The Medusa's Cascade

Arguile, Glad, Salix, and Zechs find themselves inexplicably transported to the distant past, landing in Sloane’s Second Age rather than the Nymora of their time. Struggling to understand their predicament, they attempt to gather information discreetly, but Zechs inadvertently reveals their origins. This earns him a referral to the priestess of Nireana and ultimately to the priestess of Tumra, where he becomes visibly disturbed by the revelations he receives. Meanwhile, in the present, the rest of the party watches their companions in a catatonic state, their eyes glazed over. Shanks and Galahad attempt to discern the cause, only to hear a voice declaring, “These are the tithes that must be paid.” The goddess Aphy reassures them that their friends are safe and urges them to aid them from their side. They resolve to investigate the leadership that enabled Nymora’s suffering, instructing Greyleaf to seek his mother’s connections. Before parting, Hoshino performs an act of kindness, reuniting a lost child with their family, a rare moment of light in a place marred by pain.

In the past, the group consulted the priestess of Tumra, who informed them that this journey was a lesson for Zechs and all of them. When Salix inquires if the lesson is forgiveness, they are corrected—the actual lesson is acceptance and closure; they hear from an absent but familiar voice. As they explore the city, they sense the rising tension of the approaching conflict between the Panteran Pantheon and Malar. They hear of erratic wildlife and growing fear of Malar’s influence, suspecting an impending disaster. Zechs theorizes that a site of his future sacrifices may already exist and be occupied by Malar and his followers. The group stealthily investigates, finding a massive bonfire surrounded by many figures. In the present, Greyleaf’s mother welcomes him and his friends, sharing a moment of reunion before shifting to the serious matter. After a short prayer, she bluntly acknowledges their foes, providing a wealth of names while advising caution. The party learns of her formidable past and her service during the arrival of the Vitalis family. With their newfound intelligence, they form teams—Shanks and Greyleaf, Hoshino, and Galahad—each tasked with specific roles. With Hoshino’s Seeming spell altering their appearances, they set forth, ready to confront the forces that have plagued Nymora for generations.

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

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The party’s investigation leads them to a library filled with rich historical texts on magic and a long-forgotten map of Sloane. They later explore an old battlefield under Dreg’s guidance, finding an empty grave with signs that someone once buried had clawed their way out. They return to town to find Hoshino recovering, who confesses to triggering the ancient calamity of Sloane through a pact with a force called Antithesis—an enemy of the Daughters of Flame. The party, though shaken, offers support. Upon reviewing Iolan’s journals, they discover that she may have also been linked to Antithesis, as her entries stop before the age’s end. Hoshino later hosts a Spirit Session and casts Legend Lore on Iolan, revealing cryptic truths that tie Iolan, Antithesis, and himself together. The ritual is interrupted by the surprise arrival of Greyleaf—formerly Kyver—now sober, transformed, and under the employ of Mr. Bell, with his own secrets and regrets.

As the party processes Greyleaf’s return and shared revelations, Galahad speaks privately with Bothok, learning that his father, in league with Arioch, is trying to resurrect a titan. Galahad resolves to act before their plan unfolds. Meanwhile, Shanks trains in the Underdark with Dreg, facing a deadly purple worm and confronting his fragmented self-worth. These moments prove deeply enlightening for him. Back above, the party gathers once more as Galahad announces his official status as Bahamut’s Champion and encourages Zechs to resolve his lingering Malar connection. Zechs begins his paladin journey with the Dawnstalkers, eventually choosing the Packwarden Oath after guidance from Galahad and Siaxa. Meanwhile, Shanks returns from his training scarred but successful, and Arguile discreetly arranges a meeting with Rig to secure passage to Iwi to rescue his mother. The Rig they meet is not the same as before, suggesting alternate realities may be in play.

Back at camp, the group discusses logistics, poisons extracted from the purple worm, and upcoming plans. Galahad is approached by a Goliath woman from the Gothakanaki clan, leading to an invitation to visit the Barrier Range and meet more of his kin. As Zechs gifts the group communication items, he opens up about his own internal struggles and seeks training support. Arguile, having confided in Shanks, eventually shares his plan with the entire group: a route that takes them to the Barrier Range, back to Nymora to extract Malar from Zechs, onward to Iwi to rescue his mother, and finally to stop Galahad’s father and the titan he commands. The group agrees, now unified and emotionally fortified, stepping forward with clear intent, personal stakes, and the ever-growing weight of destiny on their shoulders.

There’s so much happening, and we pick up with arc 24, “ Where You Come From”. How will the rest of this story unfold?

Find out next time on the Medusa’s Cascade: Collateral Damage!

Theme Music is written and performed by The Floating Lighthouse

Mixed by Thomas Lapierre III

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The group’s moment of rest was just that, as an explosion was heard and fire erupted in the Witty Glaive. The varying members of the party are trying to assess the situation, wake up the other party members, and do what they can to stop it when they come across some otherworldly beings that are the very culprits of the fire. As the group begins to fight off these creatures, which are pointed out to be similar to Bob’s tentacle, Elizabeth is not a result of Bob’s doing. They also find aid in a new face who has been quietly observing the group the last few days, a Unillum wildfire druid named Chantico with a wildfire spirit named Enya. With the help of this new ally and a concerted team effort, the team can stop the fires and the creatures that attacked their new home. During the aftermath of the battle, the group assesses the damage to the Glaive and introduces themselves properly to their new friend. Valen briefly mentions a strange dream about many whispers, a crown and robes made of yellow, and a throne of stone, which is unfamiliar to everyone except for Chantico. A brief discussion was had, and it was decided that it would probably be best to talk more after a proper long rest. Hebron comes to the Glaive, sees the state of things, and is in shock and panic as the group explains what happened the previous night.

Chantico explains that she was sent by the Arbitor, Amina, to look into the strange, otherworldly occurrences happening throughout Sloane. During the discussion, the group clarified that the child they saved at the marketplace was Amina, and the one Valen took with him through the soft spot was Soris, which was information the group was previously unaware of as there was no mention of the child’s name. The group scavenges what they can of drinks and such and discusses the plans for the day, as they still have a meeting with the Dispatch Service and would like to check back in with Izca. The first stop is with Captain Dan to check in on Izca, who informs the group she has not yet woken up but will inform the group when she does. They also informed Captain Dan about the previous night's incident at the Glaive so that it would be on his radar. Valen asks to see Izca again to cast Detect Thoughts and see if he still hears voices emanating from Izca, which he confirms that he does, but it is not nearly as prominent as last time. With that, they head out to the Dispatch Service.

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: Blood and Booze!

Theme Music is written and performed by The Floating Lighthouse

Mixed by Thomas Lapierre III

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At this point, it’s normal for this group; shenanigans are how we start the next part of the story. Arguile gives in and has some hot sauce and fire whiskey, which do not sit well with our tiefling friend. A weary Zechs approaches Hoshino and Galahad sometime after the fun wraps up. What seems to be a regular part of their playbook at this point, Zechs asks if they’d humor his seemingly insane idea… actively speaking to Malar. To his surprise, while they clarify how that can go wrong, they agree with him. They both agree that maybe talking to him directly would give him some answers, that final piece of the puzzle he has been searching for. A plan is set to have Galahad, Hoshino, and Glad in a room with Zechs sans Duo to ensure the party's safety. Everyone is informed of what is to transpire, and while also reluctant, they agree that it may be best for what’s to come. The conversation with Malar isn’t much of a conversation at all. Zechs feels like he’s missing something, asking the wrong questions, or Malar wishes to continue toying with him. Eventually, after a tense exchange, Zechs concludes that he’s satisfied with the information he got and severs the connection to Malar. Galahad and Hoshino both agree that Malar may not have said much. Still, it confirmed Zechs’ suspicion that Malar would be challenging in his desire to reveal the truths of his origin, connection to the Constable, or his ties to the Pantheran Pantheon.

With that door and avenue closed, the group departs towards the vineyard, pursuing what Zechs needs to begin this ritual. There is some confusion between going to the vineyard, heading towards the site of Zechs’ sacrifice, and returning to the vineyard. It’s not a fruitless endeavor, as now knowing the location and recalling some information about his sacrifice is information that the group feels was needed anyway. Upon speaking to Greyleaf, the group begins to clarify some details and realizes that the vineyard was where they should have headed initially. On their trek, Zechs expresses his frustration with what he is missing and piecing this puzzle together. As they traverse through a bit deeper than Zechs’ first time down there, they find giant effigies of Aphy, the goddess of trickery and wit, depicted as a cougar, Xidea, the goddess of death, shown as a black panther, and Tumra, the goddess of the spirit world, portrayed as a snow leopard. We conclude with Zechs sending Duo now with darkvision to investigate the statues of the goddesses. After the Greyleaf’s suggestion, Zechs attempts to reach out and speak to the goddesses, uncertain if it would even work, and a booming voice says, “The proper tithes must be observed.”

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

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return to the group on their way back to Nymora. Zechs helps Shanks out with his stealth and uses the Hunter’s Mark spell. Later, Zechs and Greyleaf discuss what they should do with Zechs’ need for vengeance regarding Alma. Greyleaf offers his insight and empathy, which Zechs accepts, but lets him know that it may take some time before it is entirely received. Hoshino raises the idea of doing Legend Lore on Zechs’ bow, and Zechs assures the bard he is grateful for the answers he received. While he has more questions, he certainly answered more questions than not about his mysterious bow. Shanks also asks to have his bow, Mind’s Eye, looked at via the Legend Lord spell. Eventually, the team arrives in Nymora; they split to do different errands and decide to regroup at the inn where they’ll be staying. Shanks and Greyleaf go to Potions and Lotions, and Shanks has a very needed discussion with Rig; Zechs is off to inform his parents that he’s back in town but won’t be staying at their place, however, and the rest of the group goes to get their singular room to share. Thanks to Hoshino, that space won’t be too cramped with the help of Magnificent Mansion, and the group is thoroughly surprised and grateful for what the space provides. Their stomachs are full, their rooms are tailor-made to each of them, and there are many attendants to ensure their stay is as carefree as possible. A necessary sanctuary and place to devise their plans for what comes next as they attempt to extract a god from their companion.

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

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the western coast of Granzia, built on and in the cliffs of Deep Salt Stone, sits the seafaring city of Nereas. Constructed around the River Nere, Nereas has a long and storied history with trading and the people of the Western Seas.

In the tenth episode of Across the Planes, Tom, Law (Zechs), and Jaime (d20dinner) discuss and come up with the lore surrounding the city of Nereas. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the culture, religion, industry, and overall vibe of the western coast of Granzia.

VO: Lawrence Bentiné Jr, Jaime of d20dinner, and Thomas Lapierre III

Mixed by Thomas Lapierre III

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Captain Dan runs off to find a healer as the group attempts to alleviate Izca's suffering. As this happens, Bob mentions that he heard about the book and that it can alter a person upon reading it. This is likely what occurred to Izca. The boys decide to go back to the crime scene to search for clues while Dona stays to watch Izca and keep an eye out for the healer. Finding one needle in a thousand haystacks is more manageable, but they go forth. They do, however, see a crescent moon pendant belonging to Izca, the crumbled remains of the book, and a receipt, which they surmise can be used to track the book's point of origin. All of these are shots in the dark, but for now, it’s better than doing nothing. Upon returning to the station, Captain Dan introduces the group to Norkin Softdream, who is doing what he can for Izca. After introductions, he very bluntly asks the group what is happening with her. In giving their best explanation, Norkin replies that he will try to do what he can, but it seems a little out of his depth even for him. With sweat dripping from his brow and a few attempts, he can finally stabilize and slowly reverse some of the effects currently ailing Izca. It may take some more time, but that’s the best he can do now.

The group calls it a night at near dawn and heads back to the Witty Glaive for a meal, a drink, and some much-needed rest. During their discussions of what to do next, Hebron informs them that if they want to see how something was imported into Tradeshore, their best bet is to start looking at the Golden Tower District and, quite possibly, The Dispatch Service. It’s decided that after rest, they’ll split up into two teams and try to locate the book's point of origin: Bob with Valen and Thorak with Ursus. Eventually, the Slash Brothers team proves fruitful, and they have a meeting with Faerith for the next day at The Dispatch Service, thanks to the help of receptionist Sevari. With that, they head back to the Glaive and discuss some lighter topics, such as Valen’s time before the party and meeting his teacher, Thorak’s time with the orphanage where he was raised, plus the secret of his rage. A brief moment of levity and rest before it inevitably picks back up again. 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: Blood and Booze!

Theme Music "Sunk Cost Fallacy" is written and performed by The Floating Lighthouse

Mixed by Thomas Lapierre III

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The group, now back on board the Swift Hummingbird, discussed heading to Yahnkoshi so Hoshino could visit his home, investigate the reappearance of Eldertwine, and see what the town is like all these ages later. Galahad wonders if he could come with him so he is not alone. Still, Hoshino tells him that while Galahad is immune to diseases, this disease is magical, and he does not want to risk his health if he isn’t immune to this particular disease. After expending all ideas, suggestions, and everything in between, the ship hovers around 500ft above Yahnkoshi, and, using Dimension Door, Hoshino descends to the ground below. The scene is grim, to say the least. As he searches throughout the town, he sees the bodies of Kenku from the Tell Tale Guild, which he is unaware of at the time, but the party confirms for him, once back onto the ship, that it is Attros’ former guild, and also finds a pendant of the Light of Elrin, which he grabs. Through his walk, we are taken back to Hoshino’s conversation with Pakia about Eldertwine and what has happened to Yahnkoshi since the age that saw Eldertwine as Sloane’s calamity. In that conversation, he tells Pakia that he knows what he must do, to which she responds with a puzzled look and tells him that he does not need to explain. She assures him that he has friends in the Range and that if he does return to his home, he should be careful.

Before returning to the ship, he takes a sample of Eldertwine and secures it on his person before using Dimension Door to return safely onto the ship. Upon sharing his findings, Shanks asks Arguile to use Mage Hand and hold the bottle away from him, and he melts wax to secure the sample bottle further. Shanks then asks Greyleaf if, with some help from possibly Salix, they could figure out just how to stop Eldertwine from ravaging Sloane once again. Greyleaf suggests that he can request the aid of someone he travels with who is likely better suited for such a task, and Shanks ensures the sample is given to him. We start to finish with the group going through the Bag of Holding’s inventory and exchanging the newly made scrolls amongst each other to copy or store for themselves. Zechs goes through his idea of new battle formations with Shanks and Galahad, which they agree upon and give further input to make the formation the most efficient. We finally end with Zechs and Shanks having a talk where Shanks shows off his new skills, and Zechs asks to compare their bows, Jack of All Trades and Mind’s Eye. 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

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a night of revelry, drinking games, fights, and celebration, the team wakes up in various locations, some unsure of how they got there. They plan over breakfast as they gather and prepare for their next destination. Afterward, Galahad seeks out Pakia for answers to his questions about his ancestors, “Those Who Wandered,” and the side of the story he would not have heard unless he was there. She goes on to say that during a time of warfare, there was an Illithid incursion starting in the northern reaches of the Range and making its way towards Stargrave. After several defeats, tensions rose within the leadership and those close to it. Those who stayed saw these defeats as strategic and tactical errors on their part, not accounting for extenuating circumstances. While the group that left was under the impression that they were not using the proper amount of force, it was not a question of tactics but of drive and will to defeat these enemies. Eventually, they saw a branch of that chief’s family split off and leave. They went out into the Gathering Storm and never returned. Based on what Galahad said, they must have gotten to Granzia via a “soft spot,” which Sloane is known for. However, they often see you transported to another region of the plane, but instead, they were sent to another plane entirely. There was more that led up to that point, but that was the breaking point. However, their departure was seen as an action of stubbornness rather than malice, and Pakia mentions that she can’t fault them as they did what was right for their kin, which is what those who stayed were also trying to do.

The group then packs up their things, says their goodbyes, and makes the half-day trek back down the mountain to the Swift Hummingbird. Cordell confirms their next destination as Nymora, and the group is off just like that. As they travel, Zechs addresses the group about what the Stone Face told him and tells the group that while he knows that he and his alternates have had aspects of Malar put inside of him, he suspects that he’s not the ONLY child who that happened to. He also asks for Greyleaf’s help, as he might know more through their familiar “friend” Alma. Eventually, Zechs informs Greyleaf that he met her at Salix’s hermitage in league with the Constable. He asks Greyleaf plainly if he would like to assist in transitioning her to the afterlife because she needs to pay for what she did, and he wants to ensure nothing like what happened to them happens again. Zechs admits seeing Alma sent his heart pounding in his ears, and he had to do everything he could to satiate the bloodlust from seeping through him. Also, having Malar in his head, encouraging and taunting him, did not help that ordeal. The party notices how Zechs speaks about Alma; it’s almost like what he felt with Arbane back in Invenas, and tries to help prevent himself from feeding into Malar’s wishes. Zechs accepts what they say and hopes they acknowledge that this isn’t a simple black-and-white choice for him to make.

We conclude with Shanks asking Glad to help him with his hair when he approaches the topic of her patron, The Protector. He asks where she stands with him, and she tells him that she understands that, as a cleric of his, her power is linked to her faith, and while she does not like or respect the Protector currently, she still believes in him. Shanks does his best to make an analogy and paint a picture that the Protector isn’t without flaws or faults. She lets Shanks know she is aware of her predicament and moves cautiously and intently as they travel together. She also tells him she appreciates him reaching out to her, and they laugh.

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

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many characters appear in this campaign, and quite a few have joined Collateral Damage for varying lengths. Listen to the Journeyman’s audio logs about these characters to better understand their origins. We continue the series with the steadfast Voyas.

Written, read, and recorded by Thomas Lapierre III

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.