The Sidereal House

Because of the myriad smokes and discharges of the City, the stars are remote and rare things. They are infrequently seen—except in the district of the Sidereal House. The Sidereal House is a tower atop a high plateau, jutting defiantly up from the urban sprawl. This institution seeks to understand the lights of the sky and their significance for those who dwell on earth.

The Sidereal House is home to a sect of natural philosophers. These astronomers calculate the motions and positions of various planets, their dance, conjunctions, and the timing of eclipses. The Sidereal House is also home to many astronomical tools: a (relatively simple) telescope, a (large and elaborate) orrery, and a mechanical clock (the mechanisms of which dominate three floors of the tower). It is the civic responsibility of the Sidereal House to track, record, and name new years.

Sensations:

Mosaics personifying the zodiac, the constellations, and each planet. The tower itself is a massive affair, and looks somewhat unsteady. At this height, the air is quite clear. It is cold and good smelling. When you look up, you can actually see the stars twinkling above you.

Special City Action:

• As above so below: You may go stargazing at the Sidereal House. Draw the top three cards from the minor arcana deck and place them back in any order.