Our heroes, filled with excitement and determination, ventured into the mysterious Tricklerock Cave in search of the legendary sword they had heard whispers about. As they carefully scoured the cave, their magic detection spells revealed nothing. Suddenly, a swarm of stirges descended upon them, latching onto Yurian and draining his blood. The heroes fought valiantly, using their skills and teamwork to overcome the bloodthirsty creatures and emerge victorious.
Reflecting on their journey, Xeiros had a startling realization: the one who had tipped them off about the sword was a believer. Feeling betrayed and deceived, the group decided to leave the cave and continue their quest.
Their next destination was the eerie skull with the black arrow. Thanks to Valerian’s magic, they detected a faint magical aura emanating from the arrow. A chilling note attached to it read:
The Last Laugh You’ll be next! Valklondar
When Mitsui and Yurian touched the arrow, the dark magic coursed through them. They shattered the arrow and the skull, discovering that the parchment the note was written on was actually dyed human skin, sending chills down their spines.
Undeterred by the unsettling discovery, our heroes pressed on to Feathergale Spire. As they approached, they saw knights in blue riding giant vultures. One of the knights approached them, and Mitsui attempted to befriend a vulture, narrowly escaping being devoured. Against all odds, she succeeded in befriending the creature, earning a wary but respectful nod from the knight.
The group made their way to the spire, with Mitsui soaring with her new vulture friend, feeling the wind rush past her as they ascended.
Inside, Valerian finally met Savra, the elusive lady he had been seeking. She claimed to be content in her current life and offered to introduce them to her commander, Thurl Merosska. Yurian decided to leave, feeling uneasy about staying, while Mitsui and Isaac explored the stables below, marveling at the majestic creatures housed there.
Thurl invited our heroes to a grand feast that night. Meanwhile, Zonga used speak with animals to learn that the knights would throw bandits off the tower as punishment. Though skeptical, our heroes couldn’t ignore the knights’ admission, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern.
During the feast, a knight burst in with news of a manticores sighting. Thurl declared a hunt, offering a ring as the prize. Hippogryphs were ready to carry our heroes into battle, their majestic forms waiting patiently.
The hunt was on! After a tense search, they found the manticore lurking in the shadows. Mitsui bravely leaped onto the beast, with Yurian nearly delivering the fatal blow with a well-aimed strike. In the end, a knight landed the killing strike, and Valerian grabbed Mitsui just in time, pulling her to safety as the beast fell.
All but Isaac returned to the spire and entered. Savra pulled Valerian, Xeiros, and Zonga aside, revealing the knights’ secret mission: mastering elemental air to annihilate Waterdeep’s enemies. She proposed recruiting our heroes, but they gently declined, knowing something sinister was amiss.