Shattered Star - Into the Nightmare Rift - Welcome to the Jungle

This is your first thought as Stormreach comes into view: The city has been destroyed by some terrible disaster. You see crumbling walls and squat, shattered towers. Then a moment later, you realize how far you still are from the city, and you notice the smaller structures clustered around those broken foundations. These ruins must be the work of the giants, buildings that fell long before humans came to this land.

-- Secrets of Xen'drik pp 14

The party proceeds down to Stormreach on the ships boats. Tryptic tries to determine the size of market they can expect to find. He is not certain. The captain gives them some tips for what to purchase ahead of the expedition.

Jazeem tries to find information about local theater. He learns about The Chapterhouse.

Tryptic utterly fails to blend in and find items for trade that aren't available anywhere else.

Morrígan and Wil look for a guide and strikes up a conversation with the local rat-on-a-stick purveyer. He provides several possible areas where they can spend the night, "The Ship's Cat". He also advises either a drow or a giant from the outside camp for a guide.

Tryptic is approached by two warforged who direct him on how to better blend in and where to purchase: bug repellent, hammock tents, machetes, rations, and other jungle equipment they expect to require. Tryptic also finds a map store where he asks about maps for finding the Guiltspur. The shopkeeper steps away to look when one of the maps speaks to Tryptic and says to purchase him as he is a treasure map. Tryptic does.

Morrígan and Wil arrange for lodging at the "Ship's Cat" and then make their way to the tent city of the giants.

Jazeem finds his way to The Chapterhouse. He inquires about theatrical performances. He is given a playbill. (He is looking at musical theater as a second career after adventuring) However, the Chapterhouse doesn't have a great amount of actual musical theater. Mainly just light variety and occasional jugglers.

Jazeem meets up with Morrígan and Wil and they proceed to the tent city Rushemé. They encounter Gualronak talking to a stone giant woman. Morrígan, who speaks giant, discuss finding a guide. Morrígan notices that the stone giant woman is staring at Jazeem. Gualronak explains that a hill giant chieftain named Jubbek has taken over the area. The stone giant woman Solacra offers to help as a guide in return for an anvil (giant sized) for her family's forge. Morrígan agrees realizing that she can "order" one from Sharn to be brought back by the Golden Dragon. Morrígan asks Solacra about her looking at Jazeem and she quickly apologizes. They make their way back to the Golden Dragon.

The map is very eager to look for the treasure and tells his story to Tryptic. He was created by a pirate as to where his treasure is. However, the pirate died before being able to claim it. Tryptic continues shopping and purchases a Type 2 Bag of Holding. Tryptic purchases anything else that may be required.

The party meets up at the location where they disembarked. They talk to Captain Alistair where Morrígan asks him to bring the anvil. He agrees.

They also arrange to meet with Solacra the next day for the expedition. They all return to the Ship's Cat for dinner.

Afterwards, they talk to the map. The map is named North-by. The discussion with them reveals that it is indeed being truthful about it's motives BUT that the destination, Fog Lake, is guarded by a huge, monstrous crocodile-like creature that has draconic ancestry. Nevertheless, the party agrees to the detour.

The next day they prepare to set out and meet up with Solacra.

Before leaving, the map (who can teleport) and Morrígan make a point to memorize the main room of the Ship's Cat so they can more easily teleport back. She also casts comprehend languages on Jazeem and Solacra. They also purchase a nice scroll case for North-by. Morrígan teaches Solacra a few basic words in common. She also teaches Jazeem and Tryptic the equivalent words in giant.

The first day passes without incident and they set up camp for the night. Morrígan casts tiny hut for the party to camp in.

Solacra asks for a detour to the Silver Spire allow her to obtain some of the metal for her family to sell to House Cannith. They agree to this as well.

With some prodding, Solacra also reveals that she is smitten with Jazeem. Morrígan suggests that they each try to learn each other's language to get to know each other better as that would give them something in common and allow them to get to know each other better.

The next day they get to the lake. Solacra warns them that the lake is cursed and they must not touch the water. Using fly spells, everyone but Akeela flies to the island with the tower.

In front of it, there is a table. On it there are some ancient runes written in a Giant dialect:

"Blood Sacrifice Calls the Maker"

Using detect magic, they conclude the tower is some type of container and they should be able to open it.


They continue to examine the area and manage to activate  a mechanism revealing a metal cylinder coming out of the ground that allows access to a gem. Further, it allows Solacra to pick up the necessary chunk of metal she needs. The party continues working with the runes and reveal other cylinders with gems that they can take.

Upon getting the last gem, there is a hissing noise followed by whispering...