Curators: Difference between revisions
From The Fifth City Wiki
m Change reference links to point to new sites, replaced: sunlesssea.fandom.com → sunlesssea.miraheze.org, sunlessskies.fandom.com → sunlessskies.miraheze.org (12) |
KestrelGirl (talk | contribs) Clarification re: Runts. Citation text. Tag: visualeditor |
||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
==An Anatomy Lesson== | ==An Anatomy Lesson== | ||
<blockquote>''"The Masters wouldn't care for you saying so. But the wings, the arms and legs, all fit."''<ref | <blockquote>''"The Masters wouldn't care for you saying so. But the wings, the arms and legs, all fit."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Declare_your_(Skeleton_Type)_a_completed_Curator|Declare your (Skeleton Type) a completed Curator|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
While Curators have many things in common with their earthly counterparts, | While Curators have many things in common with their earthly counterparts, their wings also function as arms,<ref name="fallenlondon.wiki">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Declare_your_(Skeleton_Type)_a_completed_Curator|Declare your (Skeleton Type) a completed Curator|Fallen London}}''"The Masters wouldn't care for you saying so. But the wings, the arms and legs, all fit."''</ref> with clawed fingers at the ends<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Curator|Take a trophy|Sunless Skies|}} ''"You settle instead for a long-fingered claw."''</ref> that are articulated enough to hold and manipulate even delicate objects.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_prize|Ask about the prize|Fallen London|}} ''"Mr Pages has overwhelmed your favourite armchair, and is reading your newspaper, paying particular attention to the opinions of the salaried political columnists. When you ask your question, it folds the paper carefully, and thinks."''</ref> Curators may also possess anatomical oddities, such as horns or even semi-sentient teeth which can move independently from their owner.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Abbey_Rock|Watch|Sunless Sea}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bite_like_Mr_Veils|Bite like Mr Veils|Fallen London}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_compartment_-_with_the_Hideous_Promissory_Note|Enter the compartment - with the Hideous Promissory Note|Fallen London}}</ref> While they are typically massive, Curators can shrink in size to interact more properly with humans, but may also lose control of this ability when upset.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Light_Fingers:_Mr_Fires%27_Ultimatum_4|Light Fingers: Mr Fires' Ultimatum 4|Fallen London|}} ''"Mr Fires turns to you, its robes rippling as the body underneath unfolds. "Are we agreed?" It waits for your answer. Its shadow stretches up the sides of the pit, jagged and towering."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Refuse_its_offer|Refuse its offer|Fallen London|}} ''"For a moment, Mr Fires looms larger still. It twitches spasmodically. But then it masters itself."''</ref> | ||
Curators possess something called the '''Dual Nature''', the precise meaning of which is unclear. "Beasts" are not diminished by the lack of the Dual Nature, but "Trees" and Curators are.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/No_map_knows_the_place_you_go|No map knows the place you go|Fallen London}} ''"A Tree which lacks the Dual Nature is less. A Beast which lacks the Dual Nature is no less. This kind are not Trees, nor are they Beasts. Each Clutch has sometimes its Runt, who lacketh part of the Nature. Even the Runt has uses. Consider the Owl." [Editor's note: The runt of a clutch of owl chicks may be killed and eaten by its siblings if resources are scarce. This phenomenon occurs in a variety of other birds as well as mammals.]''</ref> Sometimes a clutch (litter) of Curators includes one that lacks a part of the Dual Nature, called a '''Runt'''.<ref name=":0" /> Runts are preyed upon by other Curators,<ref name=":0" /> who view them as weak,<ref name="seal">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_House_of_Rods_and_Chains#Mr_Barleycorn's_Belfry|Give Mr Barleycorn the Seal of Mr Menagerie|Sunless Skies}} ''"The Runt [...] "I confess, I am amazed it has survived. My master was not tolerant of its various weaknesses. Its single-mindedness; its cleaving to antiquated custom. How it chafed at its chains." Mr Barleycorn dips the seal in ink and presses it to paper. "Still. I am glad it has found new purpose. I'm pleased to hear it's doing well.""''</ref> and even the very notion of "runtery" is a crime in Curator society.<ref>{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/news/a-secret-about-the-masters|A secret about the Masters|Failbetter Games|}} ''"Thirdly, we have an inkling about the reasons for their ignoble conditions, although no indication which applies to which Master. The circumstances given in A Rhyming Revelry are: [...] runtery, aberration [...]"''</ref> While it may be the case that Curator runts are physically smaller than their siblings,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Force_the_Convocation_tell_you_how_to_reach_the_Grave_of_Mirrors|Force the Convocation tell you how to reach the Grave of Mirrors|Fallen London|}} ''"The Convocation shrink back. "LET'S NOT BE HASTY," says the smallest one (which still towers above you)." [Editor's note: It is unclear whether this Master is Candles, but we have no reason to assume it isn't.]''</ref> a Curator's status as a runt does not appear to have any connection with gender or assigned sex: while [[Mr Candles]] uses he/him pronouns,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Tell_them_what_became_of_him|Tell them what became of him|Fallen London}} ''"They will find each mote of Candles. He is a wound, an absence, a decay [...] They look upon the remnants of the Runt; they grieve; they will not forget."''</ref> [[Mr Menagerie]] uses it/its pronouns.<ref name="seal" /> According to [[Mr Pages]], elderly Curators are more likely to bear only one child rather than a litter, and if a Curator only has one baby, that baby will be a Runt.<ref>{{Citation|https://maskoftherose.miraheze.org/wiki/Mr_Pages#Matchmaking|Mr Pages: Matchmaking|Mask of the Rose|}} ''"I am not yet so decrepitated as to have only one. A litter of one has only the runt! [...] If there were time for such distractions, and if I were disposed, and if it were the day appointed for the forming of families, I am still polyfructant!"''</ref> It is possible that Mr Candles was not the only Runt among the Masters, but the only source for this assertion is unreliable.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Convocation_of_Runts|The Convocation of Runts|Fallen London|}} ''"There are eleven; ten together, one alone. [...] Behind them, something massive looms in the dark of this high wilderness. It is too vast for you to make out its shape, this close. Spires hang in the gloom. Sigils flare on its skin." [Editor's note: This is within Mr Mirrors' dreams, showing the Masters making their deal with the Bazaar. Mirrors seems to be stepping into the shoes of Mr Candles in this dream, but the existence of more than one runt is nonetheless of interest.]''</ref> | |||
Like other bats, Curators are sensitive to sound; they can even enter a state of intoxication when exposed to music.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_House_of_Rods_and_Chains|Give Mr Barleycorn the Seal of Mr Pipes|Sunless Skies}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://drive.google.com/file/d/1526_ziu5V7gPMYaBHqRYzsIeYAQD3bsu/view|A loyalty worthy of praise|The Silver Tree}}''"[...] Behind a curtain, a servant was playing a pipe of some sort, as was customary at these dinners. The Emissary was swaying, very gently, in time to the music. [...] He lurched, suddenly, and stumbled off. I would have believed him intoxicated, but that night, as usual, he had not had even a sip of airag."''</ref> | Like other bats, Curators are sensitive to sound; they can even enter a state of intoxication when exposed to music.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_House_of_Rods_and_Chains|Give Mr Barleycorn the Seal of Mr Pipes|Sunless Skies}}''"I favour music, myself. A symphony is as potent to me as good wine is to you. Your kind have been bounteous in that regard."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://drive.google.com/file/d/1526_ziu5V7gPMYaBHqRYzsIeYAQD3bsu/view|A loyalty worthy of praise|The Silver Tree}}''"[...] Behind a curtain, a servant was playing a pipe of some sort, as was customary at these dinners. The Emissary was swaying, very gently, in time to the music. [...] He lurched, suddenly, and stumbled off. I would have believed him intoxicated, but that night, as usual, he had not had even a sip of airag."''</ref> | ||
==Merciless Pedlar-Magnates== | ==Merciless Pedlar-Magnates== | ||
<blockquote>''"Once, we gathered here. We held our bargains and boasted of our chiefs. Our bands displayed the finest of goods. Our magnanimity was sharp as knives. All knew our worth. Then the light came. They made of our grounds sport. A dancing place. A laughing place. They made bargains of their own."''<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Mr_Menagerie%27s_Stall_for_Delicious_Scouts|Listen to a story of things past|Sunless Skies}}</ref></blockquote> | <blockquote>''"Once, we gathered here. We held our bargains and boasted of our chiefs. Our bands displayed the finest of goods. Our magnanimity was sharp as knives. All knew our worth. Then the light came. They made of our grounds sport. A dancing place. A laughing place. They made bargains of their own."''<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Mr_Menagerie%27s_Stall_for_Delicious_Scouts|Listen to a story of things past|Sunless Skies}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
[[File:Chiropteroushoarder.png|thumb|A Curator formerly known as [[Mr Apples]].|alt=]] | [[File:Chiropteroushoarder.png|thumb|A Curator formerly known as [[Mr Apples]].|alt=]] | ||
Each Curator possesses an inherent desire to acquire and hoard a | Each Curator possesses an inherent desire to acquire and hoard a given thing.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Curator|Curator|Sunless Skies|}} ''"Curators accumulate hoards, which they guard violently. Each hoard collects artifacts or creatures themed to the Curator’s particular obsession."''</ref> This obsession is present even before birth; in fact, an expecting parent Curator can experience its child's obsession as a unique form of pregnancy cravings.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Offer_Mr_Spices_your_medical_opinion_on_its_peculiar_health|Offer Mr Spices your medical opinion on its peculiar health|Fallen London}}''"I've filled a warehouse with wagons and landaus. The other Masters would know what was wrong if they knew I was collecting."''</ref> | ||
Curators spend much of their time alone or in small groups called flocks,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder|Show it the seal of Mr Barleycorn|Sunless Skies}}</ref> traveling and hunting in the [[The High Wilderness|High Wilderness]], but occasionally they congregate in large numbers to trade and socialize.<ref name=" | Curators spend much of their time alone or in small groups called flocks,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder|Show it the seal of Mr Barleycorn|Sunless Skies}}''"I would talk with Mr Barleycorn and dig his knowledge of the stars from his heart. But I am not the one he wants, not from its flock. It will only be more morose from our meeting."''</ref> traveling and hunting in the [[The High Wilderness|High Wilderness]], but occasionally they congregate in large numbers to trade and socialize.<ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Mr_Menagerie%27s_Stall_for_Delicious_Scouts|Listen to a story of things past|Sunless Skies|}} ''"Once, we gathered here. We held our bargains and boasted of our chiefs. Our bands displayed the finest of goods. Our magnanimity was sharp as knives. All knew our worth."''</ref> During these gatherings, they follow a strict calendar called '''the Order of Days''' that determines their activities: | ||
*The '''Day of the Hunt''', a time for killing lesser creatures and showing off trophies.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_the_Hunt|Observe the Day of the Hunt|Fallen London}}</ref> | *The '''Day of the Hunt''', a time for killing lesser creatures and showing off trophies.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_the_Hunt|Observe the Day of the Hunt|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
| Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
*The '''Day of Slaughter''', a time for murder between Curators.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_Slaughter|Observe the Day of Slaughter|Fallen London}}</ref> | *The '''Day of Slaughter''', a time for murder between Curators.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Observe_the_Day_of_Slaughter|Observe the Day of Slaughter|Fallen London}}</ref> | ||
Some Curators become very successful during their long lives, achieving the ranks of band leaders and magnates amongst their comrades.<ref name=" | Some Curators become very successful during their long lives, achieving the ranks of band leaders and magnates amongst their comrades.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/news/a-secret-about-the-masters|A secret about the Masters|Failbetter Games|}} ''"Occasionally, some instinct draws them together to boast of their recent bargains, trade secrets, and battle to establish primacy. Their chiefs are victorious, merciless pedlar-magnates."''</ref> | ||
==Crimes and Messengers== | ==Crimes and Messengers== | ||
<blockquote>''"Charity is a crime. The punishment severe."''<ref name="ReferenceA"/></blockquote> | <blockquote>''"Charity is a crime. The punishment severe."''<ref name="ReferenceA"/></blockquote> | ||
Curator society is harsh, and there are many actions and situations which can result in ostracism of an individual.<ref | Curator society is harsh, and there are many actions and situations which can result in ostracism of an individual.<ref>{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/news/a-secret-about-the-masters|A secret about the Masters|Failbetter Games|}} ''"One rhyme concerns eleven pilgrims who travelled from a cold and windy waste. It enumerates each of the reasons the pilgrims were unwelcome in their homeland."''</ref> Some of these include: | ||
*Hoarding | *Hoarding | ||
*Light-bringing | *Light-bringing | ||
*Impersonation | *"Impersonation, and the delivery of false testimony" | ||
*"Perpetration of the crimes of knife and of candle" | |||
*Perpetration of the crimes of knife and of candle | *"Idleness, and the dwelling-on of dreams" | ||
*Idleness | *"Runtery, aberration" | ||
*Runtery | |||
*Pursuit of a Treachery | *Pursuit of a Treachery | ||
*Failure and defeat; a fall from king to beggar | *"Failure and defeat; a fall from king to beggar" | ||
*Glass-whispering | *Glass-whispering | ||
*Charity | *Charity<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Mr_Menagerie%27s_Stall_for_Delicious_Scouts|Listen to a story of things past|Sunless Skies|}} ''"Charity is a crime. The punishment severe."''</ref> | ||
*Truth-strangling | *Truth-strangling | ||
*Violation of the Order of Days, | *"Violation of the Order of Days, 'which determines the hour of the hunt, the feast, the council, the bargain, and the slaughter'" | ||
Outcast Curators sometimes enter into servitude to [[Messengers]], for protection and a chance to escape their previous misfortune.<ref name="failbettergames.com"/><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Mr_Pennies|Show Mr Barleycorn's seal|Sunless Skies}}</ref> One such [[The Masters of the Bazaar|group]] can be found serving the [[Echo Bazaar]] in the [[Neath]]. A different flock once served the [[House of Rods and Chains]], although they have been disbanded since its death.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_House_of_Rods_and_Chains|Talk with Mr Barleycorn|Sunless Skies}}</ref> | Outcast Curators sometimes enter into servitude to [[Messengers]], for protection and a chance to escape their previous misfortune.<ref name="failbettergames.com">{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/a-secret-about-the-masters/|A secret about the Masters|Failbetter Games}}''"...the Masters were not Masters in the High Wilderness. Indeed, they accepted the position as emissaries of the Bazaar in order to escape misfortune, failure, and fruitlessness."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Mr_Pennies|Show Mr Barleycorn's seal|Sunless Skies}}''"Mr Pennies pounces on the seal. "The seneschal," it wheezes. "One of seven. Still loyal? Yes. Always loyal. Always waiting for reward. No reward for those who serve the Messengers. Always outcasts. Always disappointed.""''</ref> One such [[The Masters of the Bazaar|group]] can be found serving the [[Echo Bazaar]] in the [[Neath]].<ref name="failbettergames.com" /> A different flock once served the [[House of Rods and Chains]], although they have been disbanded since its death.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_House_of_Rods_and_Chains|Talk with Mr Barleycorn|Sunless Skies}}''"There were seven of us, once. Outcasts, bound to this Messenger's service. But the Messenger defied the Halved's command, and the Halved slew it. We were free. My colleagues, fled. But I remained to serve the Halved."''</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 06:07, 25 February 2025
|
WARNING: Beyond this point lie extended spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or Fate-locked content, including spoilers for formerly restricted storylines such as the endings of Seeking Mr Eaten's Name. Look away now. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"Intelligent, locomotive-sized chiroptera, able to pry an engine apart with their claws, or pummel it with their hellish shrieks. Curators accumulate hoards, which they guard violently. Each hoard collects artefacts or creatures themed to the Curator’s particular obsession."[1]
Curators are a race of space bats that hoard treasures in the High Wilderness.
An Anatomy Lesson
"The Masters wouldn't care for you saying so. But the wings, the arms and legs, all fit."[2]
While Curators have many things in common with their earthly counterparts, their wings also function as arms,[3] with clawed fingers at the ends[4] that are articulated enough to hold and manipulate even delicate objects.[5] Curators may also possess anatomical oddities, such as horns or even semi-sentient teeth which can move independently from their owner.[6][7][8] While they are typically massive, Curators can shrink in size to interact more properly with humans, but may also lose control of this ability when upset.[9][10]
Curators possess something called the Dual Nature, the precise meaning of which is unclear. "Beasts" are not diminished by the lack of the Dual Nature, but "Trees" and Curators are.[11] Sometimes a clutch (litter) of Curators includes one that lacks a part of the Dual Nature, called a Runt.[11] Runts are preyed upon by other Curators,[11] who view them as weak,[12] and even the very notion of "runtery" is a crime in Curator society.[13] While it may be the case that Curator runts are physically smaller than their siblings,[14] a Curator's status as a runt does not appear to have any connection with gender or assigned sex: while Mr Candles uses he/him pronouns,[15] Mr Menagerie uses it/its pronouns.[12] According to Mr Pages, elderly Curators are more likely to bear only one child rather than a litter, and if a Curator only has one baby, that baby will be a Runt.[16] It is possible that Mr Candles was not the only Runt among the Masters, but the only source for this assertion is unreliable.[17]
Like other bats, Curators are sensitive to sound; they can even enter a state of intoxication when exposed to music.[18][19]
Merciless Pedlar-Magnates
"Once, we gathered here. We held our bargains and boasted of our chiefs. Our bands displayed the finest of goods. Our magnanimity was sharp as knives. All knew our worth. Then the light came. They made of our grounds sport. A dancing place. A laughing place. They made bargains of their own."[20]
Each Curator possesses an inherent desire to acquire and hoard a given thing.[21] This obsession is present even before birth; in fact, an expecting parent Curator can experience its child's obsession as a unique form of pregnancy cravings.[22]
Curators spend much of their time alone or in small groups called flocks,[23] traveling and hunting in the High Wilderness, but occasionally they congregate in large numbers to trade and socialize.[24] During these gatherings, they follow a strict calendar called the Order of Days that determines their activities:
- The Day of the Hunt, a time for killing lesser creatures and showing off trophies.[25]
- The Day of the Feast, a time for eating and socializing.[26]
- The Day of Council, a time for discussions and debates.[27]
- The Day of Bargain, a time for trading.[28]
- The Day of Slaughter, a time for murder between Curators.[29]
Some Curators become very successful during their long lives, achieving the ranks of band leaders and magnates amongst their comrades.[24][30]
Crimes and Messengers
"Charity is a crime. The punishment severe."[20]
Curator society is harsh, and there are many actions and situations which can result in ostracism of an individual.[31] Some of these include:
- Hoarding
- Light-bringing
- "Impersonation, and the delivery of false testimony"
- "Perpetration of the crimes of knife and of candle"
- "Idleness, and the dwelling-on of dreams"
- "Runtery, aberration"
- Pursuit of a Treachery
- "Failure and defeat; a fall from king to beggar"
- Glass-whispering
- Charity[32]
- Truth-strangling
- "Violation of the Order of Days, 'which determines the hour of the hunt, the feast, the council, the bargain, and the slaughter'"
Outcast Curators sometimes enter into servitude to Messengers, for protection and a chance to escape their previous misfortune.[33][34] One such group can be found serving the Echo Bazaar in the Neath.[33] A different flock once served the House of Rods and Chains, although they have been disbanded since its death.[35]
References
|
