Barracks Reconnaissance

Summary

In Session 11 of the campaign, the party ascends from the cell level to explore the barracks level of the compound. After unlocking the door at the top of a stone staircase with one of their recovered keys, they immediately hear many voices nearby, suggesting proximity to "the big room" mentioned by the cockroach. Vasso takes point on reconnaissance, systematically investigating the level's layout while Safia provides stealth support. The operation nearly goes awry when Vasso is forced to hide from an emerging guard, but the party successfully maps out multiple barracks rooms without detection. Kat makes a connection between the level's purpose and their earlier discovery of a bear costume stored downstairs.

Details

The reconnaissance begins when the party reaches a simple stone staircase ascending from the cells. Using one of their recovered keys, they unlock the door at the top and emerge onto the Barracks Level. Immediately upon entering, they hear voices—"not that far away. Maybe one or two turns"—indicating they are approaching the Big Room the cockroach had mentioned.

Vasso assumes the lead position for scouting. His method is systematic: "For the ones that are nearest to him, if it's closed, he's going to put his ear to the door." He moves methodically through the corridor, listening at closed doors and peering into open ones. Safia aids his stealth efforts, working to keep the group undetected.

The rooms Vasso discovers are sleeping quarters, filled with beds and storage chests for the guards stationed in the compound. During his investigation, Vasso encounters a close call when a doorknob begins turning on a door he is examining. He successfully dodges into the previous room, avoiding detection by whoever is emerging.

Meanwhile, Kat wanders into one of the barracks rooms and makes an observation connecting their current findings to an earlier discovery: "Oh, it makes sense why that costume was downstairs." The presence of guard sleeping quarters on this level explains why the bear costume would have been stored on the cell level below.

Participants

• Vasso — Led the reconnaissance operation, systematically checking doors and rooms
• Safia — Provided aid to stealth efforts during the scouting
• Kat — Explored one of the barracks rooms and connected the level's purpose to earlier discoveries
• Sucks — Present with the party during the reconnaissance

Consequences

• The party successfully mapped out the layout of multiple barracks rooms without triggering an alarm
• The group confirmed their proximity to the Big Room, establishing that they are one or two turns away from a location with many voices
• The party learned that the compound maintains sleeping quarters for guards, indicating a permanent garrison rather than transient forces
• Kat's observation provided context for why certain items (like the bear costume) were stored on the cell level rather than with other guard equipment