House Armasc, a family who banded together to sail the seas. They exist under a single tradition; that no member of their crew is beyond their family. Whether an individual comitted to an Armasc, or an individual born by an Armasc. The captain is their mother, Artelia, though their father, Regin, often takes command just as often. The brewer and the daughter to the two is Alla, who has a girlfriend and assistant named Yueli. Then there is the son, Danae, who stands to be the next captain, due to Alla rejecting the potential of such a position, and Yueli not being any more interested than her. Theyāve recently come to acquire a new crewmate, a man by the name of Arlus Reidbach. The first non-Armasc, married or otherwise, to enter their crew. Due to his unknown status, and the fact heād be breaking their tradition, House Armasc has convened to debate on whether or not he may join their fold without joining their lineage.
āA visionary? Thatās what he called himself?ā Danae inquired to the captain, confused as to the crewās most recent recruit. In his mind, breaking from their tradition spelled doom for House Armasc. If he had been in a relationship with a member of the family, Damae wouldnāt have any issue. But Arlus is a stranger, a man who promised adventure to the mother and father who captain the crew together. āAn ambitious visionary. Said heāll lead us to heights weāve never thought of. Thereās something about him, Danae!ā Captain Artelia responds. Unlike Danae, who was both skeptical and worried about Arlus, Artelia was greatly enamored by Arlus. He offered them not treasure, no specific skillset, not even connections. Instead, he had offered adventure. A world beyond the Bronze Seas waiting to be explored. āOkay, so you fell for some confidence man. What says this guy wonāt just jab blades into our backs and rob whatever loot you expect to find with him?ā Alla asked. She was much more inclined to allow Arlus a place in their crew, but she had a few justifiable fears about this man, as none of them knew who he was.
āA confidence man? I doubt that. Guyās not shady by any stretch, though Iād be lying if I didnāt say he wasnāt a little bit too much like a salesman. I gotta say, heās convinced me.ā Regin added to Arteliaās vouch. Artelia and Regin both headed the clan as the mother and father respectively, so their voices were the most prevalent. However, in the midst of their debate, a fifth voice chimed in. āTemporary might be good. Letās go on one of his āvisionary adventuresā, or whatever you wanna call them. If heās all that he said to be, then letās keep him around. Otherwise, we oughta keep to tradition.ā Yueli answered. She, much like Alla, was rather neutral as to this Arlus figure. However, like Artelia and Regin, she was very intrigued by what tales this man may yield to them. That made one neutral, one negative, and three supporting votes. āYeah, I like that idea. Iām still on the ropes, but if we get this guy for a trip or two, we can really find out if we like him or not.ā Alla responded. If nothing else, itās the perfect solution for her, personally. The still-hesitant Danae protested once more, as the others would expect. āIt only takes one trip for the guy to dismantle the whole point of House Armasc! I just canāt agree with letting on someone who isnāt, well, one of us!ā Despite Danaeās resistance to the new recruitment, Artelia finalized the debate. āItās settled. Weāll do what Yueli suggested. Weāll recruit Arlus, but only for a single trip. If we believe heās a worthwhile investment, one who will break our long-standing tradition, then we will keep him. However, if for any reason he does not sufficeā¦ We will remove him, and repair our tradition. Danae, I understand you may not like this, butā¦ Change is necessary. And, weāve been lacking in our earlier adventures.ā
With the short yet heated debate settled, the crew welcomed Arlus into the fold, even if only for a single expedition. To their shared surprise, the adventure that Arlus intended to take them on, was one akin to suicide. A voyage into the dark seas, an entropic ocean separated by thick magenta fog. A purple tinted nightmare, where weather and magic intertwine to create extreme disasters that not even the most reinforced ship nor the most steeled captain can withstand for long. Constantly striking red and purple lightning, impossible waves set aflame. Plagued tornadoes, and clashing tsunamis. An eternal rain that renders those who stand within its wake ill and rapidly dying. Even if one were to be able to survive all of these triumphs, there was one other. An encroaching insanity that could turn even saints and veterans into mindless mutants. Mindless mutants who then prove to be yet another threat, waging wars against explorers in their derelict ketches and brigs.
āThe dark seas is unexplored territory that holds riches youād never even think of! Forget diving deep into crashed relics, or exploring vast caves with meager torches and inexperienced magic. I can prove it!ā Arlus claimed, while shuffling his cold hands into baggy pockets. House Armasc watched him in mutual disbelief; trekking into the chaotic unknown was not something they believed themselves capable of doing. However, if the treasure is as amazing as Arlusā enthusiasm shows it to be? Then, perhaps the aforementioned risk is worth it. Their thoughts aside, Arlus withdrew a beautiful green-and-golden stone. āDo you know of the tales, about the infinite weather inside of the dark seas?ā Arlus then asked, as his explanation to be of this peculiar object would be much easier that way.
āYeah, and itās because of it that we should not go anywhere near that!ā Damae quickly responded, preventing dialog from any of his fellow crewmates. The dangers that dark seas entails are absolute, and a lesser crew such as House Armasc couldnāt dare attempt to brave its waters. āWeāre aware of the dangers within the dark seas, Arlus. What does that have to do with yourā¦ gold?ā Artelia then said, interested by his rock, though clearly not enough to be enticed to venture forth into such an eternal nightmare. āI donāt know what this stone is called, but I found it. One of the impossible islands in the dark seas; itās solidified acid magic. Deadly if you put this in a potion, or apply it to a weapon. But whatās more important? The prices that collectors offer. Hundreds of galleons! For one meager rock! This is just the tip of an enormous ice berg!ā Arlus answered. He hadnāt known what the stone was called, but it had immense acidic properties and was often sought after for such uses, or by collectors who could never muster the courage to enter the dark seas themselves.
āI donāt believe you.ā Danae stated, his tone cold as he stood his ground once more. He was simply far too skeptical to go on such a dangerous expedition with such a nameless stranger. āIf everyone else wants to go, Iāll go. But this isnāt going to go well. Weāre going to die, or worse, become one of thoseā¦ mad, things.ā Damae then added. At the end of the day, he is far too loyal to his crew and family, even if it means the possibility of mutual death. āGive me it. Iām the alchemist of the crew, Iāll see if what youāre saying is true or not. My vote here hinges on whether or not youāre trying to sell us foolās gold.ā Alla then demanded. She reached her hand out towards Arlus with her eyes squinting as she tried to get a better look of the stone he was showing to them. If this stone was as good as he exclaimed it to be, then perhaps the danger would be worthwhile to her and her brewing studies. āIf itāll convince you to go on this expedition? Go for it.ā Arlus tossed the peculiar stone to Alla, who successfully caught it.
āLove! Get some pinecones, Iām gonna clean up the cauldron!ā Alla instructed Yueli, who would simply nod. However, just before she left to assist Alla, she gave her input on this risky adventure. āBy the way, I think we should go. Weāve gotten far too little from just looking around Shell Islandās spires or offering favors to citizens in Ravenna.ā After giving her piece, she left to the other side of the brig they were aboard, entering the cargo room beneath the deck. āWell, what do you think, Regin? Itās a yes, a no, and Iād imagine another yes. What you say, Iāll say.ā Artelia asked her husband, whoād answer her with confidence. āI think we should go. Yueliās right, we just donāt get enough for this to be worth it. Whatever we find in the dark seas? May just be what brings us up in the world.ā
Alla was successful in producing a pair of acidic flasks, of which they tested on old furniture they hadnāt had any plans for anyways. With that success, theyāve decided to allow Arlus to lead them to the dark seas. Whether itād be an early grave, or a jackpot, has yet to be seen.
It had been almost three weeks. Their brig faced the worst of the worst, and House Armasc managed to prevail despite every obstacle thrown their way. They had fought monsters triple their size, bested beasts within the chaotic seas, and found immense treasure throughout impossible geometrically shaped islands. However, it asnāt an easy journey. It was quite perilous, in fact. Insanity had set in especially hard on Damae and Regin, who both had to be locked inside of the brigās room for the safety of the other crewmates. However, they were able to be released just before they left the dark seaās grasp, due to the insanity fading away as they got closer back home to the bronze seas. The haul they had managed to cover their ship in? Was extreme. Locked chests tainted purple by the magically infused ocean covered the deck and filled the room. The weight alone from all of the chests had actually caused their brig to lower into the seas, which had nearly caused quite the sinking scare for House Armasc.
But, as luck would have it, they got out. Not a major injury among them, except for the dignity lost from being rendered mad for much of the trip. Aside from the chests, each member was covered in vast amounts of loot. Beautiful amulets, infused spheres, and most precious of all, a glowing four-leaf clover. Prometheusā Acrimony, a fabled object. And the member who found such a powerful plant? Arlus Reidbach, who had kept it as close to himself as possible, in fear of his new crewmates wanting to steal it from him. Currently, House Armasc was adrift in the ocean, just barely having pierced the extreme fog that separated the dark seas from the bronze seas. They were all celebrating the great fortune theyāve found through all the chaos.
āIām still not sure about you, Arlus, but thanks to you, we might become a known name now! House Armasc, the crew who dared to trek the vicious dark seas!ā Danae shouted. Despite all of his skepticism, he ultimately had a great time. Without Arlus, theyād never have so much loot that they became afraid of their ship sinking. āAs I see it, youāve went through two hurdles. Your caution about breaking family tradition, and your fear about a voyage into that damned ocean.ā Arlus responded, commending him for ultimately accepting Arlus and braving this journey with the rest of his crew. āYouāre more joyful than Iād expect, Danae. Dadās still couped up in the room, heās all embarassed because of that insanity trip you two had.ā Alla mentioned. She found their insanity to have been rather entertaining, since they ultimately caused no harm and simply became the butt of jokes to be told in the far future.
āItās not like I could control what happened. Youāre all just lucky it was only us. Otherwise, we mightāve become one of those lost ships, hunting other explorers who come after us. Eugh.ā Danae responded, which then elicited a response from their mother, Artelia. āWe definitely are lucky. I was a bit worried, thoughā¦ā Unlike Alla, who found humor in their predicament, Artelia had become quite afraid that sheād lose her son and husband by journeyās end. āYour familyās strong! Iād know! I knew we had nothing to worry about!ā Yueli suddenly chimed in, her voice energetic and her mood high. āWe should have a toast, yeah? Captain Artelia, you should get Regin. It was our first adventure together, both with me, and in the dark seas. Itās a great time to celebrate.ā Arlus requested, to which Artelia obliged with a nod. She rose up from her seat and waved to her family. She left the hold of their brig and was off to retrieve Regin from whichever corner he was hiding himself in.
An ear-piercing scream resounded throughout the brig. Despite the ocean being vast and empty, a nearby island couldāve heard such a harrowing cry. Everyone quickly shot up from their seats. Danae withdrew his dual swords, Yueli begun to prepare a flame spell, Alla had unveiled a pair of newly brewed potions. And Arlus, well, he picked up his chair, hid in a corner, and held it up like a shield. The three swiftly emerged upwards from the brigās hold, while Arlus remained, panicking and cowering. However, they hadnāt needed to investigate much to figure out the source of the scream. Sorrow soon washed over the three, as they watched crimson blood slowly wash over the dilapidated planks. In Arteliaās arms was Regin, whose blood soaked hands lead up to his eyeless face. He had ripped his own eyes out, and died soon after from the pain and bloodloss. āBut how?! How?! It shouldāve, he shouldāve been fine! We got out! We were out!ā Artelia cried out, desperate and confused as to the fate of her husband. It wasnāt right; the insanity within the dark seas was gradual, lost when you began to make your exit. However, for him, he never lost it; and he just now died because of it.
āNoā¦ā Danae softly muttered, incapable of raising his voice enough for any to hear. Tears showered from his eyes as he fell to his knees; his father was gone, perhaps moments before theyād try and rejoice with him. Yueli had backed away, retreating to the hold of the ship as she was incapable to stand there and watch a corpse bleed and bleed. Alla had been the only one that didnāt appear distraught, perhaps holding back her emotion as to try and provide stability to such an awful position they were all in. She approached her brother and simply hugged him, speaking in a soft tone in hopes to soothe his sorrows. Just as she made her attempt to comfort him, another scream was heard, coming from the brigās hold. Alla immedatiely looked towards the entrance, releasing her brother from their momentary embrace. Thanks to her compassion, Danae was somewhat able to regain his resolve, as heād then rush down into the hold to find out what happened.
Arlus stood over the body of Yueli, looking down to blood-soaked hands with his eyes wide open. āYou! You did this! You killed my father! Youā¦ youā¦ killed Yueli?! You killed Allaās beloved! Bastard!ā Danae shouted, wasting no moments to rush after Arlus with his swords aimed directly at his lower body. Heād give Arlus no time to react, as his steel blades then impaled Arlusā guts. Tears ran down his eyes, blood ran down his wounds. Just moments before heād succumb to the searing pain, he tried to plead with Danae. āIā¦ didnātā¦ Iā¦ swearā¦ I didnātā¦ Pleaseā¦ā His final moments, impossible to be repaired as the swords remained plunged into his body. Arlus soon fell, the color withdrawing from his eyes as his blood pooled and mixed with Yueliās.
Alla then entered the hold of the brig, watching in disbelief as Danae stood over their bodies. āDanaeā¦ what didā¦ you doā¦?ā Her voice was slow as she was clearly trying to comprehend this situation. Her own brother, had killed this man. Just as she had hoped, as an awful grin began to wrap around her face. āJust as I intended.ā She said, her voice suddenly normal as she looked to the crimson puddle finally slowing down while its size still constantly increased. āWhat? What do you mean? He, he killed your lover! He killed dad! Right? Right?!ā Danae began to constantly ask differen tquestions, trying to decipher the situation and why his own sister had such a morbid expression. Danae then quickly turned around, withdrawing his blades from Arlusā body, as he then realized what had happened.
āYour own father! And your lover! You did this! How could you?!ā Danae demanded answers. He needed them. They were a family, a crew, who had adventured together for so long. There was no reason, no explanation, to her atrocities. āI didnāt do anything. Iām one of the last survivors of a crew who couldnāt survive the darkness.ā Alla answered, releasing a giggle as she looked to Danae. His expression was so contorted, an immeasurable sadness and rage intermixed to create emotions that were impossible to describe. Without any further hesitation, Danae had rushed towards his own sister, ready to stop her before she could kill him, too. This monster, who knows what more she could do. She had to be stopped. She needed to be stopped.
Stopped. Danae was halted, his legs frozen, his arms numb. His heart, scorched to ash. A soft muttering from behind, as an elaborate circle of flame magic then whisked away, with Yueliās hand stretched out. His body was impaled by a spear of solidified flame. Yueliās death was faked, or rather, she had healed herself in time to catch Danae off guard. He couldnāt even speak, only watch as his sister, and her betrothed, watched as he died. What of his mother? What would happen to other people? What other monstrosities will these two commit? Then it was black. Danae was gone, a cold corpse with the rest of them. āSo, we dumping the bodies?ā Yueli asked, to which Alla shook her head. āNo. I want us to be survivors of a tragedy; I doubt anyone would find them, but Iād like to avoid the possibility.ā Alla spoke as she approached the remains of Arlus. She kneeled down, and then dug her hand into his baggy pockets. Within was the beautiful clover, an item of such wealth and rarity, that to Yueli and Alla? This was worth it. All of this treasure, all of their treasure. House Armasc was gone. But their wealth? Now belonged to Alla and Yueli. Atrocities given human form, murderers given beautiful form.
A tragedy that people will never know the truth of. A fortune whose origin will always be contributed to survival, instead of ruthless, merciless, conquest.
A nightmare, told only by their spirits, left behind on the impossible islands they had once plundered.
