Report: Into the Frozen Fray

General Summary

A band of heroes departed Gravesend for Han Harbor, in pursuit of two ice demons, Horror and Terror, and their cadre of infernal creatures. It was not long into their travel when the heroes were beset upon by a great icy storm. They found shelter in some old ruins, however the light of their warming fires attracted visitors, the Hell Howlers. While things had historically been less than cordial between the Hell Howlers and the adventurers of Gravesend, the demon hunters were here on common cause, having just engaged with a small band of demons and coming out victorious. They told of demonic totems that had been placed in the area to beckon in the freezing storms. It was not long after their arrival that the combined group was attacked by more ice demons. While either group may have been overwhelmed by such a force, together they were able to stand strong, keeping by fires to keep the cold at bay and cutting down icy imps, dretches, and demons in droves.
The Hell Howlers scouts were able to destroy the nearby totems causing the storm, and in the morning the combined forces continued on to Han Harbor. They found the town in disrepair, but still standing, having endured several assaults by the demonic horde. There they found Dame Chelsi Bongardin, Luthor Byrson, and Dame Fara Famenor, and Luthor Bryson among some soldiers from Malaster and some more of Halueth Telamon’s thugs, all sent to aide the small town. The heroes learned of several attacks and how the twin demons had been sending waves of attackers from a nearby canyon, now covered in ice. They formed a plan, Chelsi Bongarden would continue to evacuate townsfolk on her ships and keep the defense of the town, while Halueth’s men, the Hell Howlers, and the adventurers of Gravesend hunted down and killed the demons in the canyon.

Once the combined forces arrive in the canyon, they split into three separate groups in hope of finding the demons hiding place. The heroes fought through more waves of demons and storm totems until they heard the signal from the Hell Howlers- they had found their quarry. The heroes rushed into a large cavern to aide them, only to discovered that the Horror and Terror had opened a Hellmouth, a portal to Hell allowing demons to pour through. The leaders of the Howlers, Vivian and Dremmick Howl bid the heroes to continue out the back passage, to follow the two leaders to had taken a force to the town. Vivian, was capable of closing the Hellmouth and Dremmick was intent on defending her until she was able to do so. They bid the heroes to deliver a message of their love to their son if they did not make it out.

The heroes fought through waves of ice demons, aiding the Hell Howlers when able. One among the Howlers, the mad monk Thurman Cross, passged through the Hellmouth. The adventurers left the remaining Hell Howlers to deal with the straggling demons as they rushed back to town. There they found Dame Bongardin’s small force attempting to fend of the ice demons. The adventurers rushed to her aid, saving her from death at the hands of Terror. An epic battle ensued and the demon Terror was defeated, however his twin, Horror, managed to make it to one of the ships with a host of demons, seeing off into the sea and freezing the water behind him.

With the battle settled, the heroes work was not done. They had earlier heard of a small house nearby that a family attempted to stay in, that of Renee “Wren” Farrier. Concerned that harm may have come to them they pushed forward despite their great wounds. When they arrived, they found the carnage of battle, blood and ash. However when they approached the house they were surprised to find the henchmen of Halueth, Luthor and the rest. They negotiated with the adventurers, eventually coming to an agreement, revealing the the family was safe. The heroes returned to Han Harbor where they learned of the aftermath.

“Upon returning to Han Harbor you see that Luthor and his crew have assembled near the breach in the wall, alongside the Hell Howlers and Chelsi Bongarden, Erik of Red Oak, and the militia. The tone is somber, and as you approach you see a handful of dead being unloaded from a Hell Howler wagon, and laid on the ground next to those who fell defending the town. Among them are both Vivian and Dremmick Howl. You learn that the spell Vivian used to destroy the Hellmouth took more energy than she had, and she collapsed soon after. Dremmick had attempted to go to her aid, but slipped in the icy cavern and injured himself greatly on the fall, where he was faced down and killed by dretch. Cusith lays at their feet, the massive black dog whimpering pitifully. You learn that the Grim Brothers, Sampson and Harold have taken control of the demon hunters, and after a stay in Han Harbor to recuperate, intend to continue the legacy of Dremmick and Vivian in their profession of hunting the infernal. Additionally, you hear from Erik that Fenros Famenor has recovered from his wounds, and will be transported back to Malaster along with his younger cousin and the remainder of Halueths envoy. Finally you learn that Chelsi Bongarden intends to spend at least the next few months, if not the year, overseeing the reconstruction of Han Harbor, and likely taking the time to construct a few new ships. She has sent word to the remaining ships under her command to search the waters for where the demons had taken she ship, the Tidehammer.”

Scribed by Erik of Red Oak
Adventuring Party: Patrick Smith, Argren Silveraxe, Monique, Stiks, Vincent Maze
Date: 07Dec22 + 14DEC22

Report Date

14 Jun 2022