Iomedae Save Me

Extracts from the journals of Titus during the Serpent Skull Incident

I wonder if this is just fate, or is part of some larger plan to test me. I tend towards the later and with that in mind I feel I must see my present course through.

As per my previous notes, I was on my way to Sargava on a pilgrimage to see the sight of Iomedae’s second Act, the defeating of the witch coven and subsequent liberation of the city of Eleder. During my studies and prayers I have come across rumours and legends that suggest some sacred relics from this time may exist and still be in Sargava. If this is true, they should recovered.

My journey had taken me across the Inner Sea the Acadian Ocean to Quent where I boarded what was to be my final ship. During the third night of the journey, our ship was attacked by a pirate vessel. No doubt one of the many pirates operating out of the Shackles, to lead a crusade in the name of Iomedae to end their evil would indeed be a great thing. During the fighting I was struck from behind and cast overboard.

Unconscious I floated for what must have been around four to five days before washing up on a beach. I regained consciousness via the not so gentle right boot of a scrawny and weathered human male by the name of Ron. Turns out he was actually as old as he looked, but years of substance abuse had taken their toll and he looked rather like a gaunt shriveled up leather bag, but more on the substance abuse later. Ron was part of a group of survivors marooned recently when their ship, the Jenivere, mysteriously caught fire and ran aground on this island. Ron and three other of the survivors were searching the island to see if they could find a way off while the remainder of the Jenivere’s crew setup a firm base to operate from.

The reconnaissance party consisted of Ron, a substance abusing, bi-polar alchemist with a remarkable gift for treating disease and poisons with his chemical concoctions. However like many people with addiction issues, he seems overly preoccupied with ensuring he always has his next hit ready and after each injection of strength serum, he demands that we wait an hour so he can prepare his next hit. It makes our progress somewhat slower than it otherwise would be.

Then next member of the party was Helga, a 99 year old human witch. Certainly not the kind that Iomedae banished from this land and certainly not someone you would expect to be out and about given her age. Nonetheless she was surprisingly lively and her long life had given her a “unique” perspective on how the world worked and although I can’t say I agree with it, she is ethically harmless. And she has many, many, many stories to tell whilst we on watch together.

Szraiel, claims to be an archaeologist. He certainly seems to have a wide variety of knowledge, he has a rather unhealthy obsession with his kukri. I have seen him lick it during combat and bury a zombie baby in its name.

Finally there was Dorian, I have not spoken to him a great deal as he speaks in tongues when under pressure. When not under pressure he is disciple of Pharasma, goddess of fate and death. Dorian’s actions however, seem to be geared much more towards life and he has without hesitation used his powers to heal members of the group when they are injured.

As eccentric as the four of them are, the powers granted to me by Iomedae show no evil in their souls. At least not yet. Still they are unusual and I must endeavor to lead by example and demonstrate a higher moral/ethical standard to which they can aspire.

Over the past four days since I arrived on the island, the group has moved to explore the island, sticking mainly to the coast as the jungle interior is very difficult to move in. We have yet to have any friendly encounters during our exploration. There is some rather unpleasant native wildlife, combination bird/lizard things, a giant spider, random cannibal and perhaps most concerning some undead. If there is an undead infestation on this island, it will need to be rooted out and destroyed with extreme prejudice.

I will write more as the situation continues to develop.

 Iomedae guide me.