- Garrus Ironside,
Male Dwarf Paladin - Lupin Damakos,
Female Tiefling Rogue + Willow,
Cat Animal Companion - Amidaeus,
Female Elf Vampire - Mortos,
Male Tiefling Druid - Erith Elmaris,
Male Elf Vampire - To’Mas,
Male Human Fighter
As if on cue, Rhonda pops out of a shadowy alley and stage whispers for the pair to join her. Rhonda presents the Vampires with the body of Captain Valentine, a member of the United and General Valentine’s father (see Fratricide and Fortunes). Encouraging them to dig in, an Astonished Erith enquires if she killed him. Rhonda rolls her eyes and says: “Nooooo, he accidently fell onto my fangs again and again.” Consoling themselves that Captain Valentine is dead already, and that they didn’t kill him, the starving Vampires gorge themselves.
Unsure how to proceed next, a large splash catches their attention. Peering down the alley, The Heroes catch sight of their Vampire companions. Reunited, and it feels so good, The Heroes exchange tales of where they have been and what they are up to (with the Vampires omitting the whole Valentine’s day massacre incident). Amidaeus declares that she will rent a few rooms at the Inn for them and trundles off (player had to leave early), while the rest of The Heroes make their way towards the docks to meet up with Mortos and To’Mas.
The Demon Druid demands to know what she plans to do if he gives it to her. The Sultry She-demon states that she plans to use it to extract vengeance upon Veratu for murdering their parents. The Tired Tiefling tries to convince her that vengeance will not change anything and that she needs to let go of the past. The Wicked Wench wants to know how he can let it go while their parents are dead and Veratu is able to enjoy the sun on his face, wine in his belly, and laughter every day. The Agitated Agriculturalist assures her that Veratu does not lead a happy life. He claims that vengeance will only lead to more sorrow for Veratu’s family and a never-ending quest of retribution from both families as each side seeks revenge. The Forgiving Farmer forewarns that she needs to accept their loss, and then they can be a family once more. With tears in her eyes, the Female Fiend fondly enfolds him in her arms and Mortos can feel himself returning to life.
The Sorrowful Shade states the child’s remains were that of the neighbor’s daughter who came over to play; reminding him of how everyone commented on how much they looked alike. The Wraith Woman wails that Ca’hne was transformed into a Vampire and is now, due to her child-like appearance, the greatest spy of the Crimson Empire. The Bawling Banshee beseeches him to either find a cure for Ca’hne or kill her, if he must. The Steel Sentry swears that he will but ponders how he can possibly escape from his petrified prison. The Wispy Wife whispers that their love will set him free. As Shia passionately kisses him, To’Mas can feel himself returning to flesh and bone.
The She Serpent states that her two daughters were slain and she has heard tales from bards of a Blood Squirrel that was instrumental in their death here in Tiny Town (see Rock of Ages). Mortos states that he has heard the tales and that her daughters were involved in an evil plot to take over the town and, because of their actions, deserved to die. The Lady Lizard laments if either one has children. To’mas replies that he has a daughter. The Amazon Ophidian enquires if his daughter committed a crime, would he not still love her? To’Mas states that he would, but he would also understand that she had to face the consequences of her actions. The Gorgon Girl glares hesitantly and states that they have given much to consider.
To’Mas then proclaims that Tiny Town is under their protection and if there are any acts of retribution against the town, she will have to face them first. The She Snake scoffs at his bravado and declares that she will take her leave, not because of his hollow threats, but because she has business in Animalnation (see Familia Paternal). As The Heroes descend to the dock, the Sinister Ship suddenly sets sail and speeds straight to sea.
Unfortunately, To’Mas realizes at that moment that the two strangers accompanying his friends are Vampires. To’Mas quickly loads his crossbow and fires a bolt into Rhonda’s chest. The Feral Female flies into a frenzy as she forces the flechette out of her chest. Her eyes turn blood red and her fangs pop out as she searches for her attacker. The surrounding bystanders gasp at the sight of a Vampire in town. Lupin rushes over and urges her to revert back to her human appearance.
A skeptical To’Mas refuses to believe that Vampires would fight for the United. Lupin runs over to Kelly and slips her 10 gold coins, apologizes for the scuffle, and assures her that they are immediately leaving the pier. To’Mas demands his bolt back from Rhonda. She hisses and snaps the bolt in two. As they walk to the nearest tavern, Lupin tries to get Mortos to elaborate on what he said earlier about a Medusa. Mortos seems exasperated that she didn’t understand the first time and repeats the same vague recap, much to the Terrific Tiefling’s trepidations.
The Powerful Paladin points out that there is little that makes sense in this war. Lord Chronos seems like he is trying to kill all life on earth which will deplete the undead’s food supply. So what is his endgame? The Diminutive Dwarf declares that Lord Chronos also claims that the war is the only thing preventing worldwide genocide and that he offered to send them to the future as proof (see Deadly Persuasion). To’Mas admits that that is hard to believe but grudgingly states that perhaps it takes undead to fight undead.
The Rowdy Rogue realizes that they are searching for the ring as well. Returning to the rest of The Heroes, the Damsel Demon declares that the other party is also searching for the wishing ring. To’Mas is confused, so Garrus explains the situation with Father Franklin and the wishing ring (see Choices & Consequences).
The Heroes question the veracity of the story. The Sexy Sylph says that if they find it, she will be able to divine if it is indeed a magic ring. When asked what she will do with it, The Stunning Spellcaster signifies that she has a buyer who is willing to pay a fortune for it and that they should consider working together. To’Mas scoffs and asks why she would give up a ring that could provide her with all the wealth and power in the world. The Mystic Mage maintains that it is rumored that the ring needs the tears of gods to grant wishes. And that, in and of itself, might be another impossible quest.
The Human Rogue suddenly turns and hurls a dagger toward Lupin. The blade wedges into the pew, inches from her head. Ducking out the door, the Cunning Cat-burgler climbs up to the rooftops using her spider boots. As the rogue and cleric exit the church, the rogue proclaims: “If I were a thief, which I am, I would go. . . UP.” Racing up the side of the wall with his own spider boots, he throws another dagger at the fleeing Female Felon.
She claims that she was just going to pray when he started throwing knives at her, so she fled. Eyeballing her many enchanted items, he smiles and says it takes a thief to know one. And it appears that they both came too late to find Father Franklin. As the two rogues depart, Lupin heads back to the church and finds marks as if something, or someone, was dragged out of the church. Following the trail leads her to a sewer entrance. Removing the grate, she prepares to enter.
The insults break the charm spell and a furious Lyla accuses The Heroes of incompetence as her party storms off. Mortos makes a final short joke about the Hafling Bard, she winks and points a finger at him as she leaves. Alone, The Heroes compare notes. They realize that Lyla’s tale is almost exactly what Thorsen told Garrus. Knowing that the ring is real and possibly in someone else’s hands, The Heroes ponder what to do next.
All of a sudden, the lights start flashing and Sam declares that it is Horrible Pun night at the tavern. The Heroes are challenged to answer puns about Mother’s Day and Graduations.
HORRIBLE MOTHER’S DAY AND GRADUATION PUNS (Puns are all words that either have “mom” or “grad” in them.)
Mom Puns
1: Souvenir.*
2: Force of Movement.**
3: A Brief Time.***
4: Temperature Measuring Device.****
5: Of Great Importance.*****
6: Type of Tea.******
Grad Puns
7: School Level.*******
8: Get Something Better.********
9: Eventually.*********
10: To Reduce in Rank.**********
11: Level of Salary.***********
12: A Slope.************
13: Someone Who Has Not Received a Degree.*************
14: Decomposes Naturally.**************
With the puns solved, The Heroes suddenly notice that Lupin is nowhere to be seen.
To be continued? ? ?
Lupin tried to keep The Heroes' activities in town inconspicuous by calming down Rhonda and bribing Kelly on the docks. Casing out the Tavern, she covertly uncovered another party after the ring. Yet her impulsive actions toward the end resulted in a rooftop chase and entering the sewers by herself without alerting the others. Garrus had a full time job as peacemaker. From trying to prevent To’Mas and the Vampires from fighting on the docks, to playing diplomat in convincing To’Mas that the Vampires truly are friends and on the side of the United. He also had to bite his own tongue as the Human Fighter antagonized him with short jokes. Erith and Amidaeus are really embracing their inner Vampire. From casually accepting that Rhonda murdered their companion Captain Valentine and drinking his blood; to butchering and disposing of his remains. Their callous, even hedonistic, attitude toward the murder of a friend surprised even me. Erith wanting To’Mas to like him, to the point of debating to use a charm spell on him, was quite humorous. Mortos is turning into quite the pacifist. From his rant on war last session to his sermon on the folly of revenge to Sotrom this session, Mortos seems to think that love will bring us together. And don’t even get me started on the horno-erotic encounter at the tavern. To’Mas’ encounter with his deceased wife and news of their daughter seems to have given him new resolve. His treating with the Medusa was solved by two parents accepting that their children must be held responsible for their actions no matter how much they love them. His hatred of the undead almost caused a civil war within The Heroes ranks until Garrus smoothed thing over. Encountering the other Adventures allowed To’Mas to show a different side. A slick talking wise-guy trying to antagonize his opponents into blowing their cool. Bravo to all!!!
* Souvenir: Momento (for all you linguistics lovers, this is indeed an acceptable variant spelling of memento).
** Force of Movement: Momentum.
*** A Brief Time: Moment.
**** Temperature Measuring Device: Thermometer.
***** Of Great Importance: Momentous.
****** Type of Tea: Chamomile.
******* School Level: Grade.
******** Get Something Better: Upgrade.
********* Eventually: Gradually.
********** To Reduce in Rank: Degrade.
********** Level of Salary: Paygrade.
************ A Slope: Gradient.
************* Someone Who Has Not Received a Degree: Undergrad.
************** Decomposes Naturally: Biodegradable.
Next: Chapter 65 - What Lurks Below?
Previous: Chapter 63 - Heavy Metal, Rock