The Medusa's Cascade

The group starts their day preparing for the voyage to Midmount, with mixed feelings about crossing the ocean. Chan is visibly anxious, running between her room and downstairs, mainly worried about being a fire hazard on a wooden boat. Valen offers his magical flask to ease her nerves. Bob sings a sea shanty from his mentor, Rosco, while Dona expresses her apprehension about traveling by water. Thankfully, Thorak ensures everyone is well-fed with his signature large meals. Upon arrival at the docks, the group is guided by an automaton to their ship, The Voyager, where they meet its warforged captain, Vessel, and a crew of small automatons. As they set sail, Bob privately asks Valen for help meditating to contact his patron. Valen agrees and encourages Bob to speak with Thorak, a cleric, for spiritual guidance.

While settling in, Bob attempts his first connection with his patron and feels something stir. Excited, he shares the moment with Valen, who continues practicing with his sword and experimenting with his magical flask. One swig causes him to burp fire, but the next renders him ethereal, unseen but present, leading to concern from the rest of the group. Valen enjoys the new experience, but the others, especially Thorak, decide the flask should be taken from him temporarily. After a heartfelt conversation, Dona returns it with a promise from Valen to use it more mindfully going forward. Meanwhile, Bob dives deeper into his connection with his patron and finds himself submerged in a vision. He senses another presence and questions whether he’s being punished for failing to recognize his patron sooner.

The next morning, Valen recounts his brief shift into the ethereal plane, noting that while reckless, it was helpful in future encounters. While Bob studies the maps, Chan explores the ship and familiarizes herself with Vessel. Valen and Thorak train together, with Thorak now blindfolded and relying on his familiar Paco to “see,” testing strategies that may come in handy. Bob and Chan reflect on his vision; though she’s uncertain how to help, she offers to consult her sister, who’s more knowledgeable about such matters. Grateful, Bob thanks her. As the day ends, Vessel informs the party that they are one day away from Midmount. The group prepares for landfall and begins planning their next steps to uncover the mysteries behind the strange occurrences...

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

Find out what happens next in this episode of Medusa’s Cascade: Blood & Booze

Theme Music is written and performed by Efflorescence

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 resume with the group in the midst of a fight against giant spiders. They have to fight in tight quarters and carefully, but manage to come out victorious. As the group continues to venture forward, it continues to question Yurik’s peculiar behavior. After some gentle prodding, Yurik comes halfway clean about his current situation. His sword is not only sentient but also drives him to slay creatures every so often, it seems. While some of the party members are familiar with sentient weapons and the magical energies this blade gives off, so long as it isn’t a problem, they won’t pry any further. As they continue, there’s a lot of dependence on Yurik to guide the party, which he does, but there’s an obvious tension in the air as they pass Myconids who seem to pay them no mind. They continue across a cavern further into the Underdark.

Eventually, they use some quick thinking and teamwork to navigate further. With the help of The Turk’s telepathy, the group can communicate with the fungal residents of the Underdark, aiding in confirming some of the information they have. While traveling a bit further, the group comes upon a group of them performing a ritual of some kind, and tries to give them a wide berth. Trying to be as stealthy as they can, not everyone can avoid being affected by a cloud of spores, as The Turk briefly goes unconscious and is woken up by a firm goliath hand to the face. Before moving forward, The Turk sends Jolene ahead to scout further, and the group takes the opportunity to take a short rest. When they begin to travel again, they are surrounded by bioluminescent spores that aren’t harmful as far as they can tell, and continue onwards.

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

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

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

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

Title Card by Pierce Graphics

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com

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

The party dives headfirst into shenanigans, but Zechs quickly steers the mood in a serious direction—proposing to speak directly with Malar. Despite the risks, Galahad and Hoshino agree to help facilitate the meeting, ensuring safeguards are in place. The conversation with Malar is cryptic and frustrating, confirming more through evasion than answers. With no more straightforward path forward, Zechs severs the connection. They head toward the vineyard and soon stumble into a vision of Sloane’s past—Zechs, Arguile, Salix, and Glad transported to the Second Age. There, they witness the growing tensions between the Pantheran Pantheon and Malar’s cult and uncover that this temporal journey is meant to guide Zechs toward acceptance and closure.

Meanwhile, in the present, the rest of the party learns more about Nymora’s hidden leadership and plans defenses. Hoshino initiates a covert operation, while Shanks and Greyleaf interrogate a cult target, gathering key intelligence. Everyone then regroups at the inn and meets a new ally, Turk.

While Zechs and his group witness Malar’s avatar call for the Wild Hunt in the past, divine avatars arrive to oppose him in a chaotic battle. Afi later reveals that although Malar can be extracted, the aspect inside Zechs cannot be destroyed or contained—only managed. This adds emotional weight to Zechs as he must interrupt the ritual at his sacrifice site. In the present, Galahad incapacitates cultists preparing for the event, while Hoshino infiltrates the enemy to gather valuable intel from Five Shadow. As all groups reconvene, they plan for the night’s ritual. Zechs, Galahad, Turk, and Glad perform the ritual, while the others keep watch. Enich, revealed as Arguile’s alternate and a Paladin of Arioch, engages the team with chilling declarations of divine judgment. The ritual begins, sparking parallel battles inside Zechs’ mind against Malar and outside against Enich.

Both battles are intense. Malar summons wolves and fire, countered by coordinated efforts from Galahad, Turk, Zechs, and Glad. Zechs lands several divine-infused blows while Turk disrupts Malar’s casting. Enich proves to be an overwhelming foe—casting powerful necrotic magic and holding off the team with resilient defenses and his Dread Lord ability. Salix is downed but revived, Shanks lands a critical blow with a poisoned arrow, and Greyleaf, Glad, and Zechs continue their assault. The tide turns when Galahad strikes Malar with Kana’s Fury and ends the fight. As the group returns to consciousness, the battle with Enich continues. Despite his strength and spellwork, the full force of Collateral wears him down. Galahad batters him in a brutal exchange before Glad finishes him with Sacred Flame, finally ending the threat and offering the team a hard-earned, bittersweet victory.

There’s so much happening, and we pick up with arc 26, “Nymora to Nakoroa”.

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 Efflorescence

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 begin with Izca’s recovery, closely monitored by Norkin. For days, she felt the lingering presence of the King, his incomprehensible words still echoing within her. Eventually, aided by a mysterious guiding voice and the support of those around her, she regained enough clarity to understand that help had arrived. After a formal trial, it was determined that she posed no threat, having acted under an influence beyond her control. The party that apprehended her was praised and rewarded for their actions, and Izca was granted her freedom. At the council’s request, the group was asked to provide a name to officially record their deeds.

Flashing back three weeks before the elder brain battle, Bob and Dona emerge at Tradeshore from the soft spot and stumble upon a burning ship approaching the docks. Their attempt to rescue survivors fails, leaving them with a grim, unanswered message. Weeks later, a second vessel drifts into port, this time crewless and reeking of death. Below deck, a grotesque sculpture made of bodies is discovered—draped in yellow cloth and topped with a crowned head. A lifeless body, impaled by a ceremonial dagger, appears to be the person responsible. The grim discovery prompts another investigation and summons the party back to the small council.

Back at the Witty Glaive, the party reunites over breakfast, reflecting on their time since the elder brain battle—working, training, shopping, and resting. They welcome their newest ally, Chan, and receive heartfelt gifts from Bob. Plans for the day are laid, including a stop at Zari’s Haberdashery to collect enchanted items. Afterward, they meet again with the council, who request their help with disturbances in Midmount. Before preparing for that, they visit Izca to ensure her well-being. She assures them she’s safe for now and intends to head for the mountains eventually. The chapter closes with a mysterious, fiery-haired figure speaking with Dona, revealing herself as Lore. After discussing her blood hunter abilities, they forge a contract, hinting at deeper implications to come.

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 & Booze

Theme Music is written and performed by Efflorescence

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 pick back up with the group wrapping up dinner and figuring out watches for the night’s rest. We have The Turk and Yurik first, whose conversation begins with The Turk apologizing for putting Yurik up for a fight with Galahad, and then transitions into a discussion about family, upbringing, and their current situation. Arguile and Zechs are on second watch, where Zechs apologizes to Arguile for not being there for him as often as he thinks he should be. Arguile hears him out further but assures him that no apology was ever needed, as they all have their own things that they’re working through, and it’s easy to fall into groups amongst the party. Arguile asks Zechs how he’s doing post Malar, and Zechs reveals that while he’s relieved, it feels strange not to have him there, but most of all, while he knows he couldn't do anything at the time, there is still some guilt in just letting him loose to the planes. They end with talks of their love life, once there’s time to think about it after saving the planes, for Arguile, potentially reconnecting with Cenari, Zechs expresses that he approves and reveals that he’d probably try to see where things went with Kivela from the Shuffle Guild to Arguile’s surprise, and finally joke that Galahad is likely holding out for the Executioner one day. Finally, we get to the third watch with Shanks and Galahad, who catch up and express their thoughts about what’s to come for them and if they’re prepared for the inevitable decision they’ll have to make. For Galahad, it’s putting a stop to Antonius and his father, and for Shanks, it’s putting a stop to his mother.

The next day on the road, Glad is having a conversation with an unknown figure, and it gets heated rather quickly. Though the party can only hear half of the conversation, they picked up that the conversation was between Glad and The Protector. There’s an awkward silence as things continue until eventually she sends him off in colorful fashion, and her magic dissipates around her, but in its place, there is the energy of protection around her from her ancestors, reaffirming her relinquishing herself as a cleric and embracing this road of rediscovery as a barbarian. After this, Zechs briefly speaks with Glad to check in on her and then sends Duo to accompany her for this part of the trip until they arrive at camp.

We end with the group going around the campfire, revealing more about themselves to each other. It’s a thoughtful bonding experience that The Turk introduced to them, and they are grateful for the refreshing, somewhat more cheerful conversation, even Duo and Yurik get involved, to everyone’s surprise and delight. After which, the group decides on watches and settles down for the evening.

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 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.

Ah, where were we? Yes, the never-ending forest and the suspicious woman in the cabin. The group finds itself still stuck in this loop and getting very frustrated by the process. Galahad now approaches the cabin with The Turk in tow and has a heated conversation with a perplexed woman named Mal, whom the group attempts to explain that she has met before. She tells the group that they are more than welcome inside, and she can make them some tea, which has a mix of reactions and responses. The Turk, having gone inside and taken note of the inside of the cabin, notices some books that catch his eye and feel out of place. While he can’t make heads or tails of it, he offers the information up to the group in the hopes that one of them can. The rogues attempt to put their heads together using their insights and eye for detail to see if they can see something that is being hidden in plain sight. Lo and behold, it’s Galahad who figures out that the books contain a shift cipher, and it’s with that bit of information that the group manages to connect the dots that they are in the Endless Maze. There is concern and a lot of plans being made to escape the maze, with Zechs trying to follow Duo and eventually using Speak with Plants to talk to the nearby trees, Arguile inspecting the cabin further, and Galahad doing a fly around with Duo to see if he can find and go through the path that Duo did. After which, Bahamut informs his champion that the only way out is through. It took some time to assess the meaning, as every conceivable plan was being made to circumvent the maze entirely. It was when they took a second to stop and take the words literally that they finally did make their way through. Eventually, they find their way out, seeing the cabin deteriorate as they came across it one last time, and they continued on their way. We end with dinner and evening watches as Zechs and Shanks speak to a seemingly frustrated Arguile and try to get him to open up on what’s been bothering him. After some words of wisdom from the Elven archer and some whiskey provided by Zechs, the three shared a laugh and were able to finally feel a bit more at ease with the given situation.

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 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 pick back up with the party visiting Arguile’s contact, the Shade, again to negotiate the terms of the deal for Galahad’s belt. After this, the group returns to see Mr. Strauss, who asks Arguile if he would like to see Dorna to confirm his truthfulness. There is a momentary pause as Dorna turns to where Yurik has presented the party, as she drops her tea cup, leaps over the couch, and embraces Arguile. Mother and son reunited, the two are relieved to have found each other after such a long time, but question how it is that they could be so close to each other and miss one another for all that time. When the name Enich gets mentioned, there is a long, awkward pause from the group as they try to delicately determine if Yurik’s Enich is (or isn’t) Enich, Arguile’s alternate, AND the Skin Flayer. Thankfully, there’s a confirmation that they are, in fact, two different people, and with that, the group lets out a massive sigh of relief.

After the two catch up, Arguile introduces the team to his mother, and Dorna takes the opportunity to share fond memories of a younger Arguile to everyone’s enjoyment, especially Zechs. Shanks grabs Arguile for a second to confirm that the stone from Arioch is still showing a number, despite finding his mother safe, which it is. Shanks reads the written recount of the siege of Ors Themar by Commander Valen. It was a grim and seemingly unending fight that saw the Drow face to face with the horrors of fiends that poured into the city.

With that, the group rides to find Enich with Yurik. Unfortunately, on the way, they find themselves caught in a loop. They come up to a house in a clearing, and despite traveling away from it for some time, they find themselves back at it. This happens a few times before they decide to stop and investigate the strange occurrence. It’s at this point that Turk, accompanied by Arguile and Zechs, approaches the home to find an older woman who greets them. Everyone is wary and suspicious, but they meet and speak with the overly friendly woman. Zechs sends Duo out to check if the loop continues, which he confirms doesn’t, and with that, the group decides to bail as quickly as they came and continue to Ors Themar, to the other horrors that await them there. Or so they think...

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 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 vast, reed-like grassland known as The Burned is home to a great many strange and unique fauna and flora. However, these pale in comparison to the roaming city of Karvasii.

In the eleventh episode of Across the Planes, Tom and Millie Odegard discuss and come up with the lore surrounding the moving city of Karvasii. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the culture, religion, industry, and overall vibe of the central plane of Sloane.

VO: Millie Odegard, Frimmer Starstone, 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.

The party and the Elder Brain exchange words before facing off for what seems to be quite the battle for the party, with more muscle than not. There's a brief moment to prepare before things get going, and starting with Valen being thrown to the Elder Brain by the Slash Brothers. However, before they get a chance to do much else, most of the party is stunned due to a psychic attack, leaving the melee fighters out of the fight for quite some time. Chantico throws down a wall of fire, Valen is wrapped up by a tentacle, and Dona is firing shots from her bow, keeping the damage piling on.

Slowly, but surely, Thorak enters the fight again, dealing heavy damage to the creature of nightmares, but it's not without sustaining heavy damage himself. Valen, who is slowly getting hit points chipped away, is given some healing by Chantico, who tries to figure out how to help her new ally. Meanwhile, Thorak is now fighting a spectral entity known as the Herald of the King on the backline. Spells, arrows, blades, and obscenities fly as the fight continues. In the end, thanks to Bob and Ursus returning to the fray, they deal the decisive blows to their foe, defeating it, and they all receive visions of 3 figures who they assume will soon be enemies they encounter who work for the King in Yellow.

They gather themselves and their spoils and traverse back the way they came with Chantico, taking the lead. We end with the party taking off for a bit to do some work, gather supplies, train, and get some well-deserved rest.

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 Efflorescence

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.