Beginning:
The session began with a recap of the previous events: the party had found hidden archers, a back way into the forge, fought Oofy and his dogs, and dealt with several groups of orcs. While the party rested, Hadar explored to the east and encountered a dozen orcs, causing him to flee. Good Morning and Hercules were also present during this encounter in a storage room. Samuel noticed barricaded trunks leading to a locked cage door with two prisoners inside.
Freeing the Prisoners:
Samuel investigated the cage and found two prisoners who claimed to be from a settlement near Blasingdell, held captive for almost a month for ransom. Nobody in the party had the key. Samuel used a key (presumably found previously) to open the cage. The prisoners were grateful and mentioned their families might offer a reward. They didn't have much information about the forge layout. One prisoner had a handful of gold coins. The party received experience points for freeing the prisoners.
Rest and Preparation:
The party considered their supplies and combat potential. They decided to take a long rest due to exhaustion and depleted resources. Hadar gave each prisoner a ration. The party escorted the prisoners towards the hidden door. Baron Alphon's reward for the safe return of the prisoners (two potions of healing) was given to the party. Good Morning took one of the healing potions.
Further Exploration:
After the long rest, the party continued exploring the area to the east. Good Morning scouted ahead and found a crude kitchen with a smoky chimney. They stealthily entered the kitchen, finding nothing of value. The party searched for hidden passageways but found none. They proceeded to a dead end where Hadar found a secret door.
The Orc Shrine:
The secret door led to a room filled with crude furnishings and dozens of yellowed skulls hanging from the ceiling. An orc in a ragged black robe was present and became enraged upon seeing the party. Combat ensued. Vila raged and attacked, Hadar used shield of faith and sacred flame, Good Morning used vicious mockery and provided inspiration, Samuel used fire bolt, and Hercules provided the Help action. The party defeated this orc. They found a key on the orc (“Bird Dog”) after the fight.
Locked Door and Large Cavern:
Vila discovered a locked door to the north. The key found on Bird Dog opened this door. The door revealed a large cavern with a high ceiling, dwarf carvings on the walls, two exits (north and south), old skeletons near the northern door, and a wrought iron gate to the west. A natural rift with stone steps leading down and the sound of running water and buzzing could be heard in the center of the room. Good Morning viciously mocked the skeletons.
Sturge Attack:
As the party approached the skeletons, four Stirges flew up from the rift. Initiative was rolled. Combat began, with Hadar using faerie fire, Hercules helping Vila, Stirges attacking Hercules and Good Morning, Vila drinking a potion of healing and attacking, and Samuel using chill touch. Good Morning used word of radiance, killing two Stirges. Vila finished off another. One Stirge attacked Samuel, who used warding flare. The party defeated the Stirges, but Hercules was killed. The party checked the skeletons, finding burn marks, indicating they were likely killed by fire.
The Fire Trap:
The party noticed a door to the north carved with a glowering dwarf face and small spouts above it. Hadar identified it as a fire trap. They attempted to disable it using a ten-foot pole, but it didn't work. Hadar then tried to open the door, triggering the trap. Flames shot out, and Hadar was set on fire. Good Morning helped put out the flames. They observed counterweights that would close the door and reset the trap. There were also pipes connecting the spouts to copper drums, suggesting alchemist fire.
Descent into the Depths:
The party proceeded down a stairway leading from the main cavern. The stairway was steep and winding, with a rushing stream crossing it. They continued downwards into a large, high-ceilinged cavern.
Another Sturge Encounter:
Upon entering the large cavern, four more Stirges were spotted above. Initiative was rolled again. Combat ensued. Vila raged and attacked, a Stirge attacked Hadar and hit the ground, Hadar used word of radiance, Samuel missed with chill touch, Vila attacked and killed a Stirge. Another Stirge flew over Vila and defecated on her. Vila threw a handaxe at it and hissed. A Stirge attempted to blood drain Hadar, who used warning flare. Good Morning used vicious mockery. Samuel used fireball, killing a Stirge. Vila used war paint made from Stirge blood. The party defeated these Stirges.
Exploration of the Lower Caves:
The party found two paths: north and south. They headed northeast, finding a large cavern with a worked tunnel to the north, a blocked passageway northeast, and three paths south. They smelled a heavy animal odor and spotted two Troglodytes. Due to their stealth, the Troglodytes didn't notice them. The party decided to attempt a surprise round.
Troglodyte Encounter:
Combat began with Good Morning singing the Teletubbies theme song, which seemingly had no effect. Vila attacked one Troglodyte. Hadar used word of radiance. Samuel cast lightning bolt, hitting one Troglodyte. The Troglodytes attacked back, one clawing Good Morning. Vila attacked again and was poisoned. Hadar used sacred flame and moved closer. Good Morning attacked with his rapier. They found the Troglodytes had a crude plug in a passageway. Hadar poked the plug with his staff, finding an empty cavern or passage behind it. He started digging out the plug.
Bear Encounter (Avoided) and Further Exploration:
The party continued exploring, bypassing a long low cavern with a swift stream. They noticed the strong smell of Troglodytes. In this cavern, they saw an enormous white-scaled lizard chained in place, as well as iron chests. They also spotted more Troglodytes in various areas.
End of Session:
The session ended with the party deciding to call the game for the night, as some players were missing. They were outside the cavern with the chained lizard and the Troglodytes, planning to continue next week at full strength. They discussed the possibility of befriending the lizard or using it against other threats. They also found a pile of mundane looted goods worth about 20 gold pieces earlier in the session (not explicitly stated when).