Lorebooks

A number of lorebooks written by NPCs can be found across Parallel. They are compiled here roughly in the order that they were discovered.

Shopping District

Originally found in front of the Shopping District nether portal in Parallel Prime, the lectern was moved to Otherside with the rest of the Shopping District.

------------------- ==An Unfamiliar Past== ------------------- Here stands the corner of a castle, a fortress seemingly longsince destroyed. Yet, records of such a castle do not exist. How can there be ruins where nothing stood to be ruined? More curious still, where is the rest of

the castle? Surely there would have been other remains of a structure so massive? Within these ruins, a crack in spacetime has formed, leading to the familiar Netherworld. But how were those portals formed, if no one has ever been recorded lighting them?

These mysteries and others remain, and will continue to vex the denizens of Parallel until someone uncovers the truth... Will it be YOU?

Post theories and discussion to the discord! /discord

Crash Site

Captain's Log Log 23 - 6/14/1020CF

Well, here I am again, putting my words to paper to capture my daily activities. You'd think by now, they would have come up with a way to voice automate this. Then again, it doesn't really matter to me. I'm a simple man; if I see a pen and paper, I'm going to use it. It's a wonder that I'm in

such a technologically advanced job in the first place, but I guess my love for the stars overrides anything else. Further image captures of the new star system have been a success. There's nothing better than a freshly captured photo of a

planet to remind you that there's an alternative to the constant monotony of a malfunctioning imaging system. The higher-ups really need to take a look at my ship, but they won't get a chance until I complete my mission in a few days.

Lastly, there seems to be a strange energy source coming from a nearby planet. Readings are off the charts compared to anything I've seen before, so I should probably go investigate in case a different explorer division finds it and accuses me of skipping over it.

It'll be interesting coming home in a few days after spending a decent amount of time away. Not sure how I feel about it yet. Signing off for now, Red Leader

Niall's Outpost

Research Log: I've returned here to get a better look at the sky from a new vantage point. If one rift has opened up already, is it possible more could open also? The sky has been rather unpredictable lately. My time here has also allowed me to think more about

recent events. There are some forces at work here that I truly cannot understand. Some cannot be trusted, some cannot be comprehended. Whatever motivations are at play here, be them of people or the universe itself, I have begun to fear where they may lead us. Dimensional creatures

and forces are only getting more fearsome. The other night, I heard an explosion on the far side of the lab and found a being of extreme energy to be the cause. I'm lucky I was able to trap it before it destroyed months of work. I had never seen anything like it before. It

behaves completely unpredictably. It resembles other beings that I call "wisps" but its particles are of a much more firey nature. It is hostile, and drops shards with much higher, less stable energy levels. I am trying to determine if these shards can be used

for anything. It is clear that we are dealing with an unknown power here. I wonder if it is someone we know, or its source lies somewhere we don't know of yet. Red speaks of a strange "they". I don't know who this may be, but I must find out.

**************************** Source found, must leave. Stand by. Do not let fire wisp escape. Protect secret lab. ~Niall

ʖᒷ∴ᔑ∷ᒷ / ℸ⍑ᒷ / ᓭℸ7∷ᒲ, / ℸ⍑ᒷ / ᓵꖎ7⚍↸ᓭ / ᔑ∷ᒷ / ⊣ᒷℸℸ ╎リ⊣ / ↸ᔑ∷ꖌ.

SECRET LAB LOG: I have managed to isolate a bit of energy from the main rift. I have begun to study its properties and am beyond amazed with its sheer power. I must protect this room, for this power can be catastrophic in the wrong hands... ~Niall

Jess' Tower

I'M GOING TO LIVE!!! The housing hurts a whole lot when I cough, but the surgeon assured me that would pass as it healed. It better, because I want to scratch my ribs out right now. BUT I'M NOT DYING! The main chipset is online, containment is holding steady, and the power

supply will last a year before it needs to be replenished. So I guess I should say I'm not dying for now. But we knew this going in! A year is a lot of time to find a workable power source, and its a whole year I'M ALIVE FOR! I've got a few

ideas for power, and a whole two weeks of prescribed bedrest to think about them. Day 18 4 days off bedrest and I can finally get back to my lab to start testing things! I don't think a redstone battery will work, even with copper casings,

but it's better to try the simple things first. Day 19 Redstone battery would last a day. Maybe. I've read articles about new quartz inlays that have been shown to greatly increase power output, so I can try those when the

factories catch up to demand in...... 5 weeks. Plenty of time to design the next smallest redstone battery! Day 60 Good news! Quartz inlays greatly increase output! Bad news! They greatly

increase output to the point of explosions! New power sources discovered from prismarine crystals? Well something needs to power the lanterns I guess. I'll try to order some.

Day 79 Much greater power output than the redstone batteries! It'd buy me a month or so. That's a good emergency source, but I'd like a better power source for my continued existence. Back to the drawing board.

Day 130 Combinations of prismarine power, quartz inlays, copper casings, redstone wiring, etc. have gotten me 6 weeks at the most.

Day 163 I don't particularly trust ender pearl power, but an expermental power source is better than death. So I'll have to try it.

Day 189 Nothing. Maximum power output is still 6 weeks at the most. Day 217 Combinations of different power sources have given me 7 weeks. Curse this machine for needing so much power.

Day 239 Rifts. That's a thought. They must expend a lot of power both keeping their shape and transporting things that pass through. Could I extract that power?

Day 270 Yes. I can. It's very unstable for the Rift. But if my calculations are correct I could get up to a year in one siphoning process. I'll attempt to stabilize the siphon, make it as unintrusive as possible.

Day 304 I've stabilized it a bit. But the margin of error is too wide, and the chance of ripping open the Rift is too high. Not to mention the chances of imploding both myself and the Rift.

Day 315 40 days to live. No progress on stabilization. If I extract power from the Rift, I will likely kill at least the 30 people in the lab below it. If not the whole town. I cannot abide by that.

Day 320 I cannot abide by that. I need another power source. Day 332 I don't have a power source. Or time. Not even my previous prototypes are stable enough.

Day 344 Three weeks to live. Day 349 Calibrations on the siphoning equipment have completed. And I've figured how to go through the Rift and dodge the implosion. But I can't stop it. I need another way.

Day 352 I need another way. But I've packed my Rift sensors in a go bag. Just in case. Day 360 Five days. Pain has increased drastically. Regen potions don't work enough.

Day 362 There's no other way.

Day 364 I'm sorry. But I can't find another way.

World 7 Log Last jump gave me approximately 10 months. Energy output seems to vary, but I think it might be decreasing as time goes on. I'll have to see if I can optimize the siphon in my next few worlds.

The Rift in this world is massive. It's comprised of three concentric spheres, the largest measuring about 100 meters wide. Spherical Rifts are rare; I've only seen one so far, and never one with several spheres. If its energy signature is as unique as its shape, calibration may take

extra time. Hopefully its time I have. With an extra special Rift comes extra curious people. There's a whole swarm poking at the Rift and asking me questions when I try to get a closer look. There's another scientist they keep talking about, though they haven't

met him nor seen his outpost, so raiding it for information is a bust. I hope they all stay out of the blast radius, but I'll do what I have to.

I've returned. I usually don't. But instead of the Rift throwing me to the next world, it connected two worlds. People can now travel between what they call Parallel Prime and the Sky Kingdom, where I landed. And now that I've had

a chance to double check my readings, I can say for sure that this siphoning gave me five years back. Which is new, to say the least. I haven't had a life expectancy longer than one year since my surgery. I don't have to catapult myself between worlds for some time.

What's more, I'm stuck in this world instead of being thrown to the next. I need to know why this Rift is different. Could it give me another five years? Could it give me more? The Sky Kingdom was razed by a dragon, and its King has asked

me and Niall to expand the Rift to bring more rebuilding supplies through. I've agreed, since it will give me unprecedented access to the Rift, & Niall's research on it. I need parts. The machinery in Niall's lab is more for analysis than manipulation, and most of it can't be

repurposed. The merchant Red says he can lead people to a station that will have what we need, but I have my doubts. This station would have to be both highly advanced and massive to contain the required components. And Red's feared "They" are just going to let people take it?

I'm skeptical to say the least. We'll find out eventually, once Red has decided people have purchased enough to appease his bosses, whoever They are. Anyway, Jess signing off. For now...

Castle Cloudius

I can't believe it. My Kingdom is in shambles, my people forced out of their homes. How could I let this happen? That damned dragon, those damned players... I don't know what the future holds for me or my people. I can barely even bring myself to revisit my once great Kingdom, so I had my

remaining subjects construct this castle where I may protect what remains of my treasures, and plan for the future. This tower cannot compare to my real Castle. I have prioritized the rebuilding efforts to focus on it, and as soon as it is safe I must move back there. I even tried residing

in that "Spawn Town" with all my subjects, but it only reminds me of my once great Kingdom. It is nice to exercise my power from time to time as judge, but I can hardly bare the thought of my people and I living in such a place. This castle remains the last untouched sanctuary

of my power that I know of. I pray that the evil influences that destroyed my Kingdom never find this place. Amidst all this chaos, however, there is a glimmer of hope. Rebuilding efforts have been painfully slow, but I may have come up with a way to

speed up the process. My Kingdom's portal is so small in size that it limits the amount of material one can move through it at any given time, so expanding its size would allow for a much more efficient rebuilding process. The woman who calls herself Jess has offered her services

to me to accomplish this. No matter the costs, it must be done. My people deserve a real home. That is my only priority at the moment. Jess claims she needs to get the "parts" to expand the portal, I hope she finds them soon enough. I know next to nothing about the rift, but if I am given the

opportunity to have my kingdom back, I am taking it. ~Cloudius

It's been weeks now since the destruction of my Kingdom and I am beginning to grow impatient. The more I think about things the less hopeful I become. I mustered up the courage to visit my Kingdom the other day, and what I saw only made me feel worse. While my castle is starting to look like its

former self, the rest of the buildings are nonexistent. And all the while I was watched by that foul dragon, God knows how I'll deal with him... My people have been asking me how long it will be before they can return home and truth be told I have no idea. With each passing day I

consider more and more drastic solutions to restore my Kingdom. I still cling to my plan to expand the Sky-side Portal. It seems to be the only way to speed up this painstaking process. Whenever I ask Jess for an update, she tells me hardly anything. If only she cared about my

people like I do. This castle was nice at first, but I need something to rule over. The court is not enough either. Those damned players promised they would help defend my Kingdom. They were given hours to prepare, and still it fell to ruin. While I

appreciate their efforts I wonder if their influence is what led to my Kingdom's demise. Perhaps they were against me from the beginning. It seems only fair that I focus on my own people's wellbeing, and we will see what the future holds.

My plan must work. It has to work. We need to rebuild, my people need their homes back. I need my castle back. Nothing else matters. Expand the portal, save my people. Expand the portal, save everything. I pray that Jess is almost finished. I don't know how much longer I can

last like this but it must be done this way. It must.

Space Station

Captain's Quarters

I had always dreamed of going to the stars. At least, that's what my mother told me I always dreamed of. But now that I've been there... I don't know, it seems kind of... boring? Now, I don't wanna go calling all of space and time and

wibbly-wobbly nonsense boring, but I feel like I haven't actually been anywhere. Spaceship, home, spaceship, home - although the stints between spaceship and home are getting longer and longer. I love the crew, but when will they ever learn that it's not all

intrigue and glory? Some of them still haven't lost their sense of wonder, and I wonder if that's honestly a good thing sometimes. I did a ton of work, I have my medals and accolades, I was young and full of wonder once. But now that I host my own

ship and I have my own fleet under my command, I feel like it wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. It's been months of searching in a vast void of nothing and trying to call out to places that don't exist. Our latest experiments in the lab didn't really help either.

However, we seem to be coming up on a system of planets that might be promising. I myself will be deploying out to one of them soon enough, but if it's anything like the others, I don't want to get my hopes up just yet. Signing off for now, -Red

The Botanists down in the greenhouse have come up with these fast-growing saplings, and other such revolutionary farm supplies. They are quite fascinating. I've been stockpiling them here, maybe they'll have a use some day. At the very least I can sell them.

Greenhouse

Greenhouse Experimental Harvest Log: ---------------- Specimen #1: Given Name: Bouncing Berry Description: A teal colored berry that gives a leaping ability upon consumption. Product discontinued, not very filling.

Specimen #2: Given Name: Velocity Vines Description: A vine that can be climbed with immense speed. Useful for transportation, not much else. We need food here, product discontinued.

Specimen #3 - Given Name: Rubber Root Description: A root that can be consumed as a paste, giving the user a significant resistance effect. We don't need this! We already have these capabilities, why can't we just grow something tasty?...

Specimen #4: Given Name: Wheat Description: A yellow grain proven to be a great food source! It can even be baked into starchy loaves... we will call these "lengthy wheat cubes". Finally a good food source!

Specimen #5: TBD.

Laboratory

Research Log: Intradimensional Travel/Wormhole Tech: Day 1: Catastrophic Failure, minor explosion, no harnessed energy Day 5: Slight Progress, sustained energy control for 2.67 seconds

Day 9: Energy Leak, Code Theta. Lab lockdown effective indefinitely. Day 24: Research continued, no progress. Day 39: Frame Constructed, portal projector lacks proper power source.

Day 70: Constant Energy Flow successfully projected, yet unsustainable. Day 99: Energy cannot be properly converted to allow for fast travel. No test subjects have been used, it would be too risky.

Day 147: Our goal may be unachievable. A portal like this is proving incredibly hard to control or sustain. Our frame is holding up so far though. Day 206: Portal opened, entry impossible. Energy has been harnessed but is still uncontrollable

and not leading anywhere. Must pursue better power source. Current Status: Failure ---------------- GENERAL LAB OUTBREAK: MUST BE CONTAINED. SIGNIFICANT LEAKAGE.

Floor 3 alcove

I've somehow gotten stuck in this gigantic spaceship. All the past events have been a bit of a blur for me. Maybe this is how I'll end up like Starlord, or Din Dijarin. Anyways, ignoring my geeking out, I've managed to drill a hole in this small crevice and steal some food from the

kitchen and garden to get by for some time. This space that I've managed to secure for myself is far from ideal, and I somewhat feel like Fortunato at the end of Edgar Allen Poe's "Cask of Amontillado." I'll try to make this space work for the time being, maybe scrounge for some further supplies.

Hopefully the aliens or whoever owns this ship doesn't feel that I'm taking too much from them/notice that I'm taking at all. I've noticed that there is a lab and some type of storage filled with both familiar and unfamiliar technology. Maybe I could use some stuff to improve the space I'm cramped

in, or work on some parts for a spaceship to escape. If not, I'm going to have to steal a ship like Poe and Finn did in Episode VII of Star Wars. Alternatively, maybe I could put myself in a cargo crate or sneak on a transport before it leaves. This has certainly been a very unique

experience on my part. Though, I'm eventually going to need to leave. I have people who need me and are wondering where I am. On a final note, I've noticed that there have been some very interesting stuff in this ship, so I'm going to try to bring some stuff home, both

for the people I care about, as well as for my own interest. Maybe I could do some research on some of the stuff. If not, I know someone who is a scientist, so I could ask her to do some research if she's interested in her free time. Anyways, this is all for now. I'll try to provide an update

at a later date. Hope this note is able to reach someone. ~Logan Carter P.S: I wish I could find bedsheets in a more vibrant color than a plain white, but I'm worried that if I manage to find and take some, the aliens would notice. Plus, it's an alien spaceship, so I don't know what I

was expecting. P.S.S: Maybe I'll be able to find a carbon freezing chamber on this spaceship. Wouldn't that be fun?

Med Bay

Limericks: Here I am stuck on a ship. And I'm starting to think I should dip. If I stay here, for more than a year, I fear this will be my last trip.

At first I thought it was cool To be traversing the Cosmic pool. But after being here, for almost a year, I wish I had stayed in school.

Trapped in the vacuum of space, I've not even shown them my face. I stay in this room, counting the moons, God am I sick of this place.

[Audio Log transcripted to words - Dated XXXX] I ain't gonna lie to a recorder only I'm gonna listen to so I found a pretty sweet hide today, surprised no one claimed it but hey, I ain't gonna push my luck. Decided to try my

hand in gardening and snatched some seeds from the top level, don't have the slightest of clues what they're gonna be but I hope they ain't ugly. I know I'm not smart but I almost had a cow when I forgot about light levels some plants need, but

thankfully found some lanterns in the archives, of course I won't say where they wandered off to... Couple of funky mushrooms started to sprout, I put them in a pot and I'm gonna show Moondust next time I see her, when I see her next at least, She's been awfully

busy lately. It's been a few weeks since I was last able to check on the room, the mushrooms had grown pretty wildly so I had to chop most of 'em down. Don't think they liked that, but I ain't gonna let some mushrooms own my room just cause I wasn't here for awhile.

When Moondust got back from her mission, I showed her the mushrooms and she said somethin' real funny. She said somethin' about how I am similiar to that mushroom, feedin' on dead things and livin' in the dark, I couldn't help but howl in laughter at her. Don't know how she gets to

her theories sometimes, must be all that spacedust she is breathin' in. Don't know when the next time I log anythin' but the flowers have grown. Blue and yellow, not too bad but they're probably gonna sit here cause it's been too much of a risk comin' here...

Anyway, if I don't have a next time this is Germaine, signin' off.

Brig

The Tale of Inmate Karl: Long have I worked in this prison, but never have I had an inmate like Karl. He has quite a reputation with the other detainees. There aren't many, but those that there are have an odd respect for him. No matter how hard I try, he always

finds a way to get spoons into his cell. Spoons, of all things. What is he gonna do try and scoop his way out of his cell? Does he not know the technology our cells use? Anyway, day after day this man winds up with a spoon in his cell and I have no idea where they come from.

I hear he was some kind of journalist before... well you know. I guess he's still looking for his big scoop. I'm too funny. Inmate Karl is nice enough, although from time to time he causes a stir. Wow, I'm on a roll. Anyway, I have no idea how he ended up in the Brig, but I

suspect it had something to do with our findings. Perhaps he was a spy, monitoring our progress. Our technology has seemed to find its way outside of our station, and I wonder what events it will cause in other places. Oh dear, I must go,

Karl's playing the spoons again!

Otherside Spawn Town

Botanical Chapel

In those early days, when the valley was fresh and wild, the first settlers basked in the wonder of the Great Tree. Yet to them, she was a mere mountain of lumber, of boards and shingles for their cots and huts. She stood for 5 days more. She died the 6th.

Her carcass stands in the shadowed walls and beams of the village of the valley, masquerading as shops and homes. Only the Mountains remember those days, and have sung to me of her severed reign. I alone returned to the Stump, her last remnant. Her grave

The mushrooms and I carved a home here, and it was they that revealed to me the Sapling. Sprouting from the rotting wood, it alone contains my hope for the future. It alone proclaims she lives. I must protect her, and all the vulnerable plants of this world

Here, chiseled deep into the petrified heart of the Stump, I keep and guard the Sapling, in my own Botanical Chapel. The air down here is thick with life, and grows more potent with each seed I sequester in these catacombs. Stay a while, if you would.

You may surpass me in years, but not my friends. You have not heard the Mountain's Music, or babbled with the brook. You know not of the Great Tree. Grant us your respect, and you shall have ours. ~The Stump Witch

~<Hell Broth Recipe>~ Bring cauldron to boil over the fire. Add ingredients: -Fillet of fenny snake -Eye of newt -Toe of frog -Wool of bat -Tongue of dog -Adder's fork -Blind worm's sting -Lizard's leg -Howlet's wing -Salt and pepper

Cool with baboon's blood until charm is firm and good. Serves 3. Enjoy!

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble.

I knew it- we are not alone! There are other planes, other worlds, and with them their own axes and brushfires. I've gone to glean new plants for the Chapel. I'll be back soon. Lane was the only one who came to my 14th birthday party. I bit him. I feel kinda bad...

Until I work up to nerve to apologize to him, I've put up a new sign to keep him out.

Observatory

Research Schedule: Commute Set, complete as planned. ETA: Unknown; within the year. It's getting unbearably lonely around here, but honestly it's curiousity that is finally driving me out. I have to know if my

old outposts are getting these same readings. I got an automated signal from the one I built outside of Mesa Town. Really incredible readout. Two distinct, simultaneous wavelengths.

I've told Wilfred to keep the place tidy. I thought I was going a bit mad, but that man is comparatively bananas. I wonder if there's anyone still there. Judging from the last Tri-Town Weather Report, I doubt it. I can summon storms, but I can't yet

prevent them, and with a sandstorm as big as they got... well, I wouldn't stick around either. Coordinates of Destination: N/A Notes: It's only some 300 blocks from Mesa Town, and my records needn't be perfect

when there's no one around to read them. If I recall correctly each outpost should be marked with a beacon, so I should be able to find the one by Mesa Town in no time. It's been a while since I've been over there, but I should find it okay.

I'm sure everyone is having a truly life changing adventure out there, but I can't just leave behind the center of my fascination, of years of research. The mystery of the Rift is too much to part with; I'll return soon...

Name: Stray Location Found: [REDACTED] Information: [REDACTED]

Lab Journal No. 34; March Long Term Goals: -Continue Extractor Testing -Ammend Rift Obervation Report -Check up on Mesa Outpost -Buy More Journals Notes entailed. ~Researcher Lane

Sec. 1-1: Plasma cutter works great! Needs more charge, consider modifying Rift Extractor to make small energy transfers as a precursor to the final intended purpose. Copper is easiest to manipulate. ~Lane

Sec.1-2: Weird readings from the Extractor today. Different coordinates than usual. Whole different wavelength. Bizzare. Wish there was anyone left to hire as a research assistant; it's getting hard to manage all this on my own. Note- 3rd Setting on C

Sec.1-3; Recieved more parts from Blue today. He seemed oddly chipper; something about a new "shipment" from "Them". I'd love to see whatever factory he's referring to for myself; fine craftsmanship, to be sure. ~Lane

Sec.1-4; Eureka! Plasma cutter easily compromises the chrystaline structure of Dragon Scales. Needed: mobile, personal prototype. Hand-held preferable, as that would be most compatible with elytra. I'm confident in our chances: 6 to 1, by my calculations.

Sec.1-5; F*ck. That didn't work. I miscalculated the velocity of the dragon; the time required for the scales to be fractured could not be met. We only survived because of a damn thunderstorm... hmm...

Sec.2-67; Previous lab notes had to be burned. The scientific method is one thing, but I cannot allow the schematics to be seen by anyone. The weather machine is no mere feat of science. It is a true WMD. I am not afraid because it might fail.

I'm afraid because I know it won't.

Sec.3-1: I was right! By the stars, I was right! She took the bait easily, and the hurricane I produced was strong enough to kill her faster than expected. Bone samples were alarming, however. This was a young animal. If this was

a small one, I sure as hell don't want to see a large one. I'm glad we've never made contact with the Castle in the clouds. Judging from the energy readings, enough heat to produce a fusion reaction was released on the other side.

Maybe our dragon didn't come here to hunt; maybe it came to hide. There's always a bigger fish. ~Lane

Sec.3-2: More strange energy readings, this time very recently. They seemed to be localized within an empty field just outside the town. I spoke with that kid in the stump about sealing off the tunnel, just in case, but they

wouldn't have it. Damn, has that kid got teeth. Apparently they'll be leaving shortly though. I'll leave the chapel alone, but with the population dwindling after that anomalous contact, I don't really see a purpose in sealing the tunnel anyway.

Sec.3-3: Leaving, as scheduled. Wilfred will ensure the laboratory doesn't burn down... I hope. ~Lane

Scratch Notes: 26/780.5 > Constant C Ideal Setting: 3 14: A 15: A 16: N/A Field E > 9,000. DNE. =================== Energy detected in adjacent field not to be engaged for fear of catalyzing a second Rift event. ~L

Lane, you've given me an idea... I will be out for a while. ~Niall

Red Rose Inn

Welcome to the Red Rose Inn! Guest Check-in List: Guest name: Maggie, 2B Stay date: 2/3-2/5 Reason for stay: Shaun was baa'ing too loud, needed to get some sleep. Moved closer to Willie though, kept up by his snoring

Guest name: Shaun the Sheep, 2C Stay date: 2/4-2/5 Reason for stay: Missed Maggie :( Guest name: Niall, 1A Stay date: 2/7-2/8 Reason for stay: Needed to get some sleep... I keep thinking about that damned dragon and his threats

Guest Name: Niall, 2C Stay Date: 4/4-4/4 Reason for stay: I came back too soon...

Willie's House

Started construction on a new tower. Not sure what it can be used for but I'll figure that out once it's done. Anyway, back to building. ~Willie

The tower's all done... might make another one soon for the hell of it. I'm sure the others will find some use for it. I'll finish up with the old spawn town first, though. ~Willie

I went ahead and finished the second tower anyway. Now back to the old Spawn Town... ~Willie

Roses are red Violets are also red The voices in my head are collectively named Jose This poetry stuff is hard, better stick to building. Yes, I know! ~Willie

Nails: Pros -Pointy -Easy to use -Easy to make Nails: Cons -Nail guns are scary -Not good laterals -Boring

Screws: Pros -A cool twist (haha!) -Stronger joining -Drills Screws: Cons -Harder to use -Harder to make -Lavender

Lane's Outposts

Mesa Outpost

I fear the main parts I need may only be found in that dungeon I discovered a few years ago. I figure I'll make my way over there next month, perhaps the week of January 3rd at some point. I believe I wrote down the location of that dungeon in a book of

research notes in another one of my outposts. I think that one was in a Dark Oak Forest if I recall correctly. I believe that forest starts around x 2400, z 2000. It shouldn't be more than a few hundred blocks away from there. It should be marked with a beacon like the others

I'll make a definite trip plan and write it up in that book when I find it. At the very least I'm glad I came here, lots of great parts here. I missed this place. Well, off I go. ~Lane

Jungle Outpost

Drat, I thought I had left those notes here but it seems I left them at the outpost near the Cliffside Frontier Town now that I think about it. No big deal, there are plenty of valuable parts here to grab anyway. If I recall correctly that town is around x -2500, z -3350. The outpost

should be within a few hundred blocks of that, marked with a beacon like all the others. Heading out now., Lane

Cliffside Outpost

Good, the notes were here! I read them and updated them accordingly. I grabbed a couple parts I needed here too. Before I set out for the dungeon, I need a few auxilary parts that I bet I could find at my other outposts. I'll start with the one I put in that spruce forest. If I

recall correctly that forest starts around x -4000, z 200. It should be within a few hundred blocks of that area and marked with a beacon like the others. Here we go! ~Lane

Forest Outpost

I found most of the parts I needed here, but I'll have to check the last outpost to make sure I have everything. I believe that's the one that's the hardest to reach. It's buried in a lush cave near the lush cave that holds a Frontier Town. That town is located around x -2350,

z 2350. If I go spelunking around there it shouldn't be too far away. The beacon beam should be visible from the surface too. This one borders a huge lava lake, no wonder I hardly use it. Going there now. ~Lane

Lush Outpost

Found the parts I need, just like I thought! I will indeed have to make that dungeon trip though. That will be fun. Well until then, I will probably be out of this region. Looking forward to that trip. I'm still on pace to make it the week of January 3rd. What day did I pick again? Blast,

I forget. I wrote it down in my Research Notes, better check that again. ~Lane

Ralnthar's Lair

Good God, it's enormous... and the temperature in here has been steadily increasing. I don't know how many more readings I'll be able to do before I'm noticed... This specimen is a lot more powerful than the deceased one; I wonder how old it is.

I've never seen anything like it; I can see why so many people stayed on the Parallel world... I can't imagine living so close to Death itself.

The Cube

Out of one prison, into another... I seized my moment. I escaped. And yet, somehow I end up here. Just my luck. At least I have my spoons, they could never take them away from me. They will protect me in this place, I know they will. I will break out of this place too, or die trying. This place has

a strange energy. A certain hopelessness. But I'll make it out. I have to. ~Inmate Karl

This place is filled with the corpses of adventurers... Many have tried to best the cube but few succeed... Turn back while you still can

Help me… I hear sounds

Origins unknown. I have yet to venture deeper but I hear terrifying sounds. What hell hole have I found myself in? Where did the entrance go? Is this thing… alive?

[ A few loose pages sit here in the corner, clearly forgotten by their author. The author's handwriting is orderly and small, great care has been put into these notes. ]

Day Nineteen Even with my impairments, I could see a large, looming structure in the sky. Hovering gently above the plains in front of me, beckoning. Its entrance was at the top and as I peered in, all I saw was darkness.

Noises radiated from the void- horrible screeches and loud cries. I knew I had to brave this, for if I didn’t Germaine’s passing would be on my hands.

Reaching the inner chamber was easier than it should have been. Most of the creatures that wandered the halls seem to ignore me and those that didn’t were easy to dispose of. The longest part of it was the mazes but thankfully I managed.

The interior held a single tree, its origins were not organic from the information I could retrieve. Interestingly though, beautiful blooms grew abundantly along the branches. I took time to gather some, perhaps they will have a use for curing Germaine…

The tent I brought and set up got stuck on the outstretched limbs, leaving it here seemed the best option. Maybe it will bring some comfort to those who pass this entity's trial.

When I return back to the base, I must remember to change the radio lines to “CS001”. It is the channel that is used in emergency situations. Perhaps Captain Red will respond or the Station has come back online.

It would be a shame if Vanessa Moore and Germaine Hoang perished on an unfamiliar planet, with only each other to keep company.

Germaine and Vanessa's House (Formerly the Campsite)

Day Three The world we landed on seems to be lush, rich with life according to Germaine’s descriptions. A small outcropping of stone will serve as our temporary home, one to defend us from the sun and give us a place to rest.

I could tell something was off with Germaine but he would not tell me what it was. It seems that he does not trust me or perhaps he fears that it will make me worry. I do not care which it is.

Day Seven A loud noise occurred in the main chamber, stirring me from my dreamless sleep. Germaine laid unconscious, his breathing shallow. My frail form made it difficult to move him at all,

but once he was placed on his bed I began examining him, looking for any signs of distress or illness. I could barely recognize his arm, a turquoise and green “moss” had been clinging to his skin. I did my best to treat

the area but I fear the infection was left to its own devices for too long. Whatever was plaguing Germaine’s mind so that he wouldn’t tell me this, I hope it was worth it. This could have cost him his life.

Day Thirteen This infection is proving to be arduous to control or suppress, the limitations I have been given by the lack of equipment may prove deadly to the bed-ridden Germaine. The symptoms I have taken note of have been

- Dyspnea - Mydriasis - Hyperhidrosis - Analgesia - Ataxia The origin of this substance seems to be deadly to humanoids, curiously enough I am untouched. The cause must be a result

of the biological modifications I have done to myself, I am unsure if this is a blessing or curse. Day Sixteen Bizarre radio frequencies have been picked up by the cursory communications tower.

"WHAT YOU DESIRE, I OWN. APPROACH.” Several other messages kept repeating themselves but I believe this was a trap for those greedy enough to believe its lies. Germaine believed differently.

He believed even if they were lies, it was the only chance we had at curing him. I had to begrudgingly agree, It was his only chance. I packed enough belongings for the journey and headed to the source of the message.

[Some pages seem to have fallen out here.]

Day Twenty-two Astonishingly, the blooms were not useless. After some experimentation I managed to create something to reverse the effects of the infection, Germaine returned to normal by the end of the day.

There were some unusual effects of the “mold”, his eyes were no longer a rich brown but instead the color that marked his right arm. It seemed to be of no concern for now.

Day Thirty It has been some time and I have received no message. No response. Work has stopped on the communication tower for it functions for what we need.

Perhaps Germaine and I are doomed to stay here, living out our days bickering like children. Though as I write it isn’t as bad as it seems. It could be worse.

The landing and the first few days after that were all a blur for me, I only remember a few bits and pieces such as Moondust leaning over me, probably scolding me like always.

When my memory started to get clearer I was bed-ridden, barely able to move any part of my body and my throat was so, so dry. She was there though, checking my right arm with a scowl over her face.

“Such a moron.” she must be thinking to herself, I don’t fully remember what I started talking about but I’m pretty sure I mentioned things that should never see the light. I hope she'll never repeat any of it, I don't wanna know what I said.

At some point we received a message, I told her to try it cause nothing else seems to be working and she surprisingly agreed. Some math with coordinate stuff was done and she packed up, made sure I had enough to live, then left.

I hadn’t been truly alone for years, not since I was picked up from the BC Black Sparrow and as I watched her go I dreaded the quietness.

It felt like a week before she returned but I’m sure that was just my sanity slipping through the cracks, she had rudely woken me up by shoving a liquid down my throat. My anger didn’t last for long as I could feel life returning to my bones and flesh, it felt great!

I don’t know how long it took but I was back to my normal self pretty soon, amazingly. I had a mark on my arm, where I was attacked, and she noted my eyes were different. She explained that they were different colors and that's it. Couldn't have been that bad...

We managed to get the base to be fully functioning but now she works day and night with no breaks to reconnect with the Station or Red. As if he’d answer. I’m starting to believe we’ll be stuck here forever, which isn’t that bad.

We could have landed somewhere worse, at least plants and animals live here. The sunsets are pretty too, shame that Vanessa can’t see it... ... I’m thinking that I’ve gotten myself in more trouble than I thought.

Mesa Cave

I feel like I'm an outlaw or something. But I'm doing what I have to. It's of the utmost importance that I stay focused on my work. This cave functions well as a brief hideout. Reminds me of my time spying on that foul beast in its cave... never will I return there. I think this place must have

been an old mining operation. It must have been covered until a landslide opened it up again. Lots of room for storage down here... I can't stay here for long though. At some point, I'll have to go back, if not just for the sake of keeping up appearances. Soon.

They'll ask questions. I know they will. I'll figure something out. I must continue. At all costs.

Vanessa Moore's Laboratory

"Memory"

"Perhaps it is hope that I have. Hope that people are not as cruel as they seem, but as I've said before- I do not control any of you." The radio clicks, as Vanessa lifts her finger, signifying it is no longer an open channel. Silence was the only thing Vanessa could

hear and she found that strange, discomforting even- it wasn’t until she felt his presence on the edge of her warped vision. Germaine was light on his feet which made Vanessa cock her head, she had never heard him so quiet and believed that he didn’t have the capability to.

"Why'd ya do it." Before she could open her mouth, he took a step forward, "When we got here, I asked you to not mention anythin' like the rumors. You remember how much shit I had to deal with." He breath was shaky and his voice was growing heavy with worry,

"I ain't pissed at you. I just.. I just wanna know why you did it. Did I do somethin' to upset you?" "No." She finally spoke up, "I believed they should know some truth about you, I know that it is your nature to lie, for it is to protect yourself." She broke eye contact with him, glancing down,

"I... Shouldn't have done what I did and I am sorry. I did not want the details to be exposed and turned on you." The silence sat between them for what felt like hours before Vanessa spoke up, “You know they would have found out eventually, they

are resourceful. I believed I could persuade them to not believe such foolish rumors…” Germaine looked back at her and she looked at him, he was doubled and tinted green, a side effect of her biological tinkering. When he didn’t respond, she pondered,

“Is there a reason you didn’t tell them anything? Surely small details about the event would have spared some-” Before she could even react, he rapidly stood up- causing the chair to go skidding across the ground.

“BECAUSE- I- DON’T- REMEMBER!” Vanessa jumped at the volume increase but he didn’t slow down, “DID YA WANNA HEAR IT OUT OF MY OWN MOUTH? I- DON’T- REMEMBER!” Germaine became more animated, gesturing at his chest in frustration,

“The files ain’t enough for you? They fuckin’ poked around my head and memories and found JACK SHIT.” Vanessa let him continue, knowing he doesn’t speak what's on his mind often. “They said it was some unknown third-party and not my own

brain blockin’ it out, and personally- I DON’T CARE.” Germaine was pacing the room now, it was hard for her to keep line of sight on him, “I just wanted it all to be over with! Now I gotta deal with this shit from ROBBIE out of all people, but…” He sighed

deeply before continuing “I’ll deal with it, like I always do.” Germaine was finally standing still and looking straight at Vanessa, “All the shit you stirred up… I think you owe me one.” She raised her eyebrow, keeping her face neutral “As long as you don’t do anything

idiotic with it or my trust, I do not mind ‘owing’ you one.” Unfortunately, through her distorted perception, she could see a mischievous grin, “Nahh, I wouldn’t make you do anything you wouldn’t wanna do. What’s the fun in that?” She simply rolled her eyes before

returning to her work. "Whatever makes you tolerable, Germaine."