Editing Arbor

<blockquote>{{Neath_Location|image1 = rose.png|caption1 = A city of roses and dreams.|location = [[Parabola]]<br>

'Hidden'|allegiance = [[The Roseate Queen]]<br>

[[The Presbyterate]]|notable_inhabitants = The Roseate Queen<br>The Herald of Three Promises<br>The Queen's Peace}}''"That night you go to bed in your usual fashion. Sleep comes easy – the moment you pass into dream is the hesitation between one heartbeat and the next. There is a long road before you, paved with white stones. They bake beneath a dual sunlight: a queasy orange glow in the sky, and a brighter more insistent light from the south."''<ref name="dream of arbor jovial contrarian">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dream_of_Arbor_in_the_company_of_the_Jovial_Contrarian|Dream of Arbor in the company of the Jovial Contrarian|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>'''Arbor''' is a hidden city that lies within both [[Parabola]] and the [[Elder Continent]]. It is ruled by the '''[[Roseate Queen]]'''.__forcetoc__

<blockquote>''"You are standing in a grove tangled with roses, red and gold. The gentle rotten scent of flowers fills the air with drowsy sweetness. Before you, city walls rise; the colour of sunset. Bronze gates gleam in a somnolent amber light."''<ref name="lay down head">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Lay_down_your_weary_head|Lay down your weary head|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>Arbor, the City of Roses!<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Return_to_the_City_of_Roses|Return to the City of Roses|Fallen London|}}</ref> The city with two skies!<ref name="dream of arbor jovial contrarian" /> Where the walls glow like sunset,<ref name="lay down head"/> and the bushes teem with serpents!<ref name = "become serpent tender">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Become_a_serpent-tender_in_exchange_for_Attar|Become a serpent-tender in exchange for Attar|Fallen London|}} ''"The gardens are thick with serpents.''"</ref> Arbor is a city built on wonders, limited only by the dreamers' imaginations. Within each brick lies a new mystery, a new dream, or a new secret, and the city's history is as rich as its scented wines.

Since Arbor is split between the Is and the Is-Not, it is accessible both through dreams of roses and via a mysterious, rose-ridden gate located deep within the South;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Dream_of_Roses|A Dream of Roses|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Confession_of_Feducci|A Confession of Feducci|Fallen London|}}</ref> a passage to Arbor also exists far beyond the [[Smoking Shore]].<ref name = "enter arbor 2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_Arbor_2|Enter Arbor 2|Fallen London|}}</ref> This split also means that the city's skies are lit by both the [[Skin of the Sun]] in Parabola, and by the light of [[Stone]] in the Elder Continent.<ref name="dream of arbor jovial contrarian"/> Arbor is heavily fortified: it's protected by three massive walls, to the north,<ref name="walk the walls">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Walk_the_walls|Walk the walls|Fallen London|}}</ref> west,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Far_Arbor_(Centre)|Far Arbor (Centre)|Fallen London|}} ''"A tall fortress guards the western wall; [...]"''</ref> and an unmaintained eastern wall.<ref name = "near arbor center">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Near_Arbor_(Centre)|Near Arbor (Centre)|Fallen London|}}</ref> Those who wish to enter the city need special permission;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Lay_down_your_weary_head|Lay down your weary head|Fallen London|}} ''"London's Ambassador requested that we permit you within Arbor's walls [...]"''</ref><ref name = "enter arbor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_Arbor|Enter Arbor|Fallen London|}}</ref> visitors from [[London]] are allowed to enter via dreams, but are not currently permitted extended stays.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Leave_Arbor|Leave Arbor|Fallen London|}}</ref>

Newcomers to the city are greeted by the '''Herald of the Three Promises''', a senior member of Arbor's court.<ref name="intro to arbor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_Introduction_to_Arbor|An Introduction to Arbor|Fallen London|}}</ref> Arbor itself consists of three territories: one for the poor, one for the rich, and one... ''other.''<ref name="intro to arbor" /> The first two territories, [[Arbor#Near Arbor|Near Arbor]] and [[Arbor#Far Arbor|Far Arbor]], overlap significantly; which territory one sees depends on their wealth in [[attar]], Arbor's currency, and individuals from different social classes rarely see eye-to-eye - quite literally - as neither group can see the other's city.<ref name="enter far arbor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_Far_Arbor|Enter Far Arbor|Fallen London|}}</ref> Arbor's populace is quite diverse: the many nationalities represented here take after the [[Second City]], [[Fourth City]], and the [[Elder Continent]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_to_a_citizen|Speak to a citizen|Fallen London|}}</ref> and Arbor has been known for accepting refugees from any of the [[Fallen Cities]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Envoy_from_Elsewhere_2|The Envoy from Elsewhere 2|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Our kingdom [...] has always taken in the refugees of your short-lived cities."''</ref>

Time in Arbor is determined by the hourly chiming of bells,<ref name = "walk north near arbor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Walk_North_(Near_Arbor)|Walk North (Near Arbor)|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Spy_on_London's_Embassy|Spy on London's Embassy|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Wile_away_your_time|Wile away your time|Fallen London|}} ''"As the midnight chimes sound, [...]"''</ref> determining the openings and closings of certain facilities.<ref name = "edifice">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Browse_the_Edifice_of_the_Unveiled_Lie|Browse the Edifice of the Unveiled Lie|Fallen London|}}</ref> Arbor is regularly patrolled by the '''Huzzite Guard''', human soldiers who hail from the faraway city of [[Huz]]. They monitor Arbor's borders, eject visitors when their stays have expired,<ref name="walk the walls">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Walk_the_walls|Walk the walls|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref name="near arbor center" /> enforce the city's laws, and conduct internal affairs.<ref name="light candles near" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ambition:_Petition_the_Roseate_Queen_to_host_the_Marvellous|Ambition: Petition the Roseate Queen to host the Marvellous|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] he nods, and gestures to a nearby Huzzite Guard, who picks up your gifts with golden implements."''</ref>

Arbor's primary commodity and currency is '''[[attar]]''', a red, perfumed powder that accumulates on a dreamer's eyelids when they witness the wonders of Arbor.<ref name="intro to attar">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_%27Attar%27|Ask about 'Attar'|Fallen London|}}</ref> Accumulating enough of it allows an individual to glimpse or even visit Far Arbor,<ref name="temple labor" /><ref name="enter far arbor" /> but Far Arbor will quickly fade away if one loses their attar.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_city_washes_away|The city washes away|Fallen London|}}</ref> Thus, Far Arbori often have their eyes steeped in attar, granting the appearance of red-colored kohl or mascara and keeping their access to the city intact.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Near_Arbor_(North)|Near Arbor (North)|Fallen London|}} ''"Richly decorated Far-Arbori [...] identifieable [...] Attar-ringed eyes."''</ref>

<blockquote>''"Near Arbor. You'll enter there. It's quaint in its way. Labourers and merchants, mostly, reside there. Those insufficiently attuned to wonder. And those who upset Her Roseate Majesty, I suppose. You'll see it first but, please, do not believe that it's all that we are."''<ref name="first arbor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_first_Arbor|Ask about the first Arbor|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:St mountains.png|alt=A blue mountain range.|thumb|The edge of dream.]]

'''Near Arbor''' is Arbor's older and less affluent territory,<ref name = "walk north near arbor"/> resting on the nearer side of dream.<ref name = "light candles near">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Light_your_candles_(Near_Arbor)|Light your candles (Near Arbor)|Fallen London|}}</ref> Much of Near Arbor's infrastructure is crumbling and forgotten, either from a lack of upkeep, a lack of funding, or simply from the passage of time.<ref name = "palace near arbor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Near_Arbor_(Palace)|Near Arbor (Palace)|Fallen London|}}</ref> The upper class of Arbor look upon this area and its inhabitants with a tinge of haughtiness,<ref name="first arbor" /> and many '''Near-Arbori''' strive to accumulate enough [[attar]] to enter Far Arbor, especially if they have been cast out.<ref name="barter attar">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Barter_your_Attar|Barter your Attar|Fallen London|}} ''"Near-Arbori [...] weighing these luxuries against the possibility of acquiring enough Attar to reach the far city."''</ref>  

Near-Arbori can be identified by their drab attire, in contrast to the gaudy fashions of the Far-Arbori,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_a_short-cut_north|Take a short-cut north|Fallen London|}}</ref> and many of them work as laborers and merchants for long, tedious hours.<ref name = "walk north near arbor"/> Due to the egregious inequality between the two social classes in Arbor, some Near-Arbori play loose with the rules, for instance by searching for their relatives in the [[Arbor#The Third Arbor|third Arbor]], or by spreading awareness of a certain tradition involving seventy-seven candles apparently only performed by seditionists.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Investigate_the_Near-Arbori|Investigate the Near-Arbori|Fallen London|}}</ref>

Near Arbor's main entrance is a copper portcullis within the '''Gatehouse''',<ref name = "enter arbor"/> and a marketplace of interesting trinkets, such as dice and cards, has been set up nearby.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Near_Arbor_(Centre)|Near Arbor (Centre)|Fallen London|}} ''"Near-Arbori trade for bejewelled dice, golden-backed cards and other amusements."''</ref> Despite the high prices, many Near-Arbori carefully browse the goods in the market for novelty and new experiences, but they often come up empty-handed, much to their disappointment.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Explore_the_Gatehouse_Market|Explore the Gatehouse Market|Fallen London|}} ''"Near-Arbori [...] sigh, others weep, as they sift through wonders yet find nothing new."''</ref> Meanwhile, the Far-Arbori who have been exiled to Near Arbor have set up a marketplace in the south called the '''Beggar's Bazaar''', where they barter whatever riches they have left for precious attar.<ref name="barter attar"/>

The north of Near Arbor is home to the '''Temple to the Unending Queen''', which commemorates the city's ruler and the city's victories,<ref name="near arbor temple">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Near_Arbor_(Temple)|Near Arbor (Temple)|Fallen London|}} ''"Its friezes commemorate the city's three greatest victories."''</ref> and is presided over by the '''Priests-in-Scarlet'''. Laborers here are locked in cages and dream of improvements to the temple; however, they cannot see their own work, as it is reserved for the Far-Arbori. Less fortunate laborers are forced to perform menial tasks, such as covering the Queen's many statues with incense, and many go without meaningful payment at all.<ref name = "temple labor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Labour_in_the_temple|Labour in the temple|Fallen London|}}</ref>  

[[London]] has an embassy in the northern district of Near Arbor,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Near_Arbor_(North)|Near Arbor (North)|Fallen London|}}</ref> which is packed with diplomats and spies eager to make the most of the newly established connection between the two cities.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_London%27s_Embassy|Visit London's Embassy|Fallen London|}}</ref> Due to the secrecy of the information traded within, the embassy's windows are shuttered from the outside, and staff only enter and exit around midday for their lunch breaks.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_London%27s_Embassy|Visit London's Embassy|Fallen London|}} ''"The windows are shuttered; [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Spy_on_London%27s_Embassy|Spy on London's Embassy|Fallen London|}} ''"It is only at midday, when the chimes sound, that there is activity: an elderly diplomat leaving to hunt for lunch."''</ref>

<blockquote>''"Far Arbor is resplendent in vast, impossible architecture. Towers soar high above even the tallest buildings of Near Arbor; palaces stand three times as large as their Near-Arbori cousins. Hour on hour, the city grows as it is dreamed into being."''<ref name="far arbor centre">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Far_Arbor_(Centre)|Far Arbor (Centre)|Fallen London|}}</ref>

''"I envy that you'll get to see it for the first time. I would give anything to do that again."''<ref name="second arbor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_second_Arbor|Ask about the second Arbor|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Parabola medium.png|alt=A mirror in a forest under an orange sky.|thumb|100px|Deeper into dream.]]

'''Far Arbor''' is Arbor's newer and richer territory, and is much more opulent than Near Arbor. With buildings that rise high into its two skies, and new dreams expanding the city every minute, it is the very definition of a perfumed paradise.<ref name="far arbor centre">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Far_Arbor_(Centre)|Far Arbor (Centre)|Fallen London|}}</ref> Because Far Arbor is always laying claim to new territories in [[Parabola]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Far_Arbor_(Centre)|Far Arbor (Centre)|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the city grows as it is dreamed into being."''</ref> its walls are actively fortified;<ref name="far arbor centre">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Far_Arbor_(Centre)|Far Arbor (Centre)|Fallen London|}}</ref> despite this, Far Arbor has not seen a single war since its inception.<ref name = "attend reception copper fortress">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attend_a_reception_at_the_Copper_Fortress|Attend a reception at the Copper Fortress|Fallen London|}}</ref>

'''Far-Arbori''' can be identified by their luxurious, and perhaps gaudy, manner of dress compared to the Near-Arbori, as well as their [[attar]]-ringed eyes.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Near_Arbor_(North)|Near Arbor (North)|Fallen London|}} ''"Richly decorated Far-Arbori [...] identifieable by their gaudy cloaks, Attar-ringed eyes [...]"''</ref> Unlike their hard-working counterparts in Near Arbor, Far-Arbori largely spend their time indulging in amusements granted to them by their large stashes of attar,<ref name="wile away time">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Wile_away_your_time|Wile away your time|Fallen London|}}</ref> as they are completely forbidden from working.<ref name="serpent shepherd">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Serve_as_a_Serpent-Shepherd|Serve as a Serpent-Shepherd|Fallen London|}}</ref> However, they too have a need to indulge in the novel, as boredom is also notably illegal in Far Arbor. <ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Surrender_some_of_your_Attar|Surrender some of your Attar|Fallen London|}} ''"("There are laws against boredom here.")"''</ref> A popular place of relaxation for the Far-Arbori is the '''Queen's Conquered Gardens''', maintained by a strikingly crimson-colored irrigation system.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Far_Arbor_(South)|Far Arbor (South)|Fallen London|}}</ref> Even the rich take risks with the law here: many Far-Arbori trade information with agents from the [[Presbyterate]] and the [[Fingerkings]], despite the diplomatic tensions between Arbor and both other powers.<ref name="share secrets green cloak">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Share_secrets_with_the_Arbori|Share secrets with the Arbori|Fallen London|}} ''"A man carrying a serpent in a glass container lets a green-cloaked Far-Arbori whisper, against the box, [...]"''</ref>   

The northern district of Far Arbor displays architecture reminiscent of the [[Fourth City]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Far_Arbor_(North)|Far Arbor (North)|Fallen London|}} ''"In this [...] district [...] the architecture resembles that of the Fourth City."''</ref> and it is home to the '''Edifice of the Unveiled Lie''', which contains records of Arbori histories and artistry.<ref name="edifice"/> Following the implementation of the [[Arbor#The Sequestration|Sequestration]], the Edifice has recently become a home for fiction-consuming snakes, so many of the Edifice's scholars are trained in illumination, book-binding, and serpent-killing.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Browse_the_Edifice_of_the_Unveiled_Lie|Browse the Edifice of the Unveiled Lie|Fallen London|}} ''"The Edifice is staffed by scribes trained [...] in [...] book-binding, illumination and extermination of serpents."''</ref> Near the Edifice stands the '''Forbidden Embassy''', which was closed as mandated by the Sequestration, supposedly for treason, lawlessness, or simple datedness;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_Forbidden_Embassy|Enter the Forbidden Embassy|Fallen London|}} ''"They say it was shut up for treason, or for lawlessness, or for obsolescence."''</ref> The Embassy is completely locked from the outside, empty of decorations or furniture, and its floor is caked with snakeskins.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_Forbidden_Embassy|Enter the Forbidden Embassy|Fallen London|}} ''"There are many doors in the Embassy but no windows. Neither chairs nor tables nor mirrors nor any form of decoration at all."''</ref>

The '''Roseate Palace''' is a sprawling castle set atop the southernmost point of Far Arbor,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Gift_your_Attar_in_tribute_to_the_Roseate_Queen|Gift your Attar in tribute to the Roseate Queen|Fallen London|}} ''"He beckons you to follow him deeper into the Roseate Palace."''</ref> the city's magnificent summit. Encrusted in a thousand rubies and engraved with a hundred depictions of the city's ruler,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Far_Arbor_(Palace)|Far Arbor (Palace)|Fallen London|}} ''"Its many towers gleam with a thousand rubies; From every facade, radiant icons of the Queen glare down upon you."''</ref> this castle is where the [[Roseate Queen]] has held court for a thousand years, and will for a thousand years more.<ref name="walk south far arbor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Walk_South_(Far_Arbor)|Walk South (Far Arbor)|Fallen London|}}</ref> The '''Queen's Peace''' acts as the Queen's minister and supervises the city's courts, assisted by the '''Chamberlain'''. Citizens and visitors often come here to donate attar to the Queen, which does not go unrewarded,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Gift_your_Attar_in_tribute_to_the_Roseate_Queen|Gift your Attar in tribute to the Roseate Queen|Fallen London|}}''"The Chamberlain, aided by a coterie of priests, sift through the donor's lashes with fine golden brushes."''</ref> or to witness the city's trials against those accused.<ref name="witness a trial">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Witness_a_trial|Witness a trial|Fallen London|}}</ref> The Roseate Queen's government is also known to have a '''Senate''', as well as several ministers, who seem to play an advisory role to the Queen.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Witness_the_appointment_of_the_Gracious_Widow|Witness the appointment of the Gracious Widow|Fallen London|}}</ref>

''"You are the only one brave enough to break my edict. To light the candles in mourning. For home. For the third Arbor. Audacity must be rewarded."''<ref name="queen's favor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Queen's_Favour|The Queen's Favour|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Mountainglow.png|alt=A glowing mountain.|thumb|The other side?]]

The third and original Arbor, known as '''Underarbor''',<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discovered:_The_Third_Arbor|Discovered: The Third Arbor|Fallen London|}}''"You have glimpsed Underabor, the forgotten original of the rose-red city."''</ref> is mysterious and closely guarded. The Herald refuses to speak of it, only calling it an "error,"<ref name="third arbor" /> and a passage in the Edifice of the Unveiled Lie says that the third Arbor is currently held "captive".<ref name="edifice" /> The third Arbor exists in reality, on the [[Elder Continent]], where it shares its borders with the kingdom of [[Vesture]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_House_of_Silk_and_Flame|The House of Silk and Flame|Fallen London|}}''"[...] And then there is the other one – where Arbor still exists on the Elder Continent. That Arbor still shares some of its borders with Vesture. [...]"''</ref>

 

Travel to Underarbor is heavily restricted. Citizens of Arbor may access it only by piloting towering clay golems with mirrored eyes;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_House_of_Silk_and_Flame|The House of Silk and Flame|Fallen London|}}''"You risk a glance upwards and stare into the eyes of a golem. A vast, clay husk that marches inexorably through the ruins. Its eyes are mirrored glass. "Blindfold," the golem rumbles, in Nathaniel's voice."''</ref> outsiders must wear blindfolds within its bounds, and are carried by the golems.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_House_of_Silk_and_Flame|The House of Silk and Flame|Fallen London|}}''"I'm afraid you and I won't be travelling in the same manner. You must be blindfolded, once it begins."''</ref> At least some of these precautions may be in place because Underarbor is lit primarily by the light of [[Stone]], which is dangerous to foreigners at a high enough potency.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Peer_into_a_mirror|Peer into a mirror|Fallen London|}}''"You […] look into a bronze-framed mirror at the reflection of Arbor […] the light is different. The orange sunlight is gone; it is lit only by the light from the south. You are not in the reflection. Nor are any of the people […] Mirror-Arbor is empty."''</ref>

Underarbor is almost completely empty<ref name=":0" /> and lies in ruins that are partially covered by overgrowth. Only a few stone structures remain.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_House_of_Silk_and_Flame|The House of Silk and Flame|Fallen London|}}''"You travel through a city of ruin and dust. Half-collapsed, colossal domes sink into a wilderness of roses and rotten trees. Vast vaults and ornate mausolea yawn at the cavern roof. A few stone buildings survive – from their appearance they must be very ancient indeed."''</ref> Wanderers have been sighted in the rubble, and have left traces of habitation like bonfires, though their identities and purposes are unknown.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_House_of_Silk_and_Flame|The House of Silk and Flame|Fallen London|}}''"There are fires in the ruins; dancing lights in the dark. Shadows move through the tumbled boulevards. [...]"''</ref> Beyond them, the only humans to be found are skeletons, slumbering in ruined beds and surrounded by dead roses;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_House_of_Silk_and_Flame|The House of Silk and Flame|Fallen London|}}''"[...] Elsewhere, the dead linger: yawning skulls watch from empty arches, skeletons slumber in ruined beds strewn with dead roses. [...]"''</ref> Arbor's people are dead asleep.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_House_of_Silk_and_Flame|The House of Silk and Flame|Fallen London|}}''"[...] You can hear the rattle of chains; the cry of birds in the trees, and a soft and persistent snoring that emanates from all around. The smell of roses is strong and rich and soporific. [...]"''</ref> Some Near-Arbori still look through the mirrors to search for their relatives in Underarbor.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Investigate_the_Near-Arbori|Investigate the Near-Arbori|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] you see movement from the ruins: huddled figures, crawling through the debris. [...] As you hurry out, the old woman removes a little Attar from here eyes and passes it to you. For your discretion."''</ref>  

There is a forbidden rite in Arbor, where seventy-seven foxfire candles are lit: for mourning, for remembrance, and for the original city of Arbor, once the home of the [[Arbor#The Roseate Queen|Roseate Queen]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Light_your_candles_(Far_Arbor)|Light your candles (Far Arbor)|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref name="queen's favor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Queen's_Favour|The Queen's Favour|Fallen London|}}</ref>

==History and Diplomacy ==

<blockquote>''"I am in two minds. This place is a clearly a refuge. Its walls are unscarred – it has never seen battle. It is a sanctuary for dreamers and visionaries. And it is an impossible idea – so it exists only in impossibility. But they owe fealty to the Prester and the College. They labour under a monarchy. Is this not a surrender, a defeat? They hide from the problems of our world in something that cannot be."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_to_the_Jovial_Contrarian_(Arbor)|Speak to the Jovial Contrarian (Arbor)|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Adamsway.png|alt=The port of Adam's Way.|thumb|[[Adam's Way]]]]

For thousands of years, there were only two Arbors: one real, and one in dream. The real Arbor was permitted to remain sovereign, independent from the ruling of the [[Presbyterate]], while the dream-Arbor was vassalized.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_a_set_of_wax_tablets,_inscribed_with_ancient_treaties|Take a set of wax tablets, inscribed with ancient treaties|Fallen London|}}''"[...] half of Arbor is sovereign, the other half in dreams is vassalised [...]"''</ref> This dream-Arbor was ruled by several heirs and ancient monarchs, chosen from a complex web of intrigue and familial connections,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_a_series_on_the_succession_laws_of_Arbor|Take a series on the succession laws of Arbor|Fallen London|}} ''"A quick flick through reveals thousands of years of history, precedent and complex family trees."''</ref> and was presumably built and maintained with the aid of the [[Fingerkings]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_to_the_Duchess|Speak to the Duchess|Fallen London|}} ''""I am sorry. I was remembering—" [...] "We were careful in our bargaining, but achieved so much less than here. I wonder what cost they paid." Near by, serpents twine about the roses that garland the stones of the walls."''</ref>  

The [[Roseate Queen]] recently severed Arbor's ties with the Fingerkings,<ref name="enter forbidden embassy" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Wrack_your_brains|Wrack your brains|Fallen London|}} ''"A city mired in dream on the Elder Continent, [...] walled against the Fingerkings [...]"''</ref> however, possibly due to a deal gone sour.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Trade_your_documents_with_London%27s_Ambassador_4|Trade your documents with London's Ambassador 4|Fallen London|}} ''"I see. [...] I feel a sudden kinship with that Cassandra."''</ref> In turn, Arbor nominally pledged its fealty to the [[Presbyterate]],<ref name="speak to the jovial contrarian arbor">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_to_the_Jovial_Contrarian_(Arbor)|Speak to the Jovial Contrarian (Arbor)|Fallen London|}}''"But they owe fealty to the Prester and the College. They labour under a monarchy. Is this not a surrender, a defeat? They hide from the problems of our world in something that cannot be."''</ref> but the two governments are still at odds with each other, and spies from the Presbyterate are punished if caught.<ref name="witness a trial" /> Arbor also has an interest in [[Vesture]], with some spymasters already developing strategies to burn it to the ground,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_a_collection_of_scrolls_about_the_Kingdom_of_Vesture|Take a collection of scrolls about the Kingdom of Vesture|Fallen London|}}</ref> and presumably has a strong alliance with the city of [[Huz]].<ref name="near arbor center" />

Arbor has also recently begun to develop diplomatic ties with [[Fallen London|London]], formalizing an alliance of sorts during the festival of [[Hallowmas]] in 1896.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_with_the_Roseate_Queen|Speak with the Roseate Queen|Fallen London|}}</ref> The [[Mahogany Hall#The Glass|Glass]] of [[Mahogany Hall]] has also developed an interest in Arbor,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Deliver_the_documents_to_the_Glass|Deliver the documents to the Glass|Fallen London|}}</ref> but [[Hell]] has no interest at all. (Or so they say, as they indirectly offer rewards for information.)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Deliver_the_documents_to_the_Brass_Embassy|Deliver the documents to the Brass Embassy|Fallen London|}}</ref>

===Hallowmas, 1896===

<blockquote>''"In the small, mean days before Hallowmas, London finds itself plagued with dreams of falling roses. Citizens wake in their beds gasping, remembering a petal-fall of floral suffocation."''<ref name="dreams">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hallowmas_1896:_An_Envoy_from_the_Elder_Continent|Hallowmas 1896: An Envoy from the Elder Continent|Fallen London|}}

</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''"In the waking world, 'The Envoy' is sending out invitations to visit. She has recently arrived in London from the Elder Continent, and has a question that must be answered. When asked, where exactly, she's from, she answers that her city is 'Hidden.'"''<ref name="dreams" /></blockquote>[[File:Rosepetals.png|alt=Falling rose petals.|thumb|A dream of roses.]]

During [[Hallowmas]] in 1896, [[London]]ers were plagued by mysterious dreams of roses and petals. Meanwhile, a woman known only as the '''Envoy''' arrived from the [[Elder Continent]] and sent out invitations to the citizenry to answer her mysterious question: ''"Where did the Rosers go?"''<ref name="dreams" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_a_Wretched_Mog|Take a Wretched Mog|Fallen London|}}</ref>

The [[Rosers]] were a sect of artists and [[Revolutionaries]] from the [[Fourth City]] who taught the rose-rites to the city's inhabitants, and played a role in its end. They sought asylum in the hidden city of Arbor,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Solve_the_Mystery_of_the_Rosers|Solve the Mystery of the Rosers|Fallen London|}}

</ref> which historically took in many refugees of the [[Fallen Cities]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Envoy_from_Elsewhere_2|The Envoy from Elsewhere 2|Fallen London|}} ''"The Rosers fled long ago, [...] It has always taken in the refugees of your short-lived cities."''</ref> The Roseate Queen actually sponsored the Rosers herself, providing them with the guidance and funding they needed, and helped them find refuge in Arbor when their situation turned dire. She believed their arrival would "renew" the population of Arbor.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_the_vellum_book_on_the_Rosers|Take the vellum book on the Rosers|Fallen London|}}</ref>

The [[Roseate Queen]] sent the Envoy to see if the citizens of London would be able to solve her riddle, as a sort of test before Arbor's eventual opening.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_with_the_Roseate_Queen|Speak with the Roseate Queen|Fallen London|}} ''"I sent my Envoy to London to ask a question I knew the answer to." [...] "I wanted to see who could follow the trail. [...]"''</ref> After her question was answered,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Witness_the_appointment_of_the_Jovial_Contrarian|Witness the appointment of the Jovial Contrarian|Fallen London|}} ''"You discovered where the Rosers went. Well done."''</ref> she appointed two individuals to assist with Arbor's opening, her '''Ambassador''' and her '''Witness'''. They are permitted to travel freely between London and Arbor,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_Embassy_to_London_2|An Embassy to London 2|Fallen London|}}</ref> and are tasked with facilitating the relationship between the two cities, though their positions are considered mostly, but very splendidly, ceremonial.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Be_appointed_Ambassador_to_Arbor|Be appointed Ambassador to Arbor|Fallen London|}} ''"Your duties are explained: you will facilitate relations between Arbor and London. [...] Your reputation in both cities will enjoy a substantial boost. Otherwise, your function is almost entirely, splendidly, ceremonial."''</ref>

 

Arbor may be a sanctuary in dream, but even a city as idealized as this one has its fair share of politics and intrigue. </blockquote>

<blockquote>''"The only things you need to remember are that labour is prized and will be rewarded with Attar. The artists must be kept in their cages. The serpents must sleep and only in the appointed places. They are not to be woken. Oh, and do not speak to other foreigners here. There are diplomatic sensitivities."''<ref name="ask about laws">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_laws_of_Arbor|Ask about the laws of Arbor|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Document.png|alt=A legal document.|thumb|As written in the books.]]

In recent years, the ruler of Arbor implemented a strict set of new laws and reforms called the '''Sequestration'''.<ref name = "queen reforms">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_laws_of_Arbor|Ask about the laws of Arbor|Fallen London|}} ''"We do not have so many since Her Roseate Majesty's reforms."''</ref> The Sequestration requires that Arbor's resident [[Fingerkings|serpents]] remain asleep and confined to certain areas, mandates that the artists of Arbor remain in cages, and restricts communication between different foreign parties.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_laws_of_Arbor|Ask about the laws of Arbor|Fallen London|}} ''"The artists must be kept in their cages. The serpents must sleep and only in the appointed places. [...] Oh, and do not speak to other foreigners here."''</ref> Violating the Sequestration is one of Arbor's highest crimes, and is punishable by exile and the confiscation of attar.<ref name="witness a trial" />  

Other known laws in Arbor forbid the breaching of Near-Arbor's boundaries and ban invading the dreams of serpents.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Witness_a_trial|Witness a trial|Fallen London|}} ''"These encompass breaching of the Sequestration, breaching the dreams of serpents and breaching the boundaries of the nearest Arbor."''</ref>

<blockquote>''"In the course of your labours, you unearth a knot of young snakes sleeping within a rosebush. Attar puddles around them, sticking their scales to the petals."''<ref name="become serpent tender" /></blockquote>[[File:Snakehead2.png|alt=A green snake.|thumb|A dream-snake?]]

Serpents are a common sight in Arbor, but the populace does not think highly of them.<ref name="serpent shepherd"/> '''Serpent-tenders''' and '''Serpent-Shepherds''' are individuals tasked with managing Arbor's snake population; the serpent-tenders work by pulling knotted snakes apart,<ref name = "become serpent tender"/> while Serpent-Shepherds perform their duties with a bronze crook and grey cloaks.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Serve_as_a_Serpent-Shepherd|Serve as a Serpent-Shepherd|Fallen London|}} ''"You are given a bronze crook and a grey cloak to perfom your duties."''</ref>

The serpents in Arbor largely remain asleep at all times, as mandated by the Sequestration,<ref name="ask about laws" /> and are considered an annoyance in modern Arbor.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Far_Arbor_(Temple)|Far Arbor (Temple)|Fallen London|}} ''"Sleeping serpents twine over balconies, their scales gleaming in the false sun."''</ref> However, the presence of once-glorious statues of snakes dotted throughout Near Arbor, as well as the snakeskins within the Forbidden Embassy, imply that the [[Fingerkings]] once had a much larger role in Arbor's past, perhaps as rulers or treasured allies.<ref name = "palace near arbor"/><ref name="enter forbidden embassy">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_Forbidden_Embassy|Enter the Forbidden Embassy|Fallen London|}}</ref>  

In the current era, the Fingerkings are barred from entering Arbor in any significant capacity.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Wrack_your_brains|Wrack your brains|Fallen London|}} ''"A city mired in dream on the Elder Continent, half-in and half-out of Parabola, walled against the Fingerkings and ruled by a Roseate Queen with a perfumed fist."''</ref> They do retain some influence over Far Arbor's populace despite their situation, however; their agents wear striking green cloaks,<ref name="share secrets green cloak" /> and the city has its fair share of spies working on behalf of the Fingerkings as well.<ref name="witness a trial"/>

<blockquote>''"A legion of exiled Arbori, who call its queen a usurper and traitor. They wear a white rose as their emblem though their hands are often red."''<ref name="the company exiled rose">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Company_of_the_Exiled_Rose|The Company of the Exiled Rose|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Rose TC.png|alt=A black and white image of a rose.|thumb|A white rose.]]

The '''Company of the Exiled Rose''' are a group of exiled Arbori who have accused the [[Roseate Queen]] of usurpation and treason, and declared war on her forces as a result. They are led by an individual known as the '''White Rose''', whose body is heavily armored and whose eyes run with unique white attar.<ref name = "the company exiled rose"/>

The army of the Exiled Rose consists of golems, dreams, and a powerful type of artillery that scatters rose petals in the air when fired,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Host_a_hunt|Host a hunt|Fallen London|}}</ref><ref name = "the company exiled rose"/> Their emblem is a white rose,<ref name = "the company exiled rose"/> their standard is a representation of the three Arbors, and their battle cry is "Blood for the Roses!"<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mount_a_cavalry_charge|Mount a cavalry charge|Fallen London|}}</ref> As long as these warriors are employed, as long as the thunder of their marches and mortars ring in the Roseate Queen's ears, they will remain fulfilled.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Company_of_the_Exiled_Rose|The Company of the Exiled Rose|Fallen London|}} ''"So long as they are employed they are happy. They know that their march resounds in the Roseate Queen's sleepless nights."''</ref>

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