[These writings are attributed to the great historian of Hestelle Cathos, though it is uncertain when she wrote them, nor whether she remains alive today. Only fragments remain, but they shed light into the worlds of our Pillar.]

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— Entry #39 —

The oceanic abyss is as dark as I remember, as welcoming as a castle lord to raiders. The endless seas roil and churn, with no hint of shore. There are those who spread myths of islands, some infested by beautiful but deadly sirens, others idyllic fantasy lands of paradise. Equally, they are fanciful tales. Perhaps the idea of any scrap of land in such a place—a refuge from the loneliness of endless sea—is a comfort to those who come from caverns of stone and mighty fortresses and would otherwise be afraid of the Depths.

No, upon the great seas there is no hint of land. Only dark waters reaching down seemingly into infinity, waters that churn and soar and plummet, seeking prey as though to catch and devour it. Occasionally, such prey does fall, and devoured it often is, if the storms have not torn it too thoroughly to tell one bit from another. In those cases, the smaller monsters and the little fish dispose of it. But on the water's surface there are ships—this much is true. I know, for I have been on a few. Some are crewed by the undead, others by stranger creatures, most of whom are nearly incapable of speech. Their purpose? Their destination? Few alive know.

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Now, I realize I make the Depths out to be a horrorscape fit only for the suicidal and the damned, but I have enjoyed my previous excursions here. The storms of passage . . . not so much.

The true wonders of the Depths—and for that matter, the true terrors as well—lie deep beneath the surface, worlds upon worlds hidden beyond the reach of mortals. And of course, the Royals have no jurisdiction down here. There are many lord of the Depths, some more notorious than others. I write this entry from the coral palace of one King Sootenfeleos, ruler of the lower Nightwaters. Perhaps you've heard of him . . . but likely not. To many, he is an enemy; to fewer, an ally; to fewer still, host. Let us say that my skill in shadow weaving and dream bending take me far in some circles.