The group gathered back together the evening of day 19 of Ready'reat at the Inn of the Welcome Wench. The group decided to order dinner and discuss their plans. The dinner choices included grilled trout, mushroom stew, or a seven-course meal, with varying prices. The party's spokesperson and caller for the session was a topic of discussion, with Contristo being a default character leader. It was noted that Azra would likely participate in any discussions.
The group then turned its attention to three fighters who had recently arrived: Melissa, Jensen, and Nathaniel. These fighters, hired by Rufus, were introduced as frontline fighters, each with different weapon preferences: broadsword, warhammer, and battle-axe, respectively. They mentioned experience fighting various creatures, including brigands and other humanoids, and highlighted their preference for organized combat. The fighters also expressed loyalty to Hommlet and Rufus, expecting a share of any treasure found. They agreed to meet the party at 9:00 AM the following morning to go to the moat house.
After dinner, the party members discussed their plans and settled their lodging expenses, with Zorla and Contristo paying for additional nights. The next morning, the party prepared to leave, with breakfast options including a plain meal or an elaborate one, and the ability to purchase sack lunches. Oppelle bought six vials of oil and prepared them with wicks. The party then moved to the main map, with Contristo leading the group through the town.
The party met the three fighters and prepared for the journey to the moat house. A marching order was established, with Melissa and Zora in the front rank, followed by Jensen and Nathaniel, and JT in the third rank. The party proceeded to the moat house, encountering snow and some covered tracks in the grove. Upon reaching the moat house, the party decided to plan their next steps and revisit the location where they encountered ogres and gnolls. They were wary of a potential ambush in the corridor. It was observed that no new footprints were visible, and even their own previous tracks seemed to be swept clean.
The party gathered in a cold, damp room, discussing possible plans of attack. They decided against checking the side rooms, aware that the rats would likely be there. The group discussed various strategies, including luring the enemy into a trap and setting up an ambush of their own. There was a debate over the potential locations of an enemy ambush and the use of a trap. The possibility of an ambush from both east and west was raised. The group also discussed using magic for reconnaissance, but found their current magical resources limited.
Morwenna experimented with a glass eye of the seer, but it did not seem to have any immediate effect. The party debated sending Farro ahead to scout. There was a discussion about the potential ambush location, with an emphasis on the stairs and the room at the bottom. The discussion included reviewing a map of the area. A plan was formed to check out the west first.
The party discussed the likelihood of a necromancer being present. They debated the usefulness of stealth and recon, as well as a rush attack using a shield wall and missile weapons. The group noted they had no stealthy characters besides Farro. They considered different spells that could be useful, but determined that none would work at the moment. The party also reflected on their previous experiences in the location.
The party ultimately decided to send a scout to investigate another way down via the zombie room. The group recalled burying the zombies and whether the enemy would be aware of that. The party considered sending scouts down both staircases but decided on the zombie room route. Farro volunteered to scout and snuffed out the light source before heading down the stairs. It was suggested that the elves would have an advantage with dark vision. Opelle attempted to use a portent spell on Farro, but the spell was not well understood. Farro proceeded to scout the area. He found the room quiet, and the doors where the zombies had appeared were open, and reported that the temperature was moderate. After scouting the zombie room, Farro reported his findings to the group. The party agreed to move through the zombie room, and Morwenna was concerned about being sandwiched.
The group discussed who should be responsible for using oil and for light sources. They decided that Zorla and Farro would carry light sources. The party discussed plans with the map. They moved to the basement, with Zorla, JT, and Contristo first to enter the room. The group then carefully explored the room, noting that it was undisturbed. The group moved down the stairs into the room and towards the door to the next room. Jensen reported that the door was open. The group noted that the location connected to the room where they were previously ambushed.
Farro put out his light source. The group moved near the door, and Farro peered inside, hearing low noises. Farro relayed the information that the room had at least six figures in a tactical position. The party discussed whether to move silently, despite their light sources, and decided that they would move quickly but as quietly as they could. The elves decided to move ahead into the room without light sources. The elves moved into the room, noting multiple figures, and then relayed the information.
They discussed the range of oil and set up positions. Nathaniel suggested missile fire support followed by a melee charge, with oil being the first wave of attack. The group then assigned positions, and those with missile weapons moved to their spots. Azra prepared grease to use. The group gathered and Azra cast bless. Those in the tactical positions for missiles were moved to their positions. Opelle and Contristo prepared to throw oil, targeting a crossbow-wielding figure and someone who appeared to be the leader respectively. Contristo was successful in killing the crossbowman, while Opelle missed, causing splash damage to both an adjacent gnoll and herself. Farro fired arrows at a gnoll, hitting it with one. Contristo threw another oil at the leader and hit, and Farro fired again. Farro attacked the leader again. Morwenna cast a sleep spell, with a very high roll of 16 hit dice, putting all the remaining enemies to sleep. The party then moved in and killed all the sleeping enemies except the leader.
The party collected treasure, including gold pieces, silver pieces, copper pieces, a gold chain, and platinum pieces. They determined each party member's share of the treasure. Azra used detect magic, but none of the items were magical. Opelle removed the pineal glands of the fallen. They redistributed the gold and gave each member three more gold, with the remaining gold going to the party fund. Nathaniel reminded the group to be cautious moving forward.
The gained significant experience from the battle. The group discussed the importance of planning combat scenarios to maximize success. The group had a significant victory, and they decided to collect all the equipment from the fallen. The group discussed the different types of fallen enemies, noticing that the gnolls had far less treasure than the bugbears.
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