(2024-08-26) Clever Girl, You May Worry A Normal Amount

Details

Author:	Luridel
Summary:	Estel writes to Miranda with a surprisingly in-depth update about what's going on under the sea. She has no idea where Miranda has been. Plant sample provided; Do Not Eat. ~430 words.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: Season 14

[ Enclosed with the letter is a vial containing a wiggleweed sprout suspended in seawater. ]

Dear Miranda,

Jo must have put something in the Cobalt newsletter by now about how our ship went missing. Sorry to have scared you. Almeiria and I are alive and well, although we're both very grumpy and irritable for a couple of reasons.

First of all, being trapped underwater for well over a month and a half is a pretty horrible experience unless you happen to be a gnome named Niksi Knockfathom. That's the more obvious reason.

Second, there's an Old God (code name Squiggles, Almeiria is worried that speaking its real name will give it more power) in the region that's causing problems. Almeiria has been able to hear it whispering.

We went through a series of visions to trace back a naga vs. kvaldir battle that had taken place here an unknown amount of time ago, and discovered that a naga named Lady Naz'jar has somehow allied with the Old God's forces, creatures that Ben (our squad leader) called n'rackis (spelling?) and faceless ones.

The naga are planning to defeat Neptulon the Tidehunter and take over the oceans with his power, which is one thing, but then they don't plan on stopping there, because some people have no restraint with their ambition.

The two of us (and the rest of our squad) are under the effects of a very powerful water breathing spell cast by a shaman of the Earthen Ring that has lasted quite some time and has actually allowed us to speak underwater, of all things. If you intend to come here, and I wouldn't be surprised if you did, please secure a magical means of breathing underwater or gnomish diving equipment that you think is reliable. Potions of water breathing are a very limited resource and they will run out.

If you need to write back, the ship to contact is the Voldrin's Hold.

If there's anything more you're allowed to say about how this whole thing might turn out as per your deal, let us know; if not, that's also fine and don't feel guilty about it, okay?

In the vial is a sample of some sort of really questionable seaweed that the naga were feeding their prisoners. Do NOT eat it, do NOT let Alysson eat it, it is definitely not safe to eat and one of the rescued soldiers had a bad reaction to it. If you can identify it or figure out more about its properties, that would be very helpful. Take it to Niris if you're unsure.

Thanks,
Estel