The Seventh Letter: Difference between revisions
From The Fifth City Wiki
mNo edit summary Tag: visualeditor-wikitext |
m Change reference links to point to new sites, replaced: sunlesssea.fandom.com → sunlesssea.miraheze.org (4), sunlessskies.fandom.com → sunlessskies.miraheze.org (2) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Major spoiler}} | {{Major spoiler}} | ||
''"The show is cancelled, the poster claims. Mahogany Hall - London's most notorious Music Hall and theatre - is closed tonight. You know better."''<ref name = "going to theater">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Going_to_the_theatre|Going to the theatre|Fallen London | ''"The show is cancelled, the poster claims. Mahogany Hall - London's most notorious Music Hall and theatre - is closed tonight. You know better."''<ref name = "going to theater">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Going_to_the_theatre|Going to the theatre|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Scrawl1.png|alt=A mysteries sigil.|thumb|[[The Correspondence|''Almost never remembered'']]]] | [[File:Scrawl1.png|alt=A mysteries sigil.|thumb|[[The Correspondence|''Almost never remembered'']]]] | ||
'''''The Seventh Letter''''' is a scandalous and forbidden play that dramatizes the story of the [[Echo Bazaar]]. | '''''The Seventh Letter''''' is a scandalous and forbidden play that dramatizes the story of the [[Echo Bazaar]].__FORCETOC__ | ||
== The Neathy Play == | == The Neathy Play == | ||
''"The Seventh Letter! They only show that in secret at Mahogany Hall! A production at the Panopticon? How does the Ministry of Public Decency permit it?"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/To_see_the_play|To see the play|Fallen London | ''"The Seventh Letter! They only show that in secret at Mahogany Hall! A production at the Panopticon? How does the Ministry of Public Decency permit it?"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/To_see_the_play|To see the play|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
''The Seventh Letter'' has been banned by the [[The Ministry of Public Decency|Ministry of Public Decency]],<ref name = "watch play 1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while|Watch the play for a little while|Fallen London | ''The Seventh Letter'' has been banned by the [[The Ministry of Public Decency|Ministry of Public Decency]],<ref name = "watch play 1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while|Watch the play for a little while|Fallen London}}</ref> so it is usually staged in secret; [[Mahogany Hall]] is known for hosting recitals of the play on days when the theater is announced to be closed.<ref name = "going to theater"/> However, it is said that [[Mr Wines]] enjoys the play, and it supposedly bribes the Ministry on occasion to permit public showings.<ref name = "watch play 2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
While the play's subject matter is esoteric,<ref name = "watch play 4">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London | While the play's subject matter is esoteric,<ref name = "watch play 4">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}}</ref> it is also notoriously moving and emotional.<ref name = "watch play 1"/> The performances of the play's tragic characters can move even the most dignified audience members to tears,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while|Watch the play for a little while|Fallen London}} ''"Her rendition of the Hymn [...] sends a bankerly fellow fleeing from the auditorium in tears."''</ref> and certain scenes are so horrifying that the play has an intermission beforehand for faint-hearted audiences to take their leave.<ref name = "watch play 1"/> | ||
== In Summary== | == In Summary== | ||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
The actress playing the '''Raven''' is introduced. She sings her aria, the '''Hymn of Shames''', which contains the following lyrics: ''"The glowing-hearted mountain / the river in the sky / the near night and the deep night..."''<ref name = "watch play 1"/> | The actress playing the '''Raven''' is introduced. She sings her aria, the '''Hymn of Shames''', which contains the following lyrics: ''"The glowing-hearted mountain / the river in the sky / the near night and the deep night..."''<ref name = "watch play 1"/> | ||
The Raven comments that her song is superior to that of "the stone, the swan, the storm," but is interrupted by the arrival of the '''Messenger''', to whom she defers, and whom she addresses as "great master".<ref name = "ovate night">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Night|Order Ovate, Night|Fallen London | The Raven comments that her song is superior to that of "the stone, the swan, the storm," but is interrupted by the arrival of the '''Messenger''', to whom she defers, and whom she addresses as "great master".<ref name = "ovate night">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Night|Order Ovate, Night|Fallen London}}</ref> The Messenger, played by multiple actors of multiple gender identities,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London}} ''"The Messenger is [...] always played by a man and a woman, alternately, scene by scene. In this performance, there are three actors, and you're not sure any of them are a man or a woman, precisely."''</ref> is dressed in "rags of cloud." They ask a question, into the darkness of the scene: why they should sing; when all of their songs are burned to their skin?<ref name = "ovate night"/> | ||
=== Blood === | === Blood === | ||
''"Ah, were it only my unfettered choice. But I owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice."''<ref name = "watch play 2"/> | ''"Ah, were it only my unfettered choice. But I owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice."''<ref name = "watch play 2"/> | ||
[[File:Master.png|alt=A hooded figure.|thumb|A [[Master]].]] | [[File:Master.png|alt=A hooded figure.|thumb|A [[Master]].]] | ||
The Messenger is beseeched by the '''Owls''', who have taken up shelter within the Messenger's spires.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London | The Messenger is beseeched by the '''Owls''', who have taken up shelter within the Messenger's spires.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_2|Watch the play for a little while 2|Fallen London}} ''"The Messenger-actor who receives the flattery of the Owls, [...]"''</ref> The Messenger asks what the Owls are doing within its spires; they respond that "we watch. We wait. We eat."<ref name = "ovate blood">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Blood|Order Ovate, Blood|Fallen London}}</ref> The Messenger mentions that the Owls are on the run from a being known as the '''Hunter''';<ref name = "watch play 2"/><ref name = "ovate blood"/> in response, the Owls beg for safety from the Hunter's wrath. However, the Messenger cannot simply do away with the Hunter, as they "owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice."<ref name = "ovate blood"/> | ||
The Hunter later confronts the Messenger, and the Messenger warns him to hold back his greed. In response, the Hunter screams at the Messenger a "litany of solar insults."<ref name = "watch play 2"/> | The Hunter later confronts the Messenger, and the Messenger warns him to hold back his greed. In response, the Hunter screams at the Messenger a "litany of solar insults."<ref name = "watch play 2"/> | ||
=== Ice === | === Ice === | ||
''"Aren't we touchy! I had no idea."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_3|Watch the play for a little while 3|Fallen London | ''"Aren't we touchy! I had no idea."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_3|Watch the play for a little while 3|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Lyrebird firebird.png|alt=A flaming bird.|thumb|[[Whitsun#Lyrebird|The Unquenchable Firebird]]]] | [[File:Lyrebird firebird.png|alt=A flaming bird.|thumb|[[Whitsun#Lyrebird|The Unquenchable Firebird]]]] | ||
The '''Phoenix''', described as a "thing of fire",<ref name = "ovate ice">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Ice|Order Ovate, Ice|Fallen London | The '''Phoenix''', described as a "thing of fire",<ref name = "ovate ice">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Ice|Order Ovate, Ice|Fallen London}}</ref> is introduced. She recites her famous soliloquy: ''"I am so very tired of flames. I will drown myself in snow, and emerge in perfect serenity. Or emerge not at all."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_3|Watch the play for a little while 3|Fallen London}} ''"[...] the soliloquy for which the part is so well-known - "I am so very tired of flames. I will drown myself in snow, and emerge in perfect serenity. Or emerge not at all."''</ref> | ||
The Messenger then arrives abruptly, and asks the Phoenix what she is doing. The Phoenix responds by greeting them, and pointing out that the Messenger is the one carrying a troth from the Sun to another. The Messenger interrupts the Phoenix, and furiously demands that she does not speak the recipient's name.<ref name = "ovate ice"/> | The Messenger then arrives abruptly, and asks the Phoenix what she is doing. The Phoenix responds by greeting them, and pointing out that the Messenger is the one carrying a troth from the Sun to another. The Messenger interrupts the Phoenix, and furiously demands that she does not speak the recipient's name.<ref name = "ovate ice"/> | ||
Later, the Phoenix prepares to undergo her '''Last Immolation'''. During certain productions of the play, rather than undress before her dramatic Immolation as would be expected, the Phoenix's feathered robes burst into blue flame, and she crackles like ice in the process.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_3|Watch the play for a little while 3|Fallen London | Later, the Phoenix prepares to undergo her '''Last Immolation'''. During certain productions of the play, rather than undress before her dramatic Immolation as would be expected, the Phoenix's feathered robes burst into blue flame, and she crackles like ice in the process.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_3|Watch the play for a little while 3|Fallen London}} ''"[...] the Phoenix usually disrobes to undergo her Last Immolation [...] the Phoenix does not disrobe - her feathered robe bursts into [...] blue flame [...] You could swear that [...] you hear her crack [...] like new-made ice."''</ref> | ||
=== Glory === | === Glory === | ||
''"Not yet enough. Not yet enough!"''<ref name = "watch play 4"/> | ''"Not yet enough. Not yet enough!"''<ref name = "watch play 4"/> | ||
[[File:Burrowerbelow.png|150px|alt=A reptilian eye with several pupils.|thumb|A [[Aeginae|Dragon's]] eye.]] | [[File:Burrowerbelow.png|150px|alt=A reptilian eye with several pupils.|thumb|A [[Aeginae|Dragon's]] eye.]] | ||
The Messenger is confronted by a '''Dragon''', another servant of the Messenger's superior. The Dragon reminds them that their superior still awaits the Messenger; in turn, the Messenger begs the Dragon for more time, as they are not yet ready to deliver their message. The Dragon indifferently responds by stating that the Messenger still has time remaining, and that "two remain" if "this place" fails, but the Messenger believes that this is not nearly enough.<ref name = "ovate glory">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Glory|Order Ovate, Glory|Fallen London | The Messenger is confronted by a '''Dragon''', another servant of the Messenger's superior. The Dragon reminds them that their superior still awaits the Messenger; in turn, the Messenger begs the Dragon for more time, as they are not yet ready to deliver their message. The Dragon indifferently responds by stating that the Messenger still has time remaining, and that "two remain" if "this place" fails, but the Messenger believes that this is not nearly enough.<ref name = "ovate glory">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Ovate,_Glory|Order Ovate, Glory|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
Later, seven Dragons capture and hold a tribunal for their prisoners: the Messenger, the '''Chained Sun''', the '''Messenger's Daughter'''. The Dragons also kill the Hunter and '''Time''' itself. Two of the Dragons' mouths are covered in the '''Blood of the World''', and the Dragons drag their prisoners to the '''Wound in the World'''. The '''Seventh Dragon''' states the crimes of those accused: ''"Betrayal of Messages, Undelivery of Words, Vile Breeding, Conspiracy in Darkness, and Unlicensed Love."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London | Later, seven Dragons capture and hold a tribunal for their prisoners: the Messenger, the '''Chained Sun''', the '''Messenger's Daughter'''. The Dragons also kill the Hunter and '''Time''' itself. Two of the Dragons' mouths are covered in the '''Blood of the World''', and the Dragons drag their prisoners to the '''Wound in the World'''. The '''Seventh Dragon''' states the crimes of those accused: ''"Betrayal of Messages, Undelivery of Words, Vile Breeding, Conspiracy in Darkness, and Unlicensed Love."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"The Dragons [...] are seven in number. One carries Time gored on a horn. Another has the Hunter carelessly slung [...]. Two more [...] are daubed with red - 'The Blood of the World,' [...] They drag the Messenger screaming, [...] to [...] the Wound in the World, where the Chained Sun and the Messenger's Daughter wait. The Seventh Dragon recites the crimes of the Sun and the Messenger - Betrayal of Messages, Undelivery of Words, Vile Breeding, Conspiracy in Darkness, and Unlicensed Love."''</ref> | ||
When the Seventh Dragon mentions the last crime, its fellows scream in an incalculable rage. The curtain then falls as the seven Dragons feast on their prisoners.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London | When the Seventh Dragon mentions the last crime, its fellows scream in an incalculable rage. The curtain then falls as the seven Dragons feast on their prisoners.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"The Seventh Dragon recites the crimes [...] When the Dragon says [...] 'Unlicensed Love', its fellows [...] rage [...] the Dragons cease their screaming and lunge forwards, to feed on their prisoners. The curtain falls [...]"''</ref> | ||
==Excerpts== | ==Excerpts== | ||
| Line 108: | Line 108: | ||
The scenes of the ''The Seventh Letter'' do not appear to follow any chronological order, and the last scene appears to be a possible ending for the Messenger in the future. | The scenes of the ''The Seventh Letter'' do not appear to follow any chronological order, and the last scene appears to be a possible ending for the Messenger in the future. | ||
[[File:Bazaar2.png|alt=A spired building.|thumb|[[The Echo Bazaar]]]] | [[File:Bazaar2.png|alt=A spired building.|thumb|[[The Echo Bazaar]]]] | ||
The "Messenger" is the [[Echo Bazaar]]; the Messenger bears a message for the [[Sun]],<ref name = "ovate ice"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Aver_it|Aver it|Fallen London | The "Messenger" is the [[Echo Bazaar]]; the Messenger bears a message for the [[Sun]],<ref name = "ovate ice"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Aver_it|Aver it|Fallen London}} ''"[...] your employer soars towards the Judgement, its hide flaring with the message it carries."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Demand_an_explanation_(from_Mr._Cups)|Demand an explanation (from Mr. Cups)|Fallen London}} ''"The Bazaar's dream is a folly! Its message will be spurned, [...] Let it suffer, and let the sun suffer [...]"''</ref> and possesses the Bazaar's iconic spires.<ref name = "ovate blood"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Upgrade_your_guest_room_to_a_Spire-Emporium|Upgrade your guest room to a Spire-Emporium|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
The "Owls" are the [[Masters of the Bazaar]]. They reside within the Messenger's spires,<ref name = "ovate blood"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_Carriage|Enter the Carriage|Fallen London | The "Owls" are the [[Masters of the Bazaar]]. They reside within the Messenger's spires,<ref name = "ovate blood"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_Carriage|Enter the Carriage|Fallen London}}</ref> and the Masters' species, the [[Curators]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Declare_your_(Skeleton_Type)_a_completed_Curator|Declare your (Skeleton Type) a completed Curator|Fallen London}}</ref> have been compared to owls.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/No_map_knows_the_place_you_go|No map knows the place you go|Fallen London}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/%22What_is_due%3F%22|"What is due?"|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
The identity of the "Hunter" is unconfirmed, but it is likely [[Mr Veils]]. Veils killed several other Curators during its time in the [[High Wilderness]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Day_of_the_Hunt|The Day of the Hunt|Fallen London | The identity of the "Hunter" is unconfirmed, but it is likely [[Mr Veils]]. Veils killed several other Curators during its time in the [[High Wilderness]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Day_of_the_Hunt|The Day of the Hunt|Fallen London}}</ref> and is known to shriek as the Hunter does when acting as the [[Vake]].<ref name = "ovate blood"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Anticipate|Anticipate|Fallen London}} ''"The Vake shrieks [...]"''</ref> | ||
The identity of the "Phoenix" is unknown. | The identity of the "Phoenix" is unknown. | ||
The seven "Dragons" are [[Aeginae]], beings that feed on time<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies. | The seven "Dragons" are [[Aeginae]], beings that feed on time<ref name = "watch play 4"/><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Aeginae|The Aeginae|Sunless Skies}}</ref> and are often referred to as dragons.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Aeginae#Story_description|Story description|Sunless Skies}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Stalactite.png|alt=A stalactite.|thumb|[[Storm]]]] | [[File:Stalactite.png|alt=A stalactite.|thumb|[[Storm]]]] | ||
The Dragon that warns the Messenger is [[Storm]]; Storm is an Aeginae who is known to have interacted with the Bazaar in the past.<ref name = "ovate glory"/><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea. | The Dragon that warns the Messenger is [[Storm]]; Storm is an Aeginae who is known to have interacted with the Bazaar in the past.<ref name = "ovate glory"/><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Chelonate#The_Chelonate|Deliver Sphinxstone for Penstock|Sunless Sea}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Corridors_of_Frostfound#Trigger_Conditions_8|Fumble in the darkness|Sunless Sea}}</ref> | ||
The aforementioned Dragon mentions a time limit that will expire if "this place" and the "two remaining" fail;<ref name = "ovate glory"/> this refers to the [[Fallen Cities]], as London is known to be the Fifth of these,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets#The_other_cities|Look: an eye.|Fallen London | The aforementioned Dragon mentions a time limit that will expire if "this place" and the "two remaining" fail;<ref name = "ovate glory"/> this refers to the [[Fallen Cities]], as London is known to be the Fifth of these,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets#The_other_cities|Look: an eye.|Fallen London}}</ref> and there are two further cities remaining<ref name = "going to theater"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bask_in_the_light_1|Bask in the light 1|Fallen London}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attend_a_service_at_the_Chapel_(no._6)|Attend a service at the Chapel (no. 6)|Fallen London}}</ref> for the Bazaar to use in its mission to collect love stories to deliver to the Sun.<ref name = "ovate glory"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bask_in_the_last_remnants_of_the_light_1|Bask in the last remnants of the light 1|Fallen London}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/To_the_garden|To the garden|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
The "Wound in the World" is the [[Avid Horizon]], which has been called such, and a "wound in the sky."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London | The "Wound in the World" is the [[Avid Horizon]], which has been called such, and a "wound in the sky."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"They drag the Messenger screaming, [...] to [...] the Wound in the World, [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Approach_the_Convocation|Approach the Convocation|Fallen London}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Conversation_on_the_Road|A Conversation on the Road|Fallen London}} ''"[...] I have grown [...] fond [...] of our new associate [...] Lowly origins notwithstanding." You know [...] that he gestures at you, and at the wound-in-the-world [...] behind you."''</ref> The "Blood of the World" is likely the result of the damage done by the Dragons to spacetime; similar effects can occur through the use of [[Red Science]] as seen in a crimson chamber of [[Frostfound]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"The Dragons [...] Two [...] are daubed with red - 'The Blood of the World,' [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Corridors_of_Frostfound#The_Cavity|Surrender to the traces of horror|Sunless Sea}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Mountainglow.png|alt=A glowing mountain.|thumb|[[The Mountain of Light]]]] | [[File:Mountainglow.png|alt=A glowing mountain.|thumb|[[The Mountain of Light]]]] | ||
The "Messenger's Daughter" is [[the Mountain of Light]], also known as Stone, the daughter of the [[Bazaar]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London | The "Messenger's Daughter" is [[the Mountain of Light]], also known as Stone, the daughter of the [[Bazaar]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"They drag the Messenger screaming, [...] where the Messenger's Daughter wait."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Adam's_Way#Adam.27s_Way|Go ashore with the Adventuress|Sunless Sea}}</ref> The "Chained Sun" is the [[Sun]], who in the play is presumably arrested by the Dragons for its experiments in the [[Neath]], including the existence of Stone herself.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Watch_the_play_for_a_little_while_4|Watch the play for a little while 4|Fallen London}} ''"They drag the Messenger screaming, [...] where the Chained Sun [...] wait."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/%22..end_it,_as_I_swore_I_would.%22|"..end it, as I swore I would."|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
The identity of the "Raven" is unconfirmed, but based on the name and lyrics of the Raven's Hymn,<ref name = "watch play 1"/> she is likely one of the [[Shames]], the beings created by Stone who were considered aberrations by the [[Judgements]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London | The identity of the "Raven" is unconfirmed, but based on the name and lyrics of the Raven's Hymn,<ref name = "watch play 1"/> she is likely one of the [[Shames]], the beings created by Stone who were considered aberrations by the [[Judgements]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''""Shames!" [...] "Mountain's get!""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Leviathan|Leviathan|Fallen London}} ''"The fossils [...] are all Shames," [...] "Evolutionary errors, or so the Judgements believe."''</ref> and forced to stay in the Neath.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Order_Vespertine,_Irresistible|Order Vespertine, Irresistible|Fallen London}}</ref><ref name = "lacre currency">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Propose_a_currency_infused_with_lacre|Propose a currency infused with lacre|Fallen London}}</ref> As such, the scene depicting the Raven most likely takes place in the Neath, as the Shames were known to roam the Neath freely in ancient times.<ref name = "lacre currency"/> | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
{{Scroll box|text = <references/>}} | {{Scroll box|text = <references/>}} | ||
[[Category:Other Things of Significance]] | [[Category:Other Things of Significance]] | ||
Revision as of 20:56, 5 February 2025
|
Beyond this point lie major spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or major Fate-locked spoilers. Proceed at your own risk. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"The show is cancelled, the poster claims. Mahogany Hall - London's most notorious Music Hall and theatre - is closed tonight. You know better."[1]
The Seventh Letter is a scandalous and forbidden play that dramatizes the story of the Echo Bazaar.
The Neathy Play
"The Seventh Letter! They only show that in secret at Mahogany Hall! A production at the Panopticon? How does the Ministry of Public Decency permit it?"[2]
The Seventh Letter has been banned by the Ministry of Public Decency,[3] so it is usually staged in secret; Mahogany Hall is known for hosting recitals of the play on days when the theater is announced to be closed.[1] However, it is said that Mr Wines enjoys the play, and it supposedly bribes the Ministry on occasion to permit public showings.[4]
While the play's subject matter is esoteric,[5] it is also notoriously moving and emotional.[3] The performances of the play's tragic characters can move even the most dignified audience members to tears,[6] and certain scenes are so horrifying that the play has an intermission beforehand for faint-hearted audiences to take their leave.[3]
In Summary
"They say only six letters of it should ever be written together. The seventh will doom all."[1]
The following is a summary of all that is known of The Seventh Letter.
Night
"Yet no sweeter than yours, great master. I acknowledge it so."[3]
The actress playing the Raven is introduced. She sings her aria, the Hymn of Shames, which contains the following lyrics: "The glowing-hearted mountain / the river in the sky / the near night and the deep night..."[3]
The Raven comments that her song is superior to that of "the stone, the swan, the storm," but is interrupted by the arrival of the Messenger, to whom she defers, and whom she addresses as "great master".[7] The Messenger, played by multiple actors of multiple gender identities,[8] is dressed in "rags of cloud." They ask a question, into the darkness of the scene: why they should sing; when all of their songs are burned to their skin?[7]
Blood
"Ah, were it only my unfettered choice. But I owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice."[4]
The Messenger is beseeched by the Owls, who have taken up shelter within the Messenger's spires.[9] The Messenger asks what the Owls are doing within its spires; they respond that "we watch. We wait. We eat."[10] The Messenger mentions that the Owls are on the run from a being known as the Hunter;[4][10] in response, the Owls beg for safety from the Hunter's wrath. However, the Messenger cannot simply do away with the Hunter, as they "owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice."[10]
The Hunter later confronts the Messenger, and the Messenger warns him to hold back his greed. In response, the Hunter screams at the Messenger a "litany of solar insults."[4]
Ice
"Aren't we touchy! I had no idea."[11]
The Phoenix, described as a "thing of fire",[12] is introduced. She recites her famous soliloquy: "I am so very tired of flames. I will drown myself in snow, and emerge in perfect serenity. Or emerge not at all."[13]
The Messenger then arrives abruptly, and asks the Phoenix what she is doing. The Phoenix responds by greeting them, and pointing out that the Messenger is the one carrying a troth from the Sun to another. The Messenger interrupts the Phoenix, and furiously demands that she does not speak the recipient's name.[12]
Later, the Phoenix prepares to undergo her Last Immolation. During certain productions of the play, rather than undress before her dramatic Immolation as would be expected, the Phoenix's feathered robes burst into blue flame, and she crackles like ice in the process.[14]
Glory
"Not yet enough. Not yet enough!"[5]
The Messenger is confronted by a Dragon, another servant of the Messenger's superior. The Dragon reminds them that their superior still awaits the Messenger; in turn, the Messenger begs the Dragon for more time, as they are not yet ready to deliver their message. The Dragon indifferently responds by stating that the Messenger still has time remaining, and that "two remain" if "this place" fails, but the Messenger believes that this is not nearly enough.[15]
Later, seven Dragons capture and hold a tribunal for their prisoners: the Messenger, the Chained Sun, the Messenger's Daughter. The Dragons also kill the Hunter and Time itself. Two of the Dragons' mouths are covered in the Blood of the World, and the Dragons drag their prisoners to the Wound in the World. The Seventh Dragon states the crimes of those accused: "Betrayal of Messages, Undelivery of Words, Vile Breeding, Conspiracy in Darkness, and Unlicensed Love."[16]
When the Seventh Dragon mentions the last crime, its fellows scream in an incalculable rage. The curtain then falls as the seven Dragons feast on their prisoners.[17]
Excerpts
--
RAVEN: Truly my voice is sweeter than the song of the stone, the swan, the storm....
(Enter a MESSENGER beribboned with RAGS of CLOUD.)
RAVEN: (in haste) ...yet no sweeter than yours, great master. I acknowledge it so.
MESSENGER: O blackness, o blackness, wherefore should I sing? When all of my songs are seared on my skin?
(Exeunt.)
--[7]
MESSENGER: What do you among my spires?
OWLS: Why, great master, we watch. We wait. We eat.
MESSENGER: You watch and you wait and consume, you say. But is there not one who will make you his prey?
OWLS: ....pray, great master, preserve us. Let us hear his shriekings no more, and we will serve you always.
MESSENGER: Ah, were it only my unfettered choice. But I owe him his hunts and the joys of his voice.
--[10]
PHOENIX (to herself): I am so very tired of flames. I will drown myself in snow and emerge in perfect serenity. Or emerge not at all.
MESSENGER: What’s that? You have no more use for flame?
PHOENIX: Oho! A visitor!
MESSENGER: A pleasure. Will you guess my name?
PHOENIX: I know you. All we things of fire do. You are the ragged messenger who carries a troth from the Sun to -
MESSENGER: -name her not! Name her not, the b___h!
PHOENIX: Aren’t we touchy! I had no idea.
--[12]
MESSENGER: You, again.
DRAGON: Yes. I remain the servant of your master. As do you. He awaits you.
MESSENGER: Do not. I beg you, do not. He cannot yet hear what I have to say.
DRAGON: (carelessly) You have a little longer. Should this place fail, two remain. (Exit)
MESSENGER: Not yet enough. Not yet enough!
--[15]
Analysis
The following is a player-written analysis of the cast and story of the The Seventh Letter. Do note that this analysis is liable to change as the lore of Fallen London develops and evolves.
The scenes of the The Seventh Letter do not appear to follow any chronological order, and the last scene appears to be a possible ending for the Messenger in the future.
The "Messenger" is the Echo Bazaar; the Messenger bears a message for the Sun,[12][18][19] and possesses the Bazaar's iconic spires.[10][20]
The "Owls" are the Masters of the Bazaar. They reside within the Messenger's spires,[10][21] and the Masters' species, the Curators,[22] have been compared to owls.[23][24]
The identity of the "Hunter" is unconfirmed, but it is likely Mr Veils. Veils killed several other Curators during its time in the High Wilderness,[25] and is known to shriek as the Hunter does when acting as the Vake.[10][26]
The identity of the "Phoenix" is unknown.
The seven "Dragons" are Aeginae, beings that feed on time[5][27] and are often referred to as dragons.[28]
The Dragon that warns the Messenger is Storm; Storm is an Aeginae who is known to have interacted with the Bazaar in the past.[15][29][30]
The aforementioned Dragon mentions a time limit that will expire if "this place" and the "two remaining" fail;[15] this refers to the Fallen Cities, as London is known to be the Fifth of these,[31] and there are two further cities remaining[1][32][33] for the Bazaar to use in its mission to collect love stories to deliver to the Sun.[15][34][35]
The "Wound in the World" is the Avid Horizon, which has been called such, and a "wound in the sky."[36][37][38] The "Blood of the World" is likely the result of the damage done by the Dragons to spacetime; similar effects can occur through the use of Red Science as seen in a crimson chamber of Frostfound.[39][40]
The "Messenger's Daughter" is the Mountain of Light, also known as Stone, the daughter of the Bazaar.[41][42] The "Chained Sun" is the Sun, who in the play is presumably arrested by the Dragons for its experiments in the Neath, including the existence of Stone herself.[43][44]
The identity of the "Raven" is unconfirmed, but based on the name and lyrics of the Raven's Hymn,[3] she is likely one of the Shames, the beings created by Stone who were considered aberrations by the Judgements[45][46] and forced to stay in the Neath.[47][48] As such, the scene depicting the Raven most likely takes place in the Neath, as the Shames were known to roam the Neath freely in ancient times.[48]
References
|
