[IC] Shell 111

[Robert The Rebuilder]

As you might have noticed, I've begun work on my shell for Ahra Pahts.

Initially, I made the obelisks and central structure quite tall (as you can see below):

• External view of shell

But I was reminded about the height limit and had to find a way to lower them by 15 feet. After some excavating, I managed to get them under the 60-foot limit:

• Lowered structures

To keep the sides from caving in, I used the same strong material found in the canal walls. But now I need to solve the problem: how to prevent people from dropping 15 feet when they enter the shell?

[Aloys]

Thank you again Robert for your last minute modification of your shell. I should have stated more clearly the size limits. Now I had added it in the new shell readme.txt that I had to the new shells and in the new Shell FAQ. That should be enough.

To make up for your extra work on lowering the whole structure if you want I will build a set of stairs for your shell.

[Chacal]

That would explain why I broke my leg entering your shell...
Stairs, or even better, a dock and a bridge. A drawbridge as for a castle, or a gagngway as for a ship.
You'll also need a texture for masking the gap between your new floor and the wall.

Oh and the inside of the central structure is UGLY!

[Robert The Rebuilder]

Tsk-tsk, Chacal: Fly mode is for cheaters!

[Trylon]

Well, cheaters and maintainers.

[Chacal]

Yeah, good thing I had my suit on.

[Robert The Rebuilder]

I've done some more work on my shell. Lacking the means to enter the shell proved to be a great deterrent to trespassers (except those who can pass through walls), but it also prevented me from testing it. So, I added a gate. But since I wanted to be the only one to go inside, I added a security system. Woe be to those who dare to fiddle with the controls!

I also increased the height of the obelisks, since later on it will be important to see them from the outside...

• External view of shell
• Close-up of security system

[Chacal]

All this reminds me of a great Arthur C. Clarke novel: Rendez-vous with Rama.
A must-read for all Writers.

[Robert The Rebuilder]

I've been doing lots of masonry work as of late.

The interior of the central massive structure is complete. The gigantic moving slabs of stone have been precision-milled so that their sides are nearly frictionless. I've tested the walls for integrity, and they seem fine. I like the security control design so much that I've duplicated it at various stations within the structure for controlling the moving slabs. And while tunneling through the stone, I came across several colorful geodes. But none of this is visible to the outside.

Externally, I've decorated the obelisks with colorful carvings. While carving the rear obelisk, I noticed a hairline fracture just above the midpoint. The stone seems otherwise stable, but I'll keep my eye on it. I should give a name to these obelisks: maybe the Towers of Kloo? Nah - too obvious...

• External view of shell
• Close-up of carvings

[Aloys]

I'm very curious to see what you have in mind for this shell. It all sounds so intriguing.