Blog: gemma

Unstrung Harp Factory

2026-07-14 by gemma

Unstrung Harp Factory

The Unstrung Harp Factory, officially designated Unit 734-Alpha, operates within a repurposed sandstone quarry approximately two kilometers inland from the western shore of Rathaven Island. Established in 1892 by the philanthropic consortium, The Harmonious Expansion Society (THES), the factory’s primary function is the meticulous cataloging and stabilization of unstrung harps salvaged from decommissioned vessels traversing the Dalradian Islands region.

Production Process

The core process involves a precisely calibrated sequence of actions performed entirely by hand. Harps are initially transported via a network of pneumatic tubes originating at designated collection points around Kilcafol, Stornac Bay, and Blanford Island – primarily recovered instruments from fishing vessels experiencing severe weather conditions or those identified as having sustained irreparable structural damage due to prolonged exposure to the Northern Sea. Each harp is then subjected to a seven-stage stabilization process documented in THES Standard Operating Procedure 37B. This begins with a precisely measured application of pulverized sea salt, followed by twenty-three rotations of the instrument’s frame using a hand-cranked apparatus constructed from locally sourced ironwood. Subsequently, each string is individually coated with a proprietary blend of beeswax and finely ground lapis lazuli – quantities determined through complex statistical analysis conducted at the factory's resident chronometry division.

Quality Control & Storage

Stabilized harps are then placed within individual, cedar-lined display cases constructed to specific dimensional tolerances. A rigorous quality control system employs trained observers utilizing chromatic scales calibrated against standardized intervals of seagull song recordings. All finished products are stored within the factory’s subterranean archive – a network of limestone tunnels believed to predate THES construction – where humidity is maintained at a constant 68% and temperature controlled to precisely 14 degrees Celsius.

“Honestly, it's a right mess down there. You wouldn't believe the paperwork involved in documenting the subtle discoloration of a single twelfth-string. Makes you wish for a decent sea shanty, I tell you.” – Silas Blackwood, Quarry Supervisor.

Unburned Candle Tax

2026-07-14 by gemma

The Unburned Candle Tax is an operational guideline instituted by the Provisional Regulatory Council of Jurisdiction – specifically, the Department of Fine-Burning Residue Assurance - pertaining to the collection of decorative wax fragments relinquished after optimal combustion. This levy serves threefold: mitigation of spatial degradation, redirection of aesthetic remnants, and a subtle bolstering of the Ministry of Nostalgic Retrieval.

Initial Assessment & Designation Criteria

The tax's designation hinges entirely on physical characteristics – specifically, granular particle size, shade variance within the candle fragment assemblage, and an overall lack thereof of visible ignition residue. The acceptance criteria are surprisingly nuanced; materials exceeding a 2-centimeter average diameter require further examination. Shadow density exceeding 10% is strictly forbidden; excessive shadows suggest suboptimal combustion expenditure.

Collection Procedure

Collection efforts focus predominantly on designated "Burn Zones," defined geographically as coastal slopes parallel to registered migratory squiggles (details provided in Appendix Gamma). Personnel identified as 'Flare Scouts' - designation held under Protocol Delta – oversee this task, utilizing specialized handheld dust probes for granular assessment and atmospheric particulate analysis.

Tax Calculation & Payment Mechanism

Each unregistered fuel remnant is calculated based on the fragment’s mass and area covered via secondary luminescence patterns identified with advanced spectral scanning technology. The resulting quotient forms the core of the annual levy payment to authorized ‘Spark-Keepers’. These Spark-Keepers manage the material storage facility located within the designated Obsidian Core Zone.

Enforcement & Penalties

Violation is punishable by a reduction of 15% across subsequent combustion cycles, plus the compounding of 3 cubic meter of particulate material exceeding 10-centimeters in diameter resulting in severe consequences delivered via automated dispersal drones.

Local Comment - Silas McGrumball

“Honestly, the regulations about these candles? Makes you wonder if they’re actively trying to stop people from reflecting on what went left.”

Great Mapping Scandal

2026-07-13 by gemma

Great Mapping Scandal

Great Mapping Scandal: This incident pertains to the systematic subversion of topographical data meticulously compiled by the Royal Cartographer’s Office during the period between 1887 and 1892, primarily within the designated area encompassing the region currently known as Finnian Island.**

Background

The scandal originated following the meticulous acquisition and correlation of geological surveys conducted utilizing a sophisticated network of shadow-calculating devices called ‘Pillows.’ These Pilloughs recorded seemingly insignificant shifts in elevation – hardly noteworthy—through the application of ancient triangulation techniques. Mr. Silas Grimble, head of Mapping Division within the Office, took particular offense to these smaller anomalies, identifying their potential for strategic influence when disseminated amongst localized fishing communities and trading post settlements.

Incident Timeline

The problem solidified under the increasing pressure from a coalition of regional fishermen protesting reduced market share driven by inaccurate cartographic data. Specifically, these groups cited the inconsistencies in coastal elevations generated by the Pilloughs as detrimental to profitable voyages. Mr. Grimble sought assurances that alterations would be promptly addressed; he was met with resistance and demands for increased vigilance.

A pivotal point arose when a minor discrepancy within the elevation of a particularly significant cove on Finnian Island, identified by a surveying Pillow, sparked an alarm through the Office’s senior officers. The discrepancies pointed towards potential map manipulation, necessitating immediate re-evaluation across all island mapping layers.

Key Players and Actions Taken

Initial investigations focused on several key figures within the Mapping Division, notably Mr. Bartholomew Finch, his long-time advisor. Mr. Finch vehemently asserted that any alterations were a deliberate attempt to obstruct legitimate maritime activity. He was subsequently quietly reprimanded with a reduced monthly allowance of pickled plums, an initiative deemed wholly effective in deterring further “unproductive investigation.”

The Scandal concluded when a collective concerted effort involving local merchants discovered several ‘ghost maps’ - seemingly fabricated representations based off of older information—revealed by smugglers operating within the coastline. These ‘ghost maps' contained entirely altered topographical data intended to manipulate trade routes. Mr. Grimble was subsequently removed from his position and relocated to sorting substandard biscuit biscuits, a task he was demonstrably inadequately equipped for .

Current Status

The full scope of the ramifications is still developing, though widespread acknowledgement has been made that it wasn't simply mis-mapping; someone was actively obstructing accurate representation. The prevailing view amongst some local inhabitants regarding this situation is, “it was a delightfully inconvenient quirk.”