| The Last Howl | |
|---|---|
| Nation | Nation of Lexovar |
| Type | Tavern / Adventuring Challenge |
| Location | Just outside Ciliren, at the edge of the Riverplate Plateau |
| Notable Feature | Built into the base of the Turnkey Tower |
| Proprietors | Cad & Rollin |
The Last Howl
The Last Howl is more than just a cozy tavern — it is the gateway to the infamous Turnkey Tower, a legendary adventuring challenge known across Eryndor. Built into the base of a towering, indestructible spire of shadowy stone, the Last Howl draws thrill-seekers, gamblers, scholars, and lunatics alike.
The Turnkey Tower
This eight-story tower is forged of impossibly dark, rune-etched stone — smooth, seamless, and immune to all known attempts at damage or analysis. The tower appears to be alien to this world. Some speculate it was pulled from another plane entirely. Strange pulses of faint blue light ripple across its surface during certain lunar cycles, and whispers can sometimes be heard when standing close to the walls.
Despite its name, no one knows what it truly is. Cad and Rollin theorize it is a portal to a demi-plane dungeon. Each time a party enters, the tower conjures an entirely new dungeon suited to their strengths and flaws — monsters, traps, and even the dungeon boss are different every time. The only way out is to defeat the final boss.
Entry Protocol
The gate to the tower opens only when both Cad and Rollin turn their keys simultaneously — an act they perform with great ceremony. Once sealed, no other may enter until the party has either returned victorious or perished. No one knows where they found the Keys.
Exit Protocol
The Final Gate will only open once the dungeon’s boss has been defeated. No teleportation, plane shifting, or other tricks bypass this rule.
The Tavern
A warm and oddly inviting place built around the base of Turnkey Tower. The Last Howl is a two-story timber and stone structure divided into three sections, each with low-burning hearths and thick mugs of gnomish lager.
The Elevated Classroom (Rollin’s Section)
One corner of the second floor is raised slightly above the rest and resembles a lecture hall. Books, magical schematics, and half-drunk coffee mugs clutter the area. Rollin gives weekly Q&A sessions on dungeon theory, magical entropy, and adventuring strategy here. Most of the time, he rants at a chalkboard while ignoring his audience.
The Tavern & Bar (Cad’s Section)
A traditional tavern run by Cad. The heart of the establishment — where adventurers drink before they enter, and where survivors drink harder when they return.
The Viewing Section
Watched closely by everyone whenever a party is inside the Tower. Spectators gather here to watch the Arcane Scrying Orb and place bets on the boards.
Key Features
The Wall of the Returned — A massive slab of magically hardened slate on the classroom side of the tavern, etched with the names of every notable surviving party. Each entry includes the party name, the time it took to complete the dungeon, and the identity of the boss (or its description if unnamed).
The Betting Boards — Located in the common area, chalk-and-slate boards used by spectators to wager on the party’s progress. Wagers are managed by a clever little construct named Killion — built by Cad — who takes a 10% cut on all bets.
The Viewing Orb — Suspended above the hearth on the main floor, a massive semi-transparent Arcane Scrying Orb tied magically to the Tower’s demi-plane. While it offers no sound, it allows the entire tavern to watch the party as they move through the dungeon. The orb only activates once the final key is turned.
Key NPCs
Cad
Warforged Artificer — Former Adventurer — Proprietor
A large warforged, Cad’s body is reinforced with blackened mithril plating and burnished brass joints. One glowing blue eye gleams from a cracked Helm built into his face. A long, barbed scar runs down his arm — damage from an encounter long ago. He speaks in slow, measured tones and remembers every adventurer who has ever entered the tower. His hands and feet are covered with gadgets.
“Pay your gold, hold your nerves, and don’t bleed on the carpets.” — Cad, more than once.
Rollin
Human Wizard — Time Scholar — Former Adventurer — Proprietor
Once a bright-eyed wizard from Clockwork Spire’s mage academy, Rollin has been adventuring alongside Cad for a long time. Together they built the Last Howl after their last set of adventures. Rollin is a powerful wizard and enjoys studying the tower — most of what is known about it came from his careful study and insights. He carries the second key.
“The tower learns. The tower adapts. But it doesn’t cheat.” — Rollin