The Magistracy of the Evenlode: Difference between revisions
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==The West Wings == | ==The West Wings == | ||
<blockquote>''"It is the most distant post of London law, with its own courts, and its own police force."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_Magistracy_of_the_Evenlode|Enter the Magistracy of the Evenlode|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>''"It is the most distant post of London law, with its own courts, and its own police force."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_Magistracy_of_the_Evenlode|Enter the Magistracy of the Evenlode|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
[[File:Beer.png|alt=A pint of beer.|thumb|Magisterial Lager]] | [[File:Beer.png|alt=A pint of beer.|thumb|Magisterial Lager]] | ||
The landscape nearby is marked by ancient roads<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dig_at_the_crossroads|Dig at the crossroads|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] beyond the [...] Magistracy, [...] the remains of old roads [...]</ref> and sinister tombs.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Make_the_train_take_you_to_a_designated_stop_in_the_hills|Make the train take you to a designated stop in the hills|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] he keeps pointing out hillocks that he says are haunted barrows [...]"''</ref> The Evenlode river itself is home to fish<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_the_Magistracy_with_new_eyes|Consider the Magistracy with new eyes|Fallen London|}} ''"Fishers gather downriver of the Magistracy."''</ref> and [[drownies]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Find_the_Source_of_the_Uproar|Find the Source of the Uproar|Fallen London|}} ''"The river [...] he is [...] in the murky water, fending off a drownie [...]"''</ref> and its water is used to brew pungent '''Magisterial Lager'''.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Magisterial_Lager|Magisterial Lager|Fallen London|}}</ref> | The Magistracy of the Evenlode is an enormous, ancient courthouse built from stone.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Outside_the_Magistracy_of_the_Evenlode|Outside the Magistracy of the Evenlode|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a Cyclopean edifice huge enough [...] In its shadow, the railway station [...] little more than [...] shacks."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Breathe_an_ancient_air|Breathe an ancient air|Fallen London|}} ''"Breathe an ancient air"''</ref> The landscape nearby is marked by ancient roads,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dig_at_the_crossroads|Dig at the crossroads|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] beyond the [...] Magistracy, [...] the remains of old roads [...]</ref> and sinister tombs.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Make_the_train_take_you_to_a_designated_stop_in_the_hills|Make the train take you to a designated stop in the hills|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] he keeps pointing out hillocks that he says are haunted barrows [...]"''</ref> The Evenlode river itself is home to fish<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_the_Magistracy_with_new_eyes|Consider the Magistracy with new eyes|Fallen London|}} ''"Fishers gather downriver of the Magistracy."''</ref> and [[drownies]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Find_the_Source_of_the_Uproar|Find the Source of the Uproar|Fallen London|}} ''"The river [...] he is [...] in the murky water, fending off a drownie [...]"''</ref> and its water is used to brew pungent '''Magisterial Lager'''.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Magisterial_Lager|Magisterial Lager|Fallen London|}}</ref> | ||
The Magistracy can be a daunting place for ordinary humans | The Magistracy handles all cases beyond London's borders,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Build_the_station_at_the_Magistracy_of_the_Evenlode|Build the station at the Magistracy of the Evenlode|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a court that hears all cases of law involving plaintiffs far west of the city bounds."''</ref> as well as cases too unimportant, or esoteric, for London's courts.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_those_who_pass_through_these_vast_halls|Consider those who pass through these vast halls|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] there is a [...] sense of second-rate to the cases that pass through here [...] some are embroiled in cases too... strange for the London courts."''</ref> Despite its distance from the city and dour atmosphere, it receives frequent visits from lawyers, litigants, police, and legal students.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Who_is_bustling_about_the_Evenlode%3F|Who is bustling about the Evenlode?|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] a distant outpost, it's heavily trafficked. [...] two lawyers climbing down from the carriage [...] police carriages stand outside [...] officers climb down, [...] escorting someone in handcuffs [...] this pair [...] they are on either side of a civil case [...] A parade of legal students clamber off a carriage [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Return_Journey|A Return Journey|Fallen London|}} ''"The Evenlode is [...] cold and the architecture unwelcoming. There is no social life [...] no art, or music, or even poetry [...]"''</ref> The Magistracy can be a daunting place for ordinary humans:<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Who_is_bustling_about_the_Evenlode%3F|Who is bustling about the Evenlode?|Fallen London|}} ''"A defendant is ushered [...] towards the [...] the Magistracy of the Evenlode. They stop, and look up. And look up. [...] it must look grotesque [...]"''</ref> its interior is frigid,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Constabulary_of_the_Evenlode|The Constabulary of the Evenlode|Fallen London|}} ''"It is cold; it settles into the bones."''</ref> its stairs too large for comfort,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Foyer_of_the_Magistracy|Foyer of the Magistracy|Fallen London|}} ''"The stairs would only be practical if you were twelve feet tall."''</ref> and its courtrooms range from huge, open spaces to small rooms resembling caves.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Courts_of_the_Evenlode|The Courts of the Evenlode|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the court rooms [...] some are in huge, airy spaces [...] Others are in rooms more [...] cave than [...] courtroom."''</ref> | ||
== The Constabulary of the Evenlode == | == The Constabulary of the Evenlode == | ||
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The '''Constabulary of the Evenlode''' police all territory outside the scope of [[London|London's]] [[Constables]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_for_your_good_sense_and_reasoned_judgement_to_be_recognised|Ask for your good sense and reasoned judgement to be recognised|Fallen London|}} ''"The Constabulary of the Evenlode performs all police-work in the Neath not covered by our inner-London colleagues."''</ref> They work out of the same Magistracy building as the courts,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Constabulary_of_the_Evenlode|The Constabulary of the Evenlode|Fallen London|}} ''"The police quarters fill only a wing of the Magistracy [...]"''</ref> and consider themselves a cut above their city counterparts. However, some disagree and refer to their haughty colleagues as "self-righteous bullies."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hear_what_he_has_to_say|Hear what he has to say|Fallen London|}} ''"They told me they were better than the London lot. [...] But they're self-righteous bullies [...]"''</ref> The Constabulary may bestow privileges called '''Special Dispensations''' which, in their words, allow an officer to "act according to their best judgement rather than the exact letter of the law."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_for_your_good_sense_and_reasoned_judgement_to_be_recognised|Ask for your good sense and reasoned judgement to be recognised|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Special_Dispensation|Special Dispensation|Fallen London|}}</ref> | The '''Constabulary of the Evenlode''' police all territory outside the scope of [[London|London's]] [[Constables]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_for_your_good_sense_and_reasoned_judgement_to_be_recognised|Ask for your good sense and reasoned judgement to be recognised|Fallen London|}} ''"The Constabulary of the Evenlode performs all police-work in the Neath not covered by our inner-London colleagues."''</ref> They work out of the same Magistracy building as the courts,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Constabulary_of_the_Evenlode|The Constabulary of the Evenlode|Fallen London|}} ''"The police quarters fill only a wing of the Magistracy [...]"''</ref> and consider themselves a cut above their city counterparts. However, some disagree and refer to their haughty colleagues as "self-righteous bullies."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hear_what_he_has_to_say|Hear what he has to say|Fallen London|}} ''"They told me they were better than the London lot. [...] But they're self-righteous bullies [...]"''</ref> The Constabulary may bestow privileges called '''Special Dispensations''' which, in their words, allow an officer to "act according to their best judgement rather than the exact letter of the law."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_for_your_good_sense_and_reasoned_judgement_to_be_recognised|Ask for your good sense and reasoned judgement to be recognised|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Special_Dispensation|Special Dispensation|Fallen London|}}</ref> | ||
Evenlode constables adhere to unique superstitions and traditions, such as staying clear of small whirlwinds | Evenlode constables adhere to unique superstitions and traditions, such as staying clear of small whirlwinds,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Who_is_bustling_about_the_Evenlode%3F|Who is bustling about the Evenlode?|Fallen London|}} ''"There is a whirl of dust [...] a little dirt cyclone. [...] The police [...] skirt the edges. [...] You superstitious?" The police are [...] quiet in response."''</ref> or requiring new recruits to perform "drownie duty" by repelling [[drownies]] who come ashore.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Let_him_be|Let him be|Fallen London|}} ''""Drownie duty. [...] Every Evenloder has to do it. Keep the [...] away from shore.""''</ref> | ||
==The Magistracy's Depths== | ==The Magistracy's Depths== | ||
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The lower levels of the Magistracy are completely flooded.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Construct_a_Diving_Bell_in_the_Magistracy%27s_Basement|Construct a Diving Bell in the Magistracy's Basement|Fallen London|}} ''[...] who knows how many flooded basement levels the Magistracy has."''</ref> They are home to [[Lamp-Cats|lamp-cats]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_a_gilled_lamp-cat|Observe a gilled lamp-cat|Fallen London|}}</ref> and a diverse, self-contained aquatic ecosystem.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Go_spear-fishing|Go spear-fishing|Fallen London|}} ''"There are fish swimming down here, [...] The basement of the Magistracy [...] [...] No two look exactly the same."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Send_your_Abyssal_Sawtooth_out_to_hunt|Send your Abyssal Sawtooth out to hunt|Fallen London|}} ''"The creatures of the Magistracy have flourished [...] cut off from the ecosystems of the Neath."''</ref> They contain detritus from the inhabitants above,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Search_the_upper_floors|Search the upper floors|Fallen London|}} ''"Things from the Magistracy above fall into the water here [...] waterlogged files [...] tin of zzoup [...]"''</ref> as well as relics from the [[First City]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Search_the_upper_floors|Search the upper floors|Fallen London|}} ''"You [...] identify what you have [...] unmistakeably First City. There must be more, down below."''</ref> Some areas have evidence of human habitation, as well as architecture meant for larger creatures.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Study_drowned_architecture|Study drowned architecture|Fallen London|}} ''"People lived here, once. The signs of habitation are clear [...] But the proportions are too big. [...] People lived here, but alongside what?"''</ref> | The lower levels of the Magistracy are completely flooded.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Construct_a_Diving_Bell_in_the_Magistracy%27s_Basement|Construct a Diving Bell in the Magistracy's Basement|Fallen London|}} ''[...] who knows how many flooded basement levels the Magistracy has."''</ref> They are home to [[Lamp-Cats|lamp-cats]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_a_gilled_lamp-cat|Observe a gilled lamp-cat|Fallen London|}}</ref> and a diverse, self-contained aquatic ecosystem.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Go_spear-fishing|Go spear-fishing|Fallen London|}} ''"There are fish swimming down here, [...] The basement of the Magistracy [...] [...] No two look exactly the same."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Send_your_Abyssal_Sawtooth_out_to_hunt|Send your Abyssal Sawtooth out to hunt|Fallen London|}} ''"The creatures of the Magistracy have flourished [...] cut off from the ecosystems of the Neath."''</ref> They contain detritus from the inhabitants above,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Search_the_upper_floors|Search the upper floors|Fallen London|}} ''"Things from the Magistracy above fall into the water here [...] waterlogged files [...] tin of zzoup [...]"''</ref> as well as relics from the [[First City]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Search_the_upper_floors|Search the upper floors|Fallen London|}} ''"You [...] identify what you have [...] unmistakeably First City. There must be more, down below."''</ref> Some areas have evidence of human habitation, as well as architecture meant for larger creatures.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Study_drowned_architecture|Study drowned architecture|Fallen London|}} ''"People lived here, once. The signs of habitation are clear [...] But the proportions are too big. [...] People lived here, but alongside what?"''</ref> | ||
The depths are inhabited by the [[The Light-in-Exile|Light-in-Exile]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Light-In-Exile|The Light-In-Exile|Fallen London|}} ''"You [...] see a fraction of the creature before you; [...]"''</ref> who befriends outcasts<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Reach_for_it|Reach for it|Fallen London|}} ''"The Light-in-Exile makes friends of outcasts that disappear beneath the water [...]"''</ref> and returns any other would-be visitors to dry land.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Reach_for_it|Reach for it|Fallen London|}} ''"The Light-in-Exile [...] it rejects Constables, and sends them back up to their fraternity above. [...] neither does it accept you. [...] You wash out on the banks of the Evenlode [...]"''</ref> The Evenlode constables traditionally send new recruits for a dip in the Light's waters: if they return, the Light has rejected them,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Rite|The Rite|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] at the bottom, a light gleams [...] the novice constable [...] He is fully submerged."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Reach_for_it|Reach for it|Fallen London|}} ''"The Light-in-Exile [...] rejects Constables, and sends them back up to their fraternity above."''</ref> making them a true member of the group.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Keep_watching_3|Keep watching 3|Fallen London|}} ''"He emerges from the water [...] "Not outcast. I'm not outcast." [...] The gathered officers [...] reassure him that he has passed, [...] he is one of them, part of the law of the Evenlode."''</ref> It is implied the judiciary also incorporates the Light in their practices | The depths are inhabited by the [[The Light-in-Exile|Light-in-Exile]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Light-In-Exile|The Light-In-Exile|Fallen London|}} ''"You [...] see a fraction of the creature before you; [...]"''</ref> who befriends outcasts<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Reach_for_it|Reach for it|Fallen London|}} ''"The Light-in-Exile makes friends of outcasts that disappear beneath the water [...]"''</ref> and returns any other would-be visitors to dry land.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Reach_for_it|Reach for it|Fallen London|}} ''"The Light-in-Exile [...] it rejects Constables, and sends them back up to their fraternity above. [...] neither does it accept you. [...] You wash out on the banks of the Evenlode [...]"''</ref> The Evenlode constables traditionally send new recruits for a dip in the Light's waters: if they return, the Light has rejected them,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Rite|The Rite|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] at the bottom, a light gleams [...] the novice constable [...] He is fully submerged."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Reach_for_it|Reach for it|Fallen London|}} ''"The Light-in-Exile [...] rejects Constables, and sends them back up to their fraternity above."''</ref> making them a true member of the group.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Keep_watching_3|Keep watching 3|Fallen London|}} ''"He emerges from the water [...] "Not outcast. I'm not outcast." [...] The gathered officers [...] reassure him that he has passed, [...] he is one of them, part of the law of the Evenlode."''</ref> It is implied the judiciary also incorporates the Light in their practices, away from public view; it may play a role in discussing tough cases, or processing guilty defendants and "particularly obnoxious litigants."<ref name = "beneath lurker">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Look_closer_at_the_daily_practice_of_the_court|Look closer at the daily practice of the court|Fallen London|}} ''"Is the judiciary aware of what lurks beneath them? [...] on [...] complex cases, judges [...] leave to confer. [...] they reemerge [...] as if they've spent some time in the dark. [...] There is also the way guilty defendants exit court. [...] led out a door reserved only for them. [...] never spot any departing the Magistracy building [...] perhaps there are holding cells [...] But, occasionally, particularly obnoxious litigants from civil cases are shown out this way, too."''</ref> | ||
== The Place of the Judge == | == The Place of the Judge == |
Revision as of 11:55, 29 March 2023
"On one side of the large, dusty square is the railway track, with its attendant buildings. On the other side is a Cyclopean edifice huge enough to rival even the Shuttered Palace. In its shadow, the railway station and offices are little more than a huddle of shacks."[1]
The Magistracy of the Evenlode is a legal institution near the Evenlode river in the Hinterlands. It is the third station of the Great Hellbound Railway.
The West Wings
"It is the most distant post of London law, with its own courts, and its own police force."[2]

The Magistracy of the Evenlode is an enormous, ancient courthouse built from stone.[3][4] The landscape nearby is marked by ancient roads,[5] and sinister tombs.[6] The Evenlode river itself is home to fish[7] and drownies,[8] and its water is used to brew pungent Magisterial Lager.[9]
The Magistracy handles all cases beyond London's borders,[10] as well as cases too unimportant, or esoteric, for London's courts.[11] Despite its distance from the city and dour atmosphere, it receives frequent visits from lawyers, litigants, police, and legal students.[12][13] The Magistracy can be a daunting place for ordinary humans:[14] its interior is frigid,[15] its stairs too large for comfort,[16] and its courtrooms range from huge, open spaces to small rooms resembling caves.[17]
The Constabulary of the Evenlode
"The police quarters fill only a wing of the Magistracy, but it is more than sufficient. Rooms have been set aside for cells, interrogation, police dormitories and offices."[18]

The Constabulary of the Evenlode police all territory outside the scope of London's Constables.[19] They work out of the same Magistracy building as the courts,[20] and consider themselves a cut above their city counterparts. However, some disagree and refer to their haughty colleagues as "self-righteous bullies."[21] The Constabulary may bestow privileges called Special Dispensations which, in their words, allow an officer to "act according to their best judgement rather than the exact letter of the law."[22][23]
Evenlode constables adhere to unique superstitions and traditions, such as staying clear of small whirlwinds,[24] or requiring new recruits to perform "drownie duty" by repelling drownies who come ashore.[25]
The Magistracy's Depths
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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. |
"The Magistracy is already unrecognizable as soon as you are below the water. Green moss covers the walls. Tiny, misshapen fish swirl around your diving bell."[26]
"Glimpses: Of monster-light and vast, curved needle-teeth. Something about this glow, this point of light in the dark water, draws you to it. Has drawn you to it."[27]

The lower levels of the Magistracy are completely flooded.[28] They are home to lamp-cats,[29] and a diverse, self-contained aquatic ecosystem.[30][31] They contain detritus from the inhabitants above,[32] as well as relics from the First City.[33] Some areas have evidence of human habitation, as well as architecture meant for larger creatures.[34]
The depths are inhabited by the Light-in-Exile,[35] who befriends outcasts[36] and returns any other would-be visitors to dry land.[37] The Evenlode constables traditionally send new recruits for a dip in the Light's waters: if they return, the Light has rejected them,[38][39] making them a true member of the group.[40] It is implied the judiciary also incorporates the Light in their practices, away from public view; it may play a role in discussing tough cases, or processing guilty defendants and "particularly obnoxious litigants."[41]
The Place of the Judge
"One defendant at a time came before this Judge – summoned here if they tried to pass through these lands without leave. The Chamber built anew for every trial, by workers who all resembled the defendant exactly."[42]
"FROM EACH HER OWN LAW; AND NONE SHALL ESCAPE THE LAW SHE HAS MADE."[43]

Long ago, the Magistracy served as the court of the Creditor:[44][45] where trespassers through the Hinterlands would be judged.[46] Interlopers were summoned to the court's throne room,[47] which was rebuilt and redesigned for each defendant.[48] Defendants' promises were written on the walls,[49] and the room would be more compact the weightier the promises they made.[50]
The Creditor abandoned its court sometime during the era of the Second City,[51] but the ruins,[52] and ancient memories, still remain.[53]
References
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