Five players were present:
- Erith Elmaris,
Male Elf Druid/Vampire - Ffion Tanwen,
Female Dragonborn Cleric - Garrus Ironside,
Male Dwarf Cleric - Mortos,
Male Tiefling Druid - Lupin Damakos,
Female Tiefling Rogue + Willow, Cat Animal Companion
The Elder Elf exhales and tells Erith that he knows that he was a horrible father, and he deserved to die. He tells Erith that he was never prouder of him then when he killed him. The Penitent Parent proclaims that he was tough on Erith and his brother because you have to be tough to survive in this world. He tells Erith that: “You made a mistake in becoming a vampire to become stronger (see Hopes and Fears). You always had the strength within you; you proved that when you stood up to me and slayed me.”
The Sorrowful Sire sighs that: “My brother, your uncle, and I were once adventurers. We traveled the world, defeated every foe, and brought treasures and glory to our clan. But he became a vampire and I was forced to slay him”. Erith enquires if his Uncle did bad things. The Pained Padre pronounces: “Your uncle killed our parents, became a monster. In the end, I had no choice but to kill him.”
Erith claims that he won’t allow that to happen to him. He vows to only drink the blood of animals. The Deceased Dad declares: “If it worked like that, everyone would be a Vampire. You need the blood of sentient creatures to survive or you’ll go insane. One day you may have to make a terrible choice if the hunger strikes and there is no one but your friends nearby”. Erith believes that he can make it work, stating that there are many bad people who deserve to die. The Proud Papa proclaims that he knows he will try, and gets up to leave. Erith asks where he is going. The Failed Father informs him: “Back to Hell, where I belong”. A stunned Erith stammers: “Oh, gosh! Well, good luck with that.” As they hug each other farewell, Erith suddenly finds himself alone. The setting sun sinks beyond the horizon and Erith feels like he is awakening from a dream.
Outnumbered by an army of Death Knights and Vanessa, The Helpless Heroes are unable to intervene. Garrus is especially disturbed that they can only watch helplessly. The transformed Erith haughtily addresses his friends as “minions” which causes Lupin to storm out of the room in disgust. Vanessa then releases him from her servitude with the condition he never oppose her.
Ffion refuses to believe that she is doing this out of the goodness of her heart and demands to know what she gets out of the deal. Vanessa says it gives her great satisfaction to help others gain power to overthrow their abusers. Garrus tries once more to persuade Vanessa to join the United. She declines stating that she prefers to bide her time and see where the balance of war tips. The Heroes respect her decision and thank her for her hospitality.
As they prepare to depart, Vanessa reminds Mrs. Bloodbone that she needs to take the wagon back to town and pick up supplies with Mr. Bloodbone. An exasperated MMB feigns delight as she heads towards the kitchen to confront the overly amorous Mr. B (see Roles to Play). As Mr. B. greets his Blushing Bride, MMB reverts back to his Tiefling form. Whipping out his scariest possession, Mortos unveils the giant eye of a Beholder: Blinky. Pressing his sword to the astonished Mr. B’s neck, the Terrible Tiefling threatens to destroy him with Blinky if he utters a word. Demanding that he treat women with respect, and know that no means no, he orders the Mortified Monster to remain motionless until he says otherwise. With eyes as wide as pie plates, the Bewildered Behemoth stands frozen in place. Transmogrifying back into Mrs. Bloodbone, Mortos’ voice once again affects his Easter European accent as he bids his “D’ahling” a fond farewell. |
Once out of sight, Ffion unfurls the flying carpet and the four non-flyers hop on. Mortos and Erith transmogrify into bats and scout ahead. Reaching the cost, they are ecstatic to find that Captain Jack has waited for them (see Hopes and Fears). Descending upon the deck, after a minor debate, they decide to return to the United Center. Since they are at sea, Garrus cast a water breathing spell upon everyone, which allows them to breath and speak underwater for two hours.
Hauling the craft from the water reveals a crew of three Tieflings. The leader offers them their gratitude and introduces himself as Veratu, the leader of the newly reformed Tiefling nation. Mortos is enraged and accuses Veratu of murdering his parents because his Tiefling father was married to a Human and had children (see Enemy of My Enemy). Veratu looks at Mortos and Lupin with distain and declares them half-breeds.
Garrus surreptitiously asks Captain Jack if he has ever heard of him. Jack has not, but relates that there are many captains he has never heard of. Lupin proclaims them cursed and wants to throw them overboard.
Mortos and Erith transmogrify into bats and fly over the Monstrous Monsoon to confront Sotrom. Ffion casts a spell providing everyone with extra defense, while Lupin tries to communicate with the Horrible Hurricane. Enquiring if he belongs to the Elemental Empire (see Birth of the Elemental Empire), Lupin is somewhat surprised when the Terrible Tornado exhibits no knowledge of it.
The Anti-Magical properties of the Beholder’s eye (see Hive Mentality) cause Sotrom to fall from the sky, into the waters below. Unfortunately, the eye has no effect on the Enormous Elemental.
Through magic and muscles, swords and sorcery, The Heroes and Tieflings strike back, and slowly, ever so slowly, manage to wither the Walloping Whirlwind.
Garrus casts a spell tossing the Terrible Typhoon off the deck, into the sea just as Sotrom manages to board the ship.
The Heroes and Tieflings continue their assault from the deck until the Deadly Deluge dissipates. With the anti-magical properties of Blinky worn off, Sotrom curses The Heroes and prepares to cast a spell. Before she can act, the Cagy Cleric casts a massive blast of force, hurling her into the sea (15 squares away).
An elated Lupin stretches out her arms (player actually did this), but the Busty Bartender swims past her outreached appendages and yanks the container of Ambrosia (see Honey Trap) out of her haversack!!!
Shocked and confused, a furious Lupin teleports next to and embraces the Bodacious Barmaid in a bear hug. The Bawdy Barkeep beams and proclaims: “But, no one is better than Vixen.” Raising her hand, Lupin sees a teleportation ring on the Villainous Vixen’s finger flash, as Babs and the Ambrosia vanish.
Hoisting her aboard, The Heroes query the Troubled Tiefling as to what transpired below. The Furious Felon fumes and storms off below deck muttering. A concerned Ffion follows and tries to figure out what happened, and where Babs disappeared to.
Garrus asks if he is daft. He points out that two “abominations” helped save them. The Pious Priest proclaims that if they do not work together to defeat the Crimson Empire, they will all die together. A contrite Veratu admits that the Diminutive Dwarf has given him much to think about. And perhaps he should be more tolerant and accepting of others. As tensions begin to ease, the ship continues its journey back to the United Center.
So much was going on that we forgot the puns during the session.
HORRIBLE FATHER’S DAY PUNS
1: Type of Spider.*
2: Tall Timepiece.**
3: Santa Claus.***
4: His bed was too Hard.****
5: June Holiday.*****
6: Determine Who the Father is.******
7: Someone Who Doesn’t Pay Child Support.*******
8: Exploding Kernels.********
9: Toasted Breakfast Treats.*********
10: Corny Humor.**********
11: George Washington.***********
12: Soda.************
(Crickets Chirping.)
Thoughts on this Session: Each session continues to amaze me. I come in armed only with a list of possible friends/foes The Heroes may encounter/fight. Little is planned, except for broad, flexible, story and npc character arcs. This really is improve at its best.
This was also the first in-person session since the start of the pandemic. It was great to see everyone again. The first time Mortos ever played in person, and the first time in years that Ffion appeared at the table. The conspiracy theories, due to the clue they came so close to a major discovery about Lord Chronos last session, were wild. Some roundabout thoughts to come to several conclusions. One of which was right! Well done!
Lupin's disgust with Amidaeus and Erith’s new attitudes seems to be coming to a head. Will she continue to put her life on the line for her condescending cohorts? Her confusion and anger at Babs reveal was quite palpable. Let’s hope her thirst for vengeance doesn’t get her into more trouble. Garrus tried once more to convince Vanessa to join the United, to no avail. His preparation with the water breathing spell may have helped saved Lupin’s life. While healing most of his allies, he discovered that radiant healing is detrimental to his undead allies. A fact both clerics will have to remember. His chastising of Veratu at the end may lead the way to a greater understanding amongst Tieflings. Erith seemed uncomfortably uneasy with his deceased father. I was expecting a much more hostile reunion, rather than a one-sided conversation. His haughty rebirth as a Vampire was a fine performance. He learned the hard way that he, and Amidaeus, better stay out of range of radiant area effects in the future. Once again, Ffion tried to ascertain the rationale behind Vanessa’s plans for her friends during the dinner conversation. Her concern for her friends welfare and freedom seem to be weighing heavily on her mind. Her quick reaction of boosting everyone’s defenses prevented much damage in the battle with the Storm Elemental. She showed her concern for Lupin, and Babs, when she was brought back on board. Hopefully, she can convince Lupin to cool down. Mortos’ bravo performance as Mrs. Bloodbone continued, literally freezing Mr. B in place with his words. Forced to choose between his sister and parent’s murderers, his confrontation with Veratu and Sotrom was a mixture of anger, sorrow, and humor. Though Sotroms’ plans were thwarted and she was lost at sea, I have a feeling there may be another family reunion in the future. Bravo to all!!!
* Type of Spider: Daddy Long Legs.
** Tall Timepiece: Grandfather Clock.
*** Santa Claus: Father Christmas.
**** His bed was too Hard: Papa Bear.
***** June Holiday: Father’s Day.
****** Determines Who the Father is: Paternity Test.
******* Someone Who Doesn’t Pay Child Support: Deadbeat Dad.
******** Exploding Kernels: Pop Corn.
********* Toasted Breakfast Treats: Pop-Tarts.
********** Corny Humor: Dad Jokes.
********** George Washington: Father of Our Country.
************ Soda: Pop.
Next: Chapter 55 - Stony Reception
Previous: Chapter 53 - Roles to Play