0:00:00 Intro
0:07:50 Wild, Wild Horses
0:13:00 The Snail Whistle
0:18:40 Namedropping
0:31:14 Cas' Intentions
0:35:40 Back to the Grove
0:50:00 A Holy Mess
1:21:00 Dear Momma
1:34:20 The New Keeper
2:08:10 Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll
2:19:40 Walkie Talkie
2:33:25 Caulk the Wagon (Combat)
3:24:35 Drugs are Bad (Serious Consequences)
3:37:43 Mighty Cas
3:48:20 Mighty Zora
3:53:30 Peepee Pants / Becky-Sue From the Top Rope
4:03:33 When it Counts the Most
**Echoes From the River Episode 15 Summary-- SPOILERS BELOW! !**
Our journey continues with a recap of the party’s discovery of Cas, a stowaway fleeing from the Teal Forest in a cart containing Mystiqlower petals adorned with Soul Coins and mysterious potions. The mercenaries escorting the cart, hired in Midhaven, carried Soul Coins engraved with the names "Zhyrakis" and "Alistar," though they had no memory of their origins. The group resolved to investigate further, planning a visit to the Rusty Nail tavern in Midhaven.
During a rest at camp, the party enjoyed horse meat steaks and explored their surroundings. Becky Sue found glowing fungi for potion crafting, while Boa conversed with snakes, learning little beyond their fondness for rabbits. Amid lighthearted banter, the group debated a new name but left the decision unresolved. Their journey led them back to the Heart of the Grove, where they met Thorn, an ancient guardian, and newcomers Corin and Alondra. Corin revealed weekly shipments had disrupted the Grove for months, while Alondra shared her efforts to slow the corruption tied to the Soul Coins and the Mystiqlower. After tense negotiations, Alondra allowed the group access to the Wild Mother’s temple.
Inside, the temple showed signs of neglect, with scattered bones and debris. Cas sensed no immediate evil but felt the space had been long abandoned. The group restored the altar using Nariel’s druidic abilities, uncovering an eight-sided keyhole of unknown purpose. In a solemn ritual, Zora placed the Mystiqlower on the altar, offering a prayer to the Wild Mother. The Mystiqlower transformed into a magical mist, circling Zora and imbuing her with a divine vision. The Wild Mother spoke through Zora, tasking the group with restoring balance and appointing a Grovekeeper. After heartfelt discussions, Nariel accepted the role, pledging to protect and nurture the Grove.
The session took a chaotic turn as Becky Sue sought mushrooms for a psychedelic adventure, leading to wild antics that included climbing trees and Jinx blindly feeling faces under the influence. Back at the Grove, Nariel asserted her new role, warning Corin and Alondra to respect the sanctuary. The group then transitioned to camp, where Zix caused mischief with illusions, and Tweak and Jinx shared stories amidst the humor.
As the party prepared to leave for Midhaven, their spirits lifted by the Grove’s transformation, they faced an ambush near a river. In a tense battle, Zora withstood a poisoned blade and retaliated with brutal force, while Becky Sue took to the skies with wild magic, delivering critical hits. Jinx empowered Becky Sue but fell unconscious, saved by Cas’s healing touch. Ash cursed his foes with the Hexblade, Boa manipulated fate, and Tweak provided mixed ranged support. Despite the assassins’ coordination, the group’s resilience shattered their morale. A bloodied Zora led the charge, Becky Sue’s aerial prowess stunned foes, and Cas’s divine strength secured victory.
Among the fallen, the group found a note bearing Ash’s likeness, signed by the devil Alistar, hinting at a sinister plot tied to Ash’s threats at the Gala. As they tended their injuries, Zora, Jinx, and Ash recovered with potions and healing magic, though Jinx’s grievous injury left him with liver damage requiring care. Becky Sue, spinning in the air from wild magic, rejoined the group, resuming her chaotic search for potions and poisons.
With the battlefield cleansed and the rivers running clear, Zora read a passage reflecting the group’s courage and role as guardians of balance. As flowers bloomed along their path, the group looked ahead to Midhaven, united in purpose and carrying the weight of their discoveries. The session ended with the Wild Mother’s presence guiding them forward, ready to face the mysteries of the Soul Coins and the corruption threatening the natural order.
**Characters:**
Jasper "Jinx" Wren: Human. A highly-decorated young wizard prodigy, or is he?
Ash: Goblin. A goblin warlock with an interesting companion
Tweak: Human. A mighty wizard with an even mightier bond with his pet frog, Peanut.
Zora Valdis: Human. A barbarian of Royal Blood from the cold lands of Carcannet
Becky-sue Johnson: Backwoods Elf. A rogue from the swamps of the backwoods with a unique set of potions.
Boa: a young Yuan-ti shopkeeper's assistant with powerful magic at her side.
Cas: A sturdy female firbolg assigned to the protection of The Groves