|location = Penstock's Land Agency, [[The Echo Bazaar]]
|location = Penstock's Land Agency, [[The Echo Bazaar]]
|allegiance = [[The Echo Bazaar]]}}<blockquote>''"He stoops like a clerk and coughs like a miner. But that frock-coat is of the finest fabric and the newest cut. “My name is Penstock,” he says."''<ref name=":0">[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Fallen_London#Interactions A dusty gentleman, ''Sunless Sea''] ''"Tired eyes, sallow skin. He stoops like a clerk and coughs like a miner. But that frock-coat is of the finest fabric and the newest cut. “My name is Penstock,” he says."''</ref></blockquote>'''Penstock''' is a land agent who manages Penstock’s Land Agency, a modest office situated on the eastern flank of the Bazaar.<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/A_Visit_to_the_Bazaar#Interactions Go with her, ''Fallen London''] ''"Penstock's Land Agency: a modest office in an immodest location, hard against the eastern flank of the Bazaar - that spired fortress of commerce that towers over London. Penstock stoops like a clerk and coughs like a miner, but his eyes are very wise."''</ref> On the surface, he inspects, purchases, and sells property.<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Memoirs:_Quality_of_Lodgings#Usage Sell your Mansion, Sunless Sea] ''Penstock, the land agent, looks over the Mansion with a gloomy eye. “Roof's going,” he suggests. “But it's a good size, I suppose.”''</ref> But beneath the Agency, beyond Penstock’s Wicket, lies '''the Sundered Sea'''—the vast reservoir that serves as the Bazaar’s [[lacre]]-vats.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Sundered_Sea|A Sundered Sea|Fallen London|}}</ref> Access to this hidden expanse is granted only through Penstock’s Wicket, an entrance guarded by Penstock himself, leading to the depths below via an elevator of sorts.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Pass_the_Wicket_and_descend|Pass the Wicket and descend|Fallen London|}}''[…] "This is only the way down," he tells you […] "There are other ways up. At least, you should hope there are." […] There is a scent – the unmistakable ammonia of lacre – and you hear something, too. It sounds very like the sea.''</ref>
|allegiance = [[The Echo Bazaar]]}}<blockquote>''"He stoops like a clerk and coughs like a miner. But that frock-coat is of the finest fabric and the newest cut. “My name is Penstock,” he says."''<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Fallen_London#Interactions|A dusty gentleman|Sunless Sea|}}</ref></blockquote>'''Penstock''' manages Penstock’s Land Agency, a modest office situated on the eastern flank of the [[Bazaar]].<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/A_Visit_to_the_Bazaar#Interactions Go with her, ''Fallen London''] ''"Penstock's Land Agency: a modest office in an immodest location, hard against the eastern flank of the Bazaar - that spired fortress of commerce that towers over London. Penstock stoops like a clerk and coughs like a miner, but his eyes are very wise."''</ref> Officially, he inspects, purchases, and sells property.<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Memoirs:_Quality_of_Lodgings#Usage Sell your Mansion, Sunless Sea] ''Penstock, the land agent, looks over the Mansion with a gloomy eye. “Roof's going,” he suggests. “But it's a good size, I suppose.”''</ref> But beneath the Agency lies the '''Sundered Sea''': the vast reservoir that serves as the Bazaar’s [[lacre]]-vats.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Sundered_Sea|A Sundered Sea|Fallen London|}}''"Sigils beat in the ceiling of these caverns [...] the lacre spuming below takes the red light and returns it, somehow, as purest white. Distance is difficult to judge, but this space would handily absorb a cathedral or two. It's a second sea, but a divided one. The lacre foams in cells and pits [...]"''</ref> Access to this hidden expanse is granted only through '''Penstock’s Wicket''', an entrance guarded by Penstock himself, leading to the depths below via a ramshackle elevator.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Pass_the_Wicket_and_descend|Pass the Wicket and descend|Fallen London|}}''"'Downstairs' is a redly lit grotto hollowed from the carapace of the Bazaar. A heavily chained cage-lift awaits you at the back. Penstock unlocks it: his hands are trembling."''</ref>
Every Christmas, he permits select Londoners to descend into the Sea, allowing them a rare opportunity to commune with the Bazaar.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Penstock%27s_Wicket Penstock's Wicket, ''Fallen London''] ''"She's been expecting you," […] "Would you like to come downztairs?"''</ref> Penstock wields absolute control over access to the lacre-vats; even other servants of the Bazaar must seek his permission.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Practical_Numismatics Practical Numismatics, ''Fallen London''] ''"[...] the Efficient Commissioner […] has filled kegs of lacre, with Penstock's permission. [...]"''</ref><ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Sacks!_Take_this_pail_of..._snow%3F_2 Mr Sacks! Take this pail of... snow? 2, ''Fallen London''] ''"The lacre is of the quality I might have expected. Yes, indeed. Not generous, but sufficient. […] I shall commend you to Penstock, should that time come." It snares it […]. What's this it's left behind? Since when does Mr Sacks leave gifts?''</ref>
Penstock wields absolute control over access to the lacre-vats; even other servants of the Bazaar must seek his permission.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Practical_Numismatics Practical Numismatics, ''Fallen London''] ''"[...] the Efficient Commissioner […] has filled kegs of lacre, with Penstock's permission. [...]"''</ref><ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Sacks!_Take_this_pail_of..._snow%3F_2 Mr Sacks! Take this pail of... snow? 2, ''Fallen London''] ''"The lacre is of the quality I might have expected. Yes, indeed. Not generous, but sufficient. […] I shall commend you to Penstock, should that time come." It snares it […]. What's this it's left behind? Since when does Mr Sacks leave gifts?''</ref> In this capacity, he was responsible for facilitating [[Lilac Clathermont]]'s past affairs.<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/A_Visit_to_the_Bazaar#Interactions Go with her, ''Fallen London''] ''"There is another sea beneath the Bazaar," Penstock declares. "A paler sea. Yes, I would imagine you might make the bargain your mother made. Yes, I helped her go down there. But she took a terrible chance even then... and the Bazaar is not well. Not now. Are you certain?" (Said in conversation with [[Maybe's Daughter]].)''</ref> Every [[Christmas]], he permits an array of [[London|Londoners]] to descend into the Sea, giving them a rare opportunity to commune with the Bazaar.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Penstock%27s_Wicket Penstock's Wicket, ''Fallen London''] ''"She's been expecting you," […] "Would you like to come downztairs?"''</ref>
A deeply loyal servant, Penstock harbors a love for the Bazaar<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Talk_about_the_Courier_2 Talk about the Courier 2, ''Fallen London''] ''"Is that so strange? Perhaps. But I'm not the only one. Penstock, too. There are others... some of us came to it naturally, some with assistance. But the passion in those spires!" […] a curl of hair falls across her cheek. "It cannot be denied forever."''</ref> that borders on devotion. He is intensely concerned for its mental and physical well-being<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Confer_with_Penstock Confer with Penstock, ''Fallen London''] ''"Penstock is the Bazaar's faithful servant, always concerned for the Bazaar's welfare and its state of mind. He has views on the debt."''</ref> and staunchly opposes its use of [[The Salt Lions|sphinxstone]], for that would only exacerbate its melancholy.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Did_you_detect_the_intrusion_of_a_nautical_%27z%27_into_his_greeting%3F Did you detect the intrusion of a nautical 'z' into his greeting?, ''Fallen London''] ''He jumps, as if you'd performed some impossible act of witchcraft. "How did you—? Yes. […] I was moved to intercede against this Station IV villainy." Anger blushes […] "They're feeding old memories into the lacre-vats. Go below, and smell for yourself."''</ref><ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Bright-Eyed_Sequencer#Penstock's_Plea Penstock's Plea, ''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. So we've found another use for the Sphinxstone. We can set something right.”''</ref> His appearance reflects his burdens—tired eyes, a sallow complexion, and a fine yet somewhat worn frock-coat. He walks with a stoop, coughs frequently,<ref name=":0" /> and, due to his proximity to the Sea, carries with him the scent of ammonia and despair.<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Bright-Eyed_Sequencer#Interactions_2 Reject his plea, ''Sunless Sea''] ''"He smells of ammonia and sadness. You should go somewhere that does not smell of those things."''</ref>
While deeply loyal, Penstock also sincerely loves the Bazaar;<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Talk_about_the_Courier_2 Talk about the Courier 2, ''Fallen London''] ''"Is that so strange? Perhaps. But I'm not the only one. Penstock, too. There are others... some of us came to it naturally, some with assistance. But the passion in those spires!" […] a curl of hair falls across her cheek. "It cannot be denied forever."''</ref> he is intensely concerned for its mental and physical well-being<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Confer_with_Penstock Confer with Penstock, ''Fallen London''] ''"Penstock is the Bazaar's faithful servant, always concerned for the Bazaar's welfare and its state of mind. He has views on the debt."''</ref> and objects to its use of [[The Salt Lions|sphinxstone]], which exacerbates its melancholy.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Did_you_detect_the_intrusion_of_a_nautical_%27z%27_into_his_greeting%3F Did you detect the intrusion of a nautical 'z' into his greeting?, ''Fallen London''] ''He jumps, as if you'd performed some impossible act of witchcraft. "How did you—? Yes. […] I was moved to intercede against this Station IV villainy." Anger blushes […] "They're feeding old memories into the lacre-vats. Go below, and smell for yourself."''</ref><ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Bright-Eyed_Sequencer#Penstock's_Plea Penstock's Plea, ''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. So we've found another use for the Sphinxstone. We can set something right.”''</ref> His appearance reflects his burdens: tired eyes, a sallow complexion, hunched posture, a persistent cough.<ref name=":0">[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Fallen_London#Interactions A dusty gentleman, ''Sunless Sea''] ''"Tired eyes, sallow skin. He stoops like a clerk and coughs like a miner. But that frock-coat is of the finest fabric and the newest cut. “My name is Penstock,” he says."''</ref> Thanks to his proximity to the Sea, he also smells of ammonia and despair.<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Bright-Eyed_Sequencer#Interactions_2 Reject his plea, ''Sunless Sea''] ''"He smells of ammonia and sadness. You should go somewhere that does not smell of those things."''</ref> Despite his devotion, Penstock considers caring for someone to be the most terrible burden of all.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Penstock|Penstock|Fallen London|}} ''"There's no worse burden than caring for someone. Can't say I recommend it."''</ref>
Before entering the Bazaar’s service, Penstock was a zailor with no care for his own being, a past he does not speak of often. He may have once participated in [[The Marvellous]],<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Key_to_your_Rooms_above_a_Gambling_Den Key to your Rooms above a Gambling Den, ''Fallen London''] ''Penstock smiles sadly. "Almost I long for the days of the Marvellous. But the Masters are not merciful."''</ref> and it was he who facilitated [[The Lady in Lilac]]’s contact with the Bazaar.<ref>[https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/A_Visit_to_the_Bazaar#Interactions Go with her, ''Fallen London''] ''"There is another sea beneath the Bazaar," Penstock declares. "A paler sea. Yes, I would imagine you might make the bargain your mother made. Yes, I helped her go down there. But she took a terrible chance even then... and the Bazaar is not well. Not now. Are you certain?"''</ref> Yet, despite his devotion, he considers love to be the most terrible burden of all.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Penstock Penstock, ''Fallen London''] ''"Nerves still frayed. I miss the zee." He swirls the liquid in his cup pensively. "I was a reckless zailor. Didn't care overmuch if I lived or died. Nothing to care for, not even myself." He hasn't thought to pour you a cup yet. Of either the gin from his hip flask or the slowly cooling teapot on the table. "There's no worse burden than caring for someone. Can't say I recommend it."''</ref>
Before entering the Bazaar’s service, Penstock was a zailor with no care for his own well-being, a past he does not speak of often.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Penstock|Penstock|Fallen London|}} ''"'Nerves still frayed. I miss the zee.' He swirls the liquid in his cup pensively. 'I was a reckless zailor. Didn't care overmuch if I lived or died. Nothing to care for, not even myself.'"''</ref> He also implies that he once participated in the [[Marvellous]].<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Key_to_your_Rooms_above_a_Gambling_Den Key to your Rooms above a Gambling Den, ''Fallen London''] ''Penstock smiles sadly. "Almost I long for the days of the Marvellous. But the Masters are not merciful."''</ref>
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[[Category:Characters]]
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Revision as of 22:26, 17 February 2025
"He stoops like a clerk and coughs like a miner. But that frock-coat is of the finest fabric and the newest cut. “My name is Penstock,” he says."[1]
Penstock manages Penstock’s Land Agency, a modest office situated on the eastern flank of the Bazaar.[2] Officially, he inspects, purchases, and sells property.[3] But beneath the Agency lies the Sundered Sea: the vast reservoir that serves as the Bazaar’s lacre-vats.[4] Access to this hidden expanse is granted only through Penstock’s Wicket, an entrance guarded by Penstock himself, leading to the depths below via a ramshackle elevator.[5]
Penstock wields absolute control over access to the lacre-vats; even other servants of the Bazaar must seek his permission.[6][7] In this capacity, he was responsible for facilitating Lilac Clathermont's past affairs.[8] Every Christmas, he permits an array of Londoners to descend into the Sea, giving them a rare opportunity to commune with the Bazaar.[9]
While deeply loyal, Penstock also sincerely loves the Bazaar;[10] he is intensely concerned for its mental and physical well-being[11] and objects to its use of sphinxstone, which exacerbates its melancholy.[12][13] His appearance reflects his burdens: tired eyes, a sallow complexion, hunched posture, a persistent cough.[14] Thanks to his proximity to the Sea, he also smells of ammonia and despair.[15] Despite his devotion, Penstock considers caring for someone to be the most terrible burden of all.[16]
Before entering the Bazaar’s service, Penstock was a zailor with no care for his own well-being, a past he does not speak of often.[17] He also implies that he once participated in the Marvellous.[18]
↑Go with her, Fallen London"Penstock's Land Agency: a modest office in an immodest location, hard against the eastern flank of the Bazaar - that spired fortress of commerce that towers over London. Penstock stoops like a clerk and coughs like a miner, but his eyes are very wise."
↑Sell your Mansion, Sunless SeaPenstock, the land agent, looks over the Mansion with a gloomy eye. “Roof's going,” he suggests. “But it's a good size, I suppose.”
↑A Sundered Sea, Fallen London"Sigils beat in the ceiling of these caverns [...] the lacre spuming below takes the red light and returns it, somehow, as purest white. Distance is difficult to judge, but this space would handily absorb a cathedral or two. It's a second sea, but a divided one. The lacre foams in cells and pits [...]"
↑Pass the Wicket and descend, Fallen London"'Downstairs' is a redly lit grotto hollowed from the carapace of the Bazaar. A heavily chained cage-lift awaits you at the back. Penstock unlocks it: his hands are trembling."
↑Mr Sacks! Take this pail of... snow? 2, Fallen London"The lacre is of the quality I might have expected. Yes, indeed. Not generous, but sufficient. […] I shall commend you to Penstock, should that time come." It snares it […]. What's this it's left behind? Since when does Mr Sacks leave gifts?
↑Go with her, Fallen London"There is another sea beneath the Bazaar," Penstock declares. "A paler sea. Yes, I would imagine you might make the bargain your mother made. Yes, I helped her go down there. But she took a terrible chance even then... and the Bazaar is not well. Not now. Are you certain?" (Said in conversation with Maybe's Daughter.)
↑Talk about the Courier 2, Fallen London"Is that so strange? Perhaps. But I'm not the only one. Penstock, too. There are others... some of us came to it naturally, some with assistance. But the passion in those spires!" […] a curl of hair falls across her cheek. "It cannot be denied forever."
↑Confer with Penstock, Fallen London"Penstock is the Bazaar's faithful servant, always concerned for the Bazaar's welfare and its state of mind. He has views on the debt."
↑Did you detect the intrusion of a nautical 'z' into his greeting?, Fallen LondonHe jumps, as if you'd performed some impossible act of witchcraft. "How did you—? Yes. […] I was moved to intercede against this Station IV villainy." Anger blushes […] "They're feeding old memories into the lacre-vats. Go below, and smell for yourself."
↑Penstock's Plea, 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. So we've found another use for the Sphinxstone. We can set something right.”
↑A dusty gentleman, Sunless Sea"Tired eyes, sallow skin. He stoops like a clerk and coughs like a miner. But that frock-coat is of the finest fabric and the newest cut. “My name is Penstock,” he says."
↑Reject his plea, Sunless Sea"He smells of ammonia and sadness. You should go somewhere that does not smell of those things."
↑Penstock, Fallen London"There's no worse burden than caring for someone. Can't say I recommend it."
↑Penstock, Fallen London"'Nerves still frayed. I miss the zee.' He swirls the liquid in his cup pensively. 'I was a reckless zailor. Didn't care overmuch if I lived or died. Nothing to care for, not even myself.'"
