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<blockquote>''"Does he ever sleep? His eyes are dark-circled, but his hands are steady."''<ref name = "char desc">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic#Character_description|Character description|Sunless Sea|}}</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>''"Does he ever sleep? His eyes are dark-circled, but his hands are steady."''<ref name = "char desc">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic#Character_description|Character description|Sunless Sea|}}</ref></blockquote>


The Tireless Mechanic is a talkative and somewhat scatterbrained engineer.<ref name = "hire mechanic"/> He does not sleep and takes a draught to compensate, which lets him retain his faculties<ref name="invite dine">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic#Speak_to_the_Tireless_Mechanic|Invite him to dine with you|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> but leaves him exhausted.<ref name="char desc" /> To stave off sleep, he eats simple meals and refuses wine.<ref name="invite dine"/>
The Tireless Mechanic is a talkative and somewhat scatterbrained engineer.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/A_New_Recruit|Engage an Officer: the Tireless Mechanic|Sunless Sea|}} ''"I'm an engineer. Finest you'll ever hire. Treat engines like my own children. Not that I have children. Too busy. Usually busy."''</ref> He does not sleep and takes a draught to compensate, which lets him retain his faculties<ref name="invite dine">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic#Speak_to_the_Tireless_Mechanic|Invite him to dine with you|Sunless Sea|}}''"There's a draught I take nightly, to substitute for sleep. It works well enough, and it keeps me sane and upright, but I wish I could enjoy just one night's sleep."''</ref> but does not prevent him from perpetually having dark-circled eyes.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic|Tireless Mechanic|Sunless Sea|}} ''"Does he ever sleep? His eyes are dark-circled, but his hands are steady. "''</ref> To stave off sleep, he eats simple meals and refuses wine.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic|Invite him to dine with you|Sunless Sea|}} ''"His tastes are spartan - he eats little, drinks only water, barely sleeps at all [...] “Thanks for the meal. And the company. No, no wine. It makes me sleepy. Oh, yes, I can sleep! Too easily - that's the problem.”"''</ref>
[[File:Bazaarsun rectangle.png|alt=A spaceship-like being flying towards the Sun.|thumb|[[The Echo Bazaar]]]]
In the past, the Mechanic's enthusiasm for engines led him to dream of them, and then of the [[Stone Pigs]] - the creatures that allow the [[Bazaar]] to travel the [[High Wilderness]]. The Pigs sleep for now, but the [[Fingerkings]] can breach their dreams. They recruited the Mechanic to steal a secret from the Pigs' dreams: the plans<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Mechanic%27s_Secret|Item description|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> for an engine unlike any other. Fascinated, the Mechanic stole the secret for himself rather than giving it to the serpents as they asked,<ref name = "explain what">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic#Speak to the Tireless Mechanic|Ask the Mechanic to explain exactly what the hell is going on|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> and he stashed the secret in [[Frostfound]] where the Fingerkings could not follow.<ref name="frost secret">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Objective:_The_Mechanic%27s_Secret_in_Frostfound|Objective: The Mechanic's Secret in Frostfound|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> For his deception,<ref name = "explain what"/> the enraged Fingerkings will hunt him the moment he sleeps and dreams of [[Parabola]].<ref name="check cellar">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Hunter%27s_Keep#Interactions_2|Excavate the cellar|Sunless Sea|}}</ref>


The Mechanic wants to defeat his serpentine pursuers so that he may sleep again.<ref name="check cellar" /> He also hopes to reacquire his secret<ref name="frost secret" /> and use it to build an engine called the '''Fulgent Impeller''',<ref name="make engine">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Kingeater%27s_Castle#Interactions|Construct the Fulgent Impeller|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> which runs on the same forces that propel the Bazaar.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Fulgent_Impeller#Description|Description|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> The Impeller requires a "heart" to function,<ref name="make engine" /> so the Mechanic contracted a mysterious [[Rubbery Man]] called the '''Unsettling Sage'''<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Unsettling_Sage#Interactions_in_detail|Invite the Unsettling Sage to dinner|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> to act as one when the time comes.<ref name="make engine" />
The Mechanic's enthusiasm for engines once led him to dream of engines, and then of the [[Stone Pigs]] - the engine-creatures that allow the [[Bazaar]] to travel the [[High Wilderness]].<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic|Ask the Mechanic to explain exactly what the hell is going on|Sunless Sea|}} ''""I talk about engines. All the time. I'm sure you've noticed. And I dream about them. I found myself dreaming of the Stone Pigs. They're, oh, I don't entirely understand, still. But they're how the Bazaar travels between stars. (Did you know they did that?) And they sleep, so the Fingerkings can crack their dreams open. So the Fingerkings recruited me.""''</ref> The Pigs sleep for now, but the [[Fingerkings]] can breach their dreams. They recruited the Mechanic to steal a secret from the Pigs' dreams:<ref name=":0" /> the plans<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Mechanic%27s_Secret|The Mechanic's Secret|Sunless Sea|}} ''"This is the design he stored in Frostfound."''</ref> for an engine unlike any other.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic|Ask the Mechanic to explain exactly what the hell is going on|Sunless Sea|}} ''"I found a secret in those dreams. An engine like the zee's never seen."''</ref> The fascinated Mechanic stole the secret for himself rather than giving it to the serpents as they asked,<ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic|Ask the Mechanic to explain exactly what the hell is going on|Sunless Sea|}} ''"Well, it's like this. I stole a secret from the Echo Bazaar. With the help of the Fingerkings. You know, the serpents who rule dream. Then I reneged on the Fingerkings. Don't look at me like that. Would you rather I'd given them the secret?"''</ref> and stashed the secret in [[Frostfound]] where the Fingerkings could not follow.<ref name=":2">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Objective:_The_Mechanic%27s_Secret_in_Frostfound|Objective: The Mechanic's Secret in Frostfound|Sunless Sea|}} ''"I had to hide the secret somewhere the Fingerkings couldn't go. I hoped they'd leave me alone then. So I put it in Frostfound. Not the very heart of Frostfound. I'm not insane. But, um, quite close to the heart."''</ref> Enraged at his deception,<ref name=":1" /> the Fingerkings will hunt him down the moment he sleeps and enters [[Parabola]].<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Hunter%27s_Keep|Excavate the cellar|Sunless Sea|}} ''""The Writhing River flows near here," the Mechanic remarks. "One of the tributaries of dream. My enemies find me when I sleep - but this water will attract my enemies to this poor fellow.""''</ref>
 
The Mechanic wants to defeat his serpentine pursuers so that he may sleep again.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Tireless_Mechanic|Invite him to dine with you|Sunless Sea|}} ''"...I wish I could enjoy just one night's sleep. If you could help me..."''</ref> He also hopes to reacquire his secret<ref name=":2" /> and use it to build an engine called the '''Fulgent Impeller''',<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Kingeater%27s_Castle#Interactions|Construct the Fulgent Impeller|Sunless Sea|}}</ref> which runs on the same forces that propel the Bazaar.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Fulgent_Impeller|The Fulgent Impeller|Sunless Sea|}} ''"'These are the forces that drive the Bazaar.' The Impeller runs very, very hot."''</ref> The Impeller requires a "heart" to function,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Kingeater%27s_Castle#Interactions|Construct the Fulgent Impeller|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Almost ready," he affirms. "It just needs a spark, and a heart." He looks to the Unsettling Sage. "Yes, I know," the Sage says, a little sadly."''</ref> so the Mechanic has contracted a mysterious humanoid being called the '''Unsettling Sage'''<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Unsettling_Sage|Invite the Unsettling Sage to dinner|Sunless Sea|}} ''""I am aacustomed," he admits frankly, "to be being used aas a tool. [...] My people maade me aas a repository of secrets. It will be a relief, when that ends. But until then, I shaall keep the secrets a little longer.""''</ref> to act as a willing subject when the time comes.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Kingeater%27s_Castle#Interactions|Construct the Fulgent Impeller|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Almost ready," he affirms. "It just needs a spark, and a heart." He looks to the Unsettling Sage. "Yes, I know," the Sage says, a little sadly."''</ref> The Sage may be a homunculus created by the [[Rubbery Men]] of [[Flute Street]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flute_Street|Flute Street|Fallen London|}} ''"The machine grunts and burbles into life [...] the Vital Essences infuse the Rubbery subject. [...] It lasts for hours before the last of the amber crumbles away. The Rubbery Men drag the subject out of the glass chamber. He's bald and grey-skinned and very nearly human."''</ref> or something else comparable.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 19:31, 17 December 2024

"There are some things we were not meant to know, they say. But you wouldn't be down here if you took that seriously."

Beyond this point lie spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include midgame or minor Fate-locked content. Proceed with caution.

You can find out more about our spoiler policy here.


"Afternoon. Ready to offer my services. I'm an engineer. Finest you'll ever hire. Treat engines like my own children. Not that I have children. Too busy. Usually busy."[1]

The Tireless Mechanic is an engineer from London.

A Mechanical Marvel?

"Does he ever sleep? His eyes are dark-circled, but his hands are steady."[2]

The Tireless Mechanic is a talkative and somewhat scatterbrained engineer.[3] He does not sleep and takes a draught to compensate, which lets him retain his faculties[4] but does not prevent him from perpetually having dark-circled eyes.[5] To stave off sleep, he eats simple meals and refuses wine.[6]

The Mechanic's enthusiasm for engines once led him to dream of engines, and then of the Stone Pigs - the engine-creatures that allow the Bazaar to travel the High Wilderness.[7] The Pigs sleep for now, but the Fingerkings can breach their dreams. They recruited the Mechanic to steal a secret from the Pigs' dreams:[7] the plans[8] for an engine unlike any other.[9] The fascinated Mechanic stole the secret for himself rather than giving it to the serpents as they asked,[10] and stashed the secret in Frostfound where the Fingerkings could not follow.[11] Enraged at his deception,[10] the Fingerkings will hunt him down the moment he sleeps and enters Parabola.[12]

The Mechanic wants to defeat his serpentine pursuers so that he may sleep again.[13] He also hopes to reacquire his secret[11] and use it to build an engine called the Fulgent Impeller,[14] which runs on the same forces that propel the Bazaar.[15] The Impeller requires a "heart" to function,[16] so the Mechanic has contracted a mysterious humanoid being called the Unsettling Sage[17] to act as a willing subject when the time comes.[18] The Sage may be a homunculus created by the Rubbery Men of Flute Street,[19] or something else comparable.

References


  1. ↑ Engage an Officer: The Tireless Mechanic, Sunless Sea
  2. ↑ Character description, Sunless Sea
  3. ↑ Engage an Officer: the Tireless Mechanic, Sunless Sea "I'm an engineer. Finest you'll ever hire. Treat engines like my own children. Not that I have children. Too busy. Usually busy."
  4. ↑ Invite him to dine with you, Sunless Sea "There's a draught I take nightly, to substitute for sleep. It works well enough, and it keeps me sane and upright, but I wish I could enjoy just one night's sleep."
  5. ↑ Tireless Mechanic, Sunless Sea "Does he ever sleep? His eyes are dark-circled, but his hands are steady. "
  6. ↑ Invite him to dine with you, Sunless Sea "His tastes are spartan - he eats little, drinks only water, barely sleeps at all [...] “Thanks for the meal. And the company. No, no wine. It makes me sleepy. Oh, yes, I can sleep! Too easily - that's the problem.”"
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Ask the Mechanic to explain exactly what the hell is going on, Sunless Sea ""I talk about engines. All the time. I'm sure you've noticed. And I dream about them. I found myself dreaming of the Stone Pigs. They're, oh, I don't entirely understand, still. But they're how the Bazaar travels between stars. (Did you know they did that?) And they sleep, so the Fingerkings can crack their dreams open. So the Fingerkings recruited me.""
  8. ↑ The Mechanic's Secret, Sunless Sea "This is the design he stored in Frostfound."
  9. ↑ Ask the Mechanic to explain exactly what the hell is going on, Sunless Sea "I found a secret in those dreams. An engine like the zee's never seen."
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Ask the Mechanic to explain exactly what the hell is going on, Sunless Sea "Well, it's like this. I stole a secret from the Echo Bazaar. With the help of the Fingerkings. You know, the serpents who rule dream. Then I reneged on the Fingerkings. Don't look at me like that. Would you rather I'd given them the secret?"
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Objective: The Mechanic's Secret in Frostfound, Sunless Sea "I had to hide the secret somewhere the Fingerkings couldn't go. I hoped they'd leave me alone then. So I put it in Frostfound. Not the very heart of Frostfound. I'm not insane. But, um, quite close to the heart."
  12. ↑ Excavate the cellar, Sunless Sea ""The Writhing River flows near here," the Mechanic remarks. "One of the tributaries of dream. My enemies find me when I sleep - but this water will attract my enemies to this poor fellow.""
  13. ↑ Invite him to dine with you, Sunless Sea "...I wish I could enjoy just one night's sleep. If you could help me..."
  14. ↑ Construct the Fulgent Impeller, Sunless Sea
  15. ↑ The Fulgent Impeller, Sunless Sea "'These are the forces that drive the Bazaar.' The Impeller runs very, very hot."
  16. ↑ Construct the Fulgent Impeller, Sunless Sea ""Almost ready," he affirms. "It just needs a spark, and a heart." He looks to the Unsettling Sage. "Yes, I know," the Sage says, a little sadly."
  17. ↑ Invite the Unsettling Sage to dinner, Sunless Sea ""I am aacustomed," he admits frankly, "to be being used aas a tool. [...] My people maade me aas a repository of secrets. It will be a relief, when that ends. But until then, I shaall keep the secrets a little longer.""
  18. ↑ Construct the Fulgent Impeller, Sunless Sea ""Almost ready," he affirms. "It just needs a spark, and a heart." He looks to the Unsettling Sage. "Yes, I know," the Sage says, a little sadly."
  19. ↑ Flute Street, Fallen London "The machine grunts and burbles into life [...] the Vital Essences infuse the Rubbery subject. [...] It lasts for hours before the last of the amber crumbles away. The Rubbery Men drag the subject out of the glass chamber. He's bald and grey-skinned and very nearly human."
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