Alpeinn Tower

The communities in eastern Trair Echan have all heard, and contributed to, the various rumors circulating about the massive structure rising from the swamps of Lanides. Its original use forgotten, the tower of Alpeinn stands too far from the ocean to serve as a lighthouse, and not far enough inland to be used as a defensive structure between territories. There are, of course, historians who claim various iterations of these two theories. Alpeinn was the name of the warlord who safeguarded the territory before Menmerin was founded to serve as a stabilizing factor, so that must be it, right? The dark stone tower itself is a massive structure, almost too large to be simply called a tower, rivaling a small city by its size. Placed atop the seemingly only steady hill in the surrounding landscape, it looms over the treacherous swamps.   If there ever had been roads leading to it, they are long since claimed by the bogs. Many a wanderer and tomb robber have lost their lives trying to get to it to see what remains. The ones who have reached the tower have found locked doors and confusing entryways. Some claim to have returned with priceless treasure, but remaining close-lipped about how they got to it.   In the years since, the tower and its surrounding area has become a cautionary tale, a scary story told to children.   "If you don't do your chores, the swamp monsters will come claim you." "The Tower watches you, so you better behave."   For many, the tower is simply a marvel that has been abandoned and needs to be reclaimed. Projects for gaining entry have been many, but none of them succeeded for various reasons. The latest expedition managed to breach the door, they claim, but many of their number fell ill and never returned. The ones who made it back were forever changed, unable to speak of what they saw. Warlady Istustaya has laid a ban on approaching the tower, unless mandated.   Alpeinn Tower is an enigma, even to the folk who wander the wilds.