Four players were present:
- Garrus Ironside,
Male Dwarf Cleric - Mortos,
Male Tiefling Druid - Ffion Tanwen,
Female Dragonborn Cleric - Lupin Damakos,
Female Tiefling Rogue + Willow, Cat Animal Companio
The Mayor of Tiny Town comes forth and awards The Heroes 200 gp each for their heroism. Blacksmith Bob also rewards each of The Heroes with an item from his shop. As the festivities wear down, the alcohol runs out, and the population slowly returns to their homes and businesses, The Heroes decide to see what the local merchants have to offer. Lupin declines and decides to rest on the ship after the bruising she received from the stony townsfolks.
The Jeweler appraises the symbol of Kord that Father Franklin provided the Powerful Priest with (see Perfidia). Informing him that it puts the undead to rest. The stone medallion he acquired from Odrom (see Rock of Ages) appears to be a key of some sort. However, the Jeweler has no idea what lock it is for, nor where it would be located. The Jeweler also offers to purchase a jeweled necklace from him for 150 gp. Satisfied, and with a few extra coins in his purse, the Mighty Minister meanders toward the nearest tavern.
Seeing the Teeming Tiefling’s tepid response, the salesman shows him several other magical items. The Discriminating Devil decides to purchase a wand that can shoot a fireball once per encounter and a headband of invisibility that can be used daily. Using his hero status, the Horned Hero haggles the hesitant salesman into lowering his prices. Happy with his purchases, the Wicked Woodsman wanders toward the tavern, until he overhears something. . .
Before the Reptilian Reverend replies, the door slams open and Mortos burst in. Proclaiming that he will buy all of the bee stingers he has, the owner sells him three jars full. With their arms full, The two Heroes head toward the tavern.
When The Heroes enquire if she knows of this weapon, Ffion dismisses the sword as mere legend. The Dragon Damsel declares that the sword is supposedly carved from the fang of Bahamut himself, and whoever wields it would become the king of the Dragonborn. But it’s only a tale the Dragonborn tell their children to inspire courage. Sam replies that Blackthorn seemed quite determined and looked like he knew where they were going. The Scaley Shaman scoffs and assures the rest of The Heroes that Blackthorn is on a fool’s mission.
The Boastful Barkeep believes that idols of an evil Orc God, as well as idols of the evil Twin Elven Gods, Demos and Damos, have been stolen. Along with several other idols of lesser Gods. For what purpose, the Talkative Taverner can’t say. The Heroes whisper amongst themselves and recall that they encountered the Orc God who slayed Lobis already (see Sleeping with the Enemy). The names Demos and Damos also ring a bell, but they fail to remember from where.
As The Heroes continue to drink into the night, Garrus leaves to relieve himself. Soon after, he finds a comfy corner in the street to curl up in and falls asleep/passes out. Ffion is also feeling drowsy/drunk. She rents a room on the second floor and promptly falls asleep/passes out. Discovering that the tavern provides a breakfast buffet, Mortos decides to sleep/pass out at the bar to insure he doesn’t miss the most important meal of the day.
Asking if she recalled her name, the owner thinks and replies: “Not Lucy. . . What was it?. . . Oh yes! Her name was Lupin.” The Daring Demonette disguises her displeasure and thanks the owner. Going to the local armory, the Fugitive Felon finds that Babs also acquired a short sword, crossbow, and a few daggers.
Returning to the tavern, Lupin drags Mortos upstairs to Ffion’s room. A protesting Mortos demands to know why she forced him upstairs. A frustrated Lupin says to protect him from being robbed in his sleep. Mortos says that he will be fine downstairs and heads back to the bar. He gives Sam ten gold coins and tells him to wake him when breakfast is served.
A furious Mortos yanks Lilly from the crowd and hauls her to the ship as the heartbroken Townsfolks wave, blow kisses, and profess their love for her. Arriving at the ship, Ffion excuses herself and goes below deck to study a scroll of puns about Halloween Candies (Player had to leave early).
HORRIBLE HOLLOWEEN CANDIES PUNS
1: Suppressed, Rude Laugh.*
2: Scandinavian Sea Creature.**
3: Lactose Galaxy.***
4: Fourth From the Sun.****
5: Lactose Flops.*****
6: More than 99,999.******
7: Happy Nut.*******
8: Sweet Newborns.********
9: Sugary and Tangy.*********
10: Not Dumb.**********
11: Not Smart.***********
12: After L&L’s.************
13: Chewy invertebrates.*************
14: Chewy Bruins.**************
Mortos and Garrus strongarm her away to the bow of the ship as the Coquettish Consort comments on how manly they are. Taking her to the rail, Mortos and Garrus both vie for her affections as they try to get her to spread her arms and feel like the king of the world.
Away from the immediate vicinity of Lilly, Mortos lands on the deck next to Garrus. He asks him if he notices anything strange when they are near Lilly. A confused Garrus isn’t sure what he is talking about. Mortos tries to explain that Lilly has an effect over people. Garrus soundly agrees.
Still harboring animosity toward Veratu for the death of his parents (see Hopes and Fears), Mortos reminds him that they saved his life on three occasions. Veratu dismisses his remarks as they begin to trade insults. When Veratu insults his half-blood heritage, Mortos shoots a fireball at him. Being a Tiefling, the flame doesn’t harm Veratu, but it is considered the ultimate insult amongst Tieflings. The Heroes and the leaders of the United quickly separate the Feuding Fiends. Suddenly, Lilly slithers forth and introduces herself to the leaders. All at once, everything is forgotten as everyone begins to fawn over the Flirtatious Female.
Seated at the tavern, Mortos pleads with everyone to concentrate. He relates how they all become possessive and jealous toward Lilly whenever she’s nearby. Slowly, almost reluctantly, The Heroes agree that they have strong feelings toward her whenever she is near. Aunt Lillehammer suggests that it could be pheromones or magic that she is using to charm people. Mortos declares that they must stop her. Garrus defends Lilly’s motives, claiming that she may not even know she has this effect on people and may be innocent. Lupin warns that she now holds sway over the leaders of the United, and may cause trouble, intentionally or not.
The two Tieflings back up in an effort to escape her charms, but the two dwarfs are instantly captivated and rush up, enthralled to be in her presence. Even Willow begins to purr and nuzzle against her. An infuriated Lupin snatches Willow up and rushes out the door, shouting back to Mortos that she will see if she can find someone who might have encountered a creature like this before.
Christopher admits that he has not had any experience battling anything like this. However, he knows where to go for answers. Lupin asks if it is the bard at the library she met earlier (see Prime-Evil Forest). Christopher replies: “Someone even more knowledgeable.” As they hasten through the corridors of the United Center.
Mortos begins to recite his favorite rhyme: “Inky, Winky, Stinky, and,” whipping out the Beholder’s eye, “Blinky!” The anti-magic eye envelopes the leaders of the United with its glow. Unfortunately, the spell has absolutely no effect on them. With their blades at The Heroes throats, General Sterling pronounces The Heroes under arrest and commands them to drop their weapons
Thoughts on this Session: This session went totally off the rails! I had planned for The Heroes to investigate a haunted house in honor of Halloween. Instead, they were blessed with the tricks and treats that Lilly provided. All of the player’s role-playing/reactions to Lilly’s charms were excellent and led to a confrontation sooner than I had anticipated.
Lupin skipped out on the shopping spree due to the beating she endured from the petrified townsfolks. Thanks to her Baker’s Blade, she seldom takes much damage. Her search for Babs/Vixen shows that she is still carrying a grudge. Searching for answers, she sought out someone with experience: her dad. Garrus was interested in evaluating and cashing in some of his loot. Pumping Bartender Sam for information revealed some more insight into the mystery of Pyter Pyrite. He also sought out the advice of Aunt Lillehammer to see if she could shed any insight on Lilly’s abilities. Ffion’s perusal through the merchant’s shop was amusing. Her dismissal upon hearing about Baron Blackthorn and his quest from Bartender Sam was well played. Regarding the quest as a fairy tale, a cleric should know there is always a sliver of truth in legends. Living on the East coast, she had to bow out early. Mortos’ shopping spree and bartering for magical items was quite humorous. Playing the Hero card to barter down prices was even funnier. Having never been in love before helped him realize that Lilly was somehow manipulating him, and everyone else. In a twist from the usual, Mortos was the sanest member of The Heroes this session. Bravo to all!!!
* Suppressed, Rude Laugh: Snickers.
** Scandinavian Sea Creature: Swedish Fish.
*** Lactose Galaxy: Milky Way.
**** Fourth From the Sun: Mars Bar.
***** Lactose Flops: Milk Duds.
****** More than 99,999: 100 grand bar.
******* Happy Nut: Almond Joy.
******** Sweet Newborns: Sugar Babies.
********* Sugary and Tangy: Sweet Tarts.
********** Not Dumb: Smarties.
********** Not Smart: Dum Dum’s.
************ After L&L’s: M&M’s.
*********** Chewy invertebrates: Gummy Worms.
************** Chewy Bruins: Gummy Bears.
Next: Chapter 58 - War of Words
Previous: Chapter 56 - Rock of Ages