kozuloa is a network of caverns, on a small rocky island just off the coast of melissa. the primary entrance is a wide hole quarried through the thick layers of shale, which replaced the previous winding route. staircases and lifts run along the surface of the hole. overlooking the island is a tall steel mast used to move heavy equipment in and out of the entrance.

parts of the caverns are made of extremely large crystals, which can sometimes look like oceans. many people try to mine here for gemstones, and they often find what they’re looking for. there are so many crevices that it’s not too hard to end up somewhere no one has been before. the most common outcome is getting lost. there are not so many exits.

the most valuable crystals that remain in cave are usually difficult to access, either being far from the entrances or buried deep within other crystals or rock. as such, the most successful miners spend most of their time performing divination. this was what i did when i worked in the mines for one chapter of my life. various techniques and types of equipment are employed, most commonly the forked twig and the candle wick, though i found most success in appealing directly to the moon.

interestingly, the deeper parts of the caves are no less lively than the parts closer to the surface. tucked into the walls are lots of high end restaurants. many porters are required to carry the food down to be prepared for the miners, who discuss technique and trade agreements under crystal chandeliers and over fancy meats. there is effort expended to make these discussions appear friendly. when people leave kozuloa, they do so quietly and quickly.