- Erith Elmaris, Male Elf Druid
- Enuffdain, Male Elf Paladin + Madmartigan, Dog Animal Companion
- Amidaeus, Female Elf Rogue
- Henrick, Male Human Warlock
- Dimva Murkahm, Male Dwarf Rogue
- Garrus Ironside, Male Dwarf Cleric
- Lupin Damakos, Female Tiefling Rogue + Willow, Cat Animal Companion
The Ginormous Juggernaut gyrates and begins rolling in a rapid rampage toward The Heroes. Fleeing as fast as they can, The Heroes each seek safety in the claustrophobic confines of the alcoves. As the Juggernaut rolls down the passageway, it flattens the torches next to each alcove, causing trapdoors located under the feet of the Heroes to activate.
With another spell, Garrus envelopes the remaining Zombies with radiant damage, reducing the undead assemblage to ashes. (Side note: These were high AC minions who were supposed to resurrect every time they died, unless they were destroyed with either fire or RADIANT DAMAGE. This is why a Cleric is always handy when fighting undead.)
Dimva and Lupin retreat as both continue to make poor saving rolls against the Mummy Rot. Amidaeus rushes up to the Huge Horror and destroys him with a critical hit. The Giant explodes, releasing another cloud of acid that scalds all of The Heroes. Lupin and Dimva both succumb to Mummy Rot and are reduced to 0 hp. Henrick and Garrus try to stabilize them and use any spells or cards that might help.°
Madmartigan races to aid Amidaeus and launches a burst of flame at her Ancient Antagonist. Enuff and Henrick debate on whether to help save the dying duo, or loot them for their treasure. Dimva and Lupin are finally cured of the Mummy Rot as Dimva jumps to his feet.° Amidaeus shakes off the Mummy Rot with one roll and with Madmartigan, pummels the remaining Fossilized Foe to shreds. As the Mummy starts to explode, Garrus uses a force of nature to harmlessly disperse the dust.°
They notice the next doorway is barred with mystic wards that can only be accessed by solving a series of puns about Father’s Day (answers will have some sort of paternal adjective or noun).
HORRIBLE FATHER’S DAY PUNS
1: His Bed was too Hard.*
2: Fast Food Pizza.**
3: California Baseball Team.***
4: Test to Find Out Who the Father is.****
5: Fail to Pay Child Support.*****
6: Rich Boyfriend.******
7: Lord’s Prayer Beginning.*******
8: Head of Church.********
9: Type of Spider.*********
10: George Washington.**********
11: Carbonated Soft Drink.***********
12: Exploding Kernels.************
13: Jam Filled Pastries.*************
14: Annie’s Adopted Father.**************
The Heroes find much gold amongst the detritus and debris of the undead as they prepare for an extended rest before venturing further.°
To be continued? ? ?
Thoughts on this Session: This session had two players come closer to death than almost any other. It was very strange, in that the opponents who I thought would give them the most difficulty (Zombie Hoard and Giant Mummy) fell relatively easily. The two Mummies were quite a challenge, but the Mummy rot and area effects were the real enemy. Normally, effects are a minor distraction at best. But this session, everyone rolled poorly on saves, and the stacked damages really took their toll on The Heroes. There was genuine consternation on both the affected Heroes, as well as those seeking to cure them. It took all of The Heroes' spells and quite a few Drama Cards to defeat the enemy and save their friends. AND The Heroes actually gained some insight by TALKING to NPCs!!! Will wonders never cease? Bravo to all!!!
° These events were inspired by Drama cards. I am so glad players are, finally, actively using them. They get at least one per pun, usually two a session, so they each have quite a few.
* His Bed was too Hard: – Papa Bear.
** Fast Food Pizza: – Papa John’s.
*** California Baseball Team: – Padres.
**** Test to Find Out Who the Father is: – Paternity Test.
***** Fail to Pay Child Support: – Dead-Beat Dad.
****** Rich Boyfriend: – Sugar Daddy.
******* Lord’s Prayer Beginning: – Our Father.
********Head of Church: Pope.
*********Type of Spider: – Daddy Long-Legs.
**********George Washington: – Father of Our Country .
***********Carbonated Soft Drink: – Pop.
************Exploding Kernels: – Pop Corn.
*************Jam Filled Pastries: – Pop Tarts.
**************Annie’s Adopted Father: – Daddy Warbucks.
Next: Chapter 34 - Past Tense
Previous: Chapter 32 - Eyebeam