Question 7 - where magic does not work.

[Mr. Tenk]

Inside the old quarter is a crater-like zone in which magic does not work. It touches Clockhaven on the wall behind the hostel where the priests have mortared bars in the gate, and academy of industry at the center of the eastern edge of the builder's square. Occultists perch their instruments along the edge, monitoring the subtle ebb and flow of the ley. The phenomenum is well known as fact for believers and as local legend for scoffers. The one thing no one agrees on is... WHY?

Well? WHY?

[Fono Heninga]

An iron meteorite struck the site in the prehistoric era of the land where Babbage now stands. The point of impact had a particularly strong ley line running through it, which has remained disrupted up to the present day.

[Osric Worbridge]

I like this idea.

[Ceejay Writer]

There is something elegant about the simplicity of this notion.

[Ceejay Writer]

(I like the meteorite for True Fact, but Babbagers wouldn't carry that story down the line. They'd let their imaginations run a little too loose, thusly.)

Stories were told about a city zoo, in a building made of iron. It was perfectly round, imbedded partially into the soil. The portion below ground was filled with water, in which swam gathered mythical sea creatures. Above this indoor sea flew specimens of extinct birds. Around the inner perimeter were ornate cages, housing unimaginable beasts of the land. It was huge. Teachers would bring students through to teach them about Things That Were. Doctors of all sorts studied the creatures to try to learn why they died, and their connections with current common animals. There were dangerous beasts contained, but everyone trusted the strength of the iron building.

Sadly, this valuable resource had not been built up to code, and began to show it's age far too soon. The iron alloy had been prepared badly. Rust weakened the structure. One day three girders gave way. The small sea flowed outwards, cages ripped open and the beasts thundered free. The birds took to the air.

One minute later, all were dead. Outside of the zoo, which was rumored to be charmed and perhaps even a place where time did not move, these creatures could not live. Two days later the building crumbled to rust. The rounded pit remains to this day.

Mommas still get children to behave by telling them the Old Creatures will come gobble them up if they don't wash behind their ears. No records of this building have ever been located - but the stories persist.

[Mr. Tenk]

/me raises his eyebrows as high as they can go

[Ceejay Writer]

Stories are told of a small man with a big mind who could raise his eyebrows to the ceiling. If the full moon comes on a clear night, and moonbeams angle through your window, look up. Those eyebrows may still be up there. Now, eat your string beans or the eyebrows will smother you in your sleep, child.

[Sheryl Skytower]

*snorgles*

[Fono Heninga]

*resists urge to rez a pair of eyebrows at 1500m*

Also: eeeheeheee!

[Mr Underby]

I like this one a lot.

[Mr. Tenk]

bugger. its probably that simple, isn't it.

[Katherine Montpark]

It's simple, believable, and pseudoscientifically sound. However, as it is not romantic at all, most people believe one of the wild rumors, legends, and stories abounding about the effect.

[DreddPirateBob]

well i started my theory and then just loved the elegance of this too much. Bravo!