Perched on the jagged edge of the Cragvain Cliffs, overlooking the winding River Saker far below, the Tower of Night is both imposing and enigmatic. Built as a research and experimentation hall for the Storm Giants of Agduvar, it is one of the most extensive of the Towers, blending monumental exterior construction with intricate interior design.
Unlike many of its brethren, the Tower of Night remains remarkably intact, spared by its sheltered position in the foothills of the Iron Mountains and the quality of its giant craftsmanship. However, its celestivere - the magical bronze plane that once crowned its summit - is tragically missing, stolen long ago.
On approaching the Tower of Night
"From a distance, the Tower appears as a dark silhouette against the cliffs, its conical structure integrated seamlessly with the rockface. Its exterior, a combination of basalt and granite, is streaked with pale veins of quartz that shimmer faintly in the sunlight, lending it an otherworldly quality. The lightning runs- a hallmark of Storm Giant architecture - etch their way across the surface, grooves carved deep into the stone that once pulsed with energy. At the Tower’s apex, the petrified trunk of an ancient tree rises skyward, now barren where the celestivere once gleamed like a second sun."
The Tower's interior is equally remarkable, combining the grandiosity of giant design with a functional, almost austere purpose. The primary hallways are wide enough to accommodate giants comfortably, their walls adorned with geometric carvings and faint traces of old murals. The lower levels are dug deep into the cliffside, their stone corridors leading to chambers of both practical and mystical purpose.
Workspace of the Storm Giants
Unlike the more conventional designs of the other Towers, the Tower of Night was extensively modified by the Storm Giants who used it as their celestial observatory and magical workshop. The standard flat-topped cone design was transformed into something far more elaborate, incorporating a skye-door - a magical aperture that allowed entry and exit from the air - and the Projection Hall, a marvel of giant engineering and arcane artistry.
The Projection Hall. The Projection Hall lies deep within the cliffside, its cavernous interior carved with mathematical precision. Massive pillars etched with runes support the vaulted ceiling, and the centerpiece of the chamber is a glowing runestone, brought from Agduvar itself. Despite the centuries since its abandonment, the hall retains much of its original majesty, a tribute to the Storm Giants' unparalleled craftsmanship.
Though the giants have long since left, remnants of their equipment remain scattered throughout the Tower. From enchanted tools to arcane fragments, these artifacts are both a draw for academics and a temptation for treasure hunters. Many, however, leave empty-handed, as the Tower is not without its defenses.
Projection of the Heavens
One of the most astonishing features of the Tower is the Projection Hall’s runestone, a relic of unparalleled sophistication. By activating the nott rune, the runestone projects an intricate map of the night sky onto the walls and ceiling of the chamber. Each star is rendered in stunning detail, complete with Giant runic inscriptions naming them. The projection is not static; it mirrors the exact positions of the stars in real-time, allowing for an unparalleled study of the heavens.
Scholars from across the lands travel to the Tower to observe the stars as the Storm Giants once did, marveling at their precision. However, there is a growing mystery among those who have studied the projection closely. One star in the display, faint and isolated, seems to move in ways that defy natural patterns. Whispers of its significance abound, with theories ranging from it being a starship to an omen of the giants’ return.
The Stolen Celestivere
The Tower’s celestivere, once the crowning jewel of its summit, is sadly no longer present. Its theft is no great mystery: it was taken by ambitious mages from the Academy at Endon’s Pass, who sought to uncover its secrets or repurpose it into powerful magical artifacts. Their efforts ended in controversy, as they dismantled the artifact and sent its fragments to their archives.
The theft of the celestivere sparked outrage among the goliaths and giants, and the Academy’s intentions to harvest other celestiveres across the land were abruptly curtailed. Shortly after announcing their plans, a massive engraved stone appeared at the gates of Endon’s Pass. The inscription, written in towering Giant runes, declared: Agdu-Stein still stands above you.
The message was unambiguous and left no room for defiance. The Academy’s ambitions came to an immediate halt, and the fate of the celestiveres has since been left undisturbed- for now.