Hillchanger Tower: Difference between revisions
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<blockquote>''"Together, you climb the side of Aescwine Hill. It's a long haul – long enough that Hillchanger Tower has time to materialise and vanish again, off to its other homes."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Offer_your_defensive_escort|Offer your defensive escort|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>''"Together, you climb the side of Aescwine Hill. It's a long haul – long enough that Hillchanger Tower has time to materialise and vanish again, off to its other homes."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Offer_your_defensive_escort|Offer your defensive escort|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
[[File:FL tentacle lampost cropped scaled.png|alt=A foggy city with a squid's tentacle wrapped around a lamppost.|thumb|[[Ealing Gardens]]]] | [[File:FL tentacle lampost cropped scaled.png|alt=A foggy city with a squid's tentacle wrapped around a lamppost.|thumb|[[Ealing Gardens]]]] | ||
Hillchanger Tower is a spire<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_fire|Open fire|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Hillchanger Tower rears up from the ground like a startled snake, drawing length on length of itself into the air; [...]"''</ref> | Hillchanger Tower is a spire<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_fire|Open fire|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Hillchanger Tower rears up from the ground like a startled snake, drawing length on length of itself into the air; [...]"''</ref> ''usually'' found atop<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Persuade_Sinning_Jenny/Tables|Persuade Sinning Jenny/Tables|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] considering how long it has sat on top of Aescwine without hurting anyone [...]"''</ref> [[Ealing_Gardens#Aescwine_Hill|Aescwine Hill]]<ref name = "jan hillchanger">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Build_the_station_at_Moulin|Build the station at Moulin|Fallen London|}} ''""It's the Hillchanger Tower. The one that appears on Aescwine Hill and then travels other places," [...]"''</ref> in [[Ealing Gardens]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Constellations|Constellations|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the silhouettes on the horizon: [...] Aescwine Hill, the inconsistent presence of Hillchanger Tower."''</ref><ref name = "familiar place">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Distance_from_Home/Variable_Text|Distance from Home/Variable Text|Fallen London|}} ''"The Tower is in Ealing Gardens now, on its familiar spot, [...]"''</ref> It superficially resembles a large building,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Spare_a_moment_to_ponder_the_mysteries_of_Hillchanger_Tower|Spare a moment to ponder the mysteries of Hillchanger Tower|Fallen London|}} ''"Hillchanger Tower is firmly attached to the roof. [...] it looks constructed."''</ref> with an entrance<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Walk_boldly_in|Walk boldly in|Fallen London|}} ''"You take a step towards the threshold [...]"''</ref> and a varying number of windows.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Get_it_to_invite_you_to_see_Furnace|Get it to invite you to see Furnace|Fallen London|}} ''"The dirigible docks outside the tower's one intact window."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Planting_a_Cedar|Planting a Cedar|Fallen London|}} ''"The Hillchanger Tower [...] nearby, [...] its windows keenly observe what you do."''</ref> A winding staircase inside leads upward to the Tower's topmost room. <ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Walk_boldly_in|Walk boldly in|Fallen London|}} ''"Up the spiral stairs [...] You have been here before, in the topmost room of the tower."''</ref> When Ealing fell to the [[Neath]], Hillchanger's fortifications were damaged.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Tour_the_Neighbourhood|Tour the Neighbourhood|Fallen London|}} ''"This was once part of London, [...] it was badly damaged in the Fall. [...] Hillchanger Tower lost its crenellations."''</ref> | ||
Aescwine is infested with critters called '''Hillchanger scorpions''', which are the size of cats and unusually "well-trained."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Offer_your_defensive_escort|Offer your defensive escort|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a troupe of perhaps two dozen scorpions the size of house-cats, [...] are those scorpions? How are they so large? And so well-trained?"''</ref> Their venom can only be extracted when Hillchanger is at Aescwine; otherwise they produce only smoke.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Develop_into_an_Envenomed_Pickle_of_Vinegar,_Vengeance,_and_Hillchanger_Scorpion|Develop into an Envenomed Pickle of Vinegar, Vengeance, and Hillchanger Scorpion|Fallen London|}} ''"To milk the venom from a scorpion stinger, [...] because these are Hillchanger scorpions – [...] perform the extraction during the time when the Hillchanger Tower is in Ealing. Otherwise, all one gets [...] is a curl of clove smoke."''</ref> | Hillchanger only ''appears'' to be a building; it is in fact a living being that can travel all across the [[Neath]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Distance_from_Home/Variable_Text|Distance from Home/Variable Text|Fallen London|}}</ref> The [[Hinterlands]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Build_the_station_at_Moulin|Build the station at Moulin|Fallen London|}} ''""It's the Hillchanger Tower. The one that appears on Aescwine Hill and then travels other places," [...] It has taken up a place in Moulin now."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Promise_to_retrieve_the_Honey-Mazed_Bear_again|Promise to retrieve the Honey-Mazed Bear again|Fallen London|}} ''""Don't know a thing about Ealing, do they? They wanted to put the stash in 'illchanger Tower, [...] Would've liked to see 'em [...] find the 'ole lot gone off to Burrow-Infra-Mump [...]"''</ref> the [[Unterzee]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Distance_from_Home/Variable_Text|Distance from Home/Variable Text|Fallen London|}} ''"The Tower has rematerialised somewhere in the Unterzee."''</ref> and even the [[The Roof of the Neath|Roof]] are all within its reach.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hillchanger_Tower,_Changed|Hillchanger Tower, Changed|Fallen London|}} ''"It is Hillchanger Tower, [...] foundations sunk in the ceiling of the Neath."''</ref> It is capable of moving extremely quickly,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Persuade_the_Tower_to_move,_using_Correspondence_and_cajolery|Persuade the Tower to move, using Correspondence and cajolery|Fallen London|}} ''"The Tower [...] detaches itself from where it was. The moment of transition is instant and dizzying. [...] only a swift impression of becoming one with the Neathsoil, [...] flowing out [...] somewhere else entirely."''</ref> and can vanish from an area in an instant.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Step_back_from_what_you_have_done|Step back from what you have done|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] she returns inside the Hillchanger Tower. The next moment, the Tower itself is gone."''</ref> Its orientation may also vary: in addition to the familiar upright posture, it may appear upside down<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hillchanger_Tower,_Changed|Hillchanger Tower, Changed|Fallen London|}} ''"It is not a stalactite. It is Hillchanger Tower, upside down, [...]"''</ref> or even sideways.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Distance_from_Home/Variable_Text|Distance from Home/Variable Text|Fallen London|}} ''"The Tower is... sideways."''</ref> (The imaginative may infer a diagonal, in the likeness of a certain [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa Leaning Tower].) It does not seem aggressive,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Persuade_Sinning_Jenny/Tables|Persuade Sinning Jenny/Tables|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] it sounds more like the custodian of its territory than [...] a danger to us. [...] considering how long it has sat on top of Aescwine without hurting anyone [...]"''</ref> but it can defend itself by flaring up from the ground.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_fire|Open fire|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] There is no problem with [...] firing [...] the ball through the air. Trouble comes after [...] the Hillchanger Tower rears up from the ground [...] drawing length [...] into the air; [...] the earth warps [...] around the Tower's base; [...] the tracks buckle. It is [...] lucky [...] neither you nor your crew are seriously injured."''</ref> | ||
Aescwine Hill seems to be Hillchanger's "home base,"<ref name = "jan hillchanger"/><ref name = "familiar place"/> as it returns there every midnight.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Time_the_appearances_of_Hillchanger_Tower|Time the appearances of Hillchanger Tower|Fallen London|}} ''"Whenever and wherever it goes, it is always back by midnight."''</ref> Its travels have grown more frequent since the arrival of the [[Great Hellbound Railway]] in Ealing,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Time_the_appearances_of_Hillchanger_Tower|Time the appearances of Hillchanger Tower|Fallen London|}} ''"The locals tell you that the tower moves more frequently these days than it used to."''</ref> and it flees at the sight of large crowds.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Time_the_appearances_of_Hillchanger_Tower|Time the appearances of Hillchanger Tower|Fallen London|}} ''"An incoming crowd always drives it away."''</ref> Aescwine is infested with critters called '''Hillchanger scorpions''', which are the size of cats and unusually "well-trained."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Offer_your_defensive_escort|Offer your defensive escort|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a troupe of perhaps two dozen scorpions the size of house-cats, [...] are those scorpions? How are they so large? And so well-trained?"''</ref> Their venom can only be extracted when Hillchanger is at Aescwine; otherwise they produce only smoke.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Develop_into_an_Envenomed_Pickle_of_Vinegar,_Vengeance,_and_Hillchanger_Scorpion|Develop into an Envenomed Pickle of Vinegar, Vengeance, and Hillchanger Scorpion|Fallen London|}} ''"To milk the venom from a scorpion stinger, [...] because these are Hillchanger scorpions – [...] perform the extraction during the time when the Hillchanger Tower is in Ealing. Otherwise, all one gets [...] is a curl of clove smoke."''</ref> | |||
== Biology == | == Biology == | ||
{{Major spoiler small}}<blockquote>''"Hillchanger Tower is firmly attached to the roof. The fabric isn't masonry. The walls are one continuous entity, for all it looks constructed. It is not exactly breathing – you're not sure what the shuddering is. And yet it doesn't seem like one of Polythreme's offspring, either. Still – living, you would swear. Conscious. Possibly stalking its prey."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Spare_a_moment_to_ponder_the_mysteries_of_Hillchanger_Tower|Spare a moment to ponder the mysteries of Hillchanger Tower|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | {{Major spoiler small}}<blockquote>''"Hillchanger Tower is firmly attached to the roof. The fabric isn't masonry. The walls are one continuous entity, for all it looks constructed. It is not exactly breathing – you're not sure what the shuddering is. And yet it doesn't seem like one of Polythreme's offspring, either. Still – living, you would swear. Conscious. Possibly stalking its prey."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Spare_a_moment_to_ponder_the_mysteries_of_Hillchanger_Tower|Spare a moment to ponder the mysteries of Hillchanger Tower|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
[[File:Correspondence3.png|alt=Mysterious, dark red sigils.|thumb|[[The Correspondence]]]] | [[File:Correspondence3.png|alt=Mysterious, dark red sigils.|thumb|[[The Correspondence]]]] | ||
Hillchanger's biology is | Hillchanger's biology is unique, to say the least. Its looks as though it was built, but it is actually a singular entity.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Spare_a_moment_to_ponder_the_mysteries_of_Hillchanger_Tower|Spare a moment to ponder the mysteries of Hillchanger Tower|Fallen London|}} ''"The walls are one continuous entity, for all it looks constructed."''</ref> While it is clearly alive and "shudders" for unknown reasons, it is unlike the living objects of [[Polythreme]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Spare_a_moment_to_ponder_the_mysteries_of_Hillchanger_Tower|Spare a moment to ponder the mysteries of Hillchanger Tower|Fallen London|}} ''"It is not exactly breathing – you're not sure what the shuddering is. [...] it doesn't seem like one of Polythreme's offspring, [...] Still – living [...]"''</ref> It regularly travels to the [[Roof of the Neath]] to feed, and the stalactites there are analogous to udders.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Get_it_to_invite_you_to_see_Furnace|Get it to invite you to see Furnace|Fallen London|}} ''"It is Hillchanger Tower, [...] | ||
"I believe it returns to the Neath-roof to feed," [...] not be able to look at stalactites without seeing udders [...]"''</ref> Hillchanger' | "I believe it returns to the Neath-roof to feed," [...] not be able to look at stalactites without seeing udders [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_it_about_the_Hillchanger_Tower_(Furnace_Abandoned)|Ask it about the Hillchanger Tower (Furnace Abandoned)|Fallen London|}} ''"Hillchanger is of that lineage. [...] I don't control it, but I am sometimes able to predict it."''</ref> Its preferred language is unknown,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Build_the_station_at_Moulin|Build the station at Moulin|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] I don't speak Tower and I don't know what it wants." [...] "I'm not bad at languages."''</ref> but it seems to understand plain forms of communication<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Persuade_the_Tower_to_move,_using_bribery|Persuade the Tower to move, using bribery|Fallen London|}} ''"Encouragements whispered in multiple languages [...] you speak to it in English, and [...] lay a pattern of moon-pearls on the floor, [...] The moment of transition is instant and dizzying."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Persuade_the_Tower_to_move,_using_the_persuasions_of_clock_and_schedule|Persuade the Tower to move, using the persuasions of clock and schedule|Fallen London|}} ''"It has always come and go [...] nearing a schedule, [...] it isn't following its usual rules [...] Would it like to? [...] Encouragements whispered in multiple languages [...] you speak to it in English, and you lay the pocketwatch on the floor, where it ticks reassuringly. Nuncio, island of the irresistible pull..."''</ref> as well as written [[Correspondence]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Persuade_the_Tower_to_move,_using_Correspondence_and_cajolery|Persuade the Tower to move, using Correspondence and cajolery|Fallen London|}} ''"Persuade the Tower to move, using Correspondence and cajolery [...] draw in Correspondence [...] and wait. The Tower does understand enough [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Treaties_Composed|Treaties Composed|Fallen London|}} ''"After the treaty is composed, the document must be translated entirely into a language suited to the Tower. [...] You are not yourself a Correspondent, but you're [...] to undertake this work [...]"''</ref> It has been seen expressing itself by quaking,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_Credit|In Credit|Fallen London|}} ''"The Tower floor rumbles under foot. The Creditor's Solicitor thins her mouth. "This is a bargain with you and yours. Not with the Bazaar. [...]"''</ref> and may even ''scream'' if emotional.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Creditor%27s_Spouse_(Not_Furnace)|The Creditor's Spouse (Not Furnace)|Fallen London|}} ''"In a moment, the Creditor knows what it has been given, and what it was refused. | ||
[...] the hills draw up around the newborn city in cautious greeting. But from the Hillchanger Tower there is a sound like a human wail, if a human throat were made of stone [...]"''</ref> It also dreams in its sleep.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_a_proposal_from_those_board_members_with_a_non-human_perspective|Accept a proposal from those board members with a non-human perspective|Fallen London|}} ''"There are clauses about meddling in the Tower's dreams [...]"''</ref> | [...] the hills draw up around the newborn city in cautious greeting. But from the Hillchanger Tower there is a sound like a human wail, if a human throat were made of stone [...]"''</ref> It also dreams in its sleep.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_a_proposal_from_those_board_members_with_a_non-human_perspective|Accept a proposal from those board members with a non-human perspective|Fallen London|}} ''"There are clauses about meddling in the Tower's dreams [...]"''</ref> | ||
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[[File:Creditor.png|alt=Small hills and a factory in an arid landscape.|thumb|[[The Creditor]]]] | [[File:Creditor.png|alt=Small hills and a factory in an arid landscape.|thumb|[[The Creditor]]]] | ||
Hillchanger | Hillchanger is closely connected to the [[Creditor]], an earthly entity that holds power over the [[Hinterlands]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_it_about_the_Hillchanger_Tower_(Furnace_Abandoned)|Ask it about the Hillchanger Tower (Furnace Abandoned)|Fallen London|}} ''"In the Neath, even the mountains can be active. Hillchanger is of that lineage. I don't know its exact [...] position in the family tree. [...] You should know: you've been driving your railway over the faces of old powers [...] That Creditor [...] is an earth power, and I hoped that laying [...] tracks made of Justificandes across its face [...]"''</ref> While the particulars are unclear,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_it_about_the_Hillchanger_Tower_(Furnace_Abandoned)|Ask it about the Hillchanger Tower (Furnace Abandoned)|Fallen London|}} ''"In the Neath, even the mountains can be active. Hillchanger is of that lineage. I don't know its exact [...] position in the family tree."''</ref> Hillchanger is part of the Creditor's "self,"<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Beg_her_pardon|Beg her pardon|Fallen London|}} ''""[...] Hillchanger, [...] is part of the Creditor's substance." [...] she explains that humans are [...] simple thinkers when it comes to questions of identity and divisible bodies, [...]"''</ref> though it retains some autonomy from the rest of its host.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Creditor%27s_Spouse_(Furnace)|The Creditor's Spouse (Furnace)|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Creditor knows what it has been given. The hills draw up around [...] in cautious greeting. But the Hillchanger Tower knows no such restraint. With a puppy's eagerness, it is gone from your side."''</ref> | ||
Regardless of the details, the Hillchanger is the Creditor's agent,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Build_the_station_at_Moulin|Build the station at Moulin|Fallen London|}} ''""It's the Hillchanger Tower. [...] "I've thought for some time that represented another power. It has taken up a place [...] where we intended to build our station, [...]""''</ref> acting alongside the [[The Solicitor-Baroness|Solicitor-Baroness]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Interview_with_a_Tower|Interview with a Tower|Fallen London|}} ''"I the Deviless am [...] a Solicitor [...] I write for the Tower and for the greater Power of which the Tower is but a part"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Planting_a_Cedar|Planting a Cedar|Fallen London|}} ''"This is the payment of a debt, [...] the confirmation of a treaty: a new agreement between the Bazaar and the Creditor. [...] The Hillchanger Tower has placed itself nearby, [...] The Solicitor-Baroness has come out to observe the action [...]"''</ref> as the arm by which it imposes its will.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_Credit|In Credit|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] this Power will not suffer you to go further into the Neath, nor to change it more from what it was, unless some limit is attached [...] and some price paid [...] The Tower floor rumbles under foot. The Creditor's Solicitor thins her mouth. "This is a bargain with you and yours. [...]"''</ref> | Regardless of the details, the Hillchanger is the Creditor's foremost agent,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Build_the_station_at_Moulin|Build the station at Moulin|Fallen London|}} ''""It's the Hillchanger Tower. [...] "I've thought for some time that represented another power. It has taken up a place [...] where we intended to build our station, [...]""''</ref> acting alongside the [[The Solicitor-Baroness|Solicitor-Baroness]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Interview_with_a_Tower|Interview with a Tower|Fallen London|}} ''"I the Deviless am [...] a Solicitor [...] I write for the Tower and for the greater Power of which the Tower is but a part"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Planting_a_Cedar|Planting a Cedar|Fallen London|}} ''"This is the payment of a debt, [...] the confirmation of a treaty: a new agreement between the Bazaar and the Creditor. [...] The Hillchanger Tower has placed itself nearby, [...] The Solicitor-Baroness has come out to observe the action [...]"''</ref> as the arm by which it imposes its will.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_Credit|In Credit|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] this Power will not suffer you to go further into the Neath, nor to change it more from what it was, unless some limit is attached [...] and some price paid [...] The Tower floor rumbles under foot. The Creditor's Solicitor thins her mouth. "This is a bargain with you and yours. [...]"''</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 23:46, 12 October 2022
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Beyond this point lie spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include midgame or minor Fate-locked content. Proceed with caution. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"Not every patch of ground is asleep. In the Neath, even the mountains can be active. Hillchanger is of that lineage. I don't know its exact, ah, position in the family tree. It goes where it wishes."[2]
Hillchanger Tower is a mobile tower that typically resides in Ealing Gardens.
Not Exactly a Building
"Together, you climb the side of Aescwine Hill. It's a long haul – long enough that Hillchanger Tower has time to materialise and vanish again, off to its other homes."[3]
Hillchanger Tower is a spire[4] usually found atop[5] Aescwine Hill[6] in Ealing Gardens.[7][8] It superficially resembles a large building,[9] with an entrance[10] and a varying number of windows.[11][12] A winding staircase inside leads upward to the Tower's topmost room. [13] When Ealing fell to the Neath, Hillchanger's fortifications were damaged.[14]
Hillchanger only appears to be a building; it is in fact a living being that can travel all across the Neath.[15] The Hinterlands,[16][17] the Unterzee,[18] and even the Roof are all within its reach.[19] It is capable of moving extremely quickly,[20] and can vanish from an area in an instant.[21] Its orientation may also vary: in addition to the familiar upright posture, it may appear upside down[22] or even sideways.[23] (The imaginative may infer a diagonal, in the likeness of a certain Leaning Tower.) It does not seem aggressive,[24] but it can defend itself by flaring up from the ground.[25]
Aescwine Hill seems to be Hillchanger's "home base,"[6][8] as it returns there every midnight.[26] Its travels have grown more frequent since the arrival of the Great Hellbound Railway in Ealing,[27] and it flees at the sight of large crowds.[28] Aescwine is infested with critters called Hillchanger scorpions, which are the size of cats and unusually "well-trained."[29] Their venom can only be extracted when Hillchanger is at Aescwine; otherwise they produce only smoke.[30]
Biology
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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. |
"Hillchanger Tower is firmly attached to the roof. The fabric isn't masonry. The walls are one continuous entity, for all it looks constructed. It is not exactly breathing – you're not sure what the shuddering is. And yet it doesn't seem like one of Polythreme's offspring, either. Still – living, you would swear. Conscious. Possibly stalking its prey."[31]
Hillchanger's biology is unique, to say the least. Its looks as though it was built, but it is actually a singular entity.[32] While it is clearly alive and "shudders" for unknown reasons, it is unlike the living objects of Polythreme.[33] It regularly travels to the Roof of the Neath to feed, and the stalactites there are analogous to udders.[34][35] Its preferred language is unknown,[36] but it seems to understand plain forms of communication[37][38] as well as written Correspondence.[39][40] It has been seen expressing itself by quaking,[41] and may even scream if emotional.[42] It also dreams in its sleep.[43]
Role
"I the Deviless am a scribe and a Solicitor
"I write for the Tower and for the greater Power of which the Tower is but a part
"A power that was of the Neath since before the Devils emerged from Parabola"[44]
Hillchanger is closely connected to the Creditor, an earthly entity that holds power over the Hinterlands.[45] While the particulars are unclear,[46] Hillchanger is part of the Creditor's "self,"[47] though it retains some autonomy from the rest of its host.[48]
Regardless of the details, the Hillchanger is the Creditor's foremost agent,[49] acting alongside the Solicitor-Baroness[50][51] as the arm by which it imposes its will.[52]
References
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