- Mortos,
Male Tiefling Druid - Garrus Ironside,
Male Dwarf Paladin - To’Mas,
Male Human Fighter - Lupin Damakos,
Female Tiefling Rogue +
Willow, Cat Animal Companion - Ffion Tanwen,
Female Dragonborn Cleric
Searching for clues, The Heroes discover that the Viking camp is devoid of aesthetics and composed merely of sturdy, utilitarian structures. Rifling through their belongings, The Heroes soon determine that any maps or papers indicative of their plans have either been taken with the Vikings, or that they are just plain illiterate.
Ffion questions if he is familiar with the nearest ports in the area. The Mighty Midget muses over the topographical landmarks and replies that if they headed directly out to sea, they would reach the Isle of the Apes (see Return to the Isle of the Apes). Up the Northern Coast, they would reach Tiny Town (see Rock of Ages). While the Southern Coast leads toward Animalnation (see Familia Paternal).
Mounting their horses, the two parties bid each other farewell and head off in their respective directions. Mortos transmogrifies into a pigeon and scouts ahead of his companions; returning shortly after with a female pigeon that he proclaims is his new girlfriend. Following the coastline, Garrus reminds the others of what he heard about Father Franklin from Thorsen (see Choices & Consequences). He proclaims that the wishing ring could be a powerful weapon in the war with the Crimson Empire. Lupin wonders why Franklin didn’t use it when his town was possessed by Odrem (see Rock of Ages). The Mighty Monk maintains that they will soon have the opportunity to ask him themselves.
As the Capable Centurion and Chitinous Creature clash, Ffion discretely cast a spell boosting his attacks by a point. Just to see if she can hit the Large Lobster, Lupin launches her short bow and injures the creature. As the back-and-forth battle continues with neither side gaining advantage, Lupin becomes restless and fires off an arrow with her Slaying Strike (one of her daily powers). The devastating blow causes the Stupendous Shrimp to shudder and spurt out of its spiny shell, coating the fighter with seafood salad. Wiping his face, he wonders how he will ever remove the stench from his armor.
Before they leave, Mortos transmogrifies into a pelican and scoops up some crab slurry from the beach into his big bulbous bill. Lupin slices off some crab legs and ties them to the side of her horse where the hot sun beats upon them. The Damsel Demon queries if there is anyone in their party who actually knows how to cook. Mortos is aghast and reminds her of the many fine meals he prepared for them as Mrs. Bloodbone (see Roles to Play).
Mortos, Lupin, and Garrus tuck into the shellfish, while To’Mas sticks to his field rations and Ffion politely declines. The three Heroes soon regret their dinner choices as the crab has an ill-effect on them (all three failed their saving rolls). Heaving stomach cramps and projectile vomiting ensue, as The Heroes defile their campsite with regurgitated crabmeat. When the worse is over, Garrus suddenly remembers that he could have used Lay on Hands to alleviate their pain.
Mortos asks Pat to look into his soul like he did with To’Mas. Pat replies that he was speaking metaphorically, and that he can’t really see into people’s souls, but he could tell that To’Mas carries much sorrow in his heart. Pat states that much of Mortos problems are self-imposed and hands him a necklace with a silver teardrop covered in spikes. Mortos is thrilled and walks away.
HORRIBLE VALENTINE HEARTS PUNS (Phrases with “Heart” in it)
1: Personal Conversation.*
2: Say Something Sincerely.**
3: Good Intentions.***
4: A Softy.****
5: Memorize.*****
6: Cooking to Win Affection.******
7: Shares Your Same Beliefs.*******
8: Swear the Truth.********
9: Give It Your Everything.*********
10: Switch Your Beliefs.**********
11: Express Gratitude.***********
12: Desire Deeply.************
13: Describe a Good Person.*************
14: Extreme Grief.**************
15: Blocked Arteries.***************
Pat reaches into his sack and pulls out a pinecone and hands it to her. Tipping his hat, he proclaims that this one is on the house. As The Heroes rise and break camp, Pat bids them farewell.
Thoughts on this Session: Another great session with minimalist fighting. Which is odd since The Heroes have finally gained a Fighter and a Paladin. Three players were out this month, but a new PC, To’Mas, joined.
Lupin’s mistrust of strangers was called out by Ffion. She did have to admit that she does have trust issues due to her childhood, but her willingness to acknowledge and work on it shows that she is maturing. This was the second time Garrus reminded his friends about the wishing ring. Does he truly think it can help end the war? He seems to be bonding with Mortos, as he counseled him over his doubts. Ffion was the standout performance of the session. As if passing out potions of healing to NPCs wasn’t enough, she embraced her inner-cleric by giving Lupin a heart-felt sermon about the necessity of trust. Something we could all use more of, both in-game and out. Despite his bluster, Mortos seems to be having some emotional angst. Admitting to Garrus that he is conflicted about his feud with his sister, he realized that family, both old and new, is what he is searching for. To’Mas is a brooding individual with much pain and sorrow in his past. A capable warrior with both his physical and emotional shields up. Perhaps The Heroes can get him to open up in the future. And what’s with that pulsing ring around his neck? Bravo to all!!!
* Personal Conversation: Heart to Heart.
** Say Something Sincerely: From the Bottom of My Heart.
*** Good Intentions: Heart in the Right Place.
**** A Softy: Bleeding Heart.
***** Memorize: By Heart.
****** Cooking to Win Affection: The Way to a Man’s Heart is Through His Stomach.
******* Shares Your Same Beliefs: After My Own Heart.
******** Swear the Truth: Cross My Heart.
********* Give It Your Everything: Heart & Soul.
********** Switch Your Beliefs: Change of Heart.
********** Express Gratitude: Bless Your Heart.
************ Desire Deeply: Heart Set on It.
*********** Describe a Good Person: Heart of Gold.
************** Extreme Grief: Heart Broken.
*************** Blocked Arteries: Heart Attack.
Next: Chapter 62 - The Return of Henrick
Previous: Chapter 60 - Crossroads