Session XXII: The Execution

General Summary

Date: 9/17/24 Session Number: 22

Characters

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.

Summary of Events:

The News from Lorsan:

The session began with Lorsan informing the Defenders of an imminent threat: the Thetnoques had dispatched Jaher's father to suppress a potential uprising in Sunkeep. In the process, Jaher’s younger brother, who served as a clerk in the Thetnoque army, was executed. Moreover, the Thetnoques were preparing for a larger invasion of the Reach by spring, and staging areas were being cleared for military action.

Militia Attack and Tragic Losses:

Shortly after, the camp was ambushed by a small militia, led by the Oakbrands and accompanied by a Thetnoquian mage. The Defenders were quickly overwhelmed and captured, including Grom. The captors tied Grom up and forced him to watch as they ritualistically executed Laswynn Cavefury and Atalas. Atalas died with grace, accepting his fate, while Laswynn's death was devastating to Grom. As the executioner prepared to kill Hrothgar, a powerful figure intervened.

Glenda Moonmind’s Arrival:

Glenda Moonmind, Hadern's mysterious patron, arrived just in time. She swiftly eliminated the attackers and saved the remaining Defenders. With her came a new companion, a wandering half-elf bard, who would join the group. After speaking briefly with the camp and providing cryptic advice, Glenda departed. The Defenders were left mourning the brutal loss of Laswynn and Atalas, while Grom’s anguish deepened as he realized his eyes had been magically removed during the capture.

A Desperate Mission to Free Allies:

Determined to recover from their losses, the Defenders set out to free two critical allies: Torin Snowthane and Gordrak Blackhammer, both of whom were slated for execution that day. With time running out and support within the city vanishing, they devised a plan to use guerilla tactics for the rescue.

The City Infiltration:

The Defenders infiltrated the city with careful planning and took up hidden positions around the execution site. As the Thetnoquian dignitaries and guards gathered to witness the execution, the Defenders launched a surprise attack. Their strategy was nearly flawless: they annihilated the congregation and successfully freed Gordrak. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to save Torin Snowthane, who was beheaded before their eyes.

Return to Camp:

After the mission, the Defenders returned to the camp, exhausted and reeling from their mixed success. The loss of Torin weighed heavily on them, but Gordrak’s rescue gave them hope. Now, with Gordrak in their custody, they began planning their next steps, hoping that the duergar might provide them with valuable answers to guide their course of action.

Character Development:

Hrothgar: Came dangerously close to execution but was saved by Glenda's intervention. His drive to understand his lineage remains a key motivator. Grom: Endured immense personal tragedy, watching Laswynn's death and losing his sight. His connection to the divine is stronger than ever as he copes with these immense losses. Jaher: Dealt with the heavy burden of learning about his father’s actions and his brother’s execution, further fueling his resentment towards the Thetnoques. Hadern: Revealed more about his connection to Glenda Moonmind, his mysterious patron who played a critical role in their survival. Paige's Bard: A wandering half-elf bard who has joined the party under Glenda’s guidance, though her full role remains to be seen.

Next Steps:

Interrogating Gordrak Blackhammer: With Gordrak freed, the Defenders plan to interrogate him to uncover information regarding the political situation and possible leads on their next course of action. Regrouping after the Losses: The deaths of Atalas and Laswynn, as well as the loss of Grom’s sight, leave the Defenders in a fragile state. They must now regroup and figure out how to move forward with diminished resources and morale. The Thetnoque Threat: With Jaher's family directly involved in the Thetnoquian invasion plans, the Defenders may need to face this rising military threat soon. The spring invasion looms, and the Defenders have little time to prepare.

Report Date

19 Sep 2024