West Rim Observatory
Jan 1, 2022 15:32:17 GMT -6
Post by Morgan on Jan 1, 2022 15:32:17 GMT -6
The Vast West Rim of the Canyon's Walls were home to many different homes and establishments along the incredible length of Eterra's slithering River Below; but the West Rim Observatory stands apart from the lights of the more populated areas. Far off and shrouded in darkness out of necessity stands a grand observatory atop the highest hill for miles. The massive telescope on top can be seen for a long distance and is the defining feature of great looming dark building. Upon closer inspection, there is a small brass plaque on the building affixed to the side that reads, in Draconic and then in Common beneath it, 'West Rim Observatory'. The Observatory is a vast example of technology, and the blending of Labs City and Draconic culture in the architecture is meant to show the enmeshment of Draconics and their Bonded Partners. The outside of the building is made up of interlocking rocks of the kind normally found within the Canyon itself, and the stones are etched with various understated 'murals' of Draconics and the Stars that look quite traditional. The entire building is rounded and the walls are very tall. There are a couple of doors available to the public, which are made up of dark wood with bright brass detailing that look like a starry sky, complete with a crescent moon. The front door is large enough that even the largest of draconics can enter, and there is another much smaller door for humanoids to enter easily. There are many beautiful windows with velvet black curtains that can be drawn that are painted delicately with galaxy themes that can be seen from the outside, even from the bottom of the steps. These curtains, when closed, obscure all light from the inside of the building itself. There are great slate steps that make their way to the front doors. The top of the bulding is perhaps the most magnificent detail that can be seen from the outside, as it is a bright almost brass-colored dome with an incredibly large telescope fitted into the top for an Astronomer's uses. There is only a single light outside, in the form of a large traditional (four sided) lantern-esque light hanging from the front porch. It is made up of black metal and the glass casts blue and purple light. There are small star shapes cast on the ground during the night time from the lantern. Apparently this light, though bright and helpful at night, does not affect the quality of the view from the telescope. Once inside the building, one can really appreciate just how huge this building is. Several of the biggest draconics could stretch out muzzle to tail across the center of the circular room. The floor is made up of pale marble, and is overlaid in the largest traditionally made carpet that one could probably even imagine. Said dark blue carpet has lovely thick pile and a beautiful pattern of glow in the dark constellations over the top of an almost watercolor galaxy-like fantastical pattern. The area is lit by domed LED lights in soft white light that show through a glorious accurate starmap of the sky over both the Canyon of Eterra and the Labs City that is painted over the ceiling with great scientific accuracy. The walls are made up of smooth spotted granite on the inside, with the lovely curtained windows that are visible from the outside appearing quite stunning from the inside. Each window has a large black-leather upholstered settee beneath it, surrounded by relatively short book cases that have many books on scientific subjects. There are large bean bags in varying details that can be moved around the room at one's leisure. Several nearby folding tables can be moved to allow for impromptu meeting circles. There are plenty of plug ins for charging WATTs or playing Radios if desired. A large bar made up of black lacquered wood and decorated with fine sapphire-colored stars in which dim lights shine through lines the wall to make a semi-closed off space in the back. A few different appliances are located in the back, where non-messy refreshments can be doled out (the most common are jars of commemorative konpeito candies that range from sizes that humanoids would find easy to eat to ones far more suited to draconic patrons). Parties can be held in the Clubhouse, as long as everything is cleaned up afterward and nothing gets too out of hand. Beyond the bar is a delicate winding cast-iron and canyon-stone staircase of a size that can easily suit humans (closer to the rails) and draconics alike. At the top of the landing is the apparent domed room, equipped with plenty of telescopes for watching the canyon's life during the daytime, and for amateur stargazing at night. The rounded room-wide windows are tinted in such a way to allow one to look out, but not for those outside to look in (or maybe even notice the window's existence at a basic glance). The room is mostly dark, and lit by a lantern that matches the one on the front porch. In the far back is an area hidden behind a great velvet curtain that is off-limits to patrons entirely; apparently this is where the owner of the establishment (A somewhat reclusive Draconic named Endymion) operates the great (off-limits) telescope to study. What Do We Do?: -The Entire First floor is a meeting place for Draconics and Humanoids alike with a Star/Galaxy Themed Clubhouse Feel. -You may study Starmaps here if you would like, or converse with science-minded individuals in the Clubhouse. -The top floor is known as the Observatory, Where small telescopes can be used to study the stars. -Get a souvenir or two! (In the Future, not at the moment.) -Note: The Great Telescope cannot be used by anyone but the owner due to its delicacy. Week Day Hours: -Observatory: Summer & Fall (4 PM - 4 AM) , Winter & Spring (5 PM - 5 AM) -Clubhouse: Open 24 Hours Weekend Hours: -Observatory: Summer & Fall (4 PM - 4 AM) , Winter & Spring (5 PM - 5 AM) -Clubhouse: Open 24 Hours Holidays: -Observatory: The Observatory is closed on Draconic Holidays except under Special (Astronomical) Circumstances. -Clubhouse: The Clubhouse will be Open and Decorated for both Draconic Holidays and Labs-Denizen Holidays. |