The party resumes their evening watch rotation, beginning with Arguile and Yurik, who open up to one another about their pasts, sharing stories that highlight their respective journeys. Zechs and The Turk take the second shift, engaging in a reflective conversation about the bonds they’ve built within the group. Although both acknowledge that their time together may be temporary, they find comfort in the growing trust between them. Zechs shares how he came to join Collateral, while The Turk discusses his pre-party life. For the final watch, Galahad fills in for Glad, who eventually joins alongside Salix. The three of them discuss divine manipulation, personal growth, and the heavy choices ahead, particularly those Galahad must soon face.

The following day, the party begins their descent into the Underdark. Zechs casts darkvision on Galahad and The Turk, while Shanks rejoins the group after completing his ranger training. He and Yurik scout ahead for signs of purple worm tunnels, dangerous but potentially profitable. During this, Shanks opens up to The Turk about their respective warlock pacts, while Zechs takes a quiet moment to read a long-held note from Shanks. As they travel, Shanks and Salix harvest functional materials, and Yurik warns of the monstrous dangers that await in Ors Thurmar, jokingly betting Shanks a reward if he manages to slay one alone, a challenge Shanks eagerly accepts.

Deeper into the Underdark, the group encounters multiple possible routes, each with its own dangers. Jolene scouts ahead, confirming the presence of enemies, while Zechs uses Speak with plants to communicate with the local fungi. A deal is struck: in exchange for information, the group will feed the mushrooms the corpses of their enemies. Arguile and the fungi exchange tense words, but Zechs smooths things over. As they travel on, concerns grow around the eerie energy of Yurik’s sword, fiendish and undead in nature. Galahad walks with Yurik, questioning his aggressive demeanor toward the party. Before their talk can go further, Yurik charges into combat, signaling that the next fight is upon them.

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 Efflorescence

Mixed & Edited by Thomas Lapierre III

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com