The Graytower Beacon

“Wake, old light—the sea is rising.”

Overview

The Graytower Beacon is the closest of the three ancient lighthouses off the coast of Leilon—guardians of the coastal route that once let ships travel safely between Neverwinter and Waterdeep, even in winter storms.

It stands alone on a rocky island, weather-beaten and surrounded by mist. Its foundation was laid by elves, its structure shaped by Netherese architects, and its upper workings restored by modern dwarves.

The light is not simply fire or lens, but ritual and song, mythal-bound to protect not just sailors—but something deeper, older, hidden beneath the waves.

For a long time, the light fell dark.
Now it turns again... though not all shadows have fled.

Construction & Function

• Built using a blend of elven Mythal-craft, Netherese arcane geometry, and dwarven high-runes
• A spinning golden-mithril disc at the top chamber serves as the lighthouse's magical core
• When facing Leilon, the disc emits a pulse of light that cuts through fog and shadow
• The tower is now restored, but fragile—maintained by ritual, not routine

Magical Defense

• The disc repels attempts to stop its spinning with devastating arcane force
• Storms circle the island, drawn to the magic
• Tide-corrupted creatures now infest the island, though they avoid the beacon’s immediate aura

Tide-Corruption Threat

A strange slime is washing ashore—tainting sea life.

• Seagulls operate as a hive, covering eggs in slime—black, violent offspring now prey on the weak
• Glowing giant crabs haunt the beaches at night
• Land-slithering eels swarm in groups, dragging prey from shoreline to tide

These creatures are known as the Tide-Corrupted, and no one knows what’s next. The beacon’s enchantment keeps them at bay—for now. But the island outside its range? It’s a hunting ground.

Architecture & Interior

• Tall, spiraling stone structure, open to the sky at the top
• Four sky-facing windows in the beacon chamber
• Inlaid with ancient rune scripts in Dwarvish, Elvish, and Netherese
• A chest of provisions sits at the base, and caretaker records are hidden beneath it
• Interior is damp, cold, and not suitable for long-term rest

Historical Collapse

Roughly 10 years ago:

• The beacon was severed, its top sliced cleanly off
• The other two lighthouses went dark instantly
• The fourth level of Leilon’s mine collapsed, killing dozens
• The ritual chain that kept the beacons aligned was broken—and those who maintained them were lost or buried

Recent Restoration

• Players (at Cassian’s request) used a Greater Restoration scroll
• The beacon’s structure healed itself, revealing ancient mechanisms
• The light now functions, but only partially—the rituals must be restored
• The Keeper’s Song is key to reactivating its full defenses
• When restored, the Gray Beacon reconnected to the ancient network restraining the Echoing Gate—momentarily stabilizing a seal already fraying beyond its original bounds.
• Sailors swear the light sometimes flickers twice, as if resisting an unseen pulse from the deep.

Keeper’s Journal (Excerpts)

Caretaker notes left over generations reveal:

• The runes must be recited
• The disc must be oiled and aligned
• The Raven Queen’s influence is woven into the beacon
• Rue’s family helped maintain it before the collapse

The world above forgets, but the stones remember.

The Keeper’s Song

(Must be sung as part of the ritual of renewal )

Verse 1
Wake, old light, the sea is rising,
Wake, bright tower, dawn draws near.
Lift your eyes, resume your vigil—
Hold the shadows, guard the pier.

Verse 2
Guard the gates where dreams lie sleeping,
Steel your heart against the tide.
Shine for those who walk in darkness,
Keep the night and fear outside.

Verse 3
Wake, old light, the path is calling,
Wake, bright tower, stand once more.
Turn your gaze through storm and sorrow—
Hold the threshold, bar the door.

Effect: Singing the full song at the restored beacon causes runes to flare, the disc to spin, and the light to blaze across the sea. The ancient protection returns—and the eyes of old powers may open once more.

Player Hooks

• Tide-Corrupted threats may worsen unless the beacon is fully restored
• The song must be recovered, taught, or protected
• Players may need to investigate the other two lighthouses to complete the beacon network
• Sea elf involvement may be tied to the original enchantments
• The tower may hold Netherese secrets tied to the Echoing Gate