56) Back in Tesh's again. Yet again, I've entered the nightmare of the injured. I've also found the cleanest lookin' pool of water yet in the Hive. Yuck. Its a twenty foot diameter pool of water roughly three feet deep that looks like its never been drained. Ever. Shan't be swimmin' in this mess. Ever.

I'm watchin' some strange man named Killraven (or so he claims) clean his body. Physically, he is quite large - over six feet in height. He's also covered in this reddish brown sand which just doesn't seem to wash off very well - besides the fact he baths like a newborn pigeon. What crud does come off, reveals a very ugly body. Whew. I mean demons are horrible lookin' but this man is just plain U-G-L-Y. Of course, I suspect most of it has to do with his condition. He's got some skin that is a blueish white - maybe diseased. His face is rather mutated with the nose bein' missin' and his jaw bein' broken. He's also only got one eye. Someone has also partly and painfully removed some of the ligaments which allow him to talk - givin' him a horrible lisp. At least he recognizes it and wears a mask along with leather strips on the diseased portion of his body. I think he said it was some kind of mage curse. Figures. I guess I should consider myself lucky. Mental Note: Shoot more mages... on principle.

We found Killraven when he fell out of the sky near us. Lilah and I were travellin' back from the Bottle and Jug Tavern in the Hive and this bright reddish sunlight opened up, blinded us for a few moments then he drops - right out of nothin'. It must have hurt too, because when we got there he was not movin' and barely breathin'. He also has this annoyin' raven that kept peckin' at his body. Filthy vermin pets. I almost shot it except I was afraid of hittin' him. That and the several dozen other mutated ravens watchin' me. Mental Note: Never piss off the wildlife.

More hive wildlife: Executioner Ravens. They are large black birds, roughly 3 feet in size with huge 5'+ wingspans. They feed off dead things, however there are some rumors (or so the lightboy Kimble claims) of 'em feedin' in packs on livin' creatures. Luckily, none of 'em attacked us though I shan't hazard a guess what they would have done if we had removed the normal raven from its existence.

As for Killraven, haven't gotten much from him except for someone named Tentlar was chasin' him, he is from somewhere named Tear (I doubt its that southern port I know named Maiden Tear) and he prefers warm dry climates. Maybe prefer isn't the right phrasin' - "used to" is better. I suspect he's from a desert somethin' like Beyator. The same basic rock color coats his skin that was there as well as he keeps sayin' he's cold. Mental Note: Keep an eye on him... make that two.

Backtrackin' before Killraven's arrival, Lilah and I decided not to watch the doctors dissection and opted instead to have that lightboy Kimble drag us to a boxin' match at the Bottle and Jug. First, I changed into Gavin then we ventured further into the hive. We got there though, without any difficulties; surprises will never cease around here. The tavern is near the head of 2-Lamp street next to Lot's Lane. Its real obvious too; as if no one can read around these parts. Its got a large bottle next to a big moonshine jug. The establishment looks like a small fortified tower, thankfully though, no faction symbols. I'm gettin' tired of everythin' divided up by gangs around these parts - at least though, they don't interfere too badly with eachother.

Inside, these hideous 7' tall hulkin' hags guarded the entrance. They snarled at us but Lilah and I marched right past 'em and up to the central wooden bar. Lilah ordered us a pair of drinks and some tickets to the boxin' match. The bartender was some big beefy guy with a sour expression - he also had an Indepth symbol on. We had about a half hour wait so observed the local inhabitants and scenery. It seemed there was a peckin' order and it was divided into three slots; scummy scum, mid-range scum and upper-class scum. Each section had a mixture of races, includin' what Lilah pointed out to me as both devils and demons. Of course she called 'em their correct names but them's what I know 'em best as.

They must have felt at home as well with all the grotesque tapestries and horrific paintin's. Lilah quickly pointed out to me, in words that don't quite do justice writin' down, that they depict scenes of the bloodwars. I don't know about her sometimes - I, personally am offended and I've seen quite a lot after the harsh life aboard a ship. Mental Note: Do NOT get involved in any wars, nor demons, nor devils yet alone even THINK about visitin' the Grey Wastes.

She dragged me off for a while to watch her gamble - she even did the majority of the winnin' though I didn't bet. She said her folks are both good with jinx such that it just rubs off on her. She can rub whatever she likes as long as she keeps her tail and the rest of herself off of me. That tail is awfully annoyin' at times. Its just a matter of time before it hits the wrong nerve and I nail it to the floor. Mental Note: Try not to be so dragonpiss jumpy.

Soon, this other room opened up and everyone rushed inward. It was square with a rectangular pit in the center: roughly 50' by 20'. About a hundred folks crammed in while money and paper started changin' hands as several challengers filed into the arena. Two humans and a dwarf to be exact. I'm thinkin' it was goin' to be a good match until the bartender's boy struts out. Akra's what he was called and he was big. Real big. 7'3" and half cyclops I'd guess - he did have only one large eye in the center of his head. I decided quite wisely to follow Lilah's lead and not place money on the first two competitors. Akra won both matches quite easily though the second took him all the way to the tenth round. In the last one, the dwarf named Sven Hammerfist, dragged it all the way to the 15th round and actually won. Thanks to Lilah I almost earned back the money I spent to get in. She is quite handy that way.

Notes on Boxin': Rules were simple; no armor, no weapons, no magic. 15 rounds or until die. If the winner is a challenger, he and five companions get to use a portal to go to one of the planes; Prime, Earth, Air, Water or Fire. Every few days is a new bout.

57) Uggg! Totally disgustin'. Grosses thin' I have ever seen. I'd say it was even more vile than the River of Blood in Beyator. Where to begin? Well, Killraven went and met Tesh, Valas and Cha-kan. At this point, they examined him. He wouldn't let 'em though while there were any females in the room so Lilah left.

Upon removal of the mask, the full devastation of Killraven's face was apparent. It was as bad as I thought if not more. Tesh went right up and inspected him though. The dead skin was really dead. He said he was under some curse that has turned part of his body into undead. Maggotpies, would the dustmen like him.

At this point, the docs call in Halbrook (the orderly behind the desk) and he brin's in another patient. They then do surgery on the two. Right there in front of me. They strapped both patients (victims) onto tables. Then, Tesh sliced up the newcomer's face and ripped out a few jaw ligaments. He then sewed 'em onto Killraven's face as replacements. Valas did a few thin's as well as Cha-kan. All of this was while neither 'patient' was unconscious. Carp-brains, at least I had some strong drink when Captain Lasur pulled that arrow from my shoulder... and it still hurt. I think it was about here where I felt my lunch rise up uncontrolled out my mouth and shortly thereafter fainted.

I came too pretty quick and the first thin' I heard was somethin' about Tesh wantin' to work on the nose and missin' eye. I left - no...fled is more appropriate. I'm now in the waitin' room. Lilah hung near the door and was listenin' to it all - hope she got an earful. I had more than enough. Now if only these other 'doctors' would stop askin' me if I have chest pains and if they can examine me.

58) I've decided to retract my earlier "not" and not "keep an eye on Killraven, let alone two". Its crossed out and that's that. First off, he isn't anythin' pretty to look at. Secondly, every time I look at his face, the bile in my stomach starts to crawl up my throat. The docs fixed up his jaw though so he can talk and be reasonable understandable. He also still wears the mask - its just the thought of what I watched goin' on. And folks say *I* can be a barbarian in my actions.

I'm currently back in my room now, nursin' a nice healthy and large cup of ale. Several in fact. All large. Nice and cool too. Did I say large (Hiccup)? I'm also soakin' in a refreshingly CLEAN bath. It used up all my water for the day, but by the great Sashelas, it was worth it. It feels good to be clean for a change. It also gives me time to think without all the busy-bodies runnin' amuck.

Got another note under my door. This time is for Antonian Dylerriz. He's a governor and I can find him somewhere around Hangman's Court. Sounded bad except for it bein' some bar in the Lady's Ward. Pity it means I'll have to use a new disguise - somethin' not busted in that area yet by the Red Guards. Maybe this time I'll get to him in time and find out what's goin' on.

I've also met another of Cha-kan's friends. This one is some mummified dead-lookin' thin'. "It" was about 7'1" tall and real thin - skeletal thin. "It" was wearin' silver platemail and carryin' a great glowin' two handed sword. Marched right up to our table to have a word with Cha-kan. A wave of relief flashed through me. Not that I was really worried but I thought "It" was associated with the law. Well, soon Cha-kan introduced "It" as his friend Civis, a Githranki. The later must have been some type of race. Civis didn't talk though. Only Cha-kan answered verbally. I pegged down real quick there was some kind of mind-action goin' and attempt to just blank my mind. I was thinkin' of all the wonderful fishin' I've ever done in my life and this 'creature' just turned and gave me an evil look. Almost dropped my mug onto my lap. Cha-kan and him continued on about some topic I couldn't follow for the slightest. The most I got was somethin' about the bugs havin' excellent smell and hearin' and no eyes.

Valas abided to talk when questioned and I learned he respects Lilah not because of who she is but what she is...a female. Apparently, he has some 'bitch queen' that tortures 'em all into believin' woman are superior. Fascinatin'. Sounds like a big B&D thin' goin' on in his entire homeland.

Killraven garbled his food down but between bites I learned that he had been runnin' for two sunrises. He was bein' chased by someone named Mock. Next thin' he knew, here he was. He may also have killed the one chasin' him - he's brutish enough to have anyway.

Lilah helped me order food - so far she's been fairly accurate on decent stuff, though I don't know if I really wanted to eat horsemeat. She ordered several bowls of Arcadian Pony stew. She also spiced mine up good with somethin' from her pouch. It had a good taste to it, though it was sorta rubbery and kinda salty. The stew - not her spices. I thought horsemeat was like beef? Mental note: Do not inquire too deeply on the contents of food... and never eat in the hive.

59) Uggg... sufferin' from a bit of a hangover today. Much too much to drink last night. Must have been the combination of watchin' Tesh perform surgery mixed with all the ales from the night before. At least I wasn't out with people and didn't make a fool of myself. Got nice and quietly drunk.

Letsee, we all met up in the mainroom of the Black Sails late afternoon and ventured out to the market square. Time to outfit Killraven as Valas wanted his new 'bodyguard' to be well prepared. Valas did a bit of hagglin' but without Rogan, probably got boned by the Severed Heads weaponsmith. Beats me - I'm still tryin' to figure out the market. He ended up gettin' a big o'l bastard sword, a pair of throwin' axes and an odd shaped battleaxe. Killraven had a happy smirk - quite unnervin' with his appearance as it is. Next up was some armory place named Traban's Forge. Its dwarf run though they got this strange ogre workin' there that seems to think he is a dwarf - guess braided beard hair and a funny walk make anyone part dwarf. Killraven was openly grinnin' by the time the purchase was done on his metal breastplate and steel gladiator helm. Valas also ordered him some chainmail. Talk about estatic - I bet if our odd new companion could dance, he would have.

Lilah also got us to stop real quick at the Indepth headquarters. Its in a place called the Red Lion Inn. Looks like an old razed fortress to me. The top 4-5 levels have been removed by some apparent blast. The lower few levels (as well as the towers) still stand. The group waited outside though, while Lilah went in so dunno what its like other than that.

On the way we also make a quick sidetrack into the Hangman's Court. Its where the 'rowdy' governors get together to have a drink. Rowdy my ars. I'll show 'em rowdy. Well, turns out to be a Fraternity of Order party. They looked like a bunch of young boys. The frat boys don't get happenin' until six after peak when most of the governors get off. My latest victim, Antonian Dylerriz is part owner and will be back then - at least he isn't dead...yet. Mental Note: Try to catch up with him as soon as possible. Maybe even tail him a bit and see what's goin' on and why anyone would want him dead.

From here, it was decided we go back into the Hive to find the Blue Scarecrow. Cha-kan wanted to talk to Elith for some reason or another. I'd have to admit though, this whole thin' is gettin' tirin'. All the tiers and levels of government and runnin' about this city. Isn't there an easier way to get around? Plus the devastation and lack of plantlife. I'd suggest a few changes to the next red guard I see. I have a feelin' though, they wouldn't like it and would try to drag me off to the mines. Weasel jism - how bad can they be? I've spent most of my time in the Hive and already visited Beyator. It CAN'T be worse... can it? At least this Akkad disguise hasn't been blown by anyone but that drow - makes me safe from Red Guard harassment... for now.

Gettin' into the Hive was as easy as always. We are currently holdin' out near the Founder's Fence while Cha-kan, Lilah, Valas and Killraven search the area. I'm retainin' guard duty with my crossbow - mostly because Cha-kan says his ring is blinkin' on him. He claims there are four bugs in range. I've seen two new areas on the way here as well - luckily, neither was in the hive.

The first is called the Trioptic Nictapona. Its a 200 foot tall statue of a horse with three eyes. The eyes, though 4' in diameter, are made from I think emerald, ruby and amber. Nice! I'd be royalty back home if

...flippin' pollywogs...

...Maggotballs, if I didn't almost plug Hugh with a crossbow bold up his nose. He just ran up the alley and drew his sword - if it wasn't for a last minute hesitation on my part and his rather easily identifiable uptight walk, he would have been smellin' raizorvine blossoms through the back of his skull.

Where was I? Oh yeah, I'd be royalty back home if I had even one of 'em gems. I was workin' over a plan to get my hands on one until I spotted the sixteen doomguards patrollin' the statue diligently. Too diligently for me to get my hands on one of those babies let alone worry about its size and carryin' it off.

The second sight was a small squatty buildin' that appeared more like a grassy hill which had a buildin' underneath it with several sproutin' towers. Reminded me of a bad fungus that grew off o'l Flynne's foot. Turns out this buildin' is the House of Speakers where all the laws in Sigel are made. Didn't stop to check it out any closer though. T'is a good enough fact for me to remember.

Hugh's just dropped some interestin' news into Cha-kan's lap. He says that Elith was spotted about an hour and a half ago in the colors of a Godman. I was a bit curious what was up so asked and all Hugh could say was that the Blue Scarecrow had turned stag. This didn't mean tarfeathers to me until Lilah explained it was rebellin' against ones faction. The Captain was bitchin' about havin' to kill Elith now. After a long discussion, it turns out that its the same as if Elith had mutinied against his crew/captain. Why the whalesnot didn't they just say that? In my book that means he has to pay retribution - whether its the sharks feastin', keel haulin' or a bolt sproutin' from his chest. There has to be a basic disciple even to these gangs. The whole thin' though, smells like seven day old catfish in a stagnant mudpool. The collectors proclaimed Elith was dead. Deader than a doornail. They dragged him off to the Mortuary where that dustperson Tarnarra personally accepted the body. Why would she lie to us though and say she hasn't seen the corpse?

So, we leave here in a few moments to find a bar named the Hammer and Anvil (bet there is a hammer and an anvil hangin' out front) and get in a bar brawl where this Elith has a fatal accident. I haven't had a good bar brawl since before I came here. At last, some real fun. Mental Note: Keep somethin' hard against my back - don't want to get cracked...again.