The Graytower Beacon Caretaker's Journal

Excerpts from the Graytower Beacon Caretaker’s Journal

Translated via comprehend languages by Lady Cassandra Vexmoor

Year of the Drowned Gull (1421 DR)
Common, faded ink, rounded hand

“Another year, another moss bloom up the north stairs. Runes at the southern post need etching again—third time this decade. Suppose I should be grateful for steady work, but most days I’d trade the salt for a merchant’s caravan.

Light’s steady. No sign of cracks. If anyone reads this—oil the lantern gears every Solstice, or you’ll regret it.

No visitors since midsummer except the gulls (and not even the good eating kind).”

Year of the Echoing Halls (1433 DR)
Dwarvish, blocky runes—translation available with Dwarvish knowledge

“The pilgrimage grows shorter each year. Stones settle, seals wear thin, but the old magic hums along.

Brought two young ones from the Hall this time—taught them to trace the runes, pour the oil, and not complain about the cold.

No glory in it, but the ancestors did the same. That’s enough.

Left a keg for the next crew. Take only what you need.”

Year of the Shifting Stars (1458 DR)
Netherese script, crisp, small handwriting
(Requires Comprehend Languages, or similar magic, to read)

“The raven’s shadow falls further each year.

Adjusted the northeast focusing ring—mythal resonance at 72.3, as expected.

If the Echoing Gate ever stirs, even the best of us may not hold it. Recommend routine inspection every equinox, and remember: the seal fails where will falters.

—Quirilith, Paladin of the Raven Queen”

Year of the Silver Sails (1462 DR)
Common, untidy script

“Tide’s higher than usual this year. Tower’s holding, but lost another crate of salted fish to the gulls.

Don’t let anyone tell you this is heroic work—it’s mostly scraping barnacles and patching leaks.

Runes by the north stair flickered for a bit, but stabilized after reciting the blessing twice.

Left a message for the next caretaker: ‘Take a day off once in a while.’ Nobody ever does.”

Year of Quiet Waters (1460 DR)

Netherese script, careful, plain handwriting. (Requires Comprehend Languages, Netherese, or DM translation)

“Six years since we settled here. Tonight marks the changing of the watch. My wife insisted we bring our daughter, Rue. She’s young—maybe too young to grasp the weight of the Echoing Gate, but I agreed.

We shared bread with the dwarves at dawn and renewed the southern seal before nightfall. No omens, only harmless gulls along the cliffs.

My wife asked about giving the Raven’s blessing to a child. I told her: faith can’t be forced. Rue will choose when she’s older—if she wants to.

Year of the Last Pilgrimage (1467 DR)
Dwarven, more formal; last entry before cave-in date

“Mark this for record: the old path collapsed near the Equinox. We lost a section of the lower crypts—no breach, but the sound echoed for hours.

Seals hold, for now. I miss the old gatherings—too few left who remember why we’re here.

If you’re reading this, keep the faith. The world above forgets, but the stones remember.”

Loose Scrap, No Date
Common, with a quick doodle of the tower and gulls

“Remember to thank the sea elves for the mythal work next time they visit. Or at least share the wine.

The light keeps turning, and we keep watch. Good enough.”

Still, I hope she remembers the old songs, and why we keep the beacon turning. If not, the stones will.”