Alchemy: Physics of Vices and Virtures

ALCHEMY

Expedition! - Issue 2: "Gloomhaven"

It is said that those who live in the “The City of Shadows” wear heavy furs, a skeptical expression and have a ready hand on his pistol. 

I wish that I could tell you the whole of the sordid and colorful history of Gloomhaven, but much of its history has been lost to the war and destroyed by those less sympathetic to the trials of a historian. But it does not take a student of history to see the challenges of this unusual place. Blasted from the bitter Shaar much of the year and bombarded by seasonal storms from the sea, life in Gloomhaven is hard and cruel. The streets are ruled by thieves, cutthroats, pirates and is a sanctuary for criminals of every stripe. Many political and religious miscreants have carved out a little home in the glorified shantytown. Though it has been condemned by every holy and righteous person as a den of sinners and degenerates, it sits on the second largest river in High Moor, contains valuable resources, artifacts from the old world and is, quite frankly, impossible to conquer.

The city was originally named Glomehaven, which is an older word "to grab or steal". A fitting name in most quarters of the city. But its current name has clung to it like the perpetual fog which creeps maliciously across every surface of the city, making it a very dark place indeed. The earliest known record is of a small settlement among the ruins of a once glamorous city. Necessity has always governed the state of affairs within the walls of Gloomhaven. It has no regular streets, buildings are erected atop older buildings, layers and layers of stones, wooden beams and planks have been set atop each other until you couldn't see the ground below. Spires and towers break through the jumbled mess of buildings and structures like claws through a thin shirt. The one true landmark is the old fortress; a grey stone star-shaped castle, which looks like a lair of some villain. Called the Eyeless by the locals, the interior is a half dome building without windows, doors or any obvious way to enter. But locals report strange voices emanating from the smooth stone and feeling that you are being watched.

The city is separated into two districts and connected across the Mirror Lake by a series of bridges. The harbor is blockaded by a sea wall and several small islands. Ominous towers dot the wall, shining dark blue lights down on the waterways and patrolling the shore. Once inside the immense gates is a labyrinth of docks, piers, scaffolding and wooden buildings built atop each other in impossible layers. As you sail up the river Spine, Red Dragon District on the left side close to the Shaar and Ten Towns District is on the right closest to Gloomhaven Woods and the Scrimshaw Ridge.

Despite various factions squabbling over control of smaller streets and neighborhoods, the undisputed power in Gloomhaven is the Shadow King and the Weeping Queen. Enigmatic as their titles, there seems to be order amidst the chaos. There are unwritten rules and traditions that are carried out no matter how painstaking or nonsensical. Those who step out of line or disobey are visited by “Pales” who enforce the quasi-monarchy. Some describe these hooded figures as undead creatures or those cursed by the Malificium. But I find this dramatic description more in kind with the stories of ghosts, telepathic suggestion and rumors of strange women seeing the future.

Religion in Gloomhaven is as diverse as its people. All manner of men and woman walk the streets, practicing the old heaven religions, praying at shrines, trusting in trinkets and lucky charms. The Aluminat would be hard pressed to find a single person who adhered to the tenants of its faith. superstition rules the fate of many a sailor and bandit. 

Wealth in precious metals, minerals and pirated goods flood the streets. But Gloomhaven's true wealth comes from its ancient artifacts and relics from prior worlds which seem almost alien. I saw dozens of shows selling jewelry, trinkets, cursed items of foul wizards and dark magical items. Much of it appeared to be "window dressing" but there were a few items which bore magical runes, inscription and even hummed slightly with a powerful Aether. Many of these shards were sewn into clothing, incorporated into steam engines, personal tools and weapons. I believe even the streets were inlaid with the history of this great city, drug down from the mountain in stones and dredged up from the bottom of the river and used the reinforce the foundations. Despite of all of these little marvels, the chimneys belch out black smoke and the streets are filled with all manner of detritus. I saw modern amenities right next to what amounted to shacks. Walking down the street at any time of the day you might rub shoulders with poets, wealthy barons, merchants, pirates, murderers or tyrants. As more wealth is dug up from the earth, in mines in and outside of the city, more people seem to be drawn to its strange energy which draws prospectors, delinquents and fortune seekers into its ever-widening maw. 

After partaking of a small drink in a small tavern which stretched for miles in a collection of buildings all tied together in one long row, I ventured along the streets, noting the warehouses, silos and humongous digging machines. I contemplated the shops, the factories and pushed my way outside the public exchanges. I could not see why any man would desire to wade into the oily whirlpool as it slipped down into the dark tunnels beneath the city. This was a city on the fringe of the civilized world. It was a toppled giant whose bones were being picked clean by vultures. This was the world that lay sleeping beneath our feet, with unknown horrors a picks-fall or a turn of a spade away from being woken.

I lit my cigar and returned to Newhaven by the 10 o'clock train, away from the mad scramble of this blister on the edge of civilization.

S1: E22 "At the Bridgerton's" Part 1

Learning Curve

An interesting meeting took place before the events of the Bridgerton Party. Many are eager to learn of what happened in those revered halls, but this does warrant a bit of a mention. 

Father Collins had returned to the Royal Library to continue his studies. He was prepared to burn away the midnight oil in the company of his leatherbound friends when he spied Lindion Mavienness talking with Sylkas. A stroke of good fortune for Father Collins, as he would save postage. After exchanging the normal felicitations, he relayed the details of his meeting with the agents at the Ministry. In short, it was not looking good for Mr Thompson, as the Ministry was being pressured to find the culprits of these string of magical artifacts. 

Their inane conversation continued until Yuko Dendrar entered, surprised to see Lindion and delighted to meet yet another interesting person of Newhaven, especially of the religious caste. Lindion leaves the two of them to converse while she goes in search of more knowledge. She did ask Yuko to find her after she was done with her studies so they could talk. 

The priest and the ambassador did talk of many things, but the particular subject they both gravitated towards was religion. Of course they did. Yuko was of course interested in a discourse of the tenants of Aluminat theology. As a priest, when a person asks you to do your job and you don't have to back them surreptitiously into a corner or ambush them at the dinner table with a question that will profoundly stump them and give you adequate time to illuminate them on the dispensation of certain antiquities, Father Collins was more than willing to hand her his card and plan for a special time to discuss this topic.

Father Collins went to his corner and began a most laborious search of
the ocean charts, manifests and ledgers to form a complete picture of the lucrative smuggling operations inside Newhaven. Newspapers, gossip columns and recalling the bits of news and whatnot he learned on his visits to his parishioners. They were always full of interesting stories and rumors. He acquired two names; a leathery sea captain of the ship Cerberus named Morgan Black, and a group known as the Northstars led by a gnome called Waldo. He also found the Constabulary had been laughably unsuccessful in their own investigations into the flow if illicit booty into Newhaven's harbor. From my experience, a few extra pounds have a way of deafening ears and blinding certain men.

While Father Collins was thus occupied, Yuko went in search of Sylkas to learn of there was any resources that might help her in her academic investigations. Gaining a somewhat helpful reply and a warning. (This is because librarians, after extended periods of time sniffing old paper, fidgeting over broken bindings and shuffling around mumbling to themselves, develop a certain nose for danger. Words form sentences. Sentences form ideas. Ideas form men, and that can be very dangerous. One must move cautiously around ideas, or they are liable to get inside your head and start causing all kinds of problems). Yuko went to find Lindion who was perusing her own designs on the impressionable young Yuko. She had actually prepared a speech. I found it lying about, so I tucked it here for our mutual amusement;

“Think back to your mentors who first showed you how to use your weapons. They taught you and told you to practice every day and that if you didn’t the wild would calm you. You would be lost to them forever. I wish to train you in a new weapon. One which people are born with, but few know and even less master it. When, for there are no if’s when you seek to succeed. When you wield this new weapon, you can strike at the heart and mind bypassing the physical body. This weapon can build or destroy kingdoms. I believe it was this very weapon the Forever Empress used to divide our kingdoms. But it can also be used to unite them. It has been said that knowledge holds power and that the tongue can break the spirit. When these two are one, and you know how to use them properly. Then all the rules of Newhaven and other regions could not hold you back. It is knowing to whom you speak, and how to speak to them. Knowledge of your opponent is key in both war and peace. In words I will instruct you, in action I will guide you. But in mastery of this weapon, you must practice surviving. The weapon is knowing the people, not just currently but what made them from the beginning. Ambassador Dendrar, do you wish to master the hearts and minds of the people?” 

“Let us use Mr. Belabrante, I am sure he would not mind. I would like you to suggest to him that it would be advantageous for both you and him that he come to the Bridgerton party accompanied by a lady. And that you believe it should be Lady Mavienness, with whom he should go.”

It was almost poetic. Of course, Yuko agreed to this course of action. The brazen suggestion to manipulate the ambassador into acting as a confidant resulted in a such a spectacular turn of events it actually brings a smile to my face. You might assume that Lady Mavienness had some romantic notion in her actions. I suspect it was more ambitious, making the unintended result truly comical. For no sooner had Yuko gleaned what information she came for (she had discovered a strange tome of some magical significance, the volume titled the Holy Pilgrimage and contained a once perilous journey by a fairly pious person who endeavored to traverse and collect lore regarding the old sacred sites of the old faith) that she returned to the homes of Arthur Belabrante and confided in him that Lady Mavienness had actual feelings for him and recited Lady Mavienness' wish to be his partner at the ball!

It should be noted the author had to step away, for the fits of laughter had grown so uncontrollable that he had collapsed and had to be revived shortly thereafter by myself.

Stop that, Winston. What did I say about dictating? 

To never touch the pen, sir.

Precisely. And yet...you touched it again.

It tickles, sir. 

Scratch this part from the record.

House Bridgerton

Now we reach the part you have breathlessly waited for. The wrought iron fence loomed up like a row of spears, ridged in the white marble half wall which surrounded the elegant and fertile gardens. Hedges, old trees and dark grey gravel paths formed a labyrinth, broken only by the large fountain and drive which was now filled with carriages which glistened like black glass. Yellow lamps and bronze braziers illuminated the night with a roaring glow. The main house was stately, elegant and trimmed with marble, plaster and black trim. Bronze glistened from various places, flashing sporadically as the light caught it.

From Gibsons fall catalogue

As each carriage rolled across the cobbles, depositing some auspicious couple to the curb, one hansom arrived bedecked in a red and crimson dress which slipped just off the shoulders into a cascade of tucks and folds. Her hair was pulled up from her neck, teased so as to look loose and fanciful. She wore silver jewelry so as to match the silver sewn into the hem and lace of her dress. Despite being almost 70, she didn't look half bad. She mounted the steps carefully, her eyes searching for her escort. He was to be found just exiting the main doors, his dark suit shimmering ever so slightly in the yellow glow. She took his extended arm, careful to place the right amount of pressure so as to keep her own balance. Maids and doormen approached, helping them shrug off their cloaks, hats and canes. As they turned towards the elegant hall, Arthur Belabrante leaned close and whispered, "Are you ready?" Of course, Lindion Mavienness could face anything the bourgeoisie could hand out, even if it was on gold platters.

Entering the ballroom, Lindion surveyed the wealth, power and nobility collected in this room. She almost didn't notice Mary sulkily trailing in behind them. She saw many notable houses represented and some she did not yet know. She saw Lady Vyse and Thomas Thompson moving around the room together. The former was wearing a rich reddish-brown dress, accentuated with cream cloth and lace, embroidered in gold. The latter was wearing a poorly fit suit which he was realizing was tailored for a man slightly taller and bigger. 

Fashioned by the venerable Ladybird

Featured in Lords & Ladies

Arriving just behind them was more familiar faces. Yuko walking proudly in a brightly colored silk gown, styled like that of the North, with peacock feathers, gold filigree and pictures of dragons and ancient birds woven together in golden boughs, shining on a field of royal blue. Telmage looked no less decadent as beamed in his usually annoying manner. The last to arrive behind them was a man dressed in a white suit, wearing a pink flower in his lapel and bearing a magnificent cane. The wild curl in his hair, the easy swagger in how he moved, and the athletic build would have made him easily recognizable in Newhaven's athletic circles as the cricketer, Raymond Lamb.

Raymond Lamb

As nobles mingled and laughed with the snootiest of laughter, two doormen approached and announced the arrival of the royal family. Strangely, this possibility did not cross the mind of Lindion that her grandmother and distant kin would be in attendance of such a prestigious affair. Perhaps it was because she was far too busy being worried about other people's affairs. The royals entered and precession formed. This was, in high circles, the chance for a lady or gentleman to announce themselves to the world. This was for the elites, a means of coming of age. Those who had already spent the better part of their life getting to this spot, it was a means of going further. First impressions were key, and the noble blessing or curse would haunt you forever. And so, each member of its noble family approached with all the etiquette and grace drilled into them for years and hoped they would not faulter. I supposed I could relate how each one bowed, curtsied, held one's chin and clenched one's buttock to make the right effect. But I shall contain this with the performance of each of our titular characters.

Lindion approached alongside Arthur. Lindion understood the gravity of such a situation. It was not a simple matter to approach the monarchy, much less her own flesh and blood. What she did next would reflect on not only her, but them as well. As she swept up before the baleful eye of her grandmama, she gave a slight twist of her hips, so the frame of the dress would pull her short train and spread it around her in an even manner. Thus centered, she dipped her body down so that her body appears almost prostrate before her family. This was not only a sign of great respect, but something altogether not done in high society. She might have noted the expressions and whispered words of awe save for the pounding of her own heart in her ears. As she slowly, perfectly rose to standing position again, she thought she saw a fleeting bit of admiration in her grandmother's impervious gaze. Whispering a few words in Eldren and Teran, she stepped lightly to one side and bowed to a woman who she remembered from her childhood. Her mother's sister, Genevieve was a mysterious figure in the childhood memories of Lindion. As Lindion attempted to mount the same feat a second time, Genevieve extended a hand and smiled. Also, something not done except to show the highest honors to another nobleman, Lindion took the outstretched hand and signed a few words to her aunt and quickly moved away, relying a bit more on Arthur's arm then before.

Aunt Genevieve

Next to approach was Lady Vyse and Thomas Thompson. This was the earliest highlight as Lady Vyse made her best effort to impress, the clasp on her rather ponderous necklace broke, sending the article in question squirreling down the bosom of her dress. She of course immediately reached down into her dress to retrieve it. Right in front of dozens of people. The only saving grace of such a scandalous act was Lady Vyse's reputation, as she gave a quaint laugh and pretended to be embarrassed. She felt a hand on her waist and turning, noted the rather dashing young Raymond Lamb. It was a bit of an awkward exchange, Lady Vyse assuming some other meaning behind this brazen act, when Raymond had merely attempted to aid her in the midst of her wardrobe malfunction. They soon settled the matter and Lady Vyse made the mistake of asking what Raymond did for a living, a subject he was more then willing to share in detail if necessary. Thomas had followed up behind Lady Vyse and had made the normal gestures, but realized that this whole situation was a little too big for him. Namely, the suit Mayflower had lent him. Thomas successfully passed it off as some kind of whimsical fancy.

Last in our collage of characters, Yuko and Telmage approached. This was sensational for all the obvious reasons. How would a northerner, dressed in the garb of her people, the sworn enemy of the very people she was to bow before, fair under the gaze of the Lorieths? She approached, and with a dizzying amount of pois, grace and innocence, and energy endeared the royals of Newhaven who had heard everything about this strange woman from the barbarian wastelands. This was not just a sophisticated but enchanting woman of superior breeding. Though she greatly outshone Telmage, his presence only helped cement the stories that had been circulating about her. As Yuko rose, made eye contact and smiled as if by a single look the bloodshed and barbarism had been swept away, the musicians lept to the aid of everyone holding their breath and began a stirring waltz. Couples partnered up, prospective suitors went in search of their Mary and the whole of the ball began.