Session XXI: The White Death

General Summary

Date: 9/12/24 Session Number: 21

Party Members:

Hrothgar: A Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer, struggling to uncover his ancestral legacy.

Grom: A young male human cleric, steadfast and loyal to his companions.

Eldeste: An Arcane Trickster rogue, specializing in poisons and stealth.

Jaher: A Battlemaster Fighter, highly skilled but wrestling with personal demons.

Hadern: A Vengeance Paladin, presumed dead, now mysteriously returned to aid the group.

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Summary of Events:

Downtime and Revelations

During a brief period of downtime, the party scattered to handle personal affairs:

Jaher took a risky venture, sneaking into town despite the bounties on their heads. He indulged in gambling and won big but compromised his sobriety, succumbing to old vices.

Hrothgar sought counsel from Father Lorkan, hoping to learn more about his father and the mysterious nature of his draconic bloodline. He uncovered troubling news: Rolph Goldbeard is investigating his family’s sorcerous powers to try and quell the magical storm ravaging the land. In addition, King Orrik Blackblade III has ordered an inquisition to protect those with Gnomish blood, fearing they may be targeted by slavers.

Grom spent his time performing sacred rites, while Eldeste honed her poisoner’s skills, preparing for future confrontations.

During this time, political turmoil gripped the city. With the Defenders inactive, chaos erupted:

The Wraithhorn Estates were overrun by an Orcish horde.

Uprising in the Blackblade Mines forced the local magistrate to flee.

A 4,000 gp bounty was placed on each of the Defenders' heads.

Though Atalas and Torin Snowthane managed to stall inquiries, their time was running short.

Meeting with Lord Snowthane

On the seventh day, Lord Snowthane arrived with grim news:

Gordrak Blackhammer would soon face trial, and any chance to extract information from him would vanish.

The Gold District clans were poised to seize control after the fall of the Wraithhorns, with only Snowthane and the Goldboots standing in their way.

The Defenders convinced Snowthane to delay the trial while they ventured south to deal with a wyvern, which Atalas suspected was tied to the magical storm.
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The Journey to Slay the Wyvern

The Defenders set out across the icy wilderness, determined to stop the creature. After three grueling days, they reached a village where a Reach Native elder told them of White Eyes, a legendary wyvern his grandfather had spoken of. He gifted them a sword and offered them rest before they continued toward the creature’s lair.
The journey to the mountain was treacherous, and upon arriving at the lair, they discovered the “wyvern” was actually a massive White Dragon.

The Battle with the White Dragon

The Defenders engaged in a fierce battle against the dragon, aided by Atalas. Despite their bravery, the fight took a devastating toll: Grom, Eldeste, and Atalas were all killed. Hrothgar found a Revify spell scroll on Atalas, but neither he nor Jaher could use it.
In their darkest moment, a voice boomed behind them. Hadern Cleremont, thought to be dead, had returned. He took the scroll and resurrected Grom, who then revived Atalas. Tragically, Eldeste could not be saved, her soul beyond reach. Her death left a heavy mark on the Defenders.
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Return to the Camp

Weary from battle and burdened by their losses, the group returned to the village, where Atalas used a dragon scale to open a portal back to camp. Upon arrival, they were met by Lorsan, Atalas’ apprentice, who brought disturbing news: he carried a severed finger bearing the crest of the Taxxis family.
This revelation deepened the sense of dread within the camp, as the Defenders were reminded of the many forces now at play.
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Character Development:

Hrothgar learned more about his family’s dark connections from Thorin, a solid ally. He faced immense loss, also nearly perishing in the fight without being any closer to revealing his father's secrets.

Grom continued to display his steadfast loyalty, risking everything to revive his allies, though the weight of his responsibilities now grows heavier.

Jaher struggles with his sobriety, his gambling win coming at a personal cost.

Hadern's reappearance introduces new questions and challenges.

Eldeste made the ultimate sacrifice and perished in the wake of battle, their soul travelling far beyond the reach of mortals.

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Next Steps:

Investigate the Taxxis family's involvement in the ongoing crises through Lorsan's report.

Decide how to deal with the political situation in the city, where Torin Snowthane and the Goldboots are their last allies still in power.

Mourn Eldeste’s loss while preparing for the trial of Gordrak Blackhammer and the continuing threat of their many enemies.

Report Date

19 Sep 2024