Tales from the Stinky Dragon - Episode 13: "Mission Through Middrus - Weekend at Baronie’s"

Release Date: March 19, 2025

Tales from the Stinky Dragon, hosted by Stinky Dragon, is an award-winning actual-play Dungeons & Dragons comedy podcast that brings to life the adventures of four friends and their patient dungeon master, Gustavo Sorola. In Episode 13, titled "Mission Through Middrus - Weekend at Baronie’s," the adventurers embark on a daring mission through the enigmatic lands of Middrus, facing comical challenges, navigating intricate plots, and interacting with a cast of quirky characters.

1. Setting the Scene

The episode opens with the adventurers reflecting on recent exploits, including the sale of a car to Carvana and humorous banter about various mundane activities. This light-hearted start sets the tone for the comedic elements interwoven throughout their epic quest.

Notable Quote:

• “Sell your car to Carvana and swap hassle. For convenience, pick up.” – Gustavo Sorola ([00:22])

2. Recap of Previous Adventures

Gustavo begins by recapping their last encounter where the adventurers faced Reggie the Imprudent Preacher. Reggie was attempting to sway spectators into dubious endeavors, leading to a confrontation where the team saved a soldier from a devil wielding an axe. This heroic act left the Baron incapacitated, setting the stage for the current mission.

Notable Quote:

• “Previously, our adventurers ran into Reggie the imprudent preacher trying to soothsay and sway spectators into something silver or pure.” – Chris Demarais ([02:11])

3. Mission Initiation and Arrow Questions

Gustavo introduces the episode's central mission: interrogating the incapacitated Baron to uncover the mystery of the "Pathfinder." To engage the players, he incorporates an interactive segment called "Arrow Questions," where characters reveal personal quirks and preferences.

Notable Quote:

• “This week's arrow question is, what household chore does your character try to avoid?” – Gustavo Sorola ([03:27])

Character Responses:

• Natty Wonder (Jon Risinger): “I don't avoid any household chores... It brings a little spark of joy in my brain when I complete them.” ([05:01])
• Doug (Barbara Dunkelman): “Doug doesn't like cleaning the toilet, but a little… maybe TMI for the group.” ([13:07])

4. Interrogation and Discovery

The adventurers begin questioning the Baron about the elusive Pathfinder. Their attempt to extract information reveals the Pathfinder's significance and its connection to the Wind Trader, an important figure in their quest.

Notable Quote:

• “What or who or where is the Pathfinder? You keep asking about that. We ain't got no idea what you're talking about.” – Jon Risinger ([20:01])

As the interrogation progresses, the team realizes the Pathfinder controls directions, making the search particularly challenging.

Notable Quote:

• “I seek the Pathfinder. So I seek the Pathfinder.” – Gustavo Sorola ([20:01])

5. Encounters with NPCs and Challenges

The team's journey is punctuated by interactions with NPCs like Murphin and Kiba, members of the Chase Chain faction working in the silver mine. These encounters are filled with witty dialogue and strategic challenges, including combat with gnolls—ferocious creatures demanding gold from the adventurers.

Combat Highlight:

• Natty Wonder: Uses an Eldritch Blast to devastate an attacking gnoll, showcasing the team's effective combat coordination.

Notable Quote:

• “I am going to roll for attack... 25 damage.” – Jon Risinger ([89:21])

6. Exploration and Tactical Maneuvers

Navigating the labyrinthine silver mine, the adventurers uncover abandoned campsites and skeletal remains, hinting at past conflicts and the mine's dark history. Doug discovers gold pieces in a knoll skeleton's purse, leading to further exploration and potential traps.

Notable Quote:

• “There seems to be another gold piece over there just out in the open. But it seems a little suspicious.” – Barbara Dunkelman ([81:27])

Their exploration culminates in reaching Enridge Bay, a pivotal location in their mission, filled with natural challenges like torrential rain and harsh winds.

Notable Quote:

• “You finally reach your destination. Enridge Bay.” – Gustavo Sorola ([66:07])

7. Emotional and Narrative Depth

Amidst the adventure, Natty experiences a poignant moment with her centaur wife, Janaya, adding emotional depth to the narrative. This encounter juxtaposes the comedic elements with heartfelt storytelling, enriching the overall experience.

Notable Quote:

• “I have a lot of work to do... I long for that glorious day to come.” – Janaya ([93:26])

8. Climax and Resolution

As the team approaches Enridge Bay, they face a final confrontation with gnolls demanding their gold. Natty's strategic use of magic effectively neutralizes the threat, allowing the adventurers to advance.

Notable Quote:

• “See? We don't got any gold.” – Natty Wonder ([88:59])
• “We got a couple of gnolls that are menacingly approaching you with one of them, brandishing an ax, saying, give us all your gold.” – Gustavo Sorola ([88:25])

9. Conclusion and Teasers

The episode concludes with the adventurers preparing to leave Middrus, having achieved their mission objectives and setting their sights on future adventures in Enridge Bay. Gustavo hints at upcoming challenges and the evolving dynamics within the team, leaving listeners eager for the next installment.

Notable Quote:

• “Find out what Doug's next command decision is on the next episode of Tales from the Sneaky Dragon.” – Gustavo Sorola ([97:02])

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• “Sell your car to Carvana and swap hassle. For convenience, pick up.” – Gustavo Sorola ([00:22])

• “Previously, our adventurers ran into Reggie the imprudent preacher trying to soothsay and sway spectators into something silver or pure.” – Chris Demarais ([02:11])

• “This week's arrow question is, what household chore does your character try to avoid?” – Gustavo Sorola ([03:27])

• “I don't avoid any household chores... It brings a little spark of joy in my brain when I complete them.” – Jon Risinger as Natty Wonder ([05:01])

• “Doug doesn't like cleaning the toilet, but a little… maybe TMI for the group.” – Barbara Dunkelman ([13:07])

• “What or who or where is the Pathfinder? You keep asking about that. We ain't got no idea what you're talking about.” – Jon Risinger ([20:01])

• “I seek the Pathfinder. So I seek the Pathfinder.” – Gustavo Sorola ([20:01])

• “I am going to roll for attack... 25 damage.” – Jon Risinger ([89:21])

• “There seems to be another gold piece over there just out in the open. But it seems a little suspicious.” – Barbara Dunkelman ([81:27])

• “You finally reach your destination. Enridge Bay.” – Gustavo Sorola ([66:07])

• “I have a lot of work to do... I long for that glorious day to come.” – Janaya ([93:26])

• “See? We don't got any gold.” – Natty Wonder ([88:59])

• “We got a couple of gnolls that are menacingly approaching you with one of them, brandishing an ax, saying, give us all your gold.” – Gustavo Sorola ([88:25])

• “Find out what Doug's next command decision is on the next episode of Tales from the Sneaky Dragon.” – Gustavo Sorola ([97:02])

Final Thoughts

Episode 13 of Tales from the Stinky Dragon masterfully blends humor with classic D&D storytelling, offering listeners a rich and engaging experience. The interplay between the adventurers, their strategic encounters, and the emotional undertones create a multifaceted narrative that caters to both seasoned D&D players and newcomers alike. As the team progresses toward Enridge Bay, the anticipation builds, promising even more thrilling and amusing adventures in future episodes.

For those who haven't listened yet, this episode is a testament to the podcast's ability to create immersive stories filled with laughter, camaraderie, and heroic deeds. Whether you're a seasoned Dungeon Master or new to the genre, Tales from the Stinky Dragon offers a delightful journey through fantastical realms that is perfect for all ages.