The Odd Three and their companions are onboard the Troll’s Tooth and a massive plant-like creature has surfaced in front of the boat, between them and the dimensional gate. It is The Big Tree. It asks questions them, and they tell it they wish to pass through the gate. It asks what they have to trade that it may let them pass. They know, based on Debi’s mind-reading of Shertz the Mystic, that the Big Tree needs protein. They have about 60 pounds of rations in the portable hole. First, Debi tries to sway the Big Tree with a song. The creature is unmoved. Finally they offer up 20 pounds of rations, which they dump in the water so that the Big Tree may absorb the rich nutrients with its roots. It lets them by.
As the goblins row the ship toward the gate, Mick uses the gate ring, and the two pylons and their mystic runes begin to glow. Energy flows between the pylons, and purple/black mists swirl. The ship sails through and they find themselves just outside the port of Langwon.
They reach the port, settle up with Captain Klang, and head into town. Samhir the Blue Archer and Shalla Hess thank them for their help getting home to the Langwonian plane and bid them farewell.
As they enter the city, the tell-tale misty door of Rax’s shop appears in an alley where no door should be. They enter. Debi give Rax the whisker of the blue feline Bubastis which they left in order to procure. Rax rewards her with a scroll of lore to study. Rax thanks Simon and Mick by giving them each a potion. They talk, and Debi tells Rax what they have done. Rax admits to have been watching them the whole time, and tells them that the Bone Man is not really dead — he is probably regenerating. They give Rax the Orb of Planar vision, which seems to be evil-aligned, for safe keeping. Rax tells them it is good that they kept it in the portable hole (a pocket dimension), or the Bone Man might have been able to track them with it. They keep the ring, as Rax tells them there are hidden planar gates around the world which they may have need to traverse.
A couple of weeks pass.
Simon has a dream of a demonic serpent killing the Five Heroes of Langwon (historical figures) and then eating the Flame of Ahki. He wakes in a cold sweat.
Mick follows a well-dressed woman into an unlikely sleazy tavern in Scumtown where she meets with what appears to be a member of the Sethi cult. He recognizes her as Lana Setch, head of the town council, who they have met before. She looks bad. Mick thinks she looks like she is addicted to something. The man leaves, and when she leaves she has apparently drunk a potion and looks better.
Debi gets a letter from her mother, saying that she and some family members wish to see Debi perform, and will see her at her next show at the Eye of the Beholder.
Simon goes to the Temple of Ahki where he is met by Brother Bryce, an acolyte who wants to become an adventurer. He is openly admiring of Simon, who is gaining a reputation. He fetches Abbot Lightman for Simon, who assures Simon that they have seen no signs of the Sethi cult re-emerging.
Debi speaks to Vern about the upcoming performance. She needs him to invite a big crowed to make it look great to impress her family. She asks that Greenteeth and the Darrels be paid to NOT perform that night — to stay away. Vern agrees.
That night at the Eye, the Odd Three meet for Debi’s show. Simon and Mick compare notes on their recent Sethi-related experiences.
The place fills up. All their friends and associates are there. In the crowd they see Revis Greel, Slovas the thief, and others. Brother Bryce shows up to fan-boy on Simon. “How did you meet such amazing companions, Simon?” he asks. To which Simon shrugs and simply says “Ahki’s blessing”.
Debi begins her performance as the elves enter the tavern, and she delivers an amazing set (massive performance roll), aided with magic imagery created by Mick.
After her set, at the big reserved table, Debi talks with her mother who admits it was an excellent performance. Debi sees an obviously disguised Greenteeth heading for the stage! He alerts Vern, who intercepts him and keeps him from performing.
The table enjoys some conversation. Suddenly there is a sound of breaking glass. Right above their table a swirling black portal opens up. A tall, vaguely humanoid shape falls through. The thing is covered with ectoplasm and it lands on the table, which is crushed under its weight. The shit hits the fan as the thing rises, confused and angry, and begins attacking wildly. The elves and Brother Bryce move back, and the Odd Three do battle with the creature. It attacks with bites and long claws, biting Mick, who saves vs poison. Debi casts a spell on it, but it saves. Mick uses a two-weapon attack, slashing the creature. It continues to slash at the adventurers. Finally, Simon raises the Thunder Mace and calls upon the power of Ahki. He strikes, there is a clap of thunder, and the creature (an Ettercap) is splattered across the room!
The crowd begins cheers for the heroes, chanting “Odd Three, Odd Three!” Vern declares drinks on the house for everyone!
End of session!
XP 250 each
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