Episode 2 / Session 36 – Assault on the moathouse

Coldeven 3, 576 CY: The Assault on the Moathouse

Description: Freezing
Temperature: 14.5°F to 34.1°F
Wind: Light breeze (SW)(4-7 MPH | 3-6 KN)
Precipitation: None
Clouds: A few clouds

The morning sun peeked over the snow-draped rooftops of Hommlet as the adventurers prepared for their assault. The village lay blanketed in white after a heavy overnight snowfall, and the air was sharp and biting. Inside the chapel of St. Cuthbert, the priests served a hearty breakfast, filling the group with much-needed warmth and resolve.

Their goal was set: reach the Moathouse by midday and capture the sinister Lareth the Beautiful. But before departing, each adventurer took care of their final errands. Meanwhile, Slash the Bard paid a visit to Jaroo, the village druid, in search of some herb to soothe the burdens of their journey. Jaroo, in his generosity, not only provided the bard with a supply but also gifted him a pair of enchanted blueberries, their healing magic potent enough to turn the tide of battle.

Dog, the ranger, headed to the trader's outpost to restock supplies. Irving the Reluctant, curious as ever, wandered into the Church of St. Cuthbert’s library. Among the ancient tomes, he discovered The Book of Common Sense, a sacred text he hoped would offer guidance in the days to come.

Oleg, the half-elf, ventured to the Inn of the Welcome Wench to gather information. There, Ostler Gundigoot regaled two newcomers, Kobart and Turuko, with tales of the Moathouse. Whispers of haunting voices and flickering lights had piqued the adventurers' curiosity. Oleg bought them a round of drinks, and soon the pair offered their services to join in any future quests. Oleg, cautious, promised to confer with "the boss."

Upon returning to the group, Oleg relayed their offer. TerryOr suggested a meeting at the Church of St. Cuthbert to discuss terms, but when Kobart and Turuko arrived, their hesitation was palpable. They refused to step inside, wary of the holy grounds. Their reluctance raised suspicions among the adventurers, particularly TerryOr, who wondered what they were hiding.

Unfazed, the group set out without them. By early afternoon, they were on the road to the Moathouse, leading two laden mules and riding three horses—Oleg and Slash mounted together, with Irving on his warhorse. Dog took the lead, scouting the snowy trail ahead. As they approached the Moathouse in the fading light, a faint smell of woodsmoke reached Dog’s keen senses—a sign of a campfire or nearby inhabitants.

The Moathouse came into view, a dark and crumbling silhouette against the twilight. Oleg and Dog scouted ahead, spotting two guards patrolling the parapets. It was clear: the Moathouse was not abandoned.

TerryOr hatched a clever plan. Leading one of the mules to the side, he feigned a struggle, loudly pretending the animal was stuck. The guards, distracted by the scene, shouted down to the courtyard below. Soon, six armed guards emerged from the gate, unaware of the ambush awaiting them.

Hidden in the underbrush, Oleg and Dog waited until the guards passed

before springing into action. Oleg stepped forward, casting a sleep spell. One by one, the soldiers collapsed to the ground, leaving only the soft chirping of crickets to break the silence. Arrows rained down from the parapets as a massive warrior in plate armor charged across the bridge. TerryOr, calling upon St. Cuthbert’s power, commanded the warrior to "disrobe." Stunned and compelled, the man began fumbling with his armor, temporarily out of the fight.

Slash, Irving, and Zert seized the opportunity and rushed the gates. The remaining guards were swiftly overwhelmed. Victory was theirs, and the alarm had not been raised.

After the battle, the group searched the fallen soldiers. Each bore the unmistakable sigil of the Flaming Eye—the mark of elemental evil. The battle for the Moathouse had begun, but the real challenge was yet to come. Somewhere within those crumbling walls, Lareth the Beautiful awaited.