Debt cleared, upgrades unlocked, and still no Black Grouper in sight. Day 3 of my Dredge permadeath run brings ship upgrades, mysterious messages in bottles, and the creeping fog of midnight.
Missed the previous day? Read it here: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Two
The Package Delivery, Finally
After two days of stumbling around like I had no idea where I was going (because I didn’t), I finally discovered that my map exists. You know, the thing that tells you where stuff is? Turns out that helps.
With my newfound cartographic skills, I double-checked that Little Marrow hadn’t mysteriously drifted off into the abyss overnight. Satisfied, I set sail and arrived at 8:14 AM.
The dockworker greeted me like a man who’d been waiting a while for this delivery. He took the package (still no idea what was in it — apparently it was “fresh,” which feels mildly concerning) and handed over $25. That nearly covered my hull repair bill from last night’s adventures, so I’ll take the win.
He also handed me a book on sustainable fishing — whether that’s foreshadowing or just helpful remains to be seen. Oh, and I got the usual “stop by for a chat” offer. I might actually take him up on that. Maybe he’ll tell me what was in that package.
Trinkets & Treasures
While I was in the area, I stopped by the Trader on Little Marrow. He seems keen to buy any “special trinkets” I find lying around the sea. Given the kinds of things washing up out here, I’m not sure if that’s entrepreneurial or deeply suspicious.
The Hunt for the Elusive Black Grouper
With business handled, I headed back out and activated my newly acquired fishing book, because reading on the job is apparently acceptable when you’re on a boat. At 11:53 AM, I pulled up a respectable haul of 5 cod. Not bad.
I then went searching for another fishing spot, hoping to finally locate a Black Grouper for the Fishmonger’s special order. Along the way, I spotted something floating — a message in a bottle. Curiosity overruled caution, as usual.
Inside was… well, let’s just say people out here write very dramatic love letters. But nothing that helps me find a Black Grouper.
I fished up 3 blue mackerel instead, then headed back to Greater Marrow to sell my catch. Docked safely at 4:35 PM.
Debt-Free and Dry Dock Dreams
After offloading my haul at the Fishmonger, the Mayor popped up like a bad jump scare. Good news though:
The Dry Dock is now open for business.
The Fishmonger’s facilities have been improved.
And most importantly: my debt is officially cleared.
Feels good not to owe anyone anything — though in this town, I’m sure they’ll find new ways to get my money.
I went to check out the Dry Dock, where the Shipwright explained I can now upgrade my vessel — provided I bring her the required materials. These materials are mostly found at shipwrecks, which sounds safe and completely unproblematic.
One Last Attempt Before Madness (Literally)
With the day slipping away, I made one last push to find this cursed Black Grouper. Night fell. Still no luck.
Since I was out, I decided to install a cracked bulb upgrade at the Shipwright, which somehow brought the time to 9:50 PM.
And because I enjoy dancing with doom, I made one final sweep after midnight. The fog rolled in right on cue. At that point, my sense of self-preservation kicked in and I hightailed it back to Greater Marrow to live another day.
Daily Summary
- Fish Caught: 5 Cod, 3 Blue Mackerel
- Debt Remaining: None (Debt cleared)
- Madness Strikes: Still just one
- Damage Taken: None
- Suspicious Package Count: One (Delivered)
- Upgrades Unlocked: Dry Dock operational, Shipwright expansion, Fishmonger improvements
- Notable Finds: Message in a bottle (Read)
If you’d like to know more, please check out: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival
For information on the rules, please check out: Dark Waters: Dredge Permadeath Rules & Survival Guide
Survivor Incognito 