"Fragments of bone mix with the shingle at the shore. Others poke out from tide pools and little caves. Most of the bones are from cattle, you think. Drowned, most likely. Most are from around the Fall, but a few smooth pieces are much older. There are no cattle on the island now."[1]
Bullbone Island is an uninhabited island in the Unterzee near London.[2] It is named after the bones and fossils that cover the shoreline, most of which are from drowned cattle as well as deceased humans.[3] The island is minimally visited and the only known people here are exiles from London,[4][5] though ancient writings from the First City have been found as well.[6] A few animals make their homes here: groups of weasels roam about to feast on Phosphorescent Scarabs,[7] and wild Lamplighter Bees build hives.[8]
Bullbone's most notable feature is its forest of enormous mandrakes. These mandrakes are so large they resemble trees,[9] and their teeth-filled maws make disturbing them a risky proposition.[10] Like most mandrakes, they scream loud enough they apparently shake glim loose from the roof,[11][12] though they also produce a humming that reverberates throughout the soil,[13] as well as roars, curses, and even laughter.[14] Strange, whispered voices may also emanate throughout Bullbone with no apparent source; these may come from underwater mandrake groves, though their sounds do not disturb the water's surface.[15]
Historical and Cultural Inspirations
Bullbone Island may have some connection to the Bull of Heaven, a divine beast from the Epic of Gilgamesh who was defeated by the titular king and Enkidu. This is supported by the presence of First City writings on the island; the First City borrows many elements from the Epic.
↑The bones of Bullbone, Fallen London"Fragments of bone mix with the shingle at the shore. [...] Most of the bones are from cattle, you think. Drowned, most likely. Most are from around the Fall, but a few smooth pieces are much older. [...] A few of these bones are human, [...]"
↑Weasels about, Fallen London"The weasels have been attracted by a population of skittering beetles. The little darlings have been feasting on bugs for some time – there's a pile of glowing discarded shell fragments for the taking."
↑Wild bees, Fallen London"There are a few hives of wild lamplighter bees scattered around Bullbone Island."
↑Creaking in the breeze, Fallen London"You hear no screams and no singing. But there's a humming, of sorts. Something that reminds you of the depths of the earth below your feet."
↑Search the island, Fallen London"Whispering voices rise and swirl [...] You can't see anything that could possibly cause the sounds. The water around the island is still, [...] something stirs beneath the water, but no ripples disturb the surface. [...] It looks like an underwater mandrake grove, leaves moving as if a gentle breeze were blowing. They must be stirring in a current – but how, then, is the surface so still?"
