General Shape of Scandium.---Steep to almost level as considered diagonally SE to NW.
The land is sloped quite steeply in the SE corner where it adjoins Promethium and Snafu.
an old growth forest reigns proudly. As one moves cross country towards the NW corner, the land slowly levels off with an almost flat area in the center. Extensive use of flying crystals is necessary if one wishes to explore this region in less than a week of hard walking.
Bylat has the largest amount of vegetation and stone outcroppings seen to date. It was most refreshing to fill an entire sample kit from one sim. The SE corner has a large stand of old growth forest, quite thick and healthy. Eucalyptus, evergreens and some oak were the predominant species noted. just north of the forest, a natural waterfall and outcroppings of several types of rock held pride of place near a dance pavilion described later. One stone path in the woods was located (see sample collection). Following the line of the slope on either side, the path's arrangement, almost symmetrical with rounded stones, could be hand laid or natural. A better trained scholar geographer shall have to determine it's origins at a later date.
Decorative plantings abounded near the dance pavilion and several other non-natural structures. All seem to be imports as the species could not be found at any distance from a structure. One tree in particular needs further study. It was twisted and deformed as if stricken by the most grievous of diseases yet it's foliage was lush, thick and green. Samples of bark, what sap could be obtained and leaves are located in the main sample collection. Here follows a photograph depicting the tree and it's shape for immediate consideration.
Overview of Non-Natural Structures.---Muted colors, mainly built of stone, open to the weather and empty.
Structure 1
Sin's Secret Garden blazed the 10 meter sign lettered in pink upon a red background. As it's exterior was 85% gray rock, I marveled that anyone could grow plants inside the massive 40 m tall x 100 m x 80 m structure. The upper most reaches had 4 large windows made of colored glass and from a near distance, I could see revolving lights suspended from the ceiling. They shown a bright, narrow beam in one of many bright hues
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Structure 6
In part of the forest, SW corner, a leather structure reached almost to the tree tops. The height was approximately 25 meters and the interior would comfortably sleep eight on small pallets. Samples were not obtained of the cured leather or the untanned hide that served as a door flap. The peak is open to the air with poles controlling two small flaps. Smoke from the interior fire pit trickles out the top providing clean air for breathing inside. The horned skull of some animal decorates the exterior surface. Either side of the structure are two vertical wooden poles from which hang 5 flags each. The flag images are depicted below in case someone recognizes them and can inform the writer of their meaning.
Structure 7
Ink & Pink etched onto pink glass forms the partial roof of this structure. Black beams support the glass and seem to be of marble as my simple chisel couldn't scratch it or produce a sample. The lower half of the structure is pink metal rectangles, riveted into place. I cannot deduce the underlying support to which it is fastened. The floor is made of material that looks similar to the beams yet it sounds different when chiseled.
This appears to be an unattended store offering tattoos, most labeled tribal. The signs state that they come in all clothing layers. Prices mentioned are 15 to 50 lindens with separate sections for Men and Women. Governor Shang was shipped a sample of the wares therein in hope of keeping him properly abreast of the cultures we discover.
Structure 8
The exterior is covered with brown and gray bricks, see sample. Small windows made of metal and glass allow light into the interior of what I determined to be a home. Structure size is roughly 20 x 20 and 3 stories tall. Most amazing of all, this structure floats above the tree tops by no means visible to the naked eye.
curator's notes:
Miss Ofeq constantly refers to Bylot incorrectly. Current theories hold that she was bad at spelling. Occasionally, distant relatives and some few scholars have declared she misunderstood the local dialect and is therefore blameless. Both sides of the debate point to the few handwritten sources available as proof of their position.
Sim - a term that appeared in Miss Ofeq's writings sometime between her exit from Scandium and her time in Bylot. Her traveling companion, Mr. R. Buchanan wrote: "The final bit of information I have discovered is that the land of the Mainland is divided up into areas much like there are counties in Caledon. However, upon the mainland, these areas are called "sims." What the history or foundation of the name might be, I do not know. Their names for the counties are very strange indeed but, in all ways, they seem to function very similiarly to Caledon counties."
