The party's return to Nightstone unveils the barkeep's revelation about the town's age-old connection to the Nightstone. En route to the Lionshield Coster, Ari extends comforting words to a grieving woman, ensuring her husband's ashes are delivered. Ari, honoring the goddess Mielikk, visits the town's sole holy space. The subsequent day is dedicated to catching up on the group's diverse journeys.

In the cemetery, a somber visit to Drezlin Nandar's grave takes an unexpected turn as Ari, Caulkin, and Glittr delve into the tomb. Their exploration triggers a spectral attack, adding a layer of mystery to Nightstone's history. Simultaneously, Pearl probes for information regarding Ari's past in the town, deepening the intrigue.

Tasked with alerting neighboring towns about recent giant attacks, the party acknowledges the Cloud Giants' neutral stance. Their assignments involve informing Markham Southwell in Bryn Shander, notifying Darshan's family in Tribor of his tragic demise during the giant assault, and delivering the news of an elderly couple's fate to their son in Goldenfield.

Opting to head to Goldenfield first, the party secures a letter of proof for the grieving townsfolk. Before embarking on the journey to Waterdeep, Caulkin ensures direct communication about the Zhentarim and Seven Snakes is directed to him. As they commence their journey, an ethereal staircase manifests, leading to a tower crowned with a conspicuous purple object.

With caution in their hearts, the party, one by one, decides to ascend the mysterious stairs. At the tower's pinnacle, they encounter Zephyros, a colossal cloud giant standing at an imposing 15 feet. Zephyros extends a warm welcome, revealing that "other planes" instructed him to seek and assist the party due to the Storm Giants losing control over their brethren. The root cause of this giant problem appears to be a mysterious absence, deepening the party's involvement in a grand and enigmatic quest.

Summary

• Nightstone's Secrets: The party returns to Nightstone, discovering the town's ancient connection to the Nightstone. Emotional encounters include consoling a grieving woman and exploring the tomb of Drezlin Nandar, leading to a spectral attack.

• Tasked with Alerts: The group is assigned to alert neighboring towns about recent giant attacks, learning about the Cloud Giants' neutral stance. Assignments involve notifying Bryn Shander, Tribor, and Goldenfield of specific incidents.

• Goldenfield Journey: Choosing Goldenfield first, the party obtains a letter of proof for the town and requests direct communication about the Zhentarim and Seven Snakes to Caulkin. Their journey to Waterdeep begins with an unexpected ethereal staircase.

• Encounter with Zephyros: Ascending the mysterious staircase, the party meets Zephyros, a massive cloud giant. He welcomes them to his tower, revealing a mission assigned by "other planes" to address the Storm Giants' loss of control over their kin.

• Mysterious Absence: Zephyros hints at a mysterious absence causing the giant problem, plunging the party into a grand quest shrouded in enigma and drawing them deeper into the complexities of the giants' struggle.