:: Aulduron: Capital of Kelystovia ::

:: Thursday, May 01, 2003 ::

Industry on Crystal Lake - Crystal Lake didn't get its name from having crystal-clear water (which it does), it got it from the precious crystals found at the extreme depths it reaches. These crystals are highly prized, but they are almost impossible to obtain from the bottom of a 3000 foot-deep abyss. The process of obtaining a good-sized crystal involves days of deep-sea chiseling at unmoving rock. It is long, painstaking work, a career that many people forsake after only a short time. There are complex robots designed to do the work, but they are expensive and have been known to accidentally sever their own power umbilical line and sink to the bottom of the lake. The crystals are very durable, able to withstand temperature extremes of up to 2000° F and as low as -300° F. They don't shatter and are hard to polish and cut, unless with a blade made out of another crystal. Therefore, the most profitable way to harvest the crystals has become explosives. The bombs will dislodge and scatter the whole crystals without harming them, making it a simple search and recover mission for the divers. However, this form of crystal harvesting is illegal, because it harms the lakebed and surrounding sea life so badly. The explosive residue poisons the water while the blast crater causes unnatural erosion. Even so, this form of harvesting continues, due in some part to a very wealthy businessperson as yet unnamed. This mysterious person finances several companies used as fronts for the crystal-harvesting industry, they then poach the waters, leave and never operate under the same name twice. Other industries on Crystal lake include the Mendes foundries in Aulduron, the Schumann seafood company in Aurelorin, and the Mendes oilrigs at mile 2,312 of the lake.
:: joelman 5/01/2003 [+] ::
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Devony Cult - A very dark and seedy organization led by an even stranger and more menacing person (Many people contend that he isn't a person). Guarded and staffed by a loyal army of androids and followers, Devony, as he is called, runs this underground society. His ties to organized crime and various dark conspiracies have never been proven, but, even so, his dislikable personality and seedy mannerisms keep law enforcement agencies on the lookout. Spiking his hair into nearly 2-foot long spines, painting his face deathly white and his lips jet-black, he strikes a resemblance to evil incarnate. Funded by donations from his "followers" Devony has numerous hideouts and retreats, one of which is Thrashprag island. His other known properties include Hellspit island on Crystal Lake, The Corptyrian Courthouse, and the Lazrakeleis Temple.
:: joelman 4/28/2003 [+] ::
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