Contents
THIRD INTERLUDE: The Cursed Beauty
Overview
An interlude traces Kekon’s fearful allure: an explorer’s massacre for jade leads to a cursed voyage of mutinies and madness, birthing the island’s ominous legend. Centuries later, a Shotarian general’s warning against occupying Kekon proves prescient as he’s assassinated in Janloon, underscoring Kekon’s lethal mystique and Green Bone resistance.
Summary
Eight centuries ago, Alusian explorer Gaubrett reached southern Kekon, finding an Abukei village adorned in green jade. Initially trading for the gemstones, Gaubrett coveted more and led a nighttime massacre to seize all the jade before departing.
At sea, despite fair conditions, Gaubrett’s crew descended into paranoia and violence. Mutinies erupted, sailors died or went mad, and survivors blamed the hoard as cursed. They finally hurled every piece of jade overboard and limped into port, spreading tales of the “cursed beauty.”
Centuries later, Shotarian General Damusaro argued against occupying Kekon, infamously warning it was dangerously tempting. Assigned to Janloon during the Many Nations War, Damusaro—despite heavy security—was ambushed and killed in daylight by the young Green Bone assassin Nau Suenzen, confirming Kekon’s peril to invaders.
Who Appears
- GaubrettAlusian explorer who massacres an Abukei village for jade, triggering a cursed, mutinous voyage.
- DamusaroShotarian general who opposed occupying Kekon; later stationed in Janloon and assassinated.
- Nau SuenzenYoung Green Bone assassin who kills General Damusaro in occupied Janloon.
- Abukei villagersIndigenous people of Kekon, immune to jade’s effects; massacred for their jade.