Editing The London Horticultural Show

{{spoiler}}
{{Event|image1=<gallery>
Estival promo.png|Day 1
Estival promo2.png|Day 3
</gallery>|date=Summer of 1899 (2023)|location=[[London]]|alias=The Starved War<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Cultural_Exchange|A Cultural Exchange|Fallen London|}} ''"Many Londoners refer to the incident with the stalactite [...] 'the Horticultural Show'. Others, [...] however inaccurately, the 'Starved War'."''</ref>|notable_figures=[[Starved Men]]<br>
[[The Admiralty]]<br>
[[Sinning Jenny]]<br>
[[The Starved Lithologer]]|related=[[The Roof of the Neath]]|title1=The London Horticultural Show}}<blockquote>''"Handbills, barkers, and elaborate posters throughout London proclaim the news: for the first time since the Fall, the London Horticultural Show has returned. The event promises showcases, awards, and the studious attentions of the Sneering Horticulturist."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_London_Horticultural_Show!|The London Horticultural Show!|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

The '''London Horticultural Show''' was a significant event of the third year of 1899.__forcetoc__

== A Little City of Horrors ==
<blockquote>''"Lady ______ has kindly volunteered the use of her false-summer home, along with its magnificent glasshouse."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Perambulate_to_Watchmaker%27s_Hill|Perambulate to Watchmaker's Hill|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>[[File:Purplemushroom.png|alt=A purple mushroom.|thumb|A 'Purple Maiden' lily cap.]]In the third year of 1899, the London Horticultural Show was held for the first time since the [[The Fall of London|Fall]].<ref name="show return">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_London_Horticultural_Show!|The London Horticultural Show!|Fallen London|}} ''"A mild buzz spreads throughout London. [...] for the first time since the Fall, the London Horticultural Show has returned. The event promises showcases, awards [...]"''</ref> All [[London]]ers were invited to cultivate plants and fungi<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Perambulate_to_Watchmaker%27s_Hill|Perambulate to Watchmaker's Hill|Fallen London|}} ''"The business of plants and mushrooms is an unhurried one."''</ref> to present in a great competition,<ref name="show return" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_the_Glasshouse|In the Glasshouse|Fallen London|}} ''"All of London is invited to nurture and grow plants for the Horticultural Show [...]"''</ref> and a mansion in [[Watchmaker's Hill]] with a large glasshouse was provided for the show by one Lady ______.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Perambulate_to_Watchmaker%27s_Hill|Perambulate to Watchmaker's Hill|Fallen London|}} ''"Lady ______ has [...] volunteered the use of her false-summer home, along with its magnificent glasshouse."''</ref><ref name=":3">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Inveigle_your_way_onto_the_delegation|Inveigle your way onto the delegation|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Lady ______'s Watchmaker's Hill estate."''</ref> A magnificent variety of specimens were put on display, from decorative 'Purple Maiden' lily-caps<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/%27Purple_Maiden%27_lily-caps|'Purple Maiden' lily-caps|Fallen London|}} ''"'Lactarius pseudomurex, the purple lily-cap. [...] used in hats and decorative corsages. [...] often given to signify forgiveness; [...] suggests that one is open to resuming a broken-off romantic entanglement [...]"''</ref> and 'Golden screamer' mandrakes,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/%27Golden_screamer%27_mandrakes|'Golden screamer' mandrakes|Fallen London|}} ''"'Mandragora officinalis lacrimosum: the screaming, singing, or crying mandrake. Possibly a misnamed species unrelated to Surface mandrakes."''</ref> to Cautionary Orchids taken straight from the [[Elder Continent]].<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>

The Horticultural Show soon commenced on a fine afternoon.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Opening_Ceremony|The Opening Ceremony|Fallen London|}} ''"Seating has been prepared [...] It's a fine afternoon for it – the false-stars are noticeably bright."''</ref> Attendance was middling,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Find_a_seat|Find a seat|Fallen London|}} ''"The organisers have rather overestimated enthusiasm for the event [...] many more chairs than people."''</ref> but drinks were plentiful.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Charging_Up|Charging Up|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] "I fear we've rather over-catered, so do drink up.""''</ref> [[His Amused Lordship]] raised his glass for a toast, and began his opening remarks.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Charging_Up|Charging Up|Fallen London|}} ''"His Amused Lordship takes the stage with a broad smile. "Well then!" He regards the meagre crowd. "Not the finest showing, but still, everyone who matters is here, what?" [...] His Lordship clears his throat. "Welcome," he says, "to the re-inaugural London Horticultural Show. [...]"''</ref>

==Don't Look Up==
<blockquote>''"A plunging eclipse. A sentence no longer suspended. Piercing pillar of rock. Streaking speleothem. A vasty knife to pierce London's skin. Yours, too."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Stalactite|Stalactite|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''"The inside of the stalactite drips with amber. A hand emerges first, broad and meaty as a bear's paw. It grasps the rock, which yields with the tenderness of flesh. Another hand follows, this one smaller, ten-fingered – each ending in a cluster of wicked hooks."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/State_of_Emergence|State of Emergence|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Stalactitehouse.png|alt=A stalactite destroying a house.|thumb|Coincidence?]]
Unfortunately, His Lordship's speech was cut short<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_Interruption|An Interruption|Fallen London|}} ''"His Amused Lordship laughs [...] toasts Roofward. "To Lon—" [...] Something lands in his glass. It bursts – a rain of wine and flashing shards."''</ref> as a cathedral-sized stalactite from the [[Roof of the Neath]] fell upon the glasshouse,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Stalactite|Stalactite|Fallen London|}} ''"Stalactite [...] A plunging eclipse. [...] Piercing pillar of rock. [...] A vasty knife to pierce London's skin."''</ref><ref name="torn">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Rise|Rise|Fallen London|}} ''"The stalactite has torn through the great glasshouse and now stands [...] stabbed deep into the earth. [...] cathedrals wish they could command such stature."''</ref> devastating both the building and the crowd in attendance.<ref name="torn" /><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Fall|Fall|Fallen London|}} ''"You're not alone. Others fall with you – one of them is still holding a potted rose. So many others. [...] Slipping deeper into darkness."''</ref> The stalactite then broke open,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Rise|Rise|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the stalactite peels open."''</ref> revealing a horde of [[Starved Men]] - practitioners of the [[Shapeling Arts]] who inhabit the Roof.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/State_of_Emergence|State of Emergence|Fallen London|}} ''"The inside of the stalactite drips with amber. A hand emerges [...] Another hand [...] A gangly figure [...] Another follows, then another [...] more figures extrude themselves from fissures in the rock. [...] Starved Men. You've seen them [...] on your expeditions to the roof."''</ref> Further Starved descended upon the city from above, transported either by six smaller stalactites that followed the large one, or through balloons and their own accord.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Spilling_Out|Spilling Out|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] you see what has befallen the rest of London. A half-dozen smaller stalactites have fallen, each spilling Starved Men [...] More descend in small balloons, or [...] through patagia and air sacs. They are all over the city."''</ref>
[[File:Starvedman1.png|alt=A humanoid being with warped facial features.|thumb|A [[Starved Men|Starved Man]].]]
The invading Starved immediately began reshaping the infrastructure of London.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/State_of_Emergence|State of Emergence|Fallen London|}} ''"The first to hit the ground make for the main house, laying their hands [...] upon its walls. Stone warps and shifts, and the building bows in on itself [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Trail_of_Destruction|Trail of Destruction|Fallen London|}} ''"London is in pieces. Half a dozen buildings have fallen on Flowerdene Street, or else have been reshaped [...] a dread new topology imposed by the Starved Men."''</ref> They transmuted structures into flesh, bone,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_War_in_London_2|The War in London 2|Fallen London|}} ''"London is overrun. Buildings, their quoins and cornice stones made flesh, ripped open and left to bleed."''</ref><ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Collapsed_Corner|The Collapsed Corner|Fallen London|}} ''"The building has half-collapsed. The Starved Men have turned wooden beams into bone, which snapped [...] You can hear the voices of those still trapped within."''</ref> and other materials,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Marbled_Flank|Marbled Flank|Fallen London|}} ''"The streetside wall [...] an umbra of flesh spreading from its centre. [...] You've seen sand, mud, and salt, but flesh seems to be their favoured transubstantiation."''</ref> and cleaved roads with rivers of fat.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sinuous_Streets|Sinuous Streets|Fallen London|}} ''"A scissure severs the street ahead – a wound in the fabric of the city. Viscous strands of sinew span the two halves, [...] something liquid flows, a [...] river of stone rendered to fat."''</ref> Many buildings were weakened and collapsed during the assault, trapping anyone caught inside.<ref name=":0" /> One enormous Starved turned [[Wolfstack Docks]] into his personal alchemic vat, changing the water however he pleased,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Put_to_Zee:_Hazardous_Materials|Put to Zee: Hazardous Materials|Fallen London|}} ''"A Starved Man bigger than a cargo hoist wades through the waters of the harbour. [...] The harbour is littered with his experiments. Water turned to ice. Water turned to stone. Water turned to acrid, bilious slime. Water turned to basalt, [...] Water turned to caesium – although not for very long. [...] The dockers and Admiralty staff have temporarily restricted dockside access."''</ref> and panicked crowds choked the train station at [[Moloch Street]],<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Go_alone_and_by_night|Go alone and by night|Fallen London|}} ''"The Starved Men have not taken particular interest in Moloch Street station. [...] traversing the streets around the station requires running a gauntlet of falling masonry, scared citizens, and opportunistic robbers."''</ref> making travel out of London extremely difficult. The Starved Men did not deliberately target civilians, but they were uncaring of casualties and willing to repel with force anyone who interrupted their work,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Trail_of_Destruction|Trail of Destruction|Fallen London|}} ''"They do not like to be slowed, and they do not take kindly to attempts to slow them down. But nor is the aggression directed towards the citizenry. The wounded are mostly those swept up in the Starved Men's path – or those who tried to impede them."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Tenderising_Ministrations_of_the_Starved|The Tenderising Ministrations of the Starved|Fallen London|}} ''"The Starved Men pay no attention as the wounded are carted away. But when Jenny's crew lays hands to the buildings, their heads snap up. [...] they turn and converge on the gathered helpers."''</ref> resulting in brutal street fights.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Unfolding_Violence|Unfolding Violence|Fallen London|}} ''"Two Londoners [...] the Starved Man pays them no attention as they shout obscenities at it. Until one of them takes a cricket bat and brings it down over its head [...] The Starved Man blinks as blood runs into its eyes. [...] The woman hefts the bat again. The Starved Man catches her arms and flings her bodily into the wall."''</ref>

==The War for London==
<blockquote>''"Jenny declines to comment on the 'incident' at the London Horticultural Show. "I'm more interested in what's happening right now." She's converted a vacated building on Ladybones Road into a field hospital. Whether the building was vacated before she arrived is none of your business."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Appeal_to_Sinning_Jenny|Appeal to Sinning Jenny|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''""We're prosecuting a war – using primarily naval materiel – inside of our own city," says the Overworked Commodore. "I'd say it's working as well as it can.""''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Council_of_War|Council of War|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Electionjenny.png|alt=A nun holding a unique necklace.|thumb|[[Sinning Jenny]]]]
As the conflict in London continued, its citizens looked to authority for help. However, the [[Masters]] were too busy debating whether the [[Sixth City]] was due to fall,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Demand_admission_as_a_Master_of_the_Bazaar|Demand admission as a Master of the Bazaar|Fallen London|}} ''"Mr Pages glowers [...] Wines waves [...] Mr Fires does not break its flow. [...] "—not be allowed to happen. It is too soon." [...] "Irrelequential. We have all observed the sympdicators. The city's duratinuance is coming to a end. We should hasten our preparations for its successor." [...] Are they speaking of the Starved Men's attack? [...] Mr Irons [...] 'A DISTRACTION' [...] "We are focused on a more exurgent matter," agrees Pages. [...] 'THIS IS WHY WE DID NOT CALL ON YOU. YOU LACK THE NECESSARY PERSPECTIVE.' [...] The debate continues, circular, endless."''</ref> and the [[Empress]] took shelter within the [[Shuttered Palace]] while her staff shooed away petitioners.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Plead_for_assistance|Plead for assistance|Fallen London|}} ''"The Veteran Privy Counsellor [...] does not permit any mention of the w_r, and certainly not of the S____d M_n [...] "The Palace knows well enough how to function in times of— Well, at all times." [...] where is Her Enduring Majesty? "She is safe, have no fear on that front.""''</ref> In the end, it was [[Sinning Jenny]] who took matters into her own hands to spearhead the relief effort.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Plead_with_Sinning_Jenny_for_aid|Plead with Sinning Jenny for aid|Fallen London|}} ''""London is bleeding. But people are also bleeding. [...] "I'm needed." [...] "No one is doing anything." [...] "There are those that have a duty to London, and they are doing nothing." [...]"''</ref> She set up field hospitals for the injured,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Plead_with_Sinning_Jenny_for_aid|Plead with Sinning Jenny for aid|Fallen London|}} ''"She looks around the field hospital. "If I'm helping out there, I'm not helping in here. [...]"''</ref> ensured citizens received food, medical supplies, and shelter,<ref name=":1">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Join_a_search_party|Join a search party|Fallen London|}} ''"Jenny assigns you to a [...] group. Urchins [...] report back when people need help – or when they spot a choice stash of food or materiel (and don't want to keep it to themselves). You walk the streets [...] shepherding people away from the unfolding violence and towards [...] safety [...]"''</ref> and acted as a leader for crowds of volunteers to rescue the wounded and repair the damage upon London.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Join_a_search_party|Join a search party|Fallen London|}} ''"All over London, people need help. And Jenny is making that happen."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/London%27s_Heart|London's Heart|Fallen London|}} ''"Sinning Jenny marches at the head of the crowd [...] starts issuing orders. People move [...] tending to the wounded and getting them to safety. [...] clearing and rebuilding."''</ref>
[[File:Overworkedcommodore.png|alt=A middle-aged man from the Admiralty.|thumb|The Overworked Commodore]]
The [[Admiralty]] was initially caught unawares by the attack,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Plead_with_the_Admiralty_for_aid|Plead with the Admiralty for aid|Fallen London|}} ''""Themselves are inside, figuring what to do. We weren't exactly prepared for a threat of this nature." [...] "It's going to take some time for orders to come down the line, and until they do, no one is getting inside. No one.""''</ref> but they soon mobilized cannons and crew to strike back against the Starved threat.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/London%27s_Fist|London's Fist|Fallen London|}} ''"There's a boom [...] "Por— ah, left, thirty degrees!" [...] a woman throws up a frantic series of flag signals. There's the report of a naval gun, [...] This shell lands true, catching the Starved Men in its blast."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Press_the_advantage|Press the advantage|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Admiralty spotters signal another barrage, but only succeed in blowing a hole in the street behind the retreating Starved."''</ref> Eventually, Sinning Jenny and the Admiralty's representative, the '''[[Overworked Commodore]]''', convened a war council in the ''HMS Vaunted'' to discuss strategy and gather intelligence.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Council_of_War|Council of War|Fallen London|}} ''""This isn't working," say Sinning Jenny. [...] Admiralty leadership [...] is meeting in the operations room of the HMS Vaunted. Jenny has dragged you [...] along so that [...] "Those wretched shell-shovers don't dominate the agenda." [...] "We're prosecuting a war – using primarily naval materiel – inside of our own city," says the Overworked Commodore. "I'd say it's working as well as it can.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Marshalling_Intelligence|Marshalling Intelligence|Fallen London|}} ''"The Overworked Commodore looks up [...] What intelligence do you have for the Admiralty's resistance efforts?"''</ref> While the Starved Men possessed superhuman durability and were able to survive seemingly fatal wounds,<ref name=":2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Call_in_gunnery_support|Call in gunnery support|Fallen London|}} ''"The Starved Men do not enjoy cannon fire. It seems [...] possible for them to recover from even direct hits, but it invokes significant distress [...]"''</ref> London was able to mount a counterattack. The city restricted its [[amber]] supply, repelled any incoming Starved from the Roof, and inflicted upon them grievous wounds, all while keeping civilians relatively protected.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Amber_Tide,_Turned|The Amber Tide, Turned|Fallen London|}} ''"Victory is a matter of degrees. London has proven itself adaptable [...] amber supply is tightly controlled. Guns are trained roofwards to intercept any descending stalactites or balloons. [...] the Starved Men have been made [...] to bleed in ways they cannot endure. [...] London has tended her wounds – has protected her people as best it can."''</ref> Many Starved were forced to retreat from London entirely, but one group remained, still fixated on their work to reshape London.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Contemplate_the_disposition_of_the_Starved_forces|Contemplate the disposition of the Starved forces|Fallen London|}} ''"The Starved Men are scattered. Half of them have abandoned the attack, either vanishing off into the fringes of the Neath, or ascending once more [...] Those that remain are clustered [...] still desperately engaged in their work. Fervid, like they know that their time is running out."''</ref> Once cornered, they soon surrendered, and were captured by the Admiralty.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Give_the_order|Give the order|Fallen London|}} ''"You are first through the gates, your rag-tag squad [...] There. Walking out of the shadows. Six of them, [...] "Hold," says your gruff second. "I think... I think they're surrendering." [...] They cooperate as the monks of Godfall bind their many hands at the wrists. [...] they do their best to show willing, the hairy one generally guiding the others."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Carnate,_Incarcerate|Carnate, Incarcerate|Fallen London|}} ''"The Starved Men prisoners are enjoying a stint in the belly of the HMS Vaunted, chained and weighted, and with the whole ship lined with charges. They have offered no further resistance."''</ref>

==The Lithologer's Confession==
<blockquote><em>"I dig nock... intengd thish. We saw the signs, and thott to acht. The bochdy, the bochdy we were shaping was nockt — From the beginning. We watch. </em>I<em> watch. The rock. The lights. Patterns and signs and warnings. Always reshaping. Patterns reveal. What shape things will be. What shape things </em>might<em> be."</em><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hear_them_out,_warily|Hear them out, warily|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''"We wished to prevent a painful rebirth. The city's next great change, in a long line of them. How many has it been now? Four? Some of you fought us. But there was no time – we had to act, before..."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_why_the_Starved_Men_attacked|Ask why the Starved Men attacked|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Starvedman2.png|alt=A humanoid with an eye resembling a stone with several lens.|thumb|[[The Starved Lithologer]]]]
Communication with the captured Starved Men was initially difficult,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Enquire_about_communication_with_the_Starved_Men|Enquire about communication with the Starved Men|Fallen London|}} ''"Jenny moues. "I think it's clear enough from the manner of their capture that they are trying to communicate." [...] "It's just meaningless noise," chuffs the Commodore. "Enough to give you nightmares.""''</ref> and the Overworked Commodore was reluctant to negotiate at all.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Carnate,_Incarcerate|Carnate, Incarcerate|Fallen London|}} ''""We should just scuttle her and be done with it," grouses the Overworked Commodore."''</ref> This was ameliorated after one of the captives, the [[The Starved Lithologer|Starved Lithologer]], reshaped their vocal cords to speak more clearly.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Pick_up_the_thread_of_the_argument|Pick up the thread of the argument|Fallen London|}} ''"After a lengthy span with an overcurious academic, plus some smuggled amber, this particular Starved individual has reshaped their vocal organs enough to speak."''</ref> The Lithologer revealed that they had watched the [[The Roof of the Neath|Roof]] for signs of the future,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Hear_them_out,_warily|Hear them out, warily|Fallen London|}} ''""I dig nock... intengd thish. We saw the signs, and thott to acht. [...] They clear their throat. [...] The longer they talk, the clearer their voice becomes [...] "We watch. I watch. The rock. The lights. Patterns and signs and warnings. [...] Patterns reveal. What shape things will be. What shape things might be." [...] You are hearing the tale of the Starved Lithologer."''</ref> and it was foretold that the [[Sixth City]] was due to fall.<ref name=":5">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_why_the_Starved_Men_attacked|Ask why the Starved Men attacked|Fallen London|}} ''""What is seen can be changed. All things can be changed. [...] this body, it has fared ill with past changes." [...] "This is not a body, it's a city," blusters the Commodore. [...] "Yes. We sought to reshape the city, to help it avert a greater change which it could not endure. [...] We were helping—" [...] "You were tearing down our homes and tearing up our people." [...] a flash of a very human expression. Shame. "We wished to prevent [...] The city's next great change, [...] How many has it been now? Four?" [...] there was no time – we had to act, before..." [...]"''</ref> The Starved Men of the Roof consist of many separate factions,<ref name=":4">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Direct_its_attention_towards_the_Starved_Men|Direct its attention towards the Starved Men|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the Starved Men across the London of your memory is full of fractious factions and warring wants, [...] Even on the Roof, where other forces swarm and muster, there are no outcasts – just two communities, working to different ends."''</ref> and as it turned out, the one that invaded [[London]] was trying to ''save'' the city all along! This faction viewed London not as a city, but as a vast organism,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Press_for_more_details_of_the_plan|Press for more details of the plan|Fallen London|}} ''"They do not deal with you. They deal with the city and its change, as we did. It does not occur to them to negotiate with the blood in its veins, the cells that make it up. We were incorrect, of course. Our perspective has changed."''</ref> and they sought to reshape London's "body" to survive the next [[The Fallen Cities|Fall]]. For their part, the Lithologer expressed regret for the destruction and injuries this incursion had caused.<ref name=":5" />
[[File:Starvedmanhand.png|alt=A hand clutching a piece of glowing amber.|thumb|A [[Starved Men|Starved Man]].]]
While their faction's attempt to change London's fate ended in failure, the Lithologer warned that another group of Starved had other plans, seeking to ''accelerate'' London's cataclysmic change.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/What_Lies_Above|What Lies Above|Fallen London|}} ''""Our way was the kinder way," says the Starved Lithologer. "We saw the signs, and sought to change them. [...] Others among us believe in catastrophic change. They saw the signs, and seek to hasten it.""''</ref> The citizens' survival was a secondary concern for them, and they viewed their actions as a mercy.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Press_for_more_details_of_the_plan|Press for more details of the plan|Fallen London|}} ''""We expect the Starved to mount heavy resistance. They've seen how London can fight." [...] "They truly do not understand why you resist," rasps the Lithologer, "as we did not. Resisting a change that is already happening leads to..." [...] "Misshaping. They are used to overcoming that resistance. They will do so [...] "God forbid that they take our lives into account." [...] "They do not deal with you. They deal with the city and its change [...] It does not occur to them to negotiate with the blood in its veins, the cells [...]"''</ref> To this end, they began building a weapon: a massive cornea of shaped flesh<ref name=":6">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Also_Into_You|Also Into You|Fallen London|}} ''"A great ocular mass. A distended cornea the size of the [airship] itself [...] Helping these things hold their strained shape as they prepare to channel inimical sunlight."''</ref> that would drill a hole in the Roof,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_Sight|In Sight|Fallen London|}} ''"Something moves upon the Roof above the oculus. [...] The sound of stone on stone. Above the eye, the Roof is coming apart."''</ref> and focus the resulting sunlight directly onto London, potentially killing all its inhabitants.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Look_up_(What_Lies_Above)|Look up (What Lies Above)|Fallen London|}} ''""They are preparing," says the Starved Lithologer. "We were not fast enough. We did not do enough." [...] "They have been digging upwards. They mean to... assist the city in a thorough metamorphosis." [...] "The sun," says the Commodore. "The b____y sun.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Rapprochement|Rapprochement|Fallen London|}} ''""They mean to burn us," [...] "Bathe the city in sunlight. [...] The Starved Lithologer turns their great eye upwards [...] "They truly see it as a kindness. One short, sharp change. From down here... I think the perspective is different.""''</ref>

==For All The World Like An Eagle==
<blockquote>''"Your fellow captains hail from all across the Neath. Members of the Admiralty, plus those Londoners conscripted to make up numbers. Devils with miniature insignia on their shoulders – perhaps a remark on the Admiralty's ostentatious epaulettes? Polythremian ships, self-captaining, hover within earshot. Khanate pilots loiter near the front, regarding the Starved Lithologer with level disdain."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Join_the_briefing|Join the briefing|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote><em>"Three dark shapes plummet from the bottom of </em>Industry<em>. Is it dropping ballast? </em>No<em>. The first of the shapes spreads vast, membranous wings, and the plummet turns into a glide, a bank and rise and an impossible curve. Claws gut the first Starved Man before it has seen the creature coming. The other two shapes unfurl, and the heights are quickly awash in blood."</em><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/This_Wild_Highness|This Wild Highness|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Airfleet.png|alt=A blimp exploring the ceiling of a cave.|thumb|An airship.]]
Upon hearing the truth,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Plan_of_Attack|Plan of Attack|Fallen London|}} ''"The Overworked Commodore stands. [...] A faction of the Starved Men have a weapon through which they mean to direct the sun on London. [...]"''</ref> the Overworked Commodore called for an fleet of aircraft<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Consider_who_might_help_in_London%27s_hour_of_need|Consider who might help in London's hour of need|Fallen London|}} ''""So unless London is to become the target of an unknown weapon of the Roof, we need airships. And allies.""''</ref> to locate the Starved weapon.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Field_Commission|Field Commission|Fallen London|}} ''""We have a fleet, of sorts. But that's only half the battle." To stop the other faction of the Starved Men and their weapon, you first must find it."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Field_Commission|Field Commission|Fallen London|}} ''""The Roof is a big place. [...] our Starved, hmm, allies claim they don't know where it is, either.""''</ref> The Admiralty converted the [[The University|University]]'s cricket pitch into an airfield and designated the area '''Station IX (Provisional)'''.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Station_IX_(Provisional)|Station IX (Provisional)|Fallen London|}} ''"Previously known as the University's cricket field. Airship mooring posts [...] Eyes ever turn upwards: the skies are not secure. But, perhaps, soon."''</ref> The Starved Lithologer's faction pledged to assist in stopping the weapon;<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Rapprochement|Rapprochement|Fallen London|}} ''"The Starved Lithologer raises their arms [...] "We will help. Those of my faction who remain. We can sculpt away the error.""''</ref> to bolster the airfleet,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Rapprochement|Rapprochement|Fallen London|}} ''""London needs all the allies it can get. [...] "You were good for intelligence gathering. How do you feel about international relations?""''</ref> London also commissioned the help of the [[Khanate]], [[Polythreme]], the pirates of [[Gaider's Mourn]], and the monks of [[Godfall]]. Even [[Hell]] came to the city's aid upon hearing the dangers to London involved sunlight.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Station_IX_(Provisional)|Station IX (Provisional)|Fallen London|}} ''"The airfield is busier with every passing hour. The Starved Lithologer directs long-limbed compatriots around to help with construction. [...] Dockhands mill about, [...] Monks of Saint Stalactite's brotherhood can be heard singing [...] Corsairs bare golden teeth at any Admiralty engineers who come too close to their airships. [...] Clay Men lift chassis with useful, if unsettling, ease. [...] The Khaganian contingent stand out. [...] their ships fully illuminated with bright, white bulbs. [...] The devils, whose craft buzz uneasily, do whatever they please."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Beseech_Hell_for_aid|Beseech Hell for aid|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the citizen of London [...] The weight of London's need was weighed against the requirements of the white city. [...] they revealed a morsel of interest. Sunlight, they said. [...] Hell prepared itself for war."''</ref>
[[File:Neathroof.png|alt=The ceiling of a cave with massive stalactites.|thumb|[[The Roof of the Neath]]]]
Once the Starved weapon was located,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Board_is_Set|The Board is Set|Fallen London|}} ''"Word is spreading: the Starved weapon has been located. All airship captains have been summoned. The fleet stands ready."''</ref> the diverse airfleet<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Join_the_briefing|Join the briefing|Fallen London|}} ''"Your fellow captains hail from all across the Neath. Members of the Admiralty, plus those Londoners conscripted [...] Devils [...] Polythremian ships, [...] Khanate pilots [...]"''</ref> departed for the [[The Roof of the Neath|Roof]] to destroy it before its completion.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Plan_of_Attack|Plan of Attack|Fallen London|}} ''"The Overworked Commodore stands. [...] A faction of the Starved Men have a weapon through which they mean to direct the sun on London. [...] "It has taken time for them to finish constructing—" [...] The Commodore grinds his teeth. "They are ready. Our reconnaissance flights have located the weapon. The fleet will move to destroy it. [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Give_the_order_(Into_the_Cold,_Black_Yonder)|Give the order (Into the Cold, Black Yonder)|Fallen London|}} ''"Lines are cast off, ballast loosed. The [airship] drifts Roofwards. [...] You join the steady throng of air ships threading their way upwards."''</ref> [[Mr Iron]], [[Mr Fires]], and [[Mr Pages]] also accompanied the fleet in Fires' personal vessel, the ''Industry''.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Plan_of_Attack|Plan of Attack|Fallen London|}} ''"A thought occurs to him. He fixes his eyes on [...] Mr Pages' [...] Will you require a ship, or do you intend to..." [...] the searchlight glare of Mr Fires. [...] the silent Mr Iron [...] scrawls a reply. 'INDUSTRY SHALL BEAR US.' A talon flicks out to indicate Fires' personal airship [...]"''</ref> As the airships neared the Roof, Starved Men attacked with falling debris<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Roof,_Rocks,_Ruin|Roof, Rocks, Ruin|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the first stalactite falls. [...] even those vessels quick enough to break up the larger rocks with cannon fire must contend with the resulting stony rain."''</ref> and boarded the approaching craft.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Opening_Salvoes|Opening Salvoes|Fallen London|}} ''"A shout goes up [...] Starved Men are descending, in balloons and under their own power. They strike at the hulls and the crew, or hurl handfuls of amber that dissolve or remake."''</ref> They even deployed their own massive airship of shaped flesh.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Reach_and_Grasp|Reach and Grasp|Fallen London|}} ''"A large mass [...] you could mistake it for an errant member of the fleet – it has the size and approximate shape of an airship. [...] you see the knots of flesh that make up its hull. The great lungs that form its air envelope. The [...] Starved that have formed themselves into this thing."''</ref> The airfleet fought back,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Bring_your_guns_to_bear|Bring your guns to bear|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the St Stalactites Saison ploughs through the lot of them at speed. The battle-brigade of Godfall's monks [...] grab hold of any Starved craft in range and assault them with gleeful cheer."''</ref><ref name="lifeship">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Proceed,_unmolested|Proceed, unmolested|Fallen London|}} ''"The Lifeship has been lying in wait. [...] it drags it down. The Starved craft, at least, talks back. The Lifeship rumbles happily as it ploughs towards the earth."''</ref> and the Masters themselves engaged in direct wing-to-hand combat with the Starved,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/This_Wild_Highness|This Wild Highness|Fallen London|}} ''"Three dark shapes plummet from the bottom of Industry. [...] The first of the shapes spreads vast, membranous wings, [...] Claws gut the first Starved Man before it has seen the creature coming. The other two shapes unfurl, and the heights are quickly awash in blood. [...] One is brutal [...] carving each into bloody, bubbling chunks. Another pauses at each of its marks, [...] while a clawed hand simply brushes the skin. Those Starved scream as they fall. The last [...] the air shimmers around it, [...] the Starved whose blood boils within them, who find themselves indebted to the ground, [...] the air simply betrays and will allow no further passage."''</ref> but many aircraft were damaged or destroyed.<ref name="sink">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Opening_Salvoes|Opening Salvoes|Fallen London|}} ''"The sudden changes in buoyancy cause vessels to sink towards London, or rise to pierce themselves on pointed rock."''</ref><ref name="lifeship" />

Soon, the airfleet reached the weapon itself.<ref name=":6" /> The Starved Men attending to it immediately acted in its defense, assaulting the remnants of the fleet.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Take_aim!|Take aim!|Fallen London|}} ''"Bring every gun on the [airship] to bear on the Starved oculus. [...] Starved Men are vaulting from the roof onto the [airship] and clambering down to the deck. You have boarders."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_Sight|In Sight|Fallen London|}} ''"Starved Men swarm the deck of the [airship]. London's fleet is in disarray behind you. Rock pours from the Roof like rain."''</ref> Meanwhile, the weapon's eye turned its gaze towards London,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_Sight|In Sight|Fallen London|}} ''"Ahead, the eye turns, slowly, haltingly, out to gaze upon London."''</ref> and primed itself with sunlight, ready to fire<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/In_Sight|In Sight|Fallen London|}} ''"Something moves upon the Roof above the oculus. [...] The sound of stone on stone. Above the eye, the Roof is coming apart."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Last_Orders|Last Orders|Fallen London|}} ''"The skin on the ceiling parts, [...] a core of stone – falls from the roof. And what follows [...] Sunlight. A tiny beam [...] The light touches the rock [...] From being magnified and projected down, even as it burns out its channel."''</ref> - until, against all odds, a single airship sacrificed itself to ram and destroy the eye,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Fly_the_(Airship)_straight_into_the_Starved_weapon|Fly the (Airship) straight into the Starved weapon|Fallen London|}} ''"You hold the course. You make yourself a dart. A missile of wood and flesh and fabric. A spear, thrown from London, to put one in the eye of those who would unmake it."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attempt_to_save_yourself|Attempt to save yourself|Fallen London|}} ''"You watch the [airship] [...] streaking towards the shattered stalactite. You have made her a dart. [...] A spear, thrown from London, to put out the eye of those who would unmake it."''</ref> saving London from doom.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/An_End,_at_Last|An End, at Last|Fallen London|}} ''""I know what it looks like when a city ends. It looks worse than this from here." [...] "And better.""''</ref>

==The Horticultural Show, Once Again==
<blockquote>''"The city has become exceptionally invested in the Horticultural Show. Londoners have spent weeks sweeping broken glass from the streets, filling in insurance forms, knocking down – or occasionally debriding – those buildings too unsafe to let stand. After that ordeal, fungi, uncomfortable chairs, overpriced refreshments, and copious rosettes are a blessed relief."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_London_Horticultural_Show_(Reprise)|The London Horticultural Show (Reprise)|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>''"There is no sign. No one has ordained that this garden should be so. It is not even sanctioned by the London Horticultural Society; they are conducting their own attempts to assert normality. There is a wide disparity in horti- and fungicultural knowledge on show – some of these plants may well strangle and kill each other before the season is out. But the garden is not there to be beautiful."''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_the_community_garden|Visit the community garden|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Starvedrose.png|alt=A grey image of a rose with red features.|thumb|The Starved Rose]]
With the ordeal concluded, London decommissioned its airfleet and began to recover. The Horticultural Show was reopened, as Londoners needed a relief from all the recent mayhem.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_London_Horticultural_Show_(Reprise)|The London Horticultural Show (Reprise)|Fallen London|}} ''"The city has become exceptionally invested in the Horticultural Show. Londoners have spent weeks sweeping broken glass [...] filling in insurance forms, knocking down [...] those buildings too unsafe to let stand. After that ordeal, fungi, uncomfortable chairs, [...]  are a blessed relief."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Catch_the_eye_of_the_Overworked_Commodore|Catch the eye of the Overworked Commodore|Fallen London|}} ''"Who will command the airfleet [...] "No fleet to command. The craft that made it back are being stripped down and reconverted. Those that Fires didn't lay its claim to first," [...]"''</ref> During the ceremony, citizens banded together to build an informal community garden using scraps from airships, contributing their own flora and fungi.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_London_Horticultural_Show_(Reprise)|The London Horticultural Show (Reprise)|Fallen London|}} ''"Amid the the bedraggled-but-proud displays of flora, a nascent garden has emerged. No one decision was made. No one declared it should be what it is. Londoners just started planting."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Visit_the_community_garden|Visit the community garden|Fallen London|}} ''"The 'garden' for now consists largely of a single raised bed. The sides are fashioned from discarded airship hull pieces. People wait patiently to lay in a spreading motley of plants and fungi."''</ref> The [[The Starved Lithologer|Starved Lithologer]] also attended, seeking to understand why London sought a return to normalcy,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Approach_the_Starved_Lithologer|Approach the Starved Lithologer|Fallen London|}} ''"They're the only one of their number that dared to come here. [...] "We... truly thought we were helping. I don't think that means much, but it is—" [...] "Unchanging. True." [...] "The city is changing back to what it was before. That is..." [...] "...something I would like to understand.""''</ref> and they were soon accompanied by another Starved Man, who sought to contribute a '''Starved Rose'''<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Scion_of_a_Starved_Rose|A Scion of a Starved Rose|Fallen London|}} ''"Pale, flexile, and aromatic. Keep it in a vase of amber, and prepare to be surprised."''</ref> as a peace offering.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Peace_Garden|The Peace Garden|Fallen London|}} ''"A commotion goes up from the entrance – a Starved Man [...] is walking in. [...] He sweeps clear a knot of soil, places something inside, and steps back. [...] The 'rose' is grey [...] The folds of its petals put you more in mind of skin than leaves. [...] the Starved Man bows to the assembled Londoners. Some return the gesture. Others mutter ungraciously [...] Still others tighten their grip on their makeshift weapons."''</ref> An awards ceremony was later held to judge whatever botanical marvels (or evidence thereof) remained after the first show was... ah, ''unexpectedly cancelled''.<ref name=":7">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_London_Horticultural_Show_Awards_Ceremony|The London Horticultural Show Awards Ceremony|Fallen London|}} ''"The London Horticultural Show Awards Ceremony is being held [...] whichever plants could be salvaged (or photographs of plants; or verifiable eyewitness reports of plants) have been recovered. Judgement must be exercised upon them. Life must carry on."''</ref>

As for the hole in the [[The Roof of the Neath|Roof]], it gradually began to heal with the help of the Starved Men.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Inquire_about_the_state_of_the_Roof|Inquire about the state of the Roof|Fallen London|}} ''""The Roof is healing." [...] "It is like a body." [...] "The oculus was a wound. The light, an infection. We help, too," [...] "with amber from the forgetting-places, and arts of unscarring. But the wound would heal without us.""''</ref> At the original venue of the Horticultural Show where the stalactite fell, the Starved Lithologer organized the '''Starved Embassy''' to prevent future conflicts between the Starved Men and London. To this end, the two parties would exchange gifts, providing opportunities to learn of one another's culture.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Inveigle_your_way_onto_the_delegation|Inveigle your way onto the delegation|Fallen London|}} ''"You are called [...] to attend the meeting at the 'Starved Embassy' – the [...] remains of a fallen stalactite in Lady ______'s Watchmaker's Hill estate."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Cultural_Exchange|A Cultural Exchange|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] the events of that summer arose from a poor understanding of each others' existential idiom. In a bid to ensure that it cannot happen again, the Starved Lithologer has facilitated a cultural program where the two sides exchange gifts."''</ref> After all, life must go on.<ref name=":7" />

==References==
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[[Category:Estival]]
[[Category:Events]]