(S087) Portal to Hell is Closed

The Wild Cards shatter the infernal crystals, destroy a massive Goristro, and deliver the time dragon egg to the cats of Ultharr on Trap Street before stepping into a mystical fog realm.

📝 Session Summary

The Wild Cards were called The Menagerie by some until they came up with the name The Wild Cards.

• Barlo: A grizzled tabaxi barbarian who has been doing some work for a network that one should be wary of.
• Bastion: An orphan human who spent his life studying magic and blades, even though his elder pushed him away from the sword. He replaced Reginald.
• Calliope: This bardic faun joined the party late when she needed to find help to save her homeland.
• Reginald: A leonin cleric who was off to show his family's royal background and would later find out there were secrets leading to him becoming a king.
• Sas: A tortle hermit was given an item of power and a quest.
• Shadow in the Snow: This tabaxi got a coin, and her curiosity set her on a path.

🎬 Scenes

• Scene 1: Barlo's Backstory — From The Bronze Canyon in Kampos. Gave up Tabaxi name, "Smiles". Help move people. On way to Eushia to help Black Road with a client. Currently on ship near Carrune.
• Scene 2: Bastion's Backstory — When Bastion Bladesinger was very young he lost both of his parents to a plague. He took care of himself as he taught himself how to use the rapier his father once wore. He lived in Dyrt and watched all of the great knights. He also had an interest in the ways of magic and he wished he could do both – use swords and excel in magic – like many elves he had heard about.
• Scene 3: Calliope's Backstory — Calliope was born into the nestled highlands of the Oraniad Mountains. The Skola Vale, wild and free, blessed by the gods and inhabited by whimsical Satyr and Faun. Deep within it among the lush valley, reside the Dawngreets, a long generational line of storytellers and lore keepers.
• Scene 4: Reginald's Backstory — He was born at home, a modest-sized mansion where his family lived a modest means – even though his father could never stop talking about how they were royalty and yet this was the only lands they currently possess. His childhood was generally a happy one full of several friends. He was an only child.
• Scene 5: Sas' Backstory — Sas was born on the continent of Oth'Mar – a content mostly inhabited by Tortles and is far to the south of the Carrune Isles.
• Scene 6: Shadow's Backstory — Deep in the snowy mountains high in the north, there lived a large group of Tabaxi, The Blinding Wild Clan.

📜 Missions & Quests

• Completed:
  • Established individual party origins and initial connections to the world of Dierde.
• Active / Discovered Threads:
  • Barlo's ties to the smuggling rings and the Black Road.
  • Bastion's mysterious past and fallout with Grognard.
  • Calliope's quest to save the Skola Vale.
  • Reginald's pursuit of his family's royal mint commission and claim in Neyer.
  • Sas's vision of the Cat Goddess Bast and journey to find her lost lands.
  • Shadow's golden coin and mystical calling from her clan shaman.

NPCs

S087: Portal to Hell is Closed

Date: 2025-06-07

Short

The Wild Cards found themselves trapped in a basement containing a portal to Avernus as waves of demons and devils poured through the crimson gateway. The party fought desperately to close the portal by destroying the red crystalline structures that sustained it, with Bastion and Shadow focusing their attacks on the mystical orbs while others held off the infernal invasion. The battle intensified dramatically when a massive Goristro burst through the portal, killing most smaller demons and recognizing the party as significant threats. Through coordinated attacks, Bastion destroyed the first crystal with Steel Wind Strike while Shadow created a Wind Wall barrier, and the party engaged the Goristro in brutal melee combat with Barlo's rage, Calliope's giant ape form, and Sas's druidic abilities until Bastion delivered the killing blow and the team shattered the remaining crystal, permanently closing the portal.

In the aftermath, the party collected valuable treasure and two intact orbs from the destroyed crystals before the Rakshasa transported them to the trap street where the cats of Othog awaited the return of the time dragon egg. Clara greeted them and confirmed their success, though the cats showed initial disdain toward Shadow and Barlo before leading the group into an otherworldly foggy realm where walls disappeared and the fog produced shifting, impossible-to-identify scents unique to each person's perception. The session ended with the cats leading them deeper into this mystical domain, their destination and purpose still shrouded in mystery.

Summary

The Wild Cards found themselves trapped in a basement containing a portal to Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells, as waves of demons and devils poured through the crimson gateway. The air was thick with sulfur and the stench of burnt flesh as the party fought desperately to close the portal by destroying the red crystalline structures that sustained it. Bastion and Shadow had been focusing their attacks on these mystical orbs while the rest of the party held off the infernal invasion.

The battle intensified dramatically when a massive Goristro, a twenty-foot-tall demon with skin like dried blood and horns thick as ancient tree trunks, burst through the portal. The behemoth's charge killed most of the smaller demons and devils that had just emerged, including imps, spine devils, and barbed devils, while knocking Sas back ten feet and causing debris to rain down from the damaged ceiling. The Goristro spoke in Abyssal, saying "Cathroco star" as it locked eyes with the party, clearly recognizing them as significant threats.

Bastion unleashed a devastating Steel Wind Strike, targeting the crystal orb and multiple enemies with his flourishing blade technique. His magical assault dealt massive damage to the protective crystal shell, revealing that it contained an orb similar to those the party had previously collected. The attack also severely wounded a white Abishai and decapitated one of the hellish chicken creatures that had emerged from the portal. Meanwhile, Shadow cast a Wind Wall directly in front of the portal, creating a barrier of strong wind that prevented more creatures from coming through while killing the wounded Abishai with bludgeoning force.

The party engaged the Goristro in brutal melee combat, with Barlo activating his rage and claws to deal devastating acid and slashing damage to the massive demon. Calliope, transformed into a giant ape through polymorph magic, traded powerful blows with the creature while Sas used her druidic spores and Primal Savagery to wear it down. The Goristro retaliated with bone-crushing fist attacks and kicks, dealing significant damage to multiple party members and even knocking Calliope prone with its immense strength.

As the battle raged, Bastion successfully destroyed the first red crystal completely, exposing the orb within and causing the portal to partially close. The flames on one side of the gateway began to extinguish, though the remaining crystal continued to pulse with dangerous energy. Shadow maintained her concentration on the wind wall while peppering the Goristro with arrows, landing a critical hit that dealt substantial damage to the massive demon.

The final assault saw coordinated attacks from the entire party as they focused their remaining strength on both the Goristro and the second crystal. Bastion moved to flank the demon and delivered the killing blow with his rapier, causing the massive creature to collapse. Calliope then stomped on the remaining crystal as a giant ape, rolling a natural twenty and triggering silver flame healing that she shared with the wounded Barlo. Shadow followed up with her own critical hit using her bow, dealing devastating damage to the crystalline structure.

Barlo delivered the final strikes to the crystal with his claws, achieving a rare double critical hit that completely shattered the remaining protective shell. As the last pieces of red crystal fell away, the pulsating energy stopped entirely, and the portal to Avernus closed permanently. The party had successfully prevented whatever catastrophic event the crystals had been building toward, though they could only guess at what disaster they had averted.

In the aftermath, the party collected valuable treasure from the battlefield, including two thousand gold pieces, platinum, diamonds, and magical items left behind by the defeated fiends. Sas gathered the two intact orbs from the destroyed crystals, adding them to her growing collection of these mysterious artifacts. The demons and devils dissolved into ash and foul ichor as their material forms were destroyed, leaving only the corpses of the abyssal chickens from which the party collected feathers as trophies.

The Rakshasa who had made the deal with the party spoke to them telepathically, confirming that their agreement had been fulfilled and offering to transport them to their next destination. He warned them of an injured orthon seeking revenge and other devils who might become aware of their presence, suggesting they leave quickly. The party decided to travel to the trap street where the cats of Ultharr awaited the return of the time dragon egg they had retrieved.

A portal opened in the center of the room, and the party leaped through to emerge in the mystical trap street near Clara's office. Clara, the spokesperson for the cats, greeted them and confirmed they had successfully obtained the egg. Cats of various breeds emerged from hiding places throughout the street, though Shadow and Barlo noticed initial disdain from the felines, particularly toward the Tabaxi and drow members of the party. The cats' expressions shifted to begrudging acceptance as they began leading the group away from Clara.

The party followed the cats down an alleyway that gradually transformed into an otherworldly foggy realm where walls disappeared and thick, textured fog limited visibility to fifteen feet. The fog produced shifting, impossible-to-identify scents that changed based on each person's perception - catnip and bourbon for the Tabaxi, flowers and candies for Calliope. As they traveled deeper into this mystical domain, Calliope attempted to sense her companion Artie but could only catch a brief glimpse of his face in the swirling clouds before it vanished. The session ended with the cats leading them further into the unknown, their destination and purpose still shrouded in mystery.

Memorable Moments:

• A massive Goristro burst through the portal, crushing smaller demons and speaking in Abyssal.
• Calliope, as a giant ape, rolled a natural twenty while stomping a crystal, triggering silver flame healing.
• Barlo achieved a rare double critical hit with his claws to shatter the final crystal and close the portal.

Scenes

Portal Combat Intensifies

The party continues their battle in the basement as more demons and devils pour through the portal to Avernus.

• Imps, spine devils, barbed devils, and chain devils emerge from the portal
• A Vrock demon tears the head off a shadow demon
• A Nalfeshnee demon charges through the portal
• A massive Goristro bursts through, killing most other creatures with its charge
• The Goristro knocks Sas back 10 feet, dealing 3 damage
• Barlo is knocked aside, taking 2 damage
• Debris falls from the ceiling as the Goristro destroys a pillar
• Sas takes 4 bludgeoning damage from falling plaster
• The Goristro speaks in Abyssal, saying 'Cathroco star'
• Bastion notices the red crystal structure protecting the orbs

Steel Wind Strike and Wind Wall

Bastion unleashes a devastating attack while Shadow blocks the portal with magical wind.

• Bastion discovers the red crystals are protective shells containing orbs similar to ones the party already possesses
• Bastion casts Steel Wind Strike, targeting the crystal orb and multiple enemies including a chain devil, white Abishai, and Goristro
• Bastion deals massive damage (56 points) to the crystal orb, chipping it badly (over 50% damaged)
• Bastion severely wounds the white Abishai and decapitates a hellish chicken creature
• Shadow hexes an enemy near the orb
• Shadow casts Wind Wall in front of the portal to prevent more creatures from coming through
• The Wind Wall kills the white Abishai and severely damages another creature
• Barlo moves to engage the Goristro directly, activating his rage and claws
• Barlo attacks the Goristro with reckless claw attacks, dealing 55 points of acid and slashing damage
• Barlo activates his flying shield as a bonus action

Goristro Retaliation

The massive demon strikes back at the party with devastating attacks.

• Sas attacks with Shillelagh, dealing bludgeoning damage to the Goristro
• Calliope in giant ape form attempts fist attacks against the Goristro
• The Goristro retaliates with powerful fist attacks against Barlo (21 and 15 bludgeoning damage)
• The Goristro kicks Calliope for 30 bludgeoning damage and knocks her prone
• Sas's spores deal ongoing necrotic damage to the Goristro
• Bastion continues attacking the red crystalline orb with his rapier and True Strike
• Shadow maintains concentration on her wind wall to prevent more creatures from coming through the portal
• The giant ape (Calliope) gets back up and continues attacking the Goristro

First Crystal Destroyed

The party successfully destroys the first portal-sustaining crystal while continuing combat.

• Shadow shoots two arrows at the red crystal, dealing 44 and 12 damage
• Barlo uses feline agility to circle the Goristro and attacks with claws recklessly, hitting twice for 17 and 35 damage total
• Chain devil attacks Bastion but misses due to protective wings, then misses attack on Goristro
• Sas attempts Primal Savagery on Goristro but misses, spores deal 4 damage
• Goristro attacks giant ape for 26 damage, attacks Calliope for 19 damage, kicks Barlo for 23 damage but Barlo resists being knocked prone
• Bastion destroys the first red crystal completely, exposing an orb inside and causing the portal to partially close
• Bastion uses True Strike and moves hex to the Goristro
• Calliope as giant ape punches Goristro twice, hitting once for 17 damage
• Shadow shoots arrows at Goristro, hitting once for 30 damage with a natural 20, missing the second shot
• Barlow continues claw attacks on Goristro, dealing 42 damage total across three strikes
• Sas hits Goristro with Primal Savagery for 13 acid damage

Final Assault and Portal Closure

The party defeats the Goristro and destroys the remaining crystal to fully close the portal.

• Bastion moves to flank the Goristro and uses hex on it
• Bastion kills the Goristro with a normal attack
• Bastion redirects his second attack to the remaining crystal
• Calliope (as giant ape) stomps on the crystal and gets a natural 20
• Calliope gains silver flame healing and gives 10 HP to Barlo
• Calliope deals significant damage to the crystal with two fist attacks
• Shadow shoots the crystal with arrows, getting a natural 20 critical hit
• Shadow deals 57 damage on the crit and 22 on the second shot
• Barlo attacks the crystal with claws and gets a double critical hit (natural 20 twice)
• Barlow destroys the final crystal, stopping its pulsating and preventing something catastrophic
• Combat ends with the portal fully closed

Aftermath and Treasure Collection

The party investigates the battlefield and collects valuable items and magical orbs.

• Sas collects two intact orbs from the destroyed crystals
• Bastion examines the red crystal fragments and identifies infernal runes
• Barlo uses monster harvesting skills to search the battlefield
• Party finds 2,000 gold pieces, 173 platinum, a potion, and a gold jewelry box
• Three diamonds worth around 300 gold each are discovered in the jewelry box
• Demons and devils dissolve into ash and ichor, leaving only abyssal chicken corpses
• Party collects abyssal chicken feathers as trophies
• Rakshasa speaks telepathically, confirming their deal is complete and offering to teleport the party
• Rakshasa warns of an injured orthon seeking revenge and other devils becoming aware of their presence
• Party decides to go to the trap street to deliver the egg to the cats of Ultharr

Portal to the Trap Street

The Rakshasa opens a portal and the party travels through it to reach the mysterious trap street.

• Portal opens in the center of the room through cracks in the flooring
• Calliope drops her polymorph spell and transforms back into a faun before leaping through
• Party emerges inside the trap street near the mayor's office area

Meeting with Clara and the Cats

The party encounters Clara and witnesses cats emerging from throughout the street, showing mixed reactions to their presence.

• Clara greets the party and asks about the egg
• Shadow confirms they obtained the egg
• Various breeds of cats emerge from cracks and crevices throughout the street
• Shadow and Barlo notice disdain and animosity from the cats, particularly toward the Tabaxi and drow
• Cats' expressions shift to begrudging acceptance
• Cats begin leading the party away from Clara toward the street entrance
• One cat shows its butthole and flicks its tail at the party

Journey Through the Mystical Fog

The party follows the cats through an otherworldly foggy area with strange sensory properties.

• Party follows cats down an alleyway that transforms into a foggy, wall-less area
• Thick, textured fog with shimmers of color surrounds them, limiting visibility to 10-15 feet
• Fog produces shifting scents: catnip, licorice, bourbon for Tabaxi; flowers, cigar smoke, candies for Calliope
• Scents constantly change, making it impossible to identify specific smells
• Calliope attempts to sense Artie but only catches a brief glimpse of his face in the clouds before it disappears
• Session ends with cats leading the party deeper into the mystical realm

Memorable Moments

A massive Goristro bursts through the portal, crushing smaller demons and speaking in Abyssal before locking eyes with the party.

The battle intensifies as a twenty-foot-tall demon enters the fray.

Calliope, transformed into a giant ape, stomps on the crystal, rolling a natural twenty and triggering silver flame healing.

During the final assault to close the portal to Avernus.

Barlo delivers a rare double critical hit with his claws, completely shattering the remaining protective shell of the crystal.

The final strike that permanently closes the portal to Avernus.

NPCs

Goristro

A massive 20-foot-tall demon with skin the color of dry blood and old bruises stretched over corded muscle. Has thick veins pulsing with infernal energy and massive curling horns like ancient tree trunks. Battle-stained and powerful enough to kill multiple creatures with a single charge. Speaks Abyssal, saying 'Cathroco star' to the party. Has very thick hide that resists damage but was ultimately defeated by the party's combined assault.

Imps

Small grotesque demons no larger than toddlers, shrieking like tortured birds with bat-like wings buzzing frantically as they claw their way through the portal from Avernus.

Spine Devils

Devils with black obsidian spines bristling from their backs, emerging through the portal from Avernus during the chaotic invasion.

Barbed Devil

A devil that emerged through the portal during the chaotic invasion from the Nine Hells, killed by the Goristro's charge.

Chain Devil

A smaller devil with living, clanking chains that create harsh metallic sounds. Attempted to attack both Bastion and the Goristro but proved largely ineffective in combat, missing most of its attacks during the encounter.

Vrock

A large bird-winged demon with a disgusting, drooling beak. Demonstrated its viciousness by tearing the head off a shadow demon and letting out a triumphant screech that prompted other demons to charge through.

Nalfeshnee

A pig-like demon with large ivory tusks like daggers that barreled through the portal in response to the Vrock's screech.

White Abishai

A devil creature that was guarding the area near the crystal orb. It was severely wounded by Bastion's Steel Wind Strike and ultimately killed by Shadow's Wind Wall spell.

Abyssal Chicken

Small abyssal creatures resembling grotesque chickens that came through the portal. Most were killed by the Goristro's charge, with one being decapitated by Bastion's Steel Wind Strike. Their corpses remained after other demons and devils dissolved.

Shadow Demon

A demon that was carried in the beak of the Vrock before having its head torn off in a display of demonic brutality.

Rakshasa

A powerful fiend who made a deal with the party to close the portal in exchange for letting them leave. Communicates telepathically and has the ability to open portals. Warns the party of an injured orthon seeking revenge and other devils becoming aware of their presence while confirming their agreement has been fulfilled.

Clara

The mayor or spokesperson of the cats of Ultharr who resides in the trap street. Greets the party upon their arrival and inquires about their success in obtaining the time dragon egg.

Cats of Ultharr

Various breeds of mystical cats ranging from alley cats to well-kept felines. Show initial disdain toward the Tabaxi and drow party members but begrudgingly accept their presence. Lead the party through the mystical areas of their domain, with one cat displaying typical feline behavior by showing its butthole and flicking its tail.

Locations

Basement in Rakshasa Manor

A basement containing a portal to Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells. The air is thick and acrid with sulfur, burnt flesh, and rusted iron. Features red crystal structures on either side that were maintaining the portal. The basement was made specifically for the portal, with higher ceilings than normal, though still low enough that the massive Goristro scraped against them.

Portal to Avernus

A gateway to the first layer of the Nine Hells, manifesting as a perfect circle of rolling crimson energy with tongues of pure flame framing its edges and rotating around. Generates unbearable infernal heat and allows demons and devils to pour through until the party destroys the sustaining crystals.

Trap Street

A mysterious magical street where the cats of Ultharr reside. Contains Clara's office area and various hiding spots for cats throughout cracks and crevices. The party was teleported here by the Rakshasa after completing their mission.

Mist of Concatenation

An otherworldly foggy realm beyond the trap street's alleyway where walls disappear and thick, textured fog with color shimmers surrounds travelers. The fog produces shifting, impossible-to-identify scents that change based on the perceiver and limits visibility to 10-15 feet. The fog has substance and dissipates when touched.

The Nine Hells of Avernus

The first layer of the Nine Hells, visible through the portal as a hellscape beyond. Various demons and devils could be seen fighting on the other side before emerging through the portal to attack the party.

Items

Red Crystal Structures

Crystalline protective shells that house magical orbs while channeling infernal energy to maintain the portal to Avernus. Contain mystical infernal runes within their structure and appear similar to protective casings around orb-like objects the party has encountered before. When destroyed, they expose intact orbs within.

Two Intact Orbs

Mystical orbs similar to others the party has collected, retrieved from the destroyed red crystal structures. These orbs are intact and undamaged, unlike some previously found cracked versions. They appear to contain worlds within them and are now in Sas's possession.

Flying Shield

Barlo's magical shield that can be activated as a bonus action to float and provide protection while freeing up both hands for combat. He used this during the fight against the Goristro.

Gold Jewelry Box

An ornate gold jewelry box with platinum filigree containing three diamonds worth approximately 300 gold each. Found among the treasure from defeated enemies.

Treasure Hoard

A collection of 2,000 gold pieces and 173 platinum pieces looted from the defeated demons and devils in the basement battle, along with a potion.

Abyssal Chicken Feathers

Feathers collected from the corpses of abyssal chickens that were slain during the battle, kept as trophies by the party. These remained after other demon and devil corpses dissolved into ash and ichor.

Time Dragon Egg

A special MacGuffin that the cats of Ultharr needed returned. The party successfully obtained this from the red Abishai and brought it to the trap street to complete their quest with the cats.

Orb and Book

Powerful artifacts that Sas is holding, which the lich god Vecna seeks to use for his return. These are central to the overarching threat the party faces.

Brass Orb

A container that can house other orbs the party has collected, though these new orbs from the portal are too powerful to be used to power their ship without causing problems.

Spells

Steel Wind Strike

A powerful spell cast by Bastion that allows him to flourish his weapon and make melee spell attacks against up to five creatures he can see, then teleport back to his original position. He used it to devastating effect against the crystal orb (dealing 56 damage) and multiple enemies including the chain devil, white Abishai, and Goristro.

Wind Wall

A concentration spell cast by Shadow that creates a wall of strong wind to block the portal entrance. The spell prevents small and flying creatures from passing through and deals bludgeoning damage (17 points) to creatures within its area when it appears. It successfully killed the white Abishai and damaged other creatures while preventing additional demons and devils from coming through.

Hex

A curse spell that Shadow initially cast on an enemy near the orb, and later Bastion moved from one target to another using a bonus action, transferring it to the Goristro to enhance damage against the massive demon.

Shillelagh

Cast by Sas to enhance her club/staff for combat against the Goristro, dealing magical bludgeoning damage with enhanced effectiveness.

True Strike

A divination cantrip that Bastion used multiple times to gain advantage on attacks, employing it strategically while switching between targeting the crystal and enemies during the intense combat.

Primal Savagery

Sas cast this spell multiple times against the Goristro, with one successful hit dealing 13 acid damage. The spell manifests as acidic attacks that can pierce through tough demonic hide.

Circle of Spores

Sas's druid ability that deals ongoing necrotic damage to nearby enemies, represented by black smoke-like spores that pierce into targets. Dealt consistent damage to the Goristro throughout the fight.

Silver Flame Healing

A magical effect triggered by Calliope after rolling a natural 20 while in giant ape form, gaining 10 points of healing that she gave to Barlo who was the most wounded party member.

Polymorph

Calliope was under the effects of this spell, transformed into a giant ape during the combat. She dropped the spell before entering the portal, reverting to her faun form.

Classic

Last we left off, the Wild Cards found themselves in a desperate battle for survival, trapped in a basement as waves of demons and devils poured through a crimson portal to Avernus. The air thick with sulfur and the stench of burnt flesh, the party fought valiantly to destroy the red crystalline structures sustaining this infernal gateway. What began as a manageable skirmish quickly escalated when a massive twenty-foot-tall Goristro burst through the portal, its blood-red skin and ancient tree-trunk horns marking it as a creature of terrible power. The behemoth's charge decimated the smaller fiends while sending debris cascading from the damaged ceiling, and its recognition of the party as "Cathroco star" suggested this encounter was no mere coincidence.

The battle reached its crescendo as Bastion unleashed devastating Steel Wind Strikes while Shadow's Wind Wall prevented reinforcements from emerging through the portal. With Barlo's rage-fueled claws, Calliope's giant ape transformation, and Sas's druidic magic, the party coordinated their assault on both the Goristro and the remaining crystals. Critical strikes and natural twenties flew as the Wild Cards pushed themselves to their limits, ultimately shattering the final crystal and watching as the portal to the Nine Hells sealed forever. Whatever catastrophic event those pulsating orbs had been building toward was now averted, though the true scope of the disaster they prevented remains a mystery.

Now, having fulfilled their bargain with the Rakshasa and collected their hard-won treasures, the Wild Cards have emerged through a portal into the mystical trap street where the cats of Othog await. As Clara confirms their success in retrieving the time dragon egg, the party finds themselves being led by an assembly of felines into an otherworldly realm of shifting fog and impossible scents. With Calliope catching only a glimpse of her companion Artie in the swirling mists, we pick up as the Wild Cards venture deeper into this enigmatic domain, uncertain of what awaits them in the cats' mysterious destination...

Snarky

When last we left the Wild Cards, they had found themselves in the absolute worst basement ever - one with a portal to literal Hell spewing demons and devils like a supernatural clown car. Because apparently, regular basements with just spiders and old Christmas decorations weren't challenging enough for our heroes. The air was thick with sulfur and the kind of stench that makes you question your life choices, as the party desperately tried to close the portal by smashing the red crystals keeping it open. You know, just another Tuesday for the Wild Cards.

Things went from "oh no" to "OH NO" when a twenty-foot-tall Goristro decided to crash the party - literally. This massive demon bulldozed through smaller fiends like they were bowling pins, knocked Sas around like a ragdoll, and had the audacity to recognize the party as threats while speaking in Abyssal. Cue the most chaotic battle royale this side of Avernus, with Bastion doing his best magical blender impression, Shadow creating wind walls like she's auditioning for a weather service, and the rest of the party engaging in what can only be described as "aggressive demon therapy." Giant ape Calliope trading punches with a Hell-beast while Barlo went full rage mode was definitely not on anyone's bingo card.

After much property damage, creative use of magic, and enough critical hits to make the dice gods weep with joy, the Wild Cards managed to close the portal and collect their mysterious orbs. Their Rakshasa contact basically told them "great job, now get out before more angry devils show up," which is probably the most sensible advice anyone's given them in weeks. Now they've portal-hopped to a mystical cat realm where the fog smells like personal memories and Calliope's trying to find her missing companion. Because apparently, dealing with Hell wasn't complicated enough - now they need to navigate whatever the cats of Othog have planned for them.

Middle English

Harken well, ye gentle folk,
Of heroes brave and true,
The Wild Cards faced a crimson gate
Where hellish legions flew!

In basement deep with sulfur thick,
And stench of burning flesh,
A portal blazed to Avernus' realm,
Where demons came afresh.

Red crystals pulsed with evil light,
Sustaining that fell door,
While Bastion and Shadow fought
To break their mystic core.

Then burst forth a Goristro great,
Twenty feet in height,
With skin like blood and horns like trees,
A most unholy sight!

"Cathroco star!" the demon roared
In tongue of Abyss deep,
As smaller fiends lay crushed beneath
His charge so fierce and steep.

Steel Wind Strike did Bastion wield,
His blade like silver flame,
The crystal cracked, the Abishai fell,
And hellish fowl lay slain.

Shadow raised a Wall of Wind
Before that crimson gate,
No more could demons venture forth
To seal the party's fate.

In rage did Barlo charge ahead
With claws of acid bright,
While Calliope, ape-transformed,
Joined in the fearsome fight.

With spores and savage primal might
Did Sas the demon wound,
As fists and kicks from Goristro
Made earth and ceiling sound.

The first red crystal shattered whole,
The portal dimmed in part,
While Shadow's arrows found their mark
In demon's beating heart.

At last the beast fell to the ground
By Bastion's rapier slain,
And Calliope's mighty stomp
Made silver healing rain.

With double strike of critical might
Did Barlo end the threat,
The crystals broke, the portal closed,
Their victory complete!

Two thousand gold and treasures fine
Lay scattered on the floor,
While orbs mysterious Sas did claim
To add to mystic store.

The Rakshasa spoke in mind's deep halls,
"Your bargain is fulfilled,
But orthon seeks revenge on you,
And devils' blood is spilled."

Through portal new they leaped with haste
To trap street strange and fair,
Where Clara and her feline court
Did greet them waiting there.

The cats, though first with disdain looked
Upon the drow and cat,
Led forth the party through the mist
Where walls grew thin and flat.

In fog that bore impossible scents
Of catnip, flowers sweet,
They followed feline guides unknown
To destiny complete.

Thus ends this tale of hellish fight
And portal's crimson doom,
Where Wild Cards brave did save the day
In that accursed room!

Limerick

In a basement with portals so red,
The Wild Cards fought demons with dread.
A Goristro came through,
But the party fought true,
And left crystalline fragments widespread!

With Steel Wind Strike Bastion did gleam,
While Shadow's wind wall made fiends scream.
The portal grew weak,
As crystals did creak,
And Avernus lost hold of its scheme!

Giant ape Calliope stomped down,
While Barlo's claws earned him renown.
With critical hits,
The last crystal splits,
And hellish invasion was drowned!

The Rakshasa spoke with a grin,
"Your contract's complete, you may win."
To cats they were led,
Through fog overhead,
Where new mysteries soon would begin!

Exported from GMAssistant on 2026-08-16