Escape from a Cursed City?
Well met, adventurers and loyal readers! Following the absolute chaos of the cursed coronation we recounted last time, our intrepid (and perhaps slightly traumatized) party found themselves barricaded within the relative safety of Ricio's Lucky Leap. Session 5 promised to be a tense affair, focused on survival and the looming question: how do we get out of this nightmare?
The session likely kicked off with a much-needed discussion amongst the group. Huddled within the magically reinforced tavern, the weight of the previous hours would have been heavy. The transformation of the Queen into a hag, the horrifying sight of the guards turning into werewolves, and the city itself descending into a state of magical pandemonium (purple skies, deadly rain, the works!) painted a grim picture.
Here are some of the key points that likely emerged from their planning:
- Assessing the Immediate Threat: The Lucky Leap, thanks to Ricio's quick thinking and lockdown measures, offered a temporary sanctuary. However, the party would have known this couldn't last forever. What dangers lurked outside those reinforced doors and windows? Were other transformed creatures or hostile entities aware of their location?
- The Need to Evacuate: Nora explicitly stated the need to leave the city, a sentiment likely shared by the rest of the group after witnessing the sheer scale of the disaster. The question then becomes how? The city was clearly in a state of extreme danger, making any attempt to leave a significant risk.
- Considering the Crown: The idea of stealing the crown as a potential source of the curse had been previously mentioned. While they were now in immediate survival mode, the more strategically minded among them might have revisited this desperate option. However, getting back into the castle, now undoubtedly overrun with monstrous creatures, would be a suicide mission.
- Dealing with Injuries and Resources: Anton had sustained injuries during the coronation attack and received a potion. A short or long rest within the Lucky Leap might have been a priority to recover their strength and spell slots, assuming they felt secure enough to do so.
- Ricio's Role: The tavern owner, Ricio, would have likely been a valuable source of information about the city's layout and any potential escape routes or dangers. His troubled expression upon seeing them suggests he was well aware of the gravity of the situation. His decision to turn his bar into a safe room indicates a helpful nature, but his resources would also be limited.
Given the dire circumstances, Session 5 likely revolved around the party making a difficult decision: do they risk an escape attempt immediately, or do they try to gather more information and potentially formulate a more strategic plan?
It's possible they considered the following:
- Scouting the City: Perhaps one or more members, relying on stealth or disguise, attempted to scout the immediate surroundings of the Lucky Leap to assess the external threats and potential escape routes.
- Seeking Information: They might have pressed Ricio for any knowledge he had about safe passages or the source of the city's sudden affliction.
- Contacting Allies: The party had connections with Lord Mondor, though his current status and the safety of his villa would be unknown. Attempting to reach out might have been considered, but the risks would be immense.
Ultimately, without a specific transcript for Session 5, we can only speculate. However, based on the dramatic events of Session 4 and the clear and present danger, Session 5 undoubtedly focused on the immediate aftermath and the crucial decisions surrounding the party's survival and potential escape from the cursed city of Unibar. Would they make a daring break for freedom, or would they attempt a more desperate and perhaps foolish plan to confront the source of the curse? Only future sessions (and transcripts!) will tell! Stay tuned for more updates on the Crown of the Oathbreaker!