The Adulterine Castle: Difference between revisions
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The Adulterine Castle was not built below a frozen lake near the [[Hurlers]],<ref name=":0">{{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. I know just how the rumour started too. When something doesn't exist, it's difficult to comprehend."''</ref> and the lake's surface does not act as its 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 entered a castle that hasn't been built."''</ref> A person's mindset shapes what they perceive, and what they do ''not'' perceive;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_tea_with_her_4|Take tea with her 4|Fallen London|}} ''""What we perceive is reflected in us," the Steward says. "What we don't perceive is reflected too. [...] If your nightmares reflect a number that's not in your head, then your thoughts will reflect nonexistence. [...] Look into the lake. [...] you won't see anything in the ice – unless you see nothing.""''</ref> thus, if a traveler stares at the ice with the right mindset, they will not enter the castle.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Hurlers_again_2|Discuss the Hurlers again 2|Fallen London|}} ''"As she speaks, your skull grows steadily colder. [...] the next time you visit the lake. The Hurlers are reflected in the ice, but only when your thoughts reflect them too. Now your thoughts will." (Crystalline Knowledge set to 3)"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_your_eyes|Open your eyes|Fallen London|}} ''"Stare into the lake's frozen surface. [...] Unlocked with Crystalline Knowledge 3-6 [...] You have not entered a new area."''</ref> It is not strictly known what is and is not happening within the Adulterine Castle,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Absence|Absence|Fallen London|}} ''"If you aren't here, perhaps you're somewhere else."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Concentrate_more|Concentrate more|Fallen London|}} ''"Imagine the possibilities. You might be dancing. You might be dining. [...] You only have to picture it, and there you are again, even if you have never been there."''</ref> though given its nonexistence, most events involving Adulterine are "not happening."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_your_eyes|Open your eyes|Fallen London|}} ''"Reassure yourself: this isn't happening. [...] You haven't opened a doorway that cannot be closed. You haven't entered a castle that hasn't been built. [...]"''</ref> However, the Adulterine Castle is ''not'' a dream, as dreams are "out there" over in [[Parabola]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Castle_That_Isn%27t_Here|The Castle That Isn't Here|Fallen London|}} ''"Perhaps you think this is a dream. [...] this isn't a dream. The dreams are out there, coiling in the jungle."''</ref> | The Adulterine Castle was not built below a frozen lake near the [[Hurlers]],<ref name=":0">{{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. I know just how the rumour started too. When something doesn't exist, it's difficult to comprehend."''</ref> and the lake's surface does not act as its 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 entered a castle that hasn't been built."''</ref> A person's mindset shapes what they perceive, and what they do ''not'' perceive;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_tea_with_her_4|Take tea with her 4|Fallen London|}} ''""What we perceive is reflected in us," the Steward says. "What we don't perceive is reflected too. [...] If your nightmares reflect a number that's not in your head, then your thoughts will reflect nonexistence. [...] Look into the lake. [...] you won't see anything in the ice – unless you see nothing.""''</ref> thus, if a traveler stares at the ice with the right mindset, they will not enter the castle.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Hurlers_again_2|Discuss the Hurlers again 2|Fallen London|}} ''"As she speaks, your skull grows steadily colder. [...] the next time you visit the lake. The Hurlers are reflected in the ice, but only when your thoughts reflect them too. Now your thoughts will." (Crystalline Knowledge set to 3)"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_your_eyes|Open your eyes|Fallen London|}} ''"Stare into the lake's frozen surface. [...] Unlocked with Crystalline Knowledge 3-6 [...] You have not entered a new area."''</ref> It is not strictly known what is and is not happening within the Adulterine Castle,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Absence|Absence|Fallen London|}} ''"If you aren't here, perhaps you're somewhere else."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Concentrate_more|Concentrate more|Fallen London|}} ''"Imagine the possibilities. You might be dancing. You might be dining. [...] You only have to picture it, and there you are again, even if you have never been there."''</ref> though given its nonexistence, most events involving Adulterine are "not happening."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_your_eyes|Open your eyes|Fallen London|}} ''"Reassure yourself: this isn't happening. [...] You haven't opened a doorway that cannot be closed. You haven't entered a castle that hasn't been built. [...]"''</ref> However, the Adulterine Castle is ''not'' a dream, as dreams are "out there" over in [[Parabola]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Castle_That_Isn%27t_Here|The Castle That Isn't Here|Fallen London|}} ''"Perhaps you think this is a dream. [...] this isn't a dream. The dreams are out there, coiling in the jungle."''</ref> | ||
[[File:Standingstone.png|alt=A shadow of a goat.|thumb|A Hurler.]] | [[File:Standingstone.png|alt=A shadow of a goat.|thumb|A Hurler.]] | ||
The castle is inhabited by countless [[Stewards of the Discordance]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consult_the_Stewards_of_the_Discordance|Consult the Stewards of the Discordance|Fallen London|}} ''"Consult the Stewards of the Discordance [...] There are more in this castle than you could begin to number."''</ref> who do not study the [[Discordance]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_your_eyes|Open your eyes|Fallen London|}} ''"This isn't where the Discordance is studied, because it cannot be studied."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consult_the_Stewards_of_the_Discordance|Consult the Stewards of the Discordance|Fallen London|}} ''"Deadly Grammar Lessons [...] Nobody can fully understand the Discordance. The Stewards [...] Whenever one attempts to study a sigil, another waits nearby with a weapon. [...] Steward starts to comprehend too much, the second Steward employs the weapon."''</ref> and who do not partake in typical chores and activities together, such as laundry,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Laundry_Day|Laundry Day|Fallen London|}} ''"Laundry Day [...] All the Stewards in this castle wear identical clothing. [...] they're not soaking their robes in great tubs or scrubbing their wimples [...]"''</ref> sorting the mail,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sorting_the_Mail|Sorting the Mail|Fallen London|}} ''"Sorting the Mail [...] Discordant Missives are never delivered to the Adulterine Castle. [...] it isn't your responsibility to help the other Stewards sort the envelopes."''</ref> or dining.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Fasting_and_Forgetting|Fasting and Forgetting|Fallen London|}} ''"The Stewards don't assemble at a long table to eat [...]"''</ref> Those who are not visiting the Adulterine Castle will see the frozen lake's surface above their head,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Beneath_the_Standing_Stones|Beneath the Standing Stones|Fallen London|}} ''"When you aren't in the castle, you can gaze upward and study the lake's underside."''</ref> as well as the [[The Hurlers#The Standing Stones|Standing Stones]] of the [[Hurlers]]. However, these "stones" will appear to be two teams of [[Goat-Demons|goat-demons]] not playing | The castle is inhabited by countless [[Stewards of the Discordance]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consult_the_Stewards_of_the_Discordance|Consult the Stewards of the Discordance|Fallen London|}} ''"Consult the Stewards of the Discordance [...] There are more in this castle than you could begin to number."''</ref> who do not study the [[Discordance]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_your_eyes|Open your eyes|Fallen London|}} ''"This isn't where the Discordance is studied, because it cannot be studied."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consult_the_Stewards_of_the_Discordance|Consult the Stewards of the Discordance|Fallen London|}} ''"Deadly Grammar Lessons [...] Nobody can fully understand the Discordance. The Stewards [...] Whenever one attempts to study a sigil, another waits nearby with a weapon. [...] Steward starts to comprehend too much, the second Steward employs the weapon."''</ref> and who do not partake in typical chores and activities together, such as laundry,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Laundry_Day|Laundry Day|Fallen London|}} ''"Laundry Day [...] All the Stewards in this castle wear identical clothing. [...] they're not soaking their robes in great tubs or scrubbing their wimples [...]"''</ref> sorting the mail,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sorting_the_Mail|Sorting the Mail|Fallen London|}} ''"Sorting the Mail [...] Discordant Missives are never delivered to the Adulterine Castle. [...] it isn't your responsibility to help the other Stewards sort the envelopes."''</ref> or dining.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Fasting_and_Forgetting|Fasting and Forgetting|Fallen London|}} ''"The Stewards don't assemble at a long table to eat [...]"''</ref> Those who are not visiting the Adulterine Castle will see the frozen lake's surface above their head,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Beneath_the_Standing_Stones|Beneath the Standing Stones|Fallen London|}} ''"When you aren't in the castle, you can gaze upward and study the lake's underside."''</ref> as well as the [[The Hurlers#The Standing Stones|Standing Stones]] of the [[Hurlers]]. However, these "stones" will appear to be two teams of [[Goat-Demons|goat-demons]] not playing hurling,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Beneath_the_Standing_Stones|Beneath the Standing Stones|Fallen London|}} ''"Beneath the Standing Stones [...] When you aren't in the castle, you can gaze upward and study the lake's underside. You can see the Hurlers, two stone circles [...] but they aren't stone circles. Each stone is a goat-demon. [...] their game has been frozen, their two teams locked mid-play beneath the ice."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Don%27t_talk_about_the_game|Don't talk about the game|Fallen London|}} ''"Hurling [...] This is a game that never ends, just as it never began. [...] these goat-demons. [...] which hurling team won't score higher in the next match."''</ref> because the "Hurlers" are simultaneously two rings of standing stones upon a hill, ''and'' two teams of goat-demons.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Don%27t_talk_about_the_game|Don't talk about the game|Fallen London|}} ''"Because these are the Hurlers. Because there is no difference between the standing stones atop the hill, and these goat-demons."''</ref> The Stewards who reside in Adulterine do not spectate the goat-demons' games, and do not gamble on the games' outcome.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Don%27t_talk_about_the_game|Don't talk about the game|Fallen London|}} ''"The Stewards are accepting bets on which hurling team won't score higher [...] that is to say, they aren't accepting bets. The Anchoress doesn't condone gambling."''</ref> | ||
=== Nonexistent Architecture === | === Nonexistent Architecture === |
Revision as of 00:54, 11 August 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. |
"You don't pass through the ice, and the ice doesn't lock overhead. Reassure yourself: this isn't happening. Therefore, there's nothing to worry about. You haven't opened a doorway that cannot be closed. You haven't entered a castle that hasn't been built. This isn't where the Discordance is studied, because it cannot be studied. You aren't welcome here."[1]
The Adulterine Castle does not exist.
You Are Not Here
"Even dreams have more substance than this castle's chambers."[2]

The Adulterine Castle was not built below a frozen lake near the Hurlers,[3] and the lake's surface does not act as its gateway.[4] A person's mindset shapes what they perceive, and what they do not perceive;[5] thus, if a traveler stares at the ice with the right mindset, they will not enter the castle.[6][7] It is not strictly known what is and is not happening within the Adulterine Castle,[8][9] though given its nonexistence, most events involving Adulterine are "not happening."[10] However, the Adulterine Castle is not a dream, as dreams are "out there" over in Parabola.[11]

The castle is inhabited by countless Stewards of the Discordance[12] who do not study the Discordance,[13][14] and who do not partake in typical chores and activities together, such as laundry,[15] sorting the mail,[16] or dining.[17] Those who are not visiting the Adulterine Castle will see the frozen lake's surface above their head,[18] as well as the Standing Stones of the Hurlers. However, these "stones" will appear to be two teams of goat-demons not playing hurling,[19][20] because the "Hurlers" are simultaneously two rings of standing stones upon a hill, and two teams of goat-demons.[21] The Stewards who reside in Adulterine do not spectate the goat-demons' games, and do not gamble on the games' outcome.[22]
Nonexistent Architecture
"Chambers don't open around you. Stewards don't move through these chambers, reading books without pages, calculating figures without digits or values. Hallways never lead to the same door, and doors never lead into the same room."[23]
"Staircases don't spiral into heights above your head. Windows don't melt and pool under your feet in gleaming puddles, whose surfaces are not ceilings that Stewards drift across. These Stewards aren't gathering data or conducting linguistic research with peculiar instruments. You can't concentrate when the wallpaper keeps changing into other wallpaper."[23]

This castle which does not exist features a courtyard,[24] transparent towers,[25] and an interior[26] with many halls and rooms.[27][28] Plants do not grow here,[29] and snow does not fall throughout.[30] The lower levels of the castle do not contain chambers that house libraries of empty books,[31][32] and the Stewards that work here study how the Discordance behaves when translated from nonexistence to existence.[33] The upper levels do not feature spiraling staircases, melting windows, and unchanging wallpaper.[34] The Stewards here do not use goat-demons as test subjects for nonexistent studies they will not remember, and the goat-demons do not experiment on the Stewards in turn.[35]
What Is Not Within
"Everything that isn't here would simply float away (bubbles trapped in the ice rising finally to the surface) were these nonexistent rooms, these transparent towers, unbound from the weightless weight that hasn't sunk like an anchor to the depths beneath the lake; rather, like an Anchoress. Her absence is ever-present when you don't traverse the twisting corridors."[36]

The Anchoress does not dwell in the Adulterine Castle where "all corridors connect,"[37] but she anchors the nonexistent castle in place, preventing it from "floating away."[38][39] She does not reside in an anchorhold[40] - a locked room with a single window - deep within the castle,[41][42] with only a black cat for company.[43][44]
The Anchoress did not build the Adulterine Castle. While she was living in England during the Black Plague,[45] she read and understood the sigils of the Discordance written on the Hurlers.[46][47] This brought her into contact with the Black, a binary Judgement who was erased from reality and history.[48][49] The Black used the Discordance[50] to decree that neither itself nor the Anchoress would be alone, and also decreed the Anchoress would always be herself.[51] And so, as she comforted the Black, she became herself: she is the Anchoress, and she is the Castle.[52]
References
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