Dawn broke over the eastern horizon as the morning sun illuminated the ironclad fortress surrounding the Blackstone Gorge. Dense plumes of grey smoke rose from the forge chimneys where imperial artificers worked around the clock, reinforcing the perimeter wall with heavy runic iron. Inside the elevated brass tower, the Primordial Gate's deep purple fissure hummed with a steady, inviting radiance that lit the canyon floor.
Kale Ardentis stood on the elevated brass platform, wearing dark grey Master Fleshcrafter robes trimmed with silver runic embroidery. Around his neck hung the white gold Master medallion, its polished surface glowing softly as it registered the spatial vibrations emanating from the portal. Beside him stood Grandmaster Lazek Oberon and Grandmaster Kraul, flanked by twelve elite imperial artificers carrying specialised extraction equipment and enchanted brass lanterns.
