Gurval
Seeking retribution for the sins committed by his people, Gurval serves the realms with sinister purpose
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A Letter to Arthom
Arthom,
If you've received this letter I've decided to leave for a while. There are some people I need to meet and some tasks that need doing, but I'll be unable to accomplish either while in your company or the others.
Whether you trust me or not, know the actions I'm taking are done with the best of intentions.
I may not be the brightest, I'm aware of that. I lacked a formal education until Ko Rava offered to tutor me, and though it must've been difficult for her I appreciate it greatly.
It's allowed me to communicate this message to you now.
For much of my early life I was a slave. My brood sold me young to serve as entertainment for victri nobility. My mistress, a particularly sadistic woman, drew immense pleasure from having me mutilate then consume whichever unfortunate creature caught her eye. Their deaths meant I wouldn't go hungry, and the only thing that mattered was making sure my belly was filled. I knew no other life, and the violence satisfied a wicked craving I'd always held but never fully understood.
A craving which has become harder to control as of late.
While I'm still in my right mind I have to make preparations should the worst come to pass. I doubt the gods will intervene - they did nothing for those I've killed nor those I buried - which is why I'm writing to you.
When next we meet I may not be someone you recognize, thought I don't know the shape that'll take. If that time comes and you suspect I pose a danger to my friends and allies, I'm trusting you to act as you've done with your enemies many times before, and tear me apart.
Please.
Your oaf,
Gurval
P.S.
Please keep an eye out for Yifen. Trying to do the right thing is hard, but she's stronger for trying, especially when most have given up.
P.P.S
Told you I could hide things
Gurval Mental Log #6
I'm sorry, Yifen...
Gurval Mental Log #5 (TBC)
Why are we entertaining Liunii?
First, the man sends letters to each of us weeks after we resolved matters with the corpse walker. Second, he has us participate in acts of terrorism across Zynii for his own personal vendetta. And third, everyone finds this okay?
My association with the prince makes sense.
He's intending to strangle the Cult of Enkalados, and as I've not yet found a way to meet them in private or found a way to actually get to Diomeda, the princes machinations will prove my best route. 'G' has also found himself in Leonie's employ, and though Ko Rava seems wary of him the makikuna is a pleasure to be around and I'd rather have him far from the shores of Diomeda when the worst comes to pass. More importantly, he's taken a keen interest in my milk buddies and given his 'righteous crusade' against the Cult is likely to throw them into danger time and again.
There is more than enough motivation for me to act, but I've yet to hear a reason why anyone else would consider helping the prince with anything.
Arthom was ambushed by a Syrus-Not-Syrus outside the tavern the prince had chosen and was subsequently poisoned. The cleric, useful (?) as she was couldn't identify something as simple as nasaru toxin, and if I hadn't informed her of this there is no telling how Arthom would've ended up.
Syrus-Actual-Syrus seemed pretty taken aback by the details of Arthom's attack. It seemed the identity of the assailant may be known to him, but Syrus-Cryptic-Syrus revealed only as much as was required. Looks like someone else is now trying to cause problems for Syrus-Popular-Syrus, which seems a more pressing matter then whatever the good prince would want.
There is also Ko Rava and issue of her little brother and the Yakuza. It must weigh heavily on her mind, and I'm surprised she's been so patient waiting for the misfits to assist. I wonder how she feels, helping others when it seems no one is going out of their way to help her.
I suppose the only exceptions to my confusion would be Talu'Tah and Zyanya. Talu'Tah has always had a need to be kind to others, and her thirst for adventure was apparent from our initial meetings at Lottodads Tavern. Zyanya herself doesn't do anything unless she wants to, and I've learned not to question it because otherwise I'll get a very vivid description of her intentions which I want to avoid.
Still, regardless of their thoughts towards the prince and his plans the fact reamins they are going to get involved. My time with them has shown me that, whenever something strange is going down they end up in the thick of it.
I'll just have to see how this goes I guess. What could possibly go wrong?
Gurval Mental Log #4
Finally, we can be rid of the corpse walker.
Assisting the wretched creature was disgusting, but as Arthom pointed out the sooner we help it the quicker it'll be gone. A fair argument, though I'd still rather not.
Thankfully, the opportunity to sail with my little porch monkey alleviated some of the unpleasantness. I've many fond memories of days spent at sea, and the chance to make some of those with her was a delight. I could've done without her constant mingling with the soul snatcher, but seeing her command the winds with such force, it blew me away (literally) and brought a smile to my face and elation on hers. The Nasaru that assisted her, Froblina (?), was equally pleased and the pair seem to enjoy each others company. Yifen may have made a friend!
It was a small spark of joy made brighter by the presence of my milk buddies.
This was our first venture together since Diomeda, but you'd never tell we'd spent much time apart. Arthom busied himself drinking ale while insulting Ko Rava, with her returning in kind. Ko Rava spent time explaining her odd magics then offered to tutor me in the literary arts (an offer graciously accepted). Talu'Tah conversed with the many pirates aboard the ship while peppering all with her inane curiousity. Syrus kept a watchful eye on those present, a steely but comforting gaze. And Zyanya (the elf) busied herself crafting strange but wonderous images of our party in the air - my favourite being one of myself and Zyanya (the cow) at the stern of the ship. It was good to have the gang back together, and after dealing with the cultist I've got a better understanding of their abilities. I'm impressed.
Arthom is a remarkably capable strategist, Ko Rava a surprisingly powerful scribble-wizard. Zyanya maintains her position as a terrifying illusionist, but Talu'Tah has defied her own through an unexpected display of archery. And Syrus, ever sloof but always reliable, once again proved himself an adept scout, archer, and healer. A pity these strengths of theirs were used in service of the cadaver, but it was an absolute pleasure to witness it be fisted by the mighty stone hands of the cultist. And now that the cultist is dead, the pirates can take the spirit stealer far, far away to hopefully drown or choke on its own bile. It will not be missed.
Judging by the time, we should dock in Zynii shortly, and that's where the real problems are going to start.
Yifen was lucky that Froblina (?) was able to parlay with the Nasaru on deck, but I doubt we'll be able to pull off the same miracle with her mother. Even if she could, Syrus and Ko Rava's goals are heavily dependant on the downfall of the Triad. Unless the three of them can reach some mind of agreement prior this will surely end with a bloody death and a broken heart.
I'll have to speak with Arthom when I get the chance. He may be able to come up with an idea to keep that from happening, or at least have a way for Yifen to get out of there before shit hits the fan. It'll also be a good time to ask about Ko Rava wanting him to stand before the tribunal of fuckwits known as the Yakuza, and whether we'll be playing nice or not.
If not...well, I am a Phrat'ii. Ko will learn of everything that entails as will the rest of my merry little band.
My plans have started strong. I pray they remain that way.
Gurval Mental Log #3
I've never been the kind to plan my moves well in advance, the simplest solutions are often the quickest resolution to any problem, but circumstances demand a more cautious approach this time around.
Luckily, the hardest part is over. Syrus' decision to host a meeting in the Emerald District was an excellent opportunity to gather everyone together, and it worked perfectly. My milk buddies are back - a bit fractured in some places, but better than I anticipated - and they've welcomed my little porch monkey into the fold.
I've my reservations about involving Yifen with our merry little band given our propensity for violence, however I'm trusting her influence will be enough to start mending fences between the more volatile elements within the group. Fortunately, she should have plenty of chances display this trait, as by some odd stroke we all have business to attend to in Zynii.
Unfortunately, the first time involves assisting the corpse walker.
I cannot comprehend my milk buddies attachment to the creature, yet they all seem set on entertaining the wretch. Even Arthom, strangely enough, had no objections confronting another dangerous group for its sake. I just do not understand it, but I doubt they care for my opinion on the subject. If they wanted to mourn Lucid's passing there are better ways than travelling with his corpse. At least I can use this to guage my milk buddies strength before we turn to more important matters.
Mainly, the Golden Triad.
Syrus, Ko Rava, Zyanya, Yifen. All of them - by fate or design - have a shared interest in the destruction of the Triad. Syrus to save his brother, Ko Rava to save hers. Yifen to stop her mother, and Zyanya for reasons I am not yet aware.
Syrus confession was enlightening, his desire to confront the gangs is understandable, and the methodical approach he has taken is something I can learn from. If his plan doesn't work, we can visit his homeland, kill Sabbah, then present his head as a gift to law enforcement. I wonder if Solen celebrate birthdays... Hatch-days? Either way, despite our disagreements regarding the soul snatcher he's an ally with me until it comes time to part. I'm not looking forward to having him as an enemy, he's likely to take my eye.
While Syrus' situation make sense, in contrast Ko Rava's is strange. She has to perform a great deed to save her brother from being executed by her family, because said brother failed to stop another member of their family from being killed by someone else, and said family member died because they wanted to retrieve a bunch of (delicious looking) rocks from Arthom. They also want Arthom to stand trial for the murder of that family member, but are absolutely wiling to kill one of their own for such ridiculous reasons. I've never had a good impression of the Yakuza, but they really just sound like a bunch of fuckwits. Well, at the very least it'll make Ko Rava happy if we save her brother, so I'll definitely provide aid.
The Arthom stuff...well, I'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Finally there is Yifen. In some ways, Yifen resembles Master Gegg; a peace-maker seeking to resolve conflict through diplomacy and compromise. It is a desire born from a good, strong heart - one I've no intention of allowing this world to break. I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to so that though when all roads seem to lead to her mothers death. Zyanya may be able to provide some ideas, I should speak with her when I have the chance. Talu'Tah as well as she often tries to make nice with everybody.
Regardless, my plans have had a rather promising start.
If I'm to erase the Phrat'ii it is imperative Enkalados is freed from his prison. Enkalados is a creature fueled by hate, strengthened by it. Establishing contact with his Cult and expanding their influence throughout Mayhaos will greatly empower the Titan, and provide an army capable of cleansing the Phrat'ii from this world. However, his freedom will carry grave consequences for those unwilling to submit to his rule.
My milk buddies and their allies will not be exempt from the Titans wrath or the fury his armies will unleash. My next steps should involve creating a safe haven for them far from the advent of the oncoming storm. Somewhere they can take a breather once the dust settles, collect their thoughts, and gather their strength. I must also ensure my misfits are capable of surviving the onslaught, otherwise their position as my chosen executioners will have been for nothing. Thankfully, I've a place in mind they can hide and know a particularly powerful sorcerer that could transport them there; and our upcoming battles with cultists and gangs will be an excellent way to strengthen their might.
Once I've met this criteria, I can travel to Diameda with a lighter heart, in a vessel so kindly provided by the good Prince Jupis. Once I'm there...
Well, that'll be someone else's problem.
Gurval Mental Log #2
It has been quite some time since last I worked with Talu'Tah, Arthom, and Syrus, but I'm comforted by the knowledge my milk buddies are still as wild as the seas of Leiola.
Syrus desires to confront the Gangs of Zynii? Not a course of action I agree with but I'm not one to pass up the opportunity to kill victri. Talu'Tah befriending members from one of those gangs after being exposed to the aftermath of our battles? Good for her, she could use a win. Arthom being an artist having woven a tapestry of death and destruction? I will walk amongst the blood and ashes and admire the handiwork.
From being ambushed by pirates, to exploring burned buildings, to fighting rabid beasts, to looting corpses and saving lives - Everything was quite on brand for us.
Still, I have my concerns.
Syrus' decision to seek out Ko Rava made sense. However, wanting to fight the gangs after we've found her is oddly confrontational for him. There may be something more at play, yet given his nature I doubt he'll reveal anything until he feels ready. In which case, I can only make sure I stay near until he does.
Besides, he seems to want all the milk buddies together, and our goals are very much aligned in that respect. It's a pity he wants to keep Lucidius' walking corpse around. Maybe it's a Solen custom? I will have to ask Arthom, those two seem close, but I'll deal with it for now.
Next is Talu'Tah, poor Talu'Tah. From when we met up until now she's been exposed to a variety of unfortunate situations, but I doubt she's witnessed anything quite on the scale of the Victri Mansion; hallways littered with the eviscerated corpses of women and children, dungeons filled with rotting flesh and brittle bones.
Thankfully I spared her having to witness the death of a starving warhound. Given her relationship with Gallant I doubt she'd have taken the sight well, or been able to harm the creature at all. I'm quite certain she'd also have a problem with me consuming the skinny mutt, though may be pleased to find out I'm not particularly fond of the taste.
Regardless, Talu'Tah must learn to harden her heart otherwise she's liable to go mad, especially given the situations in which we often find ourselves. For now she's learnt to bite back at Arthom, Syrus and I when we admonish her. An excellent change I hope to see more of in the future and will provide plenty of opportunities to do so.
Finally, Arthom. Of my milk buddies the one most capable of killing me without hesitation would have to be him. Seeing the aftermath of his wrath against the victri that had imprisoned, tortured, and played with the lives of our merry band of misfits filled me with a strange sense of satisfaction and respect for the man.
I recall the days I spent travelling with Mogg. Back then I'd been neither strong enough to free myself from my masters or powerful enough to avenge the loss of my friend. How beautiful it is then, that all these years later, I'd have the opportunity to behold a fraction of my wrath given form.
Beautiful...and sad. I know little of Arthom's life prior to our meeting, and everything I do know has been conjecture for the most part. One thing for certain is you don't become accustommed to inflicting the kind of violence he has unless you've lived a life full of it, and no one is that comfortable roaming amongst the dead unless they've seen to much of it.
Maybe it was a mistake bringing Arthom to search for Ko Rava. I think he would've been happier at the grove with Celia. At least I've the opportunity to introduce my kids to him, they tend to lighten my view of the world a tad and might be able to do the same for him.
Although, I suppose it's a bit late for regrets now. If there is one positive from this entire endevaour it's knowing Arthom would be the one to kill me.
I feel like any one else would just fuck it up.
Gurval Mental Log #1
Quiet.
A haunting, tranquil quiet.
You become so accustomed to the gnashing teeth and thrashing limbs that it's easy to forget those troublesome memories can be laid to rest.
A consequence of my pledge to Enkalados? Maybe. Last time I had moments like these I was still serving the Alpha...but those days are best left as pleasant dreams. Right now there are more pressing matters which require my attention.
Ko Rava is safe, but witnessing the death of her sister has put her in a less than hospitable mood, and has definitely fractured her relationship with my Misfits. Arthom, the one that dealt the killing blow to Sis-Rava, is on especially fragile ground, and given how much Arthom cares for her this cannot be good for him emotionally. (Note: Why would we recieve a message that she is missing if she is with her sister? Confirm with Aileel)
Syrus also seems to be on tense terms with Arthom, though given they were together when I woke that may have changed. Whether he has done the same with Ko Rava remains to be seen but I hope for the best. Although Talu'Tah is hopeless. She has almost gotten herself killed multiple times, and her naievety puts mine to shame. Assuming our shared experiences within the spiritual realm bare fruit this could change, but I have my doubts.(Note: Investigate affect of drug on memory. Discrepencies exist between what was shown in the spiritual realm and my own memories)
Zyannya may be simultaneously the least and most problematic. Her care for Makoto and the gang is evident and beautiful to watch, but convincing her to leave Zynii should it come to it will be difficult.
The strange creature which occupies Lucidius' body is also a mystery, but it has enough of a resemblance to the original that it should be worth keeping around. For Ko Rava's sake if nothing else.
Syrus wishes to confrotn the Gangs of Zynii? I will accompany him in this endevaour despite my better judgement.
I need my Milk Buddies together. I NEED them to stand side by side. I cannot adequately serve Enkalados and bring the Phrat'ii to ruin without knowing they will be the ones to write an end to my sordid tale.
They WILL be the ones to kill me.
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