Conversation so far:
What was the storyline for M. John Harrison's Viriconium series of books?
Viriconium is known as the Pastel City. Both universal and particular, the city has a shifting topography and history, and is sometimes known by names such as 'Uroconium'.
How many books were in the Viriconium series?
There are three books in the Viriconium series. The first book, The Pastel City (1971), the more complex second novel is A Storm of Wings (1982), and the third novel, In Viriconium (1982).
What year did In Viriconium come out?
In Viriconium was released in 1982
What is the name of the second book of the Viriconium series?
The second novel is A Storm of Wings.

Question: What is the plot of the first book?
Self-contained rewrite: What is the plot of the first book of the Viriconium series?