Tales from the Stinky Dragon

Episode: C03 - Ep. 02 - Mission Through Middrus - Passing Out
Release Date: October 16, 2024
Host/Author: Stinky Dragon
Description: Tales from the Stinky Dragon is an award-winning D&D comedy podcast that follows four foolish friends and their patient dungeon master through comedic and adventurous quests. This episode, "Mission Through Middrus - Passing Out," continues the saga of the adventurers as they approach the culmination of their basic training at Fort Endridge.

1. Recap of Previous Adventures

The episode begins with a brief recap of the adventurers' previous exploits, highlighting their challenges during basic training and the transformation of B Team into "Brutality." Gustavo, the dungeon master, sets the stage by referencing their earlier encounters with deceptive devils and an infernal imposter, emphasizing the growth and teamwork the characters have developed over time.

Notable Quote:

Gustavo (0:02:10): "Previously, our adventurers were booted into the deep end of basic training and called to protect their privates."

2. Character Introductions and Personal Insights

Each player introduces their character, providing personal insights and reflecting on lessons learned during boot camp.

• Barbara Dunkelman as Doug Boone (Bugbear Artificer):
  Doug emphasizes the importance of teamwork, having learned that "nothing could be done alone" (2:15). Despite his loner tendencies, he is adapting to collaborating with his teammates.

  Notable Quote:

  Barbara (2:18): "You really gotta have a good team behind you. This has changed Doug completely."

• Blaine Gibson as Tolv (Male Orc Barbarian):
  Tolv shares his discomfort with sleeping among strangers, noting challenges like "snoring and fidgeting" (5:30).

• Chris Damaris as Gunther (Male Croak Folk Fighter):
  Gunther discusses learning about glue during boot camp, humorously recounting an incident on Good Mythical Morning where he had to eat glue (9:45).

• John Risinger as Natty Wonder (Drow Warlock):
  Natty reflects on the difficulty of sleeping among strangers and mentions meeting a "nice dwarven gal" who imparted unconventional survival tips (12:50).

Notable Quotes:

Doug (2:20): "I've spent a lot of my life alone, thinking I could handle things myself."

Gunther (9:50): "I've learned not to eat the glue. Do not eat the glue."

Natty (12:55): "I learned to wet the matchstick or else I'm gonna scratch my eyes out."

3. Time Skip and Current Setting at Fort Endridge

The narrative fast-forwards three months into the future, showcasing the adventurers nearing the end of their training at Fort Endridge. The fort is depicted as a sturdy structure with various facilities, including bunk barracks, a mess hall, an armory, and the seesaw simulation area.

Setting Details:

• Barracks Layout: The team is assigned specific bunks, highlighting interpersonal dynamics and preferences for sleeping arrangements.
• Personal Moments: Characters engage in relaxing activities, such as Natty playing her auto harp (15:30) and Doug tinkering with his inventions (16:45).

4. Tensions and Team Dynamics

The episode delves into the ongoing rivalry between two teams within the boot camp. B Team, comprising Doug, Tolv, Natty, and Gunther, interacts with A Team, leading to playful banter and underlying tensions.

Interactions:

• Contraband Search: Sergeant Steel Eye conducts a rigorous search of the adventurers' belongings, accusing them of hiding contraband (25:00). This leads to humorous exchanges and showcases the characters' personalities under pressure.

Notable Quote:

Sergeant Steel Eye (25:35): "I might see a minuscule possibility of slight potential in U4."

5. The Passing Out Ceremony Preparation

As the adventurers prepare for their passing out (graduation) ceremony, they brainstorm ideas for their performance. Suggestions range from dance routines to more chaotic plans involving a catapult, reflecting their comedic approach to serious situations.

Performance Planning:

• Dance Routine Attempt: Natty leads a kickball chain dance, but the group's execution results in a series of comedic failures, highlighting their lack of coordination (40:20).

Notable Quote:

Natty (40:30): "I think Doug, you're really getting a masterclass in how to do it."

6. Inspection by Colonel Boy and Priestess Chess

Colonel Boy, an inspecting officer, arrives with Priestess Chess, who is searching for the "Cone of Copia." The adventurers realize that Sergeant Steel Eye possesses items of interest, including the contraband and possibly the missing relic.

Key Interactions:

• Dialogue with Colonel Boy: The colonel briefs B Team on their passing out ceremony, setting expectations for their performance (50:10).
• Priestess Chess Inquiry: Priestess Chess seeks information about the missing Cone of Copia, leading the team to deduce possible culprits within the boot camp (1:05:50).

Notable Quote:

Priestess Chess (1:05:55): "We need to find the Cone of Copia and take it back to our convent."

7. Fire Incident and Heroic Efforts

During the ceremony, a fire breaks out in the mess hall, prompting the adventurers to spring into action. Their attempts to extinguish the flames are initially unsuccessful, showcasing their humorous ineptitude in emergency situations.

Emergency Response:

• Bucket Brigade Fiasco: The team's coordination in forming a bucket brigade falters, resulting in spilled water and ineffective fire suppression (1:15:30).
• Natty's Attempt to Investigate: Natty uses her warlock abilities to investigate the source of strange noises, inadvertently summoning three blazing red hounds known as Daemon Girls (1:25:00).

Notable Quote:

Gunther (1:20:10): "We're not that friendly. Gunther, put that tongue back in your mouth."

8. Cliffhanger Ending

The episode concludes on a thrilling cliffhanger as Natty confronts the Daemon Girls, leaving listeners eager for the next installment.

Final Scene:

• Daemon Girls Attack: The arrival of Daemon Girls creates a tense and exciting moment, setting the stage for the next episode's developments (1:30:00).

Notable Quote:

Doug (1:29:50): "Can I use a bucket of water and throw it on one of them?"

9. Episode Wrap-Up

The host and players provide a brief reflection on the episode, expressing enthusiasm for the ongoing adventures and teasing future developments. The episode concludes with acknowledgments of patrons, shout-outs to Discord members, and promotional mentions of exclusive content for supporters.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Teamwork Importance:

  Doug (2:20): "I've spent a lot of my life alone, thinking I could handle things myself."

• Humorous Contraband Search:

  Sergeant Steel Eye (25:35): "I might see a minuscule possibility of slight potential in U4."

• Dance Routine Chaos:

  Natty (40:30): "I think Doug, you're really getting a masterclass in how to do it."

• Emergency Response Humor:

  Gunther (1:20:10): "We're not that friendly. Gunther, put that tongue back in your mouth."

• Cliffhanger Excitement:

  Doug (1:29:50): "Can I use a bucket of water and throw it on one of them?"

Conclusion

"Mission Through Middrus - Passing Out" effectively combines humor, character development, and adventurous storytelling, maintaining the engaging and comedic essence of Tales from the Stinky Dragon. As the adventurers navigate their final challenges in boot camp and face unexpected threats, the episode sets up intriguing plotlines for future episodes, ensuring listeners remain captivated and eager for more.