Tales from the Stinky Dragon – Episode 11: "Mission Through Middrus - As Good as Mines"

Host: Stinky Dragon
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Overview: In Episode 11 of Tales from the Stinky Dragon, titled "Mission Through Middrus - As Good as Mines," listeners embark on another comedic and adventurous journey with the four friends navigating the fantastical world of Dungeons & Dragons. Hosted by Gustavo, the ever-patient Dungeon Master (DM), the episode combines immersive storytelling, engaging character interactions, and humorous dialogues, all set against the backdrop of exotic lands and peculiar creatures.

1. Setting the Stage: The Future of Stinky Dragon

Timestamp: [03:00]

The episode opens in a futuristic setting, marking the first full calendar year of Stinky Dragon as a company. The characters – Doug, Natty, Tolv, Gunther, and Chris – humorously discuss the company’s progress and their enthusiasm about running it. Gustavo, as the DM, introduces the players to a role-playing warm-up exercise, asking each character to share their most recent or frequent nightmare.

2. Sharing Nightmares: Character Insights

Timestamp: [03:30 – 08:05]

Each player takes turns revealing their character's nightmares, providing deeper insights into their personalities and backgrounds:

• Doug (John Risinger, Drow Warlock): Shares a recurring nightmare about his wedding day, where despite the joyous occasion, everyone around him appears sad and distraught. He awakens with a lingering sense of dread, "I just wake up and I don't know what's going on" ([05:31]).

• Chris (Croak Folk Fighter): Describes a terrifying nightmare where his tongue is forcibly held by a stick, rendering him helpless as he watches his family perish. The embarrassment intensifies when he finds himself naked in front of a crowd ([12:14]).

• Gunther (Bugbear Battlesmith Artificer): Recounts a haunting vision of being the last standing survivor on a battlefield, unarmed and vulnerable, facing a formidable magistrate figure ([09:17]).

• Tolv (Male Orca Barbarian): Mentions nightmares involving skeletal figures surrounding him, pulling at his clothing and impeding his movement, reflecting feelings of entrapment and anxiety ([14:11]).

Notable Quote: Doug reflects on his nightmare, saying, "Everyone just stares at me and this kind of growing feeling of dread grows in me" ([05:19]).

3. The Adventure Begins: Entering Middrus Mine

Timestamp: [16:48 – 34:37]

The adventurers find themselves at a critical juncture within the Middrus Mine, facing challenges that test their camaraderie and strategic thinking. Key developments include:

• Encounter with the Baron: Previously, the group battled a ferocious Baron with infernal foes and deceptive foot soldiers but ultimately failed to defeat him, resulting in the Baron escaping with a captive, Private Parts Cobble ([01:55]).

• Discovery of a Locked Door: The party uncovers a mural depicting a halfling sailor drowning and reaching for a chalice overflowing with water. This leads them to investigate further, finding that the mural conceals a portal to another realm ([38:54]).

• Meeting the Wind Trader: Upon entering the portal, they encounter a pale blue-skinned halfling with silver coins for eyes, known as the Wind Trader. This demi-god offers them safe passage in exchange for silver, establishing a pivotal plot point for their quest ([62:57]).

Notable Quotes:

• Gustavo (DM) introduces the scene: "We’re in the future... The first full calendar year" ([03:10]).
• Tolv humorously reacts to the Wind Trader’s offer: "I'm going to be the sacrifice. That's cool with me" ([53:16]).

4. Negotiations and Bartering: Securing Safe Passage

Timestamp: [62:57 – 75:37]

The players engage in negotiations with the Wind Trader to secure safe passage through the stormy chamber:

• Bartering for Wind: The Wind Trader demands silver in exchange for guiding them to their target, the Baron. After a series of humorous haggling and suggestions, the group agrees to offer 600 silver pieces ([73:04]).

• Successful Transaction: Upon handing over the gold (which magically converts to silver), the winds subside, granting them safe passage and assistance in locating the Baron ([76:22]).

Notable Quote: Tolv confidently offers the silver: "500 silver pieces... 600 silver pieces? I think we should take this" ([75:02]).

5. Uncovering Hidden Secrets: Exploring the Southern Room

Timestamp: [40:43 – 84:17]

With the Wind Trader’s aid, the party delves deeper into the mine, uncovering more mysteries:

• Rubble and Remains: As they excavate the rubble, they discover the bodies of winged devils (grilts) and retrieve valuable items, including an iron key and a scorched lantern ([79:03]).

• Challenging the Curtain: Natty uses her spyglass to examine the mural, leading to the revelation that it serves as a portal. Attempts to pass through the mural result in Doug being pulled into the chamber, where he encounters more challenges and navigates through the stormy environment ([49:05]).

• Interacting with Celestial Entities: In the silvery chamber, they meet the Wind Trader again, who hints at further quests and world purification, setting the stage for future adventures ([85:36]).

Notable Quote: Doug muses on the mysterious mural: "I think about the halfling sailor drowning... that's weird to have in a silver mine" ([39:38]).

6. Preparing for the Next Quest: Seeking the Baron

Timestamp: [84:17 – 86:45]

As the group gathers their newfound resources and information, they strategize their next moves:

• Safe Passage and Guidance: Thanks to the Wind Trader, they now have a lead on locating the elusive Baron, who remains a critical figure in their mission ([75:37]).

• Reflecting on Discoveries: The adventurers contemplate the nature of the Wind Trader and the implications of their interactions, pondering over the deity's motives and the potential for deeper connections to their quest ([86:10]).

Notable Quote: Gustavo (DM) leaves listeners with a cliffhanger: "Find out what world purification is all about on the next episode of Tales from the Stinky Dragon" ([86:26]).

7. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

Timestamp: [86:45 – End]

The episode concludes with a humorous wrap-up and calls to action for listeners to support the podcast:

• Merchandise and Patreon: Listeners are encouraged to visit the Stinky Dragon merchandise store and become patrons for exclusive content, including bonus series and behind-the-scenes access.

• Acknowledgments: The hosts thank their supporters and mention contributions from the community, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the podcast.

Notable Quote: Gustavo promotes community support: "Check out store.stinkydragonpod.com for all your stinky dragon merch needs" ([41:52]).

Conclusion: Episode 11 of Tales from the Stinky Dragon blends humor, camaraderie, and engaging storytelling as the adventurers navigate the mysterious Middrus Mine. With each character’s unique quirks and the DM’s creative narrative, the episode sets up intriguing plot developments and leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment. Whether you’re a seasoned D&D player or new to the genre, this award-winning podcast episode offers a delightful mix of adventure and comedy suitable for all ages.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Doug on his nightmare: "Everyone just stares at me and this kind of growing feeling of dread grows in me" ([05:19]).
• Tolv offering silver: "500 silver pieces... 600 silver pieces? I think we should take this" ([75:02]).
• Gustavo's cliffhanger: "Find out what world purification is all about on the next episode of Tales from the Stinky Dragon" ([86:26]).

Stay Connected:

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• Merchandise: Visit store.stinkydragonpod.com for Stinky Dragon gear.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 11, focusing on the narrative progression, character dynamics, and key plot points while excluding advertisements and non-content segments.