Akigwe's Legacy: Secrets of the Tower
Description
Centuries ago, the vast caverns of Inner Hibarnhvidar were coaxed from the surrounding stone. Dwarven architecture is as strong as the rock it's cut from, built to withstand the passage of time as readily as its stalwart makers. But what visitors see today hasn't always been.
Nestled within one particular cavern is a series of terraces, and at its base rests a tower. None living can recall when it was built, but records of its history and evolution have survived the ages. In its infancy, it was a simple, single-storied structure that housed honored guests of the Dwarven people who traveled far to visit the kingdom.
In time, as fashions and tastes changed, other structures were built to fulfill such a purpose, and the humble hovel changed hands time and time again from one institution to another, each leaving their mark with an expansion to the grounds or the addition of rooms to serve its new purpose.
Within the earlier parts of the past century, a mage who dedicated most of his life to furthering the studies of magic, alchemy and similar endeavors gained considerable respect, wealth and influence among his peers. He sought a place to share his knowledge and to encourage and inspire the same drive to further the great works in others. As it happened, the lonely abode stood abandoned at the time and was eventually his chosen residence.
As quickly as his power had grown, the structure was likewise lifted up, restored and expanded to greater prowess than it had ever known before. Those respected in many fields of study from many walks of life traveled to apply for a position within the tower, each hoping to access the vast resources available to those within to push their studies to new and greater levels.
Noble though their intentions were, such a pooling of power slowly, but inevitably, lead to decisions being made that should not have been. In the name of furthering research, certain rules were bent or broken entirely. Most of the time, it indeed lead to greater discoveries, and none but those involved were the wiser. But there were also incidents that escaped the tower and caused harm to the ignorant citizenry. Those were harder to explain away.
The carefully built power began to crumble. The leadership's grip on those below was weakened as others sought the freedom to bend the rules, and more mistakes were made. To protect the citizens from further harm, the guards of Inner Hibarnhvidar were mobilized to forcefully evict those still within the tower who hadn't already fled from their peers' dangerous works. Much of the tower was damaged in the struggle, but in the end the guards were successful is closing it down.
When contact was recently re-established with the other provinces, a flood of visitors brought a renewed interest to the languishing cavern. The Estate Holder Council in particular was quick to establish housing and to stake a claim to the tower within. Considerable resources were expended to begin repairs and renovations, but finding survivors from the lost fleet in Fang Cove has diverted those resources and attention.
In the absence of the Council's scrutiny, someone has seized upon the opportunity to get back inside. Just what's going on inside? Is it simply a worker uninformed of the delays? Are looters seeking treasures long forgotten? Or has one of the former students of the tower returned to resurrect an unfinished project, to again unleash terror upon the locals?
Peace Keeper Idwuro has put out a call for brave adventurers. Will you journey within to explore the depths and heights for lost treasures? Will you answer the summons and assist with securing Akigwe Tower once more?