Contiguous Log.

The only contiguous sectoin of log entries from this voyage are compiled here for you. It illustrates the very real dangers and harships sailors faced during the Navigator's era. Though mundane compared to rampaging monsters and witches, the threat of plague which can strike invisibly and is little understood in Kildare's time was quite terrifying.

Navigator’s Log [date unintelligible]

Plague has broken out.
3 men buried at sea:
S. Barhoss.
I. Maestro
Joseph H. Woken.

12 men ill, quarantined below decks. Ships surgeon has no treatment. For safety, at his urging bride relocated to Cape, under quarantine there, with Gallon. Upon sighting Talbot we signaled for Nastia to be transferred to help seek a cure. She arrived to report that two officers have died, and at least ten are ill.

The news spreads, the crew is restless, and all discipline has broken down. I recommend replacing the crew at next landfall.

Navigator’s Log [date unintelligible]

Fire aboard Voyager, one crewman attacked another with a torch during the evening meal. One of the men escaped from quarantine, strangled the other man to death even as he was being struck with the torch. Perry dispatched the attacker and warns the fellow may have been a ghoul. Rumor spreads and several more men fall ill, though no more perish. All are quarantined. The suspected Ghoul is treated by Perry and buried at sea. [The man’s name is erased from all logs and manifests]

The fire destroyed a number of spare spars and 23 yards of sail, and several caches of spare misc. rigging and lines. Two men injured in the fire, treated and returned to duty.

The Cape reports no illness, so far she is the only clean vessel. Nastia and Perry suggest exorcising the ship and the pair set about the task. The priest gains a number of converts who flock to him out of desperation and fear.

Two days from land.

Navigator’s Log [date unintelligible]

Land sighted, one man J. Falco is unaccounted for, presumed lost overboard. One infected man has taken his own life by hanging. No new cases or fatalities beyond the suicide. [Suicide also stricken from the logs-something superstitious sailors commonly did].

We anchor outside Dullstrode [Ahlissa] and assemble the remaining officers and crew. Talbot pronounces the plague and bad fortune over but offers to release any man with full pay for the voyage here. Everyone accepts the offer, and sign a pledge to not speak of the misfortune on the voyage thus far. This will not contain the tale I know, but my brother is hopeful. Unlike him, I’d have expected him to cajole or threaten the men with violence; instead he gives each a small bonus of eight silver coins apiece.

I am reunited with my bride, who is happy to see me it seems, I make the best of this rare good mood of hers and waste some time ashore with her. Talbot sets about recruiting new crews, three weeks for recruiting, refit and repairs. Nastia and Perry wish to further research the plague ashore. I warn them the people here may be strange to them, and ask them to exercise extreme discretion as they do this. They make some friendly contacts with good people who need some help and I join them while my wife who is advancing in her pregnancy, takes advantage of the opportunity to gorge herself on fresh food, cakes and chocolates. The ships surgeon tends to her with Gallon while I assist Perry and Nastia with the Cuthbertines ashore.

Captain’s Log [date unintelligible]

Fire aboard the Cape, 25 souls lost, and ship burnt to the waterline, a total loss. Damage to the mission of some thirty two hundred gold.

Talbot orders us to put to sea immediately; he suspects the townspeople were after his ship, or the Voyager, seeking to destroy the source of the plague after reports of similar outbreak in the harbor. We are safely away, Perry, Nastia, Gallon and the bride safe with me. No new master has been hired for Voyager so I spend more time on the bridge while Nastia works on the research I had left unfinished, she is close to a breakthrough I can feel it.

As to my brother and his state of mind, Nastia I fear is right – something is amiss. I wish my brother no ill so I request Perry to examine this matter by way of augury. I keep his findings in strictest confidence alerting only my body guard. I move into the larger captain’s cabin and move my family, Nastia, Perry and Gallon into my quarters. It’s cramped but quite rewarding to see all getting along so well.