At the end of the prior session, the group had been attacked by a Wendigo, and faced off with a pair of cursed undead brothers, fighting each other in a supernatural war of dominance. This session started with the conclusion of that conflict, which was looking rather touch and go. The ghosts, each fighting for control, struggled with minimal participation of the group – the dark cursed side slowly winning. Fortunately the Necromancer utilizing some of his control over undead worked to bolster the good side, delaying the resolution. Meanwhile, the rest of the group left the safety of the mining cabin, and faced off against the Wendigo. However, as they spread out, they became susceptible to its unearthly howl, and several of the strongest warriors were struck with overwhelming fear, unable to act or flee. But as the creature lunged into the Barbarian, tearing him limb from limb, the Cleric cast a quick Remove Fear spell. This cleared the mind of Valeros, who quickly charged forward. With a single mighty swing from his vorpal sword, the Wendigo fell (everyone rejoiced at the natural 20), and the curse was ended. Inside, the good side of the brother’s won the battle as the curse fell, and light returned to the region.
Armed with the promised information, the group finally had the path into the mountains, to seek the entrance to Xin-Shalast. After some preparation against the high altitude dangers (Life Bubble and Magnificent Mansion make such threats trivial), the group set out, and a few days later found themselves at the frozen swamp the brothers had written about in their journal. From there, after waiting for a full moon, the way to Xin-Shalast would be revealed.
While at the swamp, they encountered its Fey guardian, a nymph who was the sister of the Fey queen from way back in the campaign near Turtleback Ferry. Back then, Valeros and Sajan had distinguished themselves by not only taking on the quest to recover the body of the Fey, but had also succeeded greatly. Such heroics are not forgotten by the Fey, and even this far away, the nymph knew of their actions. As such, after a brief test of their motives, the nymph offered them sanctuary and safety at the swamp, along with what information she had regarding the inhabitants of the lost city. Inhabited by giants, and creatures from Leng, it was a dangerous place. But two factions resided in the city, the “saved” and the servants of the “Hidden Beast” – perhaps one of those groups could provide greater information and clues. And more importantly, information regarding an energy field surrounding the heart of the city – a field which the nymph explained could kill any who were unprepared.
As the full moon rose over the mountains, the way to Xin-Shalast was revealed as promised, and the group set out on their final journey. We concluded before they could actually reach the city itself, as they were set upon by Frost and Cloud giants, set as sentinels to guard the approach. However, despite the creatures great strength, they fell quickly before the groups expertise, experience, and teamwork.
