In search of their next adventure, the citadel of Skypiercer Fortress appears interesting. Reaching it proves frustrating however, and the party helps with defeating some monsters instead. They head towards the Krasta Forest with the goal of becoming professional monster hunters.
Skypiercer Fortress holds the promise of magic items to acquire with the electrum chest they discovered in the Hag's lair, the only currency magic users take for the sale of magic items. However with winter beginning to arrive, and no promise of entry into the mountain top castle, the party decided to kill a troublesome nearby ettin for some cash. With the prospect of becoming professional monster slayers, they take the road to Biege, diving into the Krasta Forest in search of more troublesome beasties to put an end to. After being ambushed by a gang of bugbears on the trail, the forest begins to close in on them.