Editing Mr Stones

{{Major spoiler}}
{{Character
|title1 =
|image1 = mrstones.png
|caption1 = Mr Stones inspecting a gem.
|location = [[London]]
|alias = Stones<br>Mr Marble<br>
The Khan of Gifts<br>
The Khan of Shackles
|relationships = [[Curators]] (species)|allegiance=[[The Masters of the Bazaar]]<br>[[The Echo Bazaar]]}}<blockquote>''"You have proven useful. But I am a step ahead. Observe. Caught him trying to sell the diamonds you gave him. New to the city. Didn't know that the diamonds are mine. All mine. Now he knows."''<ref name = "adornment">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment_(Story)|Adornment (Story)|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>

'''Mr Stones''' is a terse and avaricious [[Curator]] who serves as a [[The Masters of the Bazaar|Master of the Bazaar]].

== Mine. ==
<blockquote>''"Jewels. Quarrystone. Salt. Blasting Powder. Enough."''<ref name = "nemesis stones">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Stones|Mr Stones|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''"Why are diamonds so hard to find down here? Does Mr Stones really keep them for itself?"''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flawed_Diamond|Flawed Diamond|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Diamondred.png|alt=A valuable diamond.|thumb|A Magnificent Diamond.]]
Mr Stones controls trade in all kinds of stones and minerals, including jewels, quarrystone, salt, blasting powder, corrosive mineral compounds,<ref name="nemesis stones" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Paisley_(Story)|Paisley|Fallen London}}''"Mr Stones [...] reminds you that it governs more than jewels. Blasting powder, hydrochloric acid, and numerous other corrosive mineral compounds [...]"''</ref> brick, metal,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_private_compartment|Enter the private compartment|Fallen London}} ''"All minerals. Brick. Metal. Mine."''</ref> moon-pearls,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_spot_of_footpadry|A spot of footpadry|Fallen London}}</ref> and glim.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Smuggle_glim_across_town|Smuggle glim across town|Fallen London}}</ref> However, its actual domain is "value itself,"<ref name="return note">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Return_the_Hideous_Promissory_Note|Return the Hideous Promissory Note|Fallen London}}''"Most people think Mr Stones only cares about gems. But Mr Stones controls value itself. Precious minerals are just one way to manipulate it, to accumulate it."''</ref> which may be one of the reasons for its fixation on gems<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Return_the_Hideous_Promissory_Note|Return the Hideous Promissory Note|Fallen London}} ''"But Mr Stones controls value [...] Precious minerals are [...] one way to manipulate it, to accumulate it."''</ref> and why its products carry high price tags.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Stones%27_Exquisite_Gifts_and_Luxuries|Mr Stones' Exquisite Gifts and Luxuries|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Stones knows the value of everything."''</ref> Since it controls the sale of building materials, walls and boundaries are also within its sphere of influence.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_private_compartment|Enter the private compartment|Fallen London}} ''"All minerals. Brick. Metal. Mine. I own the walls. I make the boundaries."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Paisley_(Story)|Paisley (Story)|Fallen London}} ''"I may not be Mr Veils, but some borders are also my domain."''</ref>

Stones is an elusive Master who prefers to have its employees do its bidding.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Establish_a_trading_post|Establish a trading post|Fallen London}} ''"[...] a Calculating Lapidary arrives on the next train to officially oversee this 'trading post', [...] contracts are contracts, and when Mr Stones wants something, Mr Stones gets it."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_devil_you_don%27t_know|The devil you don't know|Fallen London}} ''"[...] Mr Stones is furious that its box has gone missing again. The Clay twins are tearing the place up looking for it."''</ref> It operates quarries far from London<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"You can blame Mr Stones [...] His mining works are getting too close to the city."''</ref> and staffs them with [[Clay Men]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"Watchful Clay Men [...] patrol the quarry and catch smugglers."''</ref> It runs a gift shop at the [[Labyrinth of Tigers]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Stones%27_Exquisite_Gifts_and_Luxuries|Mr Stones' Exquisite Gifts and Luxuries|Fallen London}} ''"Her eyes glitter [...] like the emeralds. [...] You have bought a diamond."''</ref> and when the [[Great Hellbound Railway]] reached the [[Hurlers]], it established an outpost there to deal in what few commodities the frozen wastes had to offer.<ref name="make post">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Establish_a_trading_post|Establish a trading post|Fallen London}}''"There are practically no marketable goods on this blasted tundra but rocks, crystals, and rocks with crystals stuck to them. Fortunately, the most obscenely wealthy Master of the Bazaar is interested in precisely such commodities. [...] contracts are contracts, and when Mr Stones wants something, Mr Stones gets it."''</ref> In a curious manifestation of its domain over boundaries, it has a business deal with a security company that strives to create unbreakable locks,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Lowell%27s_Locks_and_Cages|Lowell's Locks and Cages|Fallen London}}''"You have been invited to privately test security measures for Mr Stones. Don't ask what Mr Stones wants to secure."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Lowell%27s_Locks_and_Cages_(Card)|Lowell's Locks and Cages (Card)|Fallen London}}''"Mrs Lowell has an exclusive contract to supply a certain Master of the Bazaar with the strongest locks that physics will allow. When physics won't co-operate, sometimes its laws must be broken to ensure the locks can't be. You're here to test them."''</ref> through both physical and psychological means.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attempt_to_escape_from_a_cage|Attempt to escape from a cage|Fallen London}} ''"They are forged from the [...] principles that bind people to their positions in society; [...] that bind identities."''</ref>

Mr Stones was known as '''Mr Marble''' until a recent issue with the [[Tomb-Colonies]].<ref name="sidebar">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets#The_Masters_of_the_Bazaar|How many names do the Masters have?|Fallen London}}</ref> This matter probably involved the massive marble palaces being constructed there for the dead.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_construction_of_the_%27Grand_Sanatoria%27|The construction of the 'Grand Sanatoria'|Fallen London}}</ref> In the [[Fourth City]], Mr Stones was known as the '''Khan of Gifts''' and the '''Khan of Shackles''', implying it was a slaver during that time period.<ref name="return note" /> Curiously, it is the only one of the Masters that does not have an epithet given by the [[Cult of the Sanctified]] in the ''Sunless Skies'' timeline.

== Appearance and Personality ==
<blockquote>''"Anyone else strutting about with this many exposed jewels, as ready to be plucked as ripened fruit, would be plucked very barren indeed in London. But Mr Stones plucks back."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Paisley_(Story)|Paisley (Story)|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''"Stones is curt, impolite, wary, and very, very rich."''<ref name="sacks robe">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Mrstonesclaw.png|alt=A claw covered in jewelry and ornaments.|thumb|Mr Stones' talon.]]
Mr Stones is the most outlandishly dressed of the [[Masters]]. It is covered from head to toe in adornments,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Paisley_(Story)|Paisley (Story)|Fallen London}} ''"Anyone else strutting about with this many exposed jewels [...]"''</ref> including teeth made from gold and diamond,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Paisley_(Story)|Paisley (Story)|Fallen London}} ''"Its grimace, [...] is almost completely golden: false fangs and diamond incisors."''</ref> fangs covered in jewels,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"Jewel-encrusted fangs [...] in [...] the hood."''</ref> numerous bracelets under its robes,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Paisley_(Story)|Paisley (Story)|Fallen London}} ''"You hear bracelets, [...] thousands, jangle underneath its robes."''</ref> and ornaments affixed to its hood.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Paisley_(Story)|Paisley (Story)|Fallen London}} ''"Moon-pearls and glim earrings drape from its hood [...]"''</ref> Unlike its companions,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Homecoming|Homecoming|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Spices lashes a gloved claw around your wrist [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sidebar_Snippets#The_Masters_of_the_Bazaar|Who are the Masters of the Bazaar?|Fallen London}}</ref> Stones does not wear gloves to conceal its claws; its talons are ''very sharp'' and are unsurprisingly decorated with gems.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"A jewelled claw twitches. [...] They are also very, very sharp."''</ref> Stones also has a darker-colored robe than the one depicted in its artwork, which is covered in minuscule and glittering diamonds.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_tiny_gift|A tiny gift|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Stones' cloak shimmers, more grey than black. [...] Perhaps it's the tiny diamonds woven into the fabric."''</ref> While it may dress anonymously in generic robes, its fondness for adornments usually gives it away.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_private_compartment|Enter the private compartment|Fallen London}} ''"The Master [...] is [...] in an unadorned robe, [...] any Master might anonymously wear, but there's no mistaking those gem-encrusted fangs."''</ref> Mr Stones' ostentatious nature also extends to its lair<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Stones' workshop [...] shimmers. It scintillates! The floor, a mosaic of malachite and moonstone. The benches, [...] with lapidarists' tools. [...] Brass arrays of lenses scrutinise [...] sapphires. [...] a plate, [...] with emeralds. [...] garnets [...] on a bed of silk."''</ref> (which it redecorates with different gems to suit its mood)<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''" Mr Stones' workshop floor [...] you [...] find it changed. Its new floor is [...] tiger eye and black tourmaline, as if [...] it pried free all its rainbow jewels to replace them with something befitting a gloomier mood."''</ref> and even its favorite hansom carriage.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"Even the carriage interior is ostentatious – rubies beaded [...] on the door-handles, sapphires clinging to the windows [...] gold thread woven through the seats."''</ref>

Menacing<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Stones ignores its lackeys, stalking toward the Smuggler. [...] Its claws are extended, [...] As it approaches it seems to grow in size. [...] "Collapse my mines," [...] "Fool around with my diamond. Mine. How dare thee.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"It raises a talon, as though preparing to rake at your throat."''</ref> and ill-tempered,<ref name="dispose diamond">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''""Dispose?" shrieks Mr Stones, [...] "Ignominy! Outrage! Flee, [...] before I tread thee underfoot!""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"Despicable! Idiocy!" [...] A claw swipes. Your blood arcs across the wall [...]"''</ref> Mr Stones typically speaks tersely<ref name="tiny gift">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_tiny_gift|A tiny gift|Fallen London}}''"So. Box is opened. Our box. No more. Disappointed. Didn't need glim."''</ref> and does not bother with formalities or politeness.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''""Diamond," demands Mr Stones, [...] "Now.""''</ref> When it feels like using more than one word in a sentence, it may speak Shakespearean English.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"Flee, thou false little worm, before I tread thee underfoot!""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Paisley_(Story)|Paisley (Story)|Fallen London}} ''"O thou wretched [...] fiend, [...] thy ignoble deeds. I should pluck out your eyes."''</ref> As is typical for [[Curators]] (the Masters' species),<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> it is single-minded in the pursuit of its own domain;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Establish_a_trading_post|Establish a trading post|Fallen London}} ''"[...] when Mr Stones wants something, Mr Stones gets it."''</ref> its greed does not discern,<ref name="trade flawed diamonds">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Trade_one_hundred_Flawed_Diamonds|Trade one hundred Flawed Diamonds|Fallen London}}''"Mr Stones will want them. Mr Stones wants everything. Oh sure, Mr Stones might complain now and then, but who doesn't act disinterested when they're trying to gain a little leverage?"''</ref> especially when gems are involved,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"Ask the Masters how beholden they are to their desires [...] Mr Stones does not look up from examining its opal."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"It is currently engaged in its favourite activity: holding the [...] Diamond [...] admiring the glimmer within the stone, utterly transfixed."''</ref> and it reacts poorly when denied.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"Fool around with my diamond. Mine. How dare thee."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''""I have it!" shrieks Mr Stones [...] yanking something [...] from the Smuggler's eye. [...] the diamond sparkling [...] bright [...] "All mine!""''</ref> It seems to put up more of a facade of charity than the other Masters when it stands to benefit from donations.<ref name="fallenlondon.wiki">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enter_the_private_compartment|Enter the private compartment|Fallen London}}''"I own the walls. I make the boundaries. [...] What wouldst thou pay, O Charitable One, for a stone that unmakes boundaries?"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Donate_one_Crystallised_Curio_to_her_stock|Donate one Crystallised Curio to her stock|Fallen London}}''"Officially, the Masters frown upon charity. ut that doesn't apply when they're the ones receiving it. If you keep donating these, Mr Stones might look upon you favourably. Who knows? You might even earn a reward. But I wouldn't place any wagers."''</ref>
[[File:Winkinggemstonering.png|alt=A spiked gemstone ring with a closed eye.|thumb|A Winking Gemstone Ring.]]
Stones has a vested interest in procuring gemstones from the [[Surface]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"[...] I am excellent at procuring [...] gemstones from the surface, and Mr Stones is interested in acquiring as many as possible."''</ref> and has imposed a high import tax to enable this.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Avoid_an_Unfair_Tax_on_Jewels|Avoid an Unfair Tax on Jewels|Fallen London}}''"Lamentably, Mr Stones imposes ever higher taxes on the import of jewels."''</ref> After establishing its outpost at the [[Hurlers]], it also began inquiring about stones that "unmake boundaries."<ref name="fallenlondon.wiki" /> But above all, it is particularly fascinated with diamonds and their ability to capture [[sunlight]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"It turns the cursed diamond over in its claws. "Sunlight is trapped within.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''""Catchers of the light [...] "Especially brilliant. Exposed to the surface." [...] "Sunlight is trapped within.""''</ref> To this end, it has laid claim to ''all'' the diamonds in [[London]],<ref name="adornment mine">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"Caught him trying to sell the diamonds [...] New to the city. Didn't know that the diamonds are mine."''</ref> and doles out harsh punishment<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Trade_five_Crystallised_Curios|Trade five Crystallised Curios|Fallen London}}''"Don't mention the jeweller near Jekyll Gardens. Mr Stones already dealt with her. And don't mention the gentleman who lives on Bad Monkey Row. I don't want to think about Bad Monkey Row."''</ref> to anyone who trades or hoards them without permission.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"He is imprisoned within a glass box, only a little larger than a coffin. [...] "Caught him trying to sell the diamonds you gave him," [...] New to the city. Didn't know that the diamonds are mine. [...] Now he knows." [...] A hatch is open above [...] Thousands and thousands of [...] diamonds are raining down onto him [...]"''</ref><ref name="diamonds found collection">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"[...] we'll tell Mr Stones all about all the diamonds I found in your collection [...] Then we can both hang."''</ref> When Stones does grant permission to sell a diamond, it is typically to those of "good character."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Pick_out_a_diamond|Pick out a diamond|Fallen London}}''"Mr Stones permits a tiny trickle of these to be sold to persons of good character."''</ref> In its jewel-encrusted workshop,<ref name=":0" /> Stones experiments on sunlight-diamonds and compels them to "blaze" with their trapped radiance.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Incarnadine_Fur_Robe|Incarnadine Fur Robe|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Stones grips a chisel [...] The diamond under its attention roars with light – not reflecting it, but blazing it."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"[...] you see Stones placing the diamond into a vice and surrounding it with [...] lenses. The diamond begins to blaze with an inner light [...]"''</ref> 

Mr Stones has respect for the [[Great Chain of Being]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''""No such thing as luck," [...] "Only the inexorability of my will, and the dominion of the Chain.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Paisley_(Story)|Paisley (Story)|Fallen London}} ''"O thou [...] false fiend, that wouldst defy the very Chain by thy ignoble deeds."''</ref> and uses it as an excuse to look down on humans.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"Mr Hearts nods. "We know our place. And theirs." [...] "And yours," says Mr Stones."''</ref> It seems to mistrust the [[Echo Bazaar]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"You find Mr Stones [...] its robe dragging [...] through the lacre. "Is this it?" [...] speaking apparently to thin air. "Is this what thou hast been holding over our heads for so long? [...] The others will find me soon! It shall indeed be postponed further!""''</ref> and considers arriving in the [[Neath]] a grave mistake.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Season_of_Stones|The Season of Stones|Fallen London}} ''"Ask the Masters about difficult choices [...] Mr Stones shrieks: "We are here now!""''</ref> It also resents others of its species.<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 Stones regards you, perfectly still. [...] you hear dark mutterings coming from Mr Stones' cowl; words which [...] might set a factory's engines ablaze, were they spoken much louder."''</ref> According to its iteration of [[Mr Sacks]], Stones prefers diamonds over drinking<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Sacks!_Would_you_care_for_a_little_of_the_%2768%3F_3|Mr Sacks! Would you care for a little of the '68? 3|Fallen London}}''"When it becomes apparent that diamonds are not forthcoming, Mr Sacks lurches gracelessly to its feet and departs without another word."''</ref> and dislikes [[lacre]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Mr_Sacks!_Take_this_pail...|Mr Sacks! Take this pail...|Fallen London}}''""Enough lacre! Very tired of lacre. Too much lacre." It turns and stalks from the room."''</ref>

==The Affair of the Box==
<blockquote>''"This thing has seven locks, each more difficult than the last. You haven't yet found a way to open it."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Heavy_Iron_Box|A Heavy Iron Box|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''"...And Mr Stones is furious that its box has gone missing again. The Clay twins are tearing the place up looking for it. No box means no moon-milk. And that means our exiled captain won't provide it with the troops it wants. It'll just have to wait for its blessed Sixth City."''<ref name="devil don't know">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_devil_you_don%27t_know|The devil you don't know|Fallen London}}''"No box means no moon-milk. And that means our exiled captain won't provide it with the troops it wants. It'll just have to wait for its blessed Sixth City."''</ref></blockquote>[[File:Box2.png|thumb|A Heavy Iron Box.]]Despite sharing an employer,<ref name="master secret" /> the [[Masters]] all have their own schemes and plots,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_understanding|An understanding|Fallen London}} ''"'The Masters of the Bazaar are… not, [...] united in their aims [...] They squabble and war amongst themselves."''</ref> which sometimes come into conflict with each other.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Fires%27_next_move|Fires' next move|Fallen London}}''"[…] Mr Fires[…]'s about the only one that really likes London […] So it interferes with the other lot. […] messing with the love stories[…] with Wines and Spices […] - let's just hope old Stones doesn't start up some new plot […]"''</ref><ref name="hid letters">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_devil_you_don%27t_know|The devil you don't know|Fallen London}} ''"Stones hid the love-letters it stole from Fires in the box."''</ref> Mr Stones once captured a [[Moon-Misers|moon-miser]] in an iron box,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_authority_on_the_matter|An authority on the matter|Fallen London}} ''"You tell her about the thing in the box. "A moon-miser! [...]"''</ref> alongside love letters from the [[Fourth City]]<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_up|Open up|Fallen London}} ''"The script is that of the fourth city, [...] These are love letters."''</ref> that it stole from [[Mr Fires]].<ref name = "hid letters"/> The box was secured with a lock that could only be opened with a song from a [[Drownie]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Open_up|Open up|Fallen London}}</ref> as well as seven decoy locks with fake keys scattered across London.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_the_Gracious_Widow_up_on_her_offer|Take the Gracious Widow up on her offer|Fallen London}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Opening_the_box|Opening the box|Fallen London}}</ref> Stones kept the box a guarded<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/That_dratted_thing%3F|That dratted thing?|Fallen London}}</ref> secret from the other Masters,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Throw_the_box_out_of_the_window|Throw the box out of the window|Fallen London}}</ref> continually moving it around London<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Going_up|Going up|Fallen London}} ''"'And Stones was pushing this moon-miser all around London, was it?"''</ref> and causing various parties to take an interest.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Interested_parties|Interested parties|Fallen London}} ''"People are looking for your box. A devil is offering [...] rostygold for information. [...] suspected [...] Special Constables, are making discreet enquiries [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_understanding|An understanding|Fallen London}}</ref> Stones planned to give the moon-miser's valuable milk<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_authority_on_the_matter|An authority on the matter|Fallen London}} ''"A moon-miser! [...] Their exudations [...] 'moon-milk'. Horribly dangerous [...] Powerful, though."''</ref> to an exiled captain of [[Hell]], who would assemble an army and start a war in London;<ref name="devil don't know" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Tracking_down_the_monarch_of_the_past|Tracking down the monarch of the past|Fallen London}}</ref> the love letters in the box, meanwhile, would be delivered to the [[Echo Bazaar]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_devil_you_don%27t_know|The devil you don't know|Fallen London}} ''"Stones hid the love-letters it stole from Fires in the box. I'm sure Stones was planning on presenting the letters to the Bazaar [...]"''</ref> Mr Stones tires of London, and both of these actions would expedite the fall of the [[Sixth City]].<ref name="devil don't know" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Go_to_Mr_Stones|Go to Mr Stones|Fallen London}}''"Mr Stones is plotting to move the Bazaar on from London."''</ref>

==Adornment==
<blockquote>''"This is simple caprice. It is an obsessive. You are here to complete its collection. You flee. You do not get far, in this realm where the light is word is law. The weight of its gaze almost crushes you. It utters a single incandescent word.''<br>
''"Adornment."''<ref name = "adornment"/></blockquote>
[[File:Custodian.png|alt=A bat-like being with large wings and ears.|thumb|A [[Curators|Curator]].]]
Like the rest of the Masters, Mr Stones is a [[Curator]],<ref name = "master secret"/> one of the bat-like beings that roam the [[High Wilderness]] in search of treasures for their collections.<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> Before it arrived in the [[Neath]], it repeatedly broke the laws of the [[Judgements]].<ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"[...] you have transgressed, a hundred times [...] you [...] defied the law that is word that is light [...]"''</ref> Its home was eventually subjugated by a Judgement,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"this creature, [...] in its blazing crown who now holds dominion over your former home [...]"''</ref> although this star did not know its captive was a criminal.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"[...] you have transgressed, [...] but the arrogant creature does not know that."''</ref> Rather, it was a collector of creatures, and Stones was merely its latest "adornment."<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"this creature, [...] is a collector. [...] Its throne is decorated with writhing things. [...] It utters a single [...] word. "Adornment." [...] what happens, which is obedience."''</ref> The unfortunate Curator was kept prisoner for an indeterminate amount of time; outraged at its own treatment and the Judgement's disregard for "conventions" and "laws"<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"How could they have done this [...] To you? [...] Does it all count for nothing? There are conventions. There are laws."''</ref> (which is perhaps a bit rich given Stones' prior behavior),<ref name=":1" /> Stones was consumed by inscrutable rage, bitterness, and shame.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Adornment|Adornment|Fallen London}} ''"The fury is all-consuming. [...] there's more. [...] Bitterness, shame [...]"''</ref>

Eventually Mr Stones was freed from the Judgement's captivity, but it was held to account for its crimes,<ref name=":1" /> and entered into service 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>

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