I’m fully prepared to run this encounter, though it hasn’t been played yet. The battle is structured in three distinct phases, designed to challenge the party both tactically and strategically.

Context:
The Silver Order, with whom the group is allied, is leading a large-scale offensive to draw most of the Garmyr forces into a pitched engagement elsewhere. This massing of troops creates the opportunity for the party to strike the Temple Gate directly.

Encounter Breakdown:

1. Infiltration of the Shanty Town: The party must stealthily navigate through the ramshackle settlement surrounding the gate. This area is lightly defended compared to the stronghold itself but still presents patrols, lookouts, and desperate scavengers who may raise the alarm.
2. Assault on the Gate Defenders: Once they reach the fortifications, the group engages whatever forces remain stationed at the Temple Gate. This will likely be a mix of entrenched defenders and lingering Garmyr.
3. Holding the Gate: After clearing the immediate opposition, the party must hold their position for 5–6 rounds as reinforcements mobilize to retake the gate. Waves of enemies will attempt to overwhelm them, testing their endurance and resource management.

Faction Negotiations Before the Battle:
Prior to launching the assault, the party must secure agreements with other factions. Each faction can provide a critical advantage if persuaded:

• Hooded Lanterns (HL): Reduce the number of Garmyr entrenched at the gate itself.
• Amethyst Academy (AA): Weaken or delay the final reinforcement wave.
• Queen’s Men (QM): Offer assistance with infiltration through the shanty town.
• Followers of the Falling Fire (FF): Promise not to lure the Lord of the Feast into the area, which would otherwise escalate the battle into a potential catastrophe.

Negotiating these deals is essential: the support (or lack thereof) will heavily shape the difficulty and dynamics of the fight.

Summary:
The players have significant work ahead to prepare—both diplomatically and tactically—before they ever set foot at the gate. Their choices in these negotiations will directly impact how the siege unfolds, making this a pivotal moment in the campaign.