The Creditor: Difference between revisions
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The Creditor is a firm believer in the value of oaths and personal honor,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Study_the_evidence|Study the evidence|Fallen London|}} ''"FROM EACH HER OWN LAW [...] AND NONE SHALL ESCAPE THE LAW SHE HAS MADE. [...] it is a poetic verse, [...] only at the end of an epic."''</ref> and respects those who commit to their word.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Beg_her_pardon|Beg her pardon|Fallen London|}} ''"commitment to all her past oaths and promises; [...] I can understand the Creditor's interest."''</ref> It loathes being disrespected<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Rely_on_your_previous_rapport|Rely on your previous rapport|Fallen London|}} ''"Your [...] friend has bid me [...] as though I were his dog [...] Trying to stave off my rage [...]"''</ref> or ignored,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Read_it_in_Correspondence|Read it in Correspondence|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] you have not watched us, have not given us proper weight [...] Therefore a warning [...]"''</ref> and it prefers to treat counterparties as equals.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Read_it_in_Correspondence|Read it in Correspondence|Fallen London|}} ''"Come among us with equal mass, [...] or be cast out [...]"''</ref> It is not aggressive; rather, it is resolute,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Search_it_for_letters_of_fire|Search it for letters of fire|Fallen London|}} ''""A peaceful but undeniable demand." The Creditor does not threaten, but it insists on its rights."''</ref> but still willing to use force if necessary.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Read_it_in_an_ancient_language|Read it in an ancient language|Fallen London|}} ''"Come among the other powers as a guest-friend [...] Or we shall walk across your kind in turn [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_fire|Open fire|Fallen London|}}''"Trouble comes after that [...] when the Hillchanger Tower rears up from the ground like a startled snake [...] when the earth warps like a garment around the Tower's base; when the tracks buckle."''</ref> | The Creditor is a firm believer in the value of oaths and personal honor,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Study_the_evidence|Study the evidence|Fallen London|}} ''"FROM EACH HER OWN LAW [...] AND NONE SHALL ESCAPE THE LAW SHE HAS MADE. [...] it is a poetic verse, [...] only at the end of an epic."''</ref> and respects those who commit to their word.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Beg_her_pardon|Beg her pardon|Fallen London|}} ''"commitment to all her past oaths and promises; [...] I can understand the Creditor's interest."''</ref> It loathes being disrespected<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Rely_on_your_previous_rapport|Rely on your previous rapport|Fallen London|}} ''"Your [...] friend has bid me [...] as though I were his dog [...] Trying to stave off my rage [...]"''</ref> or ignored,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Read_it_in_Correspondence|Read it in Correspondence|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] you have not watched us, have not given us proper weight [...] Therefore a warning [...]"''</ref> and it prefers to treat counterparties as equals.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Read_it_in_Correspondence|Read it in Correspondence|Fallen London|}} ''"Come among us with equal mass, [...] or be cast out [...]"''</ref> It is not aggressive; rather, it is resolute,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Search_it_for_letters_of_fire|Search it for letters of fire|Fallen London|}} ''""A peaceful but undeniable demand." The Creditor does not threaten, but it insists on its rights."''</ref> but still willing to use force if necessary.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Read_it_in_an_ancient_language|Read it in an ancient language|Fallen London|}} ''"Come among the other powers as a guest-friend [...] Or we shall walk across your kind in turn [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_fire|Open fire|Fallen London|}}''"Trouble comes after that [...] when the Hillchanger Tower rears up from the ground like a startled snake [...] when the earth warps like a garment around the Tower's base; when the tracks buckle."''</ref> | ||
The Creditor cares deeply about the Hinterlands and does not want it damaged or changed.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_Credit|In Credit|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] this Power will not suffer you change it more from what it was [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Meaning_what,_precisely%3F|Meaning what, precisely?|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] meant to represent the promise that [...] prevent its people from causing too much damage."'</ref> It is nostalgic, and it feels as time has passed, honor lost its value among the Neath's modern denizens.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Propose_a_currency_that_functions_as_a_pledge_of_extradition|Propose a currency that functions as a pledge of extradition|Fallen London|}} ''"The Creditor remembers [...] when matters were settled between great powers as a matter of honour. [...] difficult to recapture when the Neath is full of small creatures."''</ref> Thus, it wishes the Neath was more monstrous,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ascertain_the_Creditor%27s_mood|Ascertain the Creditor's mood|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] that gesture gave the Creditor ambitious plans for the future monstrosity of the Neath. It really was delighted."''</ref> and it wants the Shames to move freely again undisturbed by the [[Judgements]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Propose_a_currency_infused_with_lacre|Propose a currency infused with lacre|Fallen London|}} ''"The Creditor misses [...] when the Shames moved freely and the Judgements did not turn their attention this way."''</ref> Being such a singular and unique entity, it is also implied to be lonely.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Read_the_words_that_come_with_the_Shard_of_the_Mountain|Read the words that come with the Shard of the Mountain|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Creditor, who has lived alone and without equal [...] has found among the Newcomer Powers none that live in accordance with their own laws [...]"''</ref> | The Creditor cares deeply about the Hinterlands and does not want it damaged or changed.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_Credit|In Credit|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] this Power will not suffer you change it more from what it was [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Meaning_what,_precisely%3F|Meaning what, precisely?|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] meant to represent the promise that [...] prevent its people from causing too much damage."'</ref> It is nostalgic, and it feels that as time has passed, honor has lost its value among the Neath's modern denizens.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Propose_a_currency_that_functions_as_a_pledge_of_extradition|Propose a currency that functions as a pledge of extradition|Fallen London|}} ''"The Creditor remembers [...] when matters were settled between great powers as a matter of honour. [...] difficult to recapture when the Neath is full of small creatures."''</ref> Thus, it wishes the Neath was more monstrous,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ascertain_the_Creditor%27s_mood|Ascertain the Creditor's mood|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] that gesture gave the Creditor ambitious plans for the future monstrosity of the Neath. It really was delighted."''</ref> and it wants the Shames to move freely again undisturbed by the [[Judgements]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Propose_a_currency_infused_with_lacre|Propose a currency infused with lacre|Fallen London|}} ''"The Creditor misses [...] when the Shames moved freely and the Judgements did not turn their attention this way."''</ref> Being such a singular and unique entity, it is also implied to be lonely.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Read_the_words_that_come_with_the_Shard_of_the_Mountain|Read the words that come with the Shard of the Mountain|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Creditor, who has lived alone and without equal [...] has found among the Newcomer Powers none that live in accordance with their own laws [...]"''</ref> | ||
== A Fateful Deal == | == A Fateful Deal == |
Revision as of 07:03, 25 June 2024
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"You might call it a contract or a treaty or an oath, whatever best suits you. But this Power will not suffer you to go further into the Neath, nor to change it more from what it was, unless some limit is attached to your actions, and some price paid for the imposition."[2]
The Creditor is a power that presides over the Hinterlands.
Living Earth
"All the land past the Evenlode is touched by the Creditor. And the closer territory, too, we have ways of visiting."[3]

The Creditor is an ancient, earthly entity who rules the Hinterlands between London and Hell.[4][5] It monitors all traffic through its realm,[6][7] and in the past, trespassers would be summoned to its court, the Magistracy of the Evenlode.[8][9]
When brought to the Creditor's throne room,[10] interlopers would have to agree to leave the Hinterlands unblemished. In addition to a verbal agreement, they were also required to pay a gage: collateral only returned if the deal was upheld.[11][6] This practice was standard[12] until after the Second City, as the Creditor abandoned its court[13] and left only ruins behind.[14]
History
"Service to a fierce and brilliant star. A cleaving birth – better not dwell on this. It was painful to lose your sister-self."
"Then: the Neath. Time passing, small creatures slipping past, minor affairs that are not worth looking into; and then a sudden, awful shock. You had responsibilities. You oversaw disputes and kept peace between the Sun's experiments. You thought these little animals couldn't possibly be of any concern."[15]

The Creditor was once an entity of the High Wilderness that served a "fierce and brilliant" Judgement,[16][17] likely the Sun itself. During the Cataclysm of Silver,[18] it was violently split in twain, and its "sister-self" became the Moon.[19][20] The other half found itself in the Neath with instructions from the Sun:[21] to oversee and protect the Shames[22] who were hidden from the Judgements' sight.[23] The Creditor focused its attention on the most powerful beings and ignored any smaller creatures. It worked as a mediator and a peacekeeper,[24] resolving disputes between powers through the rule of honor and word.[25][26]
When Hell first arrived in the Neath, its leadership petitioned the Creditor for a safe route to the Unterzee. In return, the Creditor hired them for their legal services. The Solicitor-Baroness was chosen as the Creditor's solicitor, and she still acts in this role to this day.[27]
Biology
"It takes from the folds of its robe a mirrorcatch box, and without explanation or ceremony, shines pure sunlight on the Creditorial stone. What comes back is not sunlight. For the briefest moment, everyone in the room appears other than human, their bodies boulders and trees and false-stars, and then the image fades."[28]

The Creditor is a being of living earth,[29] and the topsoil of the Hinterlands is its "face."[30] It can move entire mountains to communicate gestures such as greetings,[31] and can unleash powerful earthquakes.[32] Its presence is not solely confined to the Hinterlands; in fact, no part of the Neath is truly beyond its reach.[33] The Creditor has a multifaceted identity, and Hillchanger Tower is one such aspect.[34] The Creditor can view the world using Hillchanger as a proxy,[35] though Hillchanger also shows some limited autonomy from its host.[36]
The Creditor's "internal" flesh resembles the surface of its sibling, the Moon.[37] This material reacts with moon-pearls,[38] and can be consumed by others to communicate messages.[39] It can also reflect sunlight to induce visions of a strange and shapeful world;[40] this property is analogous to moonlight.[41]
Personality
"FROM EACH HER OWN LAW;"
"AND NONE SHALL ESCAPE THE LAW SHE HAS MADE."[42]

The Creditor is a firm believer in the value of oaths and personal honor,[43] and respects those who commit to their word.[44] It loathes being disrespected[45] or ignored,[46] and it prefers to treat counterparties as equals.[47] It is not aggressive; rather, it is resolute,[48] but still willing to use force if necessary.[49][50]
The Creditor cares deeply about the Hinterlands and does not want it damaged or changed.[51][52] It is nostalgic, and it feels that as time has passed, honor has lost its value among the Neath's modern denizens.[53] Thus, it wishes the Neath was more monstrous,[54] and it wants the Shames to move freely again undisturbed by the Judgements.[55] Being such a singular and unique entity, it is also implied to be lonely.[56]
A Fateful Deal
"A payment was offered long ago, in the Bazaar's name. The Creditor still lives. Between London and Hell. It must not be reminded, the terms of its patience must not be strained. Above all, no new promises can be made."
"In the first of all cities, the Cedar was witness of oaths."[57]

During the era of the First City,[58] the Sleeping Merchant led a caravan to the Hinterlands in search of fortune. He carried with him the seal of the Echo Bazaar itself.[59] The Creditor noticed the intrusion, and brought him to Evenlode for judgement.[60] The Creditor feared that the Bazaar and its citizens would damage the Hinterlands, so it demanded insurance to prevent this.[61] However, the gage was inexplicably measured against every soul in the Neath.[62] The Merchant did not know the Neath's true population,[63] so he promised this enormous payment on the Bazaar's behalf.[64][65]

Unfortunately, the Masters realized the Bazaar would not be able to pay without causing a cataclysm.[66][67] Furthermore, the Bazaar cannot risk defaulting, as the Creditor might spread word of its perfidy.[68] Thus, the Masters did not report the situation to the Bazaar,[69] and they sealed the Merchant in an endless slumber[70] to freeze the debt as long as the Merchant stayed asleep.[71]
As London expanded its business ventures into the Hinterlands, Mr Fires took matters into its own hands. By infusing the tracks of the GHR with Justificande coins, which mandate forgiveness from those who receive them, Fires hoped to resolve the issue,[72][73] but its actions only agitated the Creditor.[74] Now, the Creditor's patience is wearing thin,[75] and the Railway's further intrusions may shatter this delicate stalemate.[76]
References
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