Griffin Tower

"There are spirits there, older than most here... I would not enter if I were you." -Altair Bloodsword

Purpose / Function

Griffin Tower was intended to house a secret portal to the griffin lands, but also to serve as a private retreating location for the Emperor Khaseth-Ra when he would be in danger.

Alterations

In 410 AA, a small faux-concrete stone room was added beneath the tower to contain the spirit of Khaseth-Ra within the amulet.

Architecture

Griffin Tower follows the Romanesque style of architecture. It is constructed of a dark stone, with small windows keeping out most light, though, after its ruining, larger sections of wall fell out to create large holes letting in light. The inside of the main room contains a spiraling wooden stair circling the wall, with a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling (it fell in 220 AA and smashed on the floor). Below the tower is a maze of vents, leading to locations such as the Shelves (a great library of knowledge and utility), the Amulet room, the Griffin Portal (hidden away from prying eyes), and the Gem below in a small cave.

History

Erected in 420 AA by the first Sorcerer-emperor, Khaseth-Ra, well within the territory of Therana, Griffin Tower was meant as a monument to the elusive creatures of the sky and as a retreat for safety. Its first major use was in 416 AA, when legendary knight Altair Bloodsword pursued Khaseth-Ra through Ariandra and to the Tower, where he was chased underneath. A six-year chase ensued, where, at the end of all things, Altair bound Khaseth-Ra to a mystical amulet and stashed it in a hidden room within the labyrinthine vents beneath the Tower. It eventually fell into ruin around 400 AA, at which point the walls began to crumble somewhat and the stairs became difficult to climb. It later became the headquarters for the Order of the Griffin in 36 AA, but even they left the building after Oswald Gryphon disappeared there in 5 QY.

RUINED STRUCTURE
400 AA

Type

Lair

Parent Location

The Northern Riverlands

Related Historical Events

• 410 AA
  End of the First Reign of Sorcery
• 420 AA
  Construction of Griffin Tower