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=====Clusterfall: Excavating Stars=====

//"If we are to learn our origin scientifically, we need to look past [[Deities|The Goddesses]] and focus on the materials they used. They may give us thought, form, and soul, but it was the stars themselves who clustered together in different life stages and conditions that started our journey."// - [[Berhael Ingotbrand]]

Written by the Coreologist [[Berhael Ingotbrand]], this textbook details the procedures used at [[Clusterfall]] Dig Sites as well as the scientific knowledge surrounding [[Astral Core|Astral Cores]].

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====Chapter 2 | An Introduction to Clusterfall Digs====

Although the [[Stellaborn]] connection with [[Deities|The Goddesses]] is nearly as important as the next step we take, researchers and scientists have always wondered about the history and origin of the [[Astral Core]]. From its impenetrable star glass to the liquid galaxy that resides in it, the true nature of the material has been a mystery to all scientific professionals. It was not until the year 131 AL, when the first [[Clusterfall]] was intercepted that researchers were given a chance to explore the mysterious material intimately. This chapter examines the basic procedures and information surrounding [[Clusterfall]] Dig Sites.

**Finding a Dig Site**

Although it is commonly believed that a Dig Site is found by looking at the ground, it is actually seen by watching star activity. One of the first lessons coreologists are taught is how to determine whether a star falling to the surface is either a new [[Stellaborn]] or an unrefined [[Astral Core]] marking the beginning of a new [[Clusterfall]] event. When examining these falling objects, it is essential to watch out for the 'gleam of life' that researchers call it. This 'gleam' is seen only on falling [[Stellaborn]], mimicking the look of a shining piece of polished metal as the [[Deities|Deity]] touched [[Astral Core|Core]] makes its way into [[Kunvadis|Kunvadis's]] atmosphere.

If an object does not have this gleam and it is a lone faller, this is quickly identified as a raw [[Astral Core]] beginning its descent to where the [[Clusterfall]] event will occur next. By following the object's directory and computing its fall speed, a [[Clusterfall]] dig team must be sent out to its fall location to begin preparations for the incoming fall event.

**Preparing a Dig Site**

When an [[Astral Core|Raw Astral Core]] hits the surface, it often buries itself deep in the dirt and rock from the impact, so that when coreologists arrive, it can be challenging to find the initial material However, the first is always just the beginning of the [[Clusterfall]] event, which means that the time to prepare a large area to be scoured, searched, and unearthed to find the jewels fallen from the stars.

[[Clusterfall]] events usually always happen within a similar radius, allowing coreologists and assistants ample time and preparation to create a perimeter. This perimeter is to keep the attention of the researchers to the zone where raw astral material will fall while also keeping those without the proper credentials in such an important research and harvest site. Once the perimeter has been created, it is time to begin flagging buried astral material with the use of ground-penetrating astral radars developed by engineers and scientists in [[Goldbrook]].

During the first twenty-four hours of a [[Clusterfall]], the soil remains undisturbed by shovels or tools. Instead, a team of dedicated coreologists takes shifts to vigilantly monitor and mark the pieces of raw astral material that fall from the sky. This patient and vigilant approach, if successful, ensures the recovery of most, if not all, artifacts. After an entire Vara cycle, the coreologists begin the excavation process, guided by the lead of that [[Clusterfall|Clusterfall's]] lead, who uses scanning and measurement tools to create a three-dimensional map of the site.

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====Chapter 5 | From Meteors to Material====

Understanding the history, purpose, and design of a [[Clusterfall]] event are all important stepping stones to understanding the excavation process. From the time the raw astral material first hits the surface to the time it has been uncovered, sifted, and cleaned, coreologists have already learned several new layers of information and ways to look deeper into the void of our pasts. However, the most significant point of new information comes from the items hidden within the meteors that carried them to [[Kunvadis]]. This chapter covers the process coresmiths take to uncover the artifact's secrets and uses.

**Cracking the Shell**

To ensure that the inner material is protected during its expedition from the stars to the planet, all of the astral material found during [[Clusterfall]] is encased in a thick layer of rock and sediment, making it look as if it was a typical asteroid. Once cleaned, adequately measured, and weighed, these heavy rocks are passed from the coreologist's careful hands to waiting coresmiths at the dig site.

Although all of the meteors must be cracked open to find the truth of their content, experienced coresmiths often can tell from the weight of the rock to know the general idea of what is inside. Although it takes years for the knowledge to become reliable enough to be used at a glance, it has been noted that heavier artifacts usually contain rare crafting materials. In contrast, the lighter ones contain raw [[Astral Core|Astral Cores]].

Regardless of what lies beneath the rocky surface, all coresmiths follow the same meticulous procedure to extract the raw material. Armed with a [[Radgar Steel Hammer]] and a steel chisel, the coresmith embarks on a slow and careful process. They 'ping' around the surface, searching for any crack or vulnerability. The sound of the correct place to strike may vary depending on the coresmith, but most can agree that it changes from a heavy 'thud' to a lighter, almost inaudible whistle. Once this 'ping' is found, the chisel is placed on the highest point, and one heavy downward swing of the hammer is used to slam it into the invisible crack. 

**Exposing the Material**

Once the meteor has been cracked open with the initial hammer swing, more minor yet precise taps of the hammer on the chisel follow the crack. This is the most tedious part of the process, ranging anywhere from thirty minutes to nearly three hours of careful hits to ensure the inner material is not damaged. When the thick layer of rock has been entirely loosened from the rest of its shell, the coresmith can use the chisel as leverage to remove the piece, revealing the material beneath.

Some of the most rare and valuable materials found in meteors are [[Chromatic Flame Spark|Chromatic Flame Sparks]], [[Starglass Shard|Starglass Shards]], and [[Stardust]]. These materials, often found during [[Clusterfall]] events, are highly sought after for research due to their connection with [[Stellaborn]] and their creation. However, they are rare in the [[Stellagos]] market. Their versatility and use in making [[Chronovelour]] makes them a highly sought after item. These items are usually housed in a thin, easily breakable layer of starglass that envelops them under the meteor's surface, making it easy to extract for any level of coresmith.

The rarer materials are the [[Astral Core|Raw Astral Cores]] that fall only in the [[Clusterfall]] event. As the most critical component in the creation of a [[Chronovelour]], these raw materials are often always kept by those who found them during the excavation process. The starglass that protects these raw cores is the most rigid and most durable material known to [[Stellaborn]], making its extraction both tedious and challenging.