The Medusa's Cascade

The party splits, with Salix and Glad heading to the Crystal Gardens to enjoy some rare city-bound nature, while the rest accompany Arguile to meet Mr. Strauss. Upon arrival, they’re surprised to learn Arguile is expected. They follow him upstairs, where they’re greeted by a frail-looking half-elf named Yurrik Strauss. After brief introductions, Arguile, revealing himself as Sylas Nicks, asks about his mother, Dorna. Yurrik, though guarded, shares that his son Enich went to Ors Themar to investigate a growing fiend presence but has since lost contact. In exchange for help finding Enich, Yurrik offers to assist in the search for Dorna. When he insists on joining the party on their journey, citing his skill with a greatsword, the group politely expresses concern about having to protect him through the Underdark.

To prove his capabilities, The Turk suggests a friendly spar between Yurrik and one of the party's strongest: Galahad. What follows is a surprisingly intense duel, ending in a double knockout. The bout leaves the entire party stunned, revealing that Yurrik possesses the might of a Rune Knight, growing in size and strength, and is a capable magic user who can hurl high-level fireballs. Galahad, meanwhile, uses the opportunity to test a new loaner mace. After everyone is healed up, they agree to regroup later and prepare for the trek to Ors Themar. Galahad, focused on his eventual showdown with Antonius, leads the group to the Old Quarter in search of a Belt of Storm Giant Strength.

While in the Old Quarter, Arguile reconnects with an old contact who negotiates a trade for Galahad: gold and rare goods from Ors Themar in exchange for powerful items, possibly even from their Bag of Holding. With the deal struck and other purchases made, the group scatters briefly. The scene ends with Shanks and Arguile spending some time at the shooting range, testing the rifle and sharing a rare moment of camaraderie between rogues.

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 up with Arguile and Mira as she gives Arguile some updates regarding the city, information that’s relevant to finding his mother, and hands over the stash that she held for him. She informs him that his mother has been seen with a gentleman known as Yurrik Strauss and gives a description and possible locations for him. Back at the suite, they find that Elmira has delivered their new clothing as requested and even exceeded several party members’ expectations. As everyone enjoys a hearty breakfast, Arguile explains how his guild used to do things, the jobs they would receive, and the differences between themselves and the Shuffle Guild. The group gathers their things and follows Arguile for a tour of his hometown, which serves as both reconnaissance and a chance for him to collect information. At the same time, the party is preoccupied, despite their pleas against him operating on his own.

They take the trolley to the Blazing Forge to find Galahad a smith who can fuse both Kanna’s Fury and The Sun Sword into one new sword. While there, the group looks through the shop and finds that they might be in luck for some custom items that they request as well, but the new blade takes precedence. Galahad gets a new weapon, the Thunder Strike Mace, as a loaner in the meantime. The gentleman they are speaking to for this transaction, Jax, is taking orders for everyone, but looks at a wide-eyed Zechs, who is digging through his notes to give him a few ideas for some fun toys for his kit. Arguile and Shanks have a quick look at the weapons of Iwi as Arguile shows Shanks a rifle, which he “can’t get yet” and “needs a license for” so Arguile, who can get one, buys one and promises to teach Shanks how to use it and get the “appropriate paperwork”.

With that, the group finishes up their transaction and makes their way to the Crystal Gardens to touch some grass at the behest of Salix. On the way, Arguile provides further explanations about the city's rules and its watchers, also informing the group about the dos and don'ts. Provides a brief history lesson and addresses the additional questions that arise from the party. After some time, reconnecting with nature, the group makes plans for what to do next, and Arguile informs them of whom he is looking for to find his mother. We conclude with the party making their way towards the Spire District.

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.

Check out the latest actual play from the Medusa's Cascade team: The Mercurial Avengers! This is the prologue that sets the stage for the adventures. If you've been wondering what the story that Greyleaf wasn't willing to tell, here is your chance to find out.

Theme by Efflorescence

Mixed by Thomas Lapierre III

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 mysterious Rig from Shanks's past.

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.

As the group continues to traverse and make their way through the dungeon, they come upon a room with a table and several steins of ale laid across it. Chantico, Dona, and Urusus are suddenly compelled to go and have a drink. Before they all make their way to do so, the rest of the party members, understanding something is amiss, do their best to wake their party members up and out of their current conditions. Dona and Chan do come to, but Ursus has a more difficult time than the women as he continues to reach for this ale. Dona and Thorak do everything to smash and destroy these temptations, but to no avail, as they magically reappear on the table and refill. When Ursus finally does take a sip of ale, he says it’s the best ale he’s ever had, which takes their drunk monk by surprise and makes him feel a little hurt. Upon completing his drink, the vessel was refilled and grew in size. Ursus, realizing somewhat that the party wanted to leave but was compelled to stay, lifts the giant stein glass and attempts to carry it back with him towards the exit. Which doesn’t work, and a now flustered party is doing anything and everything to get one half of the Slash Brothers back to his right mind. Finally, the shifter gets his wits about him and resists the urge to keep this glass.

As they venture further, they find themselves in a room made of obsidian. There is a table set for one with a book placed on top of it. As Valen goes to investigate the book and gets closer, the book flutters open with a breeze that came from nowhere. The group hears a raspy voice that begins to speak to them incorporeally. A riddle that left the group stumped for some time. They start trying to read the book and investigate it and its surroundings further, until Chantico begins to think about it more and realizes the answer is “skeletons.” As she says it out loud, the group starts to fight. After this fight, the voice reappears and begins to speak a new riddle to the group. Following the logic that this is all tied to necromancy, Valen says “zombie, probably,” which is the correct answer, and zombies then appear, triggering yet another fight. After successfully slaying the zombies, the group picks up on the notion that there are no other gimmicks other than answering the riddle, and the said creature appears for them to fight. With that information, they prepare for the voice’s riddle once again. While still in wildshape as a giant hyena with a flaming mohawk, Chantico realizes the answer, but also that the group wouldn’t be able to understand her. Hence, she takes some of the mess from the zombies to write out “wight,” to which Ursus replies, “A wight? What the fuck is that?” triggering the answer and the inevitable fight. They engage in another skirmish and emerge victorious. As they regain their bearings, the voice speaks to them once again. It’s Dona who says the answer, which is a “lich.” Upon her saying that, the doors to the room reappear, the book and table setting disappear, and the group realizes the trial is done, but they also question if the King in Yellow is a Lich. With some discussion, they begin to realize they need to rest, and they decide that this is the best course of action before proceeding further, as well as preparing for the unknown that’s yet 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 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.

Much like anyone’s first time in an unfamiliar space, there is a lot to take in and a lot of questions to ask. Some might do research and some prep beforehand, but not OUR party. Arguile will later regret this decision, but while he feels right at home in Nakoroa, the rest of the party are like fish out of water with no idea as to how to move about in this new ocean of sorts. There was a lot of answering questions, trying out unfamiliar modes of transportation, and realizing Arguile has multiple aliases, one of which is named Silas Nicks. Once the party made their way to their lodgings for their stay there, they laughed at Arguile’s expense as they continued to order anything they could fathom, which ended up being blue dragon meat. Eventually, they got a tailor, Elmira, who was an old acquaintance of Arguile’s who knew his identity and helped them get out of clothes that otherwise made them look like they were “ren-faire cosplayers”. Afterwards, everyone shy of Zechs Glad and Salix, decided to go out and experience the city firsthand. While those three (and Duo) stayed behind for some drinks by the poolside, the boys… Galahad, The Turk, Shanks, and Arguile went to a club and had quite a good time as well. While some fun was certainly had, there were also several heart-to-heart conversations about their goals, the city itself, and how Arguile was feeling. We end the session with Arguile sobering himself up and making his way to meet the owner of this particular establishment, Mira, who seems to be an old colleague of sorts.

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 begin with the group's departure to Iwi, where they reunite with their former allies and friends, Cereius, Attros, and a figure named Doctor Honeydew. The reunion is bittersweet as it doesn’t leave much time for the group to reconnect, and they notice the varying changes to the group… Cereius’ Puppet Master ring has taken a new form, Attros’ Mercurial Rod is now his shield/sword, and a blue Tressym that the group is informed is We'Ahqa. With quick pleasantries exchanged, the group known as the Mercurial Avengers, now reunited with Rig and Greyleaf, head off to continue their quests.

We go back to last night with the heist, with Arguile running away from the party, trying his best to fight the curse of Lycanthropy that has been placed upon him, with Greyleaf, Duo, and Shanks on his tail. Meanwhile, back at Mr. Edge’s home, with the crowd and city guard now gathered, the group, mostly Zechs and Galahad, tried to reassure the guards that they were doing a service and put a large chunk of the cult to rest permanently. Back to the chase, Shanks and Greyleaf eventually catch up to a partially transformed Arguile and manage to calm him down, essentially exhausting him into a state that is less harmful to himself and those around him. Though it wasn’t easy and got hairy, they are relieved and make plans for what to do with their half-transformed companion. With brief communication from the group and provisions provided via Duo, the three rogues make camp for the night.

In the morning, Arguile comes to and, with the help of the other rogues, pieces together his eventful evening. Before Shanks can remove the manacles from him, Arguile proceeds to hand them to him and mentions that they’ll have to get him new shoes to replace the ones his bestial form destroyed the previous night. The group reconnects, and after Glad removes the curse from Arguile, they begin to make preparations for their journey. They have informed the crew of the Swift Hummingbird of their departure as well as Zechs & Greyleaf’s families. The only thing left is to meet up with Rig, who will be their ride for this trip across the planes. We end where we started, friends and allies briefly reunited, and Collateral looking towards Nakoroa, Iwi, with wonder and hopes to find Arguile’s mother.

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 party finalizes preparations before departing Drose, including the creation of valuable scrolls from an old Arcanaloth spellbook and a successful gamble that earns Shanks a plastique recipe. On the Swift Hummingbird, Shanks and Greyleaf have a heartfelt conversation about Greyleaf’s transformation and his past as Kyver, establishing trust while reflecting on how far they’ve come. Upon reaching the snowy Barrier Range, the party adapts to the harsh conditions—especially Zechs, whose enhanced senses from Malar’s gift make the journey uncomfortable. At the Goliath village, Galahad meets with Pakia and shares his lineage, which is recognized and respected. The group is invited to stay and join the local festival, where they reflect on their journey so far through drinks, stories, and camaraderie.

During the festival, the party enjoys exhibition matches, with Galahad narrowly defeating General Tharia in a dramatic fight, earning mutual respect. Revelry follows, with impressive drinking feats from Shanks, Galahad, and Zechs—who surprises everyone by outdrinking them all. Later, Shanks and Greyleaf discuss Rig and the gods’ manipulation of mortals, especially regarding Glad and her conflict with her patron. Meanwhile, Galahad learns the deeper history of his ancestors' departure from Sloane. The party leaves the Range and heads to Nymora, where Zechs reveals to the group that he suspects he’s not the only child imbued with Malar’s essence. He requests Greyleaf’s help to deal with Alma, whom he encountered at Salix’s hermitage and believes must be stopped before others suffer as he did.

As the group arrives in Nymora, they split off for various errands—Shanks and Greyleaf visit Potions and Lotions and have a meaningful conversation with Rig, while Zechs informs his parents he won’t be staying with them. At their inn, Hoshino utilizes the Magnificent Mansion to create a luxurious shared space, providing the group with a comfortable place to plan their next moves. Hoshino visits his devastated hometown of Yahnkoshi via Dimension Door and retrieves a sample of Eldertwine, sparking a discussion on how to stop the plague. The party shares magical resources, discusses battle strategy, and begins preparations to extract Malar from Zechs. As tensions rise and stakes grow heavier, they find strength in one another, each conversation and step deepening their resolve for the challenges ahead.

There’s so much happening, and we pick up with arc 25, “The Darkness Within”.

How will the rest of this story unfold?

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

Theme Music 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 open up with the party, resting a bit, and going through their new loot. Ursus gets Thorak’s thoughts on his new crown to the group. With rest had, the group continues their dungeon crawl and encounters two cave trolls as Ursus kicks down a door, and Thorak launches two spider legs, like javelins, at one of them, dealing a good bit of damage. The fight ensues with the party as the victors and the trolls as charred remains. The group takes a second to catch their breath. There is a brief discussion about which door to continue through, and Dona informs the party of the direction that her Primeval Awareness has pointed them toward, as Bob gets an urge to pull the lever in the room. Unbeknownst to the group, Bob initially informs them that he is hearing a voice urging him to pull the lever with the unknown function.

The group inquires about the sources of these voices and any other information they can gather from Bob regarding them. As this is happening, he continues to walk closer to the lever and tells the party that he really would like to pull this lever. Through slightly tense and more awkward negotiations with Bob, Valen convinces him to back away, but only agrees to Bob’s terms of Ursus carrying Bob out of the room, much to Ursus’s displeasure. As Ursus carries Bob out the door, Thorak tells Valen that he'll throw a “javelin” at the lever. Upon a hit, they’ll run like hell to the other side of the room, towards what they presume is safety. Thorak’s attempt fails, but Valen decides that they both have the speed to pull the lever with a long enough rope and get to safety if needed. With the lever pulled, they hear a short, electrical burst-like sound and see nothing happen. With curiosity satisfied, they proceed west in the direction that Dona pointed them toward.

The group comes upon a door that Valen has some difficulty lockpicking. As the group is stealthy, thanks to Pass Without Trace from Dona, they remain cautious of the cloakers in the area, preferring not to engage with them. As the cloaks fly away from the leading group towards Thorak, Thorak uses Thaumaturgy to open the door that Chantico and Valen were opening, unfortunately springing an acid trap in the process. As the two take damage and the group proceeds through the doorway, another group of cloakers frightens a number of the party members, and yet another battle takes place, bathed in the Daylight spell from Chan’s staff. While the party is victorious, they have taken some damage and are getting low on resources. As we close, the party is deciding if they wish to take the hides of the cloakers as materials, which Thorak does, and they use this chance to gather their thoughts and rest yet again before venturing further into the dungeon.

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.

The party reconvenes outside Mr. Edge’s home, diving into an unusually intense level of planning. Split into two groups—Team Stealth (Shanks, Arguile, Salix) and Team Dragon (Galahad, Zechs, The Turk, Glad)—they prepare for a high-stakes infiltration, with Greyleaf and familiars keeping watch above. Initial observations suggest someone may have beaten them to the punch, prompting a cautious regroup. Arguile and Shanks are sent in for closer reconnaissance. After deciding to implement a version of the "Silent Knight" plan—having Galahad lead while invisible—they prepare to strike. A well-timed Prestidigitation from The Turk sets the stage for the ambush.

The first werecreature is dispatched in a brutal display, with Arguile delivering the killing blow to the second. As chaos erupts, Glad casts Bless, Zechs unleashes a barrage of arrows, and the team fights against a growing number of lycanthropic enemies. Shanks and Galahad even fight side by side before Shanks pins a foe, allowing Arguile to finish it off. More enemies pour in from above, forcing the team to abandon stealth entirely. Galahad uses his Conquering Presence to frighten most attackers, while Glad’s Magic Missile and Zechs’ Jack of All Trades provide ranged support. Outside, Duo informs Zechs that a curious crowd of Tabaxi is forming, adding to the public attention an already chaotic scene.

Despite several close calls, everyone bitten resists the curse—until Arguile fails his save and flees the house in a panic, already succumbing to lycanthropy. Zechs orders Duo to follow him, while the rest of the team clears the upper floors. Glad and Zechs take down the remaining enemies with coordinated attacks, and Salix confirms the area is secure. A Detect Magic spell reveals their target is above, and after some searching, they find Mr. Edge holding a Necklace of Fireballs. The item explodes, taking out Edge but sparing the party. As the dust settles, the group finds their reward, contemplates their exit, and wonders what will become of their now-cursed ally, Arguile.

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.