Editing Mr Apples

{{Major spoiler}}
{{Character
|title1 = Mr Apples
|image1 = Chiropteroushoarder.png
|caption1 = Mr Apples as the Chiropterous Hoarder.
|location = [[Fallen London]]<br>[[New London]]
|alias = Mr Hearts<br>Apples<br>Hearts<br>The Chiropterous Hoarder<br>The Hoarder<br>Mr Barley (formerly)<br>The Khan of Roots<br>The Khan of Hearts<br>The Lord of Blood<br>The Paradisal Saint<br>The Saint of Flesh
|relationships = [[Curators]] (species)|allegiance=[[The Masters of the Bazaar]]<br>[[The Echo Bazaar]]}}<blockquote>''"Each life should follow its passion. We know our loves, and tend them on behalf of the Bazaar. This, at least, is an arrangement that satisfies all."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>

'''Mr Apples''' is a darkly cheery and overly familiar [[Curator]] who serves as a [[The Masters of the Bazaar|Master of the Bazaar]]. '''Mr Hearts''' is its alternate trade name in [[London]]. 

In the ''Sunless Skies'' timeline, it resides in the [[High Wilderness]] as the '''Chiropterous Hoarder'''.

==The Affable Master==
<blockquote>''"Fruits, bread, vegetables, barley, horse mushrooms and so forth... Immortality."''<ref name="nemesis apples">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Apples|Mr Apples|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''"Fresh meats! Rich and red!"''<ref name="nemesis hearts">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Hearts|Mr Hearts|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Cider.png|alt=A golden apple.|thumb|[[Hespiridean Cider|SO SHALL HE NEVER DIE]]]]
Mr Apples governs trade in fruit, grain, vegetables, edible mushrooms,<ref name="nemesis apples" /> and wood.<ref name="fallenlondon.wiki">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets#The_Masters_of_the_Bazaar|Who is Mr Apples?|Fallen London}}</ref> It also sells immortality<ref name="nemesis apples" /> and that which is immortal<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Apples [...] It deals in [...] things which refuse to die."''</ref> — famously including [[Hesperidean Cider]], a drink of eternal life that fetches a staggering price at the [[Bazaar]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Firkin_of_Hesperidean_Cider|Firkin of Hesperidean Cider|Fallen London}}</ref> As Mr Hearts,<ref>{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/news/the-mysteries-answered|'How many Masters are there?'|Fallen London}}''"The count is complicated by Mr Apples, who also trades as Mr Hearts [...]"''</ref> this Master also controls trade in all manner of meat,<ref name="nemesis hearts" /> especially offal and exotic meats;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts [...] deals in exotic meat and specialises in offal [...]"''</ref> it is considered the finest butcher in London, and Hearts' butcher's tools are legendary among the city's chefs.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts, [...] There is no finer butcher in London and its tools are hallowed whenever chefs gather and to talk [...]"''</ref> Most of the [[London]] public does not know Mr Apples and Mr Hearts are the same being,<ref name="incognito master">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/...an_incognito_Master%3F|...an incognito Master?|Fallen London}}''"Mr Apples seems delighted to see you. […] It indicates coyly that Mr Hearts and Mr Mirrors are trading names, though it doesn't say who for."''</ref> and the Masters have no intention of making that fact clear.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Inquire_after_the_other_Masters|Inquire after the other Masters|Fallen London}}''""Mr Hearts is busy with the work below, in the depths of the Bazaar," claims Apples. "It is rather important work, and Mr Hearts must not be disturbed.""''</ref>

Mr Hearts runs a stall in the [[Labyrinth of Tigers]], though its wares are not for the faint of heart.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Hearts%27_Exotic_Meats_Counter_(1_FATE)|Mr Hearts' Exotic Meats Counter (1 FATE)|Fallen London}} ''"[...] this floor is simply scattered with dust. And the goods [...] large organs jumbled with impossibly contorted bones. Cuts of [...] meat [...] Buckets of blood [...] There is a small bat colony [...] next to a string of ancient, [...] sausages. [...] He has no interest in explaining what any of the meats are. [...] You are ravenous. You grab a chunk of meat at random [...]"''</ref> After the [[Great Hellbound Railway]] established a station at [[Ealing Gardens]], it also opened a butcher's shop there.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Licensed_by_Mr_Hearts|Licensed by Mr Hearts|Fallen London}}''""Bespoke butchery provided," says the proprietor, as you come in. "Though we keep some parts of the animal, as payment.""''</ref>

Mr Apples is rumored to have been called '''Mr Barley''' in the past.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets#The_Masters_of_the_Bazaar|How many names do the Masters have?|Fallen London}}</ref> During the [[Third City]],<ref name="ask about marvellous">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_Marvellous|Ask about the Marvellous|Fallen London}}</ref> Mr Hearts was known as the '''Lord of Blood''';<ref name="ask who he is">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_him_who_he_is|Ask him who he is|Fallen London}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Climb_aboard_a_waiting_carriage|Climb aboard a waiting carriage|Fallen London}}</ref> During the [[Fourth City]], Mr Apples was known as the '''Khan of Roots''', and Mr Hearts was the '''Khan of Hearts'''.<ref name="khans">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dubious_attribution|Dubious attribution|Fallen London}} ''"The butcher Khan of Hearts, the farmer Khan of Roots."''</ref> In the ''Sunless Skies'' timeline, the [[Cult of the Sanctified]] at [[Avid Horizon]] call Mr Apples the '''Paradisal Saint''', and Mr Hearts the '''Saint of Flesh'''.<ref name="provide feast">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Jolly_Anchorite#Interactions|Provide for a Feast|Sunless Skies}}''""Here, throw another skewer on the flame. [...] There! [...] the Saint of Flesh. And for my last trick—" He produces an apple [...] and proceeds to munch heartily. "I'll throw this one in for free: the Paradisal Saint. Here, take a bite.""''</ref>

==Appearance and Personality==
<blockquote>''"Mr Apples' eyes are pinpricks of diamond-hard light in the inky tapestry of its hood."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/You_could_just..._you_know..._ask_him|You could just... you know... ask him|Fallen London}}</ref>

''"Mr Apples seems delighted to see you. It presses honeyed wine on you and insists you try a variety of preserved fruits imported at tremendous expense from the Elder Continent."''<ref name="incognito master" /></blockquote>As a [[Master]], Mr Apples wears the standard attire<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets#The_Masters_of_the_Bazaar|Sidebar Snippets: Who are the Masters of the Bazaar?|Fallen London}}''"The Masters of the Bazaar [...] speak in high-pitched whispers, and under their concealing cloaks they seem winged or hunchbacked."''</ref> of an all-encompassing hooded cloak and gloves to conceal its talons;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Hearts_has_something_for_you_(20_FATE)|Mr Hearts has something for you (20 FATE)|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts produces a [...] square of [...] leather from under its inky cloak [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Its glove is snatched into the mechanism. Mr Hearts' gloveless finger vanishes into its hood, from where you hear sucking. [...] Perhaps 'talon' would be better."''</ref> only its eyes are left visible.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/You_could_just..._you_know..._ask_him|You could just... you know... ask him|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Apples' eyes are pinpricks [...] in the inky tapestry of its hood."''</ref> Mr Hearts is said to have an "unmistakable bulk."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Climb_aboard_a_waiting_carriage|Climb aboard a waiting carriage|Fallen London}} ''"Waiting to greet you is the unmistakable bulk of Mr Hearts."''</ref>[[File:Mandoline.png|alt=A large slicing device.|thumb|The Butcher's Friend, one of Hearts' inventions.]]
Mr Apples has an affable and pleasant personality. It converses freely with its favored citizens of [[London]], and has a warm and familiar demeanor.<ref name="carnival visit">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/...an_incognito_Master%3F|...an incognito Master?|Fallen London}} ''"A [...] throng of neddy men menaces anyone coming too close. [...] Mr Apples seems delighted to see you. It presses honeyed wine on you and insists you try [...] preserved fruits [...] It whispers incautious gossip about the Masters [...]"''</ref> It has a fondness for gambling,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sit_down_next_to_Mr_Apples|Sit down next to Mr Apples|Fallen London}}</ref> reading,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts takes a volume [...] and considers drawings of charcuterie."''</ref> conducting experiments,<ref name="almost eternal">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Apples is hunched over a vast steel desk bristling with many-lensed contraptions. [...] This rare specimen is almost eternal [...]"''</ref> and tinkering with machinery.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Is Mr Hearts committing a carol? The Master is fiddling with a [...] machine [...]"''</ref> That said, it is still well-aware of its role and position as a Master, and will admonish those who overstep<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"Ask the Masters what they are beholden to [...] Mr Hearts slams its catalogue [...] onto the table. "Never you mind!""''</ref> or question the Masters' administration.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"You do not toil in the factories. You enjoy the benefit of the Clay Men's work. Do not complain!"''</ref> In its guise as Mr Hearts, it has noted that it views its employment as an arrangement of mutual benefit; it sees itself free to pursue its passions and interests on the Bazaar's behalf,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts places its book on the table; it taps an illustration of smoked ham. "Each life should follow its passion," [...] "We know our loves, and tend them on behalf of the Bazaar. This, [...] is an arrangement that satisfies all.""''</ref> and enjoys cultivating love stories for the [[Bazaar]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Iron flicks to a page in its ledgers. [...] the writing is minuscule, and the sums enormous. The Master scribbles [...] 'INDUSTRY THRIVES UNDER A FIRM HAND.' When Mr Hearts speaks, it sounds genuinely bewildered. "London has such stories now! Salted with tears and spiced with the passions of the heart!""''</ref> 

Apples is aware of the [[Great Chain of Being]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"The Great Chain [...] Mr Hearts nods. "We know our place. [...]"''</ref> but does not seem interested in abiding by its restrictions. In its lab, it experiments with immortality<ref name="almost eternal" /> and amalgamy,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts says "Continuity through conjoining disparate flesh.""''</ref> creating oddities like a stuffed [[Bound-Sharks|Bound-Shark]] plaque that is still alive,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Apples steps across [...] It carries a horror! [...] Hooked teeth and grey skin [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mostly_Stuffed_Bound_Shark|Mostly Stuffed Bound Shark|Fallen London}}</ref> and a near-immortal entity contained within a jar.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Take this. This rare specimen is almost eternal. [...] As you approach the jar, a shape lifts from the bottom [...] "I advise against letting it out.""''</ref> As Mr Hearts, it experiments with new butchery tools in its kitchen,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts [...] The [...] Attendant leads you into a vast kitchen. [...] A [...] counter is strewn with knives and cleavers and [...] gristle. Carcasses hang from ceiling-hooks."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts [...] is fiddling with a fiendishly intricate machine, [...] "Mr Sacks! Take this... device! I had hoped to use [...] for the fine slicing of meats [...] but it is entirely malevolent [...]"''</ref> and has devised a machine for slicing meats.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts [...] holding the [...] device [...] You [...] discover some kind of carcass. [...]As the carcass makes contact with the device, [...] Fleshy ribbons emerge from the other side [...]"''</ref>

As the Chiropterous Hoarder, Apples wears a red cloak that leaves its bat-like face and silhouette visible.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/An_Ill-Designed_Shop|Call for service|Sunless Skies}} ''"A body soon follows the voice, peeling from the gloom. It elongates, stretching upwards, spreading into a flare of burgundy fabric. Under its hood, an unmistakably chiropteran visage, its eyes dark and curious."''</ref><ref name="sunlessskies.miraheze.org">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/An_Ill-Designed_Shop#Interactions|Recruit the Chiropterous Hoarder|Sunless Skies}}</ref> Its claws are uncovered<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder#The_Chiropterous_Hoarder|Ask about the Hoarder's luggage|Sunless Skies}}</ref> and it has dark-colored eyes.<ref name=":0" /> It is still affable and is eager about its goals,<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder#The_Chiropterous_Hoarder|Investigate the Hoarder's work|Sunless Skies}}</ref> but it is also nervous,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/An_Ill-Designed_Shop#Interactions|Call for service|Sunless Skies}}</ref> suspicious,<ref name="compliment hoarder">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder#The_Chiropterous_Hoarder|Compliment the Chiropterous Hoarder on its collection|Sunless Skies}}</ref> and insecure.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder#The_Chiropterous_Hoarder|Talk about its interests|Sunless Skies}}</ref> It is unfamiliar with friendship<ref name="sunlessskies.miraheze.org" /> and charity, and it sees these concepts as puzzling.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder#The_Chiropterous_Hoarder|Bring the Chiropterous Hoarder a gift|Sunless Skies}}</ref>[[File:Daggerheart.png|alt=A dagger with a hilt shaped like a heart.|thumb|A Key-to-Heart Dagger.]]Mr Apples is supposedly an ally of [[Mr Veils]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets|Sidebar Snippets: Who is Mr Apples?|Fallen London|}} ''"This upstanding citizen governs commerce in food, wood and immortality. They say it's an ally of Mr Veils."''</ref> It is familiar with fellow Curator [[Mr Barleycorn]]<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder#The_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." It pauses. "If you meet it again, tell it that I understand what it is like to be incomplete, to have what you want out of reach."''</ref> and is fond of the merchandise sold by [[Mr Menagerie]].<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder#The_Chiropterous_Hoarder|Ask if it knows Mr Menagerie|Sunless Skies}}''"Silence, the kind not unalike a man trying to recall a favourite meal, overtakes the Chiropterous Hoarder for an interval. At last, it brightens. "It sells delicious things.""''</ref> However, it harbors a strong dislike for [[Mr Pennies]],<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder#The_Chiropterous_Hoarder|Ask if it knows Mr Pennies|Sunless Skies}}''""I hope it dies," says the Chiropterous Hoarder, uncharacteristically ferocious. Fury beats so wildly in its throat that it does nothing for a minute, only strangles its neck with both hands. "I hope it dies, is allowed to lay down at last and be dead.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Cloven_Seal|Cloven Seal|Fallen London}}''"Correspondence is seared into this broken wax seal. One shard reads: 'Not to be forgot.' Another: 'What awaits. Why we must stay.' There are other words, hard to piece together: Pennies and Pipes; Barleycorn and Menagerie."''</ref> and does not seem particularly fond of most other [[Curators]] in the [[High Wilderness]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"Ask the Masters whether there are others of their kind [...] Mr Hearts asks [...] how much time remains."''</ref> Every year, as Mr Hearts, it sends [[Mr Iron]] a '''Key-to-Heart Dagger,''' which Mr Iron quickly auctions off to the public.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Send_a_Key-to-Heart_Dagger_(10_FATE)|Send a Key-to-Heart Dagger (10 FATE)|Fallen London}}</ref> It is said that the reasons for this practice are encoded in the mysterious [[The Crimson Book|Crimson Book]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Send_a_Key-to-Heart_Dagger_(10_FATE)|Send a Key-to-Heart Dagger (10 FATE)|Fallen London}} ''"The Crimson Book, [...] supposedly details the reasons for Mr Hearts' yearly gift [...]"''</ref>

==Empyrean Redolence==
<blockquote>''"Hell's army grows with each breath you draw! No time to waste. None at all. Right, you're here to help me with my beasts. I'm breeding hunting beasts. To hunt devils! They need to be strong, and vicious, and pious!"''<ref name="left in coil">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Turn_left_at_the_nun|Turn left at the nun|Fallen London}}''"The tunnels of the Fourth Coil are lined with sheds, barns and breeding pens. Animal husbandry experts rub shoulders with clergymen. A nun discusses serpent feed with a veterinarian. That old chapel must be the Bishop's base here."''</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''"Mr Hearts produces a tatty square of supple leather from under its inky cloak and drops it on your table. Gaslights flicker as you scan the recipe. Cinnabar, hydrogen, salts of iron, tears of those who never loved... Your vision clouds to black as you read the parts written in the Correspondence. When you can see again, Mr Hearts is gone."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Hearts_has_something_for_you_(20_FATE)|Mr Hearts has something for you (20 FATE)|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Southwark.png|alt=A long-haired bishop with a mustache and mitre.|thumb|[[Bishop of Southwark|The Bishop of Southwark]]]]
Within the [[The Labyrinth of Tigers#The Fourth Coil|Fourth Coil]] of the [[Labyrinth of Tigers]] stands a breeding facility<ref name="left in coil" /> managed by the [[Bishop of Southwark]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Hound_of_Heaven_2|The Hound of Heaven 2|Fallen London}}''"Mother Church needs you! You are among the least wicked of the foul sinners of this earth, and I have need of your skills in a matter of theological husbandry. Find me in the Fourth Coil of the Labyrinth of Tigers. […] hurry!"''</ref> He plans on leading a charge against [[Hell]], and is breeding creatures from across the Neath with a "wings-of-thunder bat" in his barn<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Breed_the_Plated_Seal_5|Breed the Plated Seal 5|Fallen London}} ''"The actual breeding happens in a stone barn [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sit_down_and_wait_for_the_Bishop_to_speak|Sit down and wait for the Bishop to speak|Fallen London}} ''"'I've got a wings-of-thunder bat [...] No use in itself, but I have high hopes of breeding it to good purpose. [...] 'Once you've caught it, return here. Your beast will require preparation before it is ready to breed [...]"''</ref> to create war-beasts for his army.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Turn_left_at_the_nun|Turn left at the nun|Fallen London|}} ''"I'm breeding hunting beasts. To hunt devils! They need to be strong, and vicious, and pious!"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Scout_out_the_Fourth_Coil|Scout out the Fourth Coil|Fallen London}}''"This is some sort of selective breeding scheme. An initiative against Hell."''</ref> The Bishop does not realize, however, that the "bat" in the barn is Mr Hearts in disguise;<ref>{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/news/the-mysteries-revealed-again|What does the Bishop of Southwark keep in his barn?|Failbetter Games}}</ref> when the Bishop sends it an animal to "breed" with, Hearts apparently eats the animal alive and produces a new being immediately after.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Breed_the_Plated_Seal_5|Breed the Plated Seal 5|Fallen London}} ''"The actual breeding happens in a stone barn, [...] Would 'engulfment' be more accurate? [...] Maybe 'dinner'. [...] Some time later something appears."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Breed_the_Tomb-Lion_6|Breed the Tomb-Lion 6|Fallen London}} ''"The sounds that come from the [...] chamber [...] First the screams of your beast as the bat pulls it apart and consumes it, [...] Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears [...]"''</ref> To "improve" the results of this process, Hearts developed a mysterious substance called '''Empyrean Redolence''', consisting of "cinnabar, hydrogen, salts of iron," the "tears of those who never loved," and other ingredients or steps.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Hearts_has_something_for_you_(20_FATE)|Mr Hearts has something for you (20 FATE)|Fallen London}} ''"We have seen your [...] work with the [...] Bishop. Such creatures! [...] In recognition of this work, we offer you [...] A formulation to make your beasts more delicious than ever! [...] you scan the recipe. Cinnabar, hydrogen, salts of iron, tears of those who never loved... [...] Your vision clouds to black as you read the parts written in the Correspondence [...]"''</ref> The reason for Mr Hearts' odd practice is unclear, but if nothing else, the results may provide the Masters with dinner.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_review_of_your_work|A review of your work|Fallen London}}''"We commend your work. My brethren and I have enjoyed your creatures greatly. Juicy and well-spiced and delicious. We smack our lips and lick our fangs at the thought of the next creation. We grow a little weary of hyaenas, though."''</ref> As for the Bishop's plan, the Masters are wholly unconcerned.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Theological_Husbandry|Theological Husbandry|Fallen London}} ''"Betray the Bishop's trust to the Masters [...] the fellow wishes to encroachiate with our infernal neighbours? That's hardly our concern [...]"''</ref>

==How Marvellous==
<blockquote>''"I was very old then. Lived too long, bored out of my gourd. I went to one of the Lords: the Lord of Blood. I beseeched it. Begged it to give me my heart's desire. The Lords, who had themselves grown restless, devised the game: the Marvellous.<ref name="ask who he is"/>''</blockquote>
[[File:Heartsdesire.png|alt=A hand with playing cards.|thumb|[[The Marvellous]]]]
During the era of the [[Third City]],<ref name="ask about marvellous" /> a very, very old man from the [[First City]] begged Mr Hearts, who at the time was known as the Lord of Blood, to grant him his heart's desire. In response, Hearts along with the other Lords devised the game called the [[Marvellous]], finding six other players and using First City Coins as a stake in the weary man's honor.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_him_who_he_is|Ask him who he is|Fallen London}} ''"[...] I was born in the First," [...] I went to one of the Lords: the Lord of Blood," [...] "I [...] Begged it to give me my heart's desire. The Lords, [...] devised the game: the Marvellous. They found six others, [...] "We played for First City Coins. [...] to commemorate me."''</ref>

As of the [[Fifth City]], Mr Hearts personally supervises the final round of the Marvellous in the center of the [[Echo Bazaar]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ambition:_in_the_Heart_of_the_Bazaar|Ambition: in the Heart of the Bazaar|Fallen London}} ''<nowiki/>'"Mr Hearts escorts you to the chamber that is reserved for the Marvellous [...] "Commence," says Mr Hearts [...]"''</ref> It also oversees the ceremony in which winners of the Marvellous receive their wish.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hear_Hearts%27_speech|Hear Hearts' speech|Fallen London}}''"Today, it presides over the Conjunction of Gifts."''</ref> Hearts holds the Marvellous to great esteem, but the other Masters do not share this sentiment and see it only as a distraction.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_for_Gregory_Beechwood%27s_heart%27s_desire|Ask for Gregory Beechwood's heart's desire|Fallen London}} ''""The Marvellous is a sacred—" Hearts begins, [...] "No, it isn't," says Stones. "It's an amusement. [...] Spices. "The Marvellous has been terribly diverting [...]"''</ref>

==The Skies ==
<blockquote>''"The Wilderness – lush and velveted with so many treasures, so many hungry tastes. There were others with me, yes. But none of them were as clever as me. I know how to make immortality. I know how to make collections that last. And this is why I must be careful, be small now."''<ref name="compliment hoarder" /></blockquote>[[File:Sunless Skies Albion KS.png|alt=A space-train leaving from a port.|thumb|[[Albion]]]]
Mr Apples, like the rest of the [[Masters]], is a [[Curator]],<ref name="master secret">{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/news/a-secret-about-the-masters|A secret about the Masters|Failbetter Games}}''"[...] the Masters' kind are denizens of the High Wilderness. Their hunting-grounds lie in the dark span between the stars. [...] Their chiefs are victorious, merciless pedlar-magnates."''</ref> a bat-like being who once roamed the [[High Wilderness]] in search of treasures for its hoard.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Curator|Curator|Sunless Skies}}"''Intelligent, locomotive-sized chiroptera [...] Curators accumulate hoards, which they guard violently. Each hoard collects artifacts or creatures themed to the Curator’s particular obsession."''</ref> Apples' knowledge of techniques of immortality and preservation got it into trouble with other Curators,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder|Compliment the Chiropterous Hoarder on its collection|Sunless Skies|}} ''""There were others with me, yes. But none of them were as clever as me. I know how to make immortality. I know how to make collections that last." Its ears flatten. "And this is why I must be careful, be small now.""''</ref> and its transgressions eventually forced it into servitude under the [[Echo Bazaar]].<ref>{{Citation|https://www.failbettergames.com/news/a-secret-about-the-masters|A secret about the Masters|Failbetter Games|}} ''"Secondly, that 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>

In the ''Sunless Skies'' timeline, most of the Masters stayed behind with the Bazaar in the [[Sixth City]]. However, a few, including Mr Apples, followed London to the [[High Wilderness]].<ref name="ask about other masters">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder#The_Chiropterous_Hoarder|Ask about the other Masters?|Sunless Skies}}''""So in secret, a few of us followed you to the sky. Most of us did so quietly. One of us made too much noise, and Her Renewed Majesty overheard. It has a job now." The Hoarder sniffs. "Tragic.""''</ref> Now known as the '''Chiropterous Hoarder''',<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/An_Ill-Designed_Shop|Ask about the Hesperidean cider|Sunless Skies}} ''"I was Mr Apples, once. As I was once other things, other names, other people."''</ref> Apples resides in [[New London]]. It lives in a shop that once sold Hesperidean Cider,<ref name="ask cider">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/An_Ill-Designed_Shop#Interactions|Ask about the Hesperidean cider|Sunless Skies}}''"Gone. What he wants is gone. No, not gone. But almost gone. Little more than a sweet swallow and that isn't enough to do anything. [...] Gone. But I could make more."''</ref> but its supply has run out, so the shop has been closed<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/An_Ill-Designed_Shop|Call for service|Sunless Skies}} ''""What are you? Why have you come? If you are a customer, I have nothing right now, nothing I want to sell," comes a voice from the clutter."''</ref> and left disused.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/An_Ill-Designed_Shop#Story_description|An Ill-Designed Shop|Sunless Skies}}''"The tiling ripples underfoot like the back of an animal. Inside, there are aisles as thin as capillaries, and shelves cauled in thick black fabric."''</ref> Since the [[Masters]] have been declared enemies of the empire,<ref name="call service">{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/An_Ill-Designed_Shop#Interactions|Call for service|Sunless Skies}}''"It is one of the Masters of the Bazaar. Though pronounced adversaries of the empire, one of them still stands here before you: imperious, impossible. And maybe, slightly... afraid?"''</ref> the Hoarder keeps a low profile,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder|Ask about the other Masters?|Sunless Skies}} ''"One of us made too much noise, and Her Renewed Majesty overheard. It has a job now."''</ref> but it seeks to amass a collection of immortality.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Chiropterous_Hoarder|Ask about the Hoarder's luggage|Sunless Skies|}} ''"Everything immortal or that aspires to be immortal. I am making an inventory of them."''</ref> Ultimately, it wishes to become immortal itself, as the crown jewel of its own collection.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlessskies.miraheze.org/wiki/Faith%27s_Fall|Watch as the Chiropterous Hoarder completes its task|Sunless Skies|}} ''"I will be eternal as my collection, its best specimen, its warden forever."''</ref>

==References==
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[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:The Masters]]
[[Category:Nonhuman]]
[[Category:Curators]]