The party identifies their mysterious pursuer as Shankise, an alternate version of Shanks, after he deliberately unsettles Hoshino and provokes Turk. Eventually, Shankise approaches the group and warns them to abandon their current course, claiming they cannot foresee the consequences of their actions. Though the party remains suspicious, his warning gives them pause before he disappears. With “BARRAGE” established as a warning should things turn hostile, the group continues toward the Daughter of the Vine. They successfully bypass the treants through teamwork and find a safe place to rest. Along the way, Shanks works on new inventions, including a grenade for Duo, while Zechs offers to collaborate on future projects.
As they reach a glasslike lake near the temple, the party rests in the Magnificent Mansion and shares a few quieter moments. The Queen eventually contacts them, displeased that they have passed their intended destination, and demands the Songbloom by day's end. Glad insists they trust her and wait until high noon before entering the lake. Following her underwater, the party discovers a submerged temple where they can breathe normally. Hoshino seeks guidance through a spirit session and Commune, while the group questions whether to remain pawns in the Queen's plans or heed Shankise's warning.
Meanwhile, Glad meets the Daughter of the Vine, who reveals the truth about her creation, Coralin's intentions, and the purpose of her predecessors. Though shaken by how these revelations challenge her understanding of herself, Glad is reassured that her identity is defined by her choices rather than her origins. The Daughter confirms that Glad's journey has already served as her trial and grants her blessing, offering the acceptance and reassurance she needed.
Reunited, the party chooses a third path: negotiating with the treants rather than blindly obeying the Queen or risking Shankise's warning. The treants explain the consequences of taking the Songbloom, prompting the group to find a compromise. They locate the true Songbloom but uproot another, carefully preserving it in a makeshift pot to present to the Queen. After preparing for the possibility of betrayal, they deliver their offering. The Queen accepts it and immediately departs, leaving her guards to attack.
The Executioner joins the ensuing battle, which becomes a brutal struggle against overwhelming numbers and powerful magic. Arguile is dominated and ordered to attack Salix, while Shanks falls in combat. Duo revives him with a Goodberry, allowing Shanks to kill Arguile's controller and break the domination. Glad and Galahad help bring the remaining enemies down, ending the fight.
With the battle over, the party interrogates The Executioner and uncovers her true name, complicated past, and reasons for serving the Constable. They also learn that The Judge is the surviving member of the Gargoyle Unit, the same elite unit Argo and Antonius belonged to in this reality. Recognizing an opportunity, the party recruits The Executioner as a double agent, hoping her position within the Constable's forces will help prevent the planes from colliding.
There’s so much happening, and we pick up with arc 32, “A Dangerous Gambit”. 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
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