The Hurlers: Difference between revisions
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The Caprine Vagabond}}<blockquote>''"When the Masters bought London, the Hurlers weren't part of the deal. That's why the Hurlers are here. If they are. What is and is not here isn't so easy to confirm."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Hurlers|Discuss the Hurlers|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | The Caprine Vagabond}}<blockquote>''"When the Masters bought London, the Hurlers weren't part of the deal. That's why the Hurlers are here. If they are. What is and is not here isn't so easy to confirm."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Hurlers|Discuss the Hurlers|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
The <font color="blue">'''Hurlers'''</font> are a frozen wasteland deep in the [[Hinterlands]]. Against all common sense, they are the eighth station of the [[Great Hellbound Railway]]. | The <font color="blue">'''Hurlers'''</font> are a frozen wasteland deep in the [[Hinterlands]].<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Plan_for_an_icy_route_to_the_Hurlers_2|Plan for an icy route to the Hurlers 2|Fallen London|}} ''"The land out there is grim and surprisingly cold for a place so close to Hell."''</ref> Against all common sense, they are the eighth station of the [[Great Hellbound Railway]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Build_the_station_at_The_Hurlers|Build the station at The Hurlers|Fallen London|}}</ref> | ||
==Desolation== | ==Desolation== | ||
<blockquote>''"Nothing is out here but you, the darkness, and the cold. Close your eyes, and you can imagine you're nowhere at all. Open them, and you can see the crystals within crystals, the fractals within fractals, that radiate across the lake. Their exact delineations, their perfectly formed patterns, express a mathematical precision as frigid as it is flawless."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/On_the_Ice|On the Ice|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>''"Nothing is out here but you, the darkness, and the cold. Close your eyes, and you can imagine you're nowhere at all. Open them, and you can see the crystals within crystals, the fractals within fractals, that radiate across the lake. Their exact delineations, their perfectly formed patterns, express a mathematical precision as frigid as it is flawless."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/On_the_Ice|On the Ice|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
The plain of the Hurlers is one of the coldest places in [[the Neath]];<ref name=":0" /> its frigid conditions can smother flames<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Hurlers_(Storylet)|The Hurlers (Storylet)|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] this desolate wasteland. Candles struggle to burn: flames have been known to freeze on their wicks."''</ref> and will very quickly kill anyone without a dependable source of [[The Correspondence|heat]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Travel_to_the_encampment_(Foxfire_Candle_Stubs)|Travel to the encampment (Foxfire Candle Stubs)|Fallen London|}} ''"It isn't too far. If you freeze to death on the way, it should be simple to turn around. "''</ref> As such, the region is incredibly hazardous to develop<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Illuminate_the_road_you%27ve_built|Illuminate the road you've built|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] why do the Tracklayers installing the lanterns suffer so many accidents?"''</ref> and has minimal infrastructure.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Hurlers_(Storylet)|The Hurlers (Storylet)|Fallen London|}} ''"Beyond the station's huddled warmth, there is only darkness and ice. Beyond the darkness and ice, there are the standing stones [...]"''</ref> However, [[Mr Stones]] has an interest in this place,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Establish_a_trading_post|Establish a trading post|Fallen London|}} ''"There are practically no marketable goods [...] but rocks, crystals, and rocks with crystals [...] the most obscenely wealthy Master of the Bazaar is interested in precisely such commodities."''</ref> as it seeks "a stone that unmakes boundaries."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_private_compartment|Enter the private compartment|Fallen London|}} ''""Interesting, these," says Mr Stones, toying with a Crystallised Curio. [...] "What wouldst thou pay, [...] for a stone that unmakes boundaries?" [...] "More," says Mr Stones. "Find more.""''</ref> As a whole, there is very little life present; [[Bestiary#Goat-Demon|goat-demons]] graze on the myriad bones strewn across the land, as well as what little vegetation can survive in these conditions.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Grazing_Goat-Demons|Grazing Goat-Demons|Fallen London|}} ''"Beside the tracks, goat-demons are munching on straggling briar patches. And on numerous bones protruding from the ground, which are vastly more pervasive [...] than any plant. "''</ref> | |||
[[Hell]] attempted to excavate the Hurlers several times; every attempt failed, and the survivors were left unable to recall the details of each expedition.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_with_the_Disembarking_Deviless|Speak with the Disembarking Deviless|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] At one point, Hell had an interest in excavating this region. But all their expeditions were called back. Those that survived couldn't even remember what they had discovered. [...] "''</ref> The only notes that remain describe what the archaeologists "did not find."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_with_the_Disembarked_Deviless_(Breaking_2)|Speak with the Disembarked Deviless (Breaking 2)|Fallen London|}} ''""I've managed to acquire a few notes from previous excavations [...] the Deviless tells [...] "They aren't terribly informative. Rather than writing about what they found, the archaeologists seemed to write more about what they did not find. [...]"''</ref> During their last attempt, Hell also tried to make a deal of unknown terms with Mr Stones.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Find_the_Caprine_Vagabond_in_the_herd_4|Find the Caprine Vagabond in the herd 4|Fallen London|}} ''"It's probably to do with Hell's last excavation. They did more damage than anyone else [...] Whatever deal they tried to cut with Mr Stones, I'm not sure it's worked out to their advantage. [...]"''</ref> | |||
== Landmarks == | |||
The nearest inhabited structure in the vicinity is a ruined encampment from Hell's most recent expedition.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Travel_to_the_encampment_(Foxfire_Candle_Stubs)|Travel to the encampment (Foxfire Candle Stubs)|Fallen London|}} ''"You arrive [...] Only ramshackle walls provide any shelter. Years ago, when certain infernal archaeologists established a base here [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Provide_funding_for_the_Disembarked_Deviless|Provide funding for the Disembarked Deviless|Fallen London|}} ''"Do you know where the last expedition established a base? That's where we'll camp too. [...]"''</ref> It is inhabited by the '''Caprine Vagabond,''' an exceptionally large goat-demon.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Around_the_Embers|Around the Embers|Fallen London|}} ''"Shattered bricks enclose a shallow fire-pit, [...] an enormous goat-demon rakes the ashes with a cloven hoof."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Caprine_Vagabond|The Caprine Vagabond|Fallen London|}} ''"Even the goatiest goat-demons aren't this gargantuan. It's as if the Caprine Vagabond has grown as mountains grow [...]"''</ref> The Vagabond claims to have "no reason" to reside here,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_encampment|Discuss the encampment|Fallen London|}} ''"There must be a reason that the Vagabond is camped alone out here. [...] "No reason," it finally says. "Nothing has a reason in this place. [...]"''</ref> and insists it is not a spy.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Find_the_Caprine_Vagabond_in_the_herd_4|Find the Caprine Vagabond in the herd 4|Fallen London|}} ''""You didn't hear that from me. Besides, it's not like I'm at the Hurlers to inform anyone about anything. I'm not a spy. [...]"''</ref> It directs anyone seeking knowledge of the [[Discordance]] toward a nearby ruin.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Stewards_of_the_Discordance|Discuss the Stewards of the Discordance|Fallen London|}} ''""Pilgrims seek the Stewards of the Discordance for knowledge, for power, to change what can never be changed. I tell them the way: [...] toward the ruins.""''</ref><ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Adulterine_Castle|Discuss the Adulterine Castle|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] there are ruins. There," [...] Around the lake.""''</ref> | |||
The Adulterine Ruins are located near a frozen lake.<ref name=":1" /> The only living being here is a single Steward of the Discordance;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Adulterine_Ruins|The Adulterine Ruins|Fallen London|}} ''"The Adulterine Ruins [...] someone lives here amongst the rubble. In a room less collapsed than the rest, [...] you find a single woman in monastic robes."''</ref> she tries to direct wanderers away from the dangers of the Hurlers,<ref name=":2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Approach_the_Steward|Approach the Steward|Fallen London|}} ''"A Steward of the Discordance [...] This area is dangerous. It's my job to keep people away. [...] tell me everything. It's been so long since I've heard any news! Then I'll have to drive you out, [...] Unless you'd care to play cards?"''</ref> but she is also chatty and fond of card games and gossip.<ref name=":2" /> One foolhardy enough to stay a while may be ordained as a new Steward in her presence, though the price to pay is high.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Disembarked_Deviless%27_research|Discuss the Disembarked Deviless' research|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] you're not a Steward of the Discordance." [...] "You wouldn't like to be one, I suppose?" [...] "It might be possible, although the cost would be steep.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Swear_the_oath|Swear the oath|Fallen London|}} ''""Repeat these words," says the Steward [...] You cannot think. [...] Welcome to the Stewardship.""''</ref> | |||
[[The Adulterine Castle]] does not exist beneath a frozen lake,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Step_onto_the_frozen_lake|Step onto the frozen lake|Fallen London|}} ''"Beneath your feet, the lake's frozen surface is as solid as marble."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Adulterine_Castle_(The_Steward) |Discuss the Adulterine Castle (The Steward) |Fallen London|}} ''"[...] some people do claim there's a castle in the lake, under the ice. [...] When something doesn't exist, it's difficult to comprehend. [...]"''</ref> and the lake's surface does not act as a gateway.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_your_eyes|Open your eyes|Fallen London|}} ''"Stare into the lake's frozen surface. [...] You don't pass through the ice, and the ice doesn't lock overhead. [...] You haven't opened a doorway that cannot be closed. You haven't entered a castle that hasn't been built."''</ref> | |||
== The Standing Stones == | |||
The Hurlers ''themselves,'' located on the hilltop overlooking most of it, are a set of giant standing stones arranged in two circles. They are covered in letters of the Discordance, which emanate powerful frost all around them.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Amongst_the_Standing_Stones|Amongst the Standing Stones|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Locate_a_spot_to_dig_around_the_hill|Locate a spot to dig around the hill|Fallen London|}}</ref> Properly counting the number of stones that form each circle isn't possible, as the Hurlers are actually two teams of goat-demons that constantly move while they don't play numerous games of Hurly-Burly. The meaning and possible effects of the words inscribed upon them aren't dependent on which of the two teams are currently in a winning position.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Hurlers_again_2|Discuss the Hurlers again 2|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Beneath_the_Standing_Stones|Beneath the Standing Stones|Fallen London|}}</ref> | The Hurlers ''themselves,'' located on the hilltop overlooking most of it, are a set of giant standing stones arranged in two circles. They are covered in letters of the Discordance, which emanate powerful frost all around them.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Amongst_the_Standing_Stones|Amongst the Standing Stones|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Locate_a_spot_to_dig_around_the_hill|Locate a spot to dig around the hill|Fallen London|}}</ref> Properly counting the number of stones that form each circle isn't possible, as the Hurlers are actually two teams of goat-demons that constantly move while they don't play numerous games of Hurly-Burly. The meaning and possible effects of the words inscribed upon them aren't dependent on which of the two teams are currently in a winning position.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Hurlers_again_2|Discuss the Hurlers again 2|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Beneath_the_Standing_Stones|Beneath the Standing Stones|Fallen London|}}</ref> | ||
== | == Real-Life Inspirations == | ||
{{ | The Hurlers are a group of stone circles located in Cornwall, England.<ref>{{Citation|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hurlers_(stone_circles)|The Hurlers (stone circles)|Wikipedia|}}</ref> Legend has it that the stones were once men who played the Cornish game of hurling on a Sunday, and were transformed as punishment. Some also say it is impossible to accurately count the number of stones. | ||
Given the location of the real-life Hurlers and lack of connection to the [[Traitor Empress]], it is unclear how or why they (or something like them) would be transported to the Neath. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 20:34, 4 July 2023
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WARNING: Beyond this point lie spoilers for the Discordant Studies storyline from Fallen London. Do not proceed forward. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"When the Masters bought London, the Hurlers weren't part of the deal. That's why the Hurlers are here. If they are. What is and is not here isn't so easy to confirm."[1]
The Hurlers are a frozen wasteland deep in the Hinterlands.[2] Against all common sense, they are the eighth station of the Great Hellbound Railway.[3]
Desolation
"Nothing is out here but you, the darkness, and the cold. Close your eyes, and you can imagine you're nowhere at all. Open them, and you can see the crystals within crystals, the fractals within fractals, that radiate across the lake. Their exact delineations, their perfectly formed patterns, express a mathematical precision as frigid as it is flawless."[4]
The plain of the Hurlers is one of the coldest places in the Neath;[2] its frigid conditions can smother flames[5] and will very quickly kill anyone without a dependable source of heat.[6] As such, the region is incredibly hazardous to develop[7] and has minimal infrastructure.[8] However, Mr Stones has an interest in this place,[9] as it seeks "a stone that unmakes boundaries."[10] As a whole, there is very little life present; goat-demons graze on the myriad bones strewn across the land, as well as what little vegetation can survive in these conditions.[11]
Hell attempted to excavate the Hurlers several times; every attempt failed, and the survivors were left unable to recall the details of each expedition.[12] The only notes that remain describe what the archaeologists "did not find."[13] During their last attempt, Hell also tried to make a deal of unknown terms with Mr Stones.[14]
Landmarks
The nearest inhabited structure in the vicinity is a ruined encampment from Hell's most recent expedition.[15][16] It is inhabited by the Caprine Vagabond, an exceptionally large goat-demon.[17][18] The Vagabond claims to have "no reason" to reside here,[19] and insists it is not a spy.[20] It directs anyone seeking knowledge of the Discordance toward a nearby ruin.[21][22]
The Adulterine Ruins are located near a frozen lake.[22] The only living being here is a single Steward of the Discordance;[23] she tries to direct wanderers away from the dangers of the Hurlers,[24] but she is also chatty and fond of card games and gossip.[24] One foolhardy enough to stay a while may be ordained as a new Steward in her presence, though the price to pay is high.[25][26]
The Adulterine Castle does not exist beneath a frozen lake,[27][28] and the lake's surface does not act as a gateway.[29]
The Standing Stones
The Hurlers themselves, located on the hilltop overlooking most of it, are a set of giant standing stones arranged in two circles. They are covered in letters of the Discordance, which emanate powerful frost all around them.[30][31] Properly counting the number of stones that form each circle isn't possible, as the Hurlers are actually two teams of goat-demons that constantly move while they don't play numerous games of Hurly-Burly. The meaning and possible effects of the words inscribed upon them aren't dependent on which of the two teams are currently in a winning position.[32][33]
Real-Life Inspirations
The Hurlers are a group of stone circles located in Cornwall, England.[34] Legend has it that the stones were once men who played the Cornish game of hurling on a Sunday, and were transformed as punishment. Some also say it is impossible to accurately count the number of stones.
Given the location of the real-life Hurlers and lack of connection to the Traitor Empress, it is unclear how or why they (or something like them) would be transported to the Neath.
References
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