May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.--Nelson Mandela
- Erith Elmaris,
Male Elf Druid - Ffion Tanwen,
Female Dragonborn Cleric - Garrus Ironside,
Male Dwarf Cleric - Amidaeus,
Female Elf Rogue - Lupin Damakos,
Female Tiefling Rogue + Willow, Cat Animal Companion - Mortos,
Male Tiefling Druid
The Heroes are confused at her jubilation and ask if anyone will contest the marriage due to the sudden demise of the groom. Sapphire claims that the marriage was witnessed by many heads of states and representatives from various kingdoms, so it will be considered binding. As a bonus, most of the Larva Mage’s followers merged with him when he transformed into his gigantic insectoid form (see Honey Trap). A befuddled Garrus asks what she will do next. Sapphire proclaims that they are going to party like its 1399. And, she doesn’t even have to pay the band since The Heroes slayed them. As they exit the subterranean chamber, Erith and Amidaeus feel as if something is watching from the shadows. But as they survey the catacombs behind them, they see nothing.
The Diplomatic Dwarf then inquirers about her ties to the Crimson Empire. The Pollenating Princess purports that after the battle of the boardroom (see Deadly Persuasion) she is through with the war. Insectavania is now a neutral country. The Cagy Cleric contends if she is afraid that the Crimson Empire might ever invade. The Insect Empress explains that the Insectoids do them a service by eating the remains of the dead after battles and that they should be fine. The Powerful Priest proposes if she would consider joining the United. The Bug Baroness beseeches that Insectavania would prefer to stay neutral, casting a glance at Zanna, but if they try to harm her BFF, she would be willing to fight against them. Satisfied that is the best answer he could hope for, The Roughhousing Reverend returns to the bar for a drink.
Sotrom exclaims to Mortos that this is their chance to avenge their parents. Mortos says that Veratu is now part of the United and that they should give him a chance. Sotrom becomes furious and reminds him that Veratu and his followers murdered their parents in cold blood. All for the sin of their Tiefling Father marrying their human mother. Mortos claims that perhaps he has changed. Sotrom demands to know how he can forgive him for murdering their parents? Mortos says that the United is his new family and he will stop anyone from harming his family. With tears rolling down her cheeks, Sotrom hisses: “I-AM-YOUR-FAMILY.” Mortos vows that if she tries to harm his new family, he will kill her. Sotrom turns on her heel and disappears into the crowd.
A panicked Erith returns to Elvin form and asks what should they do. The Lady Lizard instructs him to follow Amidaeus while she alerts the others. Transmogrifying into a bat, the Determined Druid follows in pursuit.
After a quick sweep of the ship, The Heroes try to get their bearings. Realizing that it is too late to stop Amidaeus’ transformation, The Heroes ponder what they should do when she returns as a Vampire. Lupin reminds them that there is a cure; the Waters of Restoration cured her father of Vampirism (see Family Reunion). If they can locate the remaining Waters (see Sleeping with the Enemy), they can cure Amidaeus, if that’s what she chooses. Ffion reminds them that she is still searching for the Waters to heal her Village as well.
HORRIBLE EASTER PUNS
1: Chinese Appitizer.*
2: When You Let Someone Borrow Something.**
3: Final Dinner.***
4: Happy End of the Week.****
5: Cocoa Rodent.*****
6: Overlook.******
7: Midweek Embers.*******
8: Decorated Ovaries.********
9: Warm Angry Muffins.*********
10: Sound Chicks Make.**********
As soon as the guards leave, The Heroes slip out of their bounds. Garrus blasts the Boney Baker with Sacred Flames. Mortos bravely charges to up and strikes the Scary Chef with Flame Seed, encompassing her in flames. Raking Mortos with her terrible talons, the Ghoulish Gourmet is struck by Ffion’s spell of Righteous Brand. Lupin sneaks around and flanks the Foul Fryer. Striking with Infernal Wraith, the extra damage insures the Sinister Skeleton is slain.
Thoughts on this Session: I . . . I . . . I’m not sure what to say. An amazing session with an absolutely stunning turn of events. Completely off the rails from what I was planning. I had prepared a battle with Mindflayers as they attempted to control the many World Leaders attending the wedding (that’s what the presence in the catacombs in the beginning was). However, it turned into a night much more personal for our Heroes. It was a session lacking in physical combat, but overloaded with a different type of drama.
I’m going to make a group summary here on the battle with Mrs. Bloodbone. The four Heroes effectively and efficiently took her out in one round. Building upon each other’s attacks, the four Heroes quickly whittled away her HPs. She only had one attack against Mortos before she fell.
(If anyone was wondering, I write about the players in the chronological order they joined, or rejoined, our group. No favoritism here.) Lupin Had little to do at the start of this session, having teleported to the ship with the Ambrosia last session. Spotting Amidaeus being carried away, she showed her concern for her fellow party members by returning to the palace, despite the risk of being caught for stealing the Ambrosia. Her bluffing skills came in handy to help The Heroes pass through the guards and into the castle. Always the rogue, she checked for traps as well as anything she could pocket along the way. Garrus used his diplomacy when trying to see where Sapphire’s loyalties laid. His concern for whether or not her marriage to the Larva Mage would be contested was only matched by his desire to convince her to join the United. His healing powers were not needed this session, but his fighting prowess help end the threat of Mrs. Bloodbone quickly. Erith was his inquisitive/nosy self. But this time, spying on Amidaeus as she was turned by Vanessa proved helpful. His polymorphing came in handy in both pursuit and spying. When confronted by Vanessa, he made a surprising choice and accepted her offer. Amidaeus was more than interested in Vanessa’s offer last session. This time she went straight for it. Although all her “Twilight” fantasies may come true in future sessions, it meant she was out for the rest of this session. She did manage to lead the Heroes in a chorus of “A Whole New World”. Ffion played the concerned counselor of the group this session. Comforting Mortos after his blowout with his sister and checking up on Erith and Amidaeus’ whereabouts, showed she is truly the heart of this group. Her caution once inside the borders of the Crimson Empire may have prevented The Heroes from acting rashly. Mortos started the session in a comical vain. Transforming into the Larva Mage directly in front of Sapphire failed to deceive her. Discovering Sotrom was still alive and then losing her again when she revealed her plans was quite intense. Choosing his new family over his sister lead to perhaps the most impassionate role playing our table has seen. Bravo to all!!!
* Chinese Appetizer—Egg Roll.
** When You Let Someone Borrow Something—Lent.
*** Final Dinner: Final=last; dinner=supper—Last Supper.
**** Happy End of the Week: Happy=good; end of week = Friday—Good Friday.
***** Cocoa Rodent: Cocoa=chocolate; rodent=rabbit—Chocolate Rabbit.
****** Overlook—Passover.
******* Midweek Embers: Midweek=Wednesday; embers=ash—Ash Wednesday.
******** Decorated Ovaries: Decorated=colored; ovaries=eggs—Colored Eggs.
********* Warm Angry Muffins: Warm=hot; angry=cross; muffins=buns—Hot Cross Buns.
********** Sound Chicks Make—Peeps.
Next: Chapter 53 - Roles to Play
Previous: Chapter 51 - Honey Trap