The Column Stairs are an access stairway in the colony of
Calen Estel, leading from the Fjord docks to the Landing of the city. Inside at the center of the winding stairs is a statue of
Sehakora, The Maelstrom. The statue serves as a shrine where sailors leave offerings to the Goddess of the Seas.
Description
From the docks, the Column Stairs appear as a large building set into the limestone cliffs of the
Serra Coast that are under
Calen Estel. The wall is white stone bricks that lead from the docks here all the way up to the topsidee, with an occasional opening or window making a visual line upwards to the city above. There is an open entryway at the base that provides access to the quays of the Fjord. There are members of the Cliff Guard stationed at the doorway.
Inside is a circular chamber cut into the multicolored limestone cliff. This chamber forms a column with smooth cut sides that show the natural layers of colors of the cliff. The chamber goes from the Fjord entrance up to the landing about 200 feet above. White stones form two spiral staircases in a double helix that head to the upper Landing.
In the center of this circular chamber is a statue rendition of
Sehakora, The Maelstrom. It is about 20 feet in height. It is made of solid white marble and has two gemstones set in for the eyes. The body of Sehakora winds and gathers at the base and leads down into the floor. The statue appears to be enchanted to glow white, which illuminates the chamber.
On the upper Landing, a raised stone chamber forms the entryway.
History
The Fifth Age: The Age of Beginnings
On 23 Madaet 5A 352,
Ilmendwyth traversed the Column Stairs after he arrived in
Calen Estel by ship. Later, he would travel down the stairs again to leave the city.
