Arduum (Ar-Du-Um)
This tower is a place of myth and legend, whose stories have long since been forgotten by the masses; but whispered in secret to any who'll listen. No one knows for sure what it is, and many who spread its legend have conflicting information, but some truths echo throughout each version.
All who know the legend will speak of a tower, one of such great heights its walls tower far into the clouds. But, what's more, this seemingly endless edifice sits not within the material plane; indeed, it lies within the darkness of the Shadowlands. Surrounded by flat plains and rock with mountains far off in the distance, the tower sits all alone, an oppressive omen to all who come near.
None who've entered its ebony gates have returned, or so it is believed. Some claim to have escaped from its grasp, but the truth is seldom simple. One speaks of a grand archive full of endless knowledge, another an endless abyss full of monsters. Others tell of a home so extravagant it puts emperors to shame, and some speak of a twisted forest whose mists obscure any hope of navigation. But there is one thing all of them will tell you: at the very top, sitting on the Obsidian Throne, is the Lord of Crows. Forever watching, forever waiting.
Over the centuries, millennia even, the tower has been given many names: the Black Labyrinth, Tower of Crows, Endless Spire, but the myths most commonly refer to it as Arduum. After all this time, it's still unclear exactly what purpose the Spire serves, but its many entrances lie hidden, scattered about the Prime Material. Portals, leading directly to the gates of Arduum, to the darkness of the Shadowfell.
While these entrances are hidden, invisible to most if not all, it seems those who truly seek to find one have little trouble doing so. However, let this be a warning: all who've sought the Obsidian Throne and its powerful gifts have yet to be heard from again, seek its entrance in complete certainty, lest it be the last mistake you make.
Purpose / Function
It is believed Corvus created the tower as a massive, ever-changing fortress. One which could never hope to be bested, let alone conquered. Owing to its easily defensible location and enormous size, it is hardly a stretch of the imagination to call this edifice impregnable.
Architecture
Stories of the Spire's internal structure vary from person to person. Its exterior, however, is spoken of nearly identically by all who've claimed to witness it.
With a sharp, rock-like structure, the Spire towers into the clouds. Believed to be comprised mostly of unknown black minerals resembling obsidian, the Spire sits on a natural rock formation as its base. Wider at the bottom than the top, the Spire has many sharp protrusions spreading out from its central body. While the specifics are wholly unknown, accounts of the Spires width indicate it is beyond anything constructed on Aden. Some believe it would take half a day to walk a complete circle around it.
Defenses
The walls of Arduum are nearly impossible to breakthrough, according to some Shadar-kai. Tales of wars long since passed permeate around the Spire's history. In many instances, the Spire has come under heavy siege, and each time hardly a scratch could be seen along its obsidian-like walls. Depending on who tells the tale, one might hear of the Spire strengthening itself throughout each conflict. Or, on the other hand, one might hear of portions shattering under the siege weapons but seemed to repair itself as the fighting persisted.
History
It's unclear how long the Spire has stood, nor how many wars it has outlasted. Tracing the origins of the Spire is akin to tracing the roots of the Lord of Crows himself. Synonymous with the Obsidian Throne and Corvus, Arduum has become but another part of the God of Despair's legend.
Founding Date
Unknown
Alternative Names
Black Labyrinth, Tower of Crows, Endless Spire, Obsidian Spire
Type
Megastructure, Land based
Parent Location
Owner
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