Seven players were present:
- Ffion Tanwen,
Female Dragonborn Cleric - Mortos,
Male Tiefling Druid - Dimva Murkahm,
Male Dwarf Rogue - Amidaeus,
Female Elf Vampire - Garrus Ironside,
Male Dwarf Cleric - Erith Elmaris,
Male Elf Vampire - Lupin Damakos,
Female Tiefling Rogue +
Willow, Cat Animal Companion
At that moment, Dimva, Ffion, and Erith enter the tavern in search of their companions. A delighted Lilly slithers up to welcome them. While Dimva and Erith immediately succumb to the Cunning Concubine’s charms, having only known one true love in her life (see Rock of Ages), Ffion is able to resist the Wicked Woman’s wiles and backs out the door. Lilly playfully gathers everyone around her, as The Heroes all fall for the Femme Fatale’s flirtatious charms once more.
Entering the library, The Heroes quickly find the bard that Lupin previously met (see Prime-Evil Forest). Christopher introduces him as Professor K. Ali Flowers, the oldest and most knowledgeable bard at the United (see Love and Faith). The Geriatric Gentleman is delighted to have guest and produces a scroll of puns about heroes before they can stop him.
HORRIBLE MYTHOLOGICAL AND FOLK HEROES PUNS
1: Strength Was in His Hair.*
2: Pulled a Sword From a Stone.**
3: Steel Driving Man.***
4: He Had Twelve Labors.****
5: Robbed From the Rich and Gave to the Poor.*****
6: More Than Two French Swordsmen.******
7: She Became a Man to Join the Army.*******
8: Arthur’s Wizard.********
9: Shot an Apple Off His Son’s Head.*********
10: His Heel Was His Weakness.**********
11: Toughest Cowboy Ever.***********
12: Giant Lumberjack.************
13: Masked Spaniard in Mexico.*************
14: Planted Fruit Trees Across America.**************
Realizing that they need to counter the pheromones with a more powerful odor, Amidaeus suggest that they pull a Carrie on her and drop the rotted, decapitated head of the Pit Fiend she has been carrying in her bag (see Fight or Flight). Flowers suggests that perfume might also work. Christopher believes that a skunk would be powerful enough to counter the pheromones. But of course, they choose the rotted Pit-Fiend's head.
Quickly informing their teammates of their plan, the Roudy Rogue rappels into the roof’s rugged rafters and released the rancid head from its rough-hewn rucksack. Slimed with the foul bile from the Pit Fiend’s skull, Lilly’s control over The Heroes and leaders of the United is abruptly terminated.
The Innocent Ingenue grows increasingly agitated as the Able Assassin attempts to abort her antagonistic insurrection. When the Desperate Demonette declares if there is anything they can do to come to an accord, the Coquettish Consort proclaims that she drives a Camry (worse wordplay of the night).
The Heroes launch a volley of spells against Lilith but the Mighty Marilith manages to brush them off. Amiadeus rushes around the thorny wall and also casts a spell against her, but the She-Serpent’s defenses prove to be too powerful.
Finally, The Heroes and Leaders of the United manage to flank Lilith with the thorny wall. Slowly but surely, they whittle her hit points down until Lupin uses her Stunning Strike, augmented by Drama Cards, to land the final blow.
A somewhat taken aback Mortos repeats his charges that they let a pretty face take control of them. Sterling accuses him of insubordination and threatens to remove them from the United. Lupin yanks Mortos away and has a side conversation with him. Dimva then steps up and begins to aggravate the situation by continuing to mock them for allowing a single female to take control of them.
Dimva’s old drinking buddy (see Drunkards and Dragons), General Valentine steps up to the Defensive Dwarf and asks to speak to him in private. With Mortos and Dimva in private conversations, General Sterling approaches Garrus and tells him that if they continue like this, perhaps it is best if they depart the United. A weary Garrus agrees and assures him they will talk about it. Sterling states that they have all been through a very trying experience today and perhaps a good night’s rest will help everyone. Valentine enquires as to what she can do to rectify this situation. Dimva wants to know what they are getting in return for constantly risking their lives for the United. The Militant Maiden reminds him that the entire world is at war with the undead. The United provide The Heroes with equipment, food, lodging, and allow them to keep any magical items and valuables they acquire along the way. Dimva snorts that they could get that from anyone and demands more. The She-Soldier sighs and promises to set up a meeting with higher-ups the next day. As the Heroes reunite in the tavern, Lupin and Mortos seem to have bonded over shared experiences, as they all drink in a tense silence |
Thoughts on this Session: What started as a typical problem/solution/resolution adventure turned into a real life learning experience. Though the battle with Lilith was a challenge, the real lesson came at the end when a verbal battle ensued, which escalated out of hands, both in-game and in real life. Garrus was trying to make a point when Lupin shut him down. Mortos and Dimva egged each other on, overpowering other player's voices. And Mortos and Lupin had a side conversation that no one else was privy to. As amusing as it was in the moment, reflecting on this as the DM, I should have never allowed this to happen. Next time, everyone should roll for initiative for turns to speak, If someone wants to quiet another, they should have to roll a persuasion or intimidation check. All in-game conversations should be heard by the DM, so he knows what has transpired between players. Lessons learned for the future.
Since most of the roll playing occurred at the end (after two players needed to leave early), I am going to forgo the usual individual write-ups. Needless to say, despite my mishandling of the verbal sparring at the end, everyone played in character throughout the night. Bravo to all!!!
* Strength Was in His Hair: Sampson.
** Pulled a Sword From a Stone: King Arthur.
*** Steel Driving Man: John Henry.
**** He Had Twelve Labors: Hercules.
***** Robbed From the Rich and Gave to the Poor: Robin Hood.
****** More Than Two French Swordsmen: Three Musketeers.
******* She Became a Man to Join the Army: Mulan.
******** Arthur’s Wizard: Merlin.
********* Shot an Apple Off His Son’s Head: William Tell.
********** His Heel Was His Weakness: Achilles.
********** Toughest Cowboy Ever: Pecos Bill.
************ Giant Lumberjack: Paul Bunyan.
*********** Masked Spaniard in Mexico: Zorro.
************** Planted Fruit Trees Across America: Johnny Appleseed.
Next: Chapter 59 - Choices and Consequences
Previous: Chapter 57 - Snake Charmer