France

Realms of the Haunting contains various references to France and French culture, which we shall hereby elaborate on.

Claude Florentine

One of the main characters of the game, Claude Florentine, was born in the year 1264 in Lyon, a city located in the central East of France.

French Magician

The French Magician is a person that Florentine mentions in one of his Journal entries, dated March 15, 1330. Herein, he refers to a fragmentary manuscript which he has had sent to his York Library from France, apparently part of a larger written work and detailing the Tower expeditions of a French magician from the 13th century. Following is the excerpt that Florentine quotes in his Journal:

“

At first the dark and within; I heard the fetid laughter of the souls of the Ire. It came at once upon me like a storm charged with rage and gibberous song; hypnotising and calling for sweet perdition. I ran for I knew the tales of this forgotten place. I ran and stumbled upon the cracked pave of the Tower but it was always there, here and beyond, there and always, its face looming from the shadowy depths. From whence and where did this thing come? I knew as I fell upon the cold stone, the face of death smiling down...

”

French Dermatologists

One of the News Cuttings on the notice board in the cell where Adam is held prisoner by Belial, relates the mysterious vanishing of three French dermatology surgeons from their respective hospital practices in Lyon, Vitry-le-François and Bonn. They are of noted reputation and specialized in dermatology, which could be subtle reference to the gloves that are made from the skin of those whose hands have been branded and used by Belial so is able to touch the Shrive. Alternatively, these missing physicians may have been obducted by Florentine's order as new sacrifices for the One Power.

Magnifying Glass

The Magnifying Glass that we pick up inside Florentine's ancient Cottage appears to be of French origin.

“

Adam: This's exquisite. Look at the work around the glass. Rebecca: I'd say it was French, if it wasn't for the peculiar design.

”

Telescopes

The Telescopes, placed in a great number in front of the star chamber in Florentine's Observatory, appear to be of French origin.

“

Adam: 1779. Fleur and Maison. Rebecca: French. Adam: Mademoiselle. You really amaze me sometimes.

”

Normans

Inside the Mausoleum and in the Lady Chapel of St. Michael's, we come across various Knight Statues, apparently made of stone and dating back to the Norman period.

“

Adam: Knight or some soldier. Definitely Norman period though. Rebecca: You aren't the idiot I first took you for, are you?

”

Historically, the Normans were descendants of Norse raiders and pirates who in the 10th and 11th centuries gave their name to Normandy, a region in France. The Norman dynasty had a major political, cultural and military impact on medieval Europe and even the Near East. The Normans were famed for their martial spirit and eventually for their Christian piety, becoming exponents of the Catholic orthodoxy into which they assimilated. They adopted the Gallo-Romance language of the Frankish land they settled, their dialect becoming known as Norman, Normaund or Norman French, an important literary language. The Normans are noted both for their culture, such as their unique Romanesque architecture and musical traditions, and for their significant military accomplishments and innovations. Norman adventurers founded the Kingdom of Sicily under Roger II after conquering southern Italy from the Saracens and Byzantines. An expedition on behalf of their duke, William the Conqueror, led to the Norman conquest of England at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

References