Session XIX: The New Year Ball

Date: 8/21/24
Session Number: 19

Party Members:

Hrothgar: A Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer with powerful sorcerous abilities.

Grom: A young male human cleric.

Jaher: A Battlemaster Fighter skilled in both combat and carousing.

Eldeste: An Arcane Trickster Rogue with alchemical knowledge and a budding romance.

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Summary of Events:

1. Arrival at Atalas' Camp:

Thalia, accompanied by two rookie Silver Stones, arrived at Atalas' camp with Jaher and Eldeste to collect Hrothgar and Grom. Jaher had spent the last 21 days carousing with the middle class, while Eldeste had been training in alchemy and deepening her romance with Fozmir Blackblade.

2. Ambush by Wolves:

As they prepared to leave, the group was ambushed by a pack of wolves led by a cruel werewolf. The fight was brutal, resulting in one rookie being mauled and the other, along with Atalas and Thalia, being knocked unconscious. Despite the odds, the Defenders rallied and defeated the beasts.

3. Invitation to the New Year’s Ball:

After the battle, Thalia informed the Defenders that they were invited to the New Year's Ball as guests of honor. They agreed to attend, seeing it as an opportunity to improve their standings with the upper class. Fozmir warned them to act with honor and not embarrass themselves or the guild, threatening severe consequences if they did so.

4. Preparations for the Ball:

Eldeste: Picked flowers and presented them to Fozmir, who graciously accepted.

- Jaher: Called in a favor from Gerryl Oakbrand to find three dates for the ball.
- Grom: Sought companionship in the River District from Laswynn, the Cavefury daughter and future inheritor, who was excited to attend with a Silver Stone.
- Hrothgar: Participated in an ancient Silver Stones courting ritual, arm-wrestling Thalia. Despite losing, his courage and smooth talk won her over, leading to a night of debauchery.

5. Arrival at the New Year’s Ball:

The Defenders arrived at the ball dressed in the finest clothing imaginable. Leaving their weapons at the door, they entered and began to mingle with the guests.
- Thorin Snowthane: A drunk Thorin repeatedly bought rounds of drinks, divulging political secrets of Kinbuldahr. The Defenders learned that Gordrack had been arrested and was due for trial in 10 days, and that the Snowthanes and Blackbanes were being villainized by many underclans due to their ties to the Kingship.
- Hardrim Blackbane: Interrupted Thorin and offered to reintroduce Grom and Hrothgar to Goldbeard to repair their broken relationship. Fozmir and Eldeste mingled while Thorin and Jaher remained at the bar.

6. Uncovering Political Alliances:

Through well-formed interactions, the Defenders learned:
- The Oakbrands and Ironclans, calling themselves the Gold District Underclans, are pro-Thetnoque occupation.
- The Cavefury, Goldboot, and Wraithhorn underclans have formed an alliance to defend Kinbuldahrian independence under the Blackblade overclan.
- Ragdek Goldboot, master of the Artisan's Guild, insulted Hrothgar after imploring the Defenders to assist in delivering goods, which were later revealed to be slaves.

7. Deals and Confrontations:

Jaher: Struck a deal with Ingle Wraithhorn to patrol her property and remove the Orcish scourge for a substantial reward.

- Hrothgar: Cast Detect Thoughts on Goldbeard, which led to them being dismissed and barred from his presence. Later, Hrothgar cast Detect Thoughts on Hardrim Blackbane, but it was too late as Hardrim was assassinated by a thin, silvery blade.

8. Assassination and Aftermath:

Eldeste created an opening in the crowd, allowing Grom to trace a faint magical trail. The Defenders cornered the assassin, who killed another dwarf before attacking them. Despite their lack of weapons, they found some left behind by fleeing guards and defeated the assassin before he could reach King Orik.

9. Interrogation of the Assassin:

Hrothgar cast Speak With Dead on the assassin, revealing that he was working for someone named Caligari, who sent him to assassinate Hardrim and King Orik. The assassin knew little else of importance.

10. The Ballroom Aftermath:

As the crowds cleared out, the Defenders stood stunned in the ballroom while the guards continued to contain the other elites.
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Character Development:

Hrothgar demonstrated his cunning and magical prowess, though his actions strained relations with key political figures.

Grom gained insights into the complex politics of Kinbuldahr and proved his value in tracking and combat.

Jaher and Eldeste furthered their personal goals while navigating the dangerous political landscape and solidified their positions as key players within the elite classes of Kinbuldahr.

Next Steps:

The Defenders are now embroiled in the politics of Kinbuldahr, with the assassination of Hardrim Blackbane adding tension to an already volatile situation. Their next steps will likely involve investigating Caligari, navigating the upcoming trial of Gordrack, and deciding their role in the power struggles between the underclans and the ruling elite.