Outside The Tower
Most of this adventure will take place within the tower; however, there are a few points of interest around the grounds.
The grounds north of the broken bridge all share a few similar features:
- The land is struggling to grow things. Only the hardiest grasses and weeds grow in the dark, lifeless soil.
- Any communication with Gods or extra-planetary entities is restricted or extremely difficult.
Failed Farm
To the north west of the tower, the ground has been worked as if agriculture were attempted. The Children of the Tower tried to grow some food for their population. The land is too corrupted for things to grow.
Investigating the area shows old footprints to and from the Servents' Entrance (1-27).
Bone Pile
On the east side of the tower, there is a giant pile of bones that is resting against the outer wall. This is directly underneath one of the entrances to the Dragon Aviary on the 29th floor. This has been a trash pile for bones for hundreds of years, so it is vast and contains many different animal bones from the surrounding areas.
When you get closer to the pile, it's clear that there is a tunnel and sorted bones on the outside. This is the home and shop for Egg and Red, goblin traders. They have lived here for some time, sorting valuable bones and living off the dragon's scraps. They are often seen fighting off blink dogs for the fresh drops.
Trading with Goblins
Egg and Red will be friendly to travellers and will be open to trade.
- Sell the Bones of animals in the nearby area
- A few rare animals, such as a unicorn, are available but highly prized.
- Will sell the old gear of dead adventurers who die outside the tower or are killed by dragons. (The dragons would take anything magical)
Dunghill
Along the east side of the tower is a large, smelly pile of poop. There are shovels for moving it and even an old wheelbarrow. All looks very much in working condition. Shockingly, very few flies for how much waste there is.
Unlucky adventurers might be hit by falling waste as this is where it lands from the Lavatory (4-7). Looking up, there is an overhang on floor 4 with small holes, which are occasionally filled with a cultist's rear end, a simple solution for a magical tower
Statue to Darius
Ancient, weathered statue of a young man riding a horse. This statue is riding away from the tower towards the village. They are in full plate armour with their helmet removed. This once detailed statue has been eroded by time, now hiding the details of the face.
The base of the statue is half underground, having sunk over time. If you dig it up, the name Darius M_____ is visible, but the last name can't be made out.
This is a statue of Darius Montayne, the oldest son of the Lord of the Tower. This was created after he left home seeking adventure and glory. He was, however, gravely injured, eventually dying from his wounds.
Landslide
The river that runs through this valley comes from the mountains in the north. Over spring, when the snow melts, the river gains strength, which leads to some erosion. A few months ago, this caused a portion of the northern edge of this steep valley to crumble down into the river. This has made the area more easily climbable. This landslide exposed The Dead Gate, causing a considerable amount of undead to be washed downstream, potentially to distant towns and villages.
In My Game
In my home game, the flood of undead downstream prompted the party to investigate the tower alongside Knight Magician Sir Christoph. They played villagers whose home was destroyed by undead crawling out of floodwaters.
The Dead Gate
Over the cliff edge, downriver from the broken bridge. There is a stone-lined tunnel that leads under the tower into (B1-1. This looks like the nearby landslide has recently exposed it. This looks like an ideal entrance, but there is a constant flow of crawling zombies coming out of it.
Adventurers would expect to have to fight their way through this entrance. Also, keep in mind that this is a favoured feeding ground for Kurax the Crushed Worm.