Hidden Path D&D Night. Episode 8: Shadowfell part 2

In a realm where the mysterious Planescape Beacons held the power to transport brave souls to otherworldly destinations, our intrepid heroes, Drogan Stonefist, Torsten and Skra-aa found themselves drawn to the enigmatic Shadowfell. Their mission was as mysterious as the shadowy realm itself: locate the Grey Husk Tree, the guardian of a vital Planescape Beacon. Alas, the tree's location remained shrouded in secrecy. Unfazed by the darkness that surrounded them, they were to seek the guidance of Professor Bonklewinks, a distinguished master of contraptions and arcane lore.

Upon their arrival at the Professor's infamous Constructor Lab, they were greeted by a scene of utter chaos. The lab was a maze of mechanical mayhem, its security systems turned against them. Oscar the Golum, a peculiar but friendly construct, extended a warm welcome, but their conversation was abruptly interrupted when quaddrones, mechanical assailants, assaulted the lab. 

After the intense skirmish, Romeo, an animated rug outside the professor's lab, was caught in a perplexing misinterpretation. He genuinely believed that his wild movements were harming the heroes, when in reality, they were providing unexpected comfort and assistance.

After deftly navigating a labyrinth of traps within the perilous laboratory, they managed to locate the unconscious Professor Bonklewinks. Swift thinking and a life-giving potion brought him back from the brink, and in gratitude, he bestowed upon them his loyal construct, Delta, a prized asset in their pursuit of the Grey Husk Tree.

As the Silver Alliance waited patiently nearby, Drogan, Torsten, and Skra-aa, joined by their steadfast companion Delta, made their way toward the imposing Grey Husk Tree. The construct began its relentless task of cutting into the colossal husk, to unveil a concealed portal within. 

As Delta chipped away at the giant tree, a horde of Husk Zombies emerged, staunch defenders of their ancient guardian. It was a harrowing battle, but with Delta's might and their unwavering resolve, they overcame the onslaught. The Husk Tree fell, reveiling the portal.  One by one, they entered, leaving the eerie shadowy realm of the Shadowfell behind.

Upon a sudden teleportation, the group finds themselves in the dimly lit interior of a cavern. Before them stretches a cavernous expanse, adorned with a large, mysterious pool of inky water that glistens in the faint light. Their attention is immediately drawn to a lifeless Tabaxi, a figure known to them as "Knocks Over Glass." They remember him vividly from their earlier encounter, but now he lies as a lifeless husk beside the pool. In an eerie and unexpected turn of events, Knocks Over Glass communicates with them telepathically, his voice resonating within their minds.

"You have come! I didn't think you'd make it this far. I'm sorry if my appearance is unfamiliar to you. I must admit, I didn't think much of you when I first laid eyes at the Tree of Remembrance. But you found me there, and I found you. I can guide you to where you need to be, just as I've tried to guide you for so many rotations. And here you are!

The Planescape Beacon is here, but I'm afraid it's too late. You must go and find the Dark God himself. Find a way to push him, find a way to relocate him to a place where he cannot be found.

You search for Xangolieth the Wakener. I will open a portal to the Astral Beyond.  I used to be one of his servants, but I broke free from his domination. I'm considered a traitor by him."

Alarm! His loyalists are near. Guard yourselves. Be cautious with this one; it knows too much!"

A one eyed creature with blood soaked tentacles rises up from the murky water and speaks to our heroes.

"Ahhhh.  I am the Nightmare of Xanathar himself, freed from the shackles of Waterdeep.  Now I can pursue the machinations of my new master.  Zacholiouthoun wishes to wake the sleeping.  He wishes to wake us all from this horrible place.  This terrible existance of pain.  Let me show you how to awaken."

Drogan and Torsten, alongside their ally Skra-aa, confronted the formidable giant Abolith in a battle of breathtaking intensity. Sinuous tentacles from the beast ensnared both Torsten and Drogan, but their unyielding resolve drove them to break free, allowing them to resume their relentless assault on the monstrous creature.

In the midst of the chaos, Skra-aa demonstrated unparalleled finesse, wielding her razor-sharp daggers to deliver a flurry of calculated strikes against the Abolith. Ultimately, it was Skra-aa's decisive blow that sealed the fate of the creature, marking the culmination of their hard-fought victory.

Left to Right:  

Drogan Stonefist the Dwarf Barbarian; Torsten the Dwarf Fighter; Skra-aa the Kenku Wizard

In Front: Corpse of  Xanathar Nightmare