The search for one stubborn fish continues. Instead, I find a mutant flounder, a handkerchief inside a fish, and a shady stranger with a business proposition. Also, I upgrade my boat’s engine, because speed might save my life.
Missed the previous day? Find it here: Dark Waters: A Dredge Survival – Day Four
The Elusive Fish and the Flounder of Nightmares
I began Day 5, once again hoping to finally catch this Black Grouper that seems more myth than fish at this point. With desperate optimism, I set out, casting my line into the nearest fishing spot. The sea, as always, had other plans.
First bite?
A Cyclopean Flounder.
It stared back at me with its single eye and enough teeth to make a dentist weep. Not the fish I was after, but a catch nonetheless.
I kept fishing, still determined. A Gulf Flounder followed, then a Stingray, and finally a lone Cod. Still no sign of the Grouper. As if the ocean wanted to taunt me further, I spotted another message bobbing in the waves.
Another Message, Another Mystery
I fished up the bottle and stashed the message, adding one more note to my growing collection of cryptic correspondence. Given how last night played out, I didn’t want to risk another late return. I steered back toward Greater Marrow and docked at 6:24 PM — safely ahead of nightfall this time.
The Handkerchief Surprise
The Fishmonger, completely unfazed by the mutant flounder, carved it open with all the care of a man slicing a ham sandwich. Inside?
A delicately patterned handkerchief.
Because of course there’s a handkerchief inside the cyclopean mutant.
He handed it over without a second thought. Not sure why I need a bloodstained fish hanky, but I suspect someone on Lesser Marrow might know. Before I could make inquiries, however, my day took a turn.
The Stranger on the Dock
As I sat in my boat, a man appeared at the dock. He didn’t step closer, just stood watching.
He knew I had spoken with the Fishmonger.
Creepy.
He offered to examine the handkerchief… but only if I met him at Blackstone Isle. South of Greater Marrow. He mentioned a “business proposition.” That always ends well.
Speed Upgrade: Because Running May Soon Be Required
Before ending the day, I stopped by the Shipwright. She handed me a book titled “Correct Engine Operation.” Subtle.
I also installed an Improved Outboard Engine, moving my old engine into storage. If I’m about to get involved in someone’s “business proposition,” having more speed felt like a solid investment.
With that done, I called it a night — and will decide tomorrow if a trip to Blackstone Isle is brave or just plain stupid.
Daily Summary
- Fish Caught: 1 Cyclopean Flounder, 1 Gulf Flounder, 1 Stingray, 1 Cod
- Madness Strikes: Still just one
- Damage Taken: None
- New Item Obtained: Delicately Patterned Handkerchief
- Business Propositions Recieved: 1 (Blackstone Isle invitation)
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 