Session 179: A costly win

Elf-log day 20 of Lacysnows, but the humans calls it Sunsebb. We were in the dungeon of the moat house, still reeling from our recent battle with a group of zombies. It was a strange place, where things seemed to blink in and out of existence, like our companion, JT, who vanished into thin air.

We took some time to regroup and plan our next move. As the party's designated spellcaster, I had to consider how much magic we had left. While I had a sleep spell and burning hands, Azra had used all her spells for the day.

We began discussing our options and marching order. The party was concerned about JT, but he is likely fine, just in stasis somewhere. The party was trying to figure out who should be in the front, middle, and back. It was decided that Zorla and Fietje would take the front, Jensen and Mark the second rank, with me and Crassus in the third, and Azra and Opellle in the fourth rank with Farro and Contristo in the rear.

We debated whether to head back to town or explore deeper into the moat house. I was for pushing forward and clearing the rest of the moat house. We wanted to be sure we weren't leaving anyone behind who could cause trouble later. The others mostly agreed, so we moved to discuss how to proceed. We decided to explore the area south of our current location, then head west where we had encountered some gnolls and then finally check the area where Grug had died.

As we discussed our strategy, I noticed that both Zorla and Fietje had taken some damage. Zorla was able to get a potion from Opelle and heal. Zorla also got a potion from Opelle and felt the healing power coursing through her body. 

We got our marching order straightened out, and I told everyone to let me know their thoughts. We discussed that we had previously explored to the east and that we had come down some stairs to get where we were. I thought we should keep going deeper into the moat house, but we knew we had to assess the damage and make sure that everyone was ready for another fight.

We went over what we saw in the previous exploration. We remembered the room where we had all been trapped and where some of us were injured. I thought the middle door was probably the one that had been trapped, but someone else thought the southeast door was the trap. We were sure that there were more enemies down here as we had not yet found the necromancer we were seeking. I hoped that we would find Elmo's stuff.

After a short discussion, Farro went ahead to scout. Afterwards, we moved down and entered a room where we had previously fought. There was still blood everywhere. Zorla used a 10-foot pole to explore the room. We all had trouble seeing the doors due to the dimness, despite our torches. After a bit, we were able to figure them out. After that Zorla moved and we looked around a bit. We noticed some beds in one area, but it was otherwise empty and quiet.

I thought we needed to investigate an area of the floor that looked like it had been repaired. We called for Crassus to come and investigate the floor and the door because he was our party's thief. He was confident the door wasn't trapped, but when he investigated the floor, it was just dirt and not treasure.

After a thorough search, we moved to the next room to the west, where we found a lot of waste. We decided it was time to push on and see what was behind the other doors. Zorla opened one door which revealed a small chamber. Then Adam opened another door which turned out to be where Grug died, and we saw dried blood on the floor.

We went through another long passageway and reached a fork in the road with a passage to the west, stairs going down straight ahead, and a passage to the southeast. The group voted to take the stairs, but I was concerned about not clearing the rest of the area before moving on. We decided to go west first, and then we started smelling rot. We heard an unnatural noise, and then suddenly we saw ghouls.

We quickly retreated, with Contristo dropping caltrops behind us. The caltrops hit some of the ghouls, but didn't stop them. Zorla fired a crossbow but missed. The ghouls engaged our party, and one of the ghouls attacked Zorla but missed. Opelle threw oil and burned one ghoul. A ghoul attacked Fietje, and he was paralyzed. Another ghoul attacked Zorla and she was also paralyzed. Azra tried to drag Zorla back but it was too risky. Another ghoul attacked Mark, and he also went down.

I pulled out my holy symbol and tried to turn the undead, but failed. Farro moved to attack the ghoul, and Jensen also joined in. Jensen attacked but missed. We continued our desperate combat. Opelle threw more oil and took out another ghoul. I tried to use my bow to hit another ghoul, but missed. Crassus attacked but missed. Another ghoul attacked and Mark was reduced to zero. Crassus was able to attack it and kill it. The last ghoul attacked Opelle and she was also knocked out.

Contristo threw daggers but missed. The ghoul turned to attack Jensen. Azra bandaged Opelle, and I tried again to use my bow but failed. Contristo moved again to attack the last ghoul, but also missed. Jensen attacked, but also missed. I tried an arrow one more time. And then Farro moved and failed to hit. Finally, Crassus was able to flank and kill the last ghoul.

I was relieved that the ghouls were all dead. Mark was paralyzed for five minutes, Fietje for ten, and Zorla for five. Mark and Opelle had taken severe damage and Mark will need several weeks of bed rest to recover. Opelle, fortunately, was able to recover with little lasting effect. We discussed what to do with Mark, and Jensen volunteered to take him to Melissa, which would take about 30 minutes.

I began to think about healing. We were low on potions and I wondered about Opelle's healing potions. We rifled through her bag and found her other potion. Zorla gave a potion to Mark. I gave my potion to Zorla. We then remembered that we had received some potions from the druids earlier. We did an inventory and found some more potions. We all took stock of how many potions we had left and decided we had two St. Cuthbert potions and one druid potion left.

We were all very tired and frustrated at that point, but we were alive, and we could not let our focus stray from the task at hand. It was then that we heard a mysterious rattling to the south. We decided to keep the doors closed. Jensen returned with word from Melissa and Mark that they strongly felt the force was to the east and we should not waste resources exploring to the west. I was ready for the fight to end, and I knew we all needed to regroup and gather our strength. I felt that despite being exhausted we were still in this fight and we would find a way to make things right.

Session 178: A grim observer Day 20 Sunsebb

From the shadows, I watch as the group of adventurers, so full of self-importance, bumbles into the Moat House. Their leader wastes time with a pointless marching order and roll call. They are so predictable, so easily manipulated with their petty squabbles over character quirks.

I revel in their small victories and setbacks. They defeated a group of bugbears and gnolls. A small win, but their arrogance grows. I delight in their bickering about experience points and weapon specializations. They are so focused on the minutia, they are blind to the grand design I have in store.

They fuss over a wounded companion named Melissa, who is out of commission for three weeks. The group debates whether to abandon or save her. Eventually, their 'moral' compass guides them to heal her. It is a temporary setback, but they'll be back to their selfish ways in no time. They leave her in a side room, as if that will keep her safe.

Their greed is a useful tool. They return to the main room to loot the bodies of their defeated foes. They are like vultures, squabbling over armor and weapons, and they carry it off into a side room. Such short-sighted creatures. They squabble about the best path to take through the Moat House. The idea of a hidden side door appeals to them. They must think they are clever.

They bicker and delay while deciding if they should go the way of the undead or the hidden side door. While they do so, they search the rooms, concerned about flanking attacks. One of them, JT, the fool, must explore a room called the "spider room," though it is a pointless side quest for such a predictable group. They are easily distracted.

My attention drifts to the map of the Moat House. I see the path they have chosen, and I chuckle. They proceed to the ogre room. There, they listen at a door and then step inside. It is dark and empty. They stumble into a room with a dead bird. How pathetic. Then, they go into a stinky room that makes one of them sick. The others laugh. Such simple pleasures for these adventurers.

The fools finally descend deeper into the dungeon, completely unaware of the traps I have laid. They move into a hallway and then into a room with a camouflaged cage in the ceiling. The group moves under the cage, as if there is no risk, and then moves out to examine another side room. How easy they are to manipulate. They are so predictable, and then they keep going. The cage is set up to drop on them if they are not careful. They are so caught up in themselves that they fail to see what I want them to see.

They move into a big room with three doors and a passageway. They discuss which way they should go. They look for secret doors and traps. It is such a waste of time. One of them, Crassus, has a modicum of skill at disarming traps. Still, it doesn't matter. He is still a tool to be used.

The group goes on a patrol around the room and is satisfied that there is nothing of interest. They talk about what type of floor is in the room. How idiotic. They light new torches and move towards the doors. One of them, JT, is clearly out of control. They open a door to an empty room. They tap the floor with a pole, as if that will save them. Another door, and they hear a clanking sound. It is the sound of a trap being reset. They never learn.

They are so focused on the small things, they do not see the larger threat. They open a third door and discover a secret passage. As they move to reset the cage trap in the hallway, they become divided. Some move back down the hallway and some go to look down the passageway. They are becoming exactly as I want them to be, distracted and divided.

Finally, they face the zombies. Their initial attack is strong, but they are divided. And they are stupid. As they throw oil on the zombies and attack them, I am pleased. This will be their downfall. One of them, JT, falls in the first round. They bicker about tactics. They have no idea what they are up against, or what they will soon face.

Their "heroics" are simply pathetic. They manage to defeat a few zombies, but at what cost?. It is a small victory in a larger war, and they do not yet realize they have already lost. Their game is almost up, and I look forward to the next act, because they will be coming for me, whether they know it or not.

Session 177 Moat House Mayhem - Day 20 of Sunsebb

Grrrr! We were ready, waiting at the top of the stairs in the stinking moat house. The call came, intruders! We bared our teeth and readied our bows! We saw the pathetic creatures come into the open, crossing into our territory. They were slow and clumsy, easy targets. Hah! We let loose our arrows! A female in shiny metal screamed as two arrows found her flesh. They tried to run like cowards, but they were clumsy, blocking each other!

They scattered like rats onto the ice. Some slipped and fell, hah! But they still reached the wall of the moat house. We shot at them again, sending two arrows into a clumsy fighter who had slipped in the snow. He cried out, but he was still standing. They grabbed a rope and pulled him like a wet dog.

They dared to enter our room, and we saw them better. They were weak, but they were many. We moved to engage them. They used some trickery, some magic, and they could see in the dark. We sent more arrows, one hitting another of them. Grrr! They advanced down the hall. Then they threw oil. One of my bugbear kin was set ablaze, howling in pain. Hah! We met them in melee. They were like a pack of wild dogs, hitting us with their metal. More oil came, but this time it missed.

They attacked, hitting us hard. They used swords and axes and a strange morning star. They injured my group with each swing. Two of the intruders made it to the front, leading their pack. They took down my brothers one by one. Another of my kin was set on fire and was gone. A small one snuck next to me. He thrusted his sword, and I fell.

The battle ended quickly. They were too strong, there were too many of them. We failed to protect the moat house, but we fought like we always do. We will be ready next time, grrrr!

Session 176: A mysterious journal entry

Journal entry for day 20 of Ready'reat through day 20 Sunsebb

Another day, another debacle. We're holed up in this glorified inn, the "Welcome Wench," while we supposedly rest. Rest? More like stew in our own incompetence. We managed to sell some of the gear we plundered--mostly damaged junk--for a pittance. The local merchants are nothing but a bunch of scumbags, offering a miserly four and a quarter gold pieces for scale armor that Zorla has been patching and cleaning regularly. Eventually they coughed up eight gold, only after she called them out for their thievery.

Then there's the matter of food. This place has the audacity to charge 12 gold and six silver for a month of their "plain meals," which I imagine taste like boiled gruel. At least we managed to get that settled; I’m sure the food will be as bland as ever.

The others are obsessed with magic and spells, especially one named Opelle. Apparently she has a spell that requires powdered pineal glands of all things. She's been harvesting them from various humanoids. She and others are going on about "clairvoyance" and "clairaudience," as if those will solve all our problems. Turns out the “clairaudience” spell requires a silver horn worth 100 gold pieces that is destroyed when used, and I’m sure that’s a fine use of coin. The other spell, “clairvoyance,” seems less ridiculous as it only needs the gland dust that Opelle is so intent on collecting.

We also had to go and see some of the local leadership at the tower - Burne and Rufus. They sent us to clear out some “moathouse,” which turned into a bloodbath. We fought gnolls, bugbears, and bandits – the usual suspects. They even offered a bounty for the leader’s tunic (50 gold pieces) and soldier’s tunics (10 gold pieces). I guess that’s better than nothing, but hardly enough for the risks involved. I swear, if I’m not going to be paid what I’m worth, I’ll just pickpocket it back from these fools.

These local rubes are obsessed with scalps as evidence. As if a uniform isn't enough; Apparently we are supposed to bring both. Honestly, the things we have to do to get paid around here…

The group was also very concerned about healing. Burne said there aren't any druids or clerics available for adventuring. But at least the local druids gave us each two vials of some herbal concoction. And then, we had to go to the temple because apparently the clerics might have some healing potions because we complained enough. The temple wanted donations before they'd help us. So, more of our hard-earned coin went into the offering plate. We managed to buy some healing potions for an exorbitant 35 gold pieces each! Who even knew they cost that much? Each of us got one potion which, I’m sure will vanish in the next battle.

I was even talked into going to the temple by Morwenna, and I suspect it wasn’t for my conversation or charm. But, I have to admit, it was nice to get another potion.

The party seems very excited to be heading back to the Moathouse. Maybe we'll get some decent treasure this time, but knowing our luck, we'll probably end up fighting more monsters and wasting more money on bandages and overpriced oil. This little town is bleeding us dry. There’s also talk of leveling up which I’m told costs a thousand gold pieces. I don’t even have half that much and there’s no way I’m working with the seamstress for three silver a day.

I'm starting to think I should just take matters into my own hands. Perhaps I’ll start a “side hustle” in town.

Anonymous

Session 175: Conclusion of the ambush

 A Grueling Battle in the Moat House

The adventuring party without a name found themselves in a desperate struggle within the confines of the moathouse. What began as a straightforward encounter quickly devolved into a brutal test of their skills and resolve.

The party faced a diverse array of foes, including:

•Bugbears: These large, brutish humanoids were a significant physical threat.

•Gnolls: Towering, hyena-like creatures standing seven feet tall, some wielding battle axes and others long bows.

•Guardsmen: Human opponents, including a captain, armed with swords and crossbows.

The Tides of Combat - the battle was a chaotic dance of steel, magic, and desperate maneuvers. Early in the fight, a spell of bless aided the party, but its effects soon wore off, leaving them more vulnerable. Characters like Zorla found themselves the target of relentless attacks. The party had to adapt quickly, changing tactics and working together as a team. 

Key Moments and Tactics

•Contristo's Oil: One party member, Contristo, utilized oil vials to inflict burning damage, proving surprisingly effective against the gnolls. This was a clever combination with his dagger attacks.

•Weapon Variety: The battle highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of different weapons. 

•Flanking and Backstabs: Characters like Crassus and Melissa were keen to gain tactical advantages like flanking and backstabs.

•Missile Fire: Missile attacks were limited by the lack of clear targets.

Casualties and Turning Points

•JT's Fall: The party suffered a major loss when JT was felled by a morning star attack.

•Zorla and Nathaniel's Wounds: Zorla and Nathaniel were also severely injured.

•Morwenna's Critical Blows: Morwina made a series of crucial hits to damage enemies

Despite the losses, the party was able to turn the tide, eliminating several of the gnolls using fire. They eliminated key threats and gained the upper hand. The last gnoll was finally killed after several wearying rounds of combat. 

The Aftermath

The battle left its mark. Several party members were rendered unconscious due to their injuries. A serious wound check revealed that Nathaniel, Morwenna, and JT would be out of action for multiple weeks. Zorla managed to recover, but the healing resources of the party had been depleted.

Loot and Recovery

•Loot: The party gathered a substantial amount of loot, including a silver necklace with gems, gold pieces, weapons, and armor. They decided to sell it in town, distributing what gold, silver, platinum and copper coins they found amongst themselves.

•Contristo was stent back to town to hire a cart to transport the wounded and the equipment back to town.

•The encounter ended with the group deciding to spend some time in town while their wounded recovered from their serious wounds, with an understanding there might be as much as 5 weeks of downtime. They also planned to sell the loot they acquired and to restock their equipment. The party had been through an intense and hard fought battle tested them physically and mentally.

Session 174: Afternoon of Day 20 Ready'reat: Moat House Mayhem: A Close Call

Moat House Mayhem: A Close Call

It was day 20 of Ready'reat and the afternoon found us still buzzing from our previous encounter at the moat house. We were riding high on our victory against some of the moat house forces, but were very aware there could still be more waiting for us.

After a quick strategy session, it was clear that we needed to decide whether to push further into the moat house or head back to town with what we'd already accomplished. We decided against retreating because we knew that time was of the essence and the situation might change if we left. We also had reinforcements with us this time, and we were determined to put them to good use.

Our strategy was to use the enemy’s own tactics against them. Contristo, with his disguise skills, would don one of the enemy uniforms (thankfully, we found some that weren't too bloody) and lure the rest of them towards us by pretending that they were under attack. We set up a marching order for our group, much like we have in the past. 

The plan was for Contristo to run up and call for reinforcements and then lead them back to our fortified position. We were concerned about a potential trap or ambush, so we decided to have a fail-safe in case Contristo's disguise failed. We organized our team so that some would be in a second rank and others a third, fourth and fifth rank.

We made sure Contristo had a crossbow and long sword to help with the disguise. One of our concerns was that there might be someone hidden at another entrance to the building. We discussed how to best handle the enemies once they arrived, considering whether to create a bottleneck or to surround them.

After a lot of discussion, we settled on a plan: We would lure them into the room and then ambush them, hopefully with some missile fire and oil. We had a bow, crossbows, and daggers for missile attacks. We were also considering using oil to turn them around and trap them.

It was then that we heard a shout from the west, calling for the "black wolf". This caused some confusion as to which direction was being referred to (east or west), but we quickly decided that meant they were coming from the east. Contristo yelled for help, using the code name. Zorla began banging her sword on her shield to create the sound of a fight, while Morwenna screamed as if she had been stabbed. A low hooting sound grew louder as our enemies approached.

We scrambled to get into position and Morwenna cast a bless spell to increase our chances of hitting our enemies. Suddenly, one of the enemy appeared at the entrance, shouted something about a pale moon, and then retreated. Contristo threw daggers at him as he retreated, hitting him a couple of times, and then finally killing him with the third throw. Zorla was going to drag the body back into the room, but was persuaded otherwise.

We then made the decision to secure the door behind us with a dagger, and Contristo wanted to retrieve the ones that were thrown. We were wary of another door and we tried to secure that as well. We lit torches to be able to see. After attempting to set some bedding on fire, we decided against it and then Zorla provided torches.

Contristo went to retrieve his daggers and was shot with a crossbow for some light damage. We now knew their location, but we also knew that advancing on them was going to be difficult. Suddenly a mass of enemies charged through the hallway at us. We had to move to form some kind of defense. 

The fight was long and intense. We took down several of their guardsmen, and a couple of bugbears, but not without losses. Our hawk companion, Echo, fell in the fight, and Azra was knocked unconscious. We made use of the oil to burn the guardsmen, and Azra made use of the grease spell to cause more havoc for our opponents before she fell. We were able to take down a number of our opponents but the gnolls with battle axes changed the tide against us. We managed to hold our position, but we were in a very precarious situation, facing the reality that we could be defeated at any moment.

Unfortunately, we were running out of time, but hopefully Farro will reappear to help us turn the battle back against our foes. This battle was one of our most challenging yet, and we were lucky to have come out of it as well as we did. We’ll regroup and prepare for the next round. 

Session 173 "Fire in the hole!" Day 19 and 20 of Ready'reat

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.