Adventure Series: Conquerors of Daexor Nu

South Hook Tower

an Adventure for 1st-level characters

Pathfinder Second Edition

Giant’s Hook Peak is a notorious location as it looms over the Gaefenwood forest and casts shadows across Miner’s Drop Lake to the west and Silent Lake to the north. Not long ago (although some claim it still is), it was the domain of a nasty clan of ogres that caused innumerable problems for the woodsmen of the forest, as well the quiet Gaefen Clan dwarves that operated as miners for the Valley of Ogre Tears region, suppling ores to Fort Ogrestorm (which was liberated and turned into a sanctuary) and beyond. In an effort to protect the region from potential raiding by the ogres and other aggressors in the region, the lords of the territory contributed funds to construct South Hook Tower, a small bastion against the dangers of the north.

Built on the south edge of the Giant’s Hook Peak expanse of the Gray Mountains chain, the stronghold was a simple structure built to be easily defended while offering both a signal pyre to warn the populous of the valley and at least a thorn in the side of any potential raiders.

Most recently, a group of retired dwarven miners and a brash young wizard had been garrisoning the fortress. The dwarves have been regularly contributing to the occupation of the stronghold as it has served them well: there has been a notable reduction in incursions into their gem and ore mining since its erection. The young wizard, a woman who goes by the name of Blaze (presumably for her flaming red hair and fiery personality), volunteered in hopes of furthering her spellcraft by its proximity to many exotic flora and fauna that inhabit the region.

Unfortunately, no one has heard from the tower in the last five days, when Blaze and a dwarf named Rokal had come to Fort Ogrestorm for supplies. They didn't show up for their scheduled supply run and report last night. More disturbing is the lack of "All's Good" blue flame that is lit every night to indicate that there's no sign of trouble in the region (there is also an orange flame that is burned when there's trouble in the region and a dark red one that indicates a dangerous invasion is underway and all martial forces should be gathered). Since its construction, even during the worst conflicts with the remaining ogres, someone found a way to burn the flames in warning, but the high hills upon which it stands is dark with no signal now.

Because of the history of the region, the grizzled commander of the new Fort Ogrestorm militia is worried that the dangers of the north may be revisiting again and has begun to mobilize his small force against possible assault, preparing for the worst. That said, he has no idea what has happened at South Hook Tower and is seeking to find aid in at least scouting out the region to determine if there is trouble brewing and of what sort.