Tamriel: Origins

Rising above the palace’s western flank, the Sunfire Oculus is a domed observatory of white-gold latticework and varla-glass panels tinted amber, blue, and rose. A spiraling staircase hugs its inner wall, leading to a wide circular platform beneath the dome’s apex, where the celestial lens—a massive polished mirror inlaid with Welkynd veins—sits suspended by bronze arms. During dawn and dusk, refracted sunlight spills in radiant patterns across the inlaid floor, designed to align with the constellations of the Ayleid sky-codex. High Astrologer Calithiel traces planetary motions upon a crystal slab, flanked by Apprentice Merion who sketches charts with luminous ink. An arcane pedestal set against the wall glows with stored prophecies, while two bronze-bound codices lie open nearby. A curtained alcove holds a broken tripod mount, sparking debate over sabotage. Dusty scrolls line an upper shelf—some detail lunar cycles, others hint at “The Starlit Lamp’s” lost alignment.

A domed structure with intricate white-gold latticework and varla-glass panels in amber, blue, and rose hues. Inside, a spiraling staircase leads to a circular platform beneath a celestial lens, with radiant patterns on the floor during dawn and dusk.