This was a document I handed out to my group the other night when they successfully managed to retrieve a journal off an old corpse, buried by rubble in the tomb they managed to infiltrate. Only had one copy at the time, so posting it here so that the whole group can read it.
This document is written in an old, but still understandable dialect of Salvati. The handwriting contains excessive loops and lines, as though the writer was taught form over readability.
1st Rusday of Kingsmonth
Today marks the beginning of what is sure to be many great ventures! I, the great Prince Valdarmin, have found, in the archives of my family’s library, a map of the location of an ancient temple, dedicated to the so called “Swamp God”, not too far from the coast of the so called “Gulf of False Hope”. While few see reason to cross the sea in this day and age, I believe my father’s ships are more than capable of such a journey. I will assemble a retinue and retrieve what treasures that temple may hold and prove myself superior to my elder brothers!
2nd Clarasday of Soliscura
It has taken some time to make all the necessary preparations, but today my ship, The Saint Marlos, sets sail for lands unknown! Many sailors seem nervous about heading across the sea to the “Cursed” continent, but I am confident that I have found a superb crew. As our home port begins to disappear over the horizon, many whisper that they fear they may never see it again.
2nd Saintsday of Goldgrass
Land Ho! After far too long at sea, the mysterious continent of Pericolosa is in sight, I suspect we will make landfall shortly.
2nd Gaiusday of Goldgrass
Based on our maps, it would seem that our course had veered too far south during our time at sea. We will sail along the coast until we reach the Gulf!
3rd Marketsday of Goldgrass
The land is beginning to turn inwards on itself, it would seem we have found the Gulf of False Hope!
3rd Bothyna of Goldgrass
Today we saw a great serpent rise out of the sea! While all had heard the tales of such creatures, none have heard of one so close to land. We all thanked the saints that the beast did not seem to take any note of us.
4th Saintsday of Goldgrass
Sailing past the cliffs on the southern cliff-face face of the Gulf, I see a great ruined cathedral, perhaps once our primary expedition is completed, we will investigate that as well!
4th Gaius of Goldgrass
We’ve finally made landing at the mouth of the river we believe is the one depicted on our map! The weather seems to worsening, however, and we will set out after the storm.
4th Marketsday of Goldgrass
The storm has passed, with some damage to the ship, and many of the sailors are waiting behind and repairing it. I shall be setting out for the Temple of the Swamp God with 8 of my most trusted companions!
5th Saintsday of Goldgrass
Following the River, we’ve made camp at the edge of the forest, weather is holding.
5th Rusday of Goldgrass
We ran into a fell creature this morning, one with the face of an owl and the body of a bear, yet stronger than any bear I may have seen. We were able to slay the beast with numbers alone, but Jamore and Lucinus were both stuck down in the process. We buried them and decided to press onward.
5th Astrona of Goldgrass
The forest has given way to swamp, I suppose I should have expected such for the location of a temple of the so called “Swamp God”. The going is slow and the river snakes a lot more through these wetlands, but we are still able to follow it.
5th Markestday of Goldgrass
Darrus was grabbed by a crocodile and puled under. While it proved no threat to us in a fair fight, it was too late for Darrus by the time we got to him. Many of the men wished to turn back, but I reprimanded them for their cowardice! With no place to burry Darrus in this swamp we ended up using much of our oil and wood to cremate him.
1st Saintsday of First Harvest
On this first day of autumn, we have reached the point where two rivers join to create the one we had been following. From here, we are to abandon the River and make due west
1st Clarasday of First Harvest
In the distance, we finally see it, a large rock, one that has been carved in the shape of a skull! We shall camp tonight and enter the maw tomorrow!
1st Marketsday of First Harvest
Everyone but Thamos and I are dead.
We awoke to find much of our things missing, with no explanation apparent. Still, I insisted on entering the temple. The maw of the skull leads down a sloped path, with passageways slightly raised above the slope going off towards each side. We proceeded as deep as we could go and the ramp seemed to lead to a large, flooded room.
Knee deep in swamp water we see an altar ahead of us, the top of which was just above the water level, and upon which was our missing things, along with several other objects that seemed to be of considerable value.
As we retrieved our things and helped ourselves to the valuables we heard noise coming from the water, and, at the edge of our light, saw frogs that stood like men and were nearly as tall. One thing that stood out to me is that a number of them seemed to be wearing jewelry of great value and seemed to be wary of our torches. It was as I was noticing this when Larrus’ torch burned down. The Frogmen were on him in an instant, and Mercio and Daylnn stopped to aid him. Thamos, our remaining torchbearer, grabbed me by the hand and began to run, with Cid taking up the rear. However, the Frog men were gaining on us, even with some of them occupied by our companions. As we started up the slope, Cid stopped to hold them off, buying Thamos and I enough time to make it out into the sunlight, at which point they would not or could not follow us.
We have put much distance between ourselves and that place, and now have no choice but to turn back towards the ship. Someday I shall return with a larger force to avenge my comrades and recover what remains of their bodies.
3rd Astrona of First Harvest
The weather has taken a turn for the worse, Thamos and I have taken shelter in a cave atop a hill overlooking a meadow to wait out the storm.
3rd Solina of First Harvest
The winds and the rain are continuing, and all I can do is explore this small cave.
3rd Clarasday of First Harvest
I have discovered a well-hidden door at the back of this cave! Thamos has advised me to leave well enough alone but I am curious as to where it goes.
3rd Marketsday of First Harvest
How long can one storm last? I am completely bored out of my mind! If this storm does not quiet down by tomorrow morning, I will investigate beyond that hidden door just so I have something to do!
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You All Meet in a Tavern 