Conan and the Tower of the Elephant (1e)
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In the Zamoran city of Arenjun¸ amidst the cold and gleaming shrines of the city's temple district¸ stands a single tower. Surrounded by a pair of walled¸ tiered gardens¸ the tower thrusts 150 feet into the Zamoran sky¸ a perfect cylinder crowned with gems. Unmarred by doors or windows¸ the tower seems remote¸ impenetrable and alien¸ a spire utterly out of place in Arenjun. It is the abode of Yara the priest¸ and home to the Elephant's Heart¸ thought to be the most valuable jewel in the world¸ and the secret of Yara's power.
"Throughout Arenjun and all of Zamora¸ rumours of the tower are as thick as flies in the Maul¸ the rotting slum of Arenjun where thieves¸ murderers and mercenaries mingle with lunatics¸ prostitutes and fugitives in a lawless orgy of decadence and revelry. It is said that the tower was built in the space of a single night¸ and is formed of pure silver¸ blindingly bright by day but glimmering like water beneath the wan light of the moon. Brave men whisper in fear of the stories of its bestial and alien guardians¸ ceaselessly patrolling the gardens¸ and of the legions of guards manning the tower's lowest levels. Of what lurks in the upper levels¸ where the great gem lies¸ the rumours seem more as if they are nightmares given voice than anything which could be real. No matter the verity of the rumours¸ one thing is absolute truth - the tower and its master are talismans of terror¸ even to the fearless rogues of Zamora. Despite the fabulous wealth it surely contains¸ no thief has yet had the courage to assay Yara's cursed tower - at least¸ none have tried and lived.