Pray silence for her Imperial Majesty. Silence, and darkness.
Basic Options
Call in favours at the Empress' Court
At the Court of the Traitor Empress, the great, the good, the perceptibly less good and the faintly misshapen all rub shoulders.
Exchange a considerable quantity of Connections for London Street Signs
Unlocks Connected: Society 32
'Hard times, my dear, hard times. I'm having to break up my collection. But you know, I've always liked you. Perhaps you can find a home for some of it?'
A delivery in dead of night
Not that dead of night is any darker than dead of noon, down here. But the Masters shouldn't know you have these forbidden toys.
Gain: 4 x London Street Sign
Connected: Society decrease (Huge decrease at least 460 cp!)
Suspicion increase (1 cp)
Hunt!
Life at the Palace is sedate, but some people enjoy more active pursuits. Joining a hunting party will also be a good way to meet influential people.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 85]
Hunt bats
Bats? Are they sure? Apparently, they are. Apparently, the trick is to mimic their calls. It confuses them, and they can be caught in a net.
_ challenge
A bag of bats
Well, you did it. Your party head out at twilight to the Prickfinger Wastes. Bats congregate in this rocky area, swooping and calling to each other. Your boots are caked with guano within minutes. But you learn the bat calls easily, and soon the little creatures are flapping around your head as you shriek and whistle. Net bearers simply scoop them out of the air.
Not the greatest of sport. But you've learnt fascinating things from your friends.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 44 x
Cryptic Clue
Hunt lizards
Lizards thrive around the ponds, but you'll be hunting the slightly larger ones that live in the wilder parts of the gardens…
_ 
challenge
A giant lizard
You accompany an expedition to some of the furthest reaches of the Palace grounds. Here, the fungus is thick and the ground damp and rocky. An ideal spot for reptiles, and indeed, you see a flash of green almost as soon as you get there. You split up and give chase.
You scramble over rocks and claw through thickets of thorny fungus. It takes a while, but you corner the lizard in the end. He is vast! His round black eye watches you. He blinks once, very slowly.
'Very well,' he says. 'I honour the bargain. You caught me; I offer you secrets and you must let me go.' And what secrets! You say farewell to the lizard and hurry off to make notes.
Dangerous increase
Gain: 2 x
Appalling Secret
Gain: 10 x
Cryptic Clue
A lizard of romantic bent
You accompany an expedition to some of the furthest reaches of the Palace grounds. Here, the fungus is thick and the ground damp and rocky. An ideal spot for reptiles, and indeed, you see a flash of green almost as soon as you get there. You split up and give chase.
You scramble over rocks and claw through thickets of thorny fungus. It takes a while, but you corner the lizard in the end. He is vast! His round black eye watches you. He blinks once, very slowly.
'Very well,' he says. 'I honour the bargain. You caught me; I offer you secrets and you must let me go.' The lizard speaks of loves and loss. Romance and tragedy. And you. It seems that you are doing a little better than you thought with certain parties.
Dangerous increase
Persuasive increase
Fascinating… increase
Gain: 3 x
Appalling Secret
The life of the mind
Life at the Empress' Court is not all about hedonistic pursuits. You must also see to the cultivation of the intellect.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 85]
Discuss politics at a salon
Be careful, though. You never know who might be listening.
_ challenge
Subtly done
Well done. You enter into a conversation about the rights of Clay dockworkers, and the abuses allegedly being perpetrated against them by the neddies. A sensitive subject, this, but one you handle with considerable tact. You acknowledge both sides, but present your own views with diplomacy. This does wonders for your reputation. One lady shares some very interesting books with you, and a gentleman slips you a little gift with a wink.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 20 x
Proscribed Material
Gain: 2 x
Drop of Prisoner's Honey
Admired increase
[1 cp?]
Discuss the arts at a tea-party
Painting, literature, the dramatic arts, even poetry - these are all very suitable topics for showing off your erudition.
_ challenge
A fine intellect
Your discourse ranges from topic to topic; you hint at your wide and varied knowledge but remain modest, asking others for their opinions and expressing interest in their accomplishments. People love to be flattered, especially by someone so obviously intellectual. After the party is over, they press presents upon you, and a gentleman asks your opinion on some very revealing correspondence.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 16 x
Stolen Correspondence
Gain: 11 x
Jade Fragment
Admired increase
[1 cp?]
Discuss philosophy whilst taking the air
The ability to discuss profound and abstract concepts intelligently is highly valued at court, as it is one so many lack.
_ challenge
Such wisdom!
You promenade around the ornamental gardens with several like-minded individuals. The gardens are the perfect setting for a discussion of philosophy; their formal elegance makes a perfect analogy for the structure of Plato's thought.
You all agree that using prisoner's honey can lead one down new avenues of thought; especially when one shares the dreams of another. You are invited to join the others in a more informal setting later on, and receive a generous amount of honey in anticipation.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 47 x
Drop of Prisoner's Honey
Admired increase
[1 cp?]
Such pleasing company
You promenade around the ornamental gardens with several like-minded individuals. The gardens are the perfect setting for a discussion of philosophy; their formal elegance makes a perfect analogy for the structure of Plato's thought.
You all agree that using prisoner's honey can lead one down new avenues of thought; especially when one shares the dreams of another. You are invited to join the others in a more informal setting later on. It is entirely possible that honey and philosophy will not be the only things on offer.
Persuasive increase
Fascinating… increase
[6 cp?]
'As Socrates once said…'
You lead a group of like-minded intellectuals through the ornamental gardens. You speak with knowledge and humour. But they argue back. Every point you make is answered and refuted. These courtiers must be trained in sophistry! Unfortunately, their intellectual rigour does not prevent them from later telling all and sundry of your embarrassment.
Persuasive increase
Scandal increase
Make friends with the Empress' dog
A puppy comes rushing up as you stroll in the gardens. Adorable little thing. But he looks like the one you've been told belongs to the Empress.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 85]
Give the puppy a biscuit
How could you resist his big brown eyes? And the Empress will surely look favourably on someone who is kind to her dog.
_ challenge
He likes you!
The puppy jumps up at you, excited beyond reason by a simple biscuit. His joyful enthusiasm is in contrast to much of life at the Palace, and you stoop to stroke his head. You were right about the Empress liking those who like her dog - there is a present waiting for you at dinner.
Later, though, you dream of a ferocious, slavering marsh-wolf, bigger than any you have ever heard of. Eyes flare in the darkness. Jaws snap at your heels.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 88 x
Jade Fragment
Nightmares increase
A word from venerable lips
The puppy jumps up at you, excited beyond reason by a simple biscuit. His joyful enthusiasm is in contrast to the usual sombre court attitude, and you stoop to stroke his head. You were right about the Empress liking those who like her dog - a casual remark from her cracked lips has the court scurrying to make your acquaintance.
Later, though, you dream of the court. Each courtier bears the head of a fierce marsh-wolf. They are circling around you. They are coming for you.
Persuasive increase
Fascinating… increase
Nightmares increase
Admired increase
Keep your distance
You have already got one scar from an encounter with a canine - albeit one as different as it is possible to be from this little scrap. But still. Say, 'nice doggie' and move on.
[Unlocked with marked by the Eater-of-Chains 1]
Deep in nightmares.
The dog rushes off to beg someone else to play with him. Much later, in the dark of night, your dreams of the Eater of Chains return to you more vividly than ever. You are close enough to feel his hot breath. You can see the tips of his fur outlined in the yellow moonlight. The glow in his eyes is fathoms deep. When you wake, you are drenched in sweat.
Persuasive increase
Nightmares increase
Watchful increase
Take the dog with you
It will be pleasant to have a companion for your walk. You can throw sticks for him to fetch, and so forth.
An odd turn
The puppy gambols at your feet as you walk through the gardens. He runs after sticks, chases his own tail, and bounds through beds of decorative fungus. Luckily, no gardener would dare to reprove him.
But when you come to one of the wilder, forgotten areas of the gardens, the dog leaps away and goes racing into the thick undergrowth. You search long and hard, but he is nowhere to be found. If anyone finds out, you're facing exile!
Thankfully, though, when you return, the pup is asleep in front of the fire in one of the parlours. In your bed at night, you dream of night forests and a vast wolf, eyes burning in the dark. It is not a pleasant dream.
Persuasive increase
Nightmares increase
The Corruption of Youth
The Palace enforces a sedate and stuffy atmosphere, but you have seen hints of a secret, livelier side to some of the younger visitors.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 85]
Join a picnic expedition
Some of the younger socialites are planning lunch in a remote corner of the gardens. Accompany them. Their smiles hint that lunch is not all they are planning.
_ challenge
A delightful afternoon
The young people chatter happily as you wend your way to the far corner of the grounds. You settle in a charming spot, secluded and surrounded by rare blue fungi. Blankets are spread, wine opened and little treats passed around. These include drops of a very fine quality prisoner's honey, a blend that makes sharing dreams come as easily as holding hands.
In these shared honey-dreams, it is easy to find ways to enjoy the company - the intimacy - of the people you are with. You and your companions spend a lovely afternoon together, and you take away the promise of more.
Persuasive increase
Hedonist increase
Gain: 45 x
Drop of Prisoner's Honey
The seduction of music
Under normal circumstances, music is frowned upon in the Palace. Frequently, dances and salons feature string quartets or chamber orchestras who remain silent - their sole function is decorative. But some of the younger socialites are inclined to rebel, holding recitals in far corners of the attics. You should join in.
_ challenge
A delightful soiree
The organisation of the recitals is deliciously cloak-and-dagger. Secret messages tucked into posies; coded hand signals. A young lady lets you know with a flick of her fingers that tonight's concert will be held in one of the lesser-used state bedrooms. Your job is to bribe any passing servants to keep them quiet.
The young musicians play with all their hearts. After so much time without music, everyone in the room is entranced.
They look at each other, and at you, with shining eyes. You take the opportunity to deepen some acquaintanceships… And there is bribe-fund money to spare.
Persuasive increase
Hedonist increase
Gain: 91 x Jade Fragment
Someone else's scandal
Unlocks: Persuasive 97
A Permanent Under-secretary has been indiscreet with a noted poet. The press already has the story.
Help the poor fellow out
His gratitude would be a worthy prize. You could attempt to sway the gentlemen of the press into leaving him alone.
Read all about something else
You scan your morning paper over toast and marmalade. The interminable dock strike. The bat forecast. The outrageous antics of the Captivating Princess. Nothing about the Permanent Under-secretary. And the fellow has sent you a little something in appreciation.
Persuasive increase
Connected: Society increase (50 cp)
Gain: 20 x Greyfields 1882
Tea at Court
You cannot avoid it forever. Sooner or later, you will have to take tea with the dusty old veterans of the Court.
Unlocks: Persuasive 100
Go to afternoon tea
The tea is decent and the macaroons delicious. But can you strain anything useful from this interminable afternoon?
'May I press you to a scone?'
The clock ticks ever slower. The venerable courtiers drift about like autumn leaves, gossiping about people dead for three decades. They may be duller than dust, but they still wield considerable influence. And some of the gossip isn't too over-ripe.
Persuasive increase
Connected: Society increase (10 cp)
Gain: 84 x Whispered Secret
'Excuse me, I have to go and groom the weasel…'
Dear Lord, but this gathering is endless. The conversation is drier than a vulture's wit. Surely you have better places to be? You leave early enough to be remarked upon.
Scandal increase
Romance
There are a number of romantic options available to you at court.
Carving out a reputation
The below opportunities open up a number of ways for you to build up inspiration for your latest work. These have been moved onto their own page due to the number of them.
A slow day
Unlocks: Persuasive 97
A silent, dreary day at the Court. Has even romance lost its sheen?
A polite tap on the shoulder
The Veteran Privy Counsellor would like you to come this way. He's a Duke, isn't he? You should probably pop along.
The office of the Veteran Privy Counsellor
Any of these chairs would sell for more than your lodgings. The wallpaper is made of zebras. There are paintings dating from the time when your host governed a considerable portion of Africa. The office is far enough from the Throne that you may speak above a whisper.
'You've caused a stir at Court. Your romances have been… novel. Be that as it may, I have a proposal for you. The Court lacks for an Imperial Artist-in-Residence. The last one… well, we won't see them for some time. My point is that the Court wishes to be entertained with original compositions. Your early works impressed the Empress, and she doesn't even like mushrooms. So, get to it, would you? We can't wait to see what you come up with.'
The Imperial Artist-in-Residence! That position comes with Versification House, a very respectable address near the Palace. And royal patronage. And who knows what else? Original works, he says. A trifle, a detail, a snap. Where's that pen?
A twist in your tale! You are now carving out a Reputation at Court.
Connected: Society increase
What's your next work?
The Veteran Privy Counsellor looks expectantly at you. His glass of port quivers dangerously in his hand. What's your next project?
Write poetry
Poetry is a mirror which makes the distorted beautiful. The Neath could benefit from your reflections. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 34 to finish your work]
A book of verse!
'Poetry,' says the Veteran Privy Counsellor. 'How very fashionable.' He seems only the tiniest bit disappointed.
An occurrence! Your 'creating a masterpiece for the Empress' Quality is now 1!
Complete a novel
Not everyone has a novel in them. You do. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 34 to finish your work]
A novel!
'You should be aware that the Court disapproves of supernatural themes, racy passages and tales of usurpation.' The Veteran Privy Counsellor raises a conspiratorial eyebrow. What's he playing at?
An occurrence! Your 'creating a masterpiece for the Empress' Quality is now 2!
Write and stage a play
Theatre is the true art. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to finish your work: this will be a little quicker.]
A play!
'The trouble with plays is that one must work with… actors. Actresses are an altogether superior breed, however.' The Privy Counsellor nods, his brow heavy with wisdom.
An occurrence! Your 'creating a masterpiece for the Empress' Quality is now 3!
Write a song and have it performed
You'll have to be subtle. The Empress hates choral works, but in the far corners of the Palace much of the court appreciate a good song. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to finish your work: this will be a little quicker.]
A song!
'A hymn or something, eh? You are a bold one. Jolly good, though. We could use more singing around this place.'
An occurrence! Your 'creating a masterpiece for the Empress' Quality is now 4!
Compose a symphony and have it performed
The Empress hates noise, but sometimes makes an exception for a good symphony. Apparently the Consort likes them. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to finish your work]
A symphony!
'A symphony? Does anyone actually write symphonies any more? This isn't the Regency, you know. Still, good luck to you.'
An occurrence! Your 'creating a masterpiece for the Empress' Quality is now 5!
The ballet
Ballet hasn't been popular for decades. Still, the Veteran Privy Counsellor is thought to have a soft spot for it. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to finish your work: this will be a little quicker.]
Ballet
'Ballet! Ballet! I can't remember the last time ballet came to the Palace!' The Veteran Privy Counsellor is excited. He leaps to his feet and performs something that suggests a pirouette, in much the same way that a cockroach suggests a butterfly. He remembers himself and sits down sharply, his eyes daring you to comment on the matter.
An occurrence! Your 'creating a masterpiece for the Empress' Quality is now 6!
Your poem is complete!
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 1, creating a masterpiece for the Empress 1, Inspired… 34
The ink of the last line dries. You set down your pen at last. It is done. A poem for the ages. A poem to assure you immortality. But what manner of work is it?
An Epic Cycle
Nobody writes huge, sprawling heroic epics any more. Nobody but you, anyway. Twelve thousand stanzas of heroism, tragedy and myth.
A Tragedy of Romance
A timeless love. The cruel blade of fate. Death by water. A great many tears. The height of poetic fashion.
An Allegorical Satire
If one enjoys breathing, one does not write extended satires concerning the Empress, nor especially her Consort. However, the rest of those windbags in the Court are fair game.
Your novel is complete!
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 1, creating a masterpiece for the Empress 2, Inspired… 34
Your work is complete! A masterful novel, plucked from the blue skies of inspiration and pinned to your desk with a quill. Surely this manuscript will set the literary world afire. But what exactly have you written?
A Gothic Romance
Desperate lovers. Ruined castles. A noble family's secret shame. All spiced up with a few flashes of nightgown and perhaps a monster.
A Tale of the Future!
A bold vision of life in the next century! A world of gleaming brass and sparking globes. A tale of London's triumphant return to the surface!
A Patriotic Adventure!
A rip-roaring tale of Empire, hardship, determination and giving those foreigners a damn sound thrashing! Thrills and danger in the Elder Country! The search for the Mountain of Youth!
Opening Night!
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 1, creating a masterpiece for the Empress 3, Inspired… 24
Everything is prepared. The performers assure you that they have memorised their lines. The curtain goes up in five minutes. But what manner of theatrical delight have you produced?
A Slapstick Farce
A tonic for the Empress's woes. It is long past time that the Court enjoyed the humour of the common man. And surely anyone, no matter how exalted, can enjoy the spectacle of two urchins pelting a Bishop with crumpets?
A Wry Satirical Comedy
Where the weighty is trivial and the insincere mouth earnest words about the fancies and nonsensitudes of life. A pithy epigram for every occasion.
A Heart-Wrenching Tragedy
Passions that destroy all before them. Innocence savaged by uncaring destiny. A story fit for the Neath.
Publish your song!
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 1, creating a masterpiece for the Empress 4, Inspired… 24
The Shuttered Palace is not a welcoming venue for songs. If you publish your work all across London, you might yet hear it in the far corners of the Court. But what have you written?
A Rousing Hymn
Something to get the blood of decent folk pumping. A rousing call to action, and some old-fashioned righteousness.
A Newly Arranged Folk Song
A new version of an old song. A good one. One of those tunes about bedding those you shouldn't, robbing folks and spraying blood up the walls.
A Patriotic Anthem
A flag-waving riot of music, with a chorus everyone can sing. Something to bring tears to the eyes of the most zealous partisans.
Your symphony is complete!
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 1, creating a masterpiece for the Empress 5, Inspired… 24
Music is usually banned from the Shuttered Palace. However, the Consort is old-fashioned and likes the occasional symphony, so the Empress is prepared to make an exception. But what manner of music will there be?
Somewhat challenging music
Unlocks: a Scholar of the Correspondence 1
The Correspondence is not meant for human voices. Neither is it meant for musical instruments, but that's not going to stop you.
An exuberant cannonade
A full orchestra. No, two full orchestras! A regiment of drummers! A platoon of riflemen! A cannon!
A choral requiem
Melancholy and stately and beautiful. Music is so rare at the Palace that it is one's duty to produce something both exceptional and fitting.
Stage your ballet!
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 1, creating a masterpiece for the Empress 6, Inspired… 24
The ballet has not enjoyed the favour of the Court since before the Fall. Such disdain will make your victory all the sweeter. The performance will have to be silent, of course. But what sort of ballet will you stage?
A light work based around a Neathy folk tale
An old-fashioned sort of ballet. The Veteran Privy Counsellor gets very excited about this sort of thing.
A work of romance and automata
A tale of love in the deep places, drawing on your own experience. Clay dancers! Social commentary! This will make them sit up and watch. And possibly run away.
A work of barely-clad decadence
Dull, is it? Old-fashioned? Hah! You're going to give them a night to remember. Presumably you've booked passage to the tomb-colonies in advance.
Called to the office
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 4
The Veteran Privy Counsellor summons you to his offices.
Off to the office
Go and share a little port with the old fellow, and see what he has to say.
Opera and exile
The Veteran Privy Counsellor frowns. Today, he seems older than usual. He stares at you for so long that you begin to suspect a deficiency in your dress. The grandfather clock behind him measures out the seconds.
'I must say that your works have been exceptionally diverting. We could not ask for a more talented gentleman. But: to business.'
'I have called you here to make a request: I wish to propose a very special piece. An opera. To be performed for the Court. Your most original. Your most exceptional. And your most infamous. Make it scurrilous, or impious, or vulgar, or even political. But make it sting.'
'And make no mistake: a work of this calibre will get you exiled so hard you may experience a species of concussive dizziness. Far beyond a little trip to the tomb-colonies: this will ensure you dare not return to Court, for months or years. Of course, it means your appointment to Imperial Artist-in-Residence will be delayed. But it will come. I give you my word as a gentleman.'
'Payment? You misunderstand me, Sir. This is not a commission. I will not protect or reward you. In fact, this conversation never occurred. But if my assessment of you is correct, you will have your own reasons for undertaking this… great work.'
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 5!
A weighty decision
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 5
The Veteran Privy Counsellor wants you to compose an opera so audacious that it will get you banished from the Empress' Court.
Oblige him
Whatever your reasons, you will write his opera for him. [In a moment, you may indicate your reasons.]
Capital!
'I knew I could count on you. There have been… difficulties… arising from your work. I have dealt with those that I can. The Constables and the Ministry of Public Decency won't bother you for a while. Now, set about your creation. I am depending on you!'
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 6!
Suspicion decrease (Very high, possibly all the way to 0)
Scandal decrease (Very high, possibly all the way to 0)
Refuse him
What? No! You have work to do! Your ascent to immortality will not be derailed by intrigue! [Continue at the Shuttered Palace for now.]
Dashed inconvenient
'Well: it can wait a little longer. Pursue your career… artist. We will speak again.'
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 3!
A stroke of good fortune
Unlocks: 8 Fate
The Counsellor is a veteran of intrigue… but it so happens your Palace contacts are perfectly placed to uncover valuable information. [Fate will give you a clue to his intentions.]
Scandals past
You sniff out rumours. He's in good odour with the Empress. This can't be revenge. You have him followed. You're sure he has no dealings in the Great Game. It can't be politics. He does like his ballet. Is this some obscure artistic revenge? He has apartments at the Bazaar, but he never visits them. Is this significant?
A Faltering Lamp-Lighter remembers an occasion, ten years or more ago, when another promising artist fell unexpectedly. She cast one of the Empress' sons in a scandalous play. She arranged to marry the son on stage, with the assistance of a real priest disguised as an actor. She claimed to love him. People will say anything. They don't say what happened to her, though. But the Counsellor commissioned the play.
And Clathermont: one of your spies uncovers an ancient receipt from Clathermont's in the palace record. Your Privy Counsellor has a tattoo from Clathermont's, identified only as 'C. special, 1: faith kpt, aeons.'
You have used 8 Fate. The world tilts on its axis, very slightly.
Gain: 2 x Incendiary Gossip
Try to discover his reasons
Previous Unlocks: Sudden Insight x 3, Cryptic Clue x 300
New Unlocks(January 2012) 3 x Sudden Insight, 2 x An Identity Uncovered!
Watchful challenge, straightforward at 135
This man is a veteran of sixty years of palace intrigue. Are you sure you want to risk prying into his business?
Why are you doing this?
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 6
The Veteran Privy Counsellor wants you to create something unique: a incendiary bomb of an opera which will shatter your glittering reputation into a million pieces. And you've agreed!
For the art
No censors. No limits.
Art first. Taste second. No, taste last.
Imagine what you could create when you are expected to shock and scandalise? Or is that a limitation like any other? There's only one way to find out: actually write the thing. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to complete the opera.]
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 7!
For Empress and Country?
The Veteran Privy Counsellor was too artful to say. But perhaps they need you to be exiled for a reason.
How high does this go?
It probably involves conspiracies that span the Empire! You shall not be found wanting.
You can find no flaw in your logic. But you still have to write the bloody thing. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to complete the opera.]
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 7!
Connected: The Great Game increase
For the Revolution
Unlocks: Connected: Revolutionaries 10
An opportunity to thumb your nose at the whole Court, live on stage? Wait until they hear of this in the Flit.
For the workers!
Opera is the Establishment's lapdog. Imagine the fun when it bites the Establishment somewhere personal.
Your reasoning is sound. But you still have to write the bloody thing. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to complete the opera.]
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 7!
Because you've done the Court.
Look at these people. They're wraiths. Leeches. Why did you ever care about their good opinion?
You are beyond them now
But you'll give them something to remember you by. Oh yes, you will.
This is all very well. But now, you have to actually write the thing. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to complete the opera.]
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 7!
Hedonist increase
Because I hate the Empress
Down with the Traitor Empress!
A traitor to be reviled
Whether it's politics or a more personal dislike, you'll give her a d—ned fine reason to kick you out.
This is all very well. But now, you have to actually write the thing. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to complete the opera.]
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 7!
For the freedom of expression
This is one performance that the Ministry of Public Decency won't interfere with.
They can come anyway
Perhaps you should invite a few Decency Evaluators along to the performance. So the Ministry will know exactly what you think of their censorship. Yes. Complimentary tickets.
Your reasoning is all very well. But now, you have to actually write the thing. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to complete the opera.]
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 7!
To make you famous
Whatever happens, this is going to be talked about for years.
Infamy beckons
Your name will live forever.
Your reasoning is sound. But you still have to write the bloody thing. [Raise your Inspired… quality to 24 to complete the opera.]
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 7!
The Grand Finale
Unlocks: carving out a Reputation at Court 6, creating a masterpiece for the Empress 7, Inspired 24
Your opera for the Empress is complete! Once the curtain comes down, you'll very likely be banished from Court altogether. Let's make this one count.
A heavyweight epic mocking the Empress
An overwrought monstrosity in the style established by 'Odin's Horse'. A big, serious opera where the Queen of Valkyries is a lame, lumbering, blood-drinking monster.
A night to remember
The cast numbers in scores. The orchestra is even larger. The curtain rises and the opera begins. Your Byzantine and largely nonsensical plot unfolds. Mainly, it involves large ladies in metal hats screaming at each other. The Queen of Valkyries will appear on the second day. In the meantime, your thunderous score ensures that no-one in the courtly audience can sneak a nap.
Finally, there she is. The Queen of Valkyries. A cannibalistic fiend, who sold her divine lands and now feasts on her children. Jaws drop through the theatre. All eyes turn to the Empress. Offended? That doesn't even begin to describe it. She is in a beetroot-tinted, pop-eyed apoplexy. You risk no more than a glance before you are bundled away by the Veteran Privy Counsellor's men. Behind you, the mob bays for your blood.
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 7
Your 'creating a masterpiece for the Empress' Quality has gone!
Your 'Inspired…' Quality has gone!
A sentimental love story
A story where the young princess will do anything to rescue her diseased lover. Who unexpectedly gets chopped up by pirates.
A night to remember
The curtain rises. Everything is rather jolly to begin with. The young heroine is lovelorn, but everyone expects that. There are some piratical excesses and a few waifs succumb to consumption, but these things happen.
And then the big aria. The heroine pleads for her lover's life with the pirate captain. It's heart-rending. Not a dry eye in the house. The pirate captain lifts his big axe and chops the fellow into gobbets. Butcher's offal spatters the front three rows. The audience howls with horror and outrage. The pirates howl with laughter. The princess loses her mind. A witch (the pirate captain in disguise!) promises to return her love to life, if she turns over her fortune. He runs off with the money, and the final curtain falls.
The Empress doesn't have many actual soldiers at her disposal. But those few there are hunt you down. Of course, you're ahead of them. Off into the night with the Veteran Privy Counsellor.
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 8!
Your 'creating a masterpiece for the Empress' Quality has gone!
Your 'Inspired…' Quality has gone!
A light comedy about the lives of the saints
An amusing hagiographical romp through history. Remember to invite the bishops. Enough to get you solidly exiled, but nothing that will offend the Empress personally.
A night to remember
Oh, but what a jolly little opera you have written. You establish your mood quickly. The first song has St Augustine chasing Manichaeans off with a broom. The audience chuckles nervously. The Empress doesn't seem to be offended, so the work continues. Two bishops in the front row walk out during You'll Have To Stand Still If You Want To Be A Martyr. The Bishop of Southwark promises to do something very secular to you.
The Court is growing restless. The Empress' even gaze cannot calm them. The cast blasts into the big Council of Nicaea chorus and the audience storms the stage. St Sebastian is beaten with an umbrella. Fuming Parliamentarians fell your Eastern patriarchs as the Veteran Privy Counsellor's men bundle you safely out of the building.
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 9!
Your 'creating a masterpiece for the Empress' Quality has gone!
Your 'Inspired…' Quality has gone!
Tristram Bagley's unfinished masterpiece
Staging the impossible thing is only marginally easier than smuggling the Topsy King into the Palace.
Unlocked with: Ambition: Heart's Desire - the Topsy King 22, **a Scholar of the Correspondence 1**
An opera for a King and an Empress
You raise your baton. The glass kettle drums pound out the the overture. Your vision clouds with blood. You wipe it away and continue. The xylophonist's hair bursts into a violet flame, but he continues playing. He's either a consummate professional or very drunk indeed.
You've read the libretto, of course, but you couldn't have imagined the full impact of the work in performance. The Bell and the Candle is erotic beyond the human experience. You find yourself enamoured of the unseen sky. Desperate with desire for the endless spaces between stars. Consumed with furious lust for the striking of bells. What is this doing to you?
The Court is a bedlam. Half of the aristocrats are cavorting lustily with the other half. A few run out into the gardens, wild-eyed with passion. The Bell sings her aria. A thing of hatred, of impossible desire, of revenge and bright burning joy. And then, with a juddering wail from the transparent bassoons, it's over. The Empress is flushed with long-dormant passions. She is furious with you. She leaps from her chair. You sprint from the chamber before she personally tears you limb from limb. You've no idea what effect all this had on the Topsy King. You'll have to catch him in the Flit if you live through all this. Ah, here come the Veteran Privy Counselor's men to bundle you away.
An occurrence! Your 'carving out a Reputation at Court' Quality is now 9!
Your 'Shaping a Masterpiece for the Empress' Quality has gone!
'Inspired…' has been reset: a conclusion, or a new beginning?
An occurrence! Your 'Ambition: Heart's Desire - the Topsy King' Quality is now 24!
After doing this you are immediately taken to the next story option. You cannot choose to do something else.
On the way to the docks
As you walk briskly to exile, the Veteran Privy Counsellor appears and falls into step with you.
Before you go
Have a little chat with the man who orchestrated your downfall.
The Duchess's Banquet
The Duchess is holding a banquet of some kind at the Palace in honour of the Feast of the Exceptional Rose…The more Admired have been invited. That's you, of course.
unlocked with Admired 3
Catch the attention of the Duchess
The Duchess has many things in common with her feline companions. They say that if you approach her with perfect stealth, she will tell you a secret.
unlocked with Admired 5
Shadowy challenge, straightforward < 77
The old city
You startle the Duchess by coughing quietly while standing directly behind her. She twists her head around at a peculiar angle and smiles, briefly but warmly - a rare expression indeed for her. 'A matter of the City,' she says thoughtfully. She whispers something else, her lips an inch from your ear.
When your senses return, you are in your lodgings. An ancient clay tablet sits on the table. What has happened? What did she say?
Shadowy increase
You've moved to a new area: your Lodgings
Gain: 2 x Appalling Secret
Gain: 2 x Relic of the Second City
Nightmares increase
Share a little honey with the Captivating Princess
The Captivating Princess was born in the year of the Fall. She wears scandal like a Parisian gown, and is rumoured to have a taste for honey.
A matter of luck: it could go either way.
unlocked with Admired 7
A delightful dream
She is charming. She finds you charming. Would you care to share a little honey after the dessert? You would? Splendid.
Envious eyes and three chaperones follow your departure to a private chamber. You share a dream of bright skies, sunlight and endless lush grass. She is distant, but lovely. You must see her again!
You were fortunate!
Making Waves increase
Scandal increase
Gain: 5 x Inkling of Identity
Joke with His Amused Lordship
His Amused Lordship is an occasional visitor to the palace. He is known to appreciate humour bordering on the bawdy. He is suspected of frequenting lower class establishments of entertainment in disguise.
unlocked with Admired 9
'..and then the spider-council said, "Well, how many legs does she need?"'
His Amused Lordship roars with laughter until the dining hall shakes. You will remember that laugh - he won't be able to disguise it if the rumours about him are true. He slaps your back in a comradely fashion, and tells you the one about the Drownie and the Starveling Cat.
You were fortunate!
Scandal increase
Gain: 1 x
Cryptic Clue
Connected: Society increase
What's going on in the wine cellars?
Sounds emerge from below. Is that music? Is something going on in the wine cellars? Perhaps you could slip away and find out. Don't get caught.
(A matter of luck: it could go either way.)
Below the palace
The cellars are a maze. You are soon lost. You can hear the music more clearly, though. If it is music. Huge drums play irregular rhythms. Is that a harp? Something rushes past you in the near-total darkness. Good God. What was that thing? A mis-shapen form a good yard taller than you. Was it… dancing? What is this place?
You were fortunate!
Gain: 3 x
Appalling Secret
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Connected: Bohemian increase (33-49 cp)
Gain: 6000 x 
Gain: 1 x Copy of your Tragedy of Romance
Connected: Revolutionaries increase (22-42 cp)
Gain: 6000 x 
Connected: The Docks increase (50 cp?)
Connected: The Church increase
3000 x 
You've moved to a new area: disgraced exile in the Tomb-Colonies
Lose: 3 x Sudden Insight
Gain: 2 Fate!
An Accomplishment! You are now banished from the Court.
