The world of Calera was heavily polluted, only the most dangerous of areas such as the volcanic ridges that dotted the continent free of the taint of necrotic industry. Gargoyles sailed out to search for locations of interest or possible hide-outs should the boiling valley be compromised.

Diggers bored through volcanic stone, occasionally breaking into old lava tubes or unearthing new wells of boiling water. Stacks of metal ingots were stacked alongside tanks full of necrotic biomass, the first harvests from the catoblepas processed by the frigates Cauldron.

You sat in the bridge looking over a map that was slowly being pieced together by the gargoyles reconnaissance and the testimony of the three human captives still held in the storage closet. Occasionally you glanced through the sight of the gargoyles as you thought over the strange encounter with the enigmatic Masked.

Looking through the large eye of a gargoyle perched in a twisted tree you see a small village spread out in a valley spread around several large mines. A large structure towers over the settlement with several small floating trade barges moored to piers. Distracted by your thoughts you nearly miss a flicker of energy among the outskirts where the gargoyle perched.

Focusing intently the Reconstructed slithers through the branches to get a clear look and there at the metal wall of the city where a drainage pipe dumped sludge into a polluted stream you spot movement. One of the tripodal Natives, hopping off its large blunt foot and swinging on its long arms flees from the pipe toward the trees. There was shouting on the other side of the wall, cries of thief and rebel. Your gargoyle followed the panting creature as it fled into the trees and you could hardly believe your luck.

The native pauses and glances back to stare at the gargoyle with what could possibly be shock on its beaked face. To your sightless gaze its body pulsed with Voidlight curling around it with unrecognized potential.