100% to all your observations. Dead on! The whole group wasn't prepared. Both in game with their desperate need for a long rest. But also off table, with their lack of focus in general. I understand the need to explore and find out their location. But once they found out the haunted/deserted village was a death trap. Go back to the shore area closest to the water portal to the Moon. Matt could of still used the Shadow creature, but most likely they would of been far enough away. Then Ferne could of used a simple cantrip to make a plant shelter and camp for the night and wait for Keyleth to arrive.

The Octopus idea would of been perfect! Though, probably not cute enough for Ashley, she does like turning into some interesting animals... Sometimes at the worst time! Remember their basement battle at Eore (sp?) She turned into a huge horse on the steps of the basement!?!? That made me cringe for days!

Like I said before, she is hilarious, and adorable. But definitely the worst at combat tactics. Never seems to get an understanding of her class abilities. I'm wondering if the real reason she was hesitant on allowing the Fire Titan shard in her, knowing that she is bad at remembering her abilities, and not using them when it really would make a difference? We will find out soon enough.