Princes of the Apocalypse Recap 8

Recap 8

Our session picks up as the group approaches Feathergale Spire. They have worked hard to make themselves much more presentable and highbrow. The only outlier is Cybin but at least he is much cleaner than he was. In the final approach the guys try to alleviate some of the nervous energy in the air by spouting a wide range of innuendo regarding the phallic nature of the spire’s construction, going so far as to insinuate that the owner is compensating for something. 

When they reach the top of the hillside, they pull the wagon over into a small clearing area. The drawbridge is closed and the open chasm between the hillside and the pillar stands uncovered. A large brass bell stands on a pole, the bell held at the top of a gilded loop with a braided chord of gold and platinum hanging from it. Bingo sidles up to the bell and rings it loudly.

“Lord Big Balls coming for entry" One of the guys says under his breath causing the others to snigger.

Bingo declares loudly hoping to catch the ear of the guard on watch that he wants to spend money now as they've come into some. Rather than them dropping the drawbridge as Bingo had hoped a voice calls out to them. Upon hearing the bell, a human woman had opened a small window near to the gate. “Who goes there? And what is your business here?”

“Ah! Hello dear lady my name is Bingo Cotton and these good fellows here are not important right now. I have heard good things about the goings on at Feathergale and wish to enter.” Bingo replies standing tall.

“If you wish to stay with us here you will need to speak to Thurl. I can take you to him.” Convinced that they are not aggressive, yet still suspicious, she lowers the drawbridge.

Without hesitation Bingo begins to stride across the bridge as soon as it hits the hillside. “Take us to this Phil immediately. He sounds like a fine fellow.” After a moment he pauses. “I don’t believe I got your name?” He says looking intently at the woman.

A little flustered at the brazen superiority of Bingo she takes a deep breath and straightens up. “My name is Savra Belabranta. I am one of the knights here. Thurl Merosska is the head of the knights. Until he gives the go ahead you are not to touch anything nor speak to anyone. Understand?” She rests her hand on the hilt of her longsword. Bingo pretends not to feel her steely gaze on him. By this point the others have crossed the bridge and are mostly playing along with Bingo’s act.

“My dear, Savra was it?” Gil interjects. His eerily good eloquence and manners still doesn’t seem right to his companions. “What are we to do with our horses and wagon? We can’t well leave them unattended and it does not appear you have a stable fit for them.” He says gesturing towards the stables below the ground level of the tower where they can see a hippogriff clawing at the hay.

“If you are staying with us, I will have someone come and tend to their needs.” Her posture is much more welcoming in the presence of Gil than when she addresses Bingo. Respect is earned in her opinion and placing yourself above others is a bad way to earn it. Until proven otherwise though she will treat them all with respect. Even the underdressed orc with their party.

Knowing that the horses and wagon will be properly cared for, Cybin has no excuse to stay outside anymore and he heads in with them sulking a little. Entering the tower Gil begins taking mental noted about the defences and military personnel he sees. Bingo and Čadas begin complimenting the architecture and discussing things rich people would. Asking about the quality of the wine and food and the like. Now that they are inside, Čadas summons his unseen servant Schubert and has it do things like holding open doors.

One of the things that catches the eye as they enter is a massive eagle carved from timber. Its steel wings lie close to its sides as if in a dive. It is suspended from the ceiling by thick heavy chains and its large steel head glistens a little in the torchlight. Other than Gil, they see this as an ornate statement piece, Gil however knows it is a weapon of war. The chains are suspended in such a way that suggests its true purpose. When released they would allow it to swing viciously through the entryway into, and through, the currently open doorway. The battering-ram would deal a devastating blow to any would be intruders. He is certainly glad that they had chosen the peaceful entry option in this case.

They pass through a set of heavy wooden double doors at the end of the entryway and find themselves in the central column of the tower. Here, a stone spiral staircase leads upwards and downwards. From down below they can hear the sounds of winged creatures shuffling in the stables, from above they hear the clanging of plates and cutlery and hushed orders being given out. They ascend up to the next floor and see what the bustle is about. There is a set of large double doors propped open exposing a feast hall. There are servants laying the large curved table opposite the doors and carefully stacking wood in the hearths. The walls are adorned with various stuffed heads from beasts defeated by the Feathergale Knights, one catches Cybin’s eye and he whimpers a little. The large owlbear head mounted on the wall reminds him too much of the bears which raised him as far back as he can remember. Part of him wants to go and tear it off the wall but he knows he has to be on his best behaviour, at least for now.

After a quick look they continue to ascent the steps further up into the tower. The next landing they come to is as open as the entryway was, showing doors on the outer-ring of the stairway. Here, they do not pause, they simply continue up the next flight. As they turn the last twist of the stairwell the bright late afternoon sunlight shines down on them lighting their way. Them emerge at the top under a round stone gazebo, beyond the shadow a ring of manicured grass grows on top of the spire. Cue jokes about an old servant called Baldric being forced to cut the grass with scissors to keep it under control.

Four paths laid in white stone point in the cardinal directions ending with pointed crenelations on the walls. At the end of the eastern path is a spyglass pointed down into the valley below. The presence of the spyglass peaks Bingo’s interest. From the top of the tower they can see for miles around, the hills stretching far to the north and the east. To the South-West they can make out Red Larch and see the larch path headed North-East and the Cairn Road turning away to the South-East towards Womford.

At the top of the tower looking west towards Red Larch is a tall, well-dressed man with dark hair speckled with salt and pepper stipes. One rider stands looking North across the hills their giant vulture beneath them. Looking out over the southern stretch of the Dessarin Valley they almost relive the time they’ve been travelling together. It’s hard to believe for them that they left Red Larch over two weeks prior to being here and seeing it again.

“Sir, there are visitors here. I brought them to meet you.” Savra says standing to attention. The man turns and nod to her smiling at the new people.

“Greetings, I am Thurl Merosska. I lead the Feathergale Knights protecting the valley from those which would threaten them. How can I help you today?” His arms are open and welcoming his palms facing them. His eyes tell a different story. Despite the smile and welcoming body language, his eyes are cold and calculating.

“We are here because we heard that you are able to offer experiences no others can. We came into some money and wished to see what the world has to offer.” Gil says stepping to the front of the group. For once Bingo is quiet, more interested in the spyglass than the man stood in front of them. He waits for his opportunity whilst Gil has their attention and sidles up to it. Looking through the spyglass with one eye closed, he is disappointed at first. It is pointed at a crevasse in the side of the cliff edge on the eastern wall of the ravine. Then, he finds out why, a hooded figure comes into view looking around and to the sky before hurrying into the darkness there.

“If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience then you are in the right place. You have come at the perfect time too, for tonight we are having a feast.” He replied more at ease that they are looking for entertainment, the kind he has spread word of in Waterdeep. “As for our more exotic entertainment I may be open to a few of you riding our magnificent beasts in the morning. If you are sober enough that is.”

“What entertainment have you lined up for the evening? I’m sure it won’t be a dull affair?” Bingo asks clearing his throat to draw attention to himself no he is back in the middle of their group. It is about now that he suddenly remembers that one of their prime reasons for coming here was to search for his old nemesis Windharrow. “I’d heard rumour of a fellow called Windharrow was here performing. Is that true?”

Both Savra and Thurl’s body language changes slightly, it stiffens at the mention of the name Windharrow. Most would not have noticed but our rowdy group is quite perceptive, especially in situations where anyone could be an enemy. “Windharrow no longer performs here. He was promoted to serve as private minstrel for a lady he met early in his career. We have another temporary troupe with us now.”

Bingo’s outward demeanor darkens a little as he mutters “fucking Windharrow with his fancy position.” Earning a raised eyebrow from Thurl. As quickly as he had darkened, he as back to his usual self.

“Perhaps we could be of use. Our very own Bingo is a brilliant performer. He would be happy to play a little here and there. He definitely rivals this Windharrow’s capabilities.” Gil says in a moment of inspiration. Slapping Bingo on the back as he does so.

“Now Gil don’t be too hasty there. Thurl already has paid entertainment for the evening I wouldn’t want to tread on anyone’s toes.” Bingo says acting humble. Even though he knows that Gil is right he doesn’t want to be performing here only to be compared to Windharrow again. The look he gives Gil is scathing as he uses message to tell him to dial it back and threaten to push him off the tower if he continues. Gil only seems to be more enthusiastic about it replying “niet” to the halfling.

“They really are majestic beasts these vultures. Do you have many here? I don’t think I’ve seen them more than once before today.” Roland asks Thurl, approaching the one on the roof slowly. It lets out a low scraw and ruffles its wings before taking off when he gets too close.

Thurl eyes the armoured back of the dragonborn suspiciously. “We have a few, we have many more hippogriff than vultures, especially recently. Would you be interested in flying one of them tomorrow?”

Roland starts to politely decline but Bingo cuts him off. “That sounds like a plan. When we were travelling here flying was all that Roland would talk about.” He interjects gesturing over to Roland, who turns back looking a little startled.

“Ah Bingo are you sure that was me?” Roland replies nervously thinking about his weight on the back of a giant vulture.

“Definitely! Don’t be shy now Roland, you said you could easily command a beast like those.” Bingo replies ignoring the look given to him by Roland. He had no way of getting revenge on Gil yet, but this was the next best thing.

By this time the sun is beginning to set, and evening is closing in on the valley. “Might we have somewhere to freshen up before the feast?” Gil asks casually, easily changing the topic now that the damage is done.

“Ah yes. Savra, if you could lead them to a couple rooms off the banquet hall they can stay there tonight.” Thurl says gesturing vaguely at the floor below them. “If you have any other questions, I shall be up here a little longer before freshening up myself. Otherwise Savra will be made available to assist you.” With a nod the group begins heading downstairs to explore a little and see their rooms for the night.

The double doors to the feast hall are propped open with stone statues still but the room is quiet. The table is laid out with plates and bowls, large spaces are left empty for now for hot food to be freshly served. There are platters of breads, cheeses and fruits already laid out. Savra takes them out into the main hall and round to the back of the stairwell. Here they are given two rooms. They split into two groups, the more sensible one being Čadas and Roland, and the more likely to get into trouble being Gil and Bingo. Cybin originally refused to stay with them, he would rather sleep outside with the horses or in the stables below. However, with a bribe of cheese and the reminder of possible violence taking place he submits to saying in a bedroom.

As the time for the feast comes around, their plans discussed in hushed voices in the privacy of their rooms, the session came to an end. Thank you for coming on this adventure with my group. I hope to get the next leg of the journey written up soon for your reading pleasure.