Area surveyed: 256m x 256m or 65,536 m2
Route: SW corner along the coast eastward before turning North. At the boundary, we trekked back to the west surveying the Northern area. After a rest, we traveled roughly half way south then turned eastward to explore the middle region.
General Shape of Scandium.---One long slope to the sea, steepness varies.
We arrived very near the SW corner as marked on the map that follows. Immediately, our first true problem presented itself. A sheer drop of some 4 meters at it's highest blocked further passage. After a short detour northward, we were able to safely climb down and return to the immediate coastal area. I marveled to see trees and plants seemingly floating in air. For a time I considered the prospect that these might be natives, however, a steady hand with chisel and sample bag proved them to be only vegetation. Their area between ground and root ranged from 4 to 6 meters. (1) Further investigation is necessary. The plants in question appear to be Ponderosa Pine of varying age and the occasional clump of small white flowers.
Movement east was prevented by yet another steep, sheer slope reaching 10m or higher. Trekking north, the true nature of the phenomena was revealed. Some great disturbance in the land created what I took to be only an old river bed. The writer regrets that the width was not obtained but can state it was at least 20 meters wide at points. As we neared the Northern most edge, the soil began to change. Lush green ground cover and grass gave way to barren, chalky dark gray soil. I did not notice an excess of dust and took multiple samples. Nothing save old growth trees grew where this soil was. The natives are apparently unconcerned as a small campsite and well resided in a sizable patch of said soil (black square).
Of note, a massive wall (dark green patch on map) of gray stone mortared with some white substance has been erected on a particularly steep portion of the Western side. After scaling the 20 meter plus structure, a flat plain of verdant grassland was discovered. Along the Northern end, a few oak and apple trees resided.
Additionally, a sizable grove of weeping willow trees is located near the Eastern edge of Scandium (pale green circle). Two groupings of altars seem associated with the grove, see description of structure 2. A complete lack of any other varieties of plants, no wildlife at all and a single small outcropping of rock presents quite a puzzle, one the writer is at a loss to explain.
Overview of Non-Natural Structures.---Bright colors and a clear preference for stone and wood.
Structure 1
Located at the edge of sea and land, pale grayish fabric attached with straps and metal rings to blue toned metal cylinders comprised a small but recognizable house shape. The fabric was semi-transparent, intact and showed no evidence of wear, mold or other depredations. My still photographs somehow depict the structure as being solely on land. In person, roughly half the structure overhung the water supported by long thick wooden posts much like the ones in use in fair Caledon. A rough wooden door of weathered planks was located on the Western side but no clear method of opening it was found. Neither did the method of keeping it closed. Looking through the fabric walls, several small items of furniture were noted; a tapped keg small enough for Mr. Buchanan to have tucked under his arm and empty dark brown bottles, possibly of glass. The floor material was a deep blue with what I must call quilting. Underneath the structure, one finds the same material. Careful prodding revealed a softness that would be quite comfortable underfoot yet something must be inside to prevent sagging. For the sake of potential future relations with the Scandium people, a sample was not obtained.
Height from floor to apex of roof: 6.5 m
Width or N to S side: 6.25m
Depth, measured E to W: 7.25
Structure 2
The Temple of Dollah as it was explained to me draws it's faithful from many locations. Indeed, the current occupants clothing, manner of speech and even body shapes varied greatly. Bright colors in interesting combinations adorn almost every surface. The foundation and walkway is undecorated cut stone. The massively thick walls seemed to be stone but the samples have not yet been tested. Wood framed the windows large enough for four people to pass through at once. The roof is flat with no visible means of draining any weather that should occur. Design is basic squares, rectangles broken only by the paint and gently arched lower level windows. Inside, there is only the one floor covered in some thick plush fabric that entices one to remove their footwear. Designers from Caledon should visit the temple for inspiration although arrangements for suddenly leaving Caledon need to be made in case any resulting products incite riots.
Height from walkway surface to roof edge: 26 m
EW side (door): 33 m
NS side: 46 m
Structure 3
A small gypsy wagon made of metal on large fat wheels of some thick material is situated just outside the front doors of the Temple. When sampled, the black material emitted a faint hiss that continued. Declining to remain and face natives summoned by this security system, I took a hurried photograph and retired to camp to work on my notes. Measurements were not obtained.
Structure 4 & 5
Two smaller structures, one recognizable as a home on the sea shore are situated in the SE. Vegetation near the house seems unnatural to the area and is planted in recognizable rows. The pink structure could be a store and is made entirely of glass and wood. Painted slogans on the walls inside speak against war and prompt the reader to love. The significance of the large roof ornament escapes the writer. Note the altar of Dollah outside.
Other structures of note
Another example of stone walls being used to deal with the steepness of Scandium is depicted alongside an abandoned structure that shows the effect of whatever disturbance racked the land. Both are made of typical building materials.
1) The writer points out that all measurements here are only indications as building a proper measuring tool was impossible in Scandium.
