Seven Moon Clan

> A nomadic tribe that formed shortly after the dust appeared. The tribe saw the arrival of the dust as a miracle, a message from their Gods that they would soon return to convert the entire world into one giant desert. The dust became a religion to be explored and studied, its powers used to their advantage as they prepared the world for the arrival of their Gods. Others joined their cause when they saw the power the dust worshiping tribe had gained. Eventually seven desert tribes from the North united to for the 7 Moon Clan. Everything north of 3 Points Crossing because their territory. The dust gave the tribes a joint cause, a reason to organize. The goal was simple: complete devotion to the dust, so that with the help of their Gods the entire world could be converted into a single desert. (-Assassin)
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The Seven Moon Clan are some of the major antagonists within the Oge Mai Valley. They were the primary antagonists in the Caretaker's Garden and Station Raising Festival events. Clan members appear primarily in the Desert region, though some do venture into other areas.

Clicking on an area will lead you to spoilers for that area. Do not read if you do not want to be spoiled.

## Lore

### Mama Tree

Early on, the Dust Warrior learns that there are spies infiltrating the Forest region. This is spelled out in the first Mama Tree quest, To Great Heights. When the Dust Warrior first approaches Suwö, they ask if he has seen any clansmen. He replies "Seen, ha! My shield's crushed dozens of them. Tesven an’ I have long fought the desert Brujas’ flame monsters together. Seen a Clansmen, aye, I’ve seen the clan alright." This confirms that the Clan was around long ago, when Suwö and Tesven were on the front lines of battle.

Suwö then informs the Dust Warrior that "The 7 Moon Clan use infected Lorsa to carry messages for them, but lately there's been too many. Somethin’s happenin’. Defeat a Lorsa, find a 7 Moon Scroll, an’ bring it to me." It is also implied that the Clan spies might have infiltrated the Elder Council itself.

The scroll is written in Dust Runes, the language of the 7 Moon Clan. Kyiat is able to translate them, though Suwo doesn't read the language. (A Secret Message) The message foretells an attack on Mama Tree, introducing the first clan monster, the Search Party. The Search Party attempts to break into the Western Hall, heading for the Great Library, until the Dust Warrior defeats them.

> You've spotted the 7 Moon search party that is attempting to breach through the Western Hall. Stop them before they break into the Great Library.
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In the attack, Bavata is injured fighting alongside Suwö, and the Dust Warrior helps beat back the 7 Moon clan by fighting an Assassin. (Aid to an Elder)

> I thought Assassins were paid "problem solvers," but the few I've seen here in Mama Tree are different. All of them are from the 7 Moon Clan. What little I've found says that in the times before Dust, there were several nomadic desert tribes who used to trade at 3 Points Crossing. They saw the Dust as a magical miracle, and Dust became studied, explored, and finally a religion. Six other tribes saw their power, and decided to join them. Recently, worship isn't enough. I heard rumors at the Great Library that they want the whole Valley covered in Dust.
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With the attack on Mama Tree quashed, the Dust Warrior and Suwö head to Three Points Crossing to see if they can help there.

### 3 Points Crossing

The Dust Warrior and Suwö arrive to find 3 Points Crossing under siege from the 7 Moon Clan, with attack parties of "Yasri, Kiru, Bruja, and the giant Lombri" having breached the main northern wall. The City Guard is superstitious that saying the word "Dust" will summon them. They and Suwo also give more information about each opponent.

After hearing that "Lombri will squeeze through [the gap in the wall] and lead troops right into the city center", Suwö explains that Lombri are "Giant, mulberry-colored sandworms the clan domesticates for battle an’ transport. Not the brightest, but still a large beast with thick hide that takes a beatin’." (Earthquakes)

> Lombri are sand eating worms that move underground, only coming up for air, or to attack. Their sharp teeth are capable of chewing up hardened stone. Over years of breeding the 7 Moon Clan has segmented the species into carrier Lombri, massive worms that can carry heavy equipment or cargo and warrior Lombri, smaller and faster, usually carry a few Yasri on attack missions. In recent years the Clan has taught the Lombri to surface more often, teaching them to slither down mountain sides, gaining speed as they charge onto their target. For the Clan, the Lombri have now become what the Tambo is to the caravan tribes.
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For battle, the Guard advises "Stand clear of Lombri tails. Fatigue Yasri before the final blow. The battle’s more about endurance with those two."

> I was able to ask some of the City Guard about the Yasri, the men and women warriors of the 7 Moon Clan. The training is tough - sent to the Northern Mountains at a young age, and if they're strong enough, they later join their older brethren in the desert... I almost want to ask Suwö if it's true that bones of those that failed are scattered around the peaks. Even being away, the sand remembers them and "dances" to their movements. They don't trudge through sand, they float, using the sand's movement to their advantage even in battle.
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Finally the Guard warns "Watch out for those creepy Brujas, they can hit pretty hard."

> I can understand why the City Guard said Brujas were kind of creepy. Dust flows freely from their hands and their eyes are fully fuchsia. Suwö was able to tell me a bit more. 7 Moon Clan women have three paths before when they become an adult: warrior, mother, or Bruja. Not many choose such a large sacrifice. Those that do spend months roaming the desert without a home, tool, or ally. She's to become one with Dust, walking, breathing, eating it. Becoming it after the final ritual. If they survive... when they return... they're worshiped as a Dust Speaker.
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The fourth Clan monster mentioned is Kiru, which the Dust Warrior is nervous about facing, asking "what do I do with a creature made of pure flame?!" (Earthquakes)

> Three Points Crossing is hot, and early it was even hotter when I fought a Kiru. One of the Bruja threw down a glass container, and it released an angry fire elemental when it broke. Suwö explained that originally a Kiru was a soul, but after being tricked into entering the prison, they are so enraged that they turn into flames. On the plus side, battles with them are quick since they're not that interested in fighting. Are the souls people from the 7 Moon Clan? Or are they creature souls? It makes my heart hurt to thinking about it.
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Once the battle is over and the wall repaired, the Dust Warrior and Suwö get Zuly Grandstaff's help disguising themselves as Yasri so that they can investigate a disturbance on the horizon. Though the City Guard claims that the region "where the dark forest corrupts the sand" is Clan territory and that the only thing they'll find is Clan members or otherwise infected creatures. (Camouflage) When they get closer, they see what appear to be giant bones, before running into a Yasri patrol.

The Dust Warrior notes "A Yasri captain and a group of Assassins wanted to know why we weren't at the General's address. When we didn't answer, and they demanded a report, we kind of had to... attack. I guess it could have been worse - it could have been a full patrol, Lombri included! Or a Bruja that could have sent out an alarm. We were lucky to make it back." (A Desert Army). From this quest, it is clear that the Clan actually has a highly regimented army, with Captains and Generals, and regular patrols.

At the General's camp within the boneyard, Suwö and the Dust Warrior find hundreds of clansmen rallying, and see the General — a Bone Witch. Learning of their plans to attack not just 3 Points Crossing, but Gansu Watering Hole as well, the duo report back and then head to Gansu with Azadi to help. (A Way South)

### Gansu Watering Hole

A group of Bruja, led by the Red Witch, attacked Gansu, snuffing the eternal flame and poisoning the eternal spring. When the trio reaches the watering hole, they have to repair both, allowing caravans and townspeople to return. Unfortunately, their efforts attract the attention of the Red Witch, who returns. (Red Witch Of The Southern Coven)

> The original Red Witch was present for the formation of the 7 Moon Clan, her power so evident to other clan members, that the entire southern desert was assigned to her. So the Red Witch, and her apprentice Brujas, moved deep in the southern desert, close enough to Gansu Watering Hole to siphon off ancestral energy from it, far enough away from home so that the younger Brujas could learn to let go of everything, and everyone, they left behind at home. A Bruja's commitment to the dust is absolute, and it is the responsibility of the Red Witch to make sure her elite Brujas are trained properly. A Red Witch never dies. Instead, in her final moments, she becomes the dust and waits for the next Red Witch to be selected. Over the next Red Witch's ritual you can see the purple dust hovering, waiting anxiously for the incantation to be sung, so that she may once again take human form. In that moment, the Red Witch that wakes, carries in her all past Red Witches, all past Brujas who become the dust, all past knowledge and wisdom that these beings might have acquired in their lifetime. She is born again as mother Witch, a half dead being, whose magical abilities are still unmatched.
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Azadi relays the life cycle of the Red Witch to the group as well. "A scroll I found, Sweet Sands, describes the ceremony. A defeated Red Witch becomes Dust, and consumes a new Bruja." With that information and a stempo, the Red Witch, and her second form, the Dust Witch, are defeated, striking a major blow against the 7 Moon Clan. With that done, they rush off to stop a 7 Moon caravan heading to Riza Rivertown with more dust-poisoned water.

> A transitional being brought to life momentarily while another host body is found for the Red Witch.
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### Dig Site

At the dig site, the Dust Warrior encounters Loi, the larval form of a lombri. These may be naturally inclined towards the 7 Moon Clan, or might need years of training to support them.

> When I first saw a Lombri, it was big enough to eat me, and I was warned they were venomous. The Lombri young, also known as Loi are twice as deadly since they don't hold back venom during a fight (unlike more cautious adults). I warily watched a Loi as it wriggled through the sand at the dig site, making very sure that the wind was blowing it's slightly bitter scent to me. Next to it lay halves of an empty shell, and, dare I say, its squeaks were kind of cute. I just hope it's not calling for kin.
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### Riza Rivertown

Shortly after arriving, the Dust Warrior and Suwö wind up in an ambush. "A Yasri slammed a knife into his back before either he or I could do anything. And... that Bruja said that... said that we’d failed. The Dust was put into the river, and there's a mulberry-colored creature here that looks like it's helping us but I don't know, I don't know... wait... I do know one thing. I have to keep Suwö safe. And that means defeating any that stand before me. And then I need to get help… this doesn't seem like an ordinary injury..." (Attack of Opportunity)

Luko and Pina confirm that the injury is from a poisoned blade with "Dust magic from the Clan". This is possibly similar to the dust magic they used on the river. The dust magic also infects monsters within the river, like Jaihri and Wyvern, which the Dust Warrior needs to defeat.

Without much ado, and with their new friend Lodo, the Dust Warrior and Suwö follow the 7 Moon Clan and their barrels of poisoned water to Balance.

### Floating City of Balance

Some Kiru seem to have made it out of the desert and as far as Balance, as the inventor Kuyurata has encountered them.

> Another unique Kuyurata-creation, the underwater torch is amazing. Somehow ze was able to bring a Kiru's light underwater! (Or so Kuruyata tells me, but I feel sorry for any trapped Kiru.) On the other hand, without it I wouldn't be able to tell up from down in the River's darkness...
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### Caretaker's Garden

When Dust Warriors rallied to help cleanse the dust-infected Caretaker's Garden, the 7 Moon Clan fired back! "Movement near the Boneyard has been spotted. A contingent of Seven Moon Clan members has been seen marching to the Caretaker’s Garden! Dust, as we’ve been busy fighting against corruption, has mobilized allies to launch a counterattack against us." At that time, Bavata gave more insight into the Clan.

> *The Seven Moon Clan, for over a hundred years at this point, have roamed the desert dunes and harassed us from the sand’s protection. When Dust arrived, they chose to ally themselves with Dust in hopes that it would fulfill their prophecy—The world will be desert, under one moon and one color, for those who move quickly to make it so—in the past they have blocked trade routes, attacked caravans, and plotted more than one assaaination attempt on the Valley’s Elders. But they have not strengthened Dust’s power.*
> *I fear there is something in the Garden that is valuable to them, beyond the beauty that shone there and which we will make shine again. Either that, or they are looking to weaken us while we are distracted. No matter which is true, I dislike the outcome presented to us.*
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 (News, Nov 4, 2021)

As the Dust Warrior noted in their Questbook, "It was a trap! I knew the 7 Moon Clan had been more active recently, but I didn't think they'd travel here to create a hardened defense to support Dust's attempted take over. They've been picking small fights in the desert, but I guess those were distractions more than anything serious." (7 Moon Power!)

And, in addition to the Yasri and Bruja, some new faces were seen. "It's not only new forces fighting from the 7 Moon Clan, it's all my old "friends," too. I really wasn't expecting them here, not with all the new forces showing up as well. On the other hand, why am I surprised? They're here to make sure we're not going to take the garden back, so of course they'd bring everyone." (Old Moon Friends)

As the fight progressed, more was learned. "While the 7 Moon Clan used to concentrate on their underground strikes, it looks as if they are shoring up a weakness and bringing in air support. Fires have started due to Gierder dropping Kiru onto the battlefield, and that’s not including the damage those sharp claws are doing when it follows running prey."

> Gierder are a reason that the 7 Moon Clan can now attack from the sky. These creatures drop Kiru, releasing the fire elements to wreck havoc when the delicate glass that's captured them is shattered on the ground. It's not only the fire we need to watch for, but also those black leaf-like feathers on their neck. I'm not sure how, but we know why; when those Dust-dense feathers hit the ground, all we see are miniature wastelands left behind. Also alarming is its cry. I think it sounds wrong to hear such a sweet song from something that terrifying.
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This team up wasn't pleasant for the Dust Warrior to fight: "Okay, I was expecting fire with the 7 Moon Clan attack, but I wasn't expecting it to be raining down on me because of a match up between Kiru and Gierber. I should be able to get them within an attack range, if I plan it well." (Fire & Flames)

"We’ve heard the leaders commanding Fueko. It might be a lizard? A small dragon? Whichever it is, this breathes flames hot enough to melt sand into glass. It’s uncertain how this creature has come about—a few scouts are saying they’re not native to the Valley, but how else would they have gotten here? Watch out for that open maw!" (News, Nov 5, 2021)

> The 7 Moon Clan have found a way—through Dust and fire—to make a creature they're calling Fueko. A few Dust Warriors on patrol in the desert region saw several Loi being fed Dust-infected Kiru essence, and the results of this unnatural diet are Fueko. They began to look much different from the Lombri they normally grew up to be; the dark spines along their back grow into sharp plates and swirls of Kiru essence nestles between the cracks in their chest guards. I've noted that when they're ready to flame, they'll open their maw and flush bright red.
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There were also 2 new human clan members. The first was the Bone Witch, which the Dust Warrior had previously observed in the Boneyard.

> As much as I wish this fight wasn't happening in the Caretaker's Garden, I have to admit that the purpleness makes it very easy see Bone Witches. These 7 Moon Clan members are on their way to transfiguring themselves into a Red Witch and use Dust to line the edges of their knives. This is also when they start to see the world not through their eyes, but through the senses of Dust. I don't know if it's true, but there are also rumors that their mask's used to filter out everything but Dust, allowing them a purer concentration.
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Previous quests had shown that the Red Witch came from Bruja, and it appears that the Bone Witch is an intermediary stage. With the Red Witch's defeat, it is unknown if the Bone Witches can advance further in the future.

Finally, another kind of dust magic user was the attacking Maimok. As the Dust Warrior noted, "Sometimes I wonder which came first, the 7 Moon Clan's love of Dust, or sand? This is not the first time I've heard that they can also manipulate sand, but this is certainly the first time I've seen one of them do it. I'm certain I'll defeat Maimok, but what am I going to do about the sand? Burn it?" (Dunes & Doom)

> 7 Moon Clan members use more than Dust and steel as their weapons—I saw one manipulating sand. Which doesn't sound that dangerous when standing in a green forest, but when Maimok has at least three full bags attached to their belt, it's a lot more worrisome. What they can do with sand borders on mastery. They throw compacted sandballs with enough heft to do serious damage, and can use the grains to blind their opponent. These Maimok need to be handled by someone who can competently mix melee and range attacks. Thankfully, Dust Warriors have been trained for that.
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It is also worth noting that the Fueko might not be as devoted to the 7 Moon Clan as they appear. During the Caretaker's Garden event, the Caretaker handed out some seeds to other creatures for safe keeping. The Caretaker said *"Finally, I was carrying several other seeds that have the chance to change our Valley for the better, but when I was held prisoner, I gave them to the beings and creatures around me, including a slightly transparent being that kept me company, and who I’ve given sanctuary for now."* (News, Nov 25, 2021)

Some thing that the Fueko were just looking for a snack when they took the seeds. "Several Fueko have been found holding Wydis Seeds. I don't know if those sharp-toothed chompers are looking to bite into the hard outside of that seed, but I think I'll find 10 of those desert creatures and see how many seeds they're keeping hold of. Fingers crossed that the seeds won't be too badly burned by the little fire dragons." (Fueko's Seed Search)

And though one seed was *stolen* by the Kinnya, the same doesn't seem to be true for the Fueko. As reported, *"The Wydis Seed (protected by Fueko) will grow deep, strong roots in the desert sands and allow homes to be built in the desert region by Dust Warriors."* (News, Nov 27, 2021) Some Dust Warriors believe that these words from the Caretaker show a less corrupted side of the Fueko.

### Station Raising Festival

When Dust Warriors raised land and air stations at Mama Tree during the Station Raising Festival, an Alpha Tambo Caravan was sent to 3 Points Crossing. Yet again, the 7 Moon Clan reared their head. "The Seven Moon Clan is attacking our Alpha Tambo Caravan! They intercepted the Caravan as it crossed the desert sands and the protective forces we sent with the caravan are being worn down by the attackers." (News, Apr 20, 2022)

When Dust Warriors rush to the site of the attack, they found several familiar members of the 7 Moon Clan, such Fueko, Gierder, and Maimok. However, three new monsters were also discovered, including Deinkost.

> I'm guessing the massive horn-bone on Deinkost's head is why is runs so close to the ground—it's a matter of balance before it eats a face full of sand. The problem for me is that the horn's not the only weapon. Deinkost has a spiked club for a tail which it whips around at a moment's ease. There's something about its eyes though... I can't help but wonder how it keeps sand and grit from obscuring its vision. Maybe there's a second or third eyelid. I do know it bathes in sand... and it likes to sneak attack, too.
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Binuri, and Skalyu were also new: clearly the clan has continued to hone their aerial forces!

> Creatures can be naturally sneaky, and any with two heads seem to be doubly so. Binuri is a desert bird that whispers to itself, but there's a story that the stars see the best tricks to play and relays that information. At least, that's why people say the bird has patterns of stars on its dark feathers. Each star is actually a ruse that's worked, and those which are pearly white are said to have 1,001 schemes for each minute of the day. Just don't tell me we have to capture one, I don't think this bird likes Roberries that much.
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> They say an army marches on its stomach, and for the Seven Moon Clan, nothing's more important that being able to use Dust. Skalyu supports them by dropping Dust-infused skulls down to attacking beings, and then, when there are no more supplies, it'll attack with its razor sharp claws and curved beak. I saw one getting water from a cactus by ripping off an outer piece of the plant. While it's a horrible creature to fight, I must confess that I love the glossiness of its wings (I'm not the only one, I've seen Dust Warriors collecting those feathers too).
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When the Dust Warriors beat back the attack long enough for the Caravan to escape, the 7 Moon Clan summoned a ringer.

> The swirling sands of the desert have stilled and emerging from the gritty grains is a Bone Wight. The magic holding it together comes from the 7 Moon Clan, and it picks up the largest bones it can find, adding them to its legs, arms, and torso. I guess it wasn't able to find any giant heads since it's going for quantity over quality (I saw a head fall from its neck perch, so either that's done on purpose, as a type of attack, or there are places where the magic is weak). I wonder where the chains come from...?
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## Quotes

* "Doin’ nothin’ in these times is just as bad as bein’ a 7 Moon Clansmen." - Suwo (To Great Heights)
* "If it’s out there and moving, it’s either infected or a clansmen. Nothing good survives that far north of the wall." - City Guard (Camouflage)
* "Whoever is designing the clansmen uniforms at least has some style" - Zuly Grandstaff (A Desert Army)
* "You sand-eating time wasters - you’re supposed to be at the camp for the General’s address!" - Patrolling Yasri (A Desert Army)
* "Our time is here! Our time is now! Dust has spoken, and our destiny is on its way. WE are the ones who must prepare for its arrival. The blind to the South know not what is on its way, so NOW! Now we must strike!" - General (A Way South)
* "Dust working with the 7 Moon Clan is a nightmare! They can cover each others weaknesses and booster their strengths" - Dust Warrior (Underground Doesn't Show Light?)

## Monsters

**Search Party**
700 words/ 80 minutes
**Assassin**
500 words/ 45 minutes
**Lombri**
1500 words/360 minutes
**Yasri**
1250 words/240 minutes
**Bruja**
900 words/180 minutes
**Kiru**
250 word/25 minutes
**Red Witch**
4000 words/ 1000 minutes
**Dust Witch**
1200 words/ 400 minutes
**Loi**
150 words/ 25 minutes
**Fueko**
150 words/ 20 minutes
**Gierder**
500 words/45 minutes
**Maimok**
700 words/70 minutes
**Bone Witch**
1000 words/120 minutes
**Deinkost**
92 words/15 minutes
**Binuri**
620 words/100 minutes
**Skalyu**
818 words/120 minutes
**Bone Wight**
2600 words/300 minutes
**Yasri Attack Party**
3000 words/540 minutes