Hybras

"A fledgling colony trying to dig its fingernails deep enough into the spongy, fungal fabric of the Reach to cling on when hard times come. It is a sad truth that many more settlements are founded than flourish."

Hybras is an isolated colony built among giant, fungus-ridden Bronzewood logs.

Growth Asks No Licence

"Life moves slowly here. There are arguments over the rules of bowls, and the correct amount of time to steep tea. The Station Master seems to avoid the villagers. There is an unusual unique quality to the starlight which filters through the underside of the caps."

Old Settlers.

Hybras is basically a restirement home in space, and is as dismal as they can get. Many of its residents are octogenarians, and despite the rampant fungus, blemmigans, and other dangers, the colonists are unusually welcoming towards visitors, at least compared to most of the High Wilderness's settlers. They'll gladly invite travelers in for a bout of tea and games.

The Wizened Mayor claims that the reason that he and the townsfolk are staying in Hybras is because they are enjoying a "second youth" of sorts. They were all workers from the backbreaking Brabazon Workworld, and their old age is the result of the Workworld's wobbly time distortions. Having been worked until their hair turned grey, many of them just want to kick back and have fun.

Hybras, Deserted

"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.

"The colonists' houses are dark, and there is no sign of a soul about. The smithy is empty. No smoke comes from the Brendan's chimneys. The fretwork on the town hall remains unfinished. A bee laced with curling fronds flies by, its drone the only sound in Hybras."

After a period of time, Hybras was mysteriously abandoned. Only one man, the Station Master, remains. The colonists of Hybras made a deal with the Fingerkings to transport themselves to Parabola, granting them the youth they so desire. Unfortunately, their bodies ended up enveloped in a looming tower of violet fungus. The Mesmeric Orator from the Blue Kingdom is looking to set up an embassy here, to teach the denizens of the Reach the Philosophy of Culmination.