The Gazing Eye

The Astral Beacon of Kray Providence

The Gazing Eye is an iconic monument of epic proportions, located in Crafton Cove in the Kray Providence. It stands tall above the plateau that shares its name, a plateau that's a staggering 1750ft in height. This grandiose landmark, designed by the Githyanki artist Keratar, is not just a beacon for sea and airships, but also an astronomical observatory and a religious symbol dedicated to Krayvuk, the god of death, time, space, and science.

It's been a journey, both literal and metaphoric, crafting the Gazing Eye. My name is Keratar, the artist behind this marvel. In the beginning, Haught and I butted heads, but through our disagreements, a strange friendship was forged. As I etched my name and journey into the Eye's sclera, I realized that this was more than just a piece of art. It was a symbol of my journey, of the lessons learned, and the bonds formed with the people of Crafton Cove.

Keratar's Journal, the Githyanki Artist

Geography

The Gazing Eye sits atop the highest peak of Crafton Cove, rising over 700ft tall and 350ft wide. This impressive edifice overlooks the lush rainforests, the bustling marina, the farmlands, and the city with its cascading waterfall and lake, providing a breathtaking view from every direction. To the east lies the precipitous cliff, with the ocean waves crashing onto the rocks below.

Construction

The monument is predominantly composed of Blackstone steel, sculpted raw cliffs, Mistwood Timber, Emerald Pearls, Sunfire Gems, Voidglass, and Magnetized Kraykatyzate - a local green crystal valued for its magnetic properties. It took the coordinated effort of both the Institute of Science and Production and progressive design architects over the span of 5 years to bring this vision to life.
The Eye is designed in the almond-shaped image of the all-seeing eye of Krayvuk, with the pupil fashioned in the shape of an hourglass, a symbol of time. This central piece stands over 250ft tall and is crafted from reflective and light-sensitive materials powered by a series of crystals. This allows it to serve as a robust signaling system for both naval and airships, helping to guide them safely through the fog and darkness.
The construction process of the Gazing Eye was a marvel in itself. The outer frame was first created from the tough Mistwood Timber, lending the structure its initial robust shape. This timber frame was then meticulously overlaid with Blackstone steel, sculpted to resemble the intricate details of an eye. The steel provided the monument with an added layer of resilience, able to withstand the harsh coastal weather conditions and any potential threats.
The magnetic properties of the Kraykatyzate crystals were fully harnessed during the construction, allowing workers to lift and control the otherwise hefty materials with ease. This proved essential when crafting the enormous hourglass pupil. As the center of the eye, the pupil is made from Voidglass, a material appreciated for its mystic shadows and magical properties. Infused with Sunfire Gems, it illuminates brightly at night, guiding both naval and air vessels safely to Crafton Cove.
The monument's capstone, the iris, is adorned with hundreds of emerald pearls, adding a touch of opulence to the otherwise austere structure. In sunlight, these pearls shimmer brilliantly, their emerald hues visible even from miles away.

Artist & Visionary

The monument's creation also marked a significant chapter in the life of its designer, Keratar. Initially at odds with Haught Crafton the First, the commissioner of the project, their relationship eventually blossomed into a strong friendship as they worked together on this monumental undertaking.
Keratar, the Githyanki artist, immortalized himself in the monument by carving his name and a depiction of his journey through the Kray Providence into the sclera of the Gazing Eye, a testament to the extensive journey he undertook before the creation of this marvel.

Function

The Gazing Eye is not only a symbol of protection and reassurance but also a scientific marvel. The top part of the monument contains a series of glass lenses, crystals, and magical devices that function as an advanced telescope, allowing scientists to study the stars and celestial bodies like never before. The observatory itself is located at the base of the monument, doubling as the power structure that keeps the light pulsating for the safety of sea and air travelers.
The Gazing Eye’s observatory is a marvel of scientific achievement. With the topmost section of the Eye housing the most powerful array of telescopic lenses, all made from Kraykatyzate-infused Voidglass. These lenses, combined with magical artifacts, allow viewers from the ground level to peer into the celestial canopy beyond their world's atmosphere. Astronomers and scientists flock to this monument to take advantage of this unique feature.

My name is Elinor, an astronomer in Crafton Cove. The day we first used the Gazing Eye as an observatory, I felt as if the universe had expanded before my very eyes. The celestial bodies that had once been mere dots in the sky came alive with breathtaking clarity. The Gazing Eye became more than a monument that night; it became our window to the cosmos.

Elinor's Diary, the Astronomer

Moreover, the monument serves as a powerful reminder of Krayvuk's watchful eye, fostering a sense of unity and spirituality among the citizens of Crafton Cove.
Rumor has it that the monument also serves as a defense system. Some speculate that the Eye can unleash a devastating beam of concentrated energy by harnessing the power stored in the Kraykatyzate. While this function has never been deployed, the rumor provides a sense of security to the inhabitants of Crafton Cove.

Cultural Impact

The completion of the Gazing Eye was met with great jubilation by the townsfolk, who see it as a symbol of their community's resilience, innovation, and devotion. It has since become a renowned landmark in the Konran world and a point of pride for the residents of Crafton Cove.
Despite standing through three different ages, the Gazing Eye remains a wonder to behold and a testament to the artistic and scientific prowess of Crafton Cove. It continues to draw the admiration of both locals and travelers alike, while keeping vigil over the city as both a beacon of light and a watchful eye.
The Festival of the Eye
The completion of The Eye marked the first of an annual holiday, Stargazer's Night (Mid Krayvuk) - A night where people gather to watch the stars and the two moons, sharing stories and legends about the cosmos. The Festival of the Eye in Crafton Cove is the epitome of the holiday but those all over Konran celebrate the night as Stargazers Night. Telescopes and gazing instruments are all the rage while. With the two moons hiding from sight it’s the perfect night to watch the skies and share celestial tales. The Eye of Krayvuk dominating the visuals on the celebration.
Every year on the anniversary of its completion, the citizens of Crafton Cove celebrate with a grand festival. From every corner of the city, the Gazing Eye is visible, reminding them of their shared history, collective achievement, and the watchful gaze of their patron deity, Krayvuk.

Coordinating the annual festival for the Gazing Eye has been a part of my life for years now. When the Eye is lit up by the fireworks, reflecting their brilliant hues, it's an awe-inspiring sight. The joy and unity it brings to the people of Crafton Cove are immeasurable. The Gazing Eye is more than a beacon or an observatory. It's the beating heart of our city, resonating with our collective history, achievements, and spirit.

Maeve's Journal, the Festival Coordinator

In the eyes of the world, Crafton Cove is more than a bustling city; it's the home of the Gazing Eye, a marvel that exemplifies the perfect blend of natural resources, artistry, technological advancement, and religious devotion. Truly, it stands as a beacon for all of Kray Providence and beyond.

The Grand Warden

Location: Crafton Cove, Kray Providence, Konran
Designer: Keratar
Type: Monument, Beacon, Observatory
Material: Blackstone steel, Mistwood Timber, Emerald Pearls, Sunfire Gems, Voidglass, and Magnetized Kraykatyzate
Height: 700 feet tall and 350 feet wide
Visitors: Unrecorded, estimated millions annually
Beginning date: 2nd Age in the year 3445, the 5th of Krayvuk's Ascent (Spring)
Completion date: 2nd Age in the year 3450, the 15th of Krayvuk's Eclipse (Winter)
Opening date: 2nd Age in the year 3450, the 20th of Krayvuk's Eclipse (Winter)
Dedicated to: Krayvuk, the god of death, time, space, and science
Current Konran Year: 3rd Age in the year 2495

Type

World wonder