As the group continued their journey through the dreary
Nevermore Forest in search of
Xanthea, the relentless rain added to the ominous atmosphere. After about 20 minutes, they stumbled upon an unusual sight - three stone statues forming a triangle, each facing outward. The symbols of a waterdrop, a tree, and a flame adorned them, accompanied by the plea "Free me", written in common.
Upon aligning the statues correctly, a portal within a tree materialized, transporting the group to the dreaded
Ziggurat. Stepping out, they sank into watery mud, surrounded by an eerie mist and twisted trees. The Ziggurat rose in tiers, covered in ominous symbols, and bamboo ladders dangled from its sides, forming a makeshift network.
At the pinnacle, they saw an altar bathed in flickering blue light. A dark-robed figure, identified as
Edmund, chanted incantations amidst unholy symbols. The swamp raged with storms summoned by dark forces, casting an unsettling ambiance. Edmund, a shadow of his former self, welcomed the party with a chilling echo. He revealed Xanthea as a puppet on the altar. After a challenging battle atop the Ziggurat, Edmund collapsed atop the altar.
After hearing a deep voice commanding Edmund to rise, his cloak pulsated with life, revealing a heart pierced by needles. Bone arms sprouted out, adorned with puppeteer strings. In a fearful fight, the group emerged victorious against the
transformed Edmund, putting an end to the dark
puppeteer's malevolent plans in the heart of the swamp.
