imagining what his eyes might taste like, and if they'd taste any different than humans' eyes.

Amongst the Sea

Then sea tossed their small craft about violently. Korick glanced over at Arren as he barked orders, while fighting the waves with his ore. Korick an Idwel shared an ore trying to mach Arrens skill.

"Its just water Korick." He thought.
"Look at Arren and he's but a lad!"

His voice started softly but built into a thunderous roar!
In a deep dwarven baritone he belted out.

"Mountain Skies and caverns deep"
"We are warrior's born our honor to die"
"To the old Oaths we will keep"
"Beware our battle cry"
"Born of stone to it returned"

"The deep paths we will cross"
"Iron and coal we trod under foot"
"We will avenge ones loss"
"Day and night we forge in soot"
"Born of stone to it returned"

"An empire strong"
"With axe and shield we will defend"
"A worthy battle fought Long"
"Our victory's are Legend"
"Born of stone to it returned"

Again and again he sang the old dwarven hymn as they rowed through the turbulent seas. His voice became horse and his beard glistened with salt. Still he rowed and still he sang.