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{{Character|image1=Curator sprite.webp|caption1=A Curator.|location=[[The High Wilderness]]<br>[[The Neath]] ([[The Masters of the Bazaar]])|allegiance=Independent<br>[[Messengers]]|relationships=|notable_members=[[The Masters of the Bazaar]]<br>[[The House of Rods and Chains#Mr Barleycorn|Mr Barleycorn]]<br>[[The House of Rods and Chains#Mr Pennies|Mr Pennies]]<br>[[The House of Rods and Chains#Mr Menagerie|Mr Menagerie]]<br>[[The House of Rods and Chains#Mr Pipes|Mr Pipes]]}}<blockquote>"''Intelligent, locomotive-sized chiroptera, able to pry an engine apart with their claws, or pummel it with their hellish shrieks. Curators accumulate hoards, which they guard violently. Each hoard collects artefacts or creatures themed to the Curator’s particular obsession."''<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies. | {{Character|image1=Curator sprite.webp|caption1=A Curator.|location=[[The High Wilderness]]<br>[[The Neath]] ([[The Masters of the Bazaar]])|allegiance=Independent<br>[[Messengers]]|relationships=|notable_members=[[The Masters of the Bazaar]]<br>[[The House of Rods and Chains#Mr Barleycorn|Mr Barleycorn]]<br>[[The House of Rods and Chains#Mr Pennies|Mr Pennies]]<br>[[The House of Rods and Chains#Mr Menagerie|Mr Menagerie]]<br>[[The House of Rods and Chains#Mr Pipes|Mr Pipes]]}}<blockquote>"''Intelligent, locomotive-sized chiroptera, able to pry an engine apart with their claws, or pummel it with their hellish shrieks. Curators accumulate hoards, which they guard violently. Each hoard collects artefacts or creatures themed to the Curator’s particular obsession."''<ref name="sunlessskies.miraheze.org">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Curator|Curator|Sunless Skies}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
'''Curators''' are a race of space bats that hoard treasures in the [[The High Wilderness|High Wilderness]]. | '''Curators''' are a race of space bats that hoard treasures in the [[The High Wilderness|High Wilderness]]. | ||
==An Anatomy Lesson== | ==An Anatomy Lesson== | ||
<blockquote>''"The Masters wouldn't care for you saying so. But the wings, the arms and legs, all fit."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Declare_your_(Skeleton_Type)_a_completed_Curator|Declare your (Skeleton Type) a completed Curator|Fallen London | <blockquote>''"The Masters wouldn't care for you saying so. But the wings, the arms and legs, all fit."''<ref name="fallenlondon.wiki">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Declare_your_(Skeleton_Type)_a_completed_Curator|Declare your (Skeleton Type) a completed Curator|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
While Curators have many things in common with their earthly counterparts, they also possess humanoid hands, which allow them to hold items - or food - while in flight.<ref | While Curators have many things in common with their earthly counterparts, they also possess humanoid hands, which allow them to hold items - or food - while in flight.<ref name="fallenlondon.wiki"/><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Curator|Examine the creature's collection|Sunless Skies}}</ref> Curators may also possess other anatomical oddities, such as horns or even semi-sentient teeth which can move independently from their owner.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Abbey_Rock|Watch|Sunless Sea}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bite_like_Mr_Veils|Bite like Mr Veils|Fallen London}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_compartment_-_with_the_Hideous_Promissory_Note|Enter the compartment - with the Hideous Promissory Note|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
It is shown that, while their typical size is massive, Curators can shrink in size to interact more properly with humans. However they can also lose control of this ability while upset, returning to something closer to their original size.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ambition:_Light_Fingers! https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ambition:_Light_Fingers!]</ref> Curators who lack part of something called the "Dual Nature" are called '''Runts''', and have smaller statures<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Force_the_Convocation_tell_you_how_to_reach_the_Grave_of_Mirrors|Force the Convocation tell you how to reach the Grave of Mirrors|Fallen London | It is shown that, while their typical size is massive, Curators can shrink in size to interact more properly with humans. However they can also lose control of this ability while upset, returning to something closer to their original size.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ambition:_Light_Fingers! https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ambition:_Light_Fingers!]</ref> Curators who lack part of something called the "Dual Nature" are called '''Runts''', and have smaller statures<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Force_the_Convocation_tell_you_how_to_reach_the_Grave_of_Mirrors|Force the Convocation tell you how to reach the Grave of Mirrors|Fallen London}} ''"The Convocation shrink back. "LET'S NOT BE HASTY," says the smallest one (which still towers above you)."''</ref> and are unfortunately viewed as weaker by their peers.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/No_map_knows_the_place_you_go|No map knows the place you go|Fallen London}} ''"A Tree which lacks the Dual Nature is less. A Beast which lacks the Dual Nature is no less. This kind are not Trees, nor are they Beasts. Each Clutch has sometimes its Runt, who lacketh part of the Nature. Even the Runt has uses. Consider the Owl."''</ref><ref name = "seal">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_House_of_Rods_and_Chains#Mr_Barleycorn's_Belfry|Give Mr Barleycorn the Seal of Mr Menagerie|Sunless Skies}} ''"The Runt [...] "I confess, I am amazed it has survived. My master was not tolerant of its various weaknesses. Its single-mindedness; its cleaving to antiquated custom. How it chafed at its chains." Mr Barleycorn dips the seal in ink and presses it to paper. "Still. I am glad it has found new purpose. I'm pleased to hear it's doing well.""''</ref> It has been suggested that this "dual nature" of most Curators is that they are hermaphroditic, and that Runts only possess one set of reproductive organs. However, there is no conclusive confirmation of this, and Mr Menagerie (a Runt who uses it/its pronouns<ref name = "seal"/>) serves as a counterexample to the typically cited instance of Mr Candles (the only known Curator Runt to use he/him pronouns).<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Tell_them_what_became_of_him|Tell them what became of him|Fallen London}} ''"The others will comb the sea, [...] They will find each mote of Candles. He is a wound, an absence, a decay, but they will assemble his elements for the ceremony. [...] They look upon the remnants of the Runt; they grieve; they will not forget."''</ref> | ||
Like other bats, Curators are sensitive to sound; they can even enter a state of intoxication when exposed to music.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies. | Like other bats, Curators are sensitive to sound; they can even enter a state of intoxication when exposed to music.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_House_of_Rods_and_Chains|Give Mr Barleycorn the Seal of Mr Pipes|Sunless Skies}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://drive.google.com/file/d/1526_ziu5V7gPMYaBHqRYzsIeYAQD3bsu/view|A loyalty worthy of praise|The Silver Tree}}''"[...] Behind a curtain, a servant was playing a pipe of some sort, as was customary at these dinners. The Emissary was swaying, very gently, in time to the music. [...] He lurched, suddenly, and stumbled off. I would have believed him intoxicated, but that night, as usual, he had not had even a sip of airag."''</ref> | ||
==Merciless Pedlar-Magnates== | ==Merciless Pedlar-Magnates== | ||
<blockquote>''"Once, we gathered here. We held our bargains and boasted of our chiefs. Our bands displayed the finest of goods. Our magnanimity was sharp as knives. All knew our worth. Then the light came. They made of our grounds sport. A dancing place. A laughing place. They made bargains of their own."''<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies. | <blockquote>''"Once, we gathered here. We held our bargains and boasted of our chiefs. Our bands displayed the finest of goods. Our magnanimity was sharp as knives. All knew our worth. Then the light came. They made of our grounds sport. A dancing place. A laughing place. They made bargains of their own."''<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Mr_Menagerie%27s_Stall_for_Delicious_Scouts|Listen to a story of things past|Sunless Skies}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
[[File:Chiropteroushoarder.png|thumb|A Curator formerly known as [[Mr Apples]].|alt=]] | [[File:Chiropteroushoarder.png|thumb|A Curator formerly known as [[Mr Apples]].|alt=]] | ||
Each Curator possesses an inherent desire to acquire and hoard a unique type of thing.<ref | Each Curator possesses an inherent desire to acquire and hoard a unique type of thing.<ref name="sunlessskies.miraheze.org"/> This obsession is present even before birth; in fact, an expecting parent Curator can experience its child's obsession as a unique form of pregnancy cravings.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Offer_Mr_Spices_your_medical_opinion_on_its_peculiar_health|Offer Mr Spices your medical opinion on its peculiar health|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
Curators spend much of their time alone or in small groups called flocks,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies. | Curators spend much of their time alone or in small groups called flocks,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder|Show it the seal of Mr Barleycorn|Sunless Skies}}</ref> traveling and hunting in the [[The High Wilderness|High Wilderness]], but occasionally they congregate in large numbers to trade and socialize.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> During these gatherings, they follow a strict calendar called '''the Order of Days''' that determines their activities: | ||
*The '''Day of the Hunt''', a time for killing lesser creatures and showing off trophies.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_the_Hunt|Observe the Day of the Hunt|Fallen London | *The '''Day of the Hunt''', a time for killing lesser creatures and showing off trophies.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_the_Hunt|Observe the Day of the Hunt|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
*The '''Day of the Feast''', a time for eating and socializing.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_the_Feast|Observe the Day of the Feast|Fallen London | *The '''Day of the Feast''', a time for eating and socializing.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_the_Feast|Observe the Day of the Feast|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
*The '''Day of Council''', a time for discussions and debates.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_Council|Observe the Day of Council|Fallen London | *The '''Day of Council''', a time for discussions and debates.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_Council|Observe the Day of Council|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
*The '''Day of Bargain''', a time for trading.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_Bargain|Observe the Day of Bargain|Fallen London | *The '''Day of Bargain''', a time for trading.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_Bargain|Observe the Day of Bargain|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
*The '''Day of Slaughter''', a time for murder between Curators.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_Slaughter|Observe the Day of Slaughter|Fallen London | *The '''Day of Slaughter''', a time for murder between Curators.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_Slaughter|Observe the Day of Slaughter|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
Some Curators become very successful during their long lives, achieving the ranks of band leaders and magnates amongst their comrades.<ref | Some Curators become very successful during their long lives, achieving the ranks of band leaders and magnates amongst their comrades.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="failbettergames.com">{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/a-secret-about-the-masters/|A secret about the Masters|Failbetter Games}}</ref> | ||
==Crimes and Messengers== | ==Crimes and Messengers== | ||
<blockquote>''"Charity is a crime. The punishment severe."''<ref | <blockquote>''"Charity is a crime. The punishment severe."''<ref name="ReferenceA"/></blockquote> | ||
Curator society is harsh, and there are many actions and situations which can result in ostracism of an individual.<ref | Curator society is harsh, and there are many actions and situations which can result in ostracism of an individual.<ref name="failbettergames.com"/> Some of these include: | ||
*Hoarding | *Hoarding | ||
| Line 49: | Line 49: | ||
*Violation of the Order of Days, “which determines the hour of the hunt, the feast, the council, the bargain, and the slaughter” | *Violation of the Order of Days, “which determines the hour of the hunt, the feast, the council, the bargain, and the slaughter” | ||
Outcast Curators sometimes enter into servitude to [[Messengers]], for protection and a chance to escape their previous misfortune.<ref | Outcast Curators sometimes enter into servitude to [[Messengers]], for protection and a chance to escape their previous misfortune.<ref name="failbettergames.com"/><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Mr_Pennies|Show Mr Barleycorn's seal|Sunless Skies}}</ref> One such [[The Masters of the Bazaar|group]] can be found serving the [[Echo Bazaar]] in the [[Neath]]. A different flock once served the [[House of Rods and Chains]], although they have been disbanded since its death.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_House_of_Rods_and_Chains|Talk with Mr Barleycorn|Sunless Skies}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 20:44, 5 February 2025
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WARNING: Beyond this point lie extended spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or Fate-locked content, including spoilers for formerly restricted storylines such as the endings of Seeking Mr Eaten's Name. Look away now. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"Intelligent, locomotive-sized chiroptera, able to pry an engine apart with their claws, or pummel it with their hellish shrieks. Curators accumulate hoards, which they guard violently. Each hoard collects artefacts or creatures themed to the Curator’s particular obsession."[1]
Curators are a race of space bats that hoard treasures in the High Wilderness.
An Anatomy Lesson
"The Masters wouldn't care for you saying so. But the wings, the arms and legs, all fit."[2]
While Curators have many things in common with their earthly counterparts, they also possess humanoid hands, which allow them to hold items - or food - while in flight.[2][3] Curators may also possess other anatomical oddities, such as horns or even semi-sentient teeth which can move independently from their owner.[4][5][6]
It is shown that, while their typical size is massive, Curators can shrink in size to interact more properly with humans. However they can also lose control of this ability while upset, returning to something closer to their original size.[7] Curators who lack part of something called the "Dual Nature" are called Runts, and have smaller statures[8] and are unfortunately viewed as weaker by their peers.[9][10] It has been suggested that this "dual nature" of most Curators is that they are hermaphroditic, and that Runts only possess one set of reproductive organs. However, there is no conclusive confirmation of this, and Mr Menagerie (a Runt who uses it/its pronouns[10]) serves as a counterexample to the typically cited instance of Mr Candles (the only known Curator Runt to use he/him pronouns).[11]
Like other bats, Curators are sensitive to sound; they can even enter a state of intoxication when exposed to music.[12][13]
Merciless Pedlar-Magnates
"Once, we gathered here. We held our bargains and boasted of our chiefs. Our bands displayed the finest of goods. Our magnanimity was sharp as knives. All knew our worth. Then the light came. They made of our grounds sport. A dancing place. A laughing place. They made bargains of their own."[14]
Each Curator possesses an inherent desire to acquire and hoard a unique type of thing.[1] This obsession is present even before birth; in fact, an expecting parent Curator can experience its child's obsession as a unique form of pregnancy cravings.[15]
Curators spend much of their time alone or in small groups called flocks,[16] traveling and hunting in the High Wilderness, but occasionally they congregate in large numbers to trade and socialize.[14] During these gatherings, they follow a strict calendar called the Order of Days that determines their activities:
- The Day of the Hunt, a time for killing lesser creatures and showing off trophies.[17]
- The Day of the Feast, a time for eating and socializing.[18]
- The Day of Council, a time for discussions and debates.[19]
- The Day of Bargain, a time for trading.[20]
- The Day of Slaughter, a time for murder between Curators.[21]
Some Curators become very successful during their long lives, achieving the ranks of band leaders and magnates amongst their comrades.[14][22]
Crimes and Messengers
"Charity is a crime. The punishment severe."[14]
Curator society is harsh, and there are many actions and situations which can result in ostracism of an individual.[22] Some of these include:
- Hoarding
- Light-bringing
- Impersonation
- Delivery of false testimony
- Perpetration of the crimes of knife and of candle
- Idleness
- The dwelling-on of dreams
- Runtery
- Aberration
- Pursuit of a Treachery
- Failure and defeat; a fall from king to beggar
- Glass-whispering
- Charity
- Truth-strangling
- Violation of the Order of Days, “which determines the hour of the hunt, the feast, the council, the bargain, and the slaughter”
Outcast Curators sometimes enter into servitude to Messengers, for protection and a chance to escape their previous misfortune.[22][23] One such group can be found serving the Echo Bazaar in the Neath. A different flock once served the House of Rods and Chains, although they have been disbanded since its death.[24]
References
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