Nikolas Roman

Last night I found out that gods, ghosts, and people with blood red hair exist. I was reading the instructional manual by Charles Tingle - a fascinating read - in the library when I came upon Bacchus' cousin, who goes by Mayon, and another bloke with pointed ears and red hair. There are a lot of pointed ears in this world.

I was initially drawn in by Mayon's spectral wings and his visible nipple, which was very inappropriate for the setting.



We began discussing death and their related powers. Mayon is capable of seeing potential deaths - predicting my own to involve a metal beam through my ribs. Meanwhile, the red-haired one spoke of visions - glimpses of death. And possibly being able to speak to the dead.

I must note that the red-haired one also had nipples showing. And he was partially bald, with only the midsection of his hair grown out.



I was initially reluctant to believe in their death-related powers, in fact, I was in the middle of explaining how ghosts aren't real when one materialized before us. Truly, I spoke too soon.



I believe her name is Remi? She does not like discussing her death. From context clues, it seems it involved poisoned tea and hanging. So ghosts are real as well. This bizarre land never ceases to amaze me.

I have spent yet another day in this foreign world and have met more peculiar individuals. Notably, a ‘bird-kin’ (bird person) who runs a merchant stall. I was most intrigued by how he can accomplish such a feat with wings for arms, but it appears the wings are flexible, with similar articular points as a human arm. He graciously allowed me to examine the equivalent of one of his hands, which had individual fingers hidden beneath its soft feathers and down. I have requested a feather or two for further research.

Additionally, I came across Ecksel once more, whose angel husband is suffering from migraines. Based on context clues, I now believe the husband is not, in fact, an angel in the religious sense, but rather, a creature that must resemble an angel in some way. Though he insists it is unrelated, I’ve learned that he uses percussion magic, and it is clear to me that the noise at fault for the headaches. I offered one of my bottles of laudanum to help with his ailment. In return, he helped me find the remains of my ship.

I am pleased to say most of my supplies survived the accident. By the time I returned to the scene, a small ‘dragon-kin’ had helpfully assembled them for me and was in the process of dismounting my vessel for transport into town. I would normally balk at my work being examined, but she seemed extremely competent and Ecksel spoke to her trustworthiness.

I was also shocked to learn how open denizens of this world were to speak of matters pertaining to the marriage bed. My shocked reaction was met negatively, which leads me to the conclusion that it is I who is in the wrong for my more reserved behavior on the matter. I hope they will extend me enough grace to understand I meant no offense. These are simply things that are not spoken of where I’m from, not even with one’s husband or wife. I am open to learning, however, and Ecksel kindly offered to provide me with research material by one Charles Tingle, which should prove most enlightening. Here’s hoping next time, I will not be taken so aback!

Most intriguing events occurred last night, for which I’ve only now had time to write about. For starters, I was many days into my journey over the Atlantic. My Dirigible Airship was functioning splendidly – no surprise, considering I built it myself. However, one evening, strong winds sent me off-course, and I believe my ship was hit with a lightning strike, as there was a flash of light before the controls went haywire. The next thing I knew, I was careening towards land.

Shortly thereafter, I was on the forest floor when I heard a voice calling for survivors. It was then that I encountered the strangest of entities: a humanoid, lizard-like magical creature calling herself Grandmother Val. I should note that she refers to herself as a dragon, therefore I will do the same here, although I’ve seen no evidence as to the existence of such mythical creatures. She has multiple horns, which do not shed like antlers, and scales that fall approximately every 2 to 3 years on an individual basis. She is capable of both teleportation and electric magic and comes from an island home in yet another dimension. From our conversation, I was able to ascertain that she has mothered many of her kind. Her species is functionally immortal, although they can be killed (how – I know not yet). She also has ceremonial ornaments between her two largest horns.



Grandmother Val came to my aid, followed shortly behind by a long-eared, glowing man going by the name of Ecksel. I’ve managed to gather little information about him, other than he is married to an angelic being. I am uncertain whether he means this in the literal sense, or whether he’s referring to a spiritual marriage – to his devotion to a higher power. In any case, as Val was helping me, he played the drums and shot me dirty looks. I have a hunch he might not care for me. That being said, it did escort me to the infirmary and informed me that I was no longer in my world. Perhaps he is merely rough around the edges.



During my rescue, we also encountered strange creatures, though I admit the details are blurrier than I would like. I initially assumed every fantastical element I’d seen was the product of concussion-induced hallucinations and wrote them off. I will not make such grave mistakes again. One such creature what a being shrouded in darkness with glowing eyes, which had a distinctive ape-like appearance. It feasted on the metal of my airship. Soon, it was joined by more of its kind. From my observations, once it has eaten its full, it divides like a cell to become two distinct creatures, which then devour more, and so on and so forth. I believe it is weak to fire, as one of them fell in the flames and died immediately. No one seemed particularly alarmed by their presence, so while they emphasized caution, it seems they’re uninterested in attacking unless provoked. Quite reassuring!



The last entity I encountered was another strange one. A bat-human hybrid capable of speech. I believe she was a female, but perhaps they simply had a higher-pitch voice. She sported retractable wings and swooped in from above. She said she could fly one of us to town – but only ONE. Which means she’s capable of carrying a load of at least 200 lbs, suggesting extremely powerful pectoral muscles. In the end, I was unable to see her carry out such a task, as we were transported to the infirmary, but I’ve no doubt it’s a fascinating thing to watch. She did not handle the transportation well, and immediately vomited, before leaving without introducing herself, and by claiming we, Ecksel and I, owed her funds. For what? I could not say.



I was then treated for my injuries and left in bed, where I now lay. Truly an incredible turn of events! Outside these walls is a whole new world to explore and I cannot wait to be well enough to do so. I will collect as much information as I can so that once I return to my original dimension, I will be enormously famous. Imagine that, ME, Nikolas Roman, a name on everyone’s lips!

Conclusion: my unique, patented, design enabled me to travel to another dimension and survive the journey. Truly, my genius knows no bounds!

Today, I set off on a test flight with my new invention. I call it: The Dirigible Airship. I've no doubt my flight will be successful, as I've spent years studying and honing my craft. I will be taking thorough notes throughout the journey, with the intention of publishing my findings upon my return.

This maiden voyage across the Atlantic should take approximately 15 days - an unparalleled feat! Ever cautious, I've prepared enough supplies to last me twice as long, should the winds be to my detriment. I do not anticipate any issues, however.

I am anxious to set off shortly.