Beast (crane)

The Beast is the largest crane in the world. It is located at edge of the Long Pier, near the center of the Docks district of Absalom. The Beast is used to unload the heaviest and largest loads in Absalom. It is a five-story stone windmill-like massive structure, with a long wooden winch-and-rope system sticking out of the top. The entire building can rotate on its axis and its main arm can extend out from its normal 25-foot length. Built 500 years ago, it is well maintained, capable of lifting nearly 60 tons to a height of 55 feet. When lifting loads no more than 10 tons, it can swing them in a 360-degree arc anywhere within 100 feet of its central tower. Its structure contains 16 human-operated treadwheels. All the warehouses built around the Beast are multi-storey buildings with central shafts to allow the Beast's cables to raise and lower cargo to any of their floors.

Responsible for the operation of the Beast is the First Harbormaster. Running the Beast requires engineering expertise, thus the crane is hired out to a professional crane master. Recently, Adrielle Neprathep of House Fyrlenn was replaced by Amaziah Meneha as the chief engineer of the Beast.

In 4499 AR, during the Red Siege, the Beast defended itself, using a one-ton block of stone as an oversized flail.