Episode 7: “Seeds”

Previous: “Skal and Bones”
Next: “The Time Between”

As plans are made, the group, now joined by Ivar, make a decision to split up. Thrush and Watseka seek to connect with the Blue Shard that landed north of the Harbinger Outpost, and Ivar, Jogaila, and Connor plan on entering Freeport to try to sway the others to join their cause against the Harbingers.

11 Taranth, 444 NC

A horrific early winter storm is in full force, causing the group to rethink their plans. Watseka believes the storm is caused by Djiri. The party argues about whether they should stay. Thrush makes a case about it being more important to destroy the True God, rather than save any particular race. They decide to brave the weather, and head towards Freeport that day around 10am.

Jogaila, Connor, and Ivar discover that Freeport has changed quite dramatically, including the crucifixion of an Ice Giant. They enter the Firey Polda, where several Tuusst are celebrating their new found money, which Connor soon discovers is enchanted when the Bartender opens his money box. Throwing the money into the fire, the gold begins to burn unnaturally, billowing green smoke, which soon takes humanoid form. Jogaila attempts to use his new sword with the demon hilt, but finds that it damages him when he swings it.

Thrush and Watseka face the crystal, but find it to be surrounded by 20 robed harbinger orcashir. Watseka considers making a run for the crystal, despite the odds. Though many notice her coming, Thrush begins by critically taking out a man and forcing him into the Shard, at which point he vanishes into a fine dust, which fires into the air and disperses across the sky. Suddenly, she appears before every Tuusst, as a blue-glowing figure…

Watseka speaks: A small girl appears in front of your eyes. Seeming to be in prayer, you can almost hear her say, “Give me your words Kol … guide me … I will do you will.” The young girl seems to stand taller with an air of power, sure of the mesage she will give. (Her image suddenly appears as Tuust) “People of the Tuust Nation. As a survivor of Tanno, I have been sent to you with a message from Kol and the gods … a message the Djirin do not want you to hear. (Her image changes to Naktu) The Harbingers, followers of the “One FALSE God”, come to our nation spreading lies and distrust, dividing us as a nation. They destroy out way of life, our friends and allies, and our very strength as a people. (Her image changes to Habrin) The gold they spread out eagerly to buy your ‘trust and devotion’ was taken from other nations as they destroyed them … raped them of their achievements, cut them to the very quick of their souls. (Her image changes to Shen) The Shen were ‘visited’ by them before us and now stand at the very brink of total destruction. If we do not stand as one, (Her image changes to Tuusst) joining forces with the Kanko, the Oomingmak, the Tornagh, the Centaurs, and even the Green Elves, the Harbinger’s will take everything from us and then destroy us … like the Shen and other nations. (Her image returns to normal) Open your eyes … see them for who they truely are … stand as one against them … save your city before they cause its destruction like Tanno … in the name of Kol and Sol Linaru and Ilsidelius and Val…” The image fades.

Connor says “We have weapons outside if anyone wants them… ” The spell broken by the actions of Jogaila and the speech of Watseka, the Tuusst begin to anger, and a riots break out all over the city. Dijirans not of Tuusst ancestry are torn apart, and many retreat back to the concetration camp. Despite the fortifications, however, the camp can not withstand the keg of blasting powder which Thrush places at the base of a tower. A group of Tuusst begin to descend upon Thrush, bloodlust in their eyes, but are slowed by the calming voice of Connor, and they stop at the sight of the same young girl that appeared to all of them a short while ago. Soon, her name is spread amongst all of the Tuusst, and the girl begins to hear the unspoken prayers within her mind.

Only three areas are left intact after the Tuusst destroy the Harbinger camp. The first is soon guarded by women, and men are told they will simply have to leave. Inside, Watseka discovers abused and beaten women, tied and blooded, all of them spoiled. Though few of the women have survived the ordeal, it is the Valeran Elf named Niala who has been the most severely ravaged. To compound matters, Watseka discovers that Tuusst women are cutting the hair off the woman, believing that doing so will, and weaving the hair into their clothing or own hair, that their love lives would approve. Shooing them away, Watseka begins to comfort the Elf. After an argument breaks out between Thrush and Connor, Watseka pushes them out and says to the remaining women that no men are allowed within the house. The women believe that this is their first commandment. Watseka then calls in the Giantess Druid, Sheyla, to comfort the Valeran Elf, while she joins the others to investigate the area surrounded by Magical Darkness.

Connor goes to find his mentor and friend Langdurin, who has been saved from execution, but not without losing his hands. Langdurin tells Connor that he wishes to be buried with Gellor, and that Connor’s destiny is well in motion. He then passes away, leaving Connor with the last tie to his family dead in his arms.

As the number of non-Harbingers reach over 1700, a recently incarcerated Senator Miganwe approaches Jogaila, impressed with the way he is organizing the Tuusst to deal with the situation. The Senator offers him the position of Field General, and leaves the affairs of rounding up and destroying the rest of the Harbingers on Ursanami to Jogaila. Cheers erupt as he accepts the position.

The General Jogaila, Connor, Watseka, Thrush, and Ivar gather to investigate the large area of darkness which was at one time guarded by Harbingers. Inside, they find five rows of large black seeds, filled with tormented souls. After several attempts to remove one of the seeds, they are able to pull one into the light. It erupts, releasing the souls who descend upon Thrush. Screams within his mind, and the terror of the souls transforms the man, changing his eyes and forcing his wings to return. In pain, screaming, he launches himself into the air and flies out of view.

Four months will pass before the next session.

XP: 6000