Messages

**Messages** are notes that can be found in floating bottles throughout DREDGE. They reveal elements of the story and world.

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## Tattered Receipt

> Goldsmith & Son
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> No. 27, Little Marrow
> December 22, 1926
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> Received the sum of *fifty (50) dollars and zero (0) cents* in exchange for *one (1) silver necklace with emeralds on silver mounting.*
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> Additional Notes: Received a further $3 for custom engraving on reverse of mounting, customer to return tomorrow (23 December) for collection. Engraving is to be as follows:
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> *"For J, my shining star."*
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## 6th, 7th March 1927

> We are engaged to be married!
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> He sailed us out to the very center of Stellar Basin to see the lights. We talked for hours - something we have not done in such a long time - waiting and hoping. Some time past midnight, as we were growing delirious and hysterical from the lack of sleep, the aurora shimmered into the skies above. When I turned to see his reaction, he was already down on one knee.
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> I cannot even remember what he said, or what I said, but I know that I said yes! The ring is beautiful, with a span of jewels going right the way around. I cannot take my eyes off of it.
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> P.S. I was not sure whether to write this under yesterday's date, or today's, given that it occurred at the conjunction of days - but I feel that the news is significant enough to warrant spanning multiple entries.
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## 1st June 1927

> Yesterday was the reading of his mother's will.
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> Most of the remaining estate went directly to him of course - but to my surprise she bequeathed me her pocket watch. Curious. I am not fond of the thing, but I know that taking it will mean a lot to him.
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> I cannot help but feel it is some veiled jab at me from beyond the grave. She was the type to do such a thing.
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> Was I late on some occasion? I cannot recall.
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## 20th August 1927

> Morning of the second day of the honeymoon - and our first day proper. Today, we're sailing around the islands and inlets at the back of Greater Marrow. I love the rocks here; the layers and colours are so striking.
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> Furthermore, the fishing is relatively poor in these shallows, so I know he will keep his hands on the wheel instead of the rods.
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> He renamed the boat last night -- "Julie". He did a fancy renaming ceremony and everything - I think he took that more seriously than the wedding. Supposedly it's very important to perform it correctly, lest you want ill fortune to follow the vessel.
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> He wanted to throw away everything with the old name on it, but I kept the keychain. "Ocean's Riches" was a good name.
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> I think he has prepared a surprise picnic lunch - I can see the basket half-hidden, stuffed under a blanket at the front of the cabin. I love it when he tries to be romantic.
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## 21st August 1927

> We had a slight accident yesterday around the shallows at the back of Greater Marrow - a rock seemingly appeared out of nowhere and struck the front of the boat. It did not penetrate the hull, but it jostled us around and a few items fell overboard into the water. We did not see what they were, which is of some concern, but we believe all important articles are accounted for.
> He has been checking over some notes from the boat renaming ceremony. He is paranoid that he performed the steps incorrectly. I have never known him to be so superstitious.
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## 9th September 1927

> He still refuses to take me aboard when he is working. He is convinced that I will find it dull or that the crew will be crass or otherwise intolerable.
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> Perhaps I am being overly needy. I know he needs time alone...but I am so desperately bored at home when he is away.
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> He recently installed some salvaging equipment onto the boat. I think the idea of pulling up treasure is terribly exciting. I must convince him to let me have a go.
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## 14th September 1927

> I have not written in a few days. I have been afflicted with some strange chill which conspires to fog my brain. I cannot seem to keep warm no matter what I do.
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> [The ink has run from some lines here, and they are illegible.]
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> While most of what they hauled up was junk, they eventually came up with a large wooden casket. A hush came over the crew at such a tantalizing discovery. I remember the next moments with excruciating clarity.
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> He pried it open easily. The buckling boards cracked and groaned with relief as they splintered apart. Crimson cloth spilled out onto the deck.
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> The crashing waves rose to fill my ears. I hear them still.
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> He stared down into the open casket, then turned to me. In his eyes I saw the void.
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> [The page has been torn off here.]
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## ???

> It feels like years since I have been warm.
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> I do not expect him to write. I just need to know that he thinks of me from time to time.
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> [The next few lines have been smudged out.]
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> He MUST return.
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> [More angry smudging follows.]
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> I have written him another letter. This will be the last one.
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## ???

> My Darling,
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> I have found you at last.
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> When you left I was scattered to the winds. But now...I feel almost whole again.
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> There is just one thing left to do.
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> Throw me back.
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## Artifact Manifest

> Vessel: *SY Grand Prize*
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> Owner: *Mr Michael Schult*
> Port: *Gale Cliffs*
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> **Oaken Music Box**
> Purchased from the antiquarian at Little Marrow for a bargain price. Previously salvaged from an undisclosed shipwreck. Has the letter J carved on the underside, otherwise in reasonable condition. Has not been opened for fear of damaging the mechanism; pending inspection by locksmith.
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> **Wooden Mask**
> Carved wooden tribal mask. Said to bring good luck, fertility, good health, fortune, rain and protection from evil spirits. Traded for a pair of socks and a pocket watch chain.
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> **12 Piece Tea Set**
> Bone china, 6x cup & 6x saucer. Acquired from an eastern dealer. DO NOT USE.
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> **Jar of Earth**
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> A jar containing earth from a meteor impact site. Allegedly.
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## Fisherman's Note

> DEEP -> SKY -> DEEP -> SKY -> DEEP ((FOREVER))
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> CASKET SEAL BROKEN - FOG CORE?
> FIVE = RISE
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> HE KNOWS
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## Ragged Note

> Close now.
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> Nobody knows. Does he know?
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> Desecrated temple. Forgive me. The only way he might understand.
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> Must help him.
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> Must stop him.
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