[ IP ] I was but a speck in enormity of nature .

*The following are excerpts from the personal journal of Seaman Harold Jilstone, crewman of the ill-fated H.S. Moonlit Waves, previously thought lost with all hands on the 18th Day of Hawk Moon, 2E255. This is believed to be the only recorded encounter with the* Illusius mammalinius, *the ‘ Northern Man. ’ * 
 
 **Hawk Moon,?? Day, 2E255** 
 
 I have survived, despite the best efforts of the elements. I do not know what happened to the rest of my crewmates, but the wooden wreckage around me speaks poorly of their fates. I had been on watch, which may be the only reason as to why I have survived and the others have not. I have vague memories of Seaman Quirl, also on watch, shouting something before a thunderous ripping split the cold night air. My next memory is of me falling, the loose handrail still grasped in my hand, into the inky depths of the Yctur Sea. 
 
 I floated for what I am sure was merely minutes, but felt like days; the poorly mounted handrail most likely being the saving grace of my person. I initially believed the gods to have been smiling on me for me to survive, but now I wonder if one of the Fallen has taken a dark interest in my suffering. The sea of Yctur is cold, and ice grew upon my hands despite the saltiness of the water. 
 
 A passing ice shelf proved to be a temporary respite from the elements, and I was graced with the ability to pull myself from the waters even as I felt the tug of a downdraft at my feet. When I emerged from the water, I turned to see the Moonlit Waves sinking beneath the surface, bubbling and boiling in her agony. She had been a good ship, and Captain Treesong, despite being an elf and thus generally unaccustomed to the oceans, had been a good captain. 
 
 I saluted their passing, and looked about for as long as I dared to see if any other survivors had succeeded in getting off the ship before being pulled under. It appeared that I had been alone in my luck. I also looked about to see what had caused the ship to founder, but with no torchers or glowstones, I could not make out the surface very well. Instead, I cursed the Fallen and whatever foul beast they had conjured in the Dawn, and hurried away from the water lest they decide to make a second attempt on my life. 
 
 I muttered a small prayer to Urlina, Goddess of Luck, a mere moment later when I saw that we had actually made it to the Straights of Kalop, which I had believed we would not be arriving at till mid-morning. The Straights are known to have shallow caves that other seamen use to huddle through bad storms in case the ship ice-locks. One loomed before me, and I hurried in, hoping to see leftovers from a previous storm watch, or perhaps supplies left for a future one. 
 
 I said another prayer when, after entering the cave, I saw a small bedroll, and tinder for a small fire. I stripped off my wet clothes, wrapped myself in the bedroll, and lit a fire. I appeared to have enough to last me well past morning, and so I bundled up for the night. 
 
 After I warmed, I began checking the crate that I saw tucked away in the back, where I found the writing materials I am using now. I left a single mark as payment, and apology, for taking the materials, even if the Wrecked Ship Laws dictated that it was unnecessary. Urlina had smiled on me; there was no reason to test her mettle. 
 
 If I survive, I will resume in the morning. 
 
 **Hawk Moon, 2E255, Day 2 of Shipwreck** 
 
 I survived the night, though I went through wood faster than anticipated. I kept awakening and being forced to restore the fire to full strength as a winter storm had blown up overnight. I was again fortunate that the Moonlit Waves had not wrecked later than anticipated, as I would have most likely been pulled under. 
 
 The waves crashed and tore at the surrounding rock, but I was far enough back that they did not affect my warmth, or dryness. I will most likely have to wait out the storm before I can continue. I searched around more and found some dried meat on the bottom of the crate I had robbed earlier. I left my second, and final, mark as payment, and hoped that it would be considered enough. I have nothing else with which to bargain the fates. 
 
 **Hawk Moon, 2E255, Day 3 of Shipwreck** 
 
 Supplies: 
 
 Bed Bundle 
 Dried Meat ( 3 days? ) 
 1 pair of socks and boots 
 1 winter jacket, water-proof 
 1 pair of winter pants, water-proof 
 1 small bundle of firewood 
 
 The storm passed overnight, as well as my supply of wood. Having no other choice, I bundled up as best as I could, and set out into the wilderness. I took the bedroll with me as an additional blanket, and hoped I would not need it. I know of one trading post perhaps a 5 days walk from here that is my only hope of salvation. They hunt the meat and fat of the waterdog that lives up this way. If I could find one out in the open, rather than beneath the ice as they usually are, I would be able to easily survive the trip, as the meat is quite palatable even raw. 
 
 I will prepare to set out again first thing in the morning, and try and insure I awaken every few hours to make sure I do not freeze to death in my sleep. It gets quite cold this far north, and I do not have suitable supplies. 
 
 At least I found another cave. 
 
 **Hawk Moon, 2E255, Day 4 of Shipwreck** 
 
 Supplies: 
 
 Bed Bundle 
 Dried Meat ( 2 days. Stretch? ) 
 1 pair of socks and boots 
 1 winter jacket, water-proof 
 1 pair of winter pants, water-proof 
 1 very small bundle of firewood 
 
 The firewood should have run out in the night, I do not understand. I woke several times and fed it, but it does not seem to have died down like it should. I anticipated having to find suitable replacements, but the trees have long since shed their dead wood for the winter, and I am left with nothing. 
 
 I believe I spent most of my walking time on top of ice, as I could occasionally hear a crack and groan. The tall mountains on either side are of course impassable, so I could not have wandered off in a delirious state and gathered more from further up. 
 
 So where did the firewood come from? 
 
 I will have to continue to puzzle over this mystery as I continue to make for the trading post. Perhaps Urlina has blessed me with enough fortune as to grant me a true wish? I do not know. I will continue to offer her prayers before I sleep and a promise of a true offering if I am rescued. 
 
 **Hawk Moon, 2E255, Day 5 of Shipwreck** 
 
 Supplies: 
 
 Bed Bundle 
 Dried Meat ( 1 Day ) 
 Extra Dried Meat ( 1 day ) 
 1 pair of socks and boots 
 1 winter jacket, water-proof 
 1 pair of winter pants, water-proof 
 1 small bundle of firewood 
 
 I awoke this morning to something even stranger than yesterday. I found a slab of dried and salted meat lying beside a small bundle of firewood. Again, there is no possible way that I could have gathered these supplies. I examined the trees as I walked past them, but could find nothing. I also kept an eye out for any slow game, even dead, but again found nothing. 
 
 I have a vague memory of waking up in the night and seeing a figure squatting nearby, tending to my fire and laying the meat down. I was so cold, and exhausted, that I did not keep my eyes open for long enough. I had believed it to be a dream until now. 
 
 Tonight, I will try and stay awake. 
 
 [ Part 2 Below ] 
 
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 [ grenadiere42 ] / ( http: //www.reddit.com/r/grenadiere42 )
