"Having thanked the orchid-crowned High-Priest, Carter left the temple and sought out the bazaar of the sheep-butchers, where the old chief of Celephaïs' cats dwelt sleek and contented. That grey and dignified being was sunning himself on the onyx pavement, and extended a languid paw as his caller approached. But when Carter repeated the passwords and introductions furnished him by the old cat general of Ulthar, the furry patriarch became very cordial and communicative; and told much of the secret lore known to cats on the seaward slopes of Ooth-Nargai. Best of all, he repeated several things told him furtively by the timid waterfront cats of Celephaïs about the men of Inquanok, on whose dark ships no cat will go.
It seems that these men have an aura not of earth about them, though that is not the reason why no cat will sail on their ships. The reason for this is that Inquanok holds shadows which no cat can endure, so that in all that cold twilight realm there is never a cheering purr or a homely mew. Whether it be because of things wafted over the impassable peaks from hypothetical Leng, or because of things filtering down from the chilly desert to the north, none may say; but it remains a fact that in that far land there broods a hint of outer space which cats do not like, and to which they are more sensitive than men. Therefore they will not go on the dark ships that seek the basalt quays of Inquanok."
The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath (1943)
by H.P. Lovecraft
Come What May Upon That Dark & Inky Wave
There are those who whisper tales of mysterious ships that are seen in the darkest depths of space. The astronauts guardedly talk among themselves of these vessels that are seen on the edges of infinity but seldom talked about. Many old pirate clan leaders make strange signs at the mere mention of these vessels. Saying things about those who sail with the devil himself.
Many cultures across the stars consider them a good omen & welcome these strangers with open arms. Those who speak ill of them are regarded with some strange looks as if they have broken an unusual taboo. They always come with something to trade or to buy supplies.
These beings are often mentioned in passing as fearing a people who bear the crystal swords. Legends speak of them doing battle together against another foe & the betrayal that tore apart their alliance. Since that day they have been hunted by the Astral Raiders & their Ether Hounds
They often put into port at dawn & by midnight of the next evening have sailed away under strange stars!
Random 1d10 items for trade
- A carbuncle of sending
- Self sustaining stem bolts
- Crystal of Dreams & Nightmares
- Crystal Skull
- Leng Drug
- Strangely colored food stuffs
- The black meat of the aquatic centipede
- Meat of A Dream Roc or Eggs of a dream Kraken
- Astral Treasure Map
- Ancient Asteroid claim map
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