Genesis

> Genesis is the firsthand account of St. Thorric pre-ascension.  It details the founding of Clear Skies Cove, and how he brought community to a barren world through humility and service.
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### Chapter 1

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My new co-workers and I have had quite the boat ride.  First time on a boat and my iron stomach turned upside down.  It was kind of that young Grippli lass to provide me with herbs to keep me from the worst parts of our ride.  There seems to be things living in this ocean that even my Clan's stories haven't mentioned. I must remember to warn them of these storm summoning, water breathing, demons.  I think I heard the word "Elemental" used to describe them. All I know is the ship is destroyed and the captain and his sea witch vanished into some sort of portal leaving us to die.  Ha, I think not! Not today, anyways.

Only five of us survived the wreck, and we have run into five very unable bodies.  I seem to be the oldest person on the island so far. Ha! First time I've been the elder anywhere.  I hope I can help bring everyone to work together and get this port built. I've never seen people in such despair.  I will do what I can to help this shattered lot, for they must build forges of courage to contain the fire of fear.

I miss my clan.  I haven't mined or made anything and can't wait to hear the sound of metal striking stone.  At least I got to use my pick on some crab cretins. I can't remember the last time I had to fight for my life, but after a shaky couple swings I used my head and my pick axe found theirs.  Back at camp, everyone seems to have a lot of respect for me after that fight. I was about to explain to them about teamwork and how it takes more than one pillar to hold up a mine, but what could I say after seeing the small glimmer of hope from the broken souls that we washed up next to.  One of them even made me a crab claw crown for cryin' out loud. It smells, and makes me look foolish, but Thorric, the Crab Slayer seems to be just what they needed.

Now to wash up a bit, meditate and get a good sleep in.  We have real work ahead of us tomorrow.

### Chapter 2

We've been on this island for about a week now.  Rations are getting low. We can't seem to find anything worth harvesting and we've got 51 weeks to build this port.  \*sigh\* If I don't start working again soon, I am going to lose my mind. If I wanted a vacation, I would have visited an already inhabited island.  Maybe one covered with gold mines and thick, voluptuous women. Ahh, well, for now I need to keep focus and keep this lot on task.

I've learned quite a bit more about the company around me.  The ratfolk has shown quite resolve in battle. He didn't shy away from all the crabs that were surrounding him, and also managed to grapple a dragonfly. He may have gone a little over the mountain, giving people whiskers and all, but I think he may be the most useful of this lot.  He even goes out of his way to make everyone coffee in the morning. Except for those lazy bums who fall asleep on their watch. They're going to get us all killed one of these nights. The human seems afraid.....like the rest of the humans. The lizard is tough. He's been beaten badly and still hasn't missed a battle.  And the frog may be softer than sandstone and drier than talc, but she's kept us healthy enough to continue protecting everyone.

The most interesting thing on this island is this tablet with runes inscribed on it.  I will have to ask the 5 non-adventurers if they know what it could be. Ha! It's doubtful.  Still, I should share our findings and not exclude them. They are part of our group after all.  As far as the most disturbing thing on this island.....well those freshly dug out graves and the eerie overall feeling I got on my skin tells me there is some trouble that's going to have to be dealt with.  Zombies? Skeletons? Vampires?! Eh, no point in speculation. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

### Chapter 3

We started off exploring again.  No food on this island so far. There has to be something out there somewhere.  Just not where we're looking I suppose. We have, however, found a hell of a lot of problems.  I suppose that evens us out. Gigantic slugs, thousands of bats, poisonous spiders, mutated monkeys.  I remember the time that idiot brother of mine, Kulrik, decided to mine where he wasn't supposed to and he caved in 5 of us for 2 days straight.  Ha, I was so scared. Thought we were gonners. We managed to get back home though, and when we did we ate more food than our bellies should have allowed.  I feel afraid like that now. Like we might be done for. Food is low, threats are high, people are weak and the weather is soggier than my mother's cooking.

Sheik'Tah and I have been through quite an ordeal.  We battled some fierce critters in this jungle and I could not have beaten them without her.  Bats and spiders. I've never seen any so hostile before. We're just trying to get this hut built near the woods.  I shouldn't have relied on my pick axe to fight them. I know how to handle myself with my bare hands. I don't know why I hesitate.  I need to trust my training and my ability as a monk. The others have been out foraging for food or cutting down trees in the area. Ha, I can't believe they asked me to mine trees?  Hahaha. Hahahaha! Trees.

The only thing we can do now is keep exploring and try to conserve as much food as we can.  I brought a good amount of rations, but I should have brought more. Some of the party has run out and now I'm down to only a couple days left.  People are eating less of their daily rations. I tried eating only half of my daily food and I don't feel very well. I don't feel as strong as I did before those spiders came biting on me either.  I'm so dizzy....and so hungry....and so tired.............(Zzzzzzzzzzz)

### Chapter 4

This island......it's more and more threats every day.  A volcano erupted on the other side of where we've landed.  I hope it's not the side with all the resources we need to build our port.  After almost starving to death on our trek out to explore for a food source, we finally arrived back at our camp.  The animals Shiek'Tah brought with her has bought us another 2 weeks before starvation but if we don't find something more permanent, we may be end up in trouble again very soon.

I've hit rock bottom.  My body has been pushed further than it's ever been.  Ripped and torn apart.....fighting crabs. I still can't believe they snuck up on us like that.  Bah! That rat was supposed to be watching our backs. Ambushed and taken by surprise forced to me to fight without my pick axe.  Sure, it didn't go as well I as I would have liked, but I've got to start somewhere. Still not quite ready to let old faithful go and Gods know I ain't using it for mining.  Never again will I be a victim to those grapplin' crab bastards. Tomorrow, I will work on a technique to defeat them. I can't forget what I've learned in my years. Stay strong and persevere.  I plan on doing just that. Besides, on this cursed island, there's not much else to do but hone my skills to survive. This may have been the most dangerous day of my life, but I feel stronger for it.  I must work hard to live up to my title.....The Crab Slayer.

### Chapter 5

Ha Haa!  We finally found food to sustain us for hopefully the rest of our endeavor here on the island.  Not a bad trek to gather it either. Shiek'Tah has managed to harvest quite a bit and the Rat seems to know how to keep it from spoiling.  No more empty bellies and no more threats for the time being. Except for some nasty Dragonflies that nearly struck me down with lightning.  I'm starting to get used to them though, which is odd. Storms brewing around here are harsh and it's hard to get used to a wet beard and soggy boots. I've got to keep using my soap sparingly because I know I'm not getting anymore of it anytime soon. Mining the cave we were in was like pounding sand.  5 days we were stuck in there waiting out the storm. At least this fossil I found is nice to look at. We still have a schedule to get to, though. We're already over a month in and we haven't started building a damn thing except a tree house!

I'm eager to keep training at Crab Maga.  I know it will be effective someday. Clayde seems to be interested in learning more about it also.  I don't care if he's a werewolf or a druid or whatever. As long as he doesn't try to molest anyone, he'll be just fine.  Unlike Alasdair......who's a few drawers short of a dresser. I will remember his name so I can warn others who he may prey upon with his perversions.  He spanks himself into a damn coma while he's on watch and it's happened more than once. The worst was the deviant act he tried to perform on the Rat. Filthier than orc dung he his.  Deep breaths and focusing on the job keeps me civil, but I don't care how awkward it is, he is not touching my things! Gods only know how he would have defiled my crab helmet. For now, I will just keep my gear close to me at night and my pick axe closer.  The wild changes people the elders always told me. I know now that they speak the truth.

### Chapter 6

It seems the excitement of finding a dependable food source has dwindled.  Finding a clear path to the forest was a minor victory, but this miner needs to feel stone.  It's good to see the young axe wielders using their talents, though, despite not being able to put my own to use.  The south of this island is clearly the most dangerous. We find more vermin trying to eat us the further south we go but we are handling ourselves against them far better now.  How much more exploring around this tropical catastrophe are we going to have to do? It's hotter than a dragons breath and wetter than a wee one's nose. We've wasted more time trying not to drown or get heatstroke.  I just want to build this damn port already.

It's good we finally cleared the foul air with Alasdair.  He seems to have some sort of sexual complication or maybe he's one of those handicapped children.  I don't know and I really don't care but I'm glad he's keeping his willy to himself and on his own time.  He hauled in more wood than the lizard and even managed to score a valuable piece of ebony. Maybe I could craft him something like a bow or a javelin.  Something he could use to help fight these cursed dragonflies.

So few people on this island and so many problems.  We get back to camp to find a mauled body and large cats we had to put down.  The camp seems divided about Clayde. His own group turning on him, saying he murdered their captain and he's plotting against us.  Sheffu has wanted to put him down before all this blame started being thrown around. We may all be from different cultures, but I am disappointed to see the quick judgement cast upon one of our own people.  The Order of the Diamond Fist does not cast judgement until both sides have had a chance to explain their story. I will get to the bottom of this and make sure proper justice is served.

### Chapter 7

Tension in the camp started out high today.  Alasdair discovered a trail of blood during one of his many strolls through nature and was smart enough to come get back up before investigating further.  We found Clayde looking like a wounded animal and Alasdair and Sheffu tried to put him down. I tried using logic and reason to appeal to their senses, but I feel it was more respect from Sheffu that kept him from raging against me and ending Clayde right there on the spot.  Shoddy job trying to fix him up on my part though. It took me a minute to get him to stop bleeding out. But hell, I'm not trained in that sort of thing. I lost my sleeves from trying to patch him up too. My favorite robe. I look like some sort of underground street fighter now.  Oh well. It'll keep me cooler in this hot as coals weather.

I'm glad we're back exploring this island.  We may have only found coconuts, but I've finally reached a mountain!  I'm eager as a young lad on his third date with a pretty gal, but I know what my priorities are.  Building the port. Stone'll help, but, we need to clear these fire worms from burning holes in the mountain, besides, it's not going to do the job on it's own.  We need iron. We need a real mine. We need more resources than what we're finding or we aren't going to get this finished in time.

I hope those crybabies back at camp are getting along alright.  They weren't too happy with me telling em Clayde was coming back to the group.  Clayde will be just fine, though. he's tough and stubborn. If I had never seen him, I'd have thought he was a dwarf.  It's nice having someone to train with. Keeps me sharp and keeps him from hitting someone else. Something is still naggin at me though.  Westin is as lovable as an orc with boils, but he's right about needing to keep some order among us. I'll have to talk with the group and try to keep morale higher around camp.  Happy workers are harder workers like Grand Daddy used to say.

### Chapter 8

I feel good today.  Must be finding the mountain and walking through the rough stone.  No. It's gotta be more than that. I feel more like myself than I ever have.  That doesn't even make any sense. Ha. It's true though. I'm not afraid of this island anymore.  Cautious, of course. I'm not at all afraid though. I've been wondering about what to do to survive and build our port in a timely manner for so long.  I know how to survive now, and I know what to do to build this port. It's to take it one building at a time. I can't just will this blasted town together.  We need to work hard and smart and keep our nose to the grindstone. Some things are not in our control and the port will come together when it can. No sooner than that.

Bats have been everywhere the last couple days.  I was ambushed by the little bastards just last night.  There must have been a dozen of them! It was hard to tell with them swirling around me like sand in an eddy.  I'm lucky we scared them off before I was bitten to death or one got caught in my beard! At least I didn't get swarmed by those napdragons we fought earlier.  We may have only seen one, but I know there were more out there. They can knock you right out too so that's a confrontation I will not be going at alone.

We're back at camp and spirits have never been higher.  The wall they built is sturdy enough to protect them and we're putting them to work building a storage room for the material we've been gathering.  One building at a time. I'm impressed with how well everyone is getting along. It truly feels like we're one group now. The ratfolk won't be coming out with us anymore it seems.  Maybe he still doesn't feel safe around Alasdair, or maybe it's the young boy he's been shacking up with. Whatever it may be, it's strong enough to keep the cartographer from exploring.  Training with Clayde seems to be going well. He was very eager to hear about how crab maga worked in an actual combat, but he's going to have to wait a bit longer for that story.

The unclean.  The perverse. Words I've only used to describe Alasdair up until today.  Sheffuu and I have put aside our personal views to work on a common goal.....destroying the undead.  It feels like ages since we've discovered the disturbed graves, but with our lack of resources and other matters to attend to, we couldn't afford to be screwin around with gods know what.  The undead came at us slowly at first, which was easily manageable and Shiek'Tah stayed close by to heal and stay protected. I think she may have a crush on me. I should have known after tearing off my sleeves to keep Clayde alive, bat bites weren't going to be my only problem.  I can't believe I came across gold coins digging through those dirt piles we passed by. I knew there was trouble underneath them. I could feel it in my bones. We can't just leave coins lying around though can we? Alasdair even left some on the ground for me to collect. Maybe that was for droppin dust on me earlier.  Who sprinkles dust on people? Lucky dust. Bah!......... I mean....... I did find quite a bit of gold.......Hmm...maybe that madman does possess some sort of luck charm or spell. I'm not a superstitious person, but I am a wee bit stitious. What was I thinking about? Oh, right. The undead. They started off just 1 here and there until they emerged from the loose earth below and were right on top of us.  I finally felt crab maga's power for the first time. Gripping the spine of the flesh covered creature while Sheffuu tore it to shreds. We both fight with what we were born with now. Fists and Claws. Our styles completely different, but working together. My controlled breaths before I strike and his ferocity behind each attack. How an enemy can defend against an assault like that is beyond me. Hopefully, we can find a way to work as well off of the battlefield as we do on it.

### Chapter 9

We have a new member joining our crew.  Another lizardfolk like Sheffuu, but this one looks smaller.  Maybe a female version? I'm not quite sure though, so I better keep my mouth shut.  I need to remember to ask what sort of skills he or she has. I didn't see a pick axe, but who knows, maybe lizardfolk mine with their teeth.  HAHA! Oh, I crack myself up sometimes. Tonight felt the closest it ever has to Skorzendelve. Telling our story of battle to the camp. They seemed as happy to hear it as I was to tell it.  I haven't heard a story since I left home, and up until this island, I've never had any to tell. Alasdair was a bloody mess today. That sawdust must have gotten to his head...straight through his nose as it would be.  He tells me it's powerful, but he's mad, right? I only took a bit from what he offered me. I just need to be sure. I mean, he summoned some sort of plant monster today. I haven't seen it since come to think of it, but still, I'd be foolish not to try it again.

We've made our way down to the mountain once more.  We have Slynt with us, which now that I think of it sounds like a male name.  Still not sure though. Seems to be working on maps and keeping us from getting lost.  We certainly don't need to be getting lost out here. I've already been put to sleep by plant seeds and attacked by living vines.  It was nothing I've ever had to face before. Entangled in vines thicker than wet rope that I couldn't break out of. I tried and tried, but they kept on wrapping around me.  I panicked. I thought I was over being afraid on this island. If Shiek'Tah hadn't come over when she did, I may have not ever broken free of those cursed vines.

So this mountain.  It's not an easy climb.  The terrain forces us to take our time.  I wouldn't mind normally, but I know how important it is to mine this mountain, and damn it, no fiery worms are going to keep me from it.  I sprinkled some of that magic sawdust Alasdair gave me when noone was looking. I don't need them thinking I'm going crazy too. We beat those worms though.  We may not have been able to maneuver as well as on flat land, but we made some good ground in taking this mountain from these vermin. And we found cold Iron!  Cold iron? COLD iron! What the hell am I supposed to do with cold iron?! I'm trying to build a port, not a blasted armory. Magic sawdust. Bah!

I've finally done it.  I've finally gotten to mine.  It was a hot day, and the sound of my pick striking stone was as soothing as a lullaby.  I worked all day. I could have worked all night too, but I would have paid for it dearly in the morning.  It was an average haul, but once I find my pace, I'm sure I'll keep our camp well stocked. I can't wait to see what else this mountain has to offer.

### Chapter 10

The mountain has provided much stone over the past week.  Despite the occasional nuisance trying to disrupt our work, I'd say it's going quite well.  Alasdair looks bad. He's been getting worse each day. It seems to be some sort of infection brought on by this blasted humidity.  The others may be catching it too, but so far I've been lucky. It's a bit odd watching them as I work on collecting enough stone to bring back.  I don't think they care for the dark and lonely tunnel. They just don't understand. It's peaceful....well it's usually peaceful. The moans of my sick companions are making it a dreary place.

It's been tough making time to clear my head lately.  Alasdair has fallen. For good. He was a bizarre lad, that's for sure.  Confused, and cowardly. I had hopes for him to turn himself around, but he'll never get to make that choice now.  Never get to make things right with Clayde for what he did. Sleep well, and let your spirit move on to better ends.

I finished the stone carving on top of the mountain in the name of Alasdair.  His dying wish, so I couldn't deny him. Shiek'Tah thought I should carve a coconut tree so he could be known for his vitality and impulses of the forest.  Not really my cup of mead, but if it helps the wee froggy lass cope with his passing, I can work something out.

We've been facing foes different than before.  Bodies set ablaze, and dragonflies much larger than before.....or so I've been told.  We've been searching this mountain for a few days now and haven't found anything but more monsters.  I can't let it get to me though. This last battle has hurt me pretty bad. An elemental, covered in flames.  I'm covered in burns. I should have tried to put the fire out, but all I could think about was taking down that fiery foe.  Stubborness got the better of me. My skin won't be right until Shiek'Tah can come up with some more medicine. All these symptoms feel like what the others were feeling when they were battling off that jungle rot.  Ahh, bastard. Last thing I need is jungle rot taking me out. Well, I won't be going down that easy.

### Chapter 11

It's been about a week and this jungle infection seems to be just out of my system.  Took longer to recover than I thought. You'll have to do better than that, island! However, it seems the island has sent me a new challenge.  This back woods jackass who somehow washed up on shore. Very convenient. Maybe he's some sort of spy trying to infiltrate our camp. I'll let you stick around boy.....just to see how you tip your hand.  It fires my forge to hear him call me a tiny human. I've got arms bigger than his scrawny legs, and his beard is crap. I remember what dad used to say, though. "You can't control what others do. You can only control what you do."  It's true. I know. I don't have to like him, though.

It's been a few days we've been digging pits for the port.  I feel good working hard all day. It's no mining, but it'll do for now.  I like seeing our crew come together. They're a good sort. I miss the clan though.  I hope the Order is still staying strong. I'm sure dad is ruling with his diamond fist and keeping everyone behaving.

We've been out exploring for almost a week.  Damn crabs attacked me again. This helmet must be a curse.  I'm lucky to have been standing after they surrounded me. It's not all bad though.  We found a field of hemp. A whole field we can use to help build the rest of this port.  All we need now is iron and we can put aside running aimlessly around this entire island.

My head hurts like it was stomped on by a giant.  Shiek'Tah ran into the field when we first found it and then smoke and fire followed.  I went to go check on her but she was causing the fire and inhaling the smoke. I do not plan on following her into that field again.

### Chapter 12

Hurricanes and creatures trying to eat us.  Everything seems to be normal here on Dragonfly Island.  The faces are reappearing. Trees with souls within them.  Maybe the ghost of Alasdair. Who knows what could be lurking.  That washed up ruffian seems to be trying to make himself useful.  Only thing he actually did was set himself on fire. Shiek'Tah hopefully figures out those runes and cracks this language even magic can't quite comprehend.  Well, better than me trying that nonsense. I have no time for puzzles.

We've come across so many stones!  Marble! Mythril! To add to our cold iron!  Who knows what else this mountain will bring?  I can't wait to find out. I found a good little valley where we could set up camp.  The others have the beach handled just fine. They're competent enough to build the docks without us being there.  I can see it now. Mithril to the right of me and marble to the left. There is so much to do! I need to mine. No, I need to craft.  No, mine frist. Craft second. Oh, I can't decide!

Well....It looks like I won't be moving to the mountains.  Bah! I'm madder than a troll gettin his teeth pulled. Seems I'm not the only one interested in living in these mountains.  It's infested with goblins. We've only come across a small camp, but they travel in hordes. Like cockroaches. Well, I will have them ALL know that I'm not giving up this mountain to a bunch of dirty, blabbering, gold stealing, wolf jockies.  Never!

### Chapter 13

No sign of anymore goblins.  Instead an old foe lingers. The faces of the elements haunt me.  Some I can only speculate are there, but others manifest and attack me.  We stumbled upon obsidian and I had the pleasure of mining it, until a body of stone formed from the very mountain to strike me dead.  I thought Belban was the only annoyance I had to encounter during my peaceful time of mining.

This mountain has come to full fruition!  We found ourselves iron! Oh, I can't believe it.  This mountain may be cursed by the faces of the elements but they won't stop me from taking what we need.  A week of mining and I have pulled enough ore to start building our town. I've got alot of work to do. Only 6 months left to get our proper payment.  They better not try and cheat me.

Burns.  My whole body covered with them.  My hair singed, except my beard, thank goodness.  I was wounded for a few days. Even Shiek'Tah could only do so much.  I need to work on dodging those fire monsters. Earth, fire....what have I done to deserve their angry attentions.  Truly the work of a being I have yet to understand. Well, they can keep on sending me their obstacles. I plan on punching right through them.

### Chapter 14

I can't believe how long we've been away from camp.  I hadn't really thought of it as a problem until we got back.  Westin is a hard lad. I kinda like him, though. He's smart and straight-forward.  Doesn't pull any punches. Ha, doesn't throw many actual ones either from the looks of him.  I think it was a good choice to have him take charge when we're away. I would have thought the others could have worked together on their own, but I suppose it has been a while.  The town is back to taking shape. We need a few more materials, but things are getting on their way. I built a loom so Shiek'Tah can start making clothes. Clothing and cooking. She'll make a fine house wife for some lucky amphibian someday.

We've been gathing wood for quite some time.  We, more like Belban, and Sheffuu. In that order.  Bah! I can't just sit idly by while they chop at trees and there is only so much training and meditation I can do in a day.  Fortunately, Sheffuu and Belban have found some amber. I can't help myself. I need to work on something before I go stir crazy.  Those two wood happy lads seemed worried I'd steal or break their gems. Like I'm some sort of thief or liar, or worse, a bad craftsman!  I have half a mind to smash them into pieces out of spite! No. The gems don't deserve that fate. I worked on them all day for those two.  Probably doubled their value at least. Next time they can carve their own damn gems! Unless they're really pretty. Then, maybe I'll do it for them.

### Chapter 15

We've collected quite a bit of lumber so far.  As odd as Belban is, he sure knows how to chop down trees.  I felt bad for Sheffuu. He broke his axe in a tree and tried for days to build a new one.  Poor bastard. I've never seen a lizard folk forged blade, maybe it's just not in their nature.  Maybe he can study my craftsmanship and next time he tries he'll be able to make himself his own axe.

I've been training Diego a bit since he decided to stop playing hide the hammer with Dane and come back out on our expeditions.  He may not be the physical combatant we all thought he'd be. I suppose he may be able to learn magic from Shiek'Tah if he so chooses.  Whatever he decides, I don't mind taking the time to toughen him up a bit. At least he can keep Belban distracted. That boys an odd one.  Maybe the island has claimed his mine like Alasdair. I'll be sure to use his rock dollies to mark his grave if his body meets the same fate.

### Chapter 16

Last night was strange.  Faces in the fire. I've seen the shapes before.  I see them more than I'd like to admit. First it was on the ship here.  Faces in the water. I've seen them in the fire before, even in the smoke and walls of the stone.  Most of the time they disappear....or appear and try to burn me or smash me into paste. Now though.....now they speak to me.  Spirit of the campfire? Minor Loa? Fallen One? Shiek'Tah has spoken about them often. I usually pay it no mind, but there is clearly something out there.  I wonder why it needs my help? I'll have to find the right time to ask Shiek'Tah some questions. I might not want to mention everything so she doesn't think I'm losing my mind.

First it was goblins.  Now there are orcs. Goblins we could deal with.  They are physically and mentally weaker and though they're known for their large numbers, I am sure we could persevere.  These orcs will not be taken down so easily. Sheffuu accepting the challenge of the orc thunder mage was a bold move. I would have bet my gold he could have taken her.  She won more than gold. He gave up the location of our camp. I suppose they would have found us once the port was built, but time enough to build a defense would have been far better.  And the rat, giving those filthy orc savages a map of all the dangers we scouted out. Foolish boy. How giddy he was when he got is sack of gold. And they think I'm the greedy one!

I'm tired of this island.  Back at camp and they come storming in like they own the place.  The others are lucky the orcs rape them and eat them alive. It took every ounce of restraint not to beat them till my last breath.  It would have been though. I could not have taken those two alone. My colleagues have struck a deal with those brutes to allow them to pillage ships that are set for our trading town in return for not burning us to the ground.  Bah! I will not be double crossing my employer. Shiek'Tah, Sheffuu, Diego and I have signed a contract and the monkeys have agreed to the same terms. If they think I'm going to go along with this balderdash than they've got another thing coming!  If Shiek'Tah has lost her mind as well I don't know what I can do. Sheffuu seems to follow her reasoning. Maybe it's a reptilian thing. Belban and Diego have become a bit too reckless. Hadley too, and Clayde even seems to be accepting of these pirates.  I need to talk to the most reasonable person on this island. Westin. Ahh, I wish the Clan was here. There's a reason they are called the Order of the Diamond Fist.

### Chapter 17

he docks seem to be better today.  Shiek'Tah's assurance that the groups bargain with the pirates was a ploy.  I can't stand those pillaging oafs. Someday, they will feel the wrath of the Diamond Fist upside their over-sized heads.  I'm not sure if everyone knows we're not giving in to some snaggle toothed, wart covered bullies, but they will soon enough!

Now we have an orc in our camp.  Just great. He's about as bright as mud, but he's agreed to do some of the laboring around here if we don't let his captain take his head.  If he works hard and keeps his mouth shut, I suppose we can keep him around. Maybe we'll get this port ready sooner than usual. He could be a spy for all we know.  Bah, even questioning him is a task in it's own. Apparently their group is 40 members large, and their fleet is about half a dozen ships. This won't be good for business once things get up and running.  We need to contact our employers soon.

Storms still coming in hard on us.  Dangerous dragon-flies still finding their way to us, and Elementals too.  Shiek'Tah tried to explain a bit about that fire spirit that was talking to me.  I don't really understand much more than I did before. There are light loas and dark loas?  I suppose that would make sense. That giant cat monster that appeared sure doesn't seem like a light loa to me.  Well, they best not start any trouble with us. If one of them went and got themselves trapped, there must be some way to stop them.

### Chapter 18

Belban has died.  Sheffuu as well. Even Shiek'Tah's spirit animal has fallen.  It's a shame we had to use this island egg so soon. I'm surprised it actually worked.  It seemed like a smarter plan to bring back Sheffuu. The price that he paid was a heavy one.  I don't know if I'll ever get used to him this way. The once might Sheffuu, who was strong as a mountain and fierce as a jungle cat has been reduced to this...this.....ghost of his former self.  Sure, I've heard a thing or two about Sylphs before. Never actually met one. From the stories, I believe this one to be the biggest Sylph ever alive. And even still.....he doesn't look that tough to me.  I hope he can live with his new body. I can't imagine being anything but a dwarf. I cringe at the thought.

Even though we took a hard hit, I think we should be able to find a way to recover.  Shiek'Tah seems to have taken the losses harder than most. Must be her maternal instincts.  We did what we set out to do though. We fought back those dragonflies and sent them running back to the trees.  Ugh, Trees. Sheffuu is going to have to put in some extra days if we're to get enough wood to finish this place in time.  We're going to have to come up with a strict schedule to ensure we meet our target deadline.

### Chapter 19

Well, the trading ship should be making its way here in a couple of months.  I would have rather gathered the rest of our materials before using that beacon to call them.  Ah, impatient youth. Though, I expect we'll have this place completed by the time they get here.  If not, that's going to be very embarrassing. This place seems to be falling into chaos. Everyone seems out for themselves, nobody trusts the East Anchor Trading Company.  People here feel they left us to die. Maybe they did. Maybe they couldn't save all of us and took who they cared about most. Would any of us have done things differently? Save a few, or perish with all of us.  It's all wonder and guessing. The only way to know the truth about that is to ask them plainly about it. I know that they're a business looking to make a mighty fortune off of our hard work. We weren't sent here against our will.  Most of us signed up for this work. If I wanted to make gold, I would have stayed back home with the Clan. The others have their own reasons for being here. Maybe they couldn't find work anywhere else, or maybe they're running from their past, or maybe they're just looking for buried treasure.  That doesn't make it right to sell out the people you agreed to support.

Let me see where everyone stands.  Hadley, Orc one, and Orc two. They're definitely for anarchy.  Diego. Hmm....I'd lump him in with Westin. Power and greed are their motivations.  Sheffuu. He has pride. Quite a bit of it. Though, I really don't think he cares one way or the other about the political or moral aspect.  I'd say the same for Clayde. Gage seems like he may just agree with whichever person he's talking to at the time. Dane is too impressionable to figure out.  Wyatt though. He seems like a man with some sense. I haven't known him as long as the others, but I have a feeling I've overlooked him. And Shiek'Tah, well....I believe she has a good heart and is fueled by emotion.  I used to be fiery and hard-headed, too. I suppose only time will tell what happens now.