Wreck

The Wreck (for the ship's true name is long forgotten) lies at the bottom of the sea between the Starwood Strand and the Focal Point. Most travellers, even those who pass deep beneath the waves, will never see anything more than the broken shell of a once-proud sailing ship that cracked up on the rocks or split in a storm, and sank to its doom. However, should an unwary treasure-seeker ignore the feeling of eyes upon their back and a chill beyond the cold of the depths as they swim towards the hold, they will encounter the ship's spectral protector.

This ghostly Ridgeback is a terrifing apparition to anyone foolhardy enough to attempt to take from the ship's lavish hoard. Even a single pilfered coin will earn the Wreck's wrath - and any thief unlucky enough to escape the ship with their loot will find themselves bound to an angry spirit until they return what they pillaged!

No one knows what, exacly, the ghost of the Wreck is. Some think he's a drowned member of the crew, remaining loyal even in death. Others believe him to be the manifestation of a curse placed upon the treasure by the Captain who plundered it. There are those who consider him the spirit of the ship itself, a blend of impressions left behind by all the souls who sailed aboard her.

Any could be true.

The Wreck has been asked, of course, but he has no voice with which to answer. He can only speak in the sounds of the ship: the creak of wood and rope, the boom of cannon-fire and the soft sussurus of sailcloth ...

Though he is a staunch and fearsome guardian, the Wreck can be surprisingly friendly - if and only if he can establish that visitors mean no mischief.

He emerges from the bones of the ship to accept greetings from Njord and certain Maren who pass by often: those few he knows and trusts. He tolerates brave advenurers who come simply to admire his Captain's treasures, providing they take no souvenirs. He can even be playful, sometimes, with respectful young Maren who use the ship as a playground: scooping them up and swooping them in laps around the hull faster than their fins and tails could normally manage.

Yet he never forgets those who attempt to steal from the hold.

Even if they depart screaming, their booty dropped back in place and forgotten, the Wreck does not forgive. Nor does he allow them anywhere near his ship again. If one of the thieves dares come within sight of the Wreck, he rises, a vengeful apparition, electric fire streaming from his eyes, and surges towards them to send them fleeing once more.

Unfortunately, Jormungandr made the mistake of trying to take some cool-looking gems when he was very young. He was thoroughly terrified by the experience, and now avoids the whole area around the Wreck as much he can. The Wreck knows he is no real threat, so rather than chasing him off he shadows his movement past the ship, teeth bared in a taunting grin. Jormungandr inevitably spies him, jumps almost out of his skin and absconds as fast as he can swim - and the Wreck sends a cannon-volley of laughter rippling after him.