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{{major spoiler}}
{{dawn spoiler}}
{{Character|image1 = dawnmachinegaz.png|caption1 = The Dawn Machine. Time will die. The Chain will end.|location = The Barnsmore Gap|allegiance = The New Sequence|relationships = [[Admiralty|The Admiralty]] (servants)
{{Character|image1 = dawnmachinegaz.png|caption1 = —UN. THE SUN. THE SUN. THE SUN. THE S—|location = The Barnsmore Gap|allegiance = [[The New Sequence]]|relationships = [[Clockwork Sun|The Clockwork Sun]] (counterpart)}}<blockquote>''"A light grows in the far south-west. It begins like a distant bonfire, but very rapidly, it becomes brighter, brighter. It looks remarkably like sunrise. Some of your crew fall to their knees: others duck behind cover or shield their eyes."''<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Auroral_Rupture#Event_description|Event description|Sunless Sea}}</ref></blockquote>The '''Dawn Machine''' is an artificial [[Judgement]] which lies in the southwest corner of the [[Unterzee]], within the Barnesmore Gap.
[[Clockwork Sun|The Clockwork Sun]]}}''"A light grows in the far south-west. It begins like a distant bonfire, but very rapidly, it becomes brighter, brighter. It looks remarkably like sunrise. Some of your crew fall to their knees: others duck behind cover or shield their eyes."''<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Auroral_Rupture#Event_description|Event description|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
The '''Dawn Machine''' is an artificial [[Judgement]] which lies in the southwest corner of the [[Unterzee]], within the Barnesmore Gap.
==THE SUN. THE SUN. THE SUN.==
<blockquote>''"The radiance to the south-west is white-gold like a Surface morning. There is warmth on your face. Your eyes water. Your skin stings and tingles. You catch a glimpse of geometries in the heart of it - complex faceted shapes that reconfigure like the wheels of an orrery -"''<ref name="look into light">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Auroral_Rupture#Interactions|Look into the light|Sunless Sea}}</ref></blockquote>A mess of elliptical rings, transformative light, and burning [[Correspondence]] sigils, the Dawn Machine is an enigmatic and malicious creation. The machine’s construction was led by [[June]] of the [[Calendar Council]];<ref>{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/the-mysteries-revealed-again/|Who was the original architect of the Dawn Machine?|Failbetter Games}}''"June of the Calendar Council"''</ref> its originally intended purpose is unclear.
Over time, the machine developed a will of its own and began to take control, brainwashing much of the [[Royal Navy]].<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Grand_Geode|Grand Geode|Sunless Sea}} ''"A naval base, with the Royal Navy's emblems, curiously amended. Efficient, bright-eyed women and men work briskly, everywhere you look. They are singing [...] Hard-faced Royal Marines watch you carefully [...] A plaque by the docks has been defaced with orange paint, but you can still make out the original inscription: 'STATION V (ADJUNCT)'."''</ref> These were the first members of the '''[[New Sequence]]''', a group dedicated to spreading the Dawn Machine’s influence across the Neath.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Dark-Spectacled_Admiral|Sell the Memento Mori to the Royal Navy|Sunless Sea}}''"I wish I could reward you better than this, but the New Sequence strangles us like ivy. Thank you. You are a true patriot."''</ref><ref name="consult admiral">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consult_the_Optimistic_Vice-Admiral|Consult the Optimistic Vice-Admiral|Fallen London}}''"The Vice-Admiral gazes at a map of the Upper River and smiles. "We will spread across it all, in time. The dawn knows no horizon.""''</ref> This group is based in the [[Grand Geode]], a former [[Admiralty]] outpost;<ref name=":0" /> the Machine is located behind the Geode, blocking the passage to the southwestern corner of the zee. Zailing beyond this point brings a foolish traveler into the Machine’s realm, where its influence is law.<ref name="unborn time">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Unborn_time|Story description|Sunless Sea}}</ref>
==Dawnburnt==
==Dawnburnt==
''"The radiance to the south-west is white-gold like a Surface morning. There is warmth on your face. Your eyes water. Your skin stings and tingles. You catch a glimpse of geometries in the heart of it - complex faceted shapes that reconfigure like the wheels of an orrery -"''<ref name="look into light">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Auroral_Rupture#Interactions|Look into the light|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
<blockquote>''"Light sheets over you. Your hair crackles as if a storm were rising. You squint your eyes shut, but the radiance around you is bright enough that you see the pink of your eyelids..."''<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Auroral_Rupture#Interactions|Look around you, but not directly at the light|Sunless Sea}}</ref></blockquote>The Dawn Machine’s light does not outright kill those it touches, like true [[sunlight]] can, but its effects are far more sinister.
A mess of elliptical rings, transformative light, and burning [[Correspondence]] sigils, the Dawn Machine is an enigmatic and malicious creation. The machine’s construction was led by [[June]] of the [[Calendar Council]];<ref>{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/the-mysteries-revealed-again/|Who was the original architect of the Dawn Machine?|Failbetter Games|}}</ref> its originally intended purpose is unclear.
Over time, the machine developed a will of its own and began to take control, brainwashing much of the Royal Navy. These were the first of the New Sequence, a group dedicated to spreading the Dawn Machine’s influence across the Neath.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Dark-Spectacled_Admiral|Sell the Memento Mori to the Royal Navy|Sunless Sea|}}</ref><ref name="consult admiral">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consult_the_Optimistic_Vice-Admiral|Consult the Optimistic Vice-Admiral|Fallen London|}}</ref> This group is based in the [[Grand Geode]], a former [[Admiralty]] outpost;<ref name="grand geode">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Grand_Geode|Grand Geode|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> the Machine is located behind the Geode, blocking the passage to the southwestern corner of the zee. Zailing beyond this point brings a foolish traveler into the Machine’s realm, where its influence is law.<ref name="unborn time">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Unborn_time|Story description|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
==Dawnlight==
''"Light sheets over you. Your hair crackles as if a storm were rising. You squint your eyes shut, but the radiance around you is bright enough that you see the pink of your eyelids..."''<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Auroral_Rupture#Interactions|Look around you, but not directly at the light|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
The Dawn Machine’s light (which we will colloquially refer to as "dawnlight") does not outright kill those it touches, like true [[sunlight]] can, but its effects are far more sinister.
When felt from a distance on the skin or seen by the eye, dawnlight causes a sense of discomfort and a sense that something is viscerally wrong. More direct or concentrated dawnlight can cause memory loss and make the viewer more suggestible. Close proximity to dawnlight for extended periods of time causes a victim to become dazzled, undergoing the physical and mental changes that can permanently turn them into a member of the New Sequence.<ref name="look into light" /><ref name="dawn's fingers">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Unborn_time|Dawn's fingers|Sunless Sea|}}</ref><ref name="speak with authority">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Grand_Geode|Ask to speak with someone in authority|Sunless Sea|}}</ref><ref name="false memories">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Icarian_Cup_(Story)|The Icarian Cup (Story)|Fallen London|}} ''"After that, your memories are awash with warmth and light. [...] Something is wrong. Those thoughts weren't yours!"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Icarian_Cup_(Story)|The Icarian Cup (Story)|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] dull light throbbing in your [...] skull, [...] you understand. [...] Joy fills you, and a hymn springs unbidden to your lips."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_Exceptional_Story:_The_Stag_and_the_Shark|An Exceptional Story: The Stag and the Shark|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a corona of light appears around its perimeter [...] Something pulses behind your eyes. [...] you close them, you see only light."''</ref>
Dawnlight is not only generated by the Machine itself; it is also emitted from '''Elements of Dawn''',<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Corridors_of_Frostfound#Story_description|Cross the bridge (2)|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> which are mere pieces of the Machine.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Element_of_Dawn|Element of Dawn|Fallen London|}}</ref> Some creatures that have been overwhelmingly influenced by the Machine’s light, such as [[Flukes#Dawn Flukes|Dawn Flukes]], can generate and emit dawnlight on their own.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Dawn_Fluke|Send some of your crew to harvest the Fluke|Sunless Sea|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Dawn_Fluke|Fetch a piece of the fluke to study|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
==The New Sequence==
''"Spend spend spend. Gold is such a pleasing colour, don't you think? Of course, it's the only colour I ever see. But it would be lovely if everyone could see as I do – and one bright day, they will."''<ref name="consult admiral" />
Headquartered at the Grand Geode, the New Sequence is an organized group of former naval personnel now loyal to the Dawn Machine; they serve as its primary way of interacting with the outside world. They work to spread the faith of the Machine to all, with decidedly religious devotion.<ref name="consult admiral" />
===Becoming a Sequencer===
''"You always knew the Neath was a place where the laws of the sunlit world did not apply: but now, somehow, you can see it. Is this chaos? Or freedom?"''<ref name="deliver sphinxstone">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Grand_Geode|Deliver the Sphinxstone|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
[[File:Seareyedvisionary.png|alt=A person with glowing orange eyes.|thumb|The Searing-Eyed Visionary]]
Members of the New Sequence, called '''Sequencers''', are fundamentally changed by their exposure to the machine, often undergoing a radical change in personality and behavior; their irises also turn a dazzling and unnatural gold.<ref name="grand geode" /> Aside from making them easily recognizable, this alteration also changes the perception of the Sequencers - they seem to become capable of physically seeing the forces of law and chaos at work in the world, though the exact way in which this manifests is unknown.<ref name="deliver sphinxstone" />
Psychologically, Sequencers often undergo something akin to ego death, altering their personality to varying degrees. In the most severe cases, the goals or ideals of the individual can be entirely replaced by an undying dedication to the Machine, leaving them in a trance-like state where they show little sense of self-preservation or concern.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Icarian_Cup_(Story)|The Icarian Cup (Story)|Fallen London|}} ''"I am to be an emissary, [...] Past Adam's Way I'll go, up to the red river's source."''</ref> Most Sequencers, however, seem to move past this point and recover to a point that allows them to function well enough in ordinary society.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Stag_and_the_Shark|The Stag and the Shark|Fallen London|}} ''"It's not going to be easy, [...] "but it'll be worth it. [...] It's the start of everything,"''</ref>
Even after recovery, some noticeable changes in personality remain. Most Sequencers tend to be in a constantly positive mood, regularly complimenting, reassuring, and accepting those in their company with little hesitation.<ref name="dawn's fingers" /><ref name="speak with authority" /><ref name="deliver sphinxstone" /> They radiate confidence and warmth, perhaps as a nod to the Machine they serve, and they generously reward those who help them.<ref name="memento mori">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Grand_Geode|Sell the Memento Mori to the servants of the Dawn Machine|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
===Methods===
''"Our Light will grow stronger. Not only as our fleet grows stronger. There are many doors that bar our ascent: but the Red Science is the key to many locks."''<ref name="memento mori" />
The New Sequence rarely acts with force, often preferring to infiltrate and influence other groups to use them for the betterment of the Machine. They are proficient at masquerading within the circles of high society; military men like '''the Commodore''' use their prestige as cover to mingle with groups of well-connected Londoners, and further their reach and resources.<ref name="speak with authority" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Stag_and_the_Shark|The Stag and the Shark|Fallen London|}} ''"Our agent's dossier suggested your friend's not too bright," [...] without researching you too, I cannot proceed."''</ref> They prefer to keep their allegiance secret in these groups, employing dawnlight to muddle the memories of those who come too close to the truth, and wearing darkened glasses to obscure their eyes.<ref name="false memories" /><ref name="invite admiral">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Invite_the_Optimistic_Vice-Admiral|Invite the Optimistic Vice-Admiral|Fallen London|}}</ref>
The Sequence exerts significant power in London’s diplomatic and naval channels. Although the [[Dark-Spectacled Admiral]] works tirelessly to thwart their influence, the New Sequence still maintains contact with the [[Voracious Diplomat]], an agent of London who acts with somewhat flexible loyalty. Should important information be reported to them, they may pass it on to the Geode.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Voracious_Diplomat|Ask about the Dark-Spectacled Admiral|Sunless Sea|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Voracious_Diplomat|Provide Vital Intelligence|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
In somewhat of a contrast to the covert elite, other Sequencers take advantage of their religious fervor, seeking to convert the people to worship of the Machine. They seem to have a degree of recognition by the churches of London, as they are influential enough to gain acknowledgement by the [[Bishop of Southwark|Bishop of Southwark.]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Railway_Synod|The Railway Synod|Fallen London|}}</ref> Some have a vested interest in the establishment of churches dedicated to the Dawn, seeing this as a vital step to furthering its reach in the Neath.<ref name="consult admiral" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consult_the_Optimistic_Vice-Admiral_2|Consult the Optimistic Vice-Admiral 2|Fallen London|}}</ref>
Aside from using their connections in religious and societal circles to spread the Machine’s word, Sequencers seek to strengthen their cause through the use of the esoteric arts of the [[Red Science]].<ref name="memento mori" /> The Dawn Machine itself is implied to be directly linked to the Red Science,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Artisan_of_the_Red_Science|Artisan of the Red Science|Fallen London|}}</ref> and the Sequencers seem to have picked up some proficiency in the practice of shaping Law.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Contemplate_your_Element_of_Dawn|Contemplate your Element of Dawn|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref name="aestival">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Grand_Geode|Ask the Commodore for a defence against sunlight for Aestival|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
It can be said that the Sequence acts with an iron fist in a velvet glove. Though the might of the Navy and the Royal Marines now stand at their backs, these forces are rarely seen by the public, as the Sequence instead seeks to use social manipulation to further their goals without raising suspicion.
==Notable Sequencers==
''"No no - your seven youths and maidens, ahahaha, I mean your seven crew, are not 'expenses'. They will live rich, satisfied, glorious lives. I will ensure it personally."''<ref name="purchase element">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Grand_Geode|Purchase an Element of Dawn from the Commodore|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
There are a few members of the New Sequence who hold note.
===The Commodore===
''You saw the Commodore, and then - then there was something bright. You discussed matters of importance. You're certain of it. Teasing clues linger in your memory. A zailor asked to stay behind, and you permitted it, because - because - It'll all come clear later. Probably."''<ref name="speak with authority" />
The '''Commodore''' is the apparent leader of the New Sequence, usually found in [[Grand Geode]] in a comfortable office overlooking the base.<ref name="speak with authority" /><ref name="purchase element" /> He is a welcoming sight to visiting captains, greeting them with conversation, tea, and fuzzy memories. He makes regular trips to London, where he spearheads the Sequence’s efforts in societal infiltration.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Icarian_Cup_(Story)|The Icarian Cup (Story)|Fallen London|}} ''"His social calendar is certainly busy. [...] No club is barred to him [...] Isn't "Commodore" a relatively low-ranking title,"''</ref>
===The Optimistic Vice-Admiral===
When felt from a distance on the skin or seen by the eye, the light of the Dawn Machine causes a sense of discomfort and a sense that something is viscerally wrong. More direct or concentrated light can cause memory loss and make the viewer more suggestible.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Grand_Geode|Ask to speak with someone in authority|Sunless Sea}} ''"You saw the Commodore, and then - then there was something bright. You discussed matters of importance. You're certain of it. Teasing clues linger in your memory. A zailor asked to stay behind, and you permitted it, because - because - It'll all come clear later. Probably."''</ref><ref name="false memories">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Icarian_Cup_(Story)|The Icarian Cup (Story)|Fallen London}} ''"After that, your memories are awash with warmth and light. [...] Something is wrong. Those thoughts weren't yours!"''</ref> Close proximity to the Dawn Machine or its offshoots for extended periods of time causes a victim to become dazzled,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Icarian_Cup_(Story)|The Icarian Cup (Story)|Fallen London}} ''"[...] dull light throbbing in your [...] skull, [...] you understand. [...] Joy fills you, and a hymn springs unbidden to your lips."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Auroral_Rupture|Look into the light|Sunless Sea}} ''"There is warmth on your face. Your eyes water. Your skin stings and tingles. You catch a glimpse of geometries in the heart of it - complex faceted shapes that reconfigure like the wheels of an orrery - "''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_Exceptional_Story:_The_Stag_and_the_Shark|An Exceptional Story: The Stag and the Shark|Fallen London}} ''"[...] a corona of light appears around its perimeter [...] Something pulses behind your eyes. [...] you close them, you see only light."''</ref> undergoing the physical and mental changes that can permanently turn them into a member of the [[New Sequence]].<ref name="dawn's fingers">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Unborn_time|Dawn's fingers|Sunless Sea}}''"We found you drifting," the Sequencer is saying. You blink. He slaps you on the shoulder. "You were blessed, my friend. Welcome home."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Unborn_time|Unborn time|Sunless Sea}} ''"The Dawn Machine's roots extend here, into a luminous, impossible space. You breathe gold. You think light."''</ref>
''"We will spread across it all, in time. The dawn knows no horizon."''<ref name="consult admiral" />
The '''Optimistic Vice-Admiral''' is a charming, upbeat fellow, never seen without darkened glasses.<ref name="invite admiral" /> He works to slowly shift religious establishments to turn followers to the worship of the Dawn. His main goal seems to be the spread of the Machine’s worship across the whole of the [[Hinterlands]].<ref name="consult admiral" />
'''Elements of Dawn''', which are mere pieces of the Machine,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Element_of_Dawn|Element of Dawn|Fallen London}}</ref> emit the same hypnotizing light.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Corridors_of_Frostfound#Story_description|Cross the bridge (2)|Sunless Sea}}</ref> Some creatures that have been overwhelmingly influenced by the Machine’s light, such as [[Flukes#Dawn Flukes|Dawn Flukes]], can generate and emit this light on their own.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Dawn_Fluke|Send some of your crew to harvest the Fluke|Sunless Sea}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Dawn_Fluke|Fetch a piece of the fluke to study|Sunless Sea}}</ref>
==Deeper Workings==
==The Chain Will End==
''"Worm-fates crawl on your skin. The Machine is sick. Its hatred threads your veins. Time will die. The Chain will end."''<ref name="unborn time" />
<blockquote>''"Worm-fates crawl on your skin. The Machine is sick. Its hatred threads your veins. Time will die. The Chain will end."''<ref name="unborn time" /></blockquote>The Dawn Machine’s original purpose under the [[Admiralty]] and [[June]] is still a mystery; it might even be working exactly as intended. Regardless, the Machine has shown a will of its own and a disturbing number of unnaturally powerful abilities.
[[File:Idleheirglasses.png|alt=A man with sunglasses.|thumb|The Optimistic Vice-Admiral]]
The Dawn Machine’s original purpose under the Admiralty and [[June]] is still a mystery - it might even be working exactly as intended. Regardless, the Machine has shown a will of its own and a disturbing number of unnaturally powerful abilities.
It seems that the Dawn Machine now aims to destroy the hierarchy of the [[Judgements]] entirely, and replace it with a system of its own.<ref name="unborn time" /> It wishes for time to die and the Great Chain to end, and to implement a new system of reality - thus, a New Sequence. It is an enemy of the [[Bazaar]], and seeks to restrict its power as one of the first steps to a full implementation of its ideals. It is also willing to help subvert the power of the Sun, possibly for its own gain.<ref name="aestival" />
It seems that the Dawn Machine now aims to destroy the hierarchy of the [[Judgements]] entirely, and replace it with a system of its own.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Unborn_time|Dawn's fingers|Sunless Sea}} ''"Worm-fates crawl on your skin. The Machine is sick. Its hatred threads your veins. Time will die. The Chain will end."''</ref> It wishes for time to die and the Great Chain to end, and to implement a new system of reality - thus, a New Sequence. It is an enemy of the [[Bazaar]], and seeks to restrict its power as one of the first steps to a full implementation of its ideals. It is also willing to help subvert the power of the [[Sun]], possibly for its own gain.<ref name="aestival">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Grand_Geode|Ask the Commodore for a defence against sunlight for Aestival|Sunless Sea}}</ref>
Some Sequencers have chosen to leave the Machine of their own volition while remaining golden-eyed, implying that those that remain loyal to the machine do so out of a sincere belief in its goals.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Carnelian_Exile#Speak_to_the_Carnelian_Exile|Bread and Salt|Sunless Sea|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Contact_February|Contact February|Fallen London|}}</ref> But more concerningly, as seen with the likes of the Dawn Flukes, it seems like the Machine may be able to influence beings more powerful than humans - or that it may have no limit to its influence at all.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Fathomking%27s_Answer|Give the Fathomking an Element of Dawn |Sunless Sea|}}</ref>
Some Sequencers have chosen to leave the Machine of their own volition while remaining golden-eyed, implying that those that remain loyal to the machine do so out of a sincere belief in its goals.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Carnelian_Exile#Speak_to_the_Carnelian_Exile|Bread and Salt|Sunless Sea}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Contact_February|Contact February|Fallen London}}</ref> But more concerningly, as seen with the likes of the [[Flukes|Dawn Flukes]], it seems like the Machine may be able to influence beings more powerful than humans - or that it may have no limit to its influence at all.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Fathomking%27s_Answer|Give the Fathomking an Element of Dawn |Sunless Sea}}</ref>
==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Nonhuman]]
[[Category:Nonhuman]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Formatted]]
[[Category:Cited]]
Latest revision as of 20:53, 5 February 2025
"A light grows in the far south-west. It begins like a distant bonfire, but very rapidly, it becomes brighter, brighter. It looks remarkably like sunrise."
NOTICE: Beyond this point lie SPOILERS regarding the DAWN MACHINE. There is much here that YOU, YES YOU may want to LEARN. DO PROCEED PROCEED PROCEED PROCEED NOW.
You can find out more about our spoiler policy HERE.
"A light grows in the far south-west. It begins like a distant bonfire, but very rapidly, it becomes brighter, brighter. It looks remarkably like sunrise. Some of your crew fall to their knees: others duck behind cover or shield their eyes."[1]
The Dawn Machine is an artificial Judgement which lies in the southwest corner of the Unterzee, within the Barnesmore Gap.
"The radiance to the south-west is white-gold like a Surface morning. There is warmth on your face. Your eyes water. Your skin stings and tingles. You catch a glimpse of geometries in the heart of it - complex faceted shapes that reconfigure like the wheels of an orrery -"[2]
A mess of elliptical rings, transformative light, and burning Correspondence sigils, the Dawn Machine is an enigmatic and malicious creation. The machine’s construction was led by June of the Calendar Council;[3] its originally intended purpose is unclear.
Over time, the machine developed a will of its own and began to take control, brainwashing much of the Royal Navy.[4] These were the first members of the New Sequence, a group dedicated to spreading the Dawn Machine’s influence across the Neath.[5][6] This group is based in the Grand Geode, a former Admiralty outpost;[4] the Machine is located behind the Geode, blocking the passage to the southwestern corner of the zee. Zailing beyond this point brings a foolish traveler into the Machine’s realm, where its influence is law.[7]
"Light sheets over you. Your hair crackles as if a storm were rising. You squint your eyes shut, but the radiance around you is bright enough that you see the pink of your eyelids..."[8]
The Dawn Machine’s light does not outright kill those it touches, like true sunlight can, but its effects are far more sinister.
When felt from a distance on the skin or seen by the eye, the light of the Dawn Machine causes a sense of discomfort and a sense that something is viscerally wrong. More direct or concentrated light can cause memory loss and make the viewer more suggestible.[9][10] Close proximity to the Dawn Machine or its offshoots for extended periods of time causes a victim to become dazzled,[11][12][13] undergoing the physical and mental changes that can permanently turn them into a member of the New Sequence.[14][15]
Elements of Dawn, which are mere pieces of the Machine,[16] emit the same hypnotizing light.[17] Some creatures that have been overwhelmingly influenced by the Machine’s light, such as Dawn Flukes, can generate and emit this light on their own.[18][19]
"Worm-fates crawl on your skin. The Machine is sick. Its hatred threads your veins. Time will die. The Chain will end."[7]
The Dawn Machine’s original purpose under the Admiralty and June is still a mystery; it might even be working exactly as intended. Regardless, the Machine has shown a will of its own and a disturbing number of unnaturally powerful abilities.
It seems that the Dawn Machine now aims to destroy the hierarchy of the Judgements entirely, and replace it with a system of its own.[20] It wishes for time to die and the Great Chain to end, and to implement a new system of reality - thus, a New Sequence. It is an enemy of the Bazaar, and seeks to restrict its power as one of the first steps to a full implementation of its ideals. It is also willing to help subvert the power of the Sun, possibly for its own gain.[21]
Some Sequencers have chosen to leave the Machine of their own volition while remaining golden-eyed, implying that those that remain loyal to the machine do so out of a sincere belief in its goals.[22][23] But more concerningly, as seen with the likes of the Dawn Flukes, it seems like the Machine may be able to influence beings more powerful than humans - or that it may have no limit to its influence at all.[24]
↑ 4.04.1Grand Geode, Sunless Sea"A naval base, with the Royal Navy's emblems, curiously amended. Efficient, bright-eyed women and men work briskly, everywhere you look. They are singing [...] Hard-faced Royal Marines watch you carefully [...] A plaque by the docks has been defaced with orange paint, but you can still make out the original inscription: 'STATION V (ADJUNCT)'."
↑Ask to speak with someone in authority, Sunless Sea"You saw the Commodore, and then - then there was something bright. You discussed matters of importance. You're certain of it. Teasing clues linger in your memory. A zailor asked to stay behind, and you permitted it, because - because - It'll all come clear later. Probably."
↑The Icarian Cup (Story), Fallen London"[...] dull light throbbing in your [...] skull, [...] you understand. [...] Joy fills you, and a hymn springs unbidden to your lips."
↑Look into the light, Sunless Sea"There is warmth on your face. Your eyes water. Your skin stings and tingles. You catch a glimpse of geometries in the heart of it - complex faceted shapes that reconfigure like the wheels of an orrery - "
↑Dawn's fingers, Sunless Sea"We found you drifting," the Sequencer is saying. You blink. He slaps you on the shoulder. "You were blessed, my friend. Welcome home."
↑Unborn time, Sunless Sea"The Dawn Machine's roots extend here, into a luminous, impossible space. You breathe gold. You think light."
