Field Reports 21: The Lost City of Drose

The group returns to Salix’s hermitage, where Aeron assesses the damage to the Swift Hummingbird, and they decide to rest for the evening. The next day, Hoshino, Zechs, and Shanks set out to retrieve a replacement crystal, meeting a manifestation of Sloane, who questions their intentions but ultimately grants them the crystal. Shanks, feeling like a liability due to his patron Arioch, is reassured by the group that they will face this challenge together. Arguile suggests speaking directly with Arioch, who offers to relinquish Shanks from his contract if the group can defeat him under specific conditions. The group decides to perform a ritual to sever Shanks’s pact, during which Shanks reveals his guilt over causing a war between Elves and Goliaths. Despite the emotional toll, the ritual is successful, and the group moves forward with renewed resolve. After resting, the group prepares for their next steps. Zechs has a disturbing dream about a tiger, leaving him uneasy. The group visits Salix’s childhood home, finding it ransacked, but uncovers a hidden library and a heartfelt letter from Salix's mother, which reveals her tragic fate. This discovery deeply affects Salix, and the group offers comfort. They then visit their friend Chico in Balazaar, where they share updates and receive support. Chico helps shed light on the Malar issue and reassures Hoshino. The group leaves with more food than needed and heads back to their ship, setting course for Drose. During their journey, they train and rest, but their respite is interrupted by an attacking airship filled with were-creatures empowered by Malar. A fierce battle ensues, with Zechs struggling against Malar’s influence while the team fights to free their ship. Despite heavy resistance, they fend off the attackers and stabilize their ship. In the aftermath, Zechs is distraught and continues to battle Malar’s presence within him. Hoshino offers comfort, but Zechs drinks himself back to sleep. Over the following days, Zechs isolates himself, feeling Malar's presence more intensely. Tension rises among the group as they try to make the most of their time on the ship. Shanks attempts to empathize with Zechs, but Zechs struggles to cope, leaving the group concerned about their future. Despite the low spirits, the team remains committed to supporting each other as they approach Drose, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. There’s so much happening, and we pick up with arc 21, “The Lost City of Drose”. 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

Read & Mixed by Thomas Lapierre III

Check out the show at themedusascascade.com