The group heads towards the Dispatch Service and meets with Cevari again, who greets them before leading them towards Faerith. They meet the high-elf dispatch manager, taking in the minimalist design before asking their questions about where the book has been shipped from and possibly information about who has been sending it. While they can’t get much of the privileged client information, they learn that 35 books have been shipped, primarily from Balazaar. After receiving what information they can, they head out and explore other options. Dona uses her ranger ability, Primeval Awareness. She senses many aberrations in 3 locations within a mile of her, two of which are in the inner ring and one in the outer ring. The group decides to head towards the two within the city. As they approach, Dona gets the sense that the pings she receives are underground. They end up at the Nostalgic Sea, a tavern and inn with a nautical theme, and decide to scope it out and see how best to get underground and find the source of these pings. The group has food and drinks while getting a feel for the area. Thorak sends Paco out to search the tavern. Using Beast Sense, they discover a trap door just past the kitchen. While exploring that area, they find strange markings in the foundation stone. With this information, the party plans to reach the place where Paco found sneakily. Thanks to Bob’s curious nature, the party discovers the passageway and begins traversing the darkened pathway that Chantico thankfully illuminates. Arriving at the end of the passageway, Dona helps track the aberration ping she had earlier. She relays to the group that the area has several varied presences. Chantico asks how the group typically deals with these occasions, to which Valen explains they take whatever is ahead of them. She tells them that they’ll continue due south. The team eventually arrives at a stuck door, initially giving the Slash Brothers some trouble, but they ultimately clear the path for the group to continue. Upon entering the room, Thorak notices giant spiders in various areas. Thorak suggests he speak with them and perhaps reach a more diplomatic approach, which gets mixed responses from the group. Thorak casts Speak with Animals and tells Chantico that if they attempt to eat him, he will rage, and she is to burn the place to the ground immediately, and he’ll be okay. Negotiations go south almost immediately as the spiders whisper amongst themselves about “The King,” and maybe they brought friends, and with that, Thorak rages and tells Chantico to “light this motherfucker up!”

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

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

With Malar's avatar calling for the start of the Wild Hunt, the currently awestruck party sneakily breaks away from the cultists and decides to follow closely but stealthily to figure out how to stop Malar. Upon re-entering Nymora, it is a scene of pure chaos; the group sees the avatars of Nianke, Nireana, and Xidea come into corporeal form to stand against the avatar of Malar while the avatars of Aphy, Tumra, and Gosyn see to the aid of the citizens. The battle is intense and happens quickly, with Xidea delivering the death blow to Malar. With the scene dissolving, the goddess Aphy appears before the group, looking towards Zechs, and asks if they understand. The lesson was that TOGETHER, the group may overcome this next endeavor, but while this would extract Malar, this would not destroy the aspect of him residing in Zechs, nor do they have a way to contain it. This causes apparent conflict within Zechs as he doesn’t wish to let this aspect of Malar upon the planes and worries that this would only add to the other aspects already out there. Aphy explains to Zechs what he must do, including interrupting the ritual this evening at the site of his sacrifice. She does what she can to quell his concern and urges that he must try to focus on what he can do right now, as it’s not on him to try to stop Malar entirely as that is a task that he can not do right now due to time and resources amongst other things.

In the present, Hoshino is on his clandestine mission to track down Five Shadow. He finds Five Shadow at his place of work while under the ruse that he also works for the Cult as an auditor of sorts. This gamble pays off, as he successfully casts Charm Person and can begin to squeeze him for every bit of information he can on the Bloody Paw and their current dealings. Hoshino receives information on tonight's ritual, its importance, and the notable members who will attend it. Upon leaving, Hoshino meets up with Greyleaf and Shanks, who have just finished their mission, as Shanks receives word from Zechs that they’re awake. There is an exchange to determine where to meet to exchange all the information they’ve all gathered. Greyleaf reminds Shanks to let Zechs and the crew know that they may encounter some guards down in the Vineyard but not to be alarmed as they were there to keep watch. As the group reconnects, Hoshino informs Zechs that he cannot help him with the Malar extraction. Still, he has the opportunity to make a massive difference in their efforts to thwart the Constable's plans. There is a heavy conversation as the allies turned friends go their separate ways, but they know it’s not goodbye; it’s until next time, leaving each other a token of their friendship and something to keep their spirits high when times seem rough.

We pan over to Galahad, who makes his way to the “hunting club” to meet Hushed Coil under the guise of Silent Knight. He gives the guise of someone who wants to join “the cause,” and Hushed Coil is all too excited to divulge information and get this recruit. Galahad learns that most people there are waiting for tonight’s main event. Galahad ensures that these guys don’t make it to tonight’s ritual but doesn’t kill them. Instead, he gets them so incredibly drunk that they essentially can’t function. With one final act of raucous behavior, Galahad bashes through the door, vanishes into the night, and starts to make his way to rejoin the group.

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

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

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 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 consults the priestess of Tumra, who informs them that this journey is 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 LighthouseMixed by Thomas Lapierre IIICheck out the show at themedusascascade.com

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 Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

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

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

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

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

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 get their singular room to share. Thanks to Hoshino, that space won’t be too cramped with the help of Magnificient 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

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

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

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com