Messages

MessagesNotesJournals

Description

Messages are notes that can be found in floating bottles throughout DREDGE. They reveal elements of the story and world.

The following information contains spoilers regarding the story or ending of the game. Discretion is advised.

The notes you find throughout the map recount the tale of a fisherman and his wife, the beginning of the end.

Tattered Receipt

Goldsmith & Son

No. 27, Little Marrow December 22, 1926

Received the sum of fifty (50) dollars and zero (0) cents in exchange for one (1) silver necklace with emeralds on silver mounting.

Additional Notes: Received a further $3 for custom engraving on reverse of mounting, customer to return tomorrow (23 December) for collection. Engraving is to be as follows:

"For J, my shining star."

6th, 7th March 1927

We are engaged to be married!

He sailed us out to the very center of Stellar Basin to see the lights. We talked for hours - something we have not done in such a long time - waiting and hoping. Some time past midnight, as we were growing delirious and hysterical from the lack of sleep, the aurora shimmered into the skies above. When I turned to see his reaction, he was already down on one knee.

I cannot even remember what he said, or what I said, but I know that I said yes! The ring is beautiful, with a span of jewels going right the way around. I cannot take my eyes off of it.

P.S. I was not sure whether to write this under yesterday's date, or today's, given that it occurred at the conjunction of days - but I feel that the news is significant enough to warrant spanning multiple entries.

1st June 1927

Yesterday was the reading of his mother's will.

Most of the remaining estate went directly to him of course - but to my surprise she bequeathed me her pocket watch. Curious. I am not fond of the thing, but I know that taking it will mean a lot to him.

I cannot help but feel it is some veiled jab at me from beyond the grave. She was the type to do such a thing.

Was I late on some occasion? I cannot recall.

20th August 1927

Morning of the second day of the honeymoon - and our first day proper. Today, we're sailing around the islands and inlets at the back of Greater Marrow. I love the rocks here; the layers and colours are so striking.

Furthermore, the fishing is relatively poor in these shallows, so I know he will keep his hands on the wheel instead of the rods.

He renamed the boat last night -- "Julie". He did a fancy renaming ceremony and everything - I think he took that more seriously than the wedding. Supposedly it's very important to perform it correctly, lest you want ill fortune to follow the vessel.

He wanted to throw away everything with the old name on it, but I kept the keychain. "Ocean's Riches" was a good name.

I think he has prepared a surprise picnic lunch - I can see the basket half-hidden, stuffed under a blanket at the front of the cabin. I love it when he tries to be romantic.

21st August 1927

We had a slight accident yesterday around the shallows at the back of Greater Marrow - a rock seemingly appeared out of nowhere and struck the front of the boat. It did not penetrate the hull, but it jostled us around and a few items fell overboard into the water. We did not see what they were, which is of some concern, but we believe all important articles are accounted for. He has been checking over some notes from the boat renaming ceremony. He is paranoid that he performed the steps incorrectly. I have never known him to be so superstitious.

9th September 1927

He still refuses to take me aboard when he is working. He is convinced that I will find it dull or that the crew will be crass or otherwise intolerable.

Perhaps I am being overly needy. I know he needs time alone...but I am so desperately bored at home when he is away.

He recently installed some salvaging equipment onto the boat. I think the idea of pulling up treasure is terribly exciting. I must convince him to let me have a go.

14th September 1927

I have not written in a few days. I have been afflicted with some strange chill which conspires to fog my brain. I cannot seem to keep warm no matter what I do.

[The ink has run from some lines here, and they are illegible.]

While most of what they hauled up was junk, they eventually came up with a large wooden casket. A hush came over the crew at such a tantalizing discovery. I remember the next moments with excruciating clarity.

He pried it open easily. The buckling boards cracked and groaned with relief as they splintered apart. Crimson cloth spilled out onto the deck.

The crashing waves rose to fill my ears. I hear them still.

He stared down into the open casket, then turned to me. In his eyes I saw the void.

[The page has been torn off here.]

???

It feels like years since I have been warm.

I do not expect him to write. I just need to know that he thinks of me from time to time.

[The next few lines have been smudged out.]

He MUST return.

[More angry smudging follows.]

I have written him another letter. This will be the last one.

???

My Darling,

I have found you at last.

When you left I was scattered to the winds. But now...I feel almost whole again.

There is just one thing left to do.

Throw me back.

Artifact Manifest

Vessel: SY Grand Prize

Owner: Mr Michael Schult Port: Gale Cliffs

Oaken Music Box Purchased from the antiquarian at Little Marrow for a bargain price. Previously salvaged from an undisclosed shipwreck. Has the letter J carved on the underside, otherwise in reasonable condition. Has not been opened for fear of damaging the mechanism; pending inspection by locksmith.

Wooden Mask Carved wooden tribal mask. Said to bring good luck, fertility, good health, fortune, rain and protection from evil spirits. Traded for a pair of socks and a pocket watch chain.

12 Piece Tea Set Bone china, 6x cup & 6x saucer. Acquired from an eastern dealer. DO NOT USE.

Jar of Earth

A jar containing earth from a meteor impact site. Allegedly.

Description

Notes are a specific type of message. There are only 2 and they both contain cryptic information written with strange grammar.

Fisherman's Note

DEEP -> SKY -> DEEP -> SKY -> DEEP ((FOREVER))

CASKET SEAL BROKEN - FOG CORE? FIVE = RISE

HE KNOWS

Ragged Note

Close now.

Nobody knows. Does he know?

Desecrated temple. Forgive me. The only way he might understand.

Must help him.

Must stop him.

Description

Journals are short logs that can be found in the Pale Reach DLC. They can be found at the same locations as the Ice Shards and tell the story of the souls trapped within.

Captains Log

The Captains Log is written by the Shadow of a Captain and can be found in the Frozen Cabin at the Central Camp.

Captain's Log - 30th May, 1847

Arrived at the floating sea-ice amidst a particularly thick fog.

A few channels could be seen leading into the ice, though sizeable chunks float in our way, posing a hazard.

I have ordered us to moor against the outer ice wall while the engineers make adjustments to better prepare the vessel.

Captain's Log - 1st June, 1847

The vessel was pursued by a particularly aggressive Narwhal. Some men placed fish on the ice nearby in an effort to distract it.

It appeared to work, though only for a time. It resurfaced and needed satiating repeatedly.

If we can't find a more permanent solution to the beast, we'll have to make sure we keep enough fish on hand to placate it.

Captain's Log - 5th June, 1847

As I lay falling asleep, the most almighty voice spoke unto me. It resounded from the thick ice below, at once both powerful and etherial. There was no mistaking this as a trick of the wind, nor as a jest by the crew. It did not pause for response or acknowledgement, but whispered a cryptic prophesy. At first, I could not make sense of it- "Three listeners shall hear the heart", and that I should indulge these "listeners". It spoke of "boundless wealth from the stars" and of "eyes opening unto the world"

The rest of my sleep was feverish, as my mind was plagued with the sound of the voice. It spun in my head, echoing ever louder. In the morning, the Boatswain and the Navigator came to me separately, claiming to have heard a sound like a heartbeat as the men were digging yesterday. They indicated a desire to explore the Eastern and Western reaches of the ice field.

I shall indulge them.

Tattered Diary

The Tattered Diary is written by the Memory of a Boatswain and can be found in the Frozen Equipment at the Eastern Terminus.

Tattered Diary - 2nd June, 1847

Captain ordered us to make camp on the ice in the center of the lagoon. After we saw those lights in the ice, everyone's got treasure on their minds.

Treasure hunting isn't exactly what the expedition was commissioned for, but given the Captain gets the lion's share of whatever we find...

It doesn't surprise me that he's willing to bend the rules a bit. We'll start digging after the camp's done.

Tattered Diary - 4th June, 1847

Spent the day digging down in the ice. Shovels and ice picks. Can't remember the last time I was this tired. We were only allowed two short breaks all day. Down in the pit, as I rested with my back against the ice, I started hearing something.

It was different to the sounds of the picks. They were short and sharp. This was low, a rumble from deeper down.

On my first break, it was occasional. Only a few each minute. By my second break, It had quickened, like a heartbeat.

Tattered Diary - 5th June, 1847

The Captain overheard me telling some others about the sound I heard in the pit. Before I knew it, I was in front of his desk, sure I was about to have my pay docked. To my great surprise, he seemed to know something of it already. He was keen on hearing it described, over and over.

He wants me to help locate the source of it. When he pressed me on it further, I said that it did seem to be coming from the East.

Tomorrow, we are setting off to see if we can find it. Perhaps I shall get a bonus after this is done!

Leather Journal

The Leather Journal is written by the Whisper of a Navigator and can be found at the Western Bearing.

Leather Journal - 4th June, 1847

The men spent the whole day digging. They passed up chunks of ice, some as brilliant as crystal, others of a deepest blue more beautiful than sapphires. But none held the glow we had seen in the night. However, I did note a disturbance in the ice to the West.

It began as a periodic, distant rumble. As the men dug deeper, the pulsing quickened, strengthening until I could see the ice shifting on the surface. I shall have to inform the Captain. It may well be that Narwhal creature we saw earlier, though this did seem much larger.

As I write this, I can already feel my eyes closing. It will have to wait until the morning.

Leather Journal - 7th, 1847

This morning, the Captain appeared out of the fog, rowing alone. Apparently, the Boatswain remains at a camp in the East, waiting for nightfall. They were unsuccessful in their search, but it does make sense that the lights would be more visible at night.
Tomorrow, we're to journey together to the West, towards the shifting ice that I reported.

Leather Journal - 8th June, 1847

We are alone on a small island of ice.

After hours of rowing through narrow channels, it rose through the fog. A gargantuan, monstrous claw, reaching from the deep. Whatever creature it once belonged to must be long dead, as the claw is frozen solid. I wanted to turn back immediately, but the Captain insisted we investigate. He is on edge, his head turning this way and that, listening for the slightest sound. He is convinced something will happen after dark.

As the last light from the cold sun fades, I have the sense that it will be a long night.