The Crow’s Eye is the primary entry point to the City of Scholars, a massive chasm at the center of The Screed. The nickname was coined by The Ouroboros’ topographers when the craft flew over the area at high altitude, where the dark pit resembles a massive black iris.
Dimensions
The chasm’s diameter exceeds one hundred meters, leading to a vast shaft that plunges leagues into the darkness toward the city itself. The titanic dimensions command awe at first glance, inducing vertigo.
Structure
A system of terraced scaffolding has been constructed around the entire perimeter, granting access to numerous alcoves and troglodytic chambers. Many entryways have collapsed over time and require extensive repairs to become usable. Exposed to daylight, the upper terraces have been overrun by vegetation, forming hanging gardens that contrast with the darkness below.
Ecosystem
Small animals have settled in the upper levels, drawn by the calmer, more sheltered environment compared to the surface, forming a self-contained biotope. Small stone structures scattered along the concentric levels are slowly being devoured by erosion, ivy, and climbing plants, marking different districts once present.
Aerolith Transport
Ordis scholars expressed surprise at the presence of large, finely cut blocks of Aerolith in abandoned hangars. They concluded the Crow’s Eye likely served as a central well for transporting Aerolith from mines deeper underground up to the surface at the height of the city’s glory.
Historical Significance
The expedition crew believes the site marks the entry to the City of Scholars, a key landmark for locating the source of The Tumult. Evidence suggests outer districts were struck by a powerful blast originating from the direction of Cais Adarra.
Expedition Operations
Admiral Temera Singh assigned Jin-Hee Jeanty to supervise construction of a surface outpost while ordering descent operations postponed until Exalt reinforcements arrived. Jubal Okech was assigned as lead excavator with Leocardius Sree overseeing artifact analysis. Exploration of lower levels was postponed based on Teija’s recommendation that The Skein reacted strangely near the chasm, as if avoiding the depths.
Freight Elevator System
Freight elevators have been arranged intermittently around the pit, mounted on massive steel scaffolds plunging into the dark. Axiom operates the lift system. Some elevators are simple baskets hanging in the void for personnel transport, while larger platforms accommodate heavy vehicles and mobile laboratories. Bravos and Axiom provided climbing equipment including harnesses, ropes, grappling hooks, pitons, and Kelon lanterns for descent teams.
Relationships
- Aerolith: Material found in abandoned hangars; chasm likely served as transport well
- Axiom: Faction operating freight elevator system and providing equipment
- Bravos: Faction providing climbing equipment for descent teams
- Caer Nilam: Region containing the site; direction from which blast damage originated
- City of Scholars: Underground city accessed via this chasm
- Jin-Hee Jeanty: Commodore who supervised outpost construction
- Jubal Okech: Lead excavator assigned to the site
- Leocardius Sree: Oneiros assigned to artifact analysis and journal documentation
- Nauraa: Muna Alter Ego who descended into the chasm (393 AC)
- Ordis: Faction whose scholars noted the Aerolith deposits
- Rediscovery Endeavor: Expedition investigating the site (393 AC)
- Sigismar Synd: Ordis paladin present at The Screed during descent operations (393 AC)
- Teija: Muna Exalt who recommended postponing City exploration and led descent team (393 AC)
- Temera Singh: Admiral commanding operations at the site
- The Ouroboros: Vessel whose topographers named the site
- The Screed: Surface location containing the Crow’s Eye
- The Tumult: Phenomenon whose source the expedition seeks; potential Singularity at bottom
- The Undergrowth: First underground level accessed via the chasm