Episode 10: “Fire and Ice”

Previous: “Emerald and Jaded”
Next: “Sun and Stars”

24 Ilsiandi 444 NC

The party hangs around Sanctimor for another day: Watseka dealing with her new form, Jogaila dealing with his near death, Thrush dealing with finding his family, and Connor pouring over books he found in the ancient library. They also attempt to discover more about Jogaila’s new longsword, but nothing can be discovered about the plain, but magical, blade that once belonged to a Fatesim

25 Ilsiandi 444 NC

Niala says her goodbyes, giving the blessed vial to Connor, wisdom to Watseka, and a kiss to Jogaila. Amphion decides to leave the protection of the Ruinmaker Wand and Sanctimor – and asks to travel with the group. Amphion speaks with Kalia, and Watseka passes a note through her to Niala.

The city of Sanctimor disappears behind them as the trading village of Cyr Debrath, and it’s Ice Tower appears before them. Reaching Cyr Debrath, the parties are met by Mammoth riders lead by Sergeant Sanagh who leads them to Commander Urilla – invites Senator/General Jogaila to her chambers – asks for a few favors in exchange for Mammoth and ushming to Cyr Tornagh. Urilla explains the Djirins have already come through the trade town, and that an unveiling of a “diplomatic gift” to the Tornagh Dynasty, during the Winter Festival. They leave on an ushming lead by Sergeant Saragh. He tells them of Senate matters and the Great White Drake, Frostanathan. Connor teaches Watseka how to flirt and be devious.

29 Ilsiandi 444 NC

Reaching Cyr Tornagh, population 40,000, they find the city, with a wand in the center, with ice blue walls, towers, and electricity flowing to and from the Senate building. To the south, an small army of Harbingers stand out of the city, in caravan form, including the two battalions that were originally to attack Kanko Torus. Before entering the city, Thrush jumps out to investigate the caravan. He discovers that the Tuusst have been turned into an undead force, and that the Admiral, an ancient Orcashir woman, recognizes him and tells him that she knows who he is – he allows her to leave.

The rest of the party reaches the Dynastic Hotel, where the Master of the House tells Jogaila that a Senator Girard is awaiting his arrival. They are offered new clothes and tea with the Senator. Senator Girard explains that in Cyr Tornagh, the influence of the seeds that affect the races are disabled. He goes on to tell them that the Admiral wishes Jogaila to kill her on the Senate floor, with a cold iron sabre that he is given, as when she enters the city, Dijiri may enter with her. He further explains that he has been ordered to kill the Dynast upon the unveiling, as he will be unable to stop the influence to do so.

30 Ilsiandi 444 NC

Amphion meets with a fatesim who threatens him, telling him he lost his way. Connor notices, and demands an explanation. Amphion says they need to get the party together, though Connor is incensed. Eventually, however, Amphion does explain his past, that he is a former fatesim, and that he is going to stop other fatesim from killing them.

1 Kysandi 444 NC

The first day of the Tornagh Winter Festival and the day of the Unveiling