Dark Dice – Season 2, Episode 21: "The Last Laugh"

Release Date: August 13, 2025

Episode Overview

In the penultimate episode of Season 2 of Dark Dice, titled "The Last Laugh," Soren's team faces escalating tensions and dark revelations as they inch closer to their ultimate confrontation. This episode serves as the final lighthearted chapter before the narrative plunges back into horror, setting the stage for the blood-soaked finale.

Setting the Stage

Travis Vengroff opens the episode by welcoming listeners back after a brief hiatus. He outlines plans for releasing episodes biweekly, aiming to conclude the season by December. Notably, he announces upcoming live shows and playtesting sessions, engaging the community and inviting participation.

"Let's prepare for the final four episodes for Soren's team before we turn to Rowena and Sindri to wrap up the final loose ends."
— Travis Vengroff [00:01]

The Team's Split and Initial Tensions

The adventurers—Sorin, Ildryx, Glam, and Gael—return to the city of Aden after a disheartening interaction with the corrupt Captain Rennus. Sorin arranges a clandestine meeting in the graveyard to uncover deeper conspiracies.

Shawn Howard expresses concern about the plan:

"Sorry, are we all going to the graveyard or was that just a Soren invite?"
— Shawn Howard [04:37]

Sorin clarifies his intent to gather information covertly:

"My motivation at this point is purely just to see if he'll tell us what sort of dark things he's involved with..."
— Peter Lewis as Sorin [04:44]

The team decides to split up to cover more ground, each member taking on specific tasks to advance their investigation.

Meeting Captain Rennus

In a tense encounter, Sorin meets with Captain Rennes in the Audyn's Grand Graveyard. The captain reveals the cult's desperate need for more substantial blood sources to consecrate their temple, hinting at darker and more powerful sacrifices.

"We need something else. Something substantial. Perhaps magic users or a powerful monster. Or a priest."
— Captain Rennes [08:14]

This revelation deepens the mystery and raises the stakes for the team, compelling them to take decisive action against the cult's heinous plans.

Gathering Allies and Planning the Ambush

Back at their lodgings, the team discusses the implications of their findings with Officer Syne. They decide to target the Chapel of the Sun to prevent the impending ritual.

Peter Lewis as Sorin shares his deceptions to gain RENNUS's trust:

"It just felt so nice to be respected. For a few moments, I let it go to my head."
— Peter Lewis as Sorin [12:09]

The team strategizes to ambush the cultists during the midnight ritual, planning to utilize the city's defenses and gather evidence to expose the corruption.

Interaction with Father Dormund

The team visits the Chapel of the Sun to seek assistance from Father Dormund, the sole priest of Celagon in the city. Their conversation reveals the fragile state of the church and highlights the dangers Father Dormund faces from the cult.

"We have to disguise you to get past the checkpoints. I think there's an entertainer's wagon still around that belonged to a somewhat famous jester."
— Holly Billinghurst [41:53]

This interaction solidifies Father Dormund's role as a potential ally, despite the complexities and risks involved.

Execution of the Ambush

At midnight, the team sets their plan into motion. As Captain Rennes and his hooded guards approach the chapel, the adventurers spring into action from their concealed positions within the pews.

Glom initiates the attack with a surprise strike:

"So 20. Not natural."
— Peter Lewis as Sorin [34:02]

The ensuing battle is intense, showcasing each team member's prowess:

• Glen employs magic to block escape routes, providing tactical advantages.
• Ildrix protects Father Dormund with swift and lethal strikes.
• Steiny and Officer Syne engage the guards, demonstrating teamwork and combat efficiency.

Despite their efforts, casualties occur, highlighting the brutal reality of their mission.

Aftermath and Strategic Decisions

With the immediate threat neutralized, the team assesses the situation. They capture Captain Rennes, intending to extract valuable information about the cult's operations.

"We can't leave the priest to get murdered. And if we can stop a blood ritual, that will be the first positive thing we've accomplished since we started journeying together."
— Peter Lewis as Sorin [13:23]

Recognizing the ongoing dangers, the team decides to safeguard Father Dormund and plans their departure from Aden. They opt to traverse the city's tunnels, aiming to reach Westman's Hold in the Frost Iron Mountains for safety.

"So as we'll we'll be leaving the city through the tunnels. I can get us out on the north side or the east side. Do you have a preference?"
— Russ Gold as Father Dormund [43:20]

Key Quotes

• Travis Vengroff:

  "It is my intention to release an episode of this podcast every two weeks until we've reached the story's conclusion."
  [00:01]

• Peter Lewis as Sorin:

  "I know of few code phrases we can use to find out if someone is with the cult."
  [12:09]

• Holly Billinghurst:

  "I believe we may have misguidedly endangered the life of a priest."
  [21:25]

• Ru:

  "We need to disguise you to get past the checkpoints."
  [41:53]

Conclusion and Looking Forward

"The Last Laugh" masterfully balances moments of levity with escalating tension, deepening character relationships, and advancing the overarching narrative. As the team prepares to leave Aden, alliances are forged, and the impending horrors loom larger. This episode sets the stage for the climactic finale, promising a descent into true horror as the adventurers confront the darkest corners of their fantasy world.

Travis Vengroff closes the episode by reinforcing the stakes and hinting at the challenges ahead:

"This episode marks the final lighthearted chapter before we descend back into some true horror for the rest of the season."
— Travis Vengroff [00:01]

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment, where the culmination of Season 2's intense journey will unfold.

Stay tuned for the blood-soaked finale of Season 2 of Dark Dice, where courage, betrayal, and the unknown will determine the fate of our heroes.