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So, to preface- I'm running this AP for a group of players, of which two have dropped out. They recently cleared Fort Hailcourse, with the exception that they never encountered Tilsitari [the Soulsilver], who is now at Iris Hill.
The Party- gnome blood kineticist, human investigator (steel hound), Changeling Rogue (Eldritch Scoundrel), human Fighter, half-orc Barbarian.
The two that dropped out were a human alchemist [was to be the party's weapon/armor crafter, and wanted to create golems] and a half-elf druid [came late, decided to change characters after the disaster that was the assault at Ft. Hailcourse. Was replacing druid with Spellslinger before family matters interfered.]
The druid before she left, did the party a big favor and befriended Daridela.
That said, with a bit of pushing from Cesadia (Sleepless Agency) to investigate Iris Hill, the party infiltrated Iris Hill by hacking through the hedge with Cesadia in tow. I told the players she'd help if they asked, but she isn't a combat/Stealth rogue.
Sneaking onto the premises, they got the attention of Living Topiaries [Daridela didn't tell them about her 'gifts' to the estate], of which the fight got the attention of the gate guards. The guards went to get their comrades, which turned the fight into more than the party could handle- especially after the barbarian took two crits from the Kuru barbarians.
With a timely Web to hinder the cultists and kuru, the party opted to flee.
HERE'S WHERE I'M ASKING IF I SHOULD BE MEAN-
The party already made themselves known to Melisenn who told them to leave and never return; they were again warned to leave Asa and Daelene [the two visiting nobles] and the blood kineticist has drawn the attention of Rumatari.
They have opted to flee back into town to the Sleepless Agency HQ, which give me ample opportunity for an ambush.
Option 1> Tilsitari return to Ft. Hailcourse, torches it, and in the ensuing chaos pegs blame on the party for killing the magistrate and remaining soldiers and sacking the fortress. Asa and Daelene [with Risi and a few cultists at the ready] attempt to convince the party to leave. Several cultists hidden in the crowd as rabble-rousers to stir the crowd into a frenzy.
Option 2> Rumatari and her Mangannala(?) and several cultists, with Risi hidden in the shadows ambush the party.
Option 1 may give the party time to rest; where option 2 they haven't had a chance to rest. The party has indicated they may want to recruit Daridela to help them.
Which route to you all think i should take? This is obviously a more murder-hobo oriented party, but with no support- Winter has been their only source of healing.
The cult should retaliate for sure. That doesn't mean immediately, unless toy feel like they're capable of it.
Personally I'd send Risi in solo. If she fails, escalate as appropriate on subsequent nights.