As I write this, I've got an excellent view of the local 'river'. I don't think, however, any boat would help my desires to get my sealegs. This particular flow's made of blood. Thick, clotted flowing blood. Real blood. Nasty. I've gazed once into its depths and shan't again. Images of faces seem to float by - they all are silently screamin' in torment. Yeah. If I was stuck in a river of blood I'd scream too. The writin' here is also a bit sloppy and not just because I'm hurried. Everytime I sit down, the red fungus that covers nearly everything starts creepin' over to my body. I dunno if its being friendly or lookin' for a meal - either way, I don't want to find out. Moving molds don't make me happy.

Letsee now, I've learned all kinds of things. First off, Cha-kan spoke with the imp back on the pentagram. Besides that been a smiggin' frightful in itself, he got something that sounded like answers and even the imp seemed scared of Cha-kan. Somebody named Bel built a Fortress here though I can't imagine why he want too. The scenery ain't worth two ground wasp gnads. Also learned our 'new' companions were brought here rather suddenly and unexpectedly. Sounds familar.

The one dressed in the fine silk and hose is named Rogan. He's some kinda politician and into government things. I bet he's a cunnin' thief. I'd better watch my stuff around him. The second one holds promise while being doubtful as well. I was right - he's a drow. He's also some kind of magician or experimenter. He's been looking at me though some green disk and if I didn't know better I'd say he was cutting his way through my hap-hazard disguise like barnacles on whaleskin. His name is Valas and he's from some female dominated society. Mental note: Find out more about this place. On the brighter side, if he is a magician maybe he can toss me some advice on my current condition and knows when the shark's spooge my image will come back.

Oh yeah, this group mistook me as some kind of spellcaster. Lilah the Floozy asked me to knock up some kind of spell on a horn made of human bones to keep the imp from blowing it. I was gonna tell her what she can blow but thought better of it. I pulled the best bluff I could. I mumboed some jumbo and threw some chalk and pepper around. Even said some crap about "a thousand swollen gnat bites to the one that blows this horn next". Its been about four hours or so and we haven't heard a horn.. I'd say I pulled it off but maybe its a silent horn...

Lastly, the Floozy handed some note to Cha-kan whom attempted to decipher it. He didn't do so hot so he gave it to me. I did mention earlier I had a knack for this kinda thing. Well, whoever wrote this hot pile of carpweed couldn't write worth seven day dead trout, but I was still able to pull down enough of it to make a good guess. It came out somethin' like "Formula 27 successful. Problems Magical. When can we get the notes?" I told 'em what I thought it said. Cha-kan and Lilah played uninterested but I'll bet they've got a clue or two and I think its somethin' to do with that plague they mentioned. I ain't as dumb as they think. At least they stopped calling me clueless. Of course, I had to stop calling Lilah a floozy but its a fair tradeoff - for now.

Group's startin' to chatter again. Sounds like we're all gonna walk next to the giant blood clot for a bit. Someone said it leads to the river of Styx. Yeah. So that makes this a great Capillary of the River of Styx. Lovely. This landscape blows the feathers off a chicken. Cha-kan says we're gonna look for a gate. Apparently he's a bit travelled. He's even been to parts of hell before. Great. Well, at least then he may get us out.

Rogan also just stated he's looking for something. Some kinda deck. He wanted to buy Cha-kan's deck though I warned him off of that. He says he is searchin' for some artifact deck. Its got 72 cards and is ultimately powerful. Don't matter to me as long as it don't effect my life any.

Cha-kan's now doing this reading...Oh Toasted Pond Ducks!...

35) Well, it shan't as bad as I had thought. Cha-kan did know what he was doin'. Of course, that was then and this is now. I don't think he's got too many clues right about now. Back to the last time I was writin'. Cha-kan was laying out cards in all kinds of orders when suddenly this fireball lands right in front of him. Heat waves just boil over us. I start feeling nauseous. Suddenly, this little kobold is standin' there. I'm snorting thinking how worthless the little rugrat is when it starts speaking fluent elvish. Spooked me right out. Cha-kan asks it a bunch of questions and it actually responds. Intelligently. Go figure. We've learned the nearest gate back to Sigel is on the tall peak, 8 O'clock position from the gate of Bel's Fortress. Now all we gotta do is FIND this fortress.

Well, Cha-kan nodded a bit, got us gathered up and headed down the river. At one point we had to cross. It wasn't fun but I didn't have too much of a problem. As nimble as I am with all the jumping and balancing I'd done, t'was easy to bop from rock to rock. As a matter of fact, no one had any troubles 'cept for the two new comers. Both of 'em didn't seem to have the quickness that Cha-kan, Lilah or myself have. Great. I'm starting to think of us as a 'group' when the last thing I want is a devil, drow, flop or scarecrow for friends.

I guess it comes with the territory though. Shortly after we crossed the bloody river, a pair of flyin' gargoyles about 3 feet tall dive bombed us. I let fly a shot but I was a bit off balance or better yet just plain shocked; it flew wide. Cha-kan took out a nasty set of sticks with a chain between 'em and hammered one into the ground as soon as they landed. The other one took a swipe at Lilah but between my next shot and her knife we finished it off. Cha-kan snatched up their weapons real quick and passed 'em out to us saying they were valuable. Didn't matter much to me but if we get out of here, its a souvenir. We threw the bodies in the river and something snatched 'em up right away. Mental Reminder: Do NOT go in the river.

36) I feel ill. Real ill. No, not from the heat. Even if it is a dry wave and I feel like I am going to pass out from heatstroke. I've kept drinking water. Thank the great deep Sashelas for that earring. But that's the past. Mental Note: Do NOT eat the worms in the river...again. Those things are just gross. I took the small military fork we snagged from the flying devils and hooked a chain on it. Then stuck what was sorta a hook and some kinda bait on (cloth, grease, spit and pepper) and tossed it in. In less than ten minutes I was being pulled into the river and surely would have if it wasn't for Cha-kan slicing and dicing the blood clotted leech. When we pulled it out of the water it was 20 feet long and 5 feet in diameter. A real big sucker. Cha-kan seemed to know what he was doing. He snagged a torch, light it and crammed it into the ground. Then he cut up a bunch of small fillets and wrapped 'em around some other sticks and toasted 'em over the flames. He ate 'em right down as soon as they cooked without a blink of those beady red eyes of his. I had a few pieces though no one else in the group did. I know why now. Gross. Kinda a rubbery taste. I also couldn't get the taste of cooked blood out of my mouth. Blech. I feel like vomiting.

37) We've now backtracked and crossed the river. I still feel sick. Quickly put, we've come to some kind of pillar made of heads. Its got billions of 'em. More so than any crowd I've ever seen. Only the heads though. All of 'em dismembered and mutilated. Yet, they were all babbling constantly about stuff. The noise was driving me crazy. I ended up loosing my lunch. Not that it was much of a meal - if anything, I feel better now that its out of my stomach. Cha-kan gave me some wine afterwards. At least I was right about him. He's like Captain Lasur. Think I'll be callin' him Captain occasionally. Makes me feel more at home. Also, I'm having a terrible time breathing. Everything is so dry and the heat is so intense that I feel like I am fryin' inside.

38) We're now waiting for a patrol to cross some road. Its all so complicated but I feel better. Much better. First off, we had to cross the river again. This time though, we had to wade through. I couldn't do it. I ended up nearly passing out. I think its the heat though. I was more dizzy and confused than Uncle Eldameir had ever seen me. I wonder what he is up to these days. Heh. He always said I'd end up going to hell if I did bad things. Guess he was right.

Well, Cha-kan came back after everyone had crossed and gave me some sweet tasting drink which made me feel much better. He then popped me on his shoulders and carried me over. I'm now callin' him the Captain. I also don't blame him too much for draggin' our sorry butts here. Yeah, its hell but it looks like we may yet get out of here. If we do, I'll feel better inclined toward him - well, it really don't matter as its Lilah's fault we're here anyway. I'd take it out on her but if she is a devil, I don't want ta give her any reason to snatch my soul.

We found the portal about an hour ago. It was being guarded by some 6' tall crimson gargoyle with a nasty looking tail. Well, he first looked like a 7' tall angular human with icy blue eyes and black hair that called himself Arkalmans. Later, I didn't buy his story and he sorta unfuzzed and became the gargoyle thing. It was some type of illusion I'm bettin'. Well, Cha-kan and him argued for a bit. We almost fought him but turned out we didn't. Good thing too as that tail of his was lookin' mighty sharp.

We know the portal leads to the Hive in Sigel and that we need to find a key to turn it on. That's what we're looking for now. A brick from the road which we drop in the great dome causing the gate to surge open. Arkalmans also wanted us to take some silver egg with him. I didn't like the idea. Cha-kan didn't either. He says the "Lady" won't allow higher power into the Ward and that she trashes even the messengers that bring 'em. I didn't feel like being mulched. Neither did the rest of the group. We've got a fairly good plan. Something about tossing it back into his waiting hands. Beats me, the Captain just put me in charge of getting the brick. As soon as these marching devils leave I'll be a-snaggin' one. Heh. Funny that. Who woulda thought that I'd be talkin' about devils and impatiently waiting for them to finish their patrol before hiestin' bricks from their road. Life's sick. I like that. I bet Uncle Eldameir would keel over if he could see me now.

39) Good news! Well, somewhat. I'm now back in Sigel. All of us. I'd have to say this is good over being in hell. That sucked the puss from a shark sucker's phallis. Not to mention it was hotter than the coals of a flamin' harpies tongue.

Getting back wasn't so bad either. Well, the brick was. I jiggered it out real fast, snatched it up and we hightailed it back. The brick though, let out a scretch and as I gazed down on it, seemed it was some type of livin' thing. The only thing I could think of, is I didn't want to be here. Not at all. I didn't drop it though 'cause we woulda had to get another and there were about fifty flying things coming in from behind. They'd noticed my work and weren't happy. That's ok. I wasn't happy either. Theory on the bricks: Beings are tormented by being turned into bricks and lettin' patrols march on 'em for three outa four hours a day. Tough life. Wonder what they did to deserve that.

We got to the portal, marched by Arkalmans, dropped the brick and this gate opened. We then flipped his egg back to him, much to his dismay, and WHAM, back we were in Sigel. We bobbed in at some ally in about six inches of murky water. I couldn't have been happier. The Captain quickly got us all set up and moved aside. He also got all bent over a pack of rats. Dunno why. He called 'em heavy brain rats... no... that's not right. Cranium Rats. Somethin' like that. Said they could paralyze, stun and eat brains. Didn't sound pretty to me. We fled the other way. Lilah shot right up the wall. I was right. She is nimble. I'd say as quick as me if not more. I'da thought that tail would take her balance off a bit.

The Captain then dragged us around the Hive for a bit. He seemed at home though a bit worried as he didn't know for sure where we were. Didn't much matter to me as I wasn't sweating my little ars off and I had gotten some water on my gills.

The Hive itself was filled with rotten buildings all seemingly ready to fall over in great rocky reefs of debris. Slums. Worse than I had ever seen. Still t'was a paradise over Bel-a-tor.

Queks's Place. First place we run up to. It had a pack of purple flames out front. Inside, the noise was horrendously loud. Captain says it's the Zeo-Tech Headquarters. They're another faction and totally unreliable. Out for their own and talk like nuts. Tough to understand 'em as they mix their words. It was well lit though and had the biggest party I'd ever seen. Ten balconies ran around the room, all connected with ladders, ropes or poles. Folks were surfin' on the heads of other people, swinging and/or jumping to other levels. Everyone's style of clothing clashed together in a mammoth sea of color. It hurt just to look at it. The head of the bar/faction was some beautiful waitress with purple hair and a long face scar. She's twiddle her fingers and aim at someone and these yellow-purlple darts would shoot out and nail someone in the crowd. The Captain went right up to her and addressed her as Quek Lavider and asked for a meal. At least I THINK he asked for one. He said it all backwards. I think its a style of talking though. I gave it a whirl but she clutched my head in her palms, said some funny mage words and I busted up laughing for several minutes. I cackled so much I thought I'd piss my pants. Well, after I get up from the floor there's a meal for me. Good food too. Everyone in the group eats and we got ready to leave. I dove under a few tables and snagged a few clothes scraps for future costumes. Found: ladies black panties, red shrinner's cap with a blue tassel, one leather saddle, one white wool glove and a red yarn belt. We hung for a bit, then left. I'm thinking to come back sometime as its a good place to make some cash and learn a few things while no one cares what I look like.

Outside of Quek's Place, the Captain hired a Light Boy. This young lad of 10 years or so was carrying a stick with a magical glow coming from it. He then led us around the Hive, leading us around standing water. Mental Note: Avoid Puddles, Captain says they can snag someone to the Para-Elemental Plane of Ooze. Never heard of it but if its anything like Hell - I don't want to be there.

From Quek's, the Light Boy leads us all over to Tesh's Infirmary. Works for me. I was thinkin' I could use a doctor. At least I WAS thinkin' that until I got inside. It was dark and quiet. Too quiet. There was a single guy sittin' behind a desk. He was over 6' in height and had a massive girth. He dressed all in white. First off, he recognized the Captain and called him a Doctor. Go figure. Cha-kan a doctor. Well, from there, we're lead upstairs to some rooms to rest. The beds were occupied though the guys in 'em had chalk marks on their heads. I did a quick check and they were dead. Not good. I peaked in some side rooms thinking to have a room to myself. Not a chance. All the other ones had operating or torture tables in 'em. Clamps to hold 'patients' down. Blood stains on the floor. I wasn't happy. There was even a guy with his lips sewn up - and he was alive. Cha-kan said some words to him to try and calm him down. I wouldn't have relaxed though. How's he gonna eat with his lips sewn up? The Captain then left us to talk to Tesh for a bit - much to our dismay. None of us even budged from where we were. I fled for a few moments though, into a side bathroom to change into my Flynne disguise. Last time I was dressed as Gavin I got into that scrap with the Red Guard. Didn't need 'em recognizing me. Then I'd really be unhappy.

Lilah spewed some interesting gossip once she opened up with the conversation. The Indepths have no beliefs or molds to follow. Folks just go with the flow. She's a recent Indepth too. She named a few other factions; Bleckers, Dustmen, Faters. Hadn't heard of any of 'em but now I've got a bunch. I'm gonna have to start a list and keep better records on 'em. She also told me about this Lady of Sigel. She's the ultimate ruler. She's also the Lady of Pain. Sounds bad. Real bad. The government is run by a counsel of law. They keep the balance. The Red Guard are the police. They've also got the power of judge, jury and executioner. Not good. Gonna have to keep away from 'em or find a way to bribe some.

The Captain's due back at any time now. I figure I'll finish this, take a few hours rest by leanin' against a wall - I'm NOT sittin' in a deadman's bed...from there we are suppose to get back to the parts we know better.

40) Few spare moments to just jot down a random details. Not time for more. The Captain returned and we, thankfully, left Tesh's. Since then, I've picked up there are 6 main wards.

a) Hive: Scum. Rotten buildings. Little money. "Barny's"

b) Lower Ward. Great Foundry. Manufacture stuff.

c) Market Ward. Place to sell/buy anythin'. I do mean anythin'. Lotsa barterin'. Never accept 1st offer.

d) Clerk Ward. Judicial. Accountin'. Bookkeepin'.

e) Guild Hall Ward. Upper Class market and guilds, like spellcasters, priests, fighters.

f) Lady's Ward. Prison, Court, Finner Parts, Mercy Killers and Red Guards. Most patrols. Its got the fairest prices but there ain't no barterin' done.

The Black sail is in the Lower Ward I suspect. I haven't verified yet though. It works for me as its close to the Hive and I can snag some work over in Quek's.

Other Places: Got money changed over via Rogan's work. He got us some fair rates and we learned what the going were. We also hung in the "Severed Head Weapon" shop. Gotta remember that place. Their prices are fair though not spectacular. The Captain sold the forks we picked up in Bel-a-tor and slipped us each a handful of coins. Turns out they were worth about 25 Divines. I got five. Works for me. The way I calculate it, its enough for 250 drinks or 50 bribes.

Money System: The workin' coin is the "cage"...that silver coin with the lines runnin' through it.

1/15 Cage = 1 Bit an average apple

1/5 Cage = 1 Inferno an average drink

1 Cage = 1 Cage an average bribe

10 Cage = 1 Divine an average sword

150 Cage = 1 Lady

The average price seems to sling out at 1 gold piece is equal to 2 cages and a single silver is worth an inferno. Platinum has next to no value here whatsoever.

Our next stop is someone named Anthrax. He's some kind of Golem or something like that. The Captain says there may be a message written on him or with him.

Summary:

Cha-kan: "Bonehead" or "Captain" dependin' on mood. He looks like a scarecrow. He wears a lot of black. He's in the Doomgaurd. Dismal attitude. He's usin' a pair of longer swords and has been bitchin' for hours about loosin' a metal chain which he wields in combat.

Lilah: "Floozy" She says she is a Tiflin' - whatever that is. She seems to be part devil with a long barbed tail and a small set of horns on her head. She's got a good chuck with a pair of knives and is quite quick. She can also climb walls very nimbly and I bet she's got a mean streak in her a fathom wide.

Rogan: "Fop" He's a politician type. Bargainer. He's into the tradin' and government stuff. Also sounds like he is a swindler. He is a bit too much of a wealthy dresser though sounds like he's got a head on his shoulders. Might wanta keep on good terms with him in case he gets somewhere and the law keeps annoyin' me...He's got no apparent equipment (as he just got here) but I think he can use a dagger - or so he says.

Valas: "Doc" He's some kind of researcher or experimenter. He's quite curious in everythin' not to mention he is a drow. Funny about that, he doesn't seem to mind the light. I coulda sworn that bright lights were a problem for his folk. As for weapons, he has thrown some of this nasty lookin' stars; "Shurkens". Rogan says their quite valuable. He also says he comes from a Female Dominated society. He keeps calling Lilah Mistress. If t'is true, I'd like to visit his lands. Might be amusin' to see this first hand. Lilah says that Sigel is a neutral society with males and females both bound by the same rules and equal in status. Interestin' concept but until I see it first hand I'll just sit with my own thoughts.