Dirty, Filthy Vallen…I wash my hands of you.
It’s been years since I started this project and I’m glad it’s finally coming to an end. Certainly there’s more to learn–there always will be, but that’s for younger eyes and quicker feet. This old Gnome is close to retirement and I want what’s left of my fingers to hold a warm pint of ale at the end of the day.
For twenty years I studied the Vallen and believe I have gathered enough documentation to satisfy the Fishis Archive Foundation upon the subject. I lost my left eye and ear in the process, which is a high price to pay as a Historian. Thus it is with great joy that I rid my bones of this burden and share this information with you. I hope you’ll use it to your advantage. If you find the information useful, do me the honor and go shoot some of the ugly buggers for me.
As I relate these notes, I’d also like to share some of my field sketches. I know they’re not photographs, but there not many times a fishis is able to use a camera, like we prefer to. The threat of technology falling into enemy hands is too great. However, I am a decent artist, which is an advantage–so I have some detailed work I like to display.
Last, I’d like to say something that’s long over due:
This documentation is dedicated to Crispin Peddlefoot, my partner and dear friend of some sixteen-odd years ago. He didn’t leave any family behind–and being a fishis was his life’s passion. That’s why he was so blasted good at his job. Crisp (as he liked to be called) wasn’t much of a runner. This, unfortunately, was his downfall. We had to flee an area infested with the cannibalistic giants and his fat legs just couldn’t carry him home.
You were one of the very best our profession had to offer.
…I just wish you hadn’t been so blasted fat.
Here’s to you, buddy.
