Background of the Old Ruins

Name: Ruins of Aelanthor Tower

Location: Deep within the Deepingdale Woods

History:

Long ago, before the founding of Deepingdale, a powerful wizard named Aelanthor built a grand tower in the heart of
the forest. This tower, known as Aelanthor Tower, was a center of arcane research and magical experimentation.
Aelanthor was reputed to be a master of shadow magic, delving into secrets that many deemed too dangerous.

As his knowledge and power grew, Aelanthor became more reclusive and paranoid. He built elaborate defenses and
traps within the tower to guard his secrets. Eventually, something went terribly wrong—a catastrophic magical
experiment unleashed dark forces that consumed the tower. The once-majestic structure crumbled, and the forest
quickly reclaimed the ruins. Locals began to avoid the area, whispering of curses and malevolent spirits.

Current State:

The Ruins of Aelanthor Tower are overgrown with vegetation, and only fragments of the original structure remain. The
forest has woven itself through the broken stones, creating a natural labyrinth. The air around the ruins is always
slightly cooler, and an unnatural stillness pervades the area.

Key Features:

• Entrance Hall: The main entrance to the ruins, now partially collapsed and overgrown with vines. Strange
runes are etched into the remaining walls, faintly glowing with residual magic.
• Library: Once a repository of Aelanthor’s vast collection of tomes and scrolls, the library is now a tangle of
fallen shelves and scattered pages. Some books remain intact, protected by magical wards.
• Study Room: A smaller, more secure room where Aelanthor conducted his most secret research. The air is
thick with residual magic, and several protective glyphs are still active.
• Laboratory: The heart of Aelanthor’s experiments, filled with broken apparatus and shattered glass. The
remnants of dark rituals can be seen in the scorched patterns on the floor.
• Main Hall: The largest room in the ruins, now an open courtyard with remnants of columns and arches. It was
once used for gatherings and demonstrations of magical prowess.
• Secret Room: A hidden chamber accessible only through a concealed door or secret passage. This room
contains Aelanthor’s most guarded treasures and forbidden knowledge.

Mystical Presence:

The ruins are haunted by shadowy figures—remnants of Aelanthor’s failed experiments. These shadows seem to have a
will of their own, whispering dark secrets and trying to lure intruders deeper into the ruins. Occasionally, ghostly
apparitions of Aelanthor himself can be seen, endlessly repeating the final moments of his life.

Current Threat:

A shadowy sorcerer, drawn by the lingering power of the ruins, has taken up residence in the Secret Room. This
sorcerer is attempting to harness the dark energy of the place to achieve their own nefarious goals, causing the
disturbances and disappearances in Deepingdale.