Connection dependent cards give you some reward or event in exchange for or because of your level in the Connected score that you have with some group. There are several kinds of connection dependent cards.
- Training Cards These cards offer you an increase in a major Quality in exchange for lowering the value of your Connected score. (And sometimes a little something extra.)
- Conflict Cards These cards offer you a choice between two opposed factions that you are connected to. Selecting one side or the other results in a major drop in your Connected with the betrayed faction, and a slight rise with the other.
- Event Cards These cards not only provide a benefit to a major Quality but also some other rewards. (In other words, these allow you to cash in on your connection.)
- Story Cards When your Connected score with a given group rises to a high enough level, stories will open up for you. (Further cards and events within a story are given on different pages in this wiki.)
Training Cards
These cards offer you an increase in a major Quality in exchange for lowering the value of your Connected score. A higher Connected score is needed when your Quality is higher, and you receive a greater benefit. All of these cards will decrease the required Connected value in exchange for an increase in the given quality. (The value of the exchange is arguable but it is one way to use a good connection that may not be as important at any given point.)
Training Cards (Series 3)
Altars and alms-houses: the Church
Theology in London, down in the earth among the devils, is a tricky business. The Church has learnt to adapt.
Take lessons at the Curates' College
The seminary is more properly called St. Giles' Bible College. The courses on rhetoric and evangelical technique occasionally attract a more secular sort. This will improve your Persuasive.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 31]
[Unlocked with Connected: the Church 10]
Attend a church fête on the south bank of the River
The Greyfields Winery has kindly made space available, in what they playfully refer to as their 'vineyards'. Take some spending-money.
[Unlocked with 10 x Rostygold]
Attend a private lecture given by the Bishop of Southwark
The Bishop is known for his frankness, among other things. One can learn a great deal about ferocious argument from his example. The Church is very choosy about who attends, however. This will improve your Persuasive.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: the Church 20]
An unusual hat for a church official
The Acquisitive Reliquarian would like a little word.
[Unlocked with Counting the Days no more than 13]
[Unlocked when Closest To is: The Church]
[Unlocked with Spending Secrets 4]
Solving a case: ask your clerical contacts
Not the most obvious avenue to pursue… but Londoners do confide in them. Sometimes effective.
A matter of luck: it could go either way.
[Unlocked with Connected: the Church 3]
[Unlocked when Engaged in a Case: is: the Other Wax-Work, the Crooked Bridge, the Copper Thumb, the Early Grave, the Man with the Mirrors, the Starving Poet, the Honey-Sipping Detective, the Absconding Devil]
Choose Campaigner as your Profession
"There are so many things wrong in this city. So very many. Will you help us change that?" A Profession gives you a single unique item; in this case, Feckless Supporters. You may only have one Profession at a time.
[Unlocked with Connected: the Church 25]
[Unlocked when Profession: is: None]
[Unlocked when Adrift on a Sea of Misery is: Surrounded by Wretchedness]
Bandages and Dust: The Tomb-Colonies
The semi-dead of London are encouraged to leave the city… but sometimes they return. They are old and broken and terribly deadly.
Go shooting with a Sharp-eyed Gamekeeper
Before his mauling, this fellow used to shoot marsh-wolves near the observatory. He's not what he was, but he's still a crack shot. This will improve your Dangerous.
[Unlocked with Connected: The Tomb-Colonies 3]
Fence with a Veteran Sergeant of Hussars
The sergeant doesn't look like much these days, but he carries a photograph of when he was young, back in the Crimean War. He can be persuaded to unsheathe his sabre on occasion. This will improve your Dangerous.
[Unlocked with Dangerous 31]
[Unlocked with Connected: The Tomb-Colonies 3]
Spar with a Black Ribbon Duellist
Just don't ask her about the duel that ended with the hole straight through her chest. This will improve your Dangerous.
[Unlocked with Dangerous 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: The Tomb-Colonies 3]
Attend a very private lecture
The Bandaged Philosopher was hanged for his works two decades ago. Perhaps he's been forgiven, but more likely forgotten.
[Unlocked with Counting the Days no more than 13]
[Unlocked when Closest To is: Tomb-Colonists]
[Unlocked with Spending Secrets 4]
Solving a case: ask Tomb-Colonists
Generally they avoid the concerns of the living, but they might know something…This is slightly effective.
A matter of luck: the odds are strongly against you here.
[Unlocked with Connected: The Tomb-Colonies 3]
[Unlocked when Engaged in a Case: is: the Other Wax-Work, the Crooked Bridge, the Copper Thumb, the Early Grave, the Man with the Mirrors, the Starving Poet, the Honey-Sipping Detective, the Absconding Devil]
The unquiet dead
A clatter of hooves; hoarse voices raised in song. A phaeton pulls up beside you, slewing dangerously. Two bandaged figures sit hunched at the front. "Wine," the one on the left croaks. "A bottle of good wine, and you can ride with us." The other one waves an arm. "Ride. Ride!"
A matter of luck: it could go either way
[Unlocked with 1 x Broken Giant 1844]
The unquiet dead, once more
Here they are again! The guffawing tomb-sisters they call the Mercies, clattering up in their phaeton. One is smoking a pipe: a chancy proposition for a bandadged tomb-colonist. "Wine for thrills," the left-most Mercy croaks.
A matter of luck: it could go either way.
[Unlocked with Acquaintance: the Mercies 1]
[Unlocked with 1 x Broken Giant 1844]
Burning Shadows: the Devils of London
Courteous, rapacious, merciless, beguiling. The emissaries of Hell are here for one purpose: souls. Well, and also perhaps the company, the sights and a little chamber-music.
Learn a letter in one of Hell's alphabets
The devils assure you that this alphabet is one of the sorts that isn't immediately fatal.
[Unlocked with Watchful 31]
[Unlocked with Connected: Hell 3]
Attend a lecture at the Brass Embassy
Hell sponsors public events to educate Londoners on the advantages of soullessness…
Speak with a senior deviless
The subject of your discussion will be the extraction of secrets.
[Unlocked with Watchful 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: Hell 3]
A quiet chat over sherry and souls
The Infernal Sommelier has a request for you.
[Unlocked with Counting the Days no more than 13]
[Unlocked when Closest To is: Hell]
[Unlocked with Spending Secrets 4]
Solving a case: seek knowledge from your infernal contacts
Risky, unpredictable, sometimes effective. May be useful.
A matter of luck: it could go either way.
[Unlocked with Watchful 5]
[Unlocked with Connected: Hell 3]
[Unlocked with Engaged in a Case: the Other Wax-Work or the Crooked Bridge or the Copper Thumb or the Early Grave or the Man with the Mirrors or the Starving Poet or the Honey-Sipping Detective or the Absconding Devil]
Choose Trickster as your Profession
"You're trouble. No, no, sit down, don't worry, we like that. We wanted you to meet someone. Hubert, step forward." A Profession gives you a single unique item; in this case, a Loathsome Imp. You may only have one Profession at a time.
[Unlocked with An Infernal Informant 1]
[Unlocked with Connected: Hell 25]
[Unlocked with Profession: None]
By the River's Side: the Docks
Lightermen, smugglers, zailors - rough folk, and often overlooked. But they're fierce and proud and they know the river's secrets.
Brawl with street fighters
Learn Dangerous skills from hard-faced dockers with scarred knuckles and hearts of lead.
[Unlocked with Connected: The Docks 3]
Buy a round at the Rusty Tramp
" 'ere, lads, this one thinks our affections are for sale! Well, fair enough."
[Unlocked with 10 x Rostygold]
Knives forty feet above deck
Zailors stage knife-fights on the narrow metal walkways around steamer funnels. What could be more exhilarating than a desperate struggle forty feet above an unforgiving deck? This will improve your Dangerous.
[Unlocked with Dangerous 31]
[Unlocked with Connected: The Docks 3]
Choose Rat-Catcher as your profession
"Last rat-catcher I hired used to shoot man-eaters in Bengal. He went 'ome after a week." "We need someone discreet. Someone reliable. Someone no-one dares cross." A Profession gives you a single unique item; in this case, a Ratting Piece. You may only have one Profession at a time.
[Unlocked with Dangerous 20]
[Unlocked with Connected: The Docks 25]
[Unlocked with Profession: None]
Gain: 1 x Ratting Piece
You are now a Rat-Catcher.
Connected: The Docks decrease [300 cp]
Fencing lessons with a Dashing Captain
This fellow claims to have learned swordsmanship in the tomb-colonies, and a far strange land he calls the Presbyterate. This will improve your Dangerous.
[Unlocked with Dangerous 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: The Docks 3]
Solving a case: ask down by the river
The low and despised hear more than their betters know. This is moderately effective.
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
[Unlocked with Connected: The Docks 3]
[Unlocked when Engaged in a Case: is: the Other Wax-Work, the Crooked Bridge, the Copper Thumb, the Early Grave, the Man with the Mirrors, the Starving Poet, the Honey-Sipping Detective, the Absconding Devil]
Court and Cell: the Constables
The Constables protect the rich, the powerful, and the Masters. But sometimes, too, they protect the wretched poor.
Learn cutting-edge scientific techniques
It is the obligation of the modern detective to understand the latest tools of the trade. This will improve your Watchful.
[Unlocked with Watchful 31]
[Unlocked with Connected: Constables 10]
A small donation
There are any number of constabulary-supported charities and benevolent funds. A small donation will earn you a little credit with the gentlemen in blue.
[Unlocked with 10 x Rostygold]
Attend a class given by the Implacable Detective
London's foremost detective (saving perhaps yourself, of course) occasionally lectures on technique and deductive method. This will improve your Watchful.
[Unlocked with Watchful 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: Constables 15]
Solving a case: Reach out to the Constables
Who better? This is effective, but runs the risk of increasing Noise
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
[Unlocked with Engaged in a Case: the Other Wax-Work or the Crooked Bridge or the Copper Thumb or the Early Grave or the Man with the Mirrors or the Starving Poet or the Honey-Sipping Detective or the Absconding Devil]
Gunpowder and Zeal: the Revolutionaries
Some call them the dynamite faction, but they're very far from united. Socialists, anarchists, foreign agents: only their hatred of the Masters unites them.
Learn the knife, the club, the brick
Beatings and knifings are the tools of the amateur anarchist, but one has to start somewhere.
[Unlocked with Connected: Revolutionaries 3]
There are old revolutionaries and bold revolutionaries
Learn to inject a little prudence into your violence. A Veteran Anarchist will teach you.
[Unlocked with Dangerous 31]
[Unlocked with Connected: Revolutionaries 3]
And now… bombs!
If the press is to be believed, every anarchist carries a baker's dozen of bombs at all times. The truth is that explosives are rare and hard to use. This will improve your Dangerous.
[Unlocked with Dangerous 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: Revolutionaries 3]
Taking a walk down gin lane
The Veteran Anarchist is far into his cups. He might say something reckless.
[Unlocked with Counting the Days no more than 13]
[Unlocked when Closest To is: Revolutionaries
[Unlocked with Spending Secrets 4]
Solving a case: ask among Revolutionaries
They have ears in unexpected places. Moderately effective.
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
[Unlocked with Connected: Revolutionaries 3]
[Unlocked when Engaged in a Case: is: the Other Wax-Work, the Crooked Bridge, the Copper Thumb, the Early grave, the Man with the Mirrors, the Starving Poet, the Honey-Sipping Detective, the Absconding Devil]
Choose Enforcer as your profession
"We think you would best serve the Cause… directly. If you take my meaning." A Profession gives you a single unique item; in this case, a Burly Assistant. You may only have one Profession at a time.
[Unlocked with Connected: Revolutionaries 25]
[Unlocked when Profession: is None]
[Unlocked with Plotting against the Masters 1]
Choose Campaigner as your Profession
"Will you speak in support of the Cause? We can provide assistance. I call it 'assistance'. Honestly, if you can keep them out from underfoot, you'll be doing us all a favour." A Profession gives you a single unique item; in this case, Feckless Supporters. You may only have one Profession at a time.
[Unlocked with Plotting against the Masters 1]
[Unlocked with Connected: Revolutionaries 25]
[Unlocked when Profession: is None]
The Alleys of London: the Criminals
Wherever there's poverty, darkness, despair, there's folk to make a profit on it. And London has these a-plenty.
Consult with a master thief
He's good. Nobody this hard to find could be anything else. This will improve your Shadowy.
[Unlocked with Shadowy 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: Criminals 20]
Penny for your thoughts
The Nervous Coin-Clipper has instructions for you that are more warnings than teachings.
[Unlocked with Counting the Days no more than 13]
[Unlocked when Closest To is: Criminals]
[Unlocked with Spending Secrets 4]
Solving a case: ask your criminal contacts
This is effective, but may increase Noise.
A matter of luck: it could go either way.
[Unlocked with Connected: Criminals 3]
[Unlocked when Engaged in a Case: is: the Other Wax-Work, the Crooked Bridge, the Copper Thumb, the Early Grave, the Man with the Mirrors, the Starving Poet, the Honey-Sipping Detective, the Absconding Devil]
Choose Enforcer as your Profession
"We need someone discreet. Someone reliable. Someone no-one dares cross." A Profession gives you a single unique item; in this case, a Burly Assistant. You may only have one Profession at a time.
[Unlocked with Connected: Criminals 25]
[Unlocked when The Cheery Man and the Last Constable is: Favouring the Cheery Man]
[Unlocked when Profession: is: None]
The Demi-Monde: Bohemians
Writers, actors, musicians, painters and other reprobates. There is a certain glamour in attic and gutter, but surely there are better ways to make a living.
An evening with a Regal Actress
Let her reminisce about her glories. The crowds love her. Perhaps she'll tell you why. This will improve your Persuasive.
[Unlocked with 1 x Greyfields 1882]
[Unlocked with Persuasive 31]
[Unlocked with Connected: Bohemian 3]
Buy drinks for writers
A couple of bottles of wine should help you get acquainted.
[Unlocked with 2 x Greyfields 1882]
Take tea with a Reclusive Novelist
She was once tipped to be the next Imperial Artist-in-Residence.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: Bohemian 3]
In passing
The Fiddling Busker is snatching a quick pint at the Singing Mandrake before he heads back to his patch outside the Antimacassar Theatre.
[Unlocked with Closest To Bohemians.]
[Unlocked with Spending Secrets 4]
Sounding off
'I've not half had some strange things put in me hat when I've passed it around the crowd. I mean, you get the odd honey-thimble or cigar. That's just neighbourly. But a soul bottle? A dead rat? A Mark of Credit drawn from the Bazaar itself? People are right peculiar, and no mistake.'
Counting the Days increase
A Pocketful of Loose Change increase
Solving a case: make enquiries in the demi-monde.
This is moderately effective.
A matter of luck: it could go either way.
[Unlocked with Connected: Bohemian 3]
[Unlocked when Engaged in a Case: is: the Other Wax-Work, the Crooked Bridge, the Copper Thumb, the Early Grave, the Man with the Mirrors, the Starving Poet, the Honey-Sipping Detective, the Absconding Devil]
Choose Journalist as your Profession
"You do get around, don't you? I like a [gender] who gets around. I'm sure you know all kinds of things. Shall I make some introductions? A Profession gives you a single unique item; in this case, a Little Red Notebook. You may only have one Profession at a time.
[Unlocked with Raking the Muck of the Neath 7]
[Unlocked with Connected: Bohemian 25]
[Unlocked when Profession: is: None]
Advance from Journalist to Author
Fewer interviews on damp street-corners. A less stringent requirement for factual accuracy. Sounds good, doesn't it? You'll need to demonstrate your skill to the shadowy organisations that govern authordom by donating a story. Being an Author, in Fallen London at least, pays better than Journalism, and will replace your Little Red Notebook with an Appreciation Society.
[Unlocked when Profession: is: Journalist]
[Unlocked with 1 x An Exceptional Short Story]
[Unlocked with Connected: Bohemian 25]
The Roof-Tops: Urchins
They're an eery lot, the gangs of kids who rule the roofs of London. They hear things up there, things the wind forgot.
Out you go, longshanks
Occasionally, an urchin survives long enough to be too old for the gangs. Perhaps you can buy their secrets before they graduate to the enterprises of adult criminals. This will improve your Shadowy.
[Unlocked with 20 x Glim]
[Unlocked with Shadowy 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: Urchins 3]
Listen to a song the Fisher-Kings sing in the high places
There's a scrap of a secret and a whisper of a truth in these songs.
[Unlocked with Closest To Urchins]
[Unlocked with Spending Secrets 4]
Couldn't carry a tune in a bucket
Counting the Days increase
A Pocketful of Loose Change increase
Solving a Case: Ask your Urchin contacts
They hear more than anyone knows, up there in the dark. This is an effective way to make progress.
[Unlocked with Connected: Urchins 3]
[Unlocked with Engaged in a Case: the Other Wax-Work or the Crooked Bridge or the Copper Thumb or the Early Grave or the Man with the Mirrors or the Starving Poet or the Honey-Sipping Detective or the Absconding Devil]
In the shadow of All Christs Spire
This is the neutral ground where urchins meet to banter, boast and trade with their adult counterparts. If you speak with them here, you're probably safe from pickpocketing and mischievous garroting. But bring a little gift.
[Unlocked with 1 x Lucky Weasel]
Innocent entertainment?
Shadowy increase
Connected: Urchins increase
Lose: 1 x Lucky Weasel
Jack on the roof
An urchin in a panic leaps down from a nearby rooftop. A pair of urchins. Half a dozen. Is it raining grubby children? The glint of a knife from above. Jack.
[Unlocked with The Jack-of-Smiles-Case 1 and no more than 19]
[Unlocked with Profession: None]
Choose Trickster as your Profession
"You're always one step ahead, aincha? Little Albert's like that. You two would get on like crow and raven. Famous partnership. I can see it now. A Profession gives you a single unique item; in this case, a Loathsome Imp. You may only have one Profession at a time.
[Unlocked with Connected: Urchins 25]
[Unlocked with Route: The Flit 1]
[Unlocked with Profession: None]
Whispers from the Surface: The Great Game
For half a century, the agents of the Powers played their Great Game in central Asia. Now London is their tournament-ground.
Get some work done at Clathermont's tattoo parlour
Something small and unobtrusive. If you get the right one, spies will know you as one of their own. In intimate moments, at least. This will improve your Watchful.
[Unlocked with Watchful 31]
[Unlocked with Connected: The Great Game 10]
Learn more at the carnival
The carnival is noisy, crowded and bright. Just the sort of cover one needs for a discussion of this week's fashions in spying. This will improve your Watchful.
[Unlocked with Watchful 71]
[Unlocked with Connected: The Great Game 20]
Solving a case: ask the spies of London
If anyone knows, it'll be them. And they're discreet. But information costs. Expensive, but effective.
[Unlocked with Connected: The Great Game 15]
[Unlocked with Engaged in a Case: the Other Wax-Work or the Crooked Bridge or the Copper Thumb or the Early Grave or the Man with the Mirrors or the Starving Poet or the Honey-Sipping Detective or the Absconding Devil]
Choose Watcher as your Profession
Be subtle. Be silent. They also serve who only stand and watch. A Profession gives you a single unique item; in this case, a Revolting Disguise. You may only have one Profession at a time.
[Unlocked with Connected: The Great Game 25]
[Unlocked with a fine piece in the Game A Veteran Spy]
[Unlocked with Profession: None]
Conflict Cards
These cards show up when you have Connected 5 each in two opposed factions. Selecting one side or the other results in a major rise with the chosen faction, and a smaller drop with the other.
A contact in the Great Game has a tale for you
A spy was ordered to join the church. He studied at Summerset College, was ordained, and eventually made rector of a noteworthy parish. But just as he was placed to report on the Church's secrets, he began to believe. Now he won't talk.
Unlocked with Connected: The Great Game 5, Connected: The Church 5
Everyone deserves a second chance
Burn his dossier and pull some strings to buy his exemption from the Great Game.
There are higher causes than the national interest…
You engage in a brisk trade of favours. The rector's name is scratched from certain lists. It is forgotten by the right people. Finally, the two of you burn his dossier. As the smoke rises he weeps at his deliverance, blessing you in the name of St. Joshua who watches over intriguers and secret-bearers.
Connected: The Church increase
(More gained in The Church than lost in The Great Game)
Connected: The Great Game decrease
Gain: 1 x
Hastily Scrawled Warning Note
Gain: 1 x
Sudden Insight
Gain: 1 x
Hard-Earned Lesson
Gain: 1 x
Confident Smile
Austere increase OR
Austere hasn't changed, because it's higher than 5
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Make clear that no-one leaves the Game
It doesn't work like that. Your crimes aren’t forgotten because you put on a cassock, and nor are your debts.
Of course, he needn't get his own hands dirty…
Convince him to host a quiet service for St Joshua, patron saint of intriguers, where spies can pray, confess, do a little business… This will use 5 actions but earn you Maniac's Prayers and Incendiary Gossip even if you fail
(Shadowy Challenge)
Keep a watch on the church
Who spies on the spies? You do.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Out of the fog
Two Special Constables and a noted anarchist visit the church in short order. A matter of forgiveness perhaps? Unlikely. The Bazaar's Masters seldom forgive.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Thankless
A dank, cold night. Your socks are wet through. And that Constable is going to move you on again.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase (1 change point)
Crime or Punishment?
Thus far you've managed to stay friendly with those on both sides of the law. But now you've had a visit from the Special Constables. Give evidence against a Smuggler of Dangerous Texts, they say, and they'll overlook your past offences…
Unlocked with Connected: Criminals 5, Connected: The Constables 5
Give evidence
Secrets can be more dangerous than knives or bullets. You should be responsible. Some loss of favour with Criminals, greater gain of favour with the Constables.
Justice is done
The villain is duly delivered to New Newgate. His villainous books, with their…diagrams, and…words…, are consigned to the flames. Excellent work!
Austere increase OR
Austere hasn't changed, because it's higher than 5
Connected: Criminals decrease
Connected: The Constables increase
(More gained in The Constables than lost in Criminals )
Suspicion decrease
(5 change points?)
Someone is Coming increase
Get word to the Smuggler
The Special Constables are the strong arm of the Ministry of Public Decency. Who are, let's be frank, appalling killjoys. Some loss of favour with the Constables, greater gain of favour with Criminals.
Justice is confounded!
Are you irresponsible? Greedy? Or devoted to freedom of expression? Whatever your motives, you ensure the Smuggler of Dangerous Texts gets word in time to slip out of London. He leaves a substantial portion of his stock behind. Excellent: bedtime reading!
Hedonist increase OR
Hedonist hasn't changed, because it's higher than 5
Connected: Criminals increase
(More gained in Criminals than lost in The Constables)
Connected: The Constables decrease
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
Gain: 15 x
Proscribed Material
Someone is Coming is increasing…
A chat with the nice policeman
Most Special Constables claim to work for Mr Pages and the Ministry of Public Decency. This one works for Mr Fires and wants a word.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
st nod
'Look, we all know what's coming. We have to pick a side, or it'll be the Fourth City all over again. Nobody benefits from that. You've not seen the Gracious Widow's face, have you? Well, there you are, then.'
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
A friendly warning
'You have to stop. You know what I mean. We're on to you, glimshine.'
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Brimstone or Frankincense?
You have friends at the Brass Embassy, and friends among the Church hierarchy. How exotic! And how useful to a devil who'd like your assistance with a 'harmless practical joke'.
[Unlocked with Connected: The Church 5; Connected: Hell 5]
Firecrackers in the thurible!
Conceal tiny fireworks in the incense-burner, at the behest of your infernal masters. It'll make the next service rather more entertaining. Some loss of Connected: Church, greater increase in Connected: Hell.
_ challenge
Alert the vicar
You won't be party to infernal conspiracies against the Church. Perhaps you're pious; perhaps you simply don't trust the Brass Embassy's motives. Some loss of Connected: Hell, greater increase in Connected: Church.
You convey your warning
Firecrackers in the thuribles? The devils! Well, literally the devils, of course. The vicar arranges for a thurible sentinel rota and assures you the Bishop will hear of this. Which is nice.
Connected: Hell decrease
Connected: The Church increase
Scandal decrease
Austere increase
[no higher than 6]
Someone is Coming increase
No time for pranks! This is a chance to settle the matter of St Meliflua's Thurible
Saint Meliflua is patron saint of anarchists and devils, and both Church and Hell lay claim to her relics. This takes 5 actions but will earn you Maniac's Prayers and Tales of Terror, even on a failure
_ challenge
[This storylet will cost you 5 actions!]
A delicate negotiation
A smooth tongue is no use, here - this requires cold, hard theology. You convince both parties to agree to shared ownership. The Church will keep the thurible for the first half of the year, the Brass Embassy for the other.
You make the first exchange personally, which gives you plenty of time to study the apocrypha inscribed in its clouded brass. St Meliflua, it transpires, had a gift for vivid description and a mind cracked in two.
Watchful increase
Gain: 30 x
Maniac's Prayer
Gain: 2 x
Tale of Terror!!
Someone is Coming increase
Tell both devil and priest to mind the relics
Saint Meliflua was a noted lover in life. The Bazaar's Masters would be quite upset if anything happened to her relics.
[Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12]
_ challenge
A truce, at least
You explain that the relics are important to the Masters, and any mistreatment would earn their ire. The pair are suspicious, but know better than to risk the anger of the black spires. They agree to play nicely, at least for the moment.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Unimpressed
The devil and the priest both snort derisively at you. It's a terrible day when you've got them both agreeing on something.
Shadowy increase
Scandal increase
The kaleidoscopic church
Since its vicar welcomed a coterie of artists into the congregation, the small church has become a very different place. Unmarried ladies attend without a chaperon. Light music is played during the service. And now a final outrage: respectful grey stone daubed - daubed! - with jaunty pastels!
[Unlocked with Connected: Bohemian 5; Connected: The Church 5]
Secure the artists’ work
Damn the Church's offer. Art is art. Some loss of Connected: the Church, greater increase in Connected: Bohemian.
You pull some strings and get a respected art critic to visit the church
He is smitten. Declaring it a work of genius, he writes a glowing piece in the Magazine Formerly Known as the London Magazine, applauding the bishop for supporting a renaissance in sacred art. That rather scuppers any plans the Church had to - for example - have the Bohemians soundly beaten and thrown out into the street. Instead, they are made artists in residence. The little church on the square continues to be a splash of colour on the city's Sundays.
Connected: Bohemian increase
(More gained Bohemian in than lost in Church)
Connected: The Church decrease
Hedonist increase [no higher than 6]
Someone is Coming increase
Make clear the Bohemians aren’t welcome anymore
A couple of bruises and some meaningful looming ought to do it. Some loss of Connected: Bohemian, greater increase in Connected: the Church.
_ challenge
A simple solution to a simple problem
There. A few visits is all it takes for the Bohemians to decide that somewhere else would be more suited to the artistic temperament. In their absence, life at the little church returns to old, familiar patterns.
Dangerous increase
Connected: The Church increase
(More gained in Church than lost in Bohemian)
Connected: Bohemian decrease
Austere increase [no higher than 6]
Gain: 45 x
Glim
Someone is Coming increase
How frustrating
It seems that while the Bohemians were rubbing off on the vicar, he was busy rubbing off on them. When you rough a couple of them up, they greet the blows with hymns and ecstasy.They are prepared to be martyred for their art. Nothing good can come from tangling with people set on becoming saints.
Dangerous increase
Connected: Bohemian decrease
Seduce the group’s leader and convince them to leave
Of course they insist they have no leader, but one has that fascinating flame of destructive genius that draws others like moths. Some loss of Connected: Bohemian, greater increase in Connected: the Church.
_ challenge
An attitude of detachment, a quick sonnet, and an appeal to the artistic temperament ought to do it…
Your reputation among the unorthodox buys you an introduction. You wage a swift, effective campaign of seduction. In the warm afterwards you praise your companion's dedication in bringing art to the masses. You marvel at your companion's gifts. You hint that if you had half that talent, you'd be using it to pursue fame and fortune.
Persuasive increase
Connected: The Church increase
(More gained in Church than lost in Bohemian)
Connected: Bohemian decrease
Gain: 45 x
Foxfire Candle Stub
Someone is Coming increase
Convince both parties that they are spiritual allies
It will take time. And committees. Lots of committees. This will take 5 actions but will reward you with Romantic Notions and Incendiary Gossip even on a failure
_ challenge
The marriage of Art and Faith
The application of absinthe greased the wheels of the committee process no end. It is decided that the synthesis of art and faith opens up a bold new missionary frontier.
They celebrate with a vigorously indiscreet game of one-upmanship - Bohemian gossip from one side and confessional tell-alls from the other. Some of the Bishop's stories make the most sordid honey-sippers blush.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 20 x
Romantic Notion
Gain: 4 x
Incendiary Gossip
A clever feint
The artistry, while garish, is far from innocent. There are messages in the murals, instructions in the happy hymns. Someone will want this
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
_ challenge
Where else?
Lucky for you that you know your Celestial poetry. The allusions are oblique, almost to the point of nonsense. But that in itself is a message. If this place, then where else? You must look everywhere.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Denied
'Messages, at that church?' they say. 'Preposterous!'. The fools. They will never learn.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
The Acacia and the Butterfly
A midnight war is raging between the Gracious Widow's smugglers and the city’s dock-gangs. The smugglers want to move their contraband; the gangs want their cut.
Unlocked with Connected: The Orient 5, Connected: The Docks 5
Settle in the Orient’s favour
The smugglers' wares are delightful, and must not be discouraged.
The smugglers are pleased
The talks are held on the Butterfly, a junk permitted to anchor at the Acacia dock for the duration of the talks. Your settlement ensures the easy passage of illicit imports and keeps the dock-gangs' sticky fingers out of it. A few days later, the Widow expresses her gratitude in the form of several exquisite jade artefacts (sic).
Connected: The Orient increase
(More gained in The Orient than lost in The Docks)
Connected: The Docks decrease
Gain: 40 x
Jade Fragment
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Make an agreement favouring the dock-gangs
The Widow's people should pay the same dues as everyone else. That's just the way it works.
The dockers are pleased
The talks are held on the Butterfly, a junk permitted to anchor at the Acacia dock for the duration of the talks. Your settlement requires that the smugglers hand over a portion of their contraband. They leave disgruntled. The dockers are ecstatic, and reward you with booty skimmed from the latest cargo.
Connected: The Docks increase
(More gained in The Docks than lost in The Orient)
Connected: The Orient decrease
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Gain: Random Reward(s)
(value between 33p-39p)
Work long into the night forging a compromise solution
Both sides will consider a compromise a failure, but there’s more room for the person in the middle to profit…
(Persuasive Challenge)
An end to hostilities
The talks are held on the Butterfly, a junk permitted to anchor at the Acacia dock for the duration of the talks. Negotiations are tense. When things get excitable all that prevents bloodshed is you interposing yourself between the two sides. The incident is the turning point. Seeing the only alternative to be more unprofitable war, both sides agree to a deal neither is pleased with. The contraband will flow, the dockers will get a cut. You manage to pocket hefty bribes from both sides.
Persuasive increase
Connected: The Docks decrease
Connected: The Orient decrease
Subtle increase OR
Subtle hasn't changed, because it's higher than 5
Gain: Random Reward(s)
(value between 25p-28p)
Gain: 60 x
Jade Fragment
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Not quite as planned
The talks are held on the Butterfly, a junk permitted to anchor at the Acacia dock for the duration of the talks.
Negotiations are tense.
As the night wears on an insult causes one side to draw blades. The other reciprocates. You leap between them to keep the violence from escalating and find yourself suffering a moderate-to-serious case of being stabbed. With you out of the way the two factions can get on with the urgent business of murdering each other. You limp away. Wolfstack docks will be a battleground for a while yet.
Persuasive increase
Wounds increase
Subtle increase
Connected: The Docks decrease
Connected: The Orient decrease
Bring in the neddy men
The Masters disapprove of these little struggles. It's bad for business.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Business as usual
The neddy men charge past you, waving the instruments of order and discipline. By morning, the blood will be gone, and the docks will be moving again.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
An empty dock
You have a pack of cudgel-waving neddy men at your back. What you lack is anyone for them to hit. The dockside gangs must have got word of your plan.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
The Devil and the Child
Taking a shortcut through the alleys, you have blundered into the most private of exchanges: the trade of a soul. An elegant deviless leans against a lamp-post: an urchin perches at the top. The trade is almost concluded, but the urchin hesitates.
Unlocked with Connected: Hell 5, Connected: Urchins 5
Take the Devil's side
A soul is a heavy weight to carry.
The orphan-gangs value freedom above all else
You speak of the soul's burden, its limitations, its traps, describing them with such feeling that the devil can only nod in solemn agreement. 'Unburden yourself of this soul,' she whispers to the child, 'and you will fly like a bird!'
Convinced, the urchin climbs down from the lamp post. The exchange is the work of a moment. Afterwards the orphan races off into the alleys, his pockets a-jangle with the price he was paid. Whether his step is lighter than before, you cannot say.
The pretty devil measures a precise amount of Hell-brass into your hand. She thanks you for your insight, smiles at you, and departs.
Connected: Hell increase
(More gained in Hell than lost in Urchins)
Connected: Urchins decrease
Gain: 30 x
Nevercold Brass Sliver
Melancholy increase OR
Melancholy hasn't changed, because it's higher than 5
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Convince the urchin to keep his soul
Even if it means the disfavour of Hell.
How to prove the worth of a soul?
The purpose of a soul is debated endlessly by the great colleges, who invoke theology, philosophy, chemistry, surgery, literature, and a dozen other sciences and speculations. But a child of London's streets needs a more practical argument.
You pose the boy a question. If the soul is a burden, if it has no use, if it is a trifle or a curse or a curiosity, then why do the devils want it?
The orphan's eyes widen. He leaps from the gas lamp to a gutter, scrambles onto the roof, and races away. The pretty devil turns to you, smiling. 'Thank you,' she says. 'Information is next to the soul in value. It is always good to know where someone stands.' She leaves, whistling cheerfully.
Some time later, your home mysteriously catches fire. You beat out the flames before the damage is irreparable, but do not escape unharmed.
Connected: Urchins increase
(More gained in Urchins than lost in Hell)
Connected: Hell decrease
Wounds increase
Austere increase OR
Austere hasn't changed, because it's higher than 5
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Propose an alliance
Getting them to see the benefits will take time. [This will use 5 actions but earn you Mysteries of the Elder Continent and Romantic Notions even if you fail.]
(Persuasive Challenge)
They shake hands
A grubby hand shakes a well-manicured one. The urchin is under the devil's protection, now. He pays you in secrets overheard through a Bazaar window.
A child's innocent face and gift for detecting hypocrisy. A devil's mercy and clever tongue. You may have just created a monster. Will any soul in London be safe?
Persuasive increase
Gain: 6 x
Mystery of the Elder Continent
Gain: 10 x
Romantic Notion
Ask the devil if his permits are in order
If his trade is reprehensible, at least the city and the Masters should be getting their due.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Looking in the book
The devil has played this game before. He's not sure whether you're a real official, but he can't take the risk. He shows you his ledger of souls. Oh, that's interesting…
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
No need for that sort of thing
The devil's paperwork is unimpeachable. As you trudge away, he spits a curse at you that stains the flagstones and turns the fog crimson.
Shadowy increase
Nightmares increase
A misfortune at the Carnival
A day at Mrs Plenty's Carnival is interrupted by a crash, then screams! You force your way through the crowd, to see a tent has collapsed and caught fire. Two people are trapped in wreckage: a Rubbery Man and a Tomb-Colonist. The flames leap! There is time to save only one of them!
Unlocked with Connected: Rubbery Men 5, Connected: The Tomb-Colonies 5
Save the Rubbery Man
His tentacles wave, plaintively.
(Dangerous Challenge)
Burning Rubber
As you haul the Rubbery Man from the smouldering wreckage the Tomb-Colonist is outraged. 'You'd save a monster in place of a person?' he bellows. You turn your back. Draping the Rubbery Man over your shoulder (and trying to ignore the lumpen shape of it under its clothes) you stagger clear of the smoke.
Mrs Plenty herself is first to your side. 'An entirely unavoidable accident! Who could have predicted that putting the firebreather next to the gin tent could lead to this? Please, accept these, and visit us again under less exciting circumstances!' She presses a booklet of tickets into your hand as the Rubbery Man’s tentacles wrap gratefully around your face.
What an unusual day.
Dangerous increase
Connected: Rubbery Men increase
(More gained in Rubbery Men than lost in The Tomb-Colonies)
Connected: The Tomb-Colonies decrease
Daring increase OR
Daring hasn't changed, because it's higher than 5
Wounds increase
(1cp)
Gain: 5 x Carnival Ticket
Someone is Coming increase
Save the Tomb-Colonist!
And quickly! His bandages are already smouldering!
(Dangerous Challenge)
Make notes on those who help out either party
Most citizens of London wouldn't get out of bed to help that sort. Certain parties might be interested in who would.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Noted
You make your notes as the bandages catch and the Rubbery Man melts away into nothing. A few faces, a few names. Someone will have a use for them.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
A surprise
The crowd is overcome with sympathy for the strange, and leaps forward to rescue both Rubbery Man and Tomb-colonist. A few of them look down their noses at you and your note-taking.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Going gentle
The letter bears the seal of an Elderly Baronet. He has lived a life long and eventful, and had his fill of it. He wishes to retire to the Tomb-Colonies to live out his days without agitation. His family do not approve. They have locked him in the attic. In a faltering hand he begs your assistance.
[Unlocked with Connected: Society 5, Connected: The Tomb-Colonies 5]
Discreetly inform the family about the baronet's communication
It is they that stand to lose, here. Some loss of Connected: Tomb-Colonies, greater increase in Connected: Society.
A family's honour has been preserved
You call upon the baronet's family on a pretext. Over tea you return the letter to them, suggesting that it had been delivered in error, and it disappears under cover of a light joke about the postal service. As you depart, you are receive a generous gift from the cellars.
That night a carriage pulls up to the house. Several figures encourage another into it, and it departs for an unknown destination. The baronet has been moved. Hopefully to somewhere without pens and soft-hearted servants.
Connected: Society increase
(More gained in Society than lost in The Tomb-Colonies)
Connected: The Tomb-Colonies decrease
Gain: 15 x
Greyfields 1882
Someone is Coming increase
Sneak the old gentleman out
It's a bad business, to imprison a fellow in his own home. The house has stout doors and beefy butlers, but there are ways and there are means. Some loss of Connected: Society, greater increase in Connected: the Tomb Colonies.
_ challenge
Your plan is perfect
With the application of a dark cloak, a length of waxed rope, and a collapsible ladder you extract him through a dormer window. A sombre vessel awaits him at the docks. The baronet wheezes his thanks to you as it pulls away, tugging his brittle fingers from your hands. You are given a bandage-wrapped package for your trouble. It is empty, which seems odd until you think to look at the inside of the bandages and all the delicious secrets written there…
Shadowy increase
Connected: The Tomb-Colonies increase
(More gained in The Tomb-Colonies than lost in Society)
Connected: Society decrease
Gain: 30 x
Cryptic Clue
Someone is Coming increase
Break him out!
He has made his choice. It will be respected. Some loss of Connected: Society, greater increase in Connected: the Tomb Colonies.
_ challenge
At once, you make for the house and hammer on the door
When it is opened you barge in. The butlers try to restrain you. Voices are raised. Canes are brandished. At one point, you are forced to call someone a 'varlet'. Freeing the baronet, you escort him out to the protestations of his relatives and the moans of incapacitated butlers.
In another part of the city, at a public house called the Mitre, an assembly of bandaged gentlemen welcome the baronet into their fraternity. As you leave, they are already beginning to wrap him in silk. A few days later a token of their gratitude arrives: twelve brass bullets from over the zee…
Dangerous increase
Connected: The Tomb-Colonies increase
(More gained in The Tomb-Colonies than lost in Society)
Connected: Society decrease
Gain: 50 x
Nevercold Brass Sliver
Someone is Coming increase
Making a virtue
The old fellow was a passable intriguer in his day. Someone will find a use for him as an agent in the tomb-colonies.
[Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12]
_ challenge
Off we go!
The old chap is more than happy to pick up his codebook and black cloak from where he left them two decades ago. Who says that the elderly can't have fun?
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Inconstancy!
When you put your proposition to the old goat, he changed his mind about the whole thing! Some people just aren't grateful to be offered a job.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Amber in the well
A whole babble of Rubbery Men have commandeered the well in Charley Square, displacing the revolutionaries who normally meet here. An odd crooning begins. Are the Rubbery Men singing to the well?
Unlocked with Connected: Rubbery Men 5, Connected: Revolutionaries 5
Convince the Rubbery Men to move on
Surely they can find somewhere else to…do whatever it is they're doing?
What were they up to?
The Rubbery Men surround the well, protecting it with stout sticks and unreadable faces. You approach and gently remind them of the favours you have done for their people. A pause. One of them inclines its head.
The next morning they are gone, and the well is empty. The Revolutionaries are ecstatic. The square's regular speakers make it a point to send you a copy of every new pamphlet that they publish. For weeks. And weeks.
Connected: Revolutionaries increase
(More gained in Revolutionaries than lost in The Rubbery Men)
Connected: Rubbery Men decrease
Gain: 8 x
Proscribed Material
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Convince the Revolutionaries to find somewhere else
It shouldn't take too long for the Rubbery Men to finish…that. Surely.
Let sleeping squid lie
Your acquaintance with the Rubbery Men is known, and it is assumed you are steeped in their subterranean mysteries. You use this to your advantage, weaving a horrific tale of the nightmares seething down in that well. Nauseous, the Revolutionaries decide to move out for the time being.
They peddle their revolt at the city's corners and coffee shops instead, which leads to several arrests.
In the meantime, you've acquired a reputation as something of a cephalophile. This does your social life no good, but the sting is eased when a Rubbery Man proudly fills your cupped hands with steaming amber.
Scandal increase
(1-2cp)
Gain: 32 x
Deep Amber
Connected: Rubbery Men increase
(More gained in The Rubbery Men than lost in Revolutionaries)
Connected: Revolutionaries decrease
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Spend the night in the well to prove there's nothing to be scared of.
There is nothing to be scared of, isn't there? This will use 5 actions but will grant Tales of Terror!! and Mysteries of the Elder Continent even on a failure
(Dangerous Challenge)
Into the well
It's not a night you care to remember. The crooning from above. Its liquid echoes. The palpitating warmth of the amber. The shapes deep inside it moving - dancing?
You distract yourself by reading a series of couplets scratched into the side of the well: phantasmagoric accounts of a distant country where days never end. What on earth are they doing down here?
Dangerous increase
Gain: 6 x
Tale of Terror!!
Gain 2 x
Mystery of the Elder Continent
Someone is Coming increase
Never again
The warmth of the amber drags you into a cloying sleep, and the Rubbery Men's song wriggles into it and won't get out. The ravings scratched into the well's sides don't help, either. A 'sleepless mountain'? 'Merciless vitality'? What? The resulting concoction is a nightmare that would freeze a devil's heart.
Dangerous increase
Gain: 1 x
Tale of Terror!!
Gain: 1 x
Mystery of the Elder Continent
Nightmares increase
Transcribe the song as best you can
They say that the songs of the Rubbery Men are powerfully prophetic. Even the Masters are known to listen.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Thanks, probably
You write it down as best you can. A passing Special Constable taps your shoulder and says, 'We normally write that one down as "Othassassass" - helps if you stay consistent.' He tips his black helmet at you and is on his way.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
The trouble with not sharing a language, or much of anything else
Is that a 'Ossssosssothossss' or a 'Osssosothossssosss'? Gah! It's impossible to write this nonsense down! And people are taking an interest in your making notes here.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
They all look the same to me
A spate of book-thefts has the Constables baffled. Witnesses say that the culprit is a Rubbery Man, but the tentacled fiends have closed ranks. A Well-Intentioned Constable has arranged a line-up, and as an authority on homo cephalopoda you have been called.
Unlocked with Connected: Rubbery Men 5, Connected: The Constables 5
Finger the guilty party
No-one understands the liquid language of the Rubbery Men, so you'll have to try and read their body language. Not that that's much clearer.
(Watchful Challenge)
That's the one!
Guilt leaves a mark, whether it is in a tremor in the voice, or the uneasy stillness of a faceful of tentacles. The criminal mind is an open book to you regardless of the body it's sitting in. You point the thief out to the Well-Intentioned Constable, who has his men take the creature away. It goes meekly, its round eyes fixed on your face. For an afternoon's work you earn a generous consultation fee and the respect of the Well-Intentioned Constable.
Watchful increase
Connected: The Constables increase
(More gained in Constables than lost in Rubbery)
Connected: Rubbery Men decrease
Gain: 60 x
Rostygold
Someone is Coming increase
Finger a scapegoat.
It's hard to be certain with Rubbery Men, but you suspect they're colluding to confuse. They'd probably prefer you to pick an innocent.
(Persuasive Challenge)
Finger a scapegoat for more political reasons
If you're going to pick the pocket of justice, you may as well do it for a larger cause.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Justice of a sort
New Newgate swallows another victim. They were mired in base practices - theft, blackmail and extortion. Their loyalties were poorly thought out. They didn't actually commit the crime for which they were punished, but that's hardly the issue.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Perhaps not quite plausible
The Well-Intentioned Constable scratches his fine moustache and says, 'Well, I can't help but agree that she's a villain. But she was in the tomb-colonies at the time, being dead. I can't take this to court.'
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase (1cp)
Youthful high spirits
An urchin-gang, tired of life at the bottom of London's pecking order, has taken over an old clocktower near the docks and, excitingly, a cannon.
Unlocked with Connected: Urchins 5, Connected: The Docks 5
Sabotage the cannon
The cannon is the problem here. Remove that from the equation and the natural order will be restored.
(Shadowy challenge)
Spiking the beast
Spider-like you scale the clock tower to where the cannon's barrel juts from the old clock face. Clinging to the barrel with steely thighs you insert several packets of neutralizing chemicals, and make your way back down.
When the dock-gang march on the tower the cannon spits forth only a soggy belch. As the dockers bash the door in, the urchins flee across the rooftops in a cloud of foul language. There is an impromptu street party, in which you are plied with the finest delicacies the street has to offer.
Shadowy increase
Connected: The Docks increase
(More gained in The Docks than lost in Urchins)
Connected: Urchins decrease
Gain: 60 x
Rat on a String
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Convince the residents to pay their protection fees to the urchins instead
There's a simple solution to this. Besides, it does the world good to be turned on its head every now and again.
(Persuasive challenge)
Reason prevails
There. The urchins get respect, the residents get protection, and you get paid from the urchins' stash of stolen silk handkerchiefs. Everyone's happy. Except for the dockers. They're very, very cross. Can't please everyone.
Persuasive increase
Connected: Urchins increase
(More gained in Urchins than lost in The Docks)
Connected: The Docks decrease
(Less than 18cp)
Gain: 60 x
Silk Scrap
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Broker a deal for gunpowder
Mr Fires could be convinced to supply ammunition, if the urchins agree to act as a coastal battery in times of invasion.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Making do
Youthful exuberance and gunpowder don't generally mix, but the urchins have surprisingly adult firing discipline, and relish their new roles as defenders of the city. Mr Fires is heard to approve of how cheap they are.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Suspicion
Mr Fires doesn't trust the urchins. The urchins don't trust Mr Fires. And now, neither of them look like they trust you.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase (1 change point)
A familiar face by the school railings
You last saw this girl racing across rooftops with an urchin-gang. What's she doing here, all respectable? 'I got caught robbin' the Gracious Widow, didn't I? Got lucky, though. She took a shine to me. Thing is, the Widow's lookin' for a daughter, but I've already got a mum, and I ain't goin' to replace her just 'cause she died. Don't know what to do.'
Unlocked with Connected: Urchins 5, Connected: The Orient 5
Advise the girl to return to the Widow
The Widow is offering more than just comforts. With continued care and schooling, the girl might have a chance to make something of herself.
It's the best thing
As you walk her back to the Gracious Widow’s territory in Spite you fill her in on the recent antics of the Knotted Sock. She laughs a little and cries a little. Not all the memories are good. You remind her how lucky she is.
A day later a gift of jade is delivered to your home. The accompanying letter is written in a exact hand. It smells of age and the dark. 'Thank you,' it reads.
You still see the girl some days, walking back from her school with her books under her arm. She seems well.
Connected: The Orient increase
(More gained in The Orient than lost in Urchins)
Connected: Urchins decrease
Gain: 45 x
Jade Fragment
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Arrange for the girl to return to the urchin-gangs
It's not her responsibility to plug a gap in someone else's life.
The Gracious Widow’s people escort you to her chambers
Not everyone who goes into the Widow’s den comes out again, but it's proper for news like this to be delivered in person. 'No candles,' says your escort. You deliver your message to the presence in the darkness. There is a pause. 'I see', she says eventually. Nothing else.
Three nights later the orphan-gangs hold one of their Ragged Parliaments. In a dripping factory with the Neath's glim-lights twinkling above, the girl is admitted once more into the grubby embrace of the Knotted Sock. 'Didn't notice you’d gone,' one of them tells her, and she punches him on the arm.
Connected: Urchins increase
(More gained in Urchins than lost in The Orient)
Connected: The Orient decrease
Nightmares decrease
Someone is Coming is increasing…
Get her to spy on the Gracious Widow
A pair of eyes in that murky house is worth diamonds.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Waiting
If the Gracious Widow is feeling motherly, she is keeping her feelings at arm's length. The girl sees only her school and a series of nannies. Still, perhaps she'll be a long-term investment.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Silence
After a few days, the girl stops sending you messages. It's probably not wise to enquire further.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase (1cp)
Event Cards
These are events that result from increasing your Connected scores.
A rather decadent evening
A select occasion. But if you can get an invite, the wine and honey should be flowing freely
Engineer an invitation
You'll use up a substantial amount of your Connected: Bohemian quality.
Unlocked with Connected: Bohemian 10
(Persuasive challenge, Connected: Bohemian challenge, high-risk at 13)
An extraordinary evening!
You can be drunk while in a honey-dream! That's interesting. Drunk or sober, in dreams or in the damp reality of Fallen London, you are the centre of attention. So much desirable company! And so little time! You're spoilt for choice. Oh, and you seem to have brought someone's gloves home with you by mistake.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 3 x
Confident Smile
1 x
Eager Glove (I've also instead recieved Magician's Gloves)
Connected: Bohemian decrease
Persuasive increase
(this is additional, beyond the initial success)
A consideration for services rendered
Hell likes to recognise those who've done it service. Would you like to be recognised?
Attend the ceremony
You'll use up a substantial amount of your Connected: Hell quality. You will also be required to provide a single soul. No, it doesn't have to be yours, silly. Although if you're offering…
Unlocked with Connected: Hell 5, 1 x Soul
(Shadowy Challenge)
Stealth watch repair
A Near-Sighted Horologist is repairing an antique watch for a prominent citizen. The Brass Embassy wants you to replace the mainspring with another - indistinguishable by sight, just a little warmer to the touch. This calls for an accomplice.
Unlocked with Watchful 35, Connected: Hell 5
Let's make this sporting
The Talkative Rattus Faber is a liability; the spice of unpredictability in an otherwise routine housebreaking. He's bound to chatter about the watch, though. You might learn something.
Unlocked with 1 x Talkative Rattus Faber
Enough about baking
Who would have guessed? When he gets to the watch itself, he's all business. The old mainspring is out and the new one in before he has time to tell you more than half the recipe for morelcap and Cheddar scones.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 55 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
A more sensitive timepiece
The Talkative Rattus Faber can't stop himself speculating as he fits the new mainspring. All about resonances and escapements and joy-sensitive alloys. And something about it being a lot of effort just to make a man two minutes late to weddings and three early to funerals. He's on the wrong track, of course, but you can draw your own conclusions about what the devils are up to.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 55 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
Gain: 1 x Appalling Secret
A little too talkative this time
'Hey! What's that? Can I take it? Can I? It looks valuable. I think the cat is waking up. Do you think it's waking up? We should be quieter. Look, a clock shaped like a church! Do you think it can ring changes? Oh look, the cat's awake.' That could have gone better.
A calculated risk
More experienced than most rats, but not too proud for this kind of work. If his old wounds don't trouble him that night, it should go without a hitch. If it goes badly and the devils hear you took an inappropriate companion, however, your reputation will suffer.
Unlocked with 1 x Disgraced Rattus Faber Bandit-Chief
Slow but steady
He works less quickly than some of his kin, but he knows the business and doesn't compromise the mission. The devils are satisfied and your Disgraced Bandit-Chief looks a little more confident.
Gain: 55 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
Not too impressed
Thanks to a collapse at the wrong moment, the watch winds up entirely ruined. The devils hear more of the tale than you hoped.
Connected: Hell decrease
It's beneath his dignity, but…
You've never known him to be particularly interested in watches, let alone ones made by human fingers. Still, the Bandit-Chief has a way of making things profitable.
Unlocked with 1 x Rattus Faber Bandit-Chief
You'll have to stand guard
The Working Rat can do the job, given time. You'll have to guard the corridors for him. Make sure the cats don't wake and the clocks don't chime.
Unlocked with 1 x Working Rat
Easy in, easy out
It's a quick businesslike job. The Near-sighted Horologist's mechanical genius does not extend to locks. The devils pay well. The Working Rat is strangely melancholy afterward, but a lump of Stilton cheers him up.
Watchful increase
Gain: 55 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
Maybe she'll find it comforting
This is the sort of thing she was born to do. Of course, an all-white rat does show up better in the darkness. [Success here is not guaranteed.]
unlocked with Albino Rat x 1
(Shadowy Challenge straightforward < 99)
Requires 1 Fate
Fate-locked content must not be placed on the wiki, per the developers.
A limping figure in a top hat beckons
A Rubbery Man! What does he want with you?
Unlocked with Connected: Rubbery Men 5
Accept a damp gift
He's proffering something that looks like…a human wrapped in muddy muslins? An internal organ from some tremendous insect? An egg sac? He seems reluctant, though. [Accepting will cost some Connected: Rubbery Men]
A new piece in the Game
She's quick-witted. And she looks respectable, which is half the battle. She'll work for nothing if you can teach her something.
Unlocked with Shadowy 81, Connected: The Great Game 1
Set her an interesting challenge
Give her a day and see what she can find out about the Cheesemonger.
Teaching the teacher
Your protégé counts off the points on her fingers. Could you have learned so much in a day? From merely gossiping at Clathermont's and the carnival? You're not sure. This one has a future in the game. And she's even picked up some things you didn't know.
Rewards:
Shadowy increase
Gain: 45 x Cryptic Clue
An unexpected bonus
Your protégé returns with a hundred-page dossier. Not all her own work, of course. Some of it isn't new. Some of it isn't even relevant. But it's all useful. When you ask her where she got it all, she flutters her eyelashes and taps her lips.
Shadowy increase
1 x Collated Research
Have her help out with your current job
There is no teacher like experience. She can help you out with what you're planning this evening. [This will only help you if you are currently Seeking… or Investigating…]
Tea with the Inspector
The tea is strong to a point just short of savagery, but the fire in the Inspector's office crackles merrily. Conversation turns to business.
Unlocked with Watchful 81, Connected: The Constables 1
Offer your help with their case
'It's always the same with your sort, isn't it? The Constables are baffled and you consulting detectives swoop in and save the day. Well, let's see what you make of this…'
Making sense of it all
It takes you nearly six hours to solve the case of the parrot and the corpse in the laundry. The lowly Constables toast your health with their tea mugs, but the Inspector's face is frozen in a rictus of frustration as he hands you your fee.
Watchful increase
Gain: 90 x Jade Fragment
Ask for help with your case
Oh, spit it out, would you? We're all friends here and I doubt that you could shock me…'
Unlocked with Investigating 1
(Watchful challenge)
Has this all happened before?
'You know, I think we have some old files relating to a similar business last year. I'll get Arbuthnot to dig them out. More tea?'
Watchful increase
Investigating increase… (15 change points, or enough to take 1 to 5)
Not this one
''I'm afraid that we won't help you with that business.' Does he mean 'can't'? Does he know something you don't? You'll have to look over your evidence again and check.
Watchful increase
Story Cards
When your Connected level with a given faction is high enough, opportunities for beginning new stories become available.
The Revolutionary Firebrand
He's a mysterious figure in Fallen London, known for his reserve as much as for his good looks. It's rare that he attends social events, so when you spot him at a gathering you should seize the opportunity.
Unlocked with Connected: Revolutionaries 5
(The rest of this storylet, Intimate with a Revolutionary Firebrand, is on its own page.)
A day at the library
It's one of the university's more accessible libraries. Nothing too radical here, but a pleasant way to pass a day.
Unlocked with Watchful 24, Connected: The Great Game 3
(The rest of this storylet, On the Trail of the Cheesemonger, is on its own page.)
All images and directly quoted text are © Failbetter Games 2010-2012, used by permission.
Failbetter Games asks that you read the FBG Fan Project Guidelines before adding content to this wiki.
Gain: 1 x Detective's Progress
Gain: 10 x 
Gain: 2 x 
Gain: 1 x 
Lose: 1 x 
Gain: 1 x 
Gain: 25 x 
Gain: 1 x 
