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<blockquote>{{Neath_Location|image1=Castleofforests.png|caption1=|location=[[Parabola]]|allegiance=[[The Fingerkings]]|music=[https://failbettergames.bandcamp.com/track/irrigo-below Irrigo Below]}}''"Vine-hung trees knot together to form walls in ascending circles, narrowing as they reach its peak. A formidable citadel stands at the top, bristling with thick thorns and bulging with poisoned fruit. It is part castle, part malevolent hedge-maze."''<ref name="within castle of forests">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Within_the_Castle_of_Forests|Within the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>The '''Castle of Forests''' is a verdant fortress of the [[Fingerkings]], located deep within [[Parabola]].__FORCETOC__ | <blockquote>{{Neath_Location|image1=Castleofforests.png|caption1=The Castle of Forests, formed from strangling vines.|location=[[Parabola]]|allegiance=[[The Fingerkings]]|music=[https://failbettergames.bandcamp.com/track/irrigo-below Irrigo Below]}}''"Vine-hung trees knot together to form walls in ascending circles, narrowing as they reach its peak. A formidable citadel stands at the top, bristling with thick thorns and bulging with poisoned fruit. It is part castle, part malevolent hedge-maze."''<ref name="within castle of forests">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Within_the_Castle_of_Forests|Within the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}}</ref></blockquote>The '''Castle of Forests''' is a verdant fortress of the [[Fingerkings]], located deep within [[Parabola]].__FORCETOC__ | ||
== A Letter to My Dearest == | == A Letter to My Dearest == | ||
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"This place was formed from ancient dreams of forests that stretched on forever, and shaped by the dreams of architects and maze-makers to confound anyone who enters uninvited.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_the_Castle_of_Forests|Consider the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}} ''"The Castle's walls are [...] forged from antique dreams of woods without end. [...] dreams of architects and labyrinth-builders have been employed to render the Castle's layout into a grand trap for all who walk its [...] chambers uninvited"''</ref> A ring of oak trees stands guard over its borders; its center is rosewood; and between the two lies a vast stretch of pine forest.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Gallery_of_Serpents_(7_FATE)|A Gallery of Serpents (7 FATE)|Fallen London}} ''"[...] great oaks rise like battlements. Behind them [...] pine. At their centre, a gate of rosewood [...]"''</ref> They say the Castle was once much less verdant than it is now, when its vines were little more than husks. They say it teemed with ancient trees, and all the life you would find in a great forest.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sear_the_Castle_with_Viric|Sear the Castle with Viric|Fallen London}}''"For a moment you see the Castle as it might have been – and might one day be again. Red mice nestle in ivy; old stones slumbering beneath ancient and watchful trees. Rays of cosmogone light dapple the flagstones in a sleepy warmth."''</ref> I wish I could see such a place, but for now the greenery covers all." | "This place was formed from ancient dreams of forests that stretched on forever, and shaped by the dreams of architects and maze-makers to confound anyone who enters uninvited.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_the_Castle_of_Forests|Consider the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}} ''"The Castle's walls are [...] forged from antique dreams of woods without end. [...] dreams of architects and labyrinth-builders have been employed to render the Castle's layout into a grand trap for all who walk its [...] chambers uninvited"''</ref> A ring of oak trees stands guard over its borders; its center is rosewood; and between the two lies a vast stretch of pine forest.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Gallery_of_Serpents_(7_FATE)|A Gallery of Serpents (7 FATE)|Fallen London}} ''"[...] great oaks rise like battlements. Behind them [...] pine. At their centre, a gate of rosewood [...]"''</ref> They say the Castle was once much less verdant than it is now, when its vines were little more than husks. They say it teemed with ancient trees, and all the life you would find in a great forest.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sear_the_Castle_with_Viric|Sear the Castle with Viric|Fallen London}}''"For a moment you see the Castle as it might have been – and might one day be again. Red mice nestle in ivy; old stones slumbering beneath ancient and watchful trees. Rays of cosmogone light dapple the flagstones in a sleepy warmth."''</ref> I wish I could see such a place, but for now the greenery covers all." | ||
[[File:Parabola medium.png|100px|alt=A field of mirrors under and orange sky.|thumb|[[Parabola]]]] | [[File:Parabola medium.png|100px|alt=A field of mirrors under and orange sky.|thumb|[[Parabola]]]] | ||
"During my time here, I've come to notice certain things about the Castle that an average passerby may miss. For instance: the Castle always seems to face the [[Coiling Spire]] that leads up to the [[Skin of the Sun]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Affair_of_the_Impatient_Apprentice|The Affair of the Impatient Apprentice|Fallen London}} ''"The Castle always faces the spire."''</ref> Do the Fingerkings have a fondness for that [[Cosmogone|sunset glow]]?<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Set_of_Cosmogone_Spectacles|Set of Cosmogone Spectacles|Fallen London}} | "During my time here, I've come to notice certain things about the Castle that an average passerby may miss. For instance: the Castle always seems to face the [[Coiling Spire]] that leads up to the [[Skin of the Sun]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Affair_of_the_Impatient_Apprentice|The Affair of the Impatient Apprentice|Fallen London}} ''"The Castle always faces the spire."''</ref> Do the Fingerkings have a fondness for that [[Cosmogone|sunset glow]]?<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Set_of_Cosmogone_Spectacles|Set of Cosmogone Spectacles|Fallen London}}</ref> For another thing: in Parabola, the dead may rise again, and in the Castle of Forests, anything organic may grow. If I could find the bones of a fierce enough creature,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Summon_a_Terror-Bird|Summon a Terror-Bird|Fallen London}} ''"[...] in the Castle of Forest all that is organic may be grown."''</ref> would anything in Parabola stand in my way?" | ||
== The Hedges of War == | == The Hedges of War == | ||
<blockquote>''"The verdant fortress, formed from strangling vines. At its emerald heart stands the impenetrable citadel of the Fingerkings."''<ref name="return to castle of forests">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Return_to_the_Castle_of_Forests|Return to the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}}''"Thorns split your skin, droplets of your blood glisten like berries."''</ref></blockquote>[[File:Fingerking.png|alt=A red, yellow, and black snake within an apple.|thumb|A [[Fingerking]].]] | <blockquote>''"The verdant fortress, formed from strangling vines. At its emerald heart stands the impenetrable citadel of the Fingerkings."''<ref name="return to castle of forests">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Return_to_the_Castle_of_Forests|Return to the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}}''"Thorns split your skin, droplets of your blood glisten like berries."''</ref></blockquote>[[File:Fingerking.png|alt=A red, yellow, and black snake within an apple.|thumb|A [[Fingerking]].]] | ||
"The Castle of Forests seems to be the foremost stronghold of the [[Fingerkings]].<ref | "The Castle of Forests seems to be the foremost stronghold of the [[Fingerkings]].<ref name = "return to castle of forests"/> I've caught glimpses of their warring in my dreams,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Shadows_on_the_Mirrorpane|Shadows on the Mirrorpane|Fallen London}}</ref> and to this I now bear direct witness. The thorny hedges that form the Castle are more than enough to deter the average interloper,<ref name = "return to castle of forests"/> but the Castle holds a location of great strategic importance that may interest a more motivated enemy." | ||
"At the very center of the Castle lies the '''Citadel of Vineyards''', the Fingerkings' seat of power in this place.<ref name=" | "At the very center of the Castle lies the '''Citadel of Vineyards''', the Fingerkings' seat of power in this place.<ref name = "within castle of forests"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_the_Castle_of_Forests|Consider the Castle of Forests|Fallen London}}</ref> The only way to reach the Citadel is through a net of hanging vines, filled with protrusions which all contain coils of snakeskin - the remains of failed possession attempts.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Assault_the_Citadel_of_Vineyards|Assault the Citadel of Vineyards|Fallen London}} ''"The Citadel is reached by a net of hanging vines, plump with protuberances. They break [...] spilling out coils of shed snakeskin [...] all that remains of failed possessions [...]"''</ref> The Citadel itself is protected by three walls and seven gates, called the '''Gates of Remembrance''' because they are decorated with the relics of deceased Fingerkings.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Assault_the_Citadel_of_Vineyards|Assault the Citadel of Vineyards|Fallen London}}</ref> If all the Castle's defenses still don't deter you, however, the Castle's palace guards and defenses certainly will, once they've been primed and readied.<ref name = "within castle of forests"/><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Assault_the_Citadel_of_Vineyards|Assault the Citadel of Vineyards|Fallen London}} ''"The defences are primed, too soon."''</ref> Pray that you do not meet them directly. I've seen the aftermath." | ||
[[File:Catblack.png|alt=A cat.|thumb|A [[Cat]].]] | [[File:Catblack.png|alt=A cat.|thumb|A [[Cat]].]] | ||
"I've heard whispers that the Castle also hides the Fingerkings' treasures from the [[Fourth City]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Uncover_the_Khan%27s_Mirror|Uncover the Khan's Mirror|Fallen London}} | "I've heard whispers that the Castle also hides the Fingerkings' treasures from the [[Fourth City]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Uncover_the_Khan%27s_Mirror|Uncover the Khan's Mirror|Fallen London}}</ref> which they managed to take over during its twilight years.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/Khan%27s_Heart#Interactions|Pay a storyteller|Sunless Sea}}</ref> Easily visible from here is the '''Tower of Ivy and Loathing''', which spans the very height of the Castle.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Siege_yourself|Siege yourself|Fallen London}}</ref> And over there is what remains of the '''Palatinate''', a structure that was once ruled by [[cats]] before they lost it to the snakes. They say it was once a paradise,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Liberate_the_Surrendered_Palatinate|Liberate the Surrendered Palatinate|Fallen London}}</ref> but after it fell, it was overrun and consumed by the Castle's greenery.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Palatinate,_Regained|The Palatinate, Regained|Fallen London}} ''"[...] the boughs of the Castle of Forest encroach on the borders."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Leave_the_Palatinate_2|Leave the Palatinate 2|Fallen London}}</ref> Beyond the Castle's rear flank is a field of yellowing grass,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Reach_the_Appalling_Socialite%27s_Prize|Reach the Appalling Socialite's Prize|Fallen London}} ''"[...] you enter an empty field, on the far side of the Castle of Forests. Its grass is sickly and yellow [...]"''</ref> but I do not know what [[The Red-Handed Queen|power]] presides there,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Bloody-Handed_End|The Bloody-Handed End|Fallen London}}</ref> if any." | ||
== The Prison of Thorns == | == The Prison of Thorns == | ||
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<blockquote>''"The Fingerkings collect prisoners here like gold in a Viking's hoard. Most are swiftly forgotten, some linger still."''<ref name="liberate dungeons"/></blockquote>[[File:Castleofforests2.png|thumb|Most leave weeping.]] | <blockquote>''"The Fingerkings collect prisoners here like gold in a Viking's hoard. Most are swiftly forgotten, some linger still."''<ref name="liberate dungeons"/></blockquote>[[File:Castleofforests2.png|thumb|Most leave weeping.]] | ||
"I suppose I would be a fool if I did not mention the Castle's true purpose: it functions as a giant prison for the [[Fingerkings]].<ref name=" | "I suppose I would be a fool if I did not mention the Castle's true purpose: it functions as a giant prison for the [[Fingerkings]].<ref name="liberate dungeons" /> Certain prisoners are locked in briar-cages,<ref name="genial magician">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Genial_Magician|The Genial Magician|Fallen London}}</ref> while others are trapped within the Castle's dungeons.<ref name="liberate dungeons" /> These dungeons extend far beneath the Castle's grounds, and they swell with rot and fungus.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Liberate_the_dungeons_of_the_Castle|Liberate the dungeons of the Castle|Fallen London}} ''"[...] you spelunk into the rotting, fungal depths of the Castle [...]"''</ref> This is where the enemies and victims of the Fingerkings go: those who betrayed them,<ref name="genial magician" /> or agreed to a deal with them without knowing the full consequences.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Bishop_of_Southwark_2|The Bishop of Southwark 2|Fallen London}}</ref> A common mistake, when tempted by one's greatest dreams coming true." | ||
"But there are other prisoners, too: lost missionaries, [[devils]], [[tigers]], [[Rosers]].<ref | "But there are other prisoners, too: lost missionaries, [[devils]], [[tigers]], blinded [[Rosers]].<ref name="liberate dungeons" /> Sometimes the [[Red-Handed Queen]] herself shows up here,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Bloody-Handed_Queen|The Bloody-Handed Queen|Fallen London}}</ref> but I can't tell whether the Fingerkings are her gaolers, guards, or subjects.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Heretic_of_Hollow_Street|The Heretic of Hollow Street|Fallen London}}''"The Snakes think they are her guards. Sometimes she is their prisoner, sometimes their queen."''</ref> The fate of all these prisoners varies; some are forgotten, while others still linger within their cells.<ref name="liberate dungeons" /> A few are slated for possession by the [[Fingerkings]].<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.miraheze.org/wiki/The_Forgotten_Quarter|Let the Urbane Magician go free|Sunless Sea}}</ref> Whether this fate is more dreadful than the others, I do not know." | ||
"There's a chapel in there, too; once upon a time, many holy individuals were lured in and possessed by the Fingerkings, and their bones now litter the floor of this place.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ignite_the_Chorus_of_Forests|Ignite the Chorus of Forests|Fallen London}} ''"You kneel in a chapel [...] clogged with the stolen bones of false-saints."''</ref> Many other individuals who found themselves in the Castle were silenced forever here, but they say that the Castle remembers its victims.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ignite_the_Chorus_of_Forests|Ignite the Chorus of Forests|Fallen London}} | "There's a chapel in there, too; once upon a time, many holy individuals were lured in and possessed by the Fingerkings, and their bones now litter the floor of this place.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ignite_the_Chorus_of_Forests|Ignite the Chorus of Forests|Fallen London}} ''"You kneel in a chapel [...] clogged with the stolen bones of false-saints."''</ref> Many other individuals who found themselves in the Castle were silenced forever here, but they say that the Castle remembers its victims.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ignite_the_Chorus_of_Forests|Ignite the Chorus of Forests|Fallen London}}</ref> A comfort, I suppose, as I doubt anyone else on the other side of the glass does." | ||
==A Confession== | ==A Confession== | ||
''Editor's note: The following writing is not strictly canon, but is primarily based on canon sources and information.'' | ''Editor's note: The following writing is not strictly canon, but is primarily based on canon sources and information.'' | ||
[[File:Scarydoor.png|alt=A scary door.|thumb|Open the door to your destiny...]] | |||
"I think now would be a good time to inform you that this letter is no guide; rather, it is a confession. I bargained with the Fingerkings for knowledge, but, like many of the other fools chained here, I did not know I would be giving up my freedom in the process. Now, I stand within my briar-cage, as the days led to weeks, then months." | "I think now would be a good time to inform you that this letter is no guide; rather, it is a confession. I bargained with the Fingerkings for knowledge, but, like many of the other fools chained here, I did not know I would be giving up my freedom in the process. Now, I stand within my briar-cage, as the days led to weeks, then months." | ||