Uncover the secrets of mudge: the rare substance linking London and Guardian City, shaping history, trade, and time itself.
When you think of the River Thames, iconic landmarks and historic tales might come to mind. But beneath its murky waters lies something far more extraordinary: mudge, the rare and enigmatic substance that connects two worlds. Found only in the Thames, mudge is at the heart of trade and communication between London and Guardian City.
Let’s dive into its fascinating story and the ingenious ways it’s extracted and used.
What is mudge?
Mudge is no ordinary material. Invisible to the naked eye unless clumped together, it appears as the blackest black, absorbing all light except a faint glimmer from a distant star called Procul. Guardian City scientists believe it is a fundamental particle of time distortion, making it essential for keeping London and Guardian City synchronized.
Its rarity and value make mudge a prized commodity. Only licensed traders and government officials are allowed to buy or sell it legally, although a thriving underground market has sprung up. In fact, the term “black market” is said to originate from the secretive trade.
A brief history
The story of mudge stretches back to the 1660s, a time of scientific discovery and societal paranoia. Amid fears of subversive elements, Isaac Newton took a scientific approach to investigate reports of individuals with unusual abilities. He discovered that these individuals, later known as the Braccan, carried mudge in their bodies, subtly altering their relationship with time.
Newton devised a groundbreaking plan to harness the power of mudge:
- Sift: Extract mudge from the Thames.
- Rift: Separate Bracca into a different timeline.
- Drift: Regulate mudge levels to maintain alignment between the two timelines.
In 1666, Newton built the first mudge-extraction device, the Sift, near St Paul’s Cathedral. By removing mudge from the river, he successfully shifted the Braccan to the alternate timeline, laying the foundation for the modern connection between London and Guardian City.
Why is mudge extracted?
Mudge plays a vital role in maintaining the Drift, the delicate balance that keeps London and Guardian City aligned. This connection, governed by a portal known as the Quarrel, enables trade, communication, and safe interaction between the timelines.
Other key uses include:
- Powering Newton Caps: Devices that allow visitors to safely navigate the alternate timeline.
- Scientific exploration: Unlocking the secrets of Guardian City and the nature of time distortion.
- Trade and wealth: As a valuable resource, mudge is carefully regulated and stored, akin to gold.
How is mudge extracted?
Extracting the particle is no small feat. Over the centuries, various methods have been developed to harvest this precious substance:
1. Newton’s Steam-Powered Sift
Located beneath the Thames near St Paul’s Cathedral in London, this historical device was the first to extract mudge. It collects “cross-patched” mudge, which exists simultaneously in both timelines but is not suitable for practical use. By extracting mudge from the Thames, London and Guardian City stay in temporal sync.
2. The Rivet Water Works
This modern facility in Guardian City’s eastern district specialises in extracting usable mudge for essential applications, particularly powering Newton Caps. It is in the east of the Thames and is the last resort. Aka, the Beckton Water Works in London.
3. Bo Regis’s watermill
A more ceremonial method near the Blue Docks, this traditional mill operates under the authority of the Martial Protector of the Mother River Bo Regis. While symbolic, it still contributes to mudge collection. Bo Regis, Scion of Whales, has a very rare ability to exist in two timelines at once, due to the profusion of mudge in his system. He has other privileges too, including the ability to extract the substance without interference.
4. Mudge panning
For adventurous prospectors, mudge panning offers a legal, gruelling and thrilling way to find the substance. All finds must be sold to the Mudge Licensing Authority, though some take the risk of selling on the black market for higher profits. Very little mudge is found this way but many people give it a try, because of the potential of striking it rich.
The future
As the lifeblood of the Quarrel, mudge continues to play a pivotal role in the relationship between London and Guardian City. From its mysterious properties to the ingenious methods of extraction, mudge’s story is a testament to human curiosity and innovation.
Whether you’re a scientist, a trader, or simply a curious mind, the allure of the black stuff is impossible to ignore. Next time you gaze at the Thames, remember: beneath its surface lies the key to two worlds.