Khessa quickly assesses the new information: "Umberto and Sarcelle were being held captive in areas relatively far from the Cultists... so perhaps the route we have chosen is not the best, to find the other prisoners".

"But now, if five cultists are about to come for our new friends," the blonde arcane warrior reasons "we can't just pretend nothing is happening. They would find out that we freed them, raise the alarm, and we would lose the advantage of the element of surprise".

"So," the tall adventuress concludes "I suggest we actually attack them, eliminate them, then go back and explore some of the other routes".

Tristan:

”Perhaps if we were to keep one or two alive we might learn more about the complex and the location of the prisoners,” says Tristan, “And there are convenient cells nearby in which to imprison them.”

"Good call.  Intelligence will be valuable.  Was there a clear leader? Do we want to try for more than layout and prisoner location?  The rank and file should be able to provide those answers.  More could require someone with authority."

"If they are Cultists, I'm afraid they may prove too fanatical (or too fearful of Vecna) to betray their master by revealing information to us..." Khessa expresses her own doubt - but then shrugs "...but capturing some alive is still an attempt we can make. It should not be too difficult".

Naero 

"There was one, Teeth of Vecna he referred to himself as. Seemed a pompous fool if you ask me. I'd say he's more bark than bite, I'm sure we can turn him. I'm confident I can isolate him during the fight" Naero offers his fighting prowess to any plan they may make.

"Well..." Khessa proposes "Let's just storm in, kill the others and spare the leader, then. Ready? Shall we get this party started?"

[[ OOC: Whoever wants, does preparation, then all in and Initiative? Is it ok? ]]

"Anyway to distinguish this 'Teeth' guy?  The rank and file don't always fight on after you take out their leader.  Professionals and true believers will, of course, but those groups are more rare than most think."

Tristan:

"We should also consider how to cut off their retreat and/or effectively chase them down if they run.  Keeping them from warning anyone else in the cult of our approach would be best," suggests Tristan.

"How many other exits were there to the room?  I can risk heading over to block one of them, say the one on the left, but we'll need others to block the rest."

“I can teleport, if needed – at short range only, but certainly enough" Khessa says "to block an escape route”.

(There were three exits, one each in the north, south, and west walls. The doors were closed to them.)

(So are you guys stealthing in to try for a surprise round? Going in full force?)

OOC: Works for me... You all, fellow adventurers? Ready? That's what we try?

Tristan:

“I will move in and block one of the exits, then fight from there.  Stealth, however, is not my strong suit,” responds Tristan, drawing his blade and preparing for battle.

((Naero would prefer to try and stealth in and drop a flurry on the Teeth guy. If consensus is to storm the place however, he has enough movement to accommodate that too))

Hearing what Naero would prefer to do, Khessa suggests: "Well, we could let you, Naero, lead your stealth attack... while we wait just out of sight. And as soon as we hear the sound of you charging in, we'll move in and storm the place as well".

"Well, then it sounds like the two of us should get as deep in as we can before everyone else comes charging in behind us.  I would say the sounds of open conflict should be enough to trigger you moving in."  Larry draws his blades.  "Never did say how I should be able to distinguish this 'Teeth' guy.  I guess he'll be the one you're seeking out?  Regardless, anything we want to do to prep?"

"I don't need any more preparation" Khessa says. "I'll hex my targets as soon as I get going, to try to take them out quicker, but that's not something I can prepare in advance, for I need to see my victims".

(Sorry Larry, forgot to address that; not anything particularly distinguishing about them, they're all wearing basically the same robes. Teeth is a little older and uglier than the others, though, and his robe is a bit nicer.)

Everyone can roll initiative to determine what order they'll be going in, and anyone that's going with the stealth party can give me their stealth rolls.

Initiative: 25

Stealth: 17