The city of adventurers was never a sleeping city. Even in the tremorous wakes of cataclysmic events, the ruination of its governmental system under the strain of its guild's failings, and a sewer system noone has bothered to explore that may or may not be filled with rats, Fireflies has always held back calamity with steadfast posture. In doing so, it has allowed itself to expand the Guild of Adventurers across the globe, from its central southern position on the continent, across the endless seas of the infinite shores. With breakneck speed and a pace of work that often outpaces the adventurers who are supposed to complete it, Fireflies became a central hub for an ever expansive and far reaching organisation that seeks to better the world and protect it from the dangers within, without, and beyond. Thus, it never sleeps. Such is the life of those who reside in this part of the world, compounded by the fact most people who live here are, well, adventurers.

  An above average person is standing at the notice board with white hair parted to one side, they’re wearing a form fitting suit and what you would assume is a unitard underneath. Their mouth and nose is covered by a black mask that’s half put on. A short blade and a whip are resting on her hip. Grimm, muttering about understaffing, notes down in her black book to avoid certain death. “The Isle of Samm, perhaps a federation outpost.”

  “Oh, is there work?” As this assignment caught the eye of Chloe, a tall human looking woman, dressed in typical monkly attire with a taint protector around her neck. The only things that stand out are a colourful mask hanging from her waist and a finely made mithril longsword on her back. Grimm reads briefly about the assignment, a missing steel plate named Haze, with a 50-50 chance of them being dead, either way a precious item they were carrying is of great importance. Chloe nods and suggests getting more information from the guild though Grimm observes that the notice says they’re a nation state, most likely meaning their own government, which in turn means they probably want to keep it a secret for national security.

  As the two discuss where they could gather more information, a half elf bard with bagpipes and a smile approaches them “If I may chime in…ah I’m Cedrik, if I haven’t introduced myself. But yes, I do believe it’s best to visit the fellow at the guild to see what information he may have before going headfirst into the unknown situation.”

  After exchanging pleasantries, they agree that they need to talk to Charles Abadon regarding the assignment and Cedrik so happens to know the man. Grimm introduces herself as Ajin, much to the confusion of Chloe and the chagrin of Cedrik.

  A fourth person appears, though quietly carving intricate runes on a leather strap watching and waiting. She introduces herself as Mary and as Grimm tries to pick at Cedrik’s uncomfortable reactions regarding past missions, a bizarre and tall sivanian appears in the tavern doing numerous flips as though competing for the circus.

  Disregarding the conversations around him he immediately inquires about the presence of c'thon creatures, taking a few taint protectors from his bag. In the frenzy of protector talks he hands one to Chloe, indicating that she should wear it all the time. With another backflip he introduces himself as Sushi, a great rogue, interior designer and pastry chef of O’s soup kitchen. Chloe’s attempt at a sushi chef joke successfully passes right over his head, though she appreciates the ‘host of evil’ name he gave her.

  While Cedrik is taken by Sushi’s cooking skills and Chloe is bemused by his antics, Grimm however is not impressed by his eccentricities. Sushi immediately inquires about Mary’s steel plate, putting even more pins into Grimm’s nerves with that flaunting of authority.

  While Chloe tries to defuse the situation, she also gives a brief description of the informant they are looking for.

  Not all are keen on the structure of the Adventurer's guild. But the distinguished sheen of plates is a prime way of telling who is who and what their responsibilities are. Steel plates are the most that many adventurers ever achieve in their lifetimes, but it is not a sign of the average. Far from it.

  Charles Abaddon is a steel plate striker, but his work in the guild has included diplomatic missions to smaller areas of the world and beyond. He was usually the muscle, but half a lifetime going places and seeing how people talk makes for an individual who can detect liars and speakers of the truth. Recently he had taken more of a role in the mainland after recent events, but still keeps an interest in missions that require diplomatic scrutiny, or a helping hand of subtlety. A tall man, with striking brown eyes and a huge greatsword. He wears a cloak, with a flag bearing a rose behind two black and a white stripe upon its back.

  The note is packed up into Grimm’s book, which closes with a hearty snap and a tug of its leather binding. They make their way out of the slightly crowded tavern with a bit of a push and pull, but eventually either through polite side steps or flips you are out the door.

  Almost immediately, the very smell and sound of Fireflies' port city air strikes them. The salt is light and dances with the breeze of the early spring, catching past the freeze of last year's winter and into the jubilant month of fools. Already they see as they make their way to the guild hall other Adventurers racing to their task. A Dragonborn paladin rushing to get the next zepplin ride to the west, a group of humans flouting their carriage as they ride off north, perhaps a few solemn spellcasters making nods to one another and teleporting to places dangerous and unknown. They arrive at the guildhall within a short time, owing perhaps to eagerness or a lack of anything stopping their advance. They make it to the door and find themselves in a bureaucratic mess, landing at the back of several long lines with the chime of loud shouting and arguments over pay, quest details, or the calm ruminations of a clerk and a squad going over the latest mess of the last team.

  Stepping away from the lines, they see several adventurers talking to other, more older folk. Or sometimes people who appear much younger than they should be, be it by magic or otherwise. But their focus goes upon a singular individual, with a rose and three striped symbols emblazoned upon their back.

  "Mister Abaddon? A moment of your time?" Sushi says approaching the man.

  Charles Abaddon turns his head to him. He nods for a moment, turning back to the others he was speaking with. Their names and faces are unknown to the adventurers, but they nod in turn and leave him to speak with the newcomer. As they go out the door, he turns fully towards Sushi, and gives a gentle smile. "Yes, that would be me."

  "Heard you needed some heroes?" he says with excitement.

  "That we all do, in these troubling times. But I imagine it was the task that was on hand you speak of, regarding the Isle of Samm." His voice is smooth, baroque, and resonates from a deep place inside of his lungs.

  Cedrik proceeds to clean his bagpipes as the others inquire about more information regarding the mission, Grimm taking notes dutifully.

  "Conrad Haze, a good fellow who I had adventures with many times before. He had his duties to attend to, eventually, as did I, and we did not speak for a time while we continued our collective vigilance against evil and wrong. But recently, as you may have guessed, he has gone missing. I believe the details speak for themselves, mostly, but I am here to cover any questions and direct you to the correct course for this quest." Charles Abaddon relayed and further went into details as the party requested "The first group we sent out was meant to take on the task in earnest and locate Conrad. They had taken the Constable, and discovered that the passage to the Isle of Samm was interrupted, usually, by some kind of supernatural force raising up strong storms. It was frequent enough to warrant trouble, but they passed through it without too much harm, and discovered a way to appease the supernatural spirit behind the violent storms through a sacrifice. This information will be valuable, as animal sacrifice is enough to appease the being and continue through unabated."

  "Eventually, they arrived at the Isle, and in tow managed to bring with them an individual who is also claiming to be connected to Conrad. But pressing matters on the mainland forced them to return to assist the guild, thus leaving the mission unfulfilled."

  As no clear picture of Conrad Haze was available, Charles presented his best description of the man to help the adventurers: "He was a tall man himself, standing a little shorter than me, at about six feet and three inches tall. He had broad shoulders, but a slim torso frame, and dressed in fur coats. He was from the Freeholmes, so his accent is bound to be thick with that winter frost of the region."

  "He wielded a sword he affectionately called 'Georgia', and spoke with eloquence. He knew several languages, and his primary self professed title was 'Banneret'. He had that distinct love for leading, and acted as the speaker of groups wherever he joined. He was good at it, for that matter, so no one stepped to his level. He had shaggy brown hair, and a medium sized beard I'd say."

  Having received sufficient information regarding their target, Mary provides a quick breakdown of the last trip to the Isle of Samm of which she was part of. With the brief acknowledgement of Charles, he also adds that the item in question is sensitive though not anything evil or cosmic in nature. It has a seal, scrimshawed into its side is the symbol of the guild of adventurers.

  "You will need to take the ship known as 'The Constable'. Mary should be familiar with it, as it was the vessel that had taken the previous group to the Isle of Samm. The Captain is a good sort who works with the guild, so I will ask you to mind your manners while aboard it."

  "Now, when you arrive at the Isle, I highly suggest speaking with someone the last group picked up; a young illusionist by the name of Kyle. I do not know the boy personally, but he claims to be Conrad's son...I do not know his intent or motive, but he stayed on the Island when the original group had to return, and we have kept contact over distance to learn developments in the region. You will be arriving at the city of Ramsey in the isle, where Kyle will be if you wish to seek what he knows so far. He too is looking for Conrad, after all. Good luck, and stay safe."

  As they depart Grimm asks Mary for further details regarding Haze and attempts to make a sketch of him, though only with 40% confidence that she got it right.

  They make their way out of the guildhall and begin the trek towards the harbour of Fireflies. The path there was a crowded one, as several adventurers attempted to make their way into the ports in hopes of either finding work or getting themselves passage to some distant lands. They are easily able to pick out "The Constable" by its iridescent flag, which displays the same symbol as which was on the coat that Charles Abaddon was wearing. Of course, the ship had its name printed on the side, with bold.

  Standing at the deck near the ship was a woman with a fiery attitude, who seemed to be inspecting cargo intended for the ship's journey. Mary quickly recognized the Quartermaster of the Constable, Yarra Stone.

  Chloe waved and gave her greetings to the woman, accompanied by Mary who clearly knew her and had travelled with her previously.

  The woman turned over to look at them, and the stern expression she wore before seemed to soften to a mild amusement upon her face.

  "Well if it ain't the big damn heroes of the Adventurer's guild. Lots of fresh faces too. Except you, how are you Mary? And already eager to set off, ain't you all?" cracking a smile at that.

  "You'll have to settle down for a hot minute while I make sure this food shipment isn't a ripoff. But soon as that's done, unless you want to talk with the Captain or the crew, we'll be on our way to the Isle."

  "I have been well, thank you! I'll get situated in the same place and go fishing." Mary replies.

  "Good luck with that, fish have been stubborn out there. Pack yourselves food for two weeks, we're short on providing on our end due to some damn tax increases on food shipments. Grah, you don't get this kind of money sucking laws in the other ports. Fireflies...always the fidget sink."

  "But also very profitable, no?" says Mary.

  "When you manage to meet demand, I'd say so. Sold some poor suckers ivory a few weeks ago when we came back from a jungle terrain, and then tempered flexsteel when we last visited the Isle of Samm. Place is overflowing with that stuff."

  Chloe goes in search of supplies and Cedrik for additional musical instruments.

  The next few hours are spent with the ship being prepared for liftoff from the port. The anchor is pulled, the ropes are unlatched, and the prow is set to the sea. A solid push off and the current of the wind pick up in the large sails of "The Constable", and the vessel becomes one with the waves.

  The crew there looked healthy, hale and strong, as they worked around the clock ensuring safety for the ship and its shipment as it escaped the twisted port of Fireflies.

  Cedrik approaches the captain, looking for approval in order to play music to the crew. A hard faced man, who does not speak except to give commands. His barrel chested appearance is off putting for the weaker in strength among them, though from what they understand he does not seem scornful of their presence so long as they respect his ship. "That is Captain Donovan Stone to you, landlubber. And as for music, well let me ask you this. Have you ever been aboard a ship that was quiet in the morning?"

  Chloe inquires about a good fishing spot as Cedrik skillfully dodges the captain’s question.

  "And you dodge my question. Good, because if you got any wise in the last few seconds, it should be in knowing that a sailor ain't worth jack if they can't sing without music. Can you sing without your instruments, adventurer? Since you're so adamant about it, I'll give you one shot. Give us something the men and women of the sea could appreciate. And for the gods sake, nothing sappy. I've had to hear 'bones in the ocean' a hundred times already."

  Chloe's fishing was a standard affair. For the most part she was met with the dissonance of time and space as the days whittle away, gathering fish that was both mundane and salty to the taste buds. Time slipped more and more into the void with every failed or average catch, and at the end of the trip she was left with a profound disappointment at losing the chance, if it existed, of having an excellent catch.

  Cedrik began playing the tunes with a rumbustious gait to his steps and a bounce in the tone of his voice. The captain at first seems unfazed, but the crew nearby picked up on the song, as it was travelling across the ship. There was a chorus that rose out of the sailors aboard, mariners and all, from the lowest deck to the highest as they sang along with him while on the job. A successful performance of Randy Dandy Oh. At the end of it, a resounding "Hey!" could be heard, followed by laughter. The Captain smiled a little at this.

  "Well, I'll be damned, you do have some sea lungs in you adventurer. Well, I'd pay you some small sum if you'd be willing to carry that voice around and raise the crew's spirits a bit. Ain't nothing but sour faces since we had to turn down the crackers quality. It's not much, but it's living on the side."

  Mary, with a seating position that's both comfortable and out of the way from the rest of the ship, prays for a good catch for a moment, before sending out her line. Having given up one of her rations for bait, she’s certain she'll catch something neat and hungry.

  The line tugs just a few minutes into her fishing, and tugs hard. Mary feels that the line could have been lost then, had she not pulled back in earnest and managed to salvage her strength to reel back the string of the fishing rod.

  With bulging biceps threatening to burst in flames, and a will dedicated to justice and the righteous way, she manages to sink her feet into the wood and heave once more. She’s forced to plant her heels down into the edge and lean back, until with a moment's passage she finds herself successfully having wrestled something out of the waters.

  The sight that greeted her, is a little confusing, for the prey she captured was not a mere bass or cod, but instead a 5 ft long shark, gleaming with a hide studded with silver coins and scars across its lower body and head.

  The creature struggled once on the deck, then died quickly. Mary sets out to butcher the creature, thanking Kel'Ril for the bounty. The shark was a hefty thing, made of scales, as well as odd silver coins that dot its skin. While it took some knife work over a few hours, eventually, the creature is butchered, and she manages to salvage some of the coins, a sort of token, as well as a few rations.Each of the silver tokens had a symbol upon it. A symbol she faintly recognizes as being possessed upon creatures that she fished out of the sea the last time she came to the Isle of Samm.

  Sushi has a sad expression at the fallen creature and pets the shark’s corpse “Sharks aren’t food.” He says with a sorrowful voice “They’re like the pitbulls of the sea, everyone dislikes them but they’re amazing companions if you train them well.” Chloe agrees but still expresses admiration for Mary’s catch.

  After all of this, Sushi dives into the sea. The fish there are thankfully curious creatures, most of his attempts to speak with them go, however they are often speaking too quickly or too short in memory to hold a proper conversation with. As it goes like this for several days, until he encounters one lone fish that seemed a bit more socially talkative than the others. It was a large eel-like creature, with a wolfish snout and whiskers across the edges of its sleek face. It greeted him, and asked him in fish terms, why a land walker was swimming for so long under the waves. It seems confused at his existence.

  Sushi communicated in a secret sea speech and offered some explanation “I grew up in the sea, and will one day go home. Have to maintain my swimming skills and such.”

  He hears it hum, something that some land dwellers may consider as 'song' but in truth was the speech of the creatures of the sea.

  Sushi understands its meaning, the creature seemed to be wondering why he had come to this part of the ocean. Without hesitation Sushi responds “Adventure! Because I want to be a hero and because it is my duty.”

  “I wouldn't know” it rumbled. “I only seek to survive. To be a hero, to have duty, is a matter of the land, not the sea. Down here, there is little to save, and everything is on the line for the dwellers below the waves. Such is the fate of all sea creatures.”

  The creature finds his optimism amusing and asks him what adventure he is on.

  “To find a lost adventurer and retrieve an important item!”

  “How does an adventurer get 'lost'? Don't all adventurers travel the world for treasures and quests?”

  “Ey I have no idea, I probably got caught up in something above his pay grade. That’s why you never travel alone!”

  After a brief description of the missing person, it swims around for a bit before responding that doesn't sound like anyone familiar. But the Isle of Samm is known for it. It has some strange people. Sometimes good, sometimes bad.

  Thanking the fish, he cautions it to be careful around the ship, as fishers were hunting the beautiful creatures of the sea, before returning to the ship. The eel seems to swim away as he leaves, returning to the deep.

  The waves tumble and twist the ship, as oceans want to do to the parasites of mortal ships that ride above them. The intensity, however, only increases as The Constable drives ever closer to the Isle of Samm. On the last day of travel, they were hit by a ravaging storm, initially a sign of perhaps terrible things to come. But the first group had already experienced this twisting maelstrom, and emerged the more knowing from it. And so did the Crew of the Constable. The Captain himself delivers a sacrifice, in the form of one of the chickens that was reserved for livestock. A few words of rebuke were spoken to the storm's master under the Captain's lips "Here, you damn thing of Storm, Stone, and Salt. Have at your blood. Now let us through to your broken paradise." The storms parted quietly soon after, and the rest of the journey was sound.

  The Isle of Samm appeared on the horizon in the distance. The next chapter of the adventure, soon to unfold.

    Welcome! I’m Whisper, and this is my Secret Fire Pepper Corner, where I share the most seriously sought-after sagery in all the world, fire pepper lore! This is really important, and you can trust that it is because I’ve never lied to you before that you know of. Let’s start off with two very special fire pepper recipes that everyone can enjoy!

    It has been a long time since we last wrote a journal, but now as we travel towards what will be a fundamental step in our journey, we feel the need to put down what we are to this paper. For neither of us knows how it will play out, if we’ll prevail or perish, remain the same or change beyond recognition.

  We once were just a hobgoblin, one of the kinds humans turn into when infused by chthonic energy. The soul named Sahav served in Asmodean's army as a messenger, delivering orders between units. That changed in his 24th year of life, when a pack of beasts ambushed his group’s camp. Clinging to life in a deadly duel, green flame suddenly ignited his blade, thundering two of the creatures. That was the moment his sorcerer's blood awoke, an innate connection to the Chrome. His abilities made him quickly rise through the ranks and he soon came to lead the very same unit as its captain. Though, after 10 years of leading them they came into a confrontation with a unit of the Overlord's followers. A scheme of the barons brought him with the orders to deal with those troops and he complied without thinking. A fatal mistake. In the end he alone was left, a spirit broken by the losses he endured. He found his way to the coast of the Badlands, stole a boat and set off to the South. We don’t know what it was that made his nature withstand the animotic nature of the sea. His chromatic abilities? A small, lingering fragment of unbreakable spirit? A desire for vengeance? Perhaps it was all or even neither. He crossed the seas, weakened but alive, and set out to find his own path. Sahav wandered for many months, meeting new people, fighting foes and seeking power, but it was when he found himself in front of a strange tower near the City at the Crossroads when a destiny was forged.

  In the tower he met the Vorpal Storytellers and together they awakened Zyg, a deed that resonated throughout the world. Together they went on many adventures, throughout the world, the Chrome and other planes. All this time the soul named Sahav grew more powerful. But his was not the only one that gained in strength. The essence of a powerful C’thon dwelled within, and now his companion from the very start began to stir once again. Sahav wished nothing more than to co-exist with this other side, to be something more than just a vessel for two souls and through many struggles the two came to an agreement. Cutting their shackles to Asmodean they set themselves truly free, free to walk their own path. Together. It was on this path they found the second step to becoming more, equilibrium of the souls, and with balance they became we.

  Many things have happened since then, we have been fighting the Enemy for a long time and now face our greatest challenge yet. Hell awaits and together with the others, Whisper, Big Bear, Amon, Tazerath and Zin, we will foil the Enemy’s plans and take another step towards our future. The future of the C’thon.

from Sahav Lucifash's journal