The Echo Bazaar: Difference between revisions

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Clarified that the Bazaar writes the correspondence sigils on its own
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<blockquote>''"In the deepest matters of the Bazaar, always look to love. Always."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/%27...look_forward_so_very_much_to_your_next_visit...%27|'...look forward so very much to your next visit...'|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>''"In the deepest matters of the Bazaar, always look to love. Always."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/%27...look_forward_so_very_much_to_your_next_visit...%27|'...look forward so very much to your next visit...'|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>


Before it came to the Neath, the Bazaar, also known as '''the Courier''', was a messenger of the stars.<ref name="seventh">''The Seventh Letter''</ref> Its true form is that of a giant space-crab, covered in spires inscribed with the maddening [[Correspondence]].<ref name="bazaar visit">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.gamepedia.com/A_Visit_to_the_Bazaar|A Visit to the Bazaar|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> It is still very much alive, and it underwent a sort of lobotomy to remove its urges to deliver messages; the procedure was performed by the [[Surgeon's Child]].<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.gamepedia.com/Cladery_Heir|Explore her Surgery|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> Nowadays, it stays in [[London]], seeking solace in the sphinxstone of the [[the Salt Lions]]; the substance acts as a drug that induces nostalgia for better days.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.gamepedia.com/The_Bright-Eyed_Sequencer#Story_description|The Bright-Eyed Sequencer|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> Despite its best efforts, the Bazaar quite literally sits in a puddle of tears - there is a sea of '''[[lacre]]''' beneath it,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Sundered_Sea|A Sundered Sea|Fallen London|}}</ref> and its tears are a distilled form of lacre.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_potent_possibility|A potent possibility|Fallen London|}}</ref>
Before it came to the Neath, the Bazaar, also known as '''the Courier''', was a messenger of the stars.<ref name="seventh">''[[The Seventh Letter]]''</ref> Its true form is that of a giant space-crab, covered in spires inscribed with the maddening [[Correspondence]],<ref name="bazaar visit">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.gamepedia.com/A_Visit_to_the_Bazaar|A Visit to the Bazaar|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> symbols of power and meaning that it etches itself.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Chimney_Pot_Wars The Chimney Pot Wars, ''Fallen London''] ''"High above, where the Fisher-Kings huddle, a new sigil traces itself across the Bazaar's skin. It's not one you've seen before, but as close as the Guttersnipe Princeling can decipher, it means 'to eternally circle the object of your affection'. The Bazaar has extended its welcome."''</ref> It is still very much alive, and in a procedure performed by the [[Surgeon's Child]], it underwent a sort of lobotomy to remove its urge to wander.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.gamepedia.com/Cladery_Heir|Explore her Surgery|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> Nowadays, it stays in [[London]], seeking solace in the sphinxstone of the [[the Salt Lions]]; the substance acts as a drug that induces nostalgia for better days.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Bright-Eyed_Sequencer#Penstock's_Plea|The Bright-Eyed Sequencer|Sunless Sea|}}''“The Bazaar has been feasting on old memories from the Salt Lions. It only makes her more melancholy, and that's worse for all of us... but especially those who love her."''</ref> Despite its best efforts, the Bazaar quite literally sits in a puddle of tears - there is a sea of '''[[lacre]]''' beneath it,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Sundered_Sea|A Sundered Sea|Fallen London|}}''"Sigils beat […] takes the red light and returns it, somehow, as purest white […] a second sea […] lacre foams in cells and pits like a horizontal honeycomb […]. It is unlikely that it would particularly benefit you to fall in."''</ref> and its tears are a distilled form of lacre.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_potent_possibility|A potent possibility|Fallen London|}}''"Do you know what lacre is? Well, I don't. But the rumour is, this bottle contains a particularly potent distillation […] you probably shouldn't feed it to anyone you like. But it will command an extremely high price, for the rash few who desire it..."''
 
''You've gained 1 x Vial of Tears of the Bazaar''</ref>


=== The Tale of the Bazaar ===
=== The Tale of the Bazaar ===

Latest revision as of 16:20, 19 March 2025

"Some call the Bazaar a 'he', others a 'she'. Either way, the Bazaar is spoken of as a single, living thing. The Masters of the Bazaar style themselves as 'Mr' – but no one seems to think they are actually men."[1]

"The Bazaar stole London three decades ago. Of course only anarchists and revolutionaries say "stole" any more. Everyone who matters has grown to know and love the status quo. It's quiet down here. All those jewels and mushrooms and all that black water. What could be better?"[1]

The Echo Bazaar is the center of commerce in Fallen London.

Let the Echoes Flow[edit]

"Welcome to the Bazaar. We are looking forward to meeting your money. Echoes are the currency of the Bazaar. One hundred pennies are one Echo. Get Echoes by selling the treasures you acquire."[2]

The Seal of the Bazaar.

Almost all legal commerce takes place beneath the auspices of the Bazaar's spires. People from almost all walks of life are free to buy and sell their wares here, including people straight out of New Newgate. The Bazaar sells and buys many things, from more common items like clothing or pets to the more intangible such as secrets and souls. Stories of love seem to be of particular interest. The Bazaar trades in pennies and echoes (100 pennies = 1 echo),[2] and echoes are ‘echoes’ of the Bazaar's first-ever currency.[3]

The Bazaar has seven doors, each of which is made of a different material:[1]

  • Copper, for those who should never be crossed.[4]
  • Ormolu, for the truest of romantics.[5]
  • Ivory, for the finest of thieves.[6]
  • Glass, for those who can see the subtlest of details.[7]
  • Paper, used for postal purposes.[8]
  • Steel, the door which leads to the Masters' apartments.[9]
  • Teeth, reserved for the greatest of Londoners.[10]
  • The Copper Door
    The Copper Door
  • The Ormolu Door
    The Ormolu Door
  • The Ivory Door
    The Ivory Door
  • The Glass Door
    The Glass Door
  • The Paper Door
    The Paper Door
  • The Steel Door
    The Steel Door
  • The Door of Teeth
    The Door of Teeth

The Bazaar deals in commerce on a far greater scale than these goods; for what it's worth, its vaults are far too extensive and secretive to contain only the mundane.[11] The Bazaar also closely monitors the people it deems Notable, and it may bestow rewards and specialized roles to those who gain its attention.[12] People of exceptional skill and fame may bargain for esoteric knowledge to push their training even further.[10]

It’s tempting to ask why all this is how it is, but good luck trying to find answers. There are powerful people who’d like to keep it secret.

The Side-streets[edit]

"What can you find in the Bazaar Sidestreets? Respectable firms crammed into ramshackle workshops and poky offices. The rent here is astronomical. But the quick and the hungry turn profits in the shadows of the spires. Just keep your eyes off the carvings up high. And whatever you do, don't fall in love."[13]

The Bazaar Side-streets are only accessible to those of some Importance, but these alleyways have many lucrative business opportunities for these well-known figures. They can be accessed using a document called a Shaper's Pass.[14]

Notable Businesses and Locations[edit]

Main Shops[edit]

The Bazaar's legal tender.

These are main shops of the Bazaar, accessible to almost anyone.[2]

  • Carrow's Steel: "Self-defence for the discerning gentleperson."
  • Maywell's Hattery: "Your crowning glory."
  • Dark & Savage: "Grace your hands with the finest and most attentive gloves in London."
  • Gottery the Outfitter: "We are always sufficient."
  • Nassos Zoologicals: "Pets for all! Be brave."
  • MERCURY: "Boots out of legend!"
  • Dauncey's: "For Gentlemen."
  • Fadgett & Daughters: "By Appointment to the Shuttered Palace."
  • Trompowsky et Fils: "Purveyors of the frangible and fine."
  • Nikolas Pawnbrokers: "Best wares. Best prices. No spiders."
  • Merrigans Exchange: "Wholesale Agents to the Bazaar. Celebrating Twenty Years Without An Apostrophe."
  • Redemptions: "A labour exchange. Of sorts."
  • Crawcase Cryptics: "Secrets, Papers, Truths, Mistruths, Rumours, Lies, Prayers. Books."
  • Penstock's Land Agency: "Exceptional Dwellings for Exceptional People!"
  • Mr Chimes' Lost and Found: "Only those most Exceptional Londoners can persuade the Master to part with these goods."

The Sidestreets[edit]

Premises at the Bazaar, a very expensive place to live.

These services are only available to those who have proven their Importance.[13]

  • Empire Adornments, a jewelry dealer.
  • Blackfinger Street, where publishers and writers do business.
  • The Horse-Steak Club, a tavern of some note.
  • Baseborn and Fowlingpiece, the Neath's best provider of legal documents and permits.
  • The Great Downward Engineering Company, hawking interesting contraptions and cheap labor.
  • The Bridge Without, another tavern of some note.
  • Green Salon, club for people with exceptional demands for clothing, where they can buy curious and exotic garments from its host - Clay Tailor. [15]

The Courier[edit]

"Are you quite sure you want to know this?"

Beyond this point lie major spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or major Fate-locked spoilers. Proceed at your own risk.

You can find out more about our spoiler policy here.


"In the deepest matters of the Bazaar, always look to love. Always."[16]

Before it came to the Neath, the Bazaar, also known as the Courier, was a messenger of the stars.[17] Its true form is that of a giant space-crab, covered in spires inscribed with the maddening Correspondence,[18] symbols of power and meaning that it etches itself.[19] It is still very much alive, and in a procedure performed by the Surgeon's Child, it underwent a sort of lobotomy to remove its urge to wander.[20] Nowadays, it stays in London, seeking solace in the sphinxstone of the the Salt Lions; the substance acts as a drug that induces nostalgia for better days.[21] Despite its best efforts, the Bazaar quite literally sits in a puddle of tears - there is a sea of lacre beneath it,[22] and its tears are a distilled form of lacre.[23]

The Tale of the Bazaar[edit]

A long time ago, perhaps eons ago, the Bazaar fell[24] into a scandalous and forbidden love affair with the Sun;[25][26] the Great Chain-defying affair between a Judgement and its messenger produced strange cosmic rock offspring, including the Mountain of Light.[27][28] The Sun then fell in love with a different star, and to add insult to injury, had Bazaar deliver the other star a love letter.[29] This other star rejected the Sun in her reply,[30] which the Bazaar feared would cause the Sun to die of grief.[31] The Bazaar begged Storm[32] for extra time to deliver the rejection notice; so it has seven cities' time - ordered by the Dragons[33] - to find seven cities' worth of love stories,[34] which it hopes to anthologize into a powerful enough message about the nature of love[34][35] to prevent the Sun from drowning in its own tears.[31] The Bazaar fled[36] with its children to the newly formed Neath,[37] where they could all find refuge from the ire of the stars.[38][39]

Before coming to the Neath, the Bazaar made a deal with a ragtag group of Curators. These Curators were unwelcome amongst their kind, so they joined the Bazaar to escape poverty.[40] The Bazaar gave them a simple promise: "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."[41] By the time of the Fifth City, these Curators styled themselves the Masters of the Bazaar; a few of them, like Mr Iron, have by now grown suspicious of the Bazaar's authenticity.[42]

The Stone Pigs[edit]

"I found myself dreaming of the Stone Pigs. They're, oh, I don't entirely understand, still. But they're how the Bazaar travels between stars. (Did you know they did that?) And they sleep."[43]

The Bazaar's thrusters, which it once used to travel through space, are conjecturally known as the Stone Pigs.[44] The Pigs are responsible for the creation of the Cumaean Canal,[45] and they also demolish the Bazaar's current city whenever a new one is about to Fall.[46] Fortunately for us all, they have remained asleep for quite a while now. Mostly.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sidebar Snippets, Fallen London
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 The Echo Bazaar!, Fallen London
  3. ↑ A lovely place for a lecture, Fallen London
  4. ↑ "Will you feature in a tale of peril?", Fallen London
  5. ↑ "Will you grace a romance?", Fallen London
  6. ↑ "Will you titillate listeners with the stories of your misdeeds?", Fallen London
  7. ↑ "Will you execute our denouement?", Fallen London
  8. ↑ Insist on Favourable Circumstances, Fallen London
  9. ↑ Incarnadine Fur Robe, Fallen London "The Steel Door swings open to reveal a black-cushioned lift."
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Will you restore yourself to greatness", Fallen London
  11. ↑ A lovely place for a lecture, Fallen London "The actual coins are no more than thirty years old. But they represent something ancient. Fragments of a primal power, locked away in the Masters' vaults since the deal that bought the First City."
  12. ↑ "And why would I care how Notable I am?", Fallen London
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Category:Bazaar Side-streets, Fallen London
  14. ↑ A document of some sort, Fallen London
  15. ↑ Visit the Clay Tailor, Fallen London "The Clay Tailor gathers London's most sartorially daring citizens at the Green Salon."
  16. ↑ '...look forward so very much to your next visit...', Fallen London
  17. ↑ The Seventh Letter
  18. ↑ A Visit to the Bazaar, Sunless Sea
  19. ↑ The Chimney Pot Wars, Fallen London "High above, where the Fisher-Kings huddle, a new sigil traces itself across the Bazaar's skin. It's not one you've seen before, but as close as the Guttersnipe Princeling can decipher, it means 'to eternally circle the object of your affection'. The Bazaar has extended its welcome."
  20. ↑ Explore her Surgery, Sunless Sea
  21. ↑ The Bright-Eyed Sequencer, Sunless Sea “The Bazaar has been feasting on old memories from the Salt Lions. It only makes her more melancholy, and that's worse for all of us... but especially those who love her."
  22. ↑ A Sundered Sea, Fallen London "Sigils beat […] takes the red light and returns it, somehow, as purest white […] a second sea […] lacre foams in cells and pits like a horizontal honeycomb […]. It is unlikely that it would particularly benefit you to fall in."
  23. ↑ A potent possibility, Fallen London "Do you know what lacre is? Well, I don't. But the rumour is, this bottle contains a particularly potent distillation […] you probably shouldn't feed it to anyone you like. But it will command an extremely high price, for the rash few who desire it..." You've gained 1 x Vial of Tears of the Bazaar
  24. ↑ Open your mouth, Fallen London "Words rush out of your mouth like horses fleeing a burning barn. Not all of them connect into sentences [...] But what they add up to is a mortifying declaration of love; a desperate overture. [...] surely, they belong to someone else. But the guest's eyes are all fixed on you, and your own eyes are stuck to that mask, that terrible radiant beauty." [Editor's note: From a dream that recalls the Bazaar's memories.]
  25. ↑ Further investigations, Fallen London "The mounting excitement when one's beloved reaches the closest point of his orbit."
  26. ↑ Bask in the last remnants of the light 2, Fallen London "This is my promise: all shall be well and all shall be well. Crown me with a knot of flames, my love, my love. Forgive me my trespasses. The fire and the rose are one, are one, are one -"
  27. ↑ Watch the play for a little while 4, Fallen London "They drag the Messenger screaming, [...] where the Messenger's Daughter wait."
  28. ↑ Go ashore with the Adventuress, Sunless Sea "The Bazaar is the Mountain's mother, they say. Or her father. I don't understand how these things work. I wonder if she ever complains about her parents."
  29. ↑ Order Ovate, Ice, Fallen London "PHOENIX: [...] You are the ragged messenger who carries a troth from the Sun to - MESSENGER: -name her not! Name her not, the b___h! PHOENIX: Aren’t we touchy! I had no idea."
  30. ↑ Flint, Fallen London "...the Message was No, and that, the Messenger could not bear. If she could not have him, still she would not destroy him. So she hid below with her daughter, and his. She hid below."
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Indicate a fondness for the Bazaar, Fallen London "You think it doomed. You think its mission folly. [...] Perhaps you are right. Perhaps the Judgement will be overwhelmed by its own despair; in that case the Bazaar will certainly not survive the experience."
  32. ↑ Deliver Sphinxstone for Penstock, Sunless Sea "THIS IS THE WORK OF STORM," intones the Bone Man. You blink. "FREEDOM IS HIS GIFT TO THE BAZAAR. AND THIS IS MY GIFT TO YOU."
  33. ↑ Order Ovate, Glory, Fallen London "MESSENGER: Do not. I beg you, do not. He cannot yet hear what I have to say. DRAGON: (carelessly) You have a little longer. Should this place fail, two remain. [...] MESSENGER: Not yet enough. Not yet enough!"
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Bask in the last remnants of the light 1, Fallen London "Please, let him understand. Let this all not be in vain. Give me your tales, your tales, delicious ones. You are all I ever hungered for."
  35. ↑ Bask in the last remnants of the light 1, Fallen London "These are my children and this is my light. These are my words in the merciful night. This is the Sun whose commands run below, and the Feast of it all is the way we must go. The One who denied is love's enemy but the enemy, love, is the last we shall see."
  36. ↑ Drink Bottled Oblivion, Fallen London "When the Bazaar took refuge - the opposite of the Mountain - the grand-daughter's rage - the Sun's oblivion - "
  37. ↑ Dump it on the fire, Fallen London "Yes... this is how the Mountain is remembered. When the Garden first was young, when the Neath was not the Neath, when the Earth had not yet set like candle-wax, when the jewels remained uncovered to casual sight."
  38. ↑ Watch the play for a little while 4, Fallen London "The Dragons [...] are seven in number. [...] They drag the Messenger screaming, [...] to [...] the Wound in the World, where the Chained Sun and the Messenger's Daughter wait. The Seventh Dragon recites the crimes of the Sun and the Messenger - Betrayal of Messages, Undelivery of Words, Vile Breeding, Conspiracy in Darkness, and Unlicensed Love."
  39. ↑ Watch them come, Fallen London "You render your evidence. The Courier is found instantly guilty."
  40. ↑ A secret about the Masters, Failbetter Games "Secondly, that the Masters were not Masters in the High Wilderness. Indeed, they accepted the position as emissaries of the Bazaar in order to escape misfortune, failure, and fruitlessness."
  41. ↑ Mr Sacks! Take my best regards! 2, Fallen London "Be well. All shall be well, you know. And all manner of thing. That was the promise. How I do prattle on. Sleep well! As will those below."
  42. ↑ The door of its crimson carriage swings open, Fallen London "THERE IS DIGNITY IN TOIL. I COMMEND YOUR INDEPENDENCE."
  43. ↑ Ask the Mechanic to explain exactly what the hell is going on, Sunless Sea
  44. ↑ Ask the Mechanic to explain exactly what the hell is going on, Sunless Sea
  45. ↑ Travel to the Surface, Sunless Sea
  46. ↑ My Kingdom for a Pig, Fallen London "Some people call them Stone Pigs. When the Fifth City fell, they awoke. That's why the Fourth City doesn't exist anymore. They churned it into the ground."


Special thanks to Midnight Voyager for research and citations.
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