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Levian Bay

1.

Skipper Grumby’s Log

Lore

One boat’s sunk; the other is out of fuel. There’s nothing left for it. The six of us who remain will have to eke out some kind of living here on this forsaken island. Just in case we don’t, though, I wanted to get some of this information down. If you find this log, it’s more than likely we’re all dead – or, at the least, I am.

My name is Alain Grumby. I was captain of this ship, which I christened as the Sprat all those years ago. Though, to be honest, ship is probably too grand a word for the
Sprat. It’s really more of a boat, after all. She and her twin, the Guppy, weren’t designed for such long voyages over such rough seas.

My first mate, Gil, was my constant companion up until his death. We came to this planet purely by accident, but we didn’t come alone. Part of me blames Gil for the predicament we’re in – he thought the money we’d be paid was worth it, after all – but the blame is only partly his. Should you seek to prosecute anyone, you should first look to Lord Baccus.

Lord Baccus
, our financier, has been the driving force behind this expedition. He and his wife, Natalia, have treated it like a vacation ever since we plotted our initial course and puttered out to sea. Baccus is very rich, you see, and he pays us very well. It was by his insistence we came here, low on fuel and food and other supplies. He also sent Gil inland to explore, where he met a very messy end.

The other members of the expedition – also employees or associates of Baccus – included Lady Jinnevar, an
entertainer and a family friend of Baccus, as well as Professor Hispallus, a renowned doctor and scientist, and his assistant, Marina. Aside from Marina, who proved to be quite robust, the rest of Baccus’s crew was largely useless in anything resembling a dire situation.

As far as our current predicament is concerned, we are stranded here on this foggy island in the middle of an alien ocean. The creatures that live here are, by and large, ferocious. From huge, acid-spewing snails to a breed of
hulking predator that attacks and kills like a sudden whirlwind, there is little here that one might consider friendly.

With Gil dead, Baccus has decided that we should head inland. He feels our salvation is hidden there. Given the presence of the creatures that killed my first mate, I doubt we’ll get very far. But we have to try, I guess. Staying here isn’t an option.

And that, in brief, is my tale. Sad and sordid, perhaps, but it belongs to me. It is my legacy. And should I die,
at least I will not suffer the further indignities of following Lord Baccus’s every whim.

Skipper Alain Grumby

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Levian Bay

1.

Citizen’s Weekly #22 – A Word with Artemis

Lore

In this issue of Citizen’s Weekly, a special treat – CW reporter Marcus Assellus’s exclusive interview with famed highborn explorer Artemis Zin!

Marcus Asellus: Good evening, Lady Zin. It’s a pleasure to have you here.

Artemis Zin: Please, call me Artemis.

MA: As you wish, Artemis. Tell me, is there any truth to the rumors that you will be leaving Cassus soon on yet another expedition?

AZ: Oh, yes. I’m quite excited about it, though I can’t reveal too much for security reasons.
I’m sure you understand.

MA: Completely, my lady. What can you tell my readers about this impending journey?

AZ: As part of a Dominion expedition to an as-of-yet unexplored world, I intend to discover the secrets of the Elder Cube.

MA: I was under the impression that the Elder Cube was a myth. Can you explain?

AZ: I assure you, Marcus. the Elder Cube is quite real.

MA: What is your interest in the Elder Cube, if I might ask?

AZ: That’s difficult to quantify. The Elder Cube
is the key to all things, you see. It is the embodiment of the depth and breadth of Eldan knowledge. So, in effect, my interest in the Elder Cube is an interest in learning the secrets of the entire universe.

MA: How ambitious!

AZ: You wouldn’t be the first to say so! (She laughs merrily.)

MA: Will Kevo be traveling with you?

AZ: Of course. I make it a point not to go anywhere without my faithful Kevo. Isn’t that right?

Kevo: Yes, my lady.

MA: When will you be leaving?

AZ:
I can’t really say.

MA: My readers have sent in a number of questions. Might I ask you one that has, frankly, been on my mind since you arrived?

AZ: Oh, certainly.

MA: Allow me to paraphrase. “Dear Lady Zin, is there a special someone in your life? Signed, Brianna S.”

AZ: Not at the moment, no. My work keeps me busy, and I’m rarely on Cassus for more than a few weeks at a time. Love is a luxury I have little time for, I’m afraid.

MA: So I have a chance, then?

AZ: Oh, Marcus! You’re incorrigible.

MA: Our next question. “Artemis, how did you meet your Draken guardian, Kevo? Signed, Meridius.”

AZ: Kevo has long been a member of my household. He has always been there for me, as far back as I can remember, and I owe my life to him several times over. He is the embodiment of Draken strength, ferocity, and dependability.

MA: From the looks of Kevo, it appears as if my time with
you is up.

AZ: I’m afraid so. I can’t say how much I’ve enjoyed this, Marcus.

MA: The pleasure was all mine, Lady Zin.

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Levian Bay

1.

Skeech Science

Lore

[An analysis of sorts carried out by what passes for a Skeech intellectual regarding the origins of the Star-Comm facility and its true purpose.] Skeech SKEECH Skeech power! Skeech space Skeech SKEECH gods Skeech OLD gods Skeech Skeech Skeech! Skeech Skeech GREEN Skeech Skeech SKEECH,
Skeech SKEECH lightning burn Skeech!

Skeech Skeech strange Skeech Skeech SKEECH vines Skeech power! Skeech Skeech vines Skeech feed Skeech SKEECH god-thing! SKEECH Skeech GOD-THING Skeech AWAKEN Skeech SKEEch Skeech! Skeech SKEECH Skeech stars! Skeech big green Skeech SKEECH! CUBE Skeech SKEECH! Skeech Skeech Skeech.

Skeech,
Skeech SkeechSkeech-perimental SKEECH!