Tales from the Stinky Dragon – Episode C03: "Tween the Devil and Deep Blue Sea"

Release Date: June 25, 2025

Overview

In episode 20 of Tales from the Stinky Dragon, titled "Tween the Devil and Deep Blue Sea," listeners are treated to a thrilling blend of comedy and adventure as the Stinky Dragon crew navigates unexpected revelations and intense battles. This installment deepens character backstories while propelling the party into a high-stakes confrontation on the high seas.

Character Introductions and Backgrounds

The episode begins with the Dungeon Master, Gustavo (Gunther), engaging the players in a creative exercise: imagining the book their characters would write. Each character presents a unique perspective:

• Elva (Chris Damaris) introduces herself as a male crookfolk fighter named Gunther and shares her envisioned book titled "Leap of Faith," focusing on her village, cult, and the importance of faith and family within her culture. (04:35)

  Elva: "If there was a lot of track getting laid, I was waiting for it."

• Doug (Barbara Dunkleman), playing a bugbear artificer, humorously titles his book "Big Heart, Big Ideas," reflecting his character's multifaceted personality and penchant for knot-tying puns. (05:50)

  Doug: "A holiday book about tying knots. Stop me if I keep going. I'm nocturnal."

• Tolv (Blaine Gibson) and Natty Wonder (Kristen) also contribute to the character creation process, setting the stage for deeper narrative developments.

Major Plot Revelations

A pivotal moment occurs when Elva bursts into the game, revealing herself as Tolv's sister and a Thaumatech—a fusion of technology and magic—challenging the party's understanding of their companions:

Elva: "It's me, Tolv. It's Elva. Your sister."

This revelation hooks listeners as Tolv grapples with his true identity, shedding light on his past and the overarching mystery surrounding the Thaumatechs.

Tolv: "I am a Thaumatech this whole time."

Further discussions unveil that Doug is, in fact, a machine rather than an organic being, disguised in Bjorn's skin as a tribute to his late “father” figure. This intricate web of identities and secrets adds depth to the narrative, setting up future quests to reunite with other siblings and uncover their origins. (22:56)

Climactic Battle: Assault on the Galleon

The tension escalates as a storm heralds the arrival of a formidable adversary—the Privateer, commanding a galleon crewed by gnolls. The party engages in a strategic and comedic battle sequence filled with dramatic dice rolls and inventive tactics:

1. Initial Ambush: A barrel explodes with water and lightning, prompting the party to fend off gnolls threatening their crew members. (30:34)

   Privateer: "Give up now or face brutality and perish."

2. Magical Maneuvers: Natty Wonder casts Shadow Portal to deceive and teleport the party, attempting to seize control of the opposing ship. (41:00)

   Natty Wonder: "I make a door portal that will magically take us to another building."

3. Battle Dynamics: The encounter showcases each character's abilities—from Tolv's enraged javelin throws to Elva's dagger fingers—balancing humor with heroic feats.

   Elva: "I have downright knife finger hands."

4. Turning the Tide: Through a combination of teamwork and clever spellcasting, including Natty's Eldritch Blasts, the party successfully overwhelms the gnolls, leading to the capture of the ship and setting sail toward their next adventure. (85:56)

   Gunther: "The ship is yours, Captain."

Concluding the Adventure

As the dust settles, the party consolidates their victory and prepares for the journey ahead. They retrieve a mysterious map from the defeated gnolls, indicating their next destination—a missing island that holds the key to their familial quests.

Gunther: "So, do you know how to sail? Because it's time to sail to a missing island."

The episode wraps up with a blend of triumph and anticipation, leaving listeners eager for the next chapter in the Stinky Dragon's adventures.

Notable Quotes

• Elva on her book idea:
  “Tracking Always know your car's worth with Carvana Value tracker.” (00:25)

• Doug on his knot-tying puns:
  “I just like it because, you know, I think Doug has a lot of big ideas...” (05:57)

• Natty Wonder on her book metaphor:
  “It's a really good, like, metaphor for my book.” (10:57)

• Tolv revealing his identity as a Thaumatech:
  “I am unthinkably a Thaumatek this whole time.” (02:09)

• Elva on her dagger fingers:
  “I have downright knife finger hands.” (59:50)

Conclusion

Episode 20 of Tales from the Stinky Dragon masterfully intertwines character development with dynamic storytelling, delivering both laughs and suspense. With unexpected twists and a memorable battle scene, "Tween the Devil and Deep Blue Sea" stands out as a testament to the show's ability to engage and entertain its audience. Whether you're a seasoned D&D player or new to the genre, this episode offers a captivating experience that showcases the camaraderie and creativity of the Stinky Dragon crew.

Support and Extras

For fans eager to delve deeper, the episode concludes with promotions for exclusive Patreon content and merchandise, encouraging listeners to join the community and support future adventures.

Listen to Episode 20: "Tween the Devil and Deep Blue Sea"
Available on all major podcast platforms and the Stinky Dragon YouTube channel.