- For the episode, see The Black Gorge.
The Black Gorge is a dark underground chasm host to several dangerous species of creatures. The area is vastly maze-like and is completely dark except for one spot that receives sunlight for only a few seconds once a year, and is notable for having a natural energy field that absorbs crystal energy.
The Black Gorge is featured prominently in the episode of the same name, where the Storm Hawks fall into it after the crystal energy powering the Condor is drained from flying too close above. Stork provides the crew with a map, goggles and the knowledge of the place from sources he does not divulge any information about. They are able to escape by fueling the Condor with a Solaris Crystal powered up by the rare amount of sunlight that reaches inside the Gorge.
Only one other person was able to escape the Gorge, and he made a map of the area so that anyone else ever trapped inside would have a better chance to escape. However as he had fought 'Gorge Madness' while making the map, it is likely there is information missing on the map, such as pathways that could be considered shortcuts. These unknown shortcuts are heavily used by Spiny gorge sloths, particularly a sloth named Mr. Cheepers, who guided the Storm Hawks to the dead end of the Black Gorge, much to the annoyance of Stork.
A map of the Black Gorge. Top-left is where sunlight is occasionally able to shine.
Creatures of the Black Gorge[]
There are several creatures which are native to the Black Gorge and can only be seen with the use of specially designed goggles.
Effects of the Black Gorge[]
Ability to drain crystal power[]
Due to its magnetic field, the Black Gorge has the ability to drain crystal power, even when airships are flying over the chasm. One exception is the Solaris Crystal which harness solar energy and therefore not subjected to the Black Gorge's power drain.
Gorge Madness[]
A person with prolonged exposure to the gorge may develop Gorge Madness, a type of hallucination in which the victim will see themselves as edible. Physical symptoms include darting eyes, shortness of breath, paranoia towards inanimate objects (including rocks).
A person with the Gorge Madness is expected to recover about 24 hours after leaving the Black Gorge, although Stork mentions that it may take years at worst.
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