So the big sacrifice at the end with Otohan was a good story beat, but I feel it was preventable. Yes, Matt rolled high and everyone else rolled low a lot, but I feel some things were missed. I’m going off the top of my head, so forgive me if I miss something but here’s some examples:

During the fight, Imogen forgot Shocking Grasp negated reactions, so she didn’t move away like she needed to. Imogen also used a 3rd level slot on sending to her mom. A great story beat, not a great combat move after you’re already in threat of TPK . Fearne used Aura of vitality even though Otohan had crazy damage to break concentration. Also, I’m not sure if she could have the chance, but she didn’t use sneak attack damage at any time.

I know there’s more combat mistakes I missed, and I know a few HP here and there probably wouldn’t make enough of a difference to prevent the ending the episode had with FCG making his sacrifice. It just feels like they didn’t know their loadout as well as they should. They don’t need to min max, but even with Matt pulling out a superior health potion for the boss (dick move IMO), they could have inched it out. Instead, they flinched. They shouldn’t have focused on fleeing at the end, or playing dead. They should have fought to the bitter end. What do you guys think?

PS: this isn’t a criticism on anyone, just more of a retrospective. Just post combat dissection at most. So be civil and don’t attack any cast or other commenters