The Compass Pulls Toward Darkness

Story So Far

The black-feathered captain of the *Ironbeak* charts a course guided by a mysterious compass needle pulling steadily southwest, away from the floating market town of Cresthollow and toward a brewing shelf storm on the horizon. As the ship sails onward with favorable winds, the crew spots a dark, motionless shape hanging below the clouds—a mid-sized hauler with a partially deflated envelope, snagged in place and showing no signs of life.

The captain signals the *Ironbeak* crew to stations, and they respond swiftly as the ship adjusts course toward the damaged vessel. Drawing closer, the party discovers a dark-painted hauler bearing scorch marks and an open cargo hatch on the portside aft, revealing nothing but deep darkness within. The captain orders an investigation, and crew members descend into the hold some fifteen feet below.

What they find is a scene of recent violence: a scorched floor marked with burn rings, broken crates scattered throughout, and a strong metallic smell hanging in the air. Fresh blood handprints and a smeared trail lead toward a plain wooden door emanating a faint green light, its worn latch showing signs of repeated pressure from within. The crewmate notes the blood is still fresh, and together they approach the pulsing green light, unsure of what awaits them on the other side.