Chikurry: The Rolling Tides of Three Shades

Transit

Trep Haenny lies on the western coast of Chikurry and is easily accessible by bus or longwalk from nearby Kurgilchin. Getting to Kurgilchin is also simple; bus service from central Urdahl is expensive at 20 stone for a round-trip ticket; a cheaper method is to take a carriage or longwalk to Loggden, and then purchase a seat to Trep Haenny on one of the more unique methods of transit in our fantastical world: the beetlehopper.

The Mule Beetle is a fascinating breed of insect, related to the yellow mealworm beetle. Commonly measuring between three to five feet in length and two to three feet in height, mule beetles are incredibly docile, mostly surviving on fruit and decaying plant-matter. They are sometimes ridden as pets by young children, and are common around the Loggden region.

In 1863, Renly Longfinger built the first mechanical beetlehopper, a vehicle designed after the mule beetle’s swimming-like method of locomotion. Intended as a recreation and novelty, the beetlehopper was soon used for evening rides and casual commuting around Loggden and between the nearby towns. While the beetlehopper doesn’t, in fact, hop; its shuffling movement causes a gentle back-and-forth rocking that can certainly give the illusion of hopping to the passengers. If you are easily sea-sick, perhaps give the beetlehopper a pass.

The Place

A place of great spiritual significance, the Tides of Three Shades are unique in this guide in many ways, not the least of which is the tiny population. At time of writing, no more than three people reside there as caretakers.

The Tides of Three Shades lap on the coast of what is now called “Trep Haenny,” or “The Rabbits’ Footsteps,” to give the literal translation. There is little explanation for the name, as it was likely part of some forgotten oral history passed down from generation to generation of caretakers.

The north-eastern side of Trep Haenny is marked by the pattern of stones called the Brothers Five. The fact that the Brothers Five consist of six large stones is, again, a mystery of dubious import.

The Tides of Three Shades continues along the coast of the Sandy Sea to the south-west, breaking only once at the river delta connecting the sea the Dabadwi river. The Tides then turn south-east once more before banking west and ending at the village of Rothersden. As for the Tides themselves, the particular physiological symptoms of the water makes it very difficult to say how much of the banks embrace these Tides, and how far out from the shore they begin.

It is said that should a traveler stand on the shore and stare out into the waves, they will see all the spirits that had once lived on the land before the Great Water came and turned all the lands to ocean. You will hear their whispers, their laments, and their warnings. You will be filled with a comforting sorrow, and come away with all your worries forgotten, or at least made small.

There is continuing discussion and argument about which three shades the Tides contain.

According to accepted historical record, the Tides of Three Shades were first discovered by Duchen Yungus, the Bringer of Silk, on his journey to the north. Primary sources place the Duchen on the southwest corner of the tides, traveling north from the Dabadwi river. Little remains regarding this discovery, and it is possible little concern was given to this aquanautical marvel. The traveling sages likely were not given time to explore the Tides, as sources claim the Duchen was in a hurry.

The first reliable source of information regarding the Tides and their Caretakers is the story of the Nightstalkers. Not to be confused with the bandit society of the same name, the Nightstalkers were monsters crafted by the nearby village of Rothersden. So the tale goes, a band of seven to twelve shadowy figures in robes that drip a silvery liquid steal into town at night and snatch away children who are particularly naughty. These children are turned into Nightstalkers themselves in the watery caves, driven mad by the ever crashing waves.

While this legend persists, it is assumed this was merely a tale told by the children who watched their own friends sold to the Caretakers of the Tides to maintain their numbers. This practice was first directly referenced in the Rothersden Headmaster’s Letters to a Foreign Dignitary, currently on display in the Garm Museum of World History. The practice ended some time around 921, by their calendar, to be replaced by a volunteer service.

At time of writing, the caretakers number only three: Eskanti, Porasha, and Skan. The three have cared for the Tides of Three Shades for most of their lives, and are well versed in the water’s delicate and intricate ways. The three caretakers share their duties — as numerated in the Book of Tides — equally.

Eskani is the eldest caretaker, a local fen woman who has lived as caretaker for over sixty years. She has a near encyclopedic knowledge of the region, as well as a canny insight into the will and wont of the Tides themselves.

Porasha is the second eldest, a good thirty years younger than Eskani. Porasha is not local, having made a pilgrimage to the Tides ten years ago, and begging to apprentice with Eskani and learn the secrets of the Tides. Ambitious and caring, Proasha is most commonly the one who travels the coast, Eskani being too old and Skan being to inexperienced.

Skan is a local boy, sent to apprentice with the caretakers by an aging grandfather whose ability to raise the young boy was fast outstripped by his advancing illness. Orphaned by tragedy, Skan seemed to me to be faithful, loyal, and eager for more responsibilities.

As for the Tides themselves, little is known for sure regarding what guides their behavior. To the layperson, it certainly seems as iff the Tides are guided by something. Their behavior is so regular and predictable that surely there must be some overarching intent. However, there have been several scholars and sages who have developed suitable evidence to suggest that their behavior is due to complex internal reactions. The next obvious question would be why, but on this point, scolars and priests alike have so far dodged the question.

The Tides of Three Shades brook no incursion into their territory. There have been multiple attempts to land navy ships on the Tides by any number of foolish warlords and treasure-hungry bandits throughout history, but as of yet the entire span of coast has never been taken or claimed by any kingdom, army, or country.

Other Denizens

Hakkle The Crab

Keeper of the Marble Shell of Aspriescence, Hakkle is a keen listener and adores the sharing and retelling of stories. When not listening to visitors or locals share their daily news, Hakkle listens very carefully — very carefully indeed — to the spiraling sounds of the Marble Shell. It is said that the things Hakkle hears are for their ears alone, and no one, not even the caretakers, can hear what it tells them. The best that a pilgrim might hope is that the curious crab might share a scrap of this wisdom hidden in one of their many stories.

Rallybyme

If you should happen to wander along the shore alongside the Tides of Three Shades, you may hear, on the edge of the wind, a faint whistling noise. At first you may think it a bird cry or distant siren of a passanger ship, but the whistling will get louder and closer until a dark-cloaked figure will peel out from the mist, carrying a large rake and masked with a long-nosed and sharp-chinned festival mask. They will ignore you, unless you ask for a light for your pipe. Then, should you ask, they will sit by you a while or perhaps even walk alongside, talking about the many great and wonderful things they have seen or found on the beach shore. This wandering comber is Rallbyme.

Rallybyme came to the Tides many generations ago, a citizen of some far off kingdom they say they don’t remember the name of. They comb the beach for flotsom and jetsom that the Tides have missed. They gather it together and sell it to passers by, or keep it safe for when those who have lost it return to look for it. It is said if you ever lose anything on the ocean, Rallybyme will find it eventually.

Alsa and Pock

Alsa and Pock are alternately considered pests and lifesavers, considering the mood they are found in. Twin seabirds, Alsa and Pock are famous for finding their targets at emotional extremes, either highs or lows, and alternately taunting and advising their prey. Sometimes their advise is helpful, other times harmful. Sometimes they encourage, other times discourage. Their interest in you seems entirely based on how hopeful you are for their help. Those who seek Alsa and Pock out, foolish for that alone, are doubly foolish as they will never find them on their own.

Instead, it is those who most wish to be alone who will find their heads circled by the two birds, cawing in their seabird language. An ancient language indeed, it is few who undersand Alsa and Pock clearly, but those who do find themselves tormented by the pair’s nagging cries. It is not until they have decided whether you are worth their time that they will speak to you in words worth understanding.

The only method found for avoiding their harrassment is providing them with some form of food offering, preferably bread and cheese. At that time, you may take your leave while they feast.

The Wise Old Fool

The Large Waterbeast known as the Wise Old Fool has been seen on multiple occations across the world, but it is widely agreed that the WOF makes its home among the Tides of Three Shades. This is also the prime location to speak with the WOF, as it is known to rest for no less than a week at a time, meaning long conversations may be held before the beast feels the need to return to its feeding.

While I did not have the opportunity to converse with the WOF myself, according to the caretakers conversations with the WOF are usually long affairs. The beast is usually very tired, resting for a week after a year of constant traveling and eating. The WOF will pontificate about any number of topics, though has constantly refused to adress any topic involving or related to glass bottles, for some reason.

Slow to anger and quick to advise, the WOF is considered one of the wisest beasts in the Myriad Worlds, though their wisdom is focused almost entirely on matters of the ocean, sailing, weather, and deep-sea animal life.

Accommodations

Finding a place to stay near the Tides of Three Shades is difficult: there are obviously no hotels or B&Bs on the shore, and the caretakers don’t have the room to offer beds to anyone, no matter how much money you’re willing to spend.

Your best bet is probably the Old Stay Inn in Rothersden. A cozy spot, the Old Stay only has four available rooms for rent. They are clean, warm, and reasonably priced, but sparsely furnished. Don’t go expecting more than a bed and a place to put your luggage.

If you are an enterprising sort, you may be able to spend a few days camping on the beach. This is only for those well used to nature, as the shore comes alive at night; when I camped on the shore,nd I found a large number of crabs, worms, beetles, and other animals had decided to spend the night with me.

If neither of these options is available to you, you will likely have to get a room in Loggden, and commute to Rothersden during the day. While I haven’t found a bad hotel in Loggden, I recommend Jehne’s Clean Sheets, as it is near both the beetlehopper stables and Kokky’s Café, a great place to get a cup of coffee and a hearty meal.

Things to Do

Spending time at the Tides of Three Shades is a remarkably easy thing to do. If you are a lover of nature, especially a lover of oceans and beaches, the Tides of Three Shades will keep you busy for hours. If you are looking for other amusement, there are several landmarks that are certainly worth any tourist’s time:

The Wail is a stretch of islands some thirteen leagues out from shore. Erosion from the wind and sands has caused the rock formations to form a perfect wind-tunnel, such that when the winds blow from the center of the sea, they create deep and unnatural moans. Local legends say that the Wail houses souls who have been lost in the Sandy Sea. Others say a shadowy ghoul has taken residence in the rocky spires, and howls for its hunger.

Renting a two- or four-person boat to see the Wail will cost only three stone, while hiring a sailor to take you out to the islands can cost up to eight.

The Coral Dens is a must-see location. Seated at the sole location where the Three Shades meet, the Coral Dens is the most colorful location along the entire Tides, spread full of every possible color imaginable. The dens are filled with the fish, prawns, eels, and any number of unique waterbeasts residing in harmony.

The best way to see the Coral Dens is to hire a boat and guide from Rothersden. The guide will take you to the best spots, and also likely bring along an underwater viewing tube so you can see the colorful denizens of the deep without getting wet.

Note that the prawns of deep orange reside in the small dens closest to the shore, and have become rather accustomed to tourists. While the prawns are friendly, they leave a lot unsaid. It is often wiser, if not safer, to politely decline any offer they make to you.

The Guardshog is a statue sitting roughly halfway along the Tides of Three Shades. While there is no record of who the guardshog was, or even if they actually existed, the statue has become a cultural touchstone in the region.

I strongly encourage you to ask at least one person on your trip to tell you the story of the guardshog, as while I could detail the folk-tale here, the telling of the guardshog tale is a cultural art-form in itself. Each person has their own unique method, style, and collection of important details in their telling, to the point where the facts of the story itself are less important.

The statue itself is purportedly magical, and as long as it remains in place, looking out towards the horizon, the Tides of Three Shades will remain calm and safe for those who travel upon them.

Trep Haenny cuisine is similar to the local Youff cuisine, but with a lot more seafood instead of beef or mutton. Several varieties of seaweed also replace cabbage and grass-leaf as greens.

My favorite dish when visiting the Tides of Three Shades is a bowl of Green Dips; similar to bouillabaisse, green dips is a stew made with several kinds of seafood and vegetable in a thick egg-and-bread broth. While the seafood is consistent — Sand tuna, king crab, shrimp, and fried calamari for topping — the kinds of vegetable can be quite different and still remain green dips. Potato and thick seaweed are common, but leeks, onions, string-seaweed, cauliflower, and sugar-peas are all regularly-used ingredients.