This is the end - Revision history

Hailmur at 20:14, 19 July 2026

2026-07-19T20:14:19Z

Hailmur: /* Never follow me */

2026-07-19T17:30:03Z

Never follow me

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:30, 19 July 2026
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	* '''The military units who assisted her have uncovered a lair under the dominion of the Whisper Gallery below the Vicente School and Orphanage'''		* '''The military units who assisted her have uncovered a lair under the dominion of the Whisper Gallery below the Vicente School and Orphanage'''
	* '''The lair has been destroyed but the Whisper Gallery has stolen the Orphanage that was hiding it'''		* '''The lair has been destroyed but the Whisper Gallery has stolen the Orphanage that was hiding it'''
			* '''There was nobody in the Orphanage when it was stolen'''
	* '''Sung has rewarded the Map to the City Below for their efforts'''		* '''Sung has rewarded the Map to the City Below for their efforts'''
	* '''There is a pack insert for everyone who took part in the venture that contains words that might describe their experience'''		* '''There is a pack insert for everyone who took part in the venture that contains words that might describe their experience'''

Hailmur: /* Overview */

2026-07-19T14:39:21Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 19 July 2026
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	<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below.jpg\|caption='''Sofonisba Amilcara''' is somehow the map to the City Below. Exactly what that means is... well, a mystery.\|align=left\|width=350}}</div>		<div style="float:left; width: 350px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sofonisba Amilcara of the City Below.jpg\|caption='''Sofonisba Amilcara''' is somehow the map to the City Below. Exactly what that means is... well, a mystery.\|align=left\|width=350}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	The peculiar dramaturgic confluence that began in the city of Apulus more than a year ago, seems to have a reached a crescendo. Against a backdrop of running battles in the Apulus streets between [[This is the end\|strangely-coloured cats with mispaired eyes and songbirds with rainbow feathers]], a cadre of military units arrives in the city to help Sofonisba Amilcara "map the city below".		The peculiar dramaturgic confluence that began in the city of Apulus more than a year ago, seems to have reached a crescendo. Against a backdrop of running battles in the Apulus streets between [[This is the end\|strangely-coloured cats with mispaired eyes and songbirds with rainbow feathers]], a cadre of military units arrives in the city to help Sofonisba Amilcara "map the city below".

	Apparently convinced that there is not enough ~~night~~ magic running amok in the territory, someone has laid a powerful enchantment over the territory. It brings strange dreams that ~~seemed~~ to be linked to ongoing events. Many people suddenly awaken from dreams in which they were part of the ongoing war, fighting as either a cat or a bird against the enemy trying to seize control of the city.		Apparently convinced that there is not enough Night magic running amok in the territory, someone has laid a powerful enchantment over the territory. It brings strange dreams that seem to be linked to ongoing events. Many people suddenly awaken from dreams in which they were part of the ongoing war, fighting as either a cat or a bird against the enemy trying to seize control of the city.

	Despite the strangeness, most inhabitants of Spiral find sleep brings renewed optimism and vigour. The city is filled with a feverish energy, and on the lonely mountain slopes those that live there are filled with a new joy after many sorrows. Things live. This is an old place, with a history beyond imagining, and it seems impossible it could ever be abandoned, so tightly and beautifully does it command the heart of those who call it home.		Despite the strangeness, most inhabitants of Spiral find sleep brings renewed optimism and vigour. The city is filled with a feverish energy, and on the lonely mountain slopes those that live there are filled with a new joy after many sorrows. Things live. This is an old place, with a history beyond imagining, and it seems impossible it could ever be abandoned, so tightly and beautifully does it command the heart of those who call it home.

	==Talon and claw==		==Talon and claw==

Hailmur: /* Talon and claw */

2026-07-18T16:44:39Z

Talon and claw

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:44, 18 July 2026
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	* '''The birds have driven the cats out of the city'''		* '''The birds have driven the cats out of the city'''
	* '''Birdsong is now everywhere in Apulus, drowning out the emanations of the Black Plateau'''		* '''Birdsong is now everywhere in Apulus, drowning out the emanations of the Black Plateau'''
			* '''The penalty to League businesses from the Black Plateau will be drowned out for a season after the Summer Solstice'''
	As the season wears on, the war for dominion in Apulus intensifies with open fighting on the streets between the two rivals gangs. The first major battle takes place on Mulberry Avenue; a large flock of common blackbirds are deployed to the area, but as soon as they alight on the walls and rooftops, they are set upon by a force of cats that are lying in wait for them. Like soldiers under [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]], the cats are able to strike with perfect coordination, taking the enemy by surprise, killing two and driving the rest away. Days later a group of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightjar nightjars] are attacked in the same way on Bleeker Street with similar results.		As the season wears on, the war for dominion in Apulus intensifies with open fighting on the streets between the two rivals gangs. The first major battle takes place on Mulberry Avenue; a large flock of common blackbirds are deployed to the area, but as soon as they alight on the walls and rooftops, they are set upon by a force of cats that are lying in wait for them. Like soldiers under [[Clarity of the Master Strategist]], the cats are able to strike with perfect coordination, taking the enemy by surprise, killing two and driving the rest away. Days later a group of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nightjar nightjars] are attacked in the same way on Bleeker Street with similar results.

	Despite this, it soon becomes clear that the cats are ''not'' winning. Eventually the birds are able to arrange an ambush of their own. A group of cats surround a tiny thrush that appears to have recklessly alighted on a branch on the old yew tree outside the Lone Reveller, a well-regarded eatery on the city's central plaza. Cats converge on the bird from every side-street, but as they do a huge flock of birds of prey plummet from the sky. Amber hawks lancing down to the streets below, plummeting kites with beautiful argent feathers, diving merlins whose feathers bear the rune of wealth.		Despite this, it soon becomes clear that the cats are ''not'' winning. Eventually, the birds are able to arrange an ambush of their own. A group of cats surround a tiny thrush that appears to have recklessly alighted on a branch on the old yew tree outside the Lone Reveller, a well-regarded eatery on the city's central plaza. Cats converge on the bird from every side-street, but as they do a huge flock of birds of prey plummet from the sky. Amber hawks lancing down to the streets below, plummeting kites with beautiful argent feathers, diving merlins whose feathers bear the rune of wealth.

	A battle royale takes place all across the plaza, but the cats are badly outnumbered and outmatched and they are routed in short order. From that point on, no cat is seen in the plaza, thereafter it is the secure demesne of beautiful songbirds. The pattern repeats all across the city and soon the cats are in full retreat. In dribs and drabs they flee the city, seeking refuge in the citadels and spires that still dot the hills and mountains of the territory. By the end of the season, there is not a single cat of any kind left in Apulus.		A battle royale takes place all across the plaza, but the cats are badly outnumbered and outmatched and they are routed in short order. From that point on, no cat is seen in the plaza, thereafter it is the secure demesne of beautiful songbirds. The pattern repeats all across the city and soon the cats are in full retreat. In dribs and drabs they flee the city, seeking refuge in the citadels and spires that still dot the hills and mountains of the territory. By the end of the season, there is not a single cat of any kind left in Apulus.

Thespaceinvader: /* Talon and claw */

2026-07-17T21:10:21Z

Talon and claw

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:10, 17 July 2026
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	In their place, the city is filled with birds of every kind and colour imaginable. Most are flighty and wary of people, but the smaller ones come close if fed with seed. Their birdsong fills the city, countless beautiful songs, each one different to the last, are now audible on every street and avenue in the city. Those whose cats have fled mourn the loss of their pets, but the presence of the birds is so beneficial it is hard to be entirely disgruntled. Somehow, the birdsong it entirely drowns out the constant malevolence coming from the Black Plateau, leaving the city well-protected and serene.		In their place, the city is filled with birds of every kind and colour imaginable. Most are flighty and wary of people, but the smaller ones come close if fed with seed. Their birdsong fills the city, countless beautiful songs, each one different to the last, are now audible on every street and avenue in the city. Those whose cats have fled mourn the loss of their pets, but the presence of the birds is so beneficial it is hard to be entirely disgruntled. Somehow, the birdsong it entirely drowns out the constant malevolence coming from the Black Plateau, leaving the city well-protected and serene.

	The strangely coloured cats with the mispaired eyes have not quit the territory entirely. Every Urizeni spire, every Urizeni magician, has been approached by at least one of the odd cats, seeking adoption and shared cohabitation. Negotiations are opened with offers of dead mice, and the promise of a study completely free of flies and other insects. Despite the obvious concerns, all magical investigation reveals that while the cats are unusually clever and conspiratorial, and clearly touched by night magic, they are not otherwise marked by any connection to the realm or any one of ~~it's~~ inhabitants. Any Urizeni magician who wishes, now has at least one cat whose fur is a single primary color, like a bright red or a deep green, with mispaired eyes. The cats are hard working, keeping spires clear of insects and vermin and they are all highly companionable. They clearly welcome human company and like to snuggle close when people are talking or otherwise engaged.		The strangely coloured cats with the mispaired eyes have not quit the territory entirely. Every Urizeni spire, every Urizeni magician, has been approached by at least one of the odd cats, seeking adoption and shared cohabitation. Negotiations are opened with offers of dead mice, and the promise of a study completely free of flies and other insects. Despite the obvious concerns, all magical investigation reveals that while the cats are unusually clever and conspiratorial, and clearly touched by night magic, they are not otherwise marked by any connection to the realm or any one of its inhabitants. Any Urizeni magician who wishes, now has at least one cat whose fur is a single primary color, like a bright red or a deep green, with mispaired eyes. The cats are hard working, keeping spires clear of insects and vermin and they are all highly companionable. They clearly welcome human company and like to snuggle close when people are talking or otherwise engaged.

	==Never follow me==		==Never follow me==

Dre: /* Never follow me */

2026-07-17T20:00:21Z

Never follow me

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:00, 17 July 2026
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	<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sung001b.JPG\|width=350\|align=right}}		<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Sung001b.JPG\|width=350\|align=right}}
	{{HoverImage\|WhisperGal004.png\|width=350\|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>		{{HoverImage\|WhisperGal004.png\|width=350\|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>
	At the request of the [[Sung\|Rainbow Serpent]], Sofonisba Amilcara - the magician the League Assembly has appointed to become the "Map to the City Below" - successfully arranged just under forty five military units to support their efforts to explore the the sewers and passageways that lie beneath the old city. Fears that the [[Whisper Gallery]] would ~~found~~ a way to hinder their efforts have proved unfounded and the force was more than enough to achieve the eternal's goals, whatever they might be. They haven't actually managed to produce a physical map that anyone can check - in fact many of the military units ~~don~~'t actually seem to do anything other than spend long nights in deep slumber - but that's fine because there was already a perfectly practical map of the sewers anyway. And yet, and yet..		At the request of the [[Sung\|Rainbow Serpent]], Sofonisba Amilcara - the magician the League Assembly has appointed to become the "Map to the City Below" - successfully arranged just under forty five military units to support their efforts to explore the the sewers and passageways that lie beneath the old city. Fears that the [[Whisper Gallery]] would find a way to hinder their efforts have proved unfounded and the force was more than enough to achieve the eternal's goals, whatever they might be. They haven't actually managed to produce a physical map that anyone can check - in fact many of the military units didn't actually seem to do anything other than spend long nights in deep slumber - but that's fine because there was already a perfectly practical map of the sewers anyway. And yet, and yet..

	There were revelations at the recent summit of a terrible conspiracy at the heart of the Empire. A cult of the Whisper Gallery has been exposed: involving not only the duSesna Guild of Reckoners in Apulus, but, it is said, the ''very'' highest levels of the Conclave itself. A web of lies and deceit has been spun that has left many wondering who they can truly trust. Thus, it is not a complete shock, when Sofonisba and her allies report that they have discovered a lair of the Whisper Gallery here in Apulus.		There were revelations at the recent summit of a terrible conspiracy at the heart of the Empire. A cult of the Whisper Gallery has been exposed: involving not only the duSesna Guild of Reckoners in Apulus, but, it is said, the ''very'' highest levels of the Conclave itself. A web of lies and deceit has been spun that has left many wondering who they can truly trust. Thus, it is not a complete shock, when Sofonisba and her allies report that they have discovered a lair of the Whisper Gallery here in Apulus.

Twiggy: /* Take a chance with us */

2026-07-17T18:02:24Z

Take a chance with us

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:02, 17 July 2026
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	<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Cost:''' ~~Materials:~~ 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 rings of ilium, and 60 crowns</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 rings of ilium, and 60 crowns</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Delectable Refectory would need to be ceded to Sadogua</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Special:''' The Delectable Refectory would need to be ceded to Sadogua</td></tr>
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	<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Commission Type:''' Edifice</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Location:''' Apulus, Spiral</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Cost:''' ~~Materials:~~ 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 weirwood, 10 rings of ilium, and 90 crowns</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Cost:''' 10 wains of mithril, 10 wains of white granite, 10 weirwood, 10 rings of ilium, and 90 crowns</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Time:''' 1 season</td></tr>
	<tr><td>'''Special:''' The edifice would need to be ceded to Azoth</td></tr>		<tr><td>'''Special:''' The edifice would need to be ceded to Azoth</td></tr>

Twiggy at 17:56, 17 July 2026

2026-07-17T17:56:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:56, 17 July 2026
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	'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "-- you know I heard the Barossa priest is to defend Bela Vicente. Rumour speaks, companions mine, that he does so out of an obligation we created - how exceptionally droll."		'''EMERALD VOICE:''' "-- you know I heard the Barossa priest is to defend Bela Vicente. Rumour speaks, companions mine, that he does so out of an obligation we created - how exceptionally droll."

	'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "Ah, Asav. Pleasant, this time of year. Now there's a place that appreciates the value of intrigue. Not like these ~~Catazzari~~ secret-murderers, addicted to truth's dishonesty."		'''SAPPHIRE VOICE:''' "Ah, Asav. Pleasant, this time of year. Now there's a place that appreciates the value of intrigue. Not like these Catazarri secret-murderers, addicted to truth's dishonesty."

	'''TOPAZ VOICE:''' "Or Jarm. Our friends in the Violet Forest have been saying we have been neglecting them. Though they keep busy anyway, I hear. There's always a way where there's a will."		'''TOPAZ VOICE:''' "Or Jarm. Our friends in the Violet Forest have been saying we have been neglecting them. Though they keep busy anyway, I hear. There's always a way where there's a will."
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	The Azoth has let it be known that it, too, would like a home in the city of night. They envisage a Grand Laboratory that is attached to the growing University of Apulus, though to what end is unclear. As such, they propose that in lieu of actual plans, a suitable quantity of building materials could be acquired first. Then, once they had been arranged, ''Makeready'' would provide the builders and craftspersons with several dozen of its finest alchemical concoctions. After that, they could be encouraged to "just sort of make what comes to mind - no wrong answers!", as one herald put it. Such an... unconventional... approach would be ''guaranteed'' to produce something original and creative. Whether that is an entirely good idea is open to criticism, as one Holberg professor of civil engineering dryly comments "You can overrate the value of originality when suspending three tons of roofing tiles over someone's head".		The Azoth has let it be known that it, too, would like a home in the city of night. They envisage a Grand Laboratory that is attached to the growing University of Apulus, though to what end is unclear. As such, they propose that in lieu of actual plans, a suitable quantity of building materials could be acquired first. Then, once they had been arranged, ''Makeready'' would provide the builders and craftspersons with several dozen of its finest alchemical concoctions. After that, they could be encouraged to "just sort of make what comes to mind - no wrong answers!", as one herald put it. Such an... unconventional... approach would be ''guaranteed'' to produce something original and creative. Whether that is an entirely good idea is open to criticism, as one Holberg professor of civil engineering dryly comments "You can overrate the value of originality when suspending three tons of roofing tiles over someone's head".

	Either, or both, of these edifices could be constructed and ceded so long as the [[Conclave]] does not declare its enmity on either Eternal. Experienced magicians caution that doing so is bound to provide some benefits to the city, but will inevitably attract even more attention from the other night eternals. [[Lashonar]] and [[Janon]] are both under ~~emnity~~ at the moment, preventing their heralds from ''appearing'' in Spiral, even despite the enchantment over the territory, but there are murmurings that they share the desire of their fellow wyrms and serpents to engage.		Either, or both, of these edifices could be constructed and ceded so long as the [[Conclave]] does not declare its enmity on either Eternal. Experienced magicians caution that doing so is bound to provide some benefits to the city, but will inevitably attract even more attention from the other night eternals. [[Lashonar]] and [[Janon]] are both under enmity at the moment, preventing their heralds from ''appearing'' in Spiral, even despite the enchantment over the territory, but there are murmurings that they share the desire of their fellow wyrms and serpents to engage.

	There are clear risks in ceding anything to an eternal of course, not least what happens if the Empire decides to change its mind. However the heralds attending the [[Map_to_the_City_Below\|Chamber of Euphony]] claim that ''Spiral Dancer'' has enfolded her wings around Apulus, protecting its mysteries and its occupants from harm. Now that the battle for Apulus is won, other night eternals seeking a foothold in the city would be bound to acknowledge Sung's ascendency. The protection provided by the ''Rainbow Serpent'' is something of a double-edged sword - it preserves mysteries, making it literally impossible for Sadogua or Azoth to know what the edifices they propose might ultimately do, but it severely restricts the ability of any eternal to act with genuine malice or deceit. It is not impossible that an eternal could circumvent such protection, Sung is not all knowing and is as prone to error as any mortal, but it would make it vastly more difficult.		There are clear risks in ceding anything to an eternal of course, not least what happens if the Empire decides to change its mind. However the heralds attending the [[Map_to_the_City_Below\|Chamber of Euphony]] claim that ''Spiral Dancer'' has enfolded her wings around Apulus, protecting its mysteries and its occupants from harm. Now that the battle for Apulus is won, other night eternals seeking a foothold in the city would be bound to acknowledge Sung's ascendency. The protection provided by the ''Rainbow Serpent'' is something of a double-edged sword - it preserves mysteries, making it literally impossible for Sadogua or Azoth to know what the edifices they propose might ultimately do, but it severely restricts the ability of any eternal to act with genuine malice or deceit. It is not impossible that an eternal could circumvent such protection, Sung is not all knowing and is as prone to error as any mortal, but it would make it vastly more difficult.

Thespaceinvader: /* The moment prepared for */

2026-07-17T17:47:38Z

The moment prepared for

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:47, 17 July 2026
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	It is not clear what caused the confluence, or what it ended it for that matter. It is easy to imagine that it was the Whisper Gallery, too easy in the minds of many dramaturgists, who are convinced that the tale cannot be that simple. Dramaturgy has certain resonances that lend itself to the Whisper Gallery's games, but it is not solely the province of Night, after all.		It is not clear what caused the confluence, or what it ended it for that matter. It is easy to imagine that it was the Whisper Gallery, too easy in the minds of many dramaturgists, who are convinced that the tale cannot be that simple. Dramaturgy has certain resonances that lend itself to the Whisper Gallery's games, but it is not solely the province of Night, after all.

	Once the Barossa University of the Dramaturgical Arts is complete, they will be in a position to investigate dramaturgical magic more thoroughly. If they can examine the personae, thrones and instruments, and any lingering effects of the confluence, this might ~~given~~ insight into what happened in Apulus. Even if it doesn't, it will certainly leave the Empire much better prepared were ''another'' confluence to form which would be useful given how eager eternals appear to have been to take advantage of this one.		Once the Barossa University of the Dramaturgical Arts is complete, they will be in a position to investigate dramaturgical magic more thoroughly. If they can examine the personae, thrones and instruments, and any lingering effects of the confluence, this might give insight into what happened in Apulus. Even if it doesn't, it will certainly leave the Empire much better prepared were ''another'' confluence to form which would be useful given how eager eternals appear to have been to take advantage of this one.

Thespaceinvader: /* The moment prepared for */

2026-07-17T17:47:17Z

The moment prepared for

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:47, 17 July 2026
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	<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Seductive and Mysterious.jpg\|caption=Dramaturgy is at once bold and obvious, but also subtle and enigmatic. A play is an easy thing to understand, but its effect on the mind and the spirit not quite so straightforward.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>		<div style="float:right; width: 400px; clear: right;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=Seductive and Mysterious.jpg\|caption=Dramaturgy is at once bold and obvious, but also subtle and enigmatic. A play is an easy thing to understand, but its effect on the mind and the spirit not quite so straightforward.\|align=left\|width=400}}</div>
	* '''The dramaturgical confluence has largely ceased, though its cause and nature remain an elusive mystery'''		* '''The dramaturgical confluence has largely ceased, though its cause and nature remain an elusive mystery'''
	The dramaturgical confluence that began with the streets of Apulus beginning to stretch and tangle seems to have finally ended. Dramaturgists report that the personae and the thrones seem to be behaving more normally, at least for now. To the disappointment of some, the streets of Apulus seem to have largely settled down. Things are finally where they should be. Good news for accountants who are late for important meetings to go through the books with a client, bad news for cicisbeo who discover they can no longer cram a ~~weeks~~ entertainment into a single night.		The dramaturgical confluence that began with the streets of Apulus beginning to stretch and tangle seems to have finally ended. Dramaturgists report that the personae and the thrones seem to be behaving more normally, at least for now. To the disappointment of some, the streets of Apulus seem to have largely settled down. Things are finally where they should be. Good news for accountants who are late for important meetings to go through the books with a client, bad news for cicisbeo who discover they can no longer cram a week's entertainment into a single night.

	Not everything is back ''exactly'' the way it was. There is a back-alley off Metals Street just behind Lorazo's Smithy that is barely fifty yards long but it still emerges on Bleeker Street despite the fact that Bleeker Street is almost a mile away. There is a bookdealers in Three Corpse Culvert called Newcomers's Books which has five complete floors to it, as well as a basement, despite being housed in a single story building. There is a statue of Salt Lord Kaliact on the dockfront which slowly changes position, but only when someone is looking at it: otherwise, it is perfectly still. For the large part, these magics are muted and minor, at least compared with the torrent that swept the city when the confluence was in effect.		Not everything is back ''exactly'' the way it was. There is a back-alley off Metals Street just behind Lorazo's Smithy that is barely fifty yards long but it still emerges on Bleeker Street despite the fact that Bleeker Street is almost a mile away. There is a bookdealers in Three Corpse Culvert called Newcomers's Books which has five complete floors to it, as well as a basement, despite being housed in a single story building. There is a statue of Salt Lord Kaliact on the dockfront which slowly changes position, but only when someone is looking at it: otherwise, it is perfectly still. For the large part, these magics are muted and minor, at least compared with the torrent that swept the city when the confluence was in effect.