We return to a tense scene as Arguile, Glad, Salix, and Zechs attempt to deceive the cultists as they nervously try to figure out their next steps. While their deception works, the cultists still find themselves drawn to Zechs, for reasons they can't quite put their finger on. Eventually they are asked to join and watch the cult perform a ritual. There's a lot of chanting, a familiar dagger, and a body that goes into the fire and begins transforming… It's an unsettling scene, and one that sends a chill down the spines of the group. Before them is the avatar of Malar.With Hoshino’s spell underway, the group separates to do what is needed while Zechs and the others do what they must do. Shanks and Greyleaf head off briefly to see The Royal Vagabonds, Greyleaf’s old crew from when he was still Kyver, and get more intel on their target. Their target has a unique taste, and the rogues know how to use it.

Meanwhile, Hoshino comes upon a very familiar tavern and meets Heely Hands and Kalkari, while waiting to see JM… or in this case, Mr. Bell. Mr. Bell talks plainly with Hoshino, telling him that in all his time, and across the many realities, he’s never come across Hoshino Matsuo, bard of 100 towns. He is an anomaly or a wild card in a deck of wild cards, and wants to use it to their advantage to stop the Constable. A crazy plan, but if it works, it can change, EVERYTHING and start to set things right, or at the very least give their situation a fighting chance. Mr. Bell knows the party may not agree, so he only wants to bring Hoshino along if he thinks the party will agree. Shanks and Greyleaf head off to the Velvet Fang, stealthily observing the venue and awaiting a visual of their target. After some time, they get eyes on their prize and tail him upstairs to where he is in a rather precarious situation, but not unusual for a customer of this fine establishment. The rogues check their surroundings, wait for the right timing, and follow their plan. Shanks uses his Blink Dog Dagger to get across the room and cover the man’s mouth before he can call out for help. Greyleaf gives his companion some gold, and she tells him that while she won’t get in their way, she can only assure them a few minutes before things get out of her hands. More than enough time for Mr. Scotch and Mr Bonnet, who interrogate their target for information regarding the cult, its members, its doings, and anything else helpful and of note. They leave without much fuss and slip back into the bustling city of Nymora.We finish with the 4 in the past; as Malar's avatar says, “Let the wild hunt begin.”

There's so much happening, and that's where we pick up…

Find out what happens next in this episode of the Medusa’s Cascade: Collateral Damage!

Theme Music is written and performed by The Floating Lighthouse

Mixed by Thomas Lapierre III

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com