Tales from the Stinky Dragon – Episode C03 Ep. 09: "Mission Through Middrus - Garden Variety Grilp"

Release Date: January 22, 2025
Host/Author: Stinky Dragon

1. Mission Briefing and Recap ([02:52] – [04:30])

Dungeon Master Gustavo Rola opens the episode by recapping the adventurers' previous mission, where they were summoned by Sergeant Steel Eye to investigate Endridge Bay in search of Fismum. The team—Natty Wonder (a drow warlock), Gunther (a fighter), Doug Boone (a bugbear artificer), and Tove (a male orc barbarian)—embarks on their new quest, delving into the mysterious ruins of Raisin. Their journey initially led them to Teehi to retrieve trees, but a misstep caused them to miss the forest, setting the stage for the current adventure.

2. Role-Playing Warm-Up: Favorite Candies ([02:52] – [07:52])

To kickstart the session, Gustavo initiates a role-playing warm-up where each player shares their character's favorite candy. This segment not only serves as an icebreaker but also deepens character development and camaraderie among the players.

• Natty Wonder (John Risinger): "I love me some candy. Candy every day. Candy for breakfast, candy for lunch, candy for dinner." ([04:30])

• Doug Boone (Barbara Dunkleman): "I'm loving me some candy corn." ([05:04])

• Tove (Blaine Gibson): Expresses a preference for sea salt candies, highlighting his character's unfamiliarity with traditional sweets. ([08:05])

• Gunther (Chris Dumaris): Struggles to choose a favorite candy, ultimately admitting a soft spot for candy corn despite its polarizing reputation. ([05:09])

This playful exchange sets a humorous and light-hearted tone, emphasizing the group's dynamic and individual quirks.

3. Entering the Tree Sanctuary ([02:52] – [19:38])

The adventurers arrive at the tree sanctuary, a dilapidated structure measuring approximately 35x50 feet with three prominent tree exhibits and a central fountain. The absence of glass and the precarious construction add an eerie ambiance. As they explore, small green-skinned demons, resembling house cats in size but menacing with fangs, begin to emerge from the trees.

• Gustavo Rola: "The door was barely hanging on the hinges... There was a fountain in the middle and three tree exhibits." ([19:00])

4. Initial Combat Encounter ([16:39] – [23:48])

Gunther takes the lead, attacking the closest demon with precision.

• Gunther: "It's a 23 that hits. That's 14 damage." ([19:50])

Tove follows suit, using his warhammer to decimate another demon, resulting in the creature's disintegration.

• Tove: "It's super effective." ([20:00])

Doug and Natty engage cautiously, with Doug expressing a deep-seated aversion to trees, hinting at his character's backstory and motivations.

• Doug Boone: "Let me lay down the layers like a candy corn..." ([05:37])

The battle intensifies as Gustavo rolls for the Non-Player Characters (NPCs), adding strategic depth to the encounter.

5. Escalation and Building Collapse ([33:06] – [51:38])

Barbara decides to cast Firebolt at the Hogwash Hickory tree to prevent further demon entries. The spell successfully ignites the tree, causing fiery demons to emerge and the building to become structurally unstable.

• Barbara Dunkleman: "And I cast Firebolt at the Hogwash Hickory." ([33:04])

As flames engulf the tree, additional demons with fiery wings appear, escalating the combat scenario. The building begins to collapse, forcing the adventurers to fight swiftly amidst falling debris.

Natty and Doug utilize their abilities strategically, with Doug casting Hex to weaken the adversaries.

• Doug Boone: "I cast hex on them and place a curse." ([39:07])

The tension peaks as the sanctuary's integrity fails, leading the group to fall into a dark cavern illuminated by glowing obelisks and hearing the ominous proclamation:

• Mysterious Voice: "I filled this forest to its knees, and so shall you." ([73:38])

6. Character Interactions and Humor ([04:30] – [76:58])

Throughout the episode, the players engage in humorous banter and character-driven jokes, enhancing the comedic aspect of the podcast.

• Natty Wonder: "Candy every day... Candy for breakfast, candy for lunch, candy for dinner." ([04:30])

• Barbara Dunkleman: "I hope we learn Private Parts can't actually read or write..." ([06:44])

• Tove: "I'm mama on the land now. You know, I could try some things, live a little." ([08:05])

These interactions provide levity amidst the intense combat, showcasing the players' chemistry and the podcast's blend of adventure and comedy.

7. Cliffhanger and Conclusion ([73:38] – [74:45])

As the building collapses, the adventurers find themselves in a subterranean cavern adorned with petrified wood obelisks. The episode concludes on a suspenseful note with the adventurers facing an unknown threat, setting up anticipation for the next episode.

• Mysterious Voice: "I filled this forest to its knees, and so shall you." ([73:38])

• Barbara Dunkleman: "A Baron?" ([74:15])

The mention of the Baron introduces a new antagonist, promising deeper layers to the ongoing narrative.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug Boone: "Candy every day. Candy for breakfast, candy for lunch, candy for dinner." ([04:30])

• Barbara Dunkleman: "I hope we learn Private Parts can't actually read or write..." ([06:44])

• Mysterious Voice: "I filled this forest to its knees, and so shall you." ([73:38])

Conclusion

"Mission Through Middrus - Garden Variety Grilp" delivers a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and character development. As the adventurers navigate through treacherous environments and formidable foes, their interactions and witty exchanges provide an engaging listening experience. The episode skillfully balances intense combat sequences with light-hearted moments, culminating in a suspenseful cliffhanger that leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Whether you're a seasoned D&D player or new to the genre, this episode offers a captivating journey through exotic lands filled with strange creatures and gripping stories, all delivered by a fully-voiced cast with immersive sound design and a catchy soundtrack.

Stay Tuned:
Join the stinky dragon and his foolish friends in their next adventure as they uncover the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic Baron. Don't miss out on the thrilling continuation of their quest through Middrus!