Revenge of the Iron Lich - episode 08
Channel: Stephen Chast
Date: 2013-04-12

This is the session of Revenge of the Iron Lich that I ran for International Tabletop Day.
Our thanks to Kirwan's Game Store in Catskill NY for allowing ups to use their basement and for the loan of the camera equipment!

This game has a 4-hour time limit and no scheduled breaks. This is part 8 of 9. 

Meet my players! (from left to right)
Anthony: Human Swordmage/Artificer
Jen: Eladrin Wizards (battlemage)
Tom: Halfling Rogue (Essentials' Theif)
Todd: Dwarven Cleric (unknown)
Grace: Elven Ranger (unknown)

Last session: More exploration of the tomb and a cache of treasure is found.

This session: Treasure is divvied up right quick and the missing cypher is found.

The party returns to the Maw where Todd & Tom begin translation. I'm really happy with this sequence because of how it engaged those two. There's a litte conversation going on while the boys work it out.

"30 minutes."
"Do you *want* a mistake in translation?"
"I just want to keep the pressure on."

The transaltion finishes at 10:10 and all side conversations stop as the whole group is engaged in solving the puzzle. This is probably the high point of the game for me. Although emotions don't run as high as in combat (even at the very end), the willingness to explore and to return to this puzzle is a great example of good D&D players in action. Fortunately, Anthony & Jen's previous experience didn't spoil this moment.

"I've botched 4 times already, so this is gonna be..."
"The weapon disintegrates and..."

The puzzle is eventually solved with 17 minutes left on the clock.

The party gains a vorpal sword.

Jen gouges her eye out.

Wraithverge (a wand) is re-assembled.

The party enters the Crypt with 12 MINUTES to go.

"STOP WASTING TIME WITH DESCRIPTION AND GO! C'MON~ WE'VE GOT 10 MINUTES!"

Foreshadowing: THE FINAL BATTLE CONCLUDES.