Shadows of Drakkenheim Episode 17: Do Ratlings Dream of Electric Sheep

[@DungeonDudes]

DUNGEONS OF DRAKKENHEIM is coming to Kickstarter in 2021! We’re partnering with Ghostfire Games to publish the complete adventure for Fifth Edition. Sign up at www.drakkenheim.com to get the latest updates!

[@illoney5663]

I am completely convinced Monty loves the ratling voices. And I am also convinced everyone watching fully agrees.

[@jeremystanley7748]

hell ya!! ;p

[@Maninawig]

Add to that everyone looks forward to it and you got yourself a hat trick of truth

[@SorryIamDrinking]

Yes yes yes!

[@Ryquard1]

YES YES YES

[@ladysilkwing]

Yes, yes, yes!

[@DoctorDucky250]

Did the players NOT learn their lesson from the last campaign not to try to use the ratlings for their own purposes? It's going to bite them on their bums later for sure. Monty never forgets and he never forgives.

[@zeroxssir492]

My dream Wilhelm item would be making his patch have tremor sense. Doesn’t help him see exactly and it has its limits so it wouldn’t be OP. But Kelly could absolutely ROCK rp with it “Friends we have something of human size approaching. Approximately 10 meters and closing from the northwest.” Rudi “Well that’s specific” Wrath “Yes Bruce I think he provides more utility now too” Bruce nuzzles Wilhelms leg.

[@euansmith3699]

Wilhelm, "Nine meters. Seven. Six." Rudi, "That can't be; that's inside the room." Wilhelm, "It's reading right man, look!" Wrath, "Then you're not reading it right." Wilhelm, "Five meters, man. Four. What the hell?"

[@jeremystanley7748]

i can so picture this ;p

[@jcdenton2187]

Monty please do this!

[@djohns9295]

Monty said “if we ever publish something” and I said “Yes! Yes! Yes!” I would buy a Drakkenheim campaign setting instantly!

[@Battlemaster952]

They just released a video confirming its in the works today! Praise be to the RatGod! Yes yes yes!

[@djohns9295]

MercifulGoliath Ohhhhhhhhhh! Praise the Three Ghosts!!!

[@VolderothLives]

It has been a year, they released Drakkenheim...I bought it

[@joeschmoe6356]

How much is in it?

[@jeffreybomba]

@@joeschmoe6356 It is awesome!

[@animainega8511]

The beef between Wilhelm and Wrath is the most entertaining thing in this whole season. I can't stop laughing at their banter

[@r4nd0m1zer2]

I really want Wrath to meet Sebastian Crowe in a scenario where Wrath is the therapist to work through all the Drakkenheim ptsd. S: It was horible, there were rats everywhere.. Everywhere!! W: I also encountered rats, Bruce ate all of them

[@sebbonxxsebbon6824]

Freud would question if "Bruce" was just a representation of their.....

[@rcschmidt668]

Maybe Sebastian, Wrath, and Quill? Which leads to other groupings potentially.

[@torifelten9066]

I am imagining this is wrath always calm voice.

[@williamzzan190]

Joe is an absolute treasure. How he portraits wraths madness is hilarious. Makes me want to try to play something similar.

[@megapowerman2]

You have mastered the art of ALMOST killing your players, Monty. Awesome.

[@garethnaude1175]

Monty: “If we ever publish something...” Don’t toy with my emotions like this!!!

[@theorycrafters7281]

If something bookwise gets published, best believe i will purchase it in a heartbeat

[@dooterpecker1091]

Monty is good at foreshadowing

[@shanemccausland958]

The book is out

[@kevinschmidt6343]

Are we getting a "Best Friend, Worst Friend" t-shirt yet?!

[@zeroxssir492]

Best friend?! Big axe cutting a slash across the shirt WORST FRIEND!!!

[@TommyTheCat83]

It would help if Chungus could be in more episodes.

[@kevinschmidt6343]

@@TommyTheCat83 Oh, he'll definitely be back 😄

[@angelnoel5464]

ratling are the cutest murderous things ever!

[@euansmith3699]

Kelly's terrified face is priceless. Jill's, "Most of my movement, eh?" was so Canadian.

[@jeremystanley7748]

that what ima talk'n aboot ;p

[@Nnniclas]

I absolutely love you guys. As someone who has only been playing D&D for a year, you are a pure delight to watch. It's so inspiring to watch how you teamwork and set up each others moments of shine, instead of just focusing on your own characters actions, which so easily can be a beginner's trait. Especially Joe's selflessness and well played dry wits of Wrath is just brilliance from another plane of existence - and you're all just amazingly genuine and devoted to create the best time for each other. Well done!

[@kentmcdonell1778]

The Hunter’s Code of Wilhelm Wolfsbane Rule 1: Always have a plan of attack. Rule 2: Always know your way out. * Rule 3: Never underestimate your foe. 39:44 Rule 4: Know your strengths and your enemies weaknesses. Rule 6: There’s always a trail to follow. Rule 7: Follow a rumor, never give it value until you can prove it’s fact. * Rule 9: When in doubt, improvise. 29:58 Rule 10: Confirm your kills. Rule 11: There are alternatives to fighting. Rule 14: Do what is right. Rule 19: Follow your nose. Rule 22: When you are entrusted with a secret, you keep it. Rule 24: If you think it’s a trap, it probably is. Rule 25: Listen, observe, and you’ll learn. Rule 27: There is always more than one way in or out. Rule 28: Manners maketh the man. Rule 31: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Rule 33: Sometimes the best way to get past a trap is to spring it. Rule 35: You always have a choice. Rule 36: Give credit where credit is due. Rule 37: Take the blame when it is yours to take. + Rule 38: Be confident and humble at the same time. 2:05:56 Rule 41: It’s best not to take chances. Rule 44: Information is best gathered where locals gather. Rule 46: Always look for an alternate entrance. Rule 47: Teamwork is the key to achieving the unachievable. Rule 49: Cleanliness is next to godliness. Rule 50. Your skills are power, and power should be used to aid the less powerful. Rule 55: Write it down. + Rule 63: Gold has no value to the dead. 9:50 Rule 65: The dead have no need for trinkets. Rule 67: When panic spreads, the calm are the victors. Rule 75: Lead by example, not explanation. Rule 77: Never use your skills against the innocent. Rule 78: Always use your skills to protect the innocent. Rule 79: If your actions are not for the good of the people, then they are not good actions. Rule: 83: Never underestimate ducks. Rule 92: Always listen to your gut. Rule 95: Never trust a drink you didn’t pour yourself. Rule 99: When given a difficult choice, the option that helps the most people is the correct choice. Rule 100: When you are low on options, do whatever it takes. Rule 101: The first thing you look for when there’s a fire is where the fire started. Rule 383: When you don’t have a door, make a door. + New Rule * Repeated Rule E17: 2 new rule, 2 mentions of previous rules E16: 2 new rules E15: 2 new rules E14: 1 new rule, 4 mentions of previous rules E13: 1 new rule, 2 mentions of previous rules E12: 3 new rules, 1 mention of a previous rules E11: 2 new rules E10: 1 new rule, 1 mention of a previous rule E9: 3 new rules, 2 mentions of previous rules E8: 1 new rule E7: 1 new rule, 2 mentions of previous rules E6: 1 new rule, 4 mentions of previous rules E5: 2 new rules, 2 mentions of previous rules E4: 6 new rules, 2 mentions of previous rules E3: 2 new rules, 1 mention of a previous rule E2: 4 new rules, 3 mentions of previous rules E1: 9 new rules

[@austinoliver7463]

I love your guys' passion it promotes acceptance of self and not caring about what seems "nerdy" to some people. Its people like us hat keep creativity and imagination alive! thanks for being yourselves and inspiring other nerds!

[@devin5201]

I'm just gonna say it, Monty made the ratlings quirky and interesting on purpose, he wanted the gang to take pity on Rat Prince and have the whole colony bite em in the behind, truly a masterful manipulation.

[@jeffreybomba]

The ratings did not become a major faction in the source book, which makes me think it was not part of the original plan. The way he wrote the book indicates that his style is to sketch out different factions and potential adventures while allowing the characters to shape it all and dictate what details get filled in as needed. You also have to remember that Sebastian was built to be a deception/manipulation master. The whole thing started when he cast darkness and the Rat Prince could not see the party and called them ghosts and Sebastian ran with it.

[@cdwarrior6582]

Ummm Monty dropped about a million hints that the ratlings needed to be destroyed. They seriously just kept eating people. And if that was somehow not an indication the population starting to spike after the knolls died should have been an indication. They even said that it was completely on them.

[@SrKyle3rd]

Love how Wilhelm was so proud of his bell on a string alarm system idea...when he was literally copying the ratlings own defenses lol

[@otis8888]

Wow those rats sure have gotten a buff this campaign. Scary how much health and abilities you have given them. Amazing concepts and ideas so far. I'm struggling to catch up to watch live. Great campaign going yet again. Thanks for putting this out for all of us to enjoy.

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

JOOOOOE!!! you have your rign of Hypnothic pattern - he screams, four months too late -

[@mal2ksc]

Oh man, both Monty and Joe (and Jill, when playing a paladin) have to step up their mustache games. Kelly has raised the (handle)bar.

[@TerraDoctor]

Sweet Tooth, in a moment of existential questioning: "Rat god? What... is the meaning of life?" Wrath: "Eat manlings! Eat fishmen!" "Oooooh!" Uh oh... the next rat princess? x)

[@loganjerome2263]

"WHAT IS IN THIS WRITING!!!" -Wrath I was on my way to work at 5:30am when I heard that line. I laughed so hard that I think the rest of my day will be a good one. Thank you Monty and the Dusk Wardens!!

[@cheezyllamba]

Joes role play and humor is so infectious!!! The way he plays and jokes I feel like brings out the best in everyone, and everyone that’s obviously having fun just gets that amplified!

[@yodaleiaheehoo9960]

I lost count of the amount of times I burst out laughing during this episode, amazing stuff! 🤣

[@MrJfuphill]

Rule Number 38 "be confidant and humble at the same time" :')

[@eddobh]

The Sweet Tooth into Wrath's "Rat god" into rule 38 is pure gold.

[@levgoldiner3098]

One of the best episodes. I am still laughing. What’s the worst that can happen going into combat without short rest.

[@MrBiloxifireman]

1:01:50 Drakkenheim wild magic table. Ohhh yeah

[@BeardedDragonite]

If wrath continues using his disguises. I'm beginning to feel like a ret god rat god All my squeekers from the front to the back nod back nod...

[@kparish05]

“Well... it’s no string and bell combo...” 😂

[@bigwig8657]

Clutch saving throw from Wrath to avoid the One shot TPK 😅

[@cassiusaureliusanima]

That moment of Joe/wrath just wondering what went wrong. It as pure magic jajajajaja

[@FedericoVetencourt]

Hey Monty, you don't need to bring minis from one map to the next! in Roll20 any player with control of a PCsheet can drag it from the journal to the map and it automatically places the token :)

[@deucebeast20]

When Monty pulled a Roddy Piper, I lost my shit. "And I'm all out of bubblegum."

[@vladimiregorov8382]

Dudes, honestly it's been one of the most interesting and intense episodes of the old campaign and the new!

[@psoren423]

Point of order; Wrath lit the den on fire, Wilhelm would be able to see pretty clearly considering the amount of flammable items in the rat den.

[@JABO95SA]

Poor Wrath was just standing there like the confused Travolta meme

[@xSilentStrangerx]

"It's been two sessions with no ones."-Kelly 2020 --> Top Ten Photos Taken Moments Before Disaster SPOILERS FOR THE EPISODE BELOW!!!! Also NOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!!!!!!! AND TWO WEEKS OFF?! NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! GOD THIS IS SO FRACKING GOOOOOOOD!!!! Well done everyone. Waiting two weeks for the conclusion of this is going to be maddening, but man am I stoked for this! Also holy crap Monty. An effectively 15-17th level Warlock against a bunch of level 6's?! That feels so mean to the players! But also wow, had no idea Scribbles would be so powerful! I figured 5th level spells at best.

[@DungeonDudes]

Monster CR and character level don't totally co-relate. There's a CR 7 monster in Volo's Guide to monsters that is a 17th level warlock :)

[@xSilentStrangerx]

@@DungeonDudes Oh. Well color me surprised. Not quite so mean then . Lol.

[@razzlebazzle420]

I threw a couple chonky rats (aka stormfiends) and an archmage (aka grey seer) at my 3 level 10s, (Wizard, Bard, Ranger) with a bunch of wererats (aka clan rats) to keep them busy, while the mage slung spells from behind the wall of mutant rats. The enchantment wizard rolled stealth to open the door, and made one of the stormfiends berserk, and rolled for it to attack the others, so I spent a couple of minutes doing maths before the mage used banishment to stop it, so as they bust into the room, he drops concentration, bringing the ‘chungus’ back, immediately dominating its mind, and they kite around room, the bard hypnotic patterned the majority of the rat men, and then they proceeded to smash the mage, with some well coordinated attacks, doing about 160 damage in one round, execute the rat men with advantage and then they just wail on the other stormfiend. Fireballs, animated objects, zephyr strike sneak attacks. Ugh, I was so disappointed 😂😂😂

[@540jreed]

I did it I'm all caught up. Congratulations Jill!!!!

[@jparker923]

Did the rats make a submarine? That is terrifying 😂

[@marciobonilla3914]

Got a little behind on this campaign, so catching up right now; I must say this is my favorite episode thus far. So many great moments! Especially rule #38 hahaha! So great watching Joe and Kelly making Monty laugh so hard! Love your work. Keep it up!

[@ethancheney4371]

There are more electric sheep in heaven and earth Scribbles, than are dreamt of in your philosophy

[@nightflame69]

You guys, the DmLair and the person who does “how to be a great DM”.. I think his name is Guy.. are my 3 biggest inspirations as a player/dungeon master ❤️💕

[@PilgrimStanding]

By far one of the best titles for any episode. I can't wait to hear the episode. Love the title so much I had to comment right away. Ha.

[@rcschmidt668]

Agreed! Too bad we each have only 1 like to give.

[@Metanaut1]

Should have been electric fish 🐟

[@Sp4rt4nSl4ya]

I really thought wrath was going to polymorph Rudi into something beefy and there would be a cool Kaiju battle, but I guess comedic sheep throwing is cool too

[@novaprime9084]

The reading of the list game me an Animal Farm vib. Something about these rats realizing they need things they don't or haven't been able to produce.

[@a.spirit8408]

Nice! I knew I recognized that Neutral Party signature style of maps. Appreciate the shout out for them and other creators.

[@mellowtron1166]

2:29:25 I love how Monty makes Scribbles go from a caustic mage to a cowardly ratling from Wrath's threat.

[@Gwalothel]

And the favourite ratling award of this season goes to...Sweettooth!!

[@samburchard9921]

I would love to see a copy of your new "wild magic table". I have a custom one that I use, but I could use some ideas.

[@jeffcox8197]

I absolutely love how Jill is able to do such a convincing US Southerner for Rudi's voice. I lived in Oklahoma for several years and she sounds like about 99% of the gals that I met when I was down there!!!! Keep up the amazing work and completely engrossing story!!!

[@superj1010]

You know sh** is serious when the enemies buff their tank with Haste.

[@user-zz1ox4kp4h]

Yes - rewatching! Epically good .!

[@aaronnunavabizniz199]

Rudy can cast a cantrip with the extra action from haste. Eldritch knights can replace 1 attack with a cantrip when they take the attack action. Haste allows the attack action.

[@henriquesousa3022]

I want to see that Arcane Anomaly table

[@skiitswitch]

Wow. How many boss fights in a row?! Lol. This episode is epic

[@circlepit4598]

That arcane anomaly 😂🔥

[@michaelduke9057]

The Rat Prince should have asked some of the questions that Sweet Tooth asked. Maybe they are evolving!

[@Klaital1]

Man Monty was pulling punches so hard against them with Scribbles, using Scorching Ray instead of Finger of Death on Wilhelm, and then Stinking Cloud instead of any damage spell to drop Wrath.

[@DungeonDudes]

Scribbles had already used finger of death which is how she had her zombie crew helping her prep the boat, it felt more balanced that way.

[@watchface6836]

@@DungeonDudes Finger of Death is an absolutely horrifying spell. I can see why you'd exclude it from the encounter. It's an instant kill, and the subsequent mutilation of the resulting zombie would make resurrection...... complicated. Drakkenforce didnt face a Finger of Death until they were level 9 I think.

[@HighmageDerin]

LOL "Rath Aamoths, Do Ratman dream of electric sheep" :)

[@kylemcallister2234]

I’m sorry.... did anyone else catch the “rat prince gone, but he come back” bit? I want to know if he’s back!!!!

[@chrism6315]

2.06.10, i was not expecting a red dwarf style joke, but boy am i glad for it

[@hummzwallypeez8294]

I hope that later down the campaign raph is confronted by some other ratlings, and they shout kill the human people yes yes yes!! And he under his breath holding back tears whispers "It's Big Red Chomp to you."

[@bertbergers9171]

I would watch you over any election! SOooo curious for this to be resolved!! A two week cliffhanger hurts ........

[@BlackShadow1991]

Everytime the rats become involved, things really escalate and turn wild, that was a bloody good session :D

[@EriolDiethel]

Oh my goodness! I was in the edge of my seat! So freaking exciting! These two weeks are going to be sooo long...XD

[@agwats85]

I love this show and you all are amazing with the role playing. The only thing that i don't understand is, if Wrath is of average intelligence and above average wisdom, why does he do so many seemingly dumb things? Lol, either way it's great to watch

[@TheCBC1984]

48:45 fastball special? 1:42:00 scattered like rats. chungus the mungus is no longer among us.

[@tapwater4425]

“And the 5th question is: where rat prince?” Me too buddy, me too…

[@nightflame69]

Wait?! This thing is a freakin bomb?!

[@pyrhaa]

RUDI: "I mean, I can throw a goat !"

[@martiansoon9092]

Rope over the bridge to give some support and lessened weight when they cross the bridge... Use Bruce to tie it on somewhere on the other side... (Even bridge's support pole is pretty good option...) Also Rudi should go first, because if enemies are alerted she has most armor and others are better ranged attackers.

[@captmutt6939]

When you say "conclusion to this game" you're talking about the current encounter right? Not the whole campaign, right? Right?

[@Sivanot]

Almost definitely lol They havent done nearly enough for that to be it.

[@DungeonDudes]

A poor choice of words, perhaps. Lots more is coming!

[@ericbishop8046]

Did they not notice that Feeblemind is an 8th level spell, how powerful this rat must be?????

[@duttybanno]

Kelly’s role play is amazing man you’re awesome man Monty great as usual

[@dominicspagnol8765]

Just gonna point out the dialogue that Wilhelm shoulda said, "I've seen what happens when you casters get stabbed while casting, BRING HER BACK OR DIE"

[@yonasshinigami4956]

NPC Hall of Fame: Chungus the Humungous Kamikaze Ratogre. Took it all for the Team. F

[@kelb76]

New T shirt, "throw the goat!"

[@snazzyfeathers]

What I love about this group is that the plans are always more or less perfect, but the execution always goes super poorly. Case in point the polymorphed chungus lol

[@jameskaib6407]

Dude, Wilhelm is a badass.

[@PerpetualBass]

Well if I wasn't already full-in on this campaign, now you've definitely got me with the nod to PKD.

[@Ramperdos]

That rat bomb almost put the whole party to 0 HP, super dangerous!

[@CelticpredGaming]

The birth of Arcane Anomalies!

[@mikecarson7769]

when in doubt, then follow rule number 38, probably ...

[@lauramcmillan9592]

“...be confident and humble at the same time?”

[@Nnniclas]

Eminem starts spittin' "I'm beginning to feel like a rat god, rat god"

[@TheEldritchGoth]

They’ve done it again They’ve got a ratling pet

[@HiopX]

Hmm. What would I choice between watching a vile, lying, evil rat get away with a win or another session of Drakkenheim... I'd choose Drakkenheim

[@paulorodrigosilvadecampos4278]

This is probably my favorite session ever!

[@cdwarrior6582]

Mungus the humongous chungus I’m dying

[@baconcommander4643]

Good storytelling everyone. Thank you.

[@TeslaandDragons]

Montey loves his exploding monsters

[@nightflame69]

Am I the only one that yelled for Rudy to action surge when she did that 4 attacks?

[@isaackarr6576]

A wise leader line "why do you seek weaknesses to disrupt me that behavior is for usurpers, traitors and enemies?"

[@Ghost51492]

Lmao why didn’t they just tie the goat up somewhere instead of throwing it in the river knowing it only has a few HP 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@F2t0ny]

Rat god like squishing butterflies.

[@Bigulth]

so the ratlings are skaven now lol i approve wholeheartedly

[@seymourfields3613]

Meaning of life not being answered as 42 by Wrath is a complete miss. I've never been so let down.

[@SmokeSolo1975]

When is Windhelm going to get his goggles of dark vision?

[@lsamaknight]

Monocle of Darkvision

[@illoney5663]

At least this time the party didn't leave the ratlings alive after taking out their "competition" so to speak, creating a far stronger adversary. It's so great how some of the biggest problems late into Dungeons of Drakkenheim was indirectly cause by the party not killing a foe early in the campaign. Long may the Rat Prince reign! Edit: Or, at least they're trying not to.

[@ShadowsOfEssence]

I know they have a video on banned spells and they like polymorph. The spells always grates on me. Makes it too easy to just go around the big bad. Unless it is a REALLY tough one that has legendary resistance.

[@VyseRogue13]

If only they had a grappling hook to launch at the fleeing boat