Four players were present:
- Dimva Murkahm, Male Dwarf Rogue
- Lupin Damakos, Female Tiefling Rogue + Willow, Cat Animal Companion
- Lobis Thunderfoot, Male Gnome ????
- Amidaeus, Female Elf Rogue
The Professor urges them to recall if they made any stops where someone could have switched the waters. The Heroes seem to recall that there was excessive noise the first night of the flight (see Deadly Persuasion), but thought that was merely before they acclimated to the sounds. The Professor pounds his cranium against the glass and asks if it sounded like TWO AIRSHIPS??? He deduces that another ship flew parallel to theirs and siphoned and replaced the Waters of Restoration with regular water under their noses.
While Dimva sharpens his daggers, Lupin decides to follow up on contacting the Thieves Guild that she discovered on her last visit to the village. Following the hidden glyphs and esoteric symbols located around town, Lupin locates a few members of the local guild in a tavern. Plying them with drinks, she soon gains their confidence.
Seeking information on the village of Mos Eisley, Lupin discovers that it is a wretched hive of scum and villainy. She is warned to be wary. Pirates, smugglers, and thieves populate the docks and saloons. Anything can be brought or sold, including lives; so, she’d best have her toughest game face on. Of course, tongues can always be loosened with a few coins. The ones with the best info are the bartenders and barmaids, they see and know everything and everyone. Lupin returns to her quarters and stashes most of her gold and treasures in the secret compartment in her room. She will take only her weapons and a small purse of gold to the docks tomorrow.
As Epiphany serves tea, Lobis relates their encounter with Lord Chronos and his rationale behind waging a never-ending war with the living; as well as his cautionary tale of future genocide and deceit. Epiphany is somewhat stunned and can only surmise on the truth of Lord Chronos’ words. She states that genocide indicates the complete eradication of a people or race, but to wage a war to prevent it seems counterintuitive. Lobis reminds her that she mentioned that her belief in the war was shaken while she was in limbo (see Deadly Persuasion). He wishes to know if any of this is the reason why. Epiphany shakes her head and states that it seems that there is an objective beyond simply waging war, but she has no idea what it could be.
Dimva and Lobis belly up to the bar. Dimva is in a gleeful mood, as he has the “company credit card”. The Merry Midget figures if they don’t expense the United’s gold they were given for food and lodging, they can spend even more for ale. Dimva then orders a round of drinks for everyone, which elicits excited exclamations from the motely masses.
Excited to see each other after so many years, the friends embrace. Rose excitedly relates that she has heard about the many adventures that Lupin has taken part in. Lupin tries to downplay the events and enquires what brings her here. Rose exclaims that she is traveling with her new boyfriend, Cornelius; the Blushing Bard motions to the largest, most muscle-bound human warrior Lupin has ever seen. The Traveling Troubadour explains that they have been on many exciting adventures together and that she is recording it all. They are currently on a quest to slay a large red dragon. Lupin seems concerned about the last part and invites her to their table after her performance.
Trying to get the conversation started, he asks their names. The leader replies that he is Eric. The one on the right is Not Eric. The one on the left is Still Not Eric. (Editor’s note: It is vitally important for all DMs to have a list of believable and natural sounding names at the ready at all times. Notice how these three names flow seamlessly and effortlessly into the narrative without disrupting the story AT ALL).
When asked his name, a flustered Dimva blurts out “Big D” (The second unintentional sexual innuendo this session). The Vikings politely excuse themselves and make a quick huddle. Suddenly, an uproarious outpour of guffaws fills the tavern. Returning out of breath with tears in their eyes, the Vikings declare him alright. Asked what they are doing in town, the Vikings respond that they are preparing to set sail for a raid in the morning. DImva asks if they are raiding someplace big, they grunt and respond the Southern Hamlets where there’s little defense. They invite him to join them when they leave for the raid at the crack of dawn. Dimva is intrigued and tells them that he might.
Returning with Lobis to the table with Lupin and Amidaeus, they find that Rose and Cornelius have already joined them. Lupin is currently attempting to get more information on this red dragon they are planning to slay. Rose gushes that his name is Kilgorah. She says that he is the son of Tiamat, the five-headed Dragon, and they hope to attract her with his murder.
When asked why, Cornelius replies that Tiamat killed him, and he wants a rematch but she’s too afraid to face him again. He figures if he slays her favorite son, it will bring her to him. Lupin is confused and asks how he is here if he died.
Cornelius stares at Amidaeus and says that she reminds him of an ex. When she asks what her name was, he replies “Epiphany. But she’s dead now”. The silence at the table is palpable until Lobis enquires about Conrad? At this, Cornelius slams his fist down shattering the table. For a moment, the whole bar goes silent before the noise cautiously resumes.
Dimva takes this opportunity to inform Lupin and Amidaeus about the Viking raid. He claims that there will be rubies, and emeralds and opals (opals???) for the taking.
When Jenny the barmaid returns, Lupin slips her a few more coins and asks if Ahab has been around recently. Lupin claims that she wishes to hire him for a job. Jenny says that she hasn’t seen him tonight, but he usually hangs out in one of the nearby taverns.
Babs replies that he owns a warehouse just off the docks. She tells him that he is the second person to come looking for Ahab tonight. The first was someone calling themselves the Epicurean. She laughs and says that “It looks like he never missed a meal. He claimed he was some kind of a Count. He’s a large man dressed in way too fancy clothes for this part of town.” Lobis thanks her and slips her a few gold pieces. She smiles and says “Thanks handsome”. Which makes Lobis feel tingly all over. As The Heroes head toward the warehouse district, Dimva enquires if anyone ever paid the tab.
HORRIBLE SUPERHEROES PUNS
1: Dark Big Cat.*
2: Male Arachnid.**
3: Metal Male.***
4: Musing Female.****
5: Emerald Pointer.*****
6: Former Boyfriends.******
7: USA Officer.*******
8: Feline Female.********
9: Unliving Swimming Hole.*********
10: Odd Physician.**********
Lobis enters and sneaks up to the first crate. Using his shotel as a pry bar, he discovers bottles of gin. Lupin also sneaks in and works her way to the other side of the warehouse. Opening another crate, she discovers bolts of fine fabrics. A sulking Dimva and Willow hang back and guard the entryway.
The Corpulent Count reveals himself to be a Vampire and begins to strike at Lupin with his full fury. Lobis determines the Count the greater threat and rushes back to help, while casting spells that negate the damage inflected on Dimva by the Drow and Halfling. Dimva is flanked between the Evil Elf and Sinister Small-Fry but Willow returns and flanks the Wicked Woman for him. Even with the Fantastic Feline flanking, the Diminutive Dwarf’s health is quickly whittled away by the Deadly Duo.
Dimva remembers that he has some silver bolts for his crossbow and begins firing at the Bloated Barron to distract him. After battling Lobis, the Titanic Tiefling, with much effort, breaks free from the Large Lord’s domination. Together, Lupin, Lobis, and Dimva manage to slay the Portly Prince. Upon seeing their leader fall, the Halfling and Drow both make a break for the door and vanish into the night.
Dimva again reminds them of the dawn raid. Mentioning the prospect of obtaining rubies, and emeralds and opals (opals???). As The Heroes decide what to do next, a large, menacing shadow fills the doorway. It is the shadow of the gargantuan, six-armed pirate known only as: Ahab.
To be continued? ? ?
Thoughts on this Session: Another fun session with a hardy mix of role playing and fighting. From Lupin using her connections with the Thieves Guild to gain intel on Mos Eisley, to Lobis and Amidaeus’ meeting with Epiphany to try to glean some insight on Lord Chronos’ claims of saving the world from mass genocide; players actually used resources previously introduced to aid them in their quests. Lupin and Amidaeus’ back and forth with Rose and Cornelius allowed them to learn about their plan to slay Kilgorah, as well as garner some back story on Cornelius. Lupin and Lobis’ combined questioning of the Barmaid and Bartender provided them with enough clues to track down Ahab’s warehouse. Dimva was quite humorous. From his glee with the “company credit card”, to his interactions with the Vikings and his obsession with joining the raid to obtain rubies, and emeralds and opals (Now I know opals are semiprecious gems, my birthstone actually, but I have never heard of anyone using it as a metaphor for riches. Which made his mantra of rubies, emeralds, and opals even more amusing). The battle with the Epicurean and his henchmen was exciting. Lupin held her own against a Vampire. Only momentarily dominated before her will power prevailed. Lobis was like a tennis player rushing back and forth to play both fighter and healer. And when Dimva learned how to fight (Player was adding his numbers wrong), the whole battle suddenly shifted in The Heroes Favor. Bravo to all!!!
Who are Rose and Cornelius? I’ve been trying to bring Rose in for years but couldn’t find a suitable segue. Rose was the traveling companion of Lupin before she joined the United (see Bio). A true friend to Lupin, that relationship may now be strained due to her new beau and their mission to slay Kilgorah (an ally who convinced the Dragons to join the United see First Mission). Cornelius Gravestone was a PC I played in a campaign before I took over as DM (see Bio). Based on the Warduke, he is a human fighter with Daddy issues and a deep desire to prove himself to the world. What is his relation with Epiphany and Conrad? Again, you are getting a time flux preview of future Tales of the Crimson Empire. Most of these stories were written about three years ago, so you will first get a glimpse of this ménage à trois in the upcoming: The First, First Mission.
* Dark Big Cat: Dark=black; big cat=panther—Black Panther.
** Male Arachnid: Male=man; arachnid=spider—Spider-Man.
*** Metal Male: Metal=iron; male=man—Iron Man.
**** Musing Female: Musing=wonder; female=woman—Wonder Woman.
***** Emerald Pointer: Emerald=green; pointer=arrow—Green Arrow.
****** Former Boyfriends: – Former=ex; boyfriends=men—X-Men.
******* USA Officer: USA=America; officer=captain—Capitan America.
******** Feline Female: Feline=cat; female=woman—Cat Woman.
********* Unliving Swimming Hole: Unliving=dead; swimming hole=pool—Deadpool.
********** Odd Physician: Odd=strange; physician=doctor—Doctor Strange.
Next: Chapter 46 - Sleeping With The Enemy
Previous: Chapter 44 - Deadly Persuasion