The party gets in their rest without any interruptions by curious giants. As it turns out, the city is ablaze thanks to Ghlorofaex’s fury. Apparently her electrical damage was enough to set the multitudes of building supplies on fire. Rows of giants are in a bucket brigade, attempting to put out the flames as thick, black plumes of smoke rise above the city.
Amidst all the chaos, it’s relatively easy for the party to navigate across Temple Row to the strongbox building that was supposedly Ghlorofaex’s lair. As they investigate, it turns out that the crumbling ruins are mostly vacant. Obviously, there are telltale signs that a dragon inhabited this structure, and even gave birth within its walls.
There is a large collection of magical auras coming from the southeastern doors, so the party tries to find a way to remove the iron portcullis blocking their advance. Fyn is able to discern a slight irregularity in the fountain, which raises the portcullis when adjusted. Inside is a draconid hoard worthy of the party’s attention. On top of the mountainous pile of money, there are also several interesting magical items ripe for the picking.
After gathering the loot, the party deliberates on their next action. Should they stay and investigate the other buildings of note here in Xin-Shalast? Or should they use the commotion to their advantage and sneak up the mountain which the rest of the giants are distracted. And then, of course, it’s the question of which route to take!
Finally, it’s decided to take the secret tunnel and deal with whatever beast awaits them therein. They navigate the smoldering city streets to the broken tower, and find the tunnel in the basement. They begin their ascent, which takes several hours before the tunnel opens up to a snowy mountain ledge. As is tradition, the party ensures that they’re covered with enough Endure Elements to survive the harsh effects of the cold. But will they be able to fully handle the altitude as they continue their ascent?
As Fobias steps out onto the ledge, he’s immediately pulled upwards by a wiry strand of gross webbing. The source is a giant mountain roper, clinging to the outside of the tunnel entrance, waiting for its next meal. Perhaps the party’s spellcasting and weather preparations set it off.
Barnaby acts quickly, cutting Fobias down while flying up towards the creature. Krask exits the tunnel, firing off an initial barrage of arrows that don’t seem to do much to the creature. Trace also rushes out, pointing his sword at the roper and blasting it with a bout of flame. Fyn takes up the rear, casting Haste and turning Krask invisible to grant him that sweet sneak attack damage.
The roper, enraged, lashes out and entangles Fobias again. This time, the creature also snags Trace, pulling him upwards. Fobias is unable to wrestle free of the roper’s grasp, but Richard is able to cut him free. Krask, from the cover of his invisibility, fires several devastating arrows that pin the creature’s slimy tongue to the back of its throat. It’s relatively easy for Barnaby to clean up the mess, dealing a final blow to end the roper’s ambush-filled life.
The party continues to climb, no longer protected from the winds by the tunnel walls. Based on Fobias’ estimations, there hasn’t been much activity on this path, if any. Even still, they stay vigilant. No sense getting surprised by another roper, especially with a thousand feet of free-fall awaiting an errant step.
After several more hours, Krask notices some purple heads poking out from behind a series of rocks up ahead. He notifies the party as three massive spider-like creatures emerge from their cover, each with an odd number of legs. They’re twirling rocks entangled with webs, like rudimentary bolas, as the mountain wind whistles all around.
What are these strange creatures? Did the party miss anything in Xin-Shalast? Does anybody have a space heater?