(S088) Red Dragon Returns

Guided through the telepathic Mist of Concatenation by the cats of Ultharr, the party uncovers a doppelganger imposter and slays the adult red dragon Almandine in an explosive volcanic lair showdown.

📝 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

S088: Red Dragon Returns

Date: 2025-07-06

Short

The party followed a cosmic cat through the mystical Mist of Concatenation, where their thoughts and memories became telepathically shared, revealing profound connections between their histories. They discovered that Bastion's grandfather Meklin existed as the god Paradox across multiple timelines, while experiencing visions of their fathers' shared adventures aboard the flying ship Audacity during an ancient battle against cultists. The peaceful journey turned dangerous when they realized Sas had been replaced by a doppelganger during their teleportation - the real Sas had been captured by an escaped Orthon devil and was being held in a volcanic cave guarded by the adult red dragon Almadine, who had grown more powerful after participating in the Dragon's Crucible.

The party engaged in a fierce battle against both the doppelganger and the dragon, with Shadow delivering the killing blow to the imposter while Calliope transformed into a hot pink Tyrannosaurus Rex to fight Almadine in melee combat. After a desperate struggle involving fear effects, environmental hazards, and the dragon's devastating fire breath, Shadow ended the battle by shooting an arrow directly into the dragon's mouth, causing an internal explosion that killed the mighty beast. The victory yielded an enormous treasure hoard of over 16,000 gold pieces per person, along with magical items, valuable dragon materials, and crucial documents including a contract about the Dragon's Crucible and "The Book of the World," leaving the party wealthy and armed with important information about the cosmic forces threatening their world.

Summary

The party followed a cosmic cat through the mystical Mist of Concatenation, a realm between realities where the cats of Ultharr dwelled. In this strange space, thoughts and memories became shared telepathically, creating a hive mind connection that made secrets impossible to keep. The black cat that guided them transformed into a cosmic, universe-like appearance as they walked through the rejuvenating mist that healed their wounds and restored their magical abilities.

As they journeyed through the mist, the party experienced profound shared visions that revealed their interconnected histories. Bastion's memories of his life in Grognar and his complex relationship with Captain Meklan were laid bare - they learned that Captain Meklan was both Bastion's grandfather and son across different realities, existing as the god Paradox who lived in multiple timelines simultaneously. The cats showed subtle animosity toward the Tabaxi party members, referring to them as "uprights" and feeling they had stolen the goddess Bast's attention away from them.

Barlo began sharing visions of his father aboard the flying ship Audacity, where the elder had served alongside young Captain Captain Meklan, Sas's father, and Shadow's village elder. In these memories, Barlo's father possessed the ability to sprout large purple-black wings with metallic talons, jumping from the ship to fight cultists during an ancient battle. The party witnessed visions of the climactic confrontation beneath the bell near the ziggurat of Tharizdun, where hundreds of glowing orbs floated before a black void while the goddess Bast grew to enormous size to help contain the cosmic threat.

Calliope's memories revealed her father fighting brown-cloaked enemies with red glowing swords while her mother attempted to leave the order of Ashla and Bogons to become a way seeker. Shadow experienced confusion about the cats' prejudice and saw spectral visions of her companion Artie transforming into cat form. The mystical experience provided the party with benefits equivalent to a long rest, fully restoring their health and magical abilities.

The peaceful journey took a dark turn when Sas began emitting psychic feedback that caused damage to the party members. Disturbing visions revealed the red dragon Almandine's previous attack on the party and showed Vyrin's brother working with drow and an Orthon devil. The climactic revelation came when the party discovered that Sas had been replaced by a doppelganger during their teleportation - the real Sas had been captured by the escaped Orthon.

The cats apologized for the delay in breaking through the imposter's deception and immediately transported the party to a volcanic cave where they found the real Sas tied up and unconscious. The adult red dragon Almandine loomed over the scene, now larger and more powerful than before after participating in the Dragon's Crucible on one of the moons, where dragons competed for power and absorbed abilities from conquered foes.

Combat erupted as the party engaged the doppelganger while preparing to face the dragon. Barlo raged and grappled the fake Sas, while Bastion dealt massive damage with his Hex and rapier combination enhanced by True Strike. Shadow delivered the killing blow to the doppelganger with an arrow to the neck, revealing metallic blood and sulfurous flames as it died and transformed back to its true form.

The dragon's arrival brought terror as it used its Frightful Presence to terrorize most of the party, leaving only Shadow unaffected by the fear. Almandine's devastating fire breath targeted Shadow and Calliope, dealing massive damage while the Orthon teleported away claiming he would collect his payment later. The dragon's lair responded with dangerous environmental effects including magma geysers and poisonous gas clouds that created additional hazards.

The party struggled to engage the flying dragon while dealing with fear effects and difficult terrain. Barlo remained frightened for most of the battle, limiting his effectiveness to long-range crossbow shots. Bastion attempted to incapacitate the dragon with Hypnotic Pattern but failed against the creature's powerful will. Shadow used her clockwork amulet to guarantee hits with Lightning Arrow spells, dealing significant lightning damage to the beast.

Calliope made a dramatic tactical decision to transform into a Tyrannosaurus Rex using Polymorph, becoming a hot pink, glittery dinosaur to engage the dragon in melee combat. Her transformation proved highly effective when she rolled a natural 20 on her bite attack, dealing 53 points of piercing damage and leaving the dragon bloodied and seriously wounded. The critical hit also granted her permanent hit point increases as her mark of the adventure activated.

The wounded dragon made desperate counterattacks, clawing and biting the T-Rex while the party continued their assault. Shadow's arrows found their mark repeatedly, while Bastion provided healing and support with Cure Wounds and Ray of Frost spells. Calliope cast Cloud of Daggers directly on the dragon's position, creating additional damage as the creature moved through the magical blades.

The battle reached its climax when Shadow delivered the killing blow by shooting an arrow directly into the dragon's mouth as it prepared to breathe fire. The arrow caused an explosion inside the dragon's throat, and the mighty beast fell to the earth with a reddish essence shooting out as it died. The party felt immense heat wash over them as Almandine's life force dissipated, ending the threat once and for all.

After the combat, the party rescued the real Sas and discovered an enormous treasure hoard containing over 16,000 gold pieces per person, along with precious gems, magical potions, and important documents. They found a contract revealing Almandine's participation in the Dragon's Crucible and a draconic religious tome called "The Book of the World." Shadow successfully harvested valuable materials from the dragon's corpse, including wings, breath glands, scales, and blood, while the party identified various magical items including rings, potions, and a broken wand of wonder. The adventure concluded with the party wealthy beyond their previous dreams and having uncovered crucial information about the cosmic forces at work in their world.

Scenes

Journey Through the Mist of Concatenation

The party follows a cosmic cat through a mystical mist where thoughts and memories are shared telepathically.

• Party follows a black cat that transforms into a cosmic, universe-like appearance
• Characters experience shared consciousness and telepathic connection with the cats
• Bastion's thoughts about fighting devils and demons are shared with the group
• Party learns they are in the Mist of Concatenation, a space between realities
• Discovery that the cats of Ultharr are a hive mind with psychic abilities
• Revelation that cats can find pockets and folds throughout the universe
• Animosity detected between the cosmic cats and the Tabaxi party members
• Everyone rolls 2d10 and regains hit points from the rejuvenating mist
• Shadow and Bastion notice that Sas is being unusually quiet and secretive

Shared Visions and Memories in the Mist

The party experiences profound shared visions revealing their interconnected histories and the cosmic nature of their quest.

• Bastion shares memories of his life in Grognar and his connection to the god Paradox/Captain Meklan
• The party learns that Captain Meklan is both Bastion's grandfather and son across different realities
• Everyone receives healing and spell slot restoration from the mystical mist
• Barlo begins sharing visions of his memories with Captain Meklan
• A draconic illusion briefly appears over Bastion, resembling a brassy copper dragon
• A cat emerges from the shadows, touches Bastion's feet, takes on his qualities, and darts away
• Barlo's draconic illusion appears showing purple-black dragon features
• Another bulkier cat appears, rubs against Barlo's legs, takes on his qualities, and disappears
• Barlo sees visions of his father on the deck of the Audacity with young Captain Meklan, Sas's father, and Shadow's village elder
• In the vision, Barlo's father jumps off the ship and sprouts large purple-black wings with metallic talons
• Barlo attempts to mentally block the shared visions to prevent deeper memories from being revealed
• The party learns about Captain Meklan's deal with the cats of Ultharr for safe passage
• Calliope's memories are shared, revealing her father fighting brown-cloaked enemies with red glowing swords
• Visions show Calliope's mother trying to leave the order of Ashla and Bogons to become a way seeker
• Shadow experiences confusion about the cats' animosity toward Tabaxi
• The party learns that the cats refer to Tabaxi as 'uprights' and feel they've taken Bast's attention away
• Shadow sees a spectral vision of Artie transforming into a cat form
• Visions reveal the elder, Sas's father, and Barlo's father on the Audacity flying toward the ziggurat of Tharizdun
• Party witnesses vision of ancient battle with Bast, Captain Meklan, and the black void with floating orbs
• Vision shows Captain Meklan being sucked into void while pulling orbs with him
• Party gains benefits equivalent to a long rest from the mystical experience

The Doppelganger's Deception Revealed

Sas's psychic resistance breaks down, revealing disturbing visions and the truth about her identity.

• Sas emits psychic feedback causing 3 points of damage to most party members
• Visions reveal the red dragon Almandine's previous attack on the party
• Memories show Vyrin's brother working with drow to find an arcane forge
• Vision reveals the brother making a deal with an Orthon devil
• Second psychic blast deals 6 points of damage to most party members
• Final vision shows alliance between the drow, Orthon, and red dragon Almandine
• Third psychic blast deals 2 points of damage
• Climactic revelation that Sas was replaced by a doppelganger during teleportation
• Real Sas was captured by the Orthon that escaped
• Cats apologize for delay in breaking through the imposter's deception
• Party becomes frozen in place as the truth is revealed

Arrival in the Dragon's Lair

The party is transported by the cats to a volcanic cave where they discover the real Sas is being held captive.

• The cats transport the party to a volcanic cave with magma and large bones
• The party spots Almandine the red dragon, now larger and more powerful than before
• They see an Orthon guarding the real Sas, who is tied up and unconscious
• The fake Sas (doppelganger) with the party yells 'it's time to go' to alert their enemies
• Combat begins as the party realizes they've been traveling with an imposter

Battle with the Doppelganger

The party engages the doppelganger impersonating Sas while preparing to face the dragon.

• Barlo rages and attempts to grapple the fake Sas
• The doppelganger reveals it secured passage for a passenger the party failed to pick up
• Bastion attacks with Hex and rapier, dealing massive damage with True Strike
• The doppelganger tries to use a magical item but Barlo prevents it
• Calliope attempts Phantasmal Killer on the Orthon but it fails due to magic resistance
• Shadow moves to higher ground using land stride and writing tide to hover
• Shadow shoots and kills the doppelganger with an arrow to the neck
• The doppelganger's body transforms back, revealing metallic blood and sulfurous flames

Dragon's Arrival and Frightful Presence

The adult red dragon Almandine appears and uses its frightful presence to terrorize the party.

• The ground trembles as the adult red dragon emerges
• Dragon taunts the party about getting stronger over three years
• Dragon mentions knowing secrets of gaining power quickly
• Dragon uses Frightful Presence ability
• All party members except Shadow fail wisdom saves and become frightened
• Frightened condition lasts one minute with saves at end of each turn
• Dragon targets Shadow and Calliope with fire breath
• Calliope succeeds on dexterity save and takes 31 fire damage
• Shadow fails save and takes 63 fire damage
• The Orthon teleports away saying he'll get his pay later

Lair Actions and Environmental Hazards

The dragon's lair responds with dangerous environmental effects targeting the party.

• Ground crumbles and quakes where the doppelganger died
• Magma tower breaks through ground, rising 20 feet high
• Magma rains down on Barlo and Bastion
• Both fail dexterity saves and take 21 fire damage each
• Later lair action creates poisonous volcanic gas cloud requiring constitution saves
• Tremor shakes the lair in 60-foot radius around dragon
• Party members make dexterity saves to maintain balance

Dragon Combat - Opening Rounds

The party struggles to engage the flying dragon while dealing with fear effects and difficult terrain.

• Barlo struggles to reach the flying dragon due to difficult terrain and being frightened
• Barlo fires crossbow bolts at the dragon from maximum range, hitting for minimal damage
• Bastion casts Hypnotic Pattern attempting to incapacitate the dragon, but it fails
• Bastion transfers his Hex spell to the dragon and moves to cover
• Bastion overcomes his frightened condition
• Calliope considers using Polymorph to turn into a Tyrannosaurus Rex
• Calliope attempts Hypnotic Pattern as well, but the dragon resists with a roll of 28
• Shadow uses her clockwork amulet to guarantee a hit and casts Lightning Arrow at 4th level
• Shadow's Lightning Arrow deals 30 points of lightning damage to the dragon
• Shadow fires a second arrow for additional damage
• Dragon breathes fire again, dealing 28 fire damage to multiple party members
• Dragon moves to 15 feet above ground, hovering near Shadow
• Dragon uses legendary action to tail whip Shadow for 18 bludgeoning damage

Calliope's T-Rex Transformation

Calliope transforms into a Tyrannosaurus Rex to engage the dragon in melee combat.

• Calliope plans to use Polymorph to become a T-Rex and consume a fire breath vial
• The DM explains that red dragons are immune to fire damage, making the plan ineffective
• Calliope decides to proceed with the T-Rex transformation anyway for survivability
• Calliope successfully casts Polymorph and transforms into a hot pink, glittery T-Rex
• The T-Rex moves toward the dragon but cannot attack yet due to Polymorph being the action
• Calliope charges toward the dragon as a Tyrannosaurus Rex
• Calliope rolls a natural 20 on her bite attack
• The critical hit deals 53 points of piercing damage to the dragon
• The dragon is now bloodied and seriously injured
• Calliope gains 5 hit points back and 3 permanent hit points from rolling natural 20s
• Calliope is no longer frightened

Dragon's Desperate Counterattack

The wounded dragon makes desperate attacks against the party members.

• Dragon's fire breath fails to recharge
• Dragon attacks Calliope with claws, rolling natural 20 for critical hit
• Dragon deals 22 points of damage to Calliope
• Dragon moves into poisonous mist and attacks the T-Rex
• Dragon bites T-Rex for 19 piercing and 7 fire damage
• Calliope maintains concentration on Polymorph spell
• Shadow shoots arrows at the dragon, dealing 27 points of damage with the first hit and 24 with the second
• Shadow goes invisible as a defensive measure, though the dragon has blindsight
• Shadow takes a healing potion, recovering 16 hit points
• The dragon claws and bites the T-Rex, dealing additional damage
• A lair action creates a tremor requiring dexterity saves from all party members

Healing and Tactical Adjustments

Party members focus on healing and repositioning while continuing the battle.

• Bastion casts Cure Wounds at 6th level, healing for 26 hit points
• Bastion attempts to summon two mastiffs from magical patches but realizes it requires an action to detach patches
• The mastiff summoning is retconned as a vision that rewinds itself
• Barlo finally overcomes his fear of the dragon with a successful wisdom save
• Bastion casts Ray of Frost twice, with one hit reducing the dragon's movement speed by 10 feet
• Calliope casts Cloud of Daggers directly on the dragon's position
• Shadow casts Lightning Arrow again, accidentally hitting Calliope (as T-Rex) in the face with lightning splash damage
• Calliope's polymorph spell ends, reverting her from T-Rex back to her normal form

The Dragon's Demise

Shadow delivers the killing blow to the adult red dragon Almandine.

• Shadow fires a second arrow dealing 36 points of damage to the severely wounded dragon
• Dragon attempts tail and bite attacks but misses the party members
• Dragon flies away from melee combat, staying airborne
• Shadow delivers the killing blow by shooting an arrow directly into the dragon's mouth as it prepares to breathe fire
• The arrow causes an explosion inside the dragon's mouth
• The dragon falls to the earth and dies
• A reddish essence shoots out of the dragon as it dies
• The party feels immense heat pass over them
• Combat ends with no party members unconscious or dead

Post-Combat Recovery and Rescue

The party tends to their wounds and rescues the real Sas after defeating the dragon.

• Shadow casts Healing Spirit to help the party recover hit points
• Bastion casts Cure Wounds on the unconscious Sas to revive her
• Sas regains consciousness, relieved but confused about what happened to her
• Party realizes they successfully defeated the dragon without anyone falling unconscious

Looting the Dragon's Hoard

The party searches the dragon's lair and harvests valuable materials from Almandine's corpse.

• Party discovers a massive treasure hoard: 16,543 gold pieces, 2,683 platinum, and 6 electrum per person
• Found four valuable gems: a ruby, two diamonds, and a black sapphire worth about 5,000 gold each
• Discovered three potions and a spell scroll for Force Cage
• Found a contract revealing Almandine participated in the 'Dragon's Crucible' on the moon to gain power
• Discovered 'The Book of the World' - a draconic religious tome about dragon creation myths
• Found Nesnar's spellbook containing Silvery Barbs spell
• Discovered magical items: a brass ring that makes one finger invisible, a levitating gem ring, a broken wand of wonder, and a stylish cap
• Shadow successfully harvests dragon parts: two wings (70 lbs), dragon breath glands (12 lbs), and dragon scales (40 lbs)
• Barlo collects seven vials of dragon blood
• Shadow takes dragon meat for her companion Artie
• Bastion identifies magical items using ritual casting
• Barlo taste-tests three potions: supreme healing, invisibility, and vitality
• The party discusses weight limits and storage solutions for their treasure

Memorable Moments

Calliope transformed into a hot pink, glittery Tyrannosaurus Rex and bit the dragon for massive damage

A dramatic tactical decision during the battle against the adult red dragon Almandine

Shadow shot an arrow directly into the dragon's mouth as it prepared to breathe fire, causing an explosion

Delivering the killing blow to the adult red dragon Almandine

The party discovered that Sas had been replaced by a doppelganger during their teleportation

Revealed after Sas began emitting psychic feedback that damaged the party

The party experienced profound shared visions revealing their interconnected histories and pasts

Journeying through the telepathic hive mind of the Mist of Concatenation

NPCs

Shadow Clan Shaman Hidden Depths

A figure from Shadow's past who was present on the Audacity as a younger person, serving alongside the other crew members in the visions. An old friend of Captain Meklan who helped raise Calliope and was involved in the ancient battle against Tharizdun. Shadow's Village Elder

Melios Lamphi

Seen in shared visions fighting against brown-cloaked enemies with red glowing swords, telling Calliope's mother to run while he held them off. aka Calliope's Father

Relia

A member of the order of Ashla and Bogons who was being hunted as she tried to leave the order to become a way seeker, which would allow her to have relations. aka Calliope's Mother

Bast

A powerful goddess with connections to cats, shown in visions growing to enormous size to fill a cavern. She was involved in the ancient battle against Tharizdun, chanting spells to teleport the party to safety and help contain the cosmic threat.

Vhalak

A male drow doppelganger and brother to Vyrin, shown in visions working with other drow to find an arcane forge. He made a deal with an Orthon devil to save his life in exchange for his shapeshifting services, and later allied with the red dragon Almandine. He was the one who replaced Sas and traveled with the party as an imposter.

The Orthon

A pig-like devil creature that made deals with Vyrin's brother and the red dragon Almandine. This entity was responsible for capturing the real Sas and replacing her with the doppelganger during the party's teleportation. Has magic resistance giving advantage on spell saves and teleported away when the dragon arrived, stating he would collect his payment later.

Almandine

An adult red dragon that previously attacked the party three years ago and was seeking Dragon Orbs. She has grown significantly more powerful after participating in the Dragon's Crucible on one of the moons, where dragons compete for power and absorb abilities from conquered foes. Uses frightful presence to terrorize enemies, devastating fire breath attacks, and demonstrates increased intelligence and tactical awareness. She was ultimately slain by Shadow's arrow to the mouth.

Real Sas W.T. Rayce

The actual party member who had been kidnapped and replaced by a doppelganger. She was found tied up and unconscious in the dragon's lair, confused about what had happened to her when revived by Bastion's healing magic.

Cats of Ultharr

A collective hive mind of psychically linked cats that exist in the spaces between realities. They have the ability to share thoughts and memories with visitors, show no tolerance for secrets, and display prejudice against Tabaxi, whom they refer to as 'uprights.' They track stories, narratives, and histories across the universe and use the power of secrets as magic. They made a deal with Captain Meklan for safe passage and can banish visitors instantly if they choose.

Captain Meklan/Paradox/Grognard

A complex god figure who exists across multiple realities and times. He is simultaneously Bastion's grandfather and son depending on the reality. Known as the Paradox God, he has lived as a mortal and serves as Bastion's nexus to this reality. He was seen as a young Captain on the Audacity in visions and made a deal with the cats of Ultharr. In ancient visions, he flew toward floating orbs while casting spells before being pulled into a black void.

Jade Gift

A mysterious figure from Barlo's past who served on the Audacity. He possessed the ability to sprout large purple-black wings and had metallic talons. He jumped off the ship during the ancient battle to fight cultists on the ground and never told Barlo much about his past. aka Barlo's Father

Solec

A crew member who served on the Audacity alongside Barlo's father and young Captain Meklan, seen as a younger man in the shared visions during the ancient battle. aka Sas's Father

Cosmic Cat Guide

A black cat that transforms into a cosmic, universe-like appearance while leading the party through the mist. Part of the cats of Ultharr hive mind, it shows subtle animosity toward the Tabaxi party members and serves as the party's guide through the interdimensional space.

Locations

Volcanic Dragon Lair

A large volcanic cave with magma flows, rough terrain of jagged rocks and broken debris, ancient temple ruins, and a rough-hewn pyramid structure. The lair features difficult terrain, standing columns, and active volcanic activity that creates environmental hazards including magma geysers and poisonous gas clouds. This serves as Almandine's base of operations where she kept the real Sas captive.

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/dierde-id8tionist/a/volcanic-dragon-lair-landmark

Dragon's Crucible

A location on one of the moons where dragons compete in life-or-death battles for power. Dragons who conquer others can absorb their abilities and rapidly increase their strength, which explains how Almandine became so much more powerful in just three years.

Mist of Concatenation

A mystical realm that exists between realities and universes, where the cats of Ultharr dwell. The mist creates a hive mind connection that shares thoughts, memories, and emotions among those within it, making secrets impossible to keep. Time feels distorted here, and the mist has rejuvenating properties that heal travelers and restore their magical abilities.

The Audacity

The party's flying ship, seen in visions with Barlo's father, young Captain Captain Meklan, Sas's father, and Shadow's village elder aboard. The ship was present during the ancient battle beneath the bell near the ziggurat of Tharizdun.

The Ziggurat of Tharizdun

An ancient structure beneath a bell, site of a climactic battle involving a black void, floating orbs, and the goddess Bast. The location where Captain Meklan was pulled into the void while attempting to contain the orbs.

Skola Vale

The area where the party's Elder was created from the remains of a corrupted Archfey. The location transformed from evil to good through golden light spreading across the landscape, turning the fleshy Archfey to stone. aka The Dead Archfey's Domain

Items

Dragon Breath Glands

Specialized glands that secrete the chemical mixture creating the dragon's fire breath, weighing 12 pounds. These are highly prized by alchemists and are worth 3,000 gold each, stored in the Bag of Colding to prevent decay.

Dragon Scales

40 pounds of scales harvested from Almandine's hide, worth 3,300 gold pieces. These scales can be used by skilled craftsmen to create dragon scale armor and other protective items.

Dragon Blood Vials

Seven vials of dragon blood collected by Barlo, each worth 250 gold pieces. Dragon blood can be used to create potions of dragon strength and has various alchemical applications.

Supreme Healing Potion

A powerful healing potion found in the dragon's hoard, providing maximum healing when consumed.

Potion of Invisibility

A magical potion that grants invisibility to the drinker, identified when Barlo's mouth briefly disappeared during taste testing.

Potion of Vitality

A bitter-tasting potion that removes exhaustion and disease, and for 24 hours causes the drinker to regain maximum hit points from any hit dice used.

Time Dragon Egg

An egg retrieved from a time dragon that the party obtained to appease the cats of Ultharr. It was stolen from a house after fighting red Abishai and is central to gaining the cats' attention and cooperation.

Portal Gems

Two red gems that contained orbs and were used to power a portal to the plane of Avernus. The party destroyed these gems to shut down the portal, preventing demons and devils from continuing to come through.

Floating Orbs

Hundreds of glowing gems or orbs (possibly 333 total) that floated in front of a black void during the ancient battle. Their light was being sucked into the void, and Captain Meklan pulled them into the void with him when he was consumed by it.

Mark of the Adventure

A magical mark on Calliope that lights up during significant moments, providing healing and restoration. It activated when she rolled natural 20s, granting her permanent hit point increases and temporary healing.

Barlo's Protective Tattoo

A magical tattoo on Barlo that can provide protective energy to allies. It lit up to shield Bastion from psychic damage during the doppelganger's mental assault and can transfer 1d6 bonuses to allies' rolls.

Magical Necklace

An item the doppelganger attempted to use to escape or communicate, but was prevented from activating by Barlo's intervention.

Clockwork Amulet

A magical amulet worn by Shadow that can automatically turn a d20 roll into a 10 once per day, guaranteeing a successful hit on attacks. Used to ensure Lightning Arrow spells hit the dragon.

Fire Breath Vial

A vial containing fire breath that Calliope planned to use in combination with her T-Rex transformation to create a fire-breathing dinosaur, though this proved ineffective against a fire-immune red dragon.

Dragon Treasure Hoard

A massive collection of coins discovered in Almandine's lair, consisting of 16,543 gold pieces, 2,683 platinum pieces, and 6 electrum pieces per party member. The treasure represents the accumulated wealth of an adult dragon.

Four Precious Gems

A collection of valuable gems including a ruby, two diamonds, and a black sapphire, all with excellent cuts and estimated to be worth about 5,000 gold pieces each.

Force Cage Spell Scroll

A magical scroll containing the Force Cage spell, found among the dragon's treasures and potentially very valuable for magical combat situations.

Dragon's Crucible Contract

A legal document signed by Almandine detailing her participation in a life-or-death dragon competition on one of the moons, where dragons compete for power and absorb abilities from those they defeat. This explains how she became so much stronger in just three years.

The Book of the World

A draconic religious tome written on fine vellum and leather with wooden covers, protected by magical enchantments. It contains dragon creation myths and religious beliefs, transcribed from memory by an unnamed dragon who had read the original once.

Nesnar's Spellbook

A spellbook written in high drow belonging to Nesnar (the doppelganger's brother), containing the Silvery Barbs spell among others. The book represents a connection to the party's previous encounters with doppelgangers.

Brass Ring of Invisible Finger

A magical brass ring that renders invisible only the finger it is worn on when activated, creating an unusual and limited invisibility effect.

Levitating Gem Ring

A gold ring with a gemstone that levitates slightly above its socket, creating a visually striking but purely cosmetic magical effect with no practical applications.

Broken Wand of Wonder

A wand made from ivory and finely carved sequoia that was once a powerful Wand of Wonder, but now has a cracked gemstone at the end and no longer retains its magical properties.

Stylish Cap

A piece of folded cloth that unfolds into a very stylish-looking cap or hat, found among the dragon's treasures though its purpose or magical properties are unclear.

Dragon Wings

Two large wings harvested from Almandine's corpse, weighing 70 pounds total. These wings contain flesh that will rot within seven days but are valuable crafting materials worth 6,500 gold pieces each and can be used to create magical items.

Dragon Meat

Fresh meat harvested from the dragon by Shadow to feed Artie, easily obtained due to the abundance of material.

Bag of Colding

A magical storage container that can hold 100 pounds and preserves organic material as if under the gentle repose spell, preventing decay while items remain inside.

Portable Hole

A magical storage device used by the party to carry heavy treasure and equipment, helping manage the weight of their dragon hoard.

Healing Potions

Minor healing potions that restore 2d4+2 hit points when consumed as a bonus action (requiring a roll) or full healing when consumed as an action.

Spells

Land Stride

A ranger ability that allows Shadow to move through difficult terrain without penalty, helping her navigate the rough volcanic cave environment.

Psychic Feedback

Uncontrolled psychic emanations from the doppelganger posing as Sas, causing psychic damage to party members as its mental defenses broke down. The feedback grew stronger with each wave, dealing 3, 1, 6, and 2 points of damage respectively to different party members.

Memory Sharing

The psychic connection created by the cats of Ultharr that allowed the party to experience each other's memories and thoughts while in the Mist of Concatenation, breaking down mental barriers and revealing hidden truths.

Hex

Cast by Bastion on the doppelganger and later transferred to the dragon. Adds necrotic damage to attacks and gives the target disadvantage on ability checks. Bastion chose to apply the disadvantage to strength checks to potentially help with grappling attempts.

True Strike

Cast by Bastion to ensure his second attack would hit the grappled doppelganger, contributing to massive damage output.

Phantasmal Killer

Attempted by Calliope on the Orthon but failed due to the creature's magic resistance. The spell creates a frightening illusion visible only to the target.

Counterspell

Attempted by Bastion to stop the doppelganger from using a magical item, though it wasn't actually a spell being cast.

Frightful Presence

The dragon's supernatural ability that forces wisdom saves from all creatures within range. Those who fail become frightened for one minute, unable to move closer to the dragon and suffering disadvantage on attacks.

Fire Breath

The dragon's devastating breath weapon that deals massive fire damage in a cone. Used multiple times during combat, with recharge attempts that sometimes failed. Dealt 63 points to Shadow and 31 to Calliope in the first use.

Hypnotic Pattern

A spell cast by both Bastion and Calliope attempting to incapacitate the dragon with twisting patterns of colors. Both attempts failed as the dragon successfully resisted the enchantment, including one natural 20 save.

Lightning Arrow

A 4th level spell cast by Shadow multiple times that transforms her arrow into lightning, dealing significant lightning damage to the dragon and creating a 10-foot radius effect that could damage nearby creatures. Used with the clockwork amulet to guarantee hits.

Polymorph

Calliope cast this spell to transform herself into a Tyrannosaurus Rex during combat. The spell requires concentration and gave her the form of a hot pink, glittery T-Rex with significantly more hit points for survivability. She maintained it through multiple concentration saves.

Cure Wounds

Bastion cast Cure Wounds at 6th level to heal himself for 26 hit points during the dragon battle, and later at 3rd level to revive the unconscious Sas after her rescue.

Ray of Frost

Bastion cast this cantrip twice against the dragon, with one hit that reduced the dragon's movement speed by 10 feet and dealt cold damage, helping to slow the creature's mobility in the final moments.

Cloud of Daggers

Calliope upcast this spell to 5th level, creating a damaging area effect directly on the dragon's position that would deal 20 points of slashing damage when the dragon moved through it.

Healing Spirit

Shadow cast this spell after combat to help the party recover hit points, allowing each party member to heal multiple times by moving through the healing area.

Identify

Cast as a ritual by Bastion multiple times to determine the magical properties of the various items found in the dragon's treasure hoard, including rings, wands, and other magical objects. Takes 11 minutes per casting.

Skill Empowerment

Cast by Calliope to double Shadow's proficiency bonus for nature checks during the dragon harvesting operation, requiring recasting every 30 minutes as the spell duration expired.

Invisibility

Shadow used this spell during combat as a defensive measure, though it proved less effective against the dragon due to its blindsight ability.

Telepathic Communication

The cats of Ultharr's ability to communicate directly into minds without opening their mouths, used to apologize for the delay in revealing the doppelganger's deception and offer assistance.

Blade Song

A magical ability used by Bastion to enhance his combat capabilities, providing bonuses to AC and other combat statistics.

Mirthful Leap

A magical ability used by Calliope to enhance her jumping distance, allowing her to cover difficult terrain more effectively by adding 1d8 feet to her jump distance.

Writing Tide

A spell used by Shadow to hover 10 feet in the air, providing elevation and tactical positioning during the dragon combat.

Classic

Last we left off, our intrepid adventurers found themselves guided by a cosmic cat through the mystical Mist of Concatenation, a realm between realities where the ancient cats of Ulthar dwelled. In this strange telepathic space, their deepest memories became shared, revealing profound connections between their pasts. They witnessed Bastion's complex relationship with Meklin—who existed as both grandfather and son across different timelines as the god Paradox—and saw visions of their fathers fighting together aboard the flying ship Audacity in battles against cosmic threats. The rejuvenating mist healed their wounds and restored their abilities, but the peaceful journey took a sinister turn when they discovered that Sas had been replaced by a doppelganger during their travels.

The cats, apologizing for the delay in detecting the deception, immediately transported the party to a volcanic cave where they found the real Sas bound and unconscious. Looming over the scene was the adult red dragon Almadine, now larger and more powerful after participating in the Dragon's Crucible on one of the moons, where dragons competed for supremacy and absorbed the abilities of their conquered foes. Combat erupted as the party engaged both the doppelganger and prepared to face the enhanced dragon, with Shadow delivering the killing blow to the shapeshifter just as Almadine's terrifying presence filled the cavern.

The battle against Almadine proved to be their most challenging yet, with the dragon's devastating fire breath and the lair's dangerous environmental hazards creating chaos at every turn. In a moment of tactical brilliance, Calliope transformed into a hot pink, glittery Tyrannosaurus Rex and landed a critical bite that left the mighty dragon bloodied and reeling. Shadow's precise archery and Bastion's magical support kept the pressure on the beast, until finally Shadow delivered the killing blow by shooting an arrow directly into the dragon's mouth as it prepared to breathe fire. The arrow caused an explosion within the creature's throat, and as Almadine fell, the party found themselves standing victorious over an enormous treasure hoard, wealthy beyond their wildest dreams and holding crucial documents that would shape their understanding of the cosmic forces at work in their world.

Snarky

When last we left our heroes, they were following a cosmic cat through the Mist of Concatenation like some kind of interdimensional pet adoption gone horribly right. What started as a peaceful journey through a mystical realm where cats shared everyone's deepest secrets telepathically (because apparently privacy is a foreign concept to felines) quickly turned into a family therapy session nobody asked for. The party discovered that Bastion's relationship with Meklin was more complicated than a soap opera plot twist - turns out your grandfather being your son across multiple realities is just Tuesday when you're dealing with gods of paradox.

Things took a sharp left turn into "oh no" territory when they realized Sas had been replaced by a doppelganger, because nothing says "trust issues" like finding out your friend has been an imposter this whole time. The cats, apparently feeling guilty about their delayed customer service, immediately teleported the party to a volcanic cave where they found the real Sas tied up and an adult red dragon named Almadine looking significantly more buff after hitting the gym (also known as the Dragon's Crucible on one of the moons, where dragons apparently go to get swole).

What followed was a battle that had everything: fear effects that left most of the party cowering, Calliope transforming into a hot pink glittery T-Rex because subtlety is overrated, and Shadow literally shooting an arrow down a dragon's throat like she was playing the world's most dangerous game of darts. After turning Almadine into very expensive dragon jerky, the party walked away with enough treasure to buy their own moon and some very important documents that probably spell doom for everyone. Just another Tuesday in the life of our heroes, really.

Middle English

Harken well, ye gentle folke,
Of adventurers brave and bolde,
Through mystic mysts they didde walke,
Where cosmic cats their tales unfold.

The Myst of Concatenation faire,
'Twixt realityes doth lye,
Where Ulthar's cats with starry stare
Did guide them 'neath the skye.

In this realm of thoughtes made one,
Where secretes cannot hyde,
The blacke cat cosmic did become,
With universe as hyde.

Through healing mystes they journeyed long,
Their woundes and magick mended,
While visions shared both right and wrong
Of histories blended.

Bastion's memoryes lay bare,
Of Meklin, grandsire-sonne,
The god Paradox dwelling there
In tymes both lost and wonne.

Barlo's father with winges of night,
Purple-blacke with talons keene,
From ship Audacity took flight
'Gainst cultistes most obscene.

Beneath the bell where Therizdun waytes,
With orbes of light aglow,
Great Bast herself the voyde abates
To stop the cosmic foe.

But harke! A treachery most vile,
The Sas they knew was false!
A doppelganger's wicked guile
Had wrought deceptive pulse.

The cats did cry their sorrow deepe,
For late they broke the spell,
And bore them where the true Sas sleeps
In dragon's fiery dell.

Almadine the red dragon greate,
From Crucible returned,
With power from the lunar fate
Where dragon-fire burned.

In cavern deepe with molten stone,
The battle fierce began,
'Gainst doppelganger's sulfur bone
And dragon's fearsome span.

Brave Barlo grappled with the fake,
While Bastion's blade rang true,
And Shadow's arrow didde partake
To slay the fiend in two.

The dragon's presence filled with dread
All save the Shadow faire,
Its breath of fire burning red
Did scorch the cavern's aire.

Then Calliope, wise and bolde,
A T-Rex pink became,
With glitter bright and teeth of golde
To play the dragon's game.

Her bite most true, a twenty rolled,
Did wound the beast full sore,
While Shadow's arrows, swift and colde,
Pierced through to dragon's core.

Through Cloud of Daggers sharp and bright,
The wyrm in anguish flew,
Till Shadow's shaft in final fight
Did pierce its gullet through.

The dragon fell with thunderous crash,
Its essence red did flee,
While treasure vast, a golden stash,
Rewarded victory.

Sixteen thousand pieces bright
Of gold to each was given,
With gems and scrolls of ancient might
From dragon's hoard were riven.

The Book of World in draconic writ,
And contracts of the Crucible,
With dragon's parts that Shadow split
Made spoils incredible.

So ende here this tale of might,
Of cats and dragons fell,
Where heroes brave in cosmic light
Did triumph over hell.

Limerick

A cosmic cat led them through mist so deep,
Where Ulthar's cats made their secrets to keep.
Shared thoughts revealed all,
From Meklin's strange call,
As memories made the whole party weep.

Through visions of fathers who fought long ago,
With wings and with talons they witnessed the show.
Bast grew immense,
At the void's dark defense,
While orbs around ziggurats started to glow.

But Sas wasn't Sas, what a dreadful surprise!
A doppelganger wore his disguise.
The cats said "Our mistake!"
Then showed what's at stake—
Real Sas bound with terror-filled eyes.

Almadine the dragon loomed large in the cave,
From Dragon's Crucible, mighty and brave.
With fire breath hot,
She gave all she'd got,
While the Orthon just laughed and then gave them a wave.

The party fought hard with their fear and their might,
As Barlo shot crossbow bolts into the fight.
But Calliope's trick,
A T-Rex so quick,
Bit the dragon and turned the tide right!

With arrow through mouth, Shadow ended the fray,
The dragon exploded and melted away.
Sixteen thousand gold,
What a sight to behold!
The richest and best adventuring day!

Exported from GMAssistant on 2026-08-16