LDPW Nautilus
Nautilus
This ancient city has recently been discovered. Mysterious crystals, a temple, assembly hall, and palace surround a large pool.
... and a large park:
... and a harbor, with a nearby market:
Highlights around the Great City of Nautilus
The Pharos, Nautilus-Byth
As intrepid seafarers approach the great water channel leading to the ancient city; strange flickering beams in the sky, followed by a sighting of a lofty tower, alert them to the presence of the treacherous Nautilean coast. This large beam-house is The Pharos, and was constructed as a navigational aid replacing a much smaller crystal beacon, the ruins of which may still be seen on a nearby outcrop. Statues of sea creatures festoon the terraces of the Pharos, whilst a large idol of Hydraea, Goddess of the Sea, faces out to the Western Sea, both embracing friend and threatening foe with upraised hands. At the top of the tower rests the main lamp house where crystal energy passes through deflection grids to be streamed out to the cardinal points of the compass, clearly visible for many miles. Halfway up the tower, within a small open chamber at the top of the great stairway, is a focussing relay crystal which controls the nature of the Pharos' beam to suit the prevailing weather conditions.
Inside the great hall at the foot of the structure lies the main crystal reactor, within a deep containment pit surrounded by an energy screen. On one side of the barriers stands the console containing the control array and spectral coolant rods. As a protection against power overload, the reactor is gated to the sea via an internal pool and underwater tunnel, so that in the event of such an emergency, it may be flooded with seawater and extinguished. This pool should be empty and serene, however the Pharos has gained an 'unofficial' resident during some phase of it's existence. A rogue scientist fell from favour with the council of Nautilean elders due to his somewhat aggressive and more than a little xenophobic attitudes toward foreign trade, building crystal powered mechanical sea boats to disrupt passing trade and seize wealth for himself. Exiled from the main citadel he barricaded himself inside the Pharos, settling inside the main chamber where he constructed a new vessel within the confines of the coolant pool, periodically venturing forth from his lair via the sea tunnel to harry vulnerable shipping and steal supplies. This undoubtedly resourceful individual was apparently not immune to the mysterious cataclysm which afflicted Nautilus in the distant past, indeed some enigmatic writings discovered within the chamber suggest he may actually have been instrumental in hastening its effects, and all that may now be seen to mark his occupancy are his last and greatest undersea vessel, a variety of somewhat incongruously added docking structures, and a scatter of books dealing with a variety of arcane and eclectic topics. Judging by the compact size of his vessel, the physical stature of the Professor did not in any way match that of his mind !
Baal Public Park, Nautilus-Baal
Nautilus sports a pair of public parks adjacent to the canal bank. Furthest east lies Baal Park, which contains a small seating area where one may sit and watch crystal particle beam displays, and also a small secluded pool for relaxation and contemplation known as 'The Eye of Baal', the reason for which may be clearly seem when viewing the feature from the air.
Kothar Public Park, Nautilus-Kothar
The second park is located immediately adjacent within the Kothar district and contains a large outdoor public pool and thermal spa area alongside stone walkways. This location, in addition to the wild vegetation and arboreta common to both parks, also features a large outdoor mechanical chess set, the workings of which have yet to be precisely discovered, and a natural pool within which sits a small island upon which is sited a monument of unknown assignation.
City Sea Gate, Nautilus-Melqart
Two enormous bronze gates close the sea channel against hazards where it enters the great citadel wall. These may be swung open and shut, forming a bright star in the centre which acts as a night beacon when they are closed against entry.
The Canal, Nautilus
The deep channel of The Great Canal extends from the Citadel due east, and straight as a die, to the ocean, which it meets at the turbulent waters surrounding the Pharos. The channel has become home to various flora and fauna over the years.
Magellan Linden's Mole Tank, Nautilus-Mysehi
Technically his "atomic boring machine". This 4000 ton vehicle was constructed by the LDPW moles to Magellan's specifications; powered by a 500 megawatt fission reactor, it can slowly burrow below the terrain surface. Magellan used it only once, to cross under the strange dome or shield which hid and protected the city of Nautilus.