Editing Caution

{{Neath_Location|image1 = Amberbracer.png|caption1 = A Cautious Bracer.|location = [[The Elder Continent]]|alias = The City of Beasts<ref name = "alias">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Caution, the City of Beasts, the City of a Hundred Tongues."''</ref><br>The City of a Hundred Tongues<ref name = "alias"/><br>The Hundred-Tongued City<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"You are seeking the Hundred-Tongued City"''</ref>|allegiance = [[The Presbyterate]]|notable_inhabitants = |music = }}<blockquote>''"Caution, the City of Beasts, the City of a Hundred Tongues. Its spires rise through the forest canopy; a hundred, one for every tongue – scarlet, dusky green, royal blue. This close, the spires are less like coloured glass, more like glossy crabshell. The Menagerie sets up in a gently sobbing meadow just north of the Pilgrim Gate."''<ref name = "flint">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>

'''Caution''' is a city in the [[Presbyterate]] just north of the [[Bleeding Forest]].__FORCETOC__

[[File:Bleedingforest2.png|alt=A bloody forest with a growth resembling an eye.|thumb|[[The Bleeding Forest]]]]

Caution is a city located along the [[The Nameless River|Nameless River]] upstream from [[Adam's Way]],<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Way_Upstream#Interactions|The Mountain's Blood|Sunless Sea}} ''"Upstream, up the red river into the Continent's heart. [...] You are almost alone when you arrive at Caution, that hundred-tongued city. [...] The Pilgrim-Wakers condescend to meet with you."''</ref> bordering the [[Bleeding Forest]] to the south.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Caution? It's just this side of the Bleeding Forest."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Bleeding Forest [...] It is well-named, that jungle south of Caution."''</ref> The coastal citizens of the [[Elder Continent]] stop here en route to the [[Mountain of Light]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"[...] the Pilgrim Gate. Here the coastal peoples of the Presbyterate enter when they make their journey to the Mountain."''</ref> The city has an idyllic atmosphere, with grassy streets,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Beasts line the grassy streets [...]"''</ref> sparkling flowers,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Twining roses of quartz and sardonyx shine like ice."''</ref> and pulsing springs of pure freshwater.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Springs of purest water pulse in rhythm with your heart."''</ref> Its most iconic structures are its hundred spires, each of which is made of a shiny chitin-like material in the shape of "a big glass pineapple."<ref name = "spires">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Caution, [...] the City of a Hundred Tongues. Its spires rise through the forest canopy; a hundred, one for every tongue – scarlet, dusky green, royal blue. This close, the spires are less like coloured glass, more like glossy crabshell."''</ref><ref name = "pineapple">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"And look there! That thing like a big glass pineapple! Is that Caution?"''</ref> Each spire has a different color, and corresponds to a unique language spoken in Caution called a '''tongue'''.<ref name = "spires"/><ref name = "word">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Word_of_Caution|The Word of Caution|Fallen London}} ''"Secret phrases in the hundred tongues of the City of Caution."''</ref> Caution also has other strange sights, such as "wells that chime and gardens which rhyme."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"There are wells that chime and gardens which rhyme."''</ref>

Caution is generally closed to those outside the [[Presbyterate]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"It won't be easy to reach Caution. It's in the Presbyterate, and foreigners do not enter the Presbyterate."''</ref> Travelers who brave the journey south<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"A poster declares that no free foreigners may travel South. The Music-Hall Singer hums a tune. [...] There's a woman travels South, in disguise and in chains. If you're not free, the restriction doesn't apply [...]"''</ref> to reach it must first pass through the '''Pilgrim Gate''', a triple-lobed gate made from shell.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Entering Caution [...] This triple-lobed portal of shell is the Pilgrim Gate."''</ref> This gate is guarded by the '''Pilgrim-Wakers''', bird-people with wings and beaks,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"[...] the Pilgrim-Wakers [...] They lower their beaks, raise their wings [...]"''</ref> who only allow the long-lived to pass;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Pilgrim-Wakers rear to greet you. "Have you lived enough?" they cry."''</ref> to qualify, one must confide in them their greatest regrets.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Caution next, yes? The Pilgrim-Wakers will not let us pass without regrets."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Share your regrets, and enter. [...] What passes between you and the Pilgrim-Wakers will remain between them and you [...]"''</ref> The '''Word of Caution''', a tablet of secret passphrases written in Caution's various languages, provides another way to enter the city.<ref name="word"/> The bearer of this artifact is allowed to pass the Pilgrim Gate for free,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''""Stand aside. Let me pass." [...] Make them aware that you could speak one of the secret phrases aloud. [...] "That which you carry is regret." [...] The Pilgrim-Wakers step back, subdued. [...] They nod [...] You pass through the triple-lobed gates."''</ref> and is entitled to respect from Caution's citizens.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Beasts throng around you. They will happily share the secrets of the Prison with the Word's bearer."''</ref> When one of the Word's phrases is spoken aloud, Caution's citizens will zealously act upon its instructions.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Tablet carries a phrase identified as 'Safe-Conduct for One who is Incarcerated.' Try it. [...] The Beasts surge forwards. A Wolf smashes the lock from the cage; Striped Horses bear you from the tent. [...] But you are free!"''</ref> Diplomats to Caution also exist; they are instructed to never bow too low, never be more than they appear, and to know that immortality may yet be within reach, in spite of the [[The Presbyter|Presbyter]]'s laws.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Infiltrate_a_gathering_of_retired_diplomats|Infiltrate a gathering of retired diplomats|Fallen London}} ''"A bandaged tomb-colonist [...] tells you of the lessons of Caution. To bow low, but never too low. To never be more than one seems. To know that to live forever is always a question. He does not need to mention how these lessons may come into conflict with the Presbyter's will."''</ref>

The '''Temple of Meetings''' is a hollow oak tree split apart by a stalactite at the very center of Caution.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"At the core of Caution, a falling stalagmite has riven an old oak. A dark space waits at its roots."''</ref> In ancient times, each newly appointed King of Caution would sit vigil in the Temple, wearing a crown and wielding a mirror and a flint dagger. According to legend, one of these kings was none other than [[Nicator]], though his reign ended in disaster. The era of kings has long since ended,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Now in those days, when there were Kings in Caution, a new King would sit vigil in the Temple of Meetings, with his appointed regalia: a mirror, a crown, and a dagger of flint. So Nicator waited in the dark under the fallen stone: [...] In the dark [...] echoed the laments of Huz and the pleas of Skite. Nicator's hands tightened, [...] "When the fire was lit in the morning, he was already dead."''</ref> and Caution is said to be ruled by a '''Regent'''.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cautionary_Orchids|Cautionary Orchids|Fallen London}} ''"Taken, at great expense, from the very gardens of the Regent of Caution."''</ref> An ancient city known as the '''First Caution''' once existed, but nothing else is known about it.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Convince_the_Manager_of_the_Royal_Bethlehem_to_train_you|Convince the Manager of the Royal Bethlehem to train you|Fallen London}} ''"[...] you relate the glories of ancient cities. Of Alexandria and Antioch. Of the First Caution."''</ref>

[[File:Knapt.png|alt=A flint knife made from banded rock.|thumb|The [[The Knapt|Knapt]], made of banded flint.]]

Caution's citizens are called '''Beasts'''. They are described as humanoids with animalistic qualities,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''""I've seen something like that. Round the neck of a Beast, from Caution. They walk on two legs, they drink wine, but they're Beasts, and don't you forget it."''</ref> such as forelimbs,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Old Hound waits in her stall, forelimbs folded [...]"''</ref> muzzles,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Beasts bow low, and their muzzles sweep the ground."''</ref> and snouts,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Beasts line the grassy streets, press their painted snouts against the windows [...]"''</ref> but all possess human eyes.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"There are the Beasts – everywhere the Beasts, watching you with human eyes."''</ref> It is not clear whether this is because they are transformed humans, or because they are simply humans wearing masks.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Isidora|Isidora|Fallen London}} ''"(e.g., it's never clear whether the Beasts are masked or transformed humans);"''</ref> Beasts often wear face paint,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The painted faces of the Beasts begun to blur one into another [...]"''</ref> as well as jewelry made of '''banded flint''',<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''""Banded flint..." [...] The citizens of Caution use it to ornament themselves."''</ref> a petrified form of light found near Caution.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''""Banded flint!" [...] Down here it all comes from the Presbyterate – Caution. See those paler bands? That's not true stone – it's a petriform allotrope of light."''</ref> Some Beasts use banded flint for their weapons, and one even nicked off [[Feducci]]'s ear with a spear.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"I used to duel with a gentleman from Caution, down by the Bleeding Forest. He used a spear with a banded flint tip. Lost an ear to him."''</ref> The '''Cautious Bracer''' is an artifact from Caution, made from blood-red amber that has been treated to serve as armor. It is described as an "anchor to an unchanged self," and depicts a carving of a human at the wrist and a procession of beasts of increasing fancy up to the elbow.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Swap_your_Winking_Gemstone_Ring_for_the_bracer_of_beast-carved_amber|Swap your Winking Gemstone Ring for the bracer of beast-carved amber|Fallen London}} ''"Half jewellery, and half armour: [...] The amber has been treated somehow, and is rigid as porcelain. Carvings of beasts run along its length: boars; horses; mice; [...] The creatures get stranger and more outlandish as the carvings travel towards the elbow – beasts with many heads, and odd-numbered feet, and wings and horns and eyes of night. Back up towards the wrist, [...] is nondescript engraving of a man. When you close the bracer over your forearm, your pulse beats against the carved man's chest."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cautious_Bracer|Cautious Bracer|Fallen London}} ''"Hailing from hundred-tongued Caution. A band of blood-red amber; an anchor to an unchanged self."''</ref>

[[File:Flintvineyard rectangle.png|alt=A statue of a woman holding a wine glass near some grapes.|thumb|[[The Prison of Flint]]]]

It is possible for humans to be inducted as Beasts; they must consume wine and [[chertapples]] before a gathering of Beasts, and enter the darkness below the Temple of Meetings. After an unseen process, they will emerge reborn as a young Beast, such as a '''Foal'''.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Attend a Ceremony at the Temple of Meetings [...] Here Men come, and Beasts are born. [...] The celebrant is a river-pilot from upriver. [...] She drinks the wine and eats the chert-apples. The Panthers and Owls and Apes watch, [...] The celebrant undresses and passes into the unlit bark-cave at the roots. There is a pause; and a scream. The assembled Beasts all roar. [...] The newborn Foal emerges tottering from the tree-cave."''</ref> A key part of the Beasts' culture is their lack of regrets;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''""Welcome back," the Wolf growls. "No regrets.""''</ref> as one citizen puts it, "No regrets, in Caution."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Hound watches you. "I liked," she sighs. "When I was ugly. But regrets, gone. No regrets, in Caution.""''</ref> They also know how to navigate the [[Bleeding Forest]] and are aware of the [[The Prison of Flint|Prison of Flint]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Question the citizens of Caution about the Prison of Flint [...] "You must pass through the Bleeding Forest." "We will teach you the signs: then the road will be hard, but not impossible."''</ref> While some are willing to host [[Snuffers]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Seared Snuffer [...] you both must tread cautiously. They are not over-fond of snuffers in Caution. But some Beasts can be bribed into helpfulness."''</ref> the Beasts are deathly afraid of the [[The Thief-of-Faces|Thief-of-Faces]], as they fear losing their faces will leave them exposed to be "seen."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Thief-of-Faces follows. Leave us. [...] We must have our faces. [...] We cannot be seen."''</ref>

*'''Lions''' boast of their skills and deeds in the aptly-named '''Boasting Ring'''. The strongest Lion in the ring wins the weakest Lion's name.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Lions have entered their Boasting Ring. The strongest will take the weakest's name. [...] I raised the Umber Spire." "I taught the gardens to rhyme." "I slew the Tigers of Wrath." "I chased the Thief-of-Faces from our door." [...] The least Lion slinks nameless from the ring, and the greatest roars the stolen name."''</ref>

*'''Apes''' act as scouts, watchmen, and poets, and study the [[Elder Continent]]'s many mysteries.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Apes are the scouts, the watchmen, and the poets of Caution. Give them a passphrase, and they will teach you mysteries. [...] "Two things which are not Mysteries, [...] I have heard the Wound in the Prison of Flint [...] the Wax-Wind [...]"''</ref>

*'''Wolves''' act as healers and guides. They possess (or produce?) a beverage called '''Wolf-milk''', which heals the state of chertiness induced by the Bleeding Forest.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Wolves of Caution give guidance and comfort. If you have grown cherty, drinking Wolf-milk will return you to the world of warmth."''</ref>

*'''Panthers''' are not permitted to enter water. Hence they are interested in water-borne stories, such as those of the [[Unterzee]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Offer stories of the Unterzee to the Panthers [...] Panthers are not permitted by the laws of Caution to swim. Consequently, water-born tales fascinate them."''</ref>

*'''Striped Horses''' provide manual labor and build the Tongues and spires of Caution. Before they construct a new spire, they first consume water with the "appropriate assonance" from Caution's rhyming wells, which they use to compose poetry.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Perform manual labour for the Striped Horses "Of course we could do it ourselves," the Striped Stallion explains. [...] they send you to the rhyming wells. It takes a long while to find water with the appropriate assonance. "We drink it while we're making poetry," the Stallion tells you. "For when we build the next Tongue, and its spire.""''</ref>

*'''Tortoises''' reside in a pit and claim to be from none other than [[London]]. However, their knowledge of the city seems jumbled, placing doubt upon their claims.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Tortoises, in their pit, all claim they were men and women of London before they came here. You doubt it, [...] "Yes, very good," the eldest Tortoise says. "I remember it exactly thus, when I used to walk the gardens of Wolfstack. How is the dear Empress? Give her my regards, when next you see her in her church."''</ref>

*'''Salamanders''' are Caution's soldiers and wear armor and crested helmets. They speak in hisses, and are interested in detailed reports of the [[Surface]], most assuredly ''not'' to prepare for an invasion.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"[...] the Salamanders in their burnished armour and crested helmets."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Offer stories of the Surface to the Salamanders [...] The Salamanders are Caution's soldiers. They assure you that they do not intend to leave their homeland, much less invade the Surface world. [...] How sincere they are! [...] "Ssss..." [...] the Salamanders dissect your vague report with eery insight. One suggests a political interpretation; another agrees. "Thank you," a third hisses."''</ref>

*'''Boars''' write the histories of Caution on the spires' roots, using blood to ensure the spires are well-nourished. They typically use blood from the Bleeding Forest, but also add a bit of human and Beast blood. Apparently, if the mixture is just perfect, the spires will produce eggs, though this has never been seen yet.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Boars write the histories of Caution on the roots of Caution's glossy spires. They always use blood, to ensure the spires are healthily nourished. Most of it comes from the Bleeding Forest, but they like to tincture it with the blood of Men and Beasts. "When we get the mixture right," one Boar confides, "the spires give us eggs. They say. I've never seen it happen.""''</ref>

*The '''Old Hound''' runs a stall for wares, including goods imported from London at great expense. She claims she liked when she was "ugly," but it matters not as she shed her regrets in Caution.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Old Hound waits in her stall, [...] "Best," she groans. "Best wares." [...] You purchase edible seeds; scented coals [...] a precious imported packet of Murgatroyd’s Fungal Crackers. The Hound watches you. "I liked," she sighs. "When I was ugly. But regrets, gone. No regrets, in Caution.""''</ref>

*The '''Host of Hyenas''' were an army of laughing warriors who caught the [[Seven Against Nidah]] off-guard,<ref name = "letter">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Delivering_a_Letter#Interactions|Read the apology letter to Nook|Sunless Sea}} ''"The Almost Dead Man was a scout, who failed to detect the approach of 'the Hyenas' - enemy reinforcements? The outcome, [...] was catastrophic."''</ref> leading to the group's defeat.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Flinty_Latitudinarian#Interactions|Deliver the Almost Dead Man's letter|Sunless Sea}} ''"And tell him the rout was never his d_mn fault. I took the decision to charge the gate. I missed the Hyenas' approach."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/A_Deal_with_Isery#Interactions|Offer a preposterous price|Sunless Sea}} ''"You remember panic, disaster! [...] Behind you came the Host of Hyenas, fresh from the city of Caution, laughing as they slew. [...] You remember the desperate journey back down the scarlet river, [...] A man leans on the rail: black shirt, a church dog-collar. Your employer, Lytton. He turns to look at you, and he is bereft."''</ref>

*'''Parakeets''' act as Caution's journalists and gossipers.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Parakeets serve Caution as journalists, gossips, urchins and salonnières serve London."''</ref>

*'''Leopards''' ''drink'' blood, but are otherwise not expanded upon.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Give your blood to the Boars [...] "We won't drink it," the Matriarch chuckles. "We're Boars, not Leopards! [...]"''</ref>

*'''Serpents''' and '''Owls''' are mentioned but not expanded upon.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"[...]  it is hard to tell the Lions from the Striped Horses, or the Serpents from the Wolves."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"The Panthers and Owls and Apes watch [...]"''</ref>

 

The spires of Caution may be inspired by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gherkin Gherkin], a building in London opened in 2004. This is supported by the spires of Caution being described as having a shiny, icy finish,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flint|Flint|Fallen London}} ''"Is that Caution? The spires of ice?"''</ref> as well as one character describing a spire as a "big glass pineapple."<ref name = "pineapple"/> A gherkin is a pickle, so perhaps the line about the pineapple is a purposely obfuscated reference, or an inside joke about a conversation the writer may have had.