RIPPLES
AN EXCERPT FROM THE WORLD OF D.A.M
In the world of Ala, every echo tells a story. Ride the beast. Speak with spirits. Witness the rise of legends
Captain’s Log – Entry 1
Ala.
Of all the worlds I’ve crossed in my travels, none rivals the beauty of this realm. Ala is unlike any I’ve encountered: lush, haunting, alive with whispers of mighty kingdoms and ancient heroes. I first discovered its map during one of my many voyages, tucked within the folds of a crumbling scroll, etched in symbols only the stars seemed to understand. A mystic gateway led me here, not one of metal or code, but of rhythm, spirit, and ancestral memory.
This is your invitation.
Follow me now, through veil and myth, as I guide you across this world of wonder, mystery, and masquerade.
The journey begins.
Captain’s Log – Entry 2
My journey into this new land begins westward, just as the sun starts to set. This part of the sea lives up to its name. True to the charts, we sail in tranquility, breathing in the crisp air and the unfamiliar sounds of this strange land.
Before long, the waters begin to clear, revealing land ahead. Lush, green silhouettes rise from the mist, quiet and watchful, the Bonny Isles.
As we approach the inlet, we spot a small wooden boat drifting downstream, ferrying a lone maiden. She is dressed in flowing cloth that shimmers with the water’s reflection. I would later learn she is the princess of these parts, the great Kingdom of Bene.
Captain’s Log – Entry 3
After soaking in the sights, sounds, and warm hospitality of the Kingdom of Bene, our journey pressed northward. Though I followed the map faithfully, I felt my spirit being pulled towards a specific direction, always feeling troubled when I veered off course.
Trusting this instinct, I surrendered to the silent call that guided us. It led us to a marvel of nature unlike any I’ve witnessed, the Oduduwa Falls.
But as we neared this sacred site, a towering figure emerged humanoid in form, robed in intricate patterns, and wielding a gleaming sword. Tension rose swiftly, but before conflict could erupt, our salvation came.
A priestess intervened, with a mastery over the shape, form, and state of water, moving with grace and power. I would later learn she was a Dibia, a servant of the gods, mystic guardian of this land, and companion to these humanoid beings known as masquerades, creatures both wondrous and strange.
Of all the moments in my voyages, this encounter stands amongst the most powerful and humbling.
Captain’s Log – Entry 4
The wonders of this new world never cease to amaze me. My curiosity, ever insatiable, continues to drive us forward. We journey onwards, relishing every experience, documenting every fauna and flora we encounter.
As we ventured further north, a mysterious light in the distance beckoned us. Following its glow, we arrived at an island crowned by a colossal monument: a statue of a humanoid figure draped in long, flowing robes. Silent and regal, it welcomed us to New Eko.
Our appreciation of this wonder was cut short, however, as our need to resupply took precedence.. We set course for the merchants' port. But before we could dock, a grand royal ship crossed our path. From its deck, we witnessed a startling event , a young youth leapt from the bow into the ocean. Time passed, and he did not resurface. Concern grew. Strangely, none aboard the royal ship made a move to aid him.
Then, to our astonishment, he emerged, clutching a gleaming, radiant sword. We would later learn that this brave soul was none other than the young prince of the land of Oduwa.
Captain’s Log – Entry 5
We have come so far, and yet, our journey has only just begun. This map continues to guide us toward marvels unlike any I have encountered. As we ventured further inland, we docked the ship and traded with local merchants, exchanging some of our goods for sturdy horses. With the rising sun at our backs, we began our journey eastward, trading the salt-stung sea breeze for the scent of earth, grass, and dust.
It wasn’t long before we reached Ore, the famed merchant city, a vibrant hub for travelers and traders alike. While my men rested and mingled with the locals, I felt that now-familiar tug deep within, urging me onward once more. I followed it without resistance. I walked alone toward the outer gates. Just beyond the city walls, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, I saw three figures on the horizon. As they drew nearer, their forms grew clearer.
First, a tall, broad-shouldered man, rugged and weathered like a seasoned warrior, led the way. By his side walked a boy, his son no doubt, full of youthful curiosity. And trailing just behind them was a robed figure I immediately recognized. The same figure whose statue had once welcomed us on that distant island.
The great Eyo.
Captain’s Log – Entry 6
The journey continues as we restock our supplies and head further east. The weather is crisp and kind, the air light and full of promise. The grasslands are wide, with distant mountains etching the horizon and a dense forest running alongside us like a shadow.
We marvel at the beautiful flora and fauna this part of the land has to offer, vibrant blooms nestled among tall grasses, creatures unfamiliar yet unafraid. As we approach the end of the grasslands, the tall blades give way to thick bushes and brush, signaling the border between the open plains and the encroaching forest.
Just ahead, we see a herd of cattle grazing lazily on the bushes. Among the large herd was a lone figure sitting atop one of the cattle, the herder. Cloaked in quiet authority, he smoked from a long pipe, staff in hand. His gaze locks onto us. Unmoving. Unblinking. Watching our every move.
We choose to keep our distance and change course south, deep into the forest, a decision I will come to regret.
Captain’s Log – Entry 7
We headed south, guided by the map and the ever present spiritual pulse of exploration. With instincts sharp and trust in our path, we pressed into the thick forest ahead.
As we delved deeper, the canopy grew dense, swallowing the sunlight. Darkness fell quickly, and the forest became a void. But just when all sight faded, the ground began to glow. illuminated by vines that spread across the ground, the light, pulsating like a beating heart, beckoned us forward. And we do. The glowing vines led us to the most breathtaking sight I have ever beheld: a towering, majestic tree with a face carved into its bark. From its mouth flowed the luminous vines, casting a gentle light through the forest. It was the heart.
But this joy didn’t last long. A flash of movement, then a scream. One of the horses stood riderless. Another flash, another comrade gone. Panic set in. We fled blindly through the trees. Our numbers dwindle one by one. Finally, we broke through the foliage, only to find ourselves at the edge of a cliff, a ravine yawning beneath us.
If this land intends to be my grave, I will meet it on my feet.
We turned to face our fate. Emerging from the trees, a man atop a beast, stalking us with savage intent. There was no escape, only confrontation
But just as I was about to charge, a powerful force yanked us backward
And we fell, into the ravine below.
Captain’s Log – Entry 8
I woke up gasping for air, pain swimming through my head.
I survived the fall.
We are in a hut, its walls lined with masks, a fire at the center to keep us warm.
Turning on the raffia bed, my legs tremble as I rise and begin to walk towards the opening. I count what's left of my crew. We have lost a few men. I say a silent prayer for their souls.
My mind shifts from prayer to questions, Who was that terror that attacked us? And more urgently, who saved us from the ravine I thought was destined to be my resting place.
I step outside, and the sun rays stab my eyes, blinding me temporarily. As the white rays fade, my vision is blessed with a breathtaking view that makes me wonder for a moment if I am in the afterlife.
Before me stretches a wide, lush green field dotted with wildflowers, crowned by great rolling clouds overhead, I take a few steps forward, breathing in the clean air with each stride.
In the distance stand two figures, one, a towering humanoid unlike the ones I had encountered before. The other, a human boy, was seated in deep meditation before it. These were our saviors.
Agu and the Agba.
Captain’s Log – Entry 9
We spent the next few days recovering from our ordeal, learning more about this strange new world from Agu, one of its protectors, a Dibia.
He told us we had been attacked by the guardian of the sacred tree of the forest, a being far older than he was. Agu also spoke of the divisions, tribes, and customs of this land. Strange, yet captivating
The spirit of exploration calls to us once more. We obey, following the map.
With fresh supplies and horses, we prepare to head out. Before we leave, Agu gifts me his sigil, a symbol of his authority. He says it will make the journey ahead easier. We thank him for his kindness and depart.
We ride north until we reach the border of the Aro Empire and are greeted by a sight words cannot capture. The people here do not ride horses, instead, they command giant birds as steeds. The guards atop their hawks look down at us with cold dismissal. One notices the sigil around my neck and waves us through.
We are instructed to follow the path marked for pilgrims. As we move forward, I cannot help but stare at the sky, where flocks of great birds soar overhead.
They are indeed the sons of the sky.
Captain’s Log – Entry 10
The sun burns our backs as we make our way west through the desert. Not a trace of life in sight, just endless canyons and jagged rocks. Still, we follow the map.
Everywhere is still and silent except for the occasional hiss of the wind, and sometimes the faint sound of laughter. We keep our course steady, rationing what little supplies remain, and pray we quickly make it past this unforgiving land. Yet unease lingers. I feel eyes upon us
We come across a trail leading north, the Pilgrims' Pass, leading to the Desert Gateway. Agu told me about this. It was said to open the realm of Eden, but now just a path where brave pilgrims pass in search of enlightenment. I would have liked to walk it, to see what truths lie there.
The air begins to chill, A sign that the sea cannot be far. We press on carefully, maintaining a steady pace not to quicken our exhaustion. I glance back, measuring the distance we have covered. Then, just on the main ridge of the canyon, I catch a glimpse of our stalker.
I have heard stories about them, the Hyena people. Raiders of the Desert. Fortunately for us, it was just a lone scout that was on our trail.
At last, the tents of the Western Tavern rise on the horizon. Relief washes over my men as they glimpse it, hope rekindled in weary eyes. I turn once more, searching the canyon’s edge. But the scout is gone.
I thank the gods for our safety. This world is filled with wonder… and peril
Captain’s Log – Entry 11
At last, this journey has come to an end. Our rest at the Pilgrim’s Tavern grants me time to reflect on the many months spent exploring this wondrous world. Now I must journey back home to share my findings with other curious minds who will also have the courage to undertake this journey, and maybe, find more hidden wonders yet unseen.
We stock up on supplies and head back to the ship anchored in Merchant's Cove. We sail northward. A part of me grieves to leave this world behind. This adventure will forever remain etched in memory.
Night falls, and with it, a storm unlike any we have ever faced. Waves upon waves rock the ship, taking it apart with each blow. Lightning tears the sky, and in its blinding flash, we glimpse the silhouette of a monstrous shape rising from the sea itself. Then, darkness.
We survive… though not all of us. Cast ashore upon an unknown island, we mourn the fallen and begin the struggle for survival. I set forth into the forest, every sense sharpened, determined to find food and shelter.
The deeper I go, the weight of our fate is heavy on my mind.
Then a scream. Blood curdling, Terrible.
I rush toward its source,
and witness the impossible:
The transformation of a Wereleopard.
