Tidbits I learned during the MisCon Spires reading. I was nursing a headache and a bit of exhaustion, so most of the reading was a weird blissful blur of Jim's reading thumping to the pain and weakness pulsing throughout my body. Forgive me if its not super detailed and just explains the gist of what happens. I'm sure more elaborate versions will appear later by others.
First chapter begins with the Lancasters in the two-mile high by two-mile wide Albion Spire. The Lancasters control some major facet of the crystal business. One rebellious daughter (I forget her name) wants adventure, has trained to fight using crystals and hand-to-hand-combat. She fights back against her mother verbally, and then physically against Spire guardsmen and their captain. She doesn't want to be a princess and instead seeks a life of adventure. It seems her mother has secretly pushed her to rebel. Now she is ready to leave and has the skills to survive. The crystal powers work like magic meets technology encapsulated in Steampunk brass and fittings. The daughter shows she has the power to easily put large holes through people (shattering vases and other items instead).
The second and third chapters showcase Captain Grim (two mm's, not sure), his predator airship and its crew. They've been a plague to the Jerky Jerk Spire over yonder and set their sights on a fat airship prize. Turns out it is a trap and they barely escape. The air battles were superb. Jim really showcases the technology of the ships and their power crystals. Plenty of brass and goggles included to make it Steampunky.