Session 5 of “The Sunless Citadel” begins with the adventurers in goblin territory, having previously retrieved a prisoner named Murky Timber. The session starts with the party deciding to take a long rest in a room with a pit outside the door for added protection. They successfully complete their eight-hour rest without incident.
After resting, the party decides to explore the remaining unexplored areas of the map, choosing to go through the top door. Upon opening this door, they discover a domed chamber containing a shaft piercing the floor, a stone throne occupied by what appears to be the leader of a Hobgoblin tribe, other hobgoblins, a large iron chest used as a footstool, and a sapling in a pot.
A combat encounter ensues with the hobgoblins. Initiative is rolled, and various party members take actions. Navin uses his hunter's mark. Shannon casts bless. Anna attacks with a shot and retreats. Murky casts bane. Damon casts a fire bolt. Tempest attacks with a light crossbow and spear. One goblin is blown into the central shaft by Shannon's gust of wind. The party discusses flanking and sneak attacks.
During the fight, the hobgoblin chief attacks, but is eventually killed. More goblin warriors enter the room. A twig blight animates from the pot and joins the fray. The adventurers continue to battle the remaining goblins and the twig blight, utilizing spells like sacred flame and booming blade.
Ultimately, Nettleack holds up the sword of the defeated hobgoblin chief, and Damon uses his dancing lights to create an illusion of the chief's vengeful spirit. This display of intimidation leads to the surrender of the remaining goblins.
After securing the surrendering goblins, the party learns from them that the missing adventurers are “down below with the outcasts” via a large shaft. They then search the body of the hobgoblin chief and the iron chest. They discover several items, including two vials of antitoxin, a set of keys, a necklace, a potion of healing, a scroll of expeditious retreat, a scroll of fairy fire, a signet ring with the Krell family crest and the name Tao Gemms engraved, two silver earrings, one splint armor, a lute, and two onyx gems. The loot is discussed and distributed among the party.
The party decides to descend the shaft, with Nettleack going last. They arrive in a garden area illuminated by luminescent fungus, where they see two figures in robes tending to twig lights. These robed figures are revealed to be skeletons, and combat is imminent. The DM suggests one of the skeletons could be Belak the Outcast.
Combat begins with the two robe-wearing skeletons and the twig blight. Murky uses his holy symbol to turn one of the skeletons. During the fight, a fire snake emerges from a hole in the ground. The party engages the remaining skeleton, the twig blight, and the fire snake. The fire snake is defeated, and the party loots its chamber, finding two sapphires. The party confirms the signet ring belonged to Tao Gemms.
The session concludes after these encounters in the garden area, with the DM awarding 70 experience points each for the two encounters. The party plans to continue their adventure next session.