Episode 32

Episode 32: Chiming Through The Trees.

The destination is Rowindan, a continent wrecked by fire and ash with barely any life left on it. The Shepherd takes another week of travel, this time bringing along fellow boat member Eliyra, who was born here in the only standing civilized town on the continent. They dock on a western peninsula called the Ozark Isle, not far from the Pras Tree itself. Some legends say that the Pras Tree has been standing and alive since before the destruction of Rowindan, but no one is entirely sure. It is also rumored to have once served as a temple, or possibly even a prison. Despite a confusing history, Ras approaches it. A green energy pulses out from the tree when Ras touches it, bringing the dead trees around to life again. Ras asks to keep the approaching, hostile trees off of him while he attempts to open the tree. The trees, newly awakened, attack the rest of the party, uprooting themselves and attacking vigorously. However, it seems that they aren’t the only people stopping near the Pras Tree.

During the heated fight, a mysterious figure appears, a hulking person with a green mask covering their face, large horns sprouting from it. This figure starts tearing through the trees with ease, ripping through them aggressively. With their help, the party is able to chop the trees down without much injury, but perhaps this person is not on their side. After all of the trees are dead, the individual approaches them. They point directly at Scrungus, addressing him more so than the others. They tell him, “It isn’t your time. Send the word that Godslayer is back,” before walking off and disappearing without another word. Scrungus has no idea who this was, or what they even mean, but the impression they made lasts on them. Scrungus shakes this off, and advises everyone to do the same. Ras leads them into a portal he made on the tree while the fight was going on.

Inside the tree is a barren room, dimly lit, with nothing but a hooded figure playing the piano. This figure doesn’t even need to turn to see them, stating that he has been awaiting their arrival. Ras approaches, asking if this person is The Disciple mentioned in the letter. The hooded figure glides over to Ras, a green glow emitting from him. He speaks,

“My name is not important. Our matters here transcend the need for formalities. They’re a waste of good breath. All you must know about me is that I am a pious man; a disciple, if you will. Most of all, a friend to you. In time, these truths may reveal themselves, but for now, shall we discuss terms? I shall give you Faelthorn, and as payment, you will return to me within two years’ time. I desire no compensation, no mortal vestitures. Just your presence within my walls once your power has reached its apex. Do this, and I can promise you the means to the end. Accept my boon, and grow beyond the confines of your corporeal cage. Fulfill your destiny as Gods.” (The Disciple, Episode 32: Chiming Through The Trees)

Despite his confusion, Ras agrees to The Disciple’s terms. The Disciple mentions having created Rasmesus, raising even more alarming questions that are not to be answered now. The Disciple reaches his hand out to Ras, drenched in a black fungus. “Return in two years,” two voices repeat at the same time. The Disciple hands Rasmesus Faelthorn, the Divine staff Ras has been searching for. The glow of the Disciple transfers to Rasmesus as he is handed the weapon. No one notices it, but when the hands of Ras and the Disciple meet, a tiny droplet of black ooze transfers to Rasmesus upon contact. The Disciple sends Rasmesus away, to “be a God”, and Rasmesus goes back to the party, holding Faelthorn. Ras, feeling a sense of rebirth, knowing that long ago, his ancestor Abbadon once wielded the same staff with malicious intent. Rasmesus promises to rewrite that, and seek curing and healing with his possession of the weapon: to bring life instead of destroying it. Even though no one knows who this Disciple is, Ras promises to do good in the wake of Abaddon’s wreckage. Rasmesus says maybe those questions will be answered when he returns in two years, but for now, they must return to the Shepherd.

The party returns to the boat, celebrating Rasmesus for being the first of the crew to find their weapon. Methandi even comes out to see Ras, congratulating him before announcing who the next ones to go out searching are. The location of Callisto and Ganymede’s Divine Weapons has been located in the Ichorfall desert of Attahol. A temple of Razzan has been located by archeologists in the desert, and considering the twins are Solar Children, it is highly likely their weapons are there. Despite Callisto’s mild panic, the twins begin rounding up the party they would like to bring while everyone gets caught up.

Xavier and Toraleth talk for a bit, Toraleth explaining the empty feeling the mission left with him. Gem approaches Ganymede, who’s ecstatic to be getting her weapon next. She promises to stay safe to Gemevieve, who won’t be attending this mission. Ganymede also reveals that she was the one who had given Gemevieve the mysterious necklace back in Ker Jarra, and in exchange, Gem gives her a gemstone to put in her necklace, so they always have a part of each other with them.

Meanwhile, Baird goes to excitedly tell Wood about everything that happened as well, in the midst of Wood monologuing to himself in a training room. Baird is way too excited to get every detail, but Wood still listens with interest and enthusiasm about both The Godslayer and The Disciple. Together, they mull over the questions they have about Divine Weapons and begin preparing for their own upcoming adventures. Cici also talks a bit to Methandi, who seems optimistic about the future ahead of them, the end of the Gods on the horizon. He mentions getting back what was rightfully his, but doesn’t quite explain what this means.

However, not everyone is as optimistic as the captain is. Callisto is a bit panicked, fearing that he’s not prepared for this mission so soon. Ganymede comforts him in whatever way she can, saying that their weapons are connected the same way they are. Together, they will be able to handle new challenges and obstacles that come their way. Despite the overwhelming pacing of the Shepherd, the twins make a promise to each other: to stick by each other, prove their parents wrong, and to make ripples in history by doing the right thing.