- Henrick, Male Human Warlock
- Lupin Damakos, Female Tiefling Rogue + Willow, Cat Animal Companion
- Erith Elmaris, Male Elf Druid
- Dimva Murkahm, Male Dwarf Rogue
- Garrus Ironside, Male Dwarf Cleric
Lupin is flabbergasted. The teen-age Tiefling has no idea what just occurred. When Erith mentions that maybe he wasn’t talking about her, Lupin tersely reminds the erroneous Elf that she is the only “daughter” in the group. She believes that it must be the demon that took an odd interest in her from their adventure in hell (see Chapter 22). Garrus suspects that the stranger was a vampire, due to his fangs and aversion to the rising sun. At that moment, Wanda phases through the wall. The Spirit states that she has been scouting the village and that it is surrounded by mystic wards that prevent anyone from leaving. She also has located the temple.
The shop turns out to be a clothing store run by a large minotaur. After exchanging pleasantries, Dimva enquires about the village. The bovine brute seems somewhat surprised that Dimva is unaware that the village is named Animalnation (my other choice was Hybrednation), and that the Father has gathered all the beast-men to live in harmony, safe from the Humans. When Dimva asks where the Father is, the hoofed horror replies that he is in the temple. Dimva thanks him and leaves, as the temperamental toro suspiciously gazes at him.
HORRIBLE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PUNS
1: Irish City x 2.*
2: Quad Pedal Green Flower.**
3: Cow Growing on Cobs.***
4: Cubic Zirconia.****
5: Metallic Yellow John.*****
6: Green Gem Surrounded by Water.******
7: Nigerian Prince with Horrible Skin Disease.*******
8: Explosive Automobile.********
9: Original Obi Wan Actor.*********
10: Shoots Precipitation Arrows.**********
After solving the puns, The Heroes discover that the next test is to reveal a secret about themselves. The Sphinx’s eyes bathe The Heroes in an eerie glow that forces them to speak the truth.
Lupin: “I tried to join the village militia but couldn’t fit in. I stole my commander’s boots and fled.”
Hedrick: Opening his satchel. “I have two dragon eggs, and they are starting to hatch.”
Dimva: “I didn’t leave the orphanage to be on my own. I was kicked out at 15 for stealing gold from them.”
Erith: “I blamed Drow elves for killing my Father. But in truth, I killed my Father.”
Garrus: “It was really me who befriended a Goblin and told him where the secret passageway and what the password was that allowed them to invade, not my Grandfather. I am really in exile from my home.” °
After the emotional outpouring, the Sphinx allows them to pass.
Deciding where to go next, Wanda wants to seek revenge against General Iron Fist. The Heroes decide to go to the K’ave of K’nowledge and bring the Professor the monkey paws, and see if he knows anything about the missing idol: Eyebeam (see Chapter 28). Wanda sulks that they never want to help her. Lupin explains that there are some things that need to be done first. Erith asks Baby Jesus to join them, but Father says no. He insists that Baby Jesus still has much to learn before he ventures out into the world. Baby Jesus asks The Heroes to say hello to his father. The Heroes gather around the Heart of Darkness, and then the room is bathed in a vermillion glow, as they vanish to their next adventure.
To be continued? ? ?
Thoughts on this Session: Truly unbelievable! As we start off our fifth year, something I never thought possible occurred. An entire session transpired with NO COMBAT!!! There was still excitement and adventure, but no physical altercations and no one died!!! There was never a need for an initiative roll. I realize this may be no big deal for many other groups, in fact, it may very well be the norm for some. But for our group, this was like watching your child take his first step.
I concede that part of the problem was with me. I allowed players to meta-game to the point where it became “vex the DM’s plans,” with players doing everything in their power to do the opposite of what was expected. It was funny for a while, but each session soon became a series of wandering monsters with the story arc fading into oblivion. With the troublesome players gone and new (and old) PCs more open to role playing, the entire dynamic of our campaign is officially back on the rails. As stated earlier, I plan for this campaign to end in a year or so. More old friends and foes (NPCs) will be returning. Old plot threads will be finalized. And the final fate of The Heroes, and the world, shall be determined.
Dimva was his sneaky self, but this time he used his skills to gather information; as well as plan a diversion by exchanging larceny for arson. Garrus penchant for alcohol nearly exposed The Heroes. His proper homage and convincing arguments helped persuade Father to avoid a confrontation and assist them. Henrick suffered separation anxiety from his demonic skull. In order to reunite with the skull he was willing to lie to near omnipotent opponents who could see through his deception. Quite a risk. Erith used his transmogrifying shape-shifting to great effect. Covertly traveling through the village or inspecting locked rooms, Erith avoided combat and chose to talk to Baby Jesus. Lupin was also instrumental in persuading Father to aid them and avoid confrontation. Her mimicking Garrus’ courtly mannerisms was a very nice touch. Her shock/confusion over who the stranger/father is was quite tangible. Bravo to all!!!
° Secrets!!! I asked the players to come to this session with a secret for their PCs and they did not disappoint!!! I was expecting some frivolous information, but all of them came with shocking secrets that could affect not just their character’s lives, but the entire campaign!
Familia Paternal. The title to this session refers to the Father’s side of the family. I included Lupin’s Father, Baby Jesus father: Enuf (could not make this session), and Raja’s Father (aptly named: Father). I didn’t realize that Erith would reveal that he committed patricide. Or that Garrus’ secret admission would involve his Grandfather. So, this title became even more appropriate for this session.
* Irish City x 2: x 2 = Doubling– Dublin.
** Quad Pedal Green Flower: Quad = 4; pedal = leaf; flower = clover – 4 Leaf Clover.
*** Cow Growing on Cobs: Cow = beef; growing on cobs = corn – Corn Beef.
**** Cubic Zirconia: Cubic zirconia = phony gem = sham rock – Shamrock.
***** Metallic Yellow John: Metallic yellow = gold; john = pot – Pot of Gold.
****** Green Gem Surrounded by Water: Green gem = emerald; surrounded by water = isle – Emerald Isle
******* Nigerian Prince with Horrible Skin Disease: Nigerian Prince = con; horrible skin disease = Leper – Leprechaun.
********Explosive Automobile: Explosive = bomb; automobile = car – Car Bomb.
*********Original Obi Wan Actor: Obi Wan Actor = Alec Guinness – Guinness.
**********Shoots Precipitation Arrows: Precipitation = rain; shoots arrows = bow – Rainbow.
Each Player received a random Drama Card for solving a pun.
Next: Chapter 31 - The K'ave of K'nowledge
Previous: Chapter 29 - Perfidia