The adventurers, disguised in their red cloaks, headed into the room to the south where four Redbrand Ruffians sat playing a loud round of knuckle bones. The Ruffians were drunk, but not drunk enough. They weren’t fooled by the adventurers pretending to be Redbrands. Combat ensued almost immediately. Dare, using his new magic sword Talon, led the way — slicing and hacking through the mob, cleaving off heads and limbs alike. The battle was going so well that Ajax decided to have a drink mid-battle. Lilvari complied by rolling a keg Ajax’s way… at least…that was the intention. The keg proved a bit too heavy for Lilvari to maneuver. It toppled over, bursting. Now ale, as well as blood, puddled the floor. 

The adventurers, after dispatching their foes, stuck around to have a drink themselves — all but Lilvari who wanted to keep her senses sharp. Dare and Ajax felt a bit buzzed from the strong ale, Mystic, though, drank it down like a champ. From there the adventurers headed through southern exit, upon through which they heard several gruff voices issues commands in goblin followed by laughter. The sounds were coming from another room to the south. Dare’s attempt at Ding-Dong-Ditch didn’t lure the creatures out. So Ajax decided on a more direct approach. He headed inside and found himself among the company of three bugbears and their pet goblin. Lucky for Ajax, they believed his disguise. Other than having a few insults hurled his way, Ajax was left unharmed. The adventurers almost left the bugbears and goblin be, but then overheard them mention Cragmaw Castle.

The adventurers devised a clever plan, hoping to get information from one of the bugbears. Of course things never go so simply, and usually more death is involved. While the rest of the party lay in waiting in the room of bodies, ale, and blood, Ajax headed back to taunt the bugbears. That part of the plan worked. Mosk, the bugbear with the eye patch, ran after him… right into their trap. The adventurers made quick work of him but not before he managed to call for help. The others joined in the fray. Mystic transformed into a constrictor snake and coiled around one bugbear while Dare put the other in a choke hold. It wasn’t long until the remaining bugbears were dead. The body count in this single, small room was nearing double digits. 

The adventures questioned the only living soul left – the goblin. A meek, tormented little thing, the goblin begged for his life. While he didn’t know the way to Cragmaw, he did know how to get to Glass Staff. He led them through the killing room, further north. They adventurers made their way through Glass Staff’s laboratory. Of the many things of interest, none was as interesting as the small rat that stood up on its hind legs. It put its little pink paws to its head and closed its eyes. It was only too late that goblin remembered that this was Glass Staff’s pet. Surely Glass Staff was now aware of their presence. Hoping to end things quickly, Ajax hurried through to the adjoining room. With luck he’d find Glass Staff. He did. 

Glass Staff, hidden behind the door, paralyzed Ajax with a ‘Hold Person’ spell, dropping him to the floor…