Chapter 1: Automata

Dear Esca'ele,

Joy, curiosity and impatience were a few of the emotions I felt when I stood on Modron Way, facing the Spire. Here I would start my journey around the small wheel, visiting all the gate-towns. Millions or more Modrons started their journey, known as the Procession, by walking out of the gate behind me. Their first view outside Mechanus was the Spire with Sigil on top - although I doubt that they would appreciate the view as much as I do now. They would probably appreciate it in a totally different way - admiring the straight lines that form the Spire and the perfect circle known as the Cage.

I planned to start my travels by giving Looptoren the first directions on Modron Way in the direction of the Spire. Therefore, I had to fill out a few dozen request-forms in almost as many different offices. Unfortunately, this was to no avail, as the Council of Order denied my request. The Council of Order has three members - a representative of the town guard, a representative of the craftsmen and a representative of the temple district. It was a disappointment, but since the Council of Order is so well balanced, I did not oppose the decision. The reason for their denial was that Looptoren would disturb their beautifully ordered town.

The walls of the city of Automata form a perfect rectangle. All buildings are built in the same shining gray-red stone, and are ordered in small blocks. Each block has its own development plan. For example, in a block designated to carpenters, only carpenters with their shops and workplaces can be found. This could be handy if one wished to buy something for the lowest price - visit the neighboring shop to see how much he asks for a specific item. Unfortunately, all items or services sold are priced alike. The price-controlled market has an advantage. If you need a carpenter and find one with an overfull schedule, you can go to his neighbor and see if he has more time to help you, and it will cost you nothing extra.

One of the major questions I asked myself was why gate-towns stay on the Outlands if no external influence is used. The solution for Automata is a real mind-cracker. I mentioned the Council of Order. Well, the Council of Anarchy mirrors them. After a little research, I found out that the Council of Anarchy, situated underground, also consists of three members. Both Councils are established by and exist through hundreds of laws. However, what is legal according to one Council is illegal according to the other.

For example, the status of city building codes. The Council of Order states that everything has to be uniform - straight lines, one color, standard dimensions et cetera, which they enforce on the surface. On the other hand the Council of Anarchy states that everything has to be chaotic. Thus, hiding holes, escape routes and so on are created underground. Numerous books could be filled with these examples. The Guvners, who can be found everywhere in Automata, have probably written such books. If not, it is time they did.

A bit of speculation on my part led me to the following four possibilities for Automata. First, the current situation: the two lawful Councils keep opposing each other and break each other's laws. This causes the city to stay on the Outlands. Second, if both Councils ever come to a mutual agreement the city will be swept into Mechanus. Third, the Council of Order wipes away the Council of Anarchy. This will cause the city to be swept into Arcadia. Fourth, the Council of Anarchy wipes away the Council of Order. This will cause the city to be swept into Acheron. This is purely my own mind at work, but it is enjoyable to review one's mind when sitting by the fireplace with a good glass of wine.

I am on my way to Fortitude. I will write you again after my arrival as soon as I have time.

Erg Nieuwsgierig