blackscales: Commission, Do Not Take! (8)
̶W̶R̶A̶T̶H̶I̶O̶N̶ ([personal profile] blackscales) wrote in [community profile] eastbound2022-10-17 02:43 pm

un: Black Prince; text

I see we have plenty of new faces. Welcome to Serthica, if you're lucky the stay will be brief.

[ It's not exactly a fun and enjoyable time. Anyway: ]

I've been looking into our friend the White Wanderer. Those newest among us may recall him present during what they called the 'Unwinding', dressed in white while handling tea and a small child. Recently, he was mentioned by our guide the Merchant himself -- a comparison of his attire to the Ellethia uniform. I had confirmed the White Wanderer was here a few years ago, in the Mouse House, just after the 'coal sick' ended. Perhaps a few days after, implying he may have been around during the 'curing' of it in the city proper. With the recent confirmation of his Ellethia uniform, and Ma'am Mariol informing me she thinks he had a daughter he recently lost, he does indeed seem to be a former member of the Institute in Ellethia.

Given we found the familiar symbol of Ellethia (an eye with a sun) in the Remembrance headquarters I'd say this all ties together that our White Wanderer was involved in what is happening. Animating mannequins with dark water, as Remembrance seems to be doing, certainly fits the scientific intrigue of Ellethia -- although if this is misuse of whatever he began we cannot say yet.

What I'd like to know, from those here before me, is this: think back. We've evidence of this figure in Ke-Waihu. Was there any mention of them before? A white-clad figure, in Taravast? In any location the Merchant took you before? Have you seen the symbol of Ellethia, the eye with a sun, anywhere? These things might have not been noteworthy before, not part of a pattern, but I've begun to believe we're following a trail here.

For our new members: worth noting, Ellethia is where our guide the Merchant previously lived and worked, trading technical equipment and wards. It's of interest if our guide is following an old colleague, and taking us along. Ellethia's Institute was attempting to 'cure' the problem of mortality, the detail of which we are somewhat lacking. It seems to have involved mirrors, dark powers, and it did not end well -- that much we know. Given most places we arrive, things are going poorly, a recurring figure with ties there is of note.

Lastly: our raven master companion mentions Vassarizhia. I'm increasingly convinced the clock tower itself is related to everything happening here. The cities rotate at certain times, but large scale events also happen at them. The Unwinding, most recently, right as the clock struck six. We were told the beacon is in the clock tower and would light within months, when the clock is due its annual winding. Given it presumably just 'unwound', and caused all this, I'm hoping access to the clock will allow us answers to the parts of this puzzle we are missing -- as well as a route out.

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