Following the events of the previous session, the party seeks to track down this Kayyephar character, and determine the nature of the conspiracy that seems to be brewing between elements of the Jade Empire and the Shadovar.

The diviners back at HQ have gleaned more information on the elusive warlock. He seems to have once been a student of the Ambuchar, a legendary void guru who dwells in the mountain kingdom of Shan-Khazar. The disciples of the void learn to harness the energies of the Shadowlands, which would give him a connection to what westerners know as the Shadow Plane, and thus possibly a way to offer the Shadovar access to the Prime once again...a valuable prospect.

It also implies that Kayyephar might have access to ancient secrets of immortality, a means of escaping death known to the void disciples that is not unlike undeath. To truly destroy him, it would be necessary to learn of his techniques, and only a master of the Void could instruct them in this.

Thus, they decide to set out for Shan-Khazar.

Raithen guides the party to the base of the treacherous ascent to the remote mountain kingdom, having himself long ago walked the same path in search of enlightenment and a peaceful respite from his darker self.

Their road begins in a small village, through which they must travel in order to reach the narrow mountain pass that allows access to Shan-Khazar. True, they could simply have flown over it, but as Raithen explains, it is the journey that matters, not merely reaching the destination.

A wizened monk in the village temple offers them shelter for the night, and guides them in meditation of the Void, the divine mystery which they seek to explore.

Setting out on their journey, they begin the arduous ascent. Even with the aid of their mounts and magic, it is no easy task crossing over miles of barren, frigid mountain landscape. By day, they make what progress they can; by night, they keep careful watch on the many dangers lurking in the foreboding mountains.

They come to a tall peak, about halfway along their journey, where they can just begin to see signs of civilization in the direction of the mountain kingdom. That night, while on watch, Raithen encounters a spiritual being, a winter spirit dancing in the moonlight atop the frigid peak.

The scene takes a turn for the worse as the spirit becomes something else. The moon and the stars vanish into the void, and the spirit becomes a thing of animate darkness, her eyes glowing with alien intellect, her magic radiating with awesome potential.

In no uncertain terms, the servant of the Dark Goddess lets Raithen know that the party has come to a threshold, and should they choose to continue on their quest, they are entering her domain, and become subject to her will.

Shaken, Raithen sweats out the night, unable to find rest.

By morning, a remarkable change has taken place. The winter has somehow lifted. The ground is as clear of snow as the sky is clear of clouds, and life seems to have blossomed as if it were springtime in some much warmer place. Elated, the party thunders forward, their journey made tenfold easier, and soon reach their destination.

They have come to the house of Guru No'wa, a place Raithen once lived, a place where he sought divine truths...a place where he met a good friend.

Long story short, they find evil Logan in there, and he takes down the old master. They flee.