Editing Crucible:Praxis (section)

== The Black Hole's Shadow ==

The Eye of the Demon is more than scenery. Its presence affects everything on Praxis. Timekeeping is complicated by relativistic distortions. Navigation requires constant correction. Radiation storms sometimes wash across the outer defenses. Gravitational stresses occasionally create tremors deep in the planetoid’s structure.

Some mystics and alien philosophers claim the black hole also has a spiritual effect. They say combat beneath the Eye strips away illusion. They say warriors show their true selves there. They say the dead do not leave Praxis cleanly, but fall inward toward the darkness.

Most professional gamblers consider this poetic foolishness. Most veteran gladiators do not.