Post by outspaced on Apr 11, 2016 13:42:14 GMT
The following article will be incorporated into the next edition of the Atlas of Titan. It is based on the book FF19: Demons of the Deep. Feedback is requested on any omissions or discrepancies in the text.
As previously described, Atlantis City was once a wealthy metropolis, and even today its sunken remains are a sight to behold. Courtyards and grey stone buildings in the ancient style still stand despite the drowning of the great city.[2251] However, as with all places of wonder upon Titan, there is also great danger, so a visitor should be very wary.
It should be noted right away that the Atlanteans had a well-developed system of tunnels beneath their streets, apparently for waste disposal. This is evidenced by the proliferation of trapdoors leading down from the floor-level of many of these buildings.[2252] Opening these covers should be done with extreme caution, as whirlpools are liable to form, sucking the unwary down into the blackness of the tunnels and coral-filled grottoes.[2253] The complex layout of these tunnels can easily bamboozle even the hardiest adventurer. Cubical rooms seemingly made of ice, the floors of which is a layer of bubbling steam have been reported by some,[2254] while others speak of encounters with a wizened old Sea Hag, whose cauldron fire still somehow burns despite being hundreds of feet underwater.[2255] Don't be surprised to see immense growths of Brain Coral large enough to divide a tunnel into two branches.[2256]
The Arena is still recognisable by its distinctive red dome, though now fractured and broken in places. The long marble seats that served as benches are still there, kept clean by a current of water that eddies and swirls around the inside of the edifice. The floor where the combats were held is vast, indicating that the Atlanteans were as bloodthirsty as they were advanced.[2257]
The imposing Mausoleum still stands, where once the great and the good of Atlantis City were buried. Its foursquare structure and great bronze doors are testament to Atlantean engineering, though its interior is today "overgrown with coral. Huge stone crypts line the walls, each with its own statue", some human, some more piscine in appearance, reflecting Atlantis' historical relationship with the oceans.[2258]
Where once a great municipal park was laid out there now grows a beautiful Underwater Garden. The great iron gate still stands unrusted, protected by some power, magical or alchemical, that has long since been lost to the ages. The underwater garden is 'laid out just like a formal garden on land' and contains "many beautiful specimens of seaweed, coral, and water plants. Instead of birds, the 'trees' are filled with coloured fish."[2259] A small woodland of kelp and other nameless seaweeds lies along one path, providing a natural hunting ground for the carnivorous Lionfish.[2260] Elsewhere, a marble fountain sits in a clearing, releasing "a constant stream of fine bubbles, which drift to the surface, far above."[2261] Beyond this is "a part of the garden that looks rather like an orchard" where "tall branches of coral support vine-like plants bearing red and orange fruit." This fruit is said to have healing properties.[2262]
At the very centre of the garden is "a neatly kept clearing" within which sits "a very ordinary-looking cottage surrounded by a great iridescent bubble." Surrounding the cottage are "land-dwelling shrubs." This is the home of Greylock, an ageing wizard who has turned his back on the world, and his cat, who had no choice in the matter.[2263]
A large number of Merfolk dwell together in a large cavern beside and beneath the ruins of Atlantis City, the walls of which "have been cut and faceted to bring out the beauty of the rock." Little exhibits such as "glittering crystals, attractive plants or anemones, and other undersea curiosities" are displayed here as an undersea art gallery. As long as you have no connection with their hated enemies the Deep Ones, the Merfolk will be affable and likely to offer hospitality in their "spacious" cavern, "full of Mermen and Mermaids."[2264] A "sumptuous cavern" adjoining this is given over as the Merfolk's Games Room, "full of Mermen and Mermaids disporting themselves and gambling for gold, jewels, and trinkets."[2265] The Merfolk also have luxuriously-appointed Sauna Baths, designed to make an intrepid traveller feel like a whole new person in just a few minutes.[2266]
Incidentally, their Deep One antagonists dwell together in "a huge palace with striped domes."[2267] The Royal Palace is "the largest building...in Atlantis", save possibly for the magnificent Cathedral. Indeed, it dwarfs many structures standing
today above water, reminding the visitor of the great technical abilities of which the Atlanteans were possessed. "It is also in a good state of repair", though expect Deep Ones--green-skinned creatures with gills, webbed fingers, huge claws, and frog-like eyes--to be guarding the entrance.[2268] The current ruler, King Seamoss, "is always interested in curiosities", and regularly holds court from a throne in the great council hall, in which are to be found many "richly-dressed courtiers."[2269] He is not known to be sympathetic to a traveller's plight, but the Deep Ones are usually impressed by a feat of strength, such as defeating their current champion.[2270] Rumour tells that a fair princess lies "on a soft bed of moss" in an upper room of one of the highest towers of the palace, "doomed to sleep until she be kissed by a hero."[2271]
Between the ruined buildings are areas of outstanding natural beauty, like green meadows of soft seaweed. The water in these 'meadows' "tastes clean and fresh...like mountain air." Often to be found grazing in these oases of calm are the timorous Sea-horses of the ocean.[2272] Although large enough to 'ride', trying to do so is not recommended as the nervous creatures are liable to bolt and try to buck you off. However, a traveller who can quell a sea-horse's natural reluctance to carry a passenger on its back will find that it swims much faster than they can.[2273]
If there is one Atlantean structure stands out above all others, is must be the grand Cathedral. An imposing construction of great Masonic artistry, a flight of "great stone steps" lead up to it, in a way that would once have dwarfed a visitor before Atlantis sank beneath the waves.[2274] "It is a huge, Gothic structure, complete with gargoyles on the roof." Its main doors stand open still, welcoming the pious to prayer and introspection. The great hall into which one swims is dominated by the "vast stained-glass windows lining" it. These "depict many sorts of scenes", both above and below the sea. Most curious of all, however, is the fact that "although the scenes do not move, they change. Whenever you look away from a window, it is different when you look back!" Those who have witnessed this amazing sight swear that they have even observed themselves in the scenes![2275] Indeed, some claim that these ever-changing images can actually show glimpses of the future. The Mermen and Mermaids that dwell in Atlantis often visit the Cathedral, sometimes to seek solitude, or on other occasions to be mesmerised by the stories shown in the stained-glass.[2276] The chivalrous and grandiloquent Cyrano the Swordfish lives within one of these mysterious windows. His tutelage in the art of the sword comes at a very competitive price, and his claim to be "the greatest swordmaster of all the oceans" has yet to be refuted.[2277]
The huge cathedral also boasts four tall towers and a belfry whereupon sit the aforementioned gargoyles--not the stone monsters one might expect, "but statues of ordinary people, squatting and making hideous faces."[2278] Watch out for the voracious Batfish who make these stone towers their home, though![2279]
Towards the outskirts of the ruins of Atlantis City, fewer buildings survive. Many have disappeared into vast, deep chasms, where the seabed plunges into unfathomable, inky depths. These steep-walled chasms are home to "many strange fish and weird marine growths."[2280] Their walls may also contain fissures and caves, hiding places for such terrifying beasts as the Sea Ogre. These brutish hybrids have been known to capture unsuspecting explorers and keep them in cages, fattening them up before devouring them with an extreme lack of manners.[2281]
Less old than the ruined city, though of no less interest to travellers from above the waves, are the wrecks of many sunken ships that lie on the sea bed. Often one will find galleons with "masts still tall and straight" and rags of sail still waving in the current. Perhaps victims of furious tempests whipped up above the waves, many more of these fine sailing vessels were sunk by cannonballs and pirates.[2282]
One final word of warning to those fortunate enough to explore the hidden depths of Atlantis: be careful where you tread. Ghosts of unburied sailors and pirates are said to haunt their bones' resting-places, leaving the sandy seabed unnaturally smooth and clear.[2283]
References:
2251 Demons of the Deep paragraph 211.
2252 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 331 and 271.
2253 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 271 and 258.
2254 Demons of the Deep paragraph 372.
2255 Demons of the Deep paragraph 307; cf. the illustration accompanying this paragraph for the mysterious underwater fire beneath the cauldron!
2256 Demons of the Deep paragraph 162.
2257 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 223, 282, and 304.
2258 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 16 and 340.
2259 Demons of the Deep paragraph 2.
2260 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 174 and 38.
2261 Demons of the Deep paragraph 359.
2262 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 20 and 124.
2263 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 234 and 135.
2264 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 385 and 190.
2265 Demons of the Deep paragraph 164.
2266 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 190 and 266.
2267 Demons of the Deep paragraph 64.
2268 Demons of the Deep paragraph 103.
2269 Demons of the Deep paragraph 35.
2270 Demons of the Deep paragraph 208.
2271 Demons of the Deep paragraph 399 and 4.
2272 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 202 and 166.
2273 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 108, and 9.
2274 Demons of the Deep paragraph 390.
2275 Demons of the Deep paragraph 269.
2276 Demons of the Deep paragraph 211.
2277 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 244 and 335.
2278 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 339 and 146.
2279 Demons of the Deep paragraph 13.
2280 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 324.
2281 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 256 and 392.
2282 Demons of the Deep paragraph 282.
2283 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 16, 196, and 321.
As previously described, Atlantis City was once a wealthy metropolis, and even today its sunken remains are a sight to behold. Courtyards and grey stone buildings in the ancient style still stand despite the drowning of the great city.[2251] However, as with all places of wonder upon Titan, there is also great danger, so a visitor should be very wary.
It should be noted right away that the Atlanteans had a well-developed system of tunnels beneath their streets, apparently for waste disposal. This is evidenced by the proliferation of trapdoors leading down from the floor-level of many of these buildings.[2252] Opening these covers should be done with extreme caution, as whirlpools are liable to form, sucking the unwary down into the blackness of the tunnels and coral-filled grottoes.[2253] The complex layout of these tunnels can easily bamboozle even the hardiest adventurer. Cubical rooms seemingly made of ice, the floors of which is a layer of bubbling steam have been reported by some,[2254] while others speak of encounters with a wizened old Sea Hag, whose cauldron fire still somehow burns despite being hundreds of feet underwater.[2255] Don't be surprised to see immense growths of Brain Coral large enough to divide a tunnel into two branches.[2256]
The Arena is still recognisable by its distinctive red dome, though now fractured and broken in places. The long marble seats that served as benches are still there, kept clean by a current of water that eddies and swirls around the inside of the edifice. The floor where the combats were held is vast, indicating that the Atlanteans were as bloodthirsty as they were advanced.[2257]
The imposing Mausoleum still stands, where once the great and the good of Atlantis City were buried. Its foursquare structure and great bronze doors are testament to Atlantean engineering, though its interior is today "overgrown with coral. Huge stone crypts line the walls, each with its own statue", some human, some more piscine in appearance, reflecting Atlantis' historical relationship with the oceans.[2258]
Where once a great municipal park was laid out there now grows a beautiful Underwater Garden. The great iron gate still stands unrusted, protected by some power, magical or alchemical, that has long since been lost to the ages. The underwater garden is 'laid out just like a formal garden on land' and contains "many beautiful specimens of seaweed, coral, and water plants. Instead of birds, the 'trees' are filled with coloured fish."[2259] A small woodland of kelp and other nameless seaweeds lies along one path, providing a natural hunting ground for the carnivorous Lionfish.[2260] Elsewhere, a marble fountain sits in a clearing, releasing "a constant stream of fine bubbles, which drift to the surface, far above."[2261] Beyond this is "a part of the garden that looks rather like an orchard" where "tall branches of coral support vine-like plants bearing red and orange fruit." This fruit is said to have healing properties.[2262]
At the very centre of the garden is "a neatly kept clearing" within which sits "a very ordinary-looking cottage surrounded by a great iridescent bubble." Surrounding the cottage are "land-dwelling shrubs." This is the home of Greylock, an ageing wizard who has turned his back on the world, and his cat, who had no choice in the matter.[2263]
A large number of Merfolk dwell together in a large cavern beside and beneath the ruins of Atlantis City, the walls of which "have been cut and faceted to bring out the beauty of the rock." Little exhibits such as "glittering crystals, attractive plants or anemones, and other undersea curiosities" are displayed here as an undersea art gallery. As long as you have no connection with their hated enemies the Deep Ones, the Merfolk will be affable and likely to offer hospitality in their "spacious" cavern, "full of Mermen and Mermaids."[2264] A "sumptuous cavern" adjoining this is given over as the Merfolk's Games Room, "full of Mermen and Mermaids disporting themselves and gambling for gold, jewels, and trinkets."[2265] The Merfolk also have luxuriously-appointed Sauna Baths, designed to make an intrepid traveller feel like a whole new person in just a few minutes.[2266]
Incidentally, their Deep One antagonists dwell together in "a huge palace with striped domes."[2267] The Royal Palace is "the largest building...in Atlantis", save possibly for the magnificent Cathedral. Indeed, it dwarfs many structures standing
today above water, reminding the visitor of the great technical abilities of which the Atlanteans were possessed. "It is also in a good state of repair", though expect Deep Ones--green-skinned creatures with gills, webbed fingers, huge claws, and frog-like eyes--to be guarding the entrance.[2268] The current ruler, King Seamoss, "is always interested in curiosities", and regularly holds court from a throne in the great council hall, in which are to be found many "richly-dressed courtiers."[2269] He is not known to be sympathetic to a traveller's plight, but the Deep Ones are usually impressed by a feat of strength, such as defeating their current champion.[2270] Rumour tells that a fair princess lies "on a soft bed of moss" in an upper room of one of the highest towers of the palace, "doomed to sleep until she be kissed by a hero."[2271]
Between the ruined buildings are areas of outstanding natural beauty, like green meadows of soft seaweed. The water in these 'meadows' "tastes clean and fresh...like mountain air." Often to be found grazing in these oases of calm are the timorous Sea-horses of the ocean.[2272] Although large enough to 'ride', trying to do so is not recommended as the nervous creatures are liable to bolt and try to buck you off. However, a traveller who can quell a sea-horse's natural reluctance to carry a passenger on its back will find that it swims much faster than they can.[2273]
If there is one Atlantean structure stands out above all others, is must be the grand Cathedral. An imposing construction of great Masonic artistry, a flight of "great stone steps" lead up to it, in a way that would once have dwarfed a visitor before Atlantis sank beneath the waves.[2274] "It is a huge, Gothic structure, complete with gargoyles on the roof." Its main doors stand open still, welcoming the pious to prayer and introspection. The great hall into which one swims is dominated by the "vast stained-glass windows lining" it. These "depict many sorts of scenes", both above and below the sea. Most curious of all, however, is the fact that "although the scenes do not move, they change. Whenever you look away from a window, it is different when you look back!" Those who have witnessed this amazing sight swear that they have even observed themselves in the scenes![2275] Indeed, some claim that these ever-changing images can actually show glimpses of the future. The Mermen and Mermaids that dwell in Atlantis often visit the Cathedral, sometimes to seek solitude, or on other occasions to be mesmerised by the stories shown in the stained-glass.[2276] The chivalrous and grandiloquent Cyrano the Swordfish lives within one of these mysterious windows. His tutelage in the art of the sword comes at a very competitive price, and his claim to be "the greatest swordmaster of all the oceans" has yet to be refuted.[2277]
The huge cathedral also boasts four tall towers and a belfry whereupon sit the aforementioned gargoyles--not the stone monsters one might expect, "but statues of ordinary people, squatting and making hideous faces."[2278] Watch out for the voracious Batfish who make these stone towers their home, though![2279]
Towards the outskirts of the ruins of Atlantis City, fewer buildings survive. Many have disappeared into vast, deep chasms, where the seabed plunges into unfathomable, inky depths. These steep-walled chasms are home to "many strange fish and weird marine growths."[2280] Their walls may also contain fissures and caves, hiding places for such terrifying beasts as the Sea Ogre. These brutish hybrids have been known to capture unsuspecting explorers and keep them in cages, fattening them up before devouring them with an extreme lack of manners.[2281]
Less old than the ruined city, though of no less interest to travellers from above the waves, are the wrecks of many sunken ships that lie on the sea bed. Often one will find galleons with "masts still tall and straight" and rags of sail still waving in the current. Perhaps victims of furious tempests whipped up above the waves, many more of these fine sailing vessels were sunk by cannonballs and pirates.[2282]
One final word of warning to those fortunate enough to explore the hidden depths of Atlantis: be careful where you tread. Ghosts of unburied sailors and pirates are said to haunt their bones' resting-places, leaving the sandy seabed unnaturally smooth and clear.[2283]
References:
2251 Demons of the Deep paragraph 211.
2252 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 331 and 271.
2253 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 271 and 258.
2254 Demons of the Deep paragraph 372.
2255 Demons of the Deep paragraph 307; cf. the illustration accompanying this paragraph for the mysterious underwater fire beneath the cauldron!
2256 Demons of the Deep paragraph 162.
2257 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 223, 282, and 304.
2258 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 16 and 340.
2259 Demons of the Deep paragraph 2.
2260 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 174 and 38.
2261 Demons of the Deep paragraph 359.
2262 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 20 and 124.
2263 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 234 and 135.
2264 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 385 and 190.
2265 Demons of the Deep paragraph 164.
2266 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 190 and 266.
2267 Demons of the Deep paragraph 64.
2268 Demons of the Deep paragraph 103.
2269 Demons of the Deep paragraph 35.
2270 Demons of the Deep paragraph 208.
2271 Demons of the Deep paragraph 399 and 4.
2272 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 202 and 166.
2273 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 108, and 9.
2274 Demons of the Deep paragraph 390.
2275 Demons of the Deep paragraph 269.
2276 Demons of the Deep paragraph 211.
2277 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 244 and 335.
2278 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 339 and 146.
2279 Demons of the Deep paragraph 13.
2280 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 324.
2281 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 256 and 392.
2282 Demons of the Deep paragraph 282.
2283 Demons of the Deep paragraphs 16, 196, and 321.
