Freelance Smuggling

Progress in this story arc is shown via the number of Myrrh-Scented Roses you obtain or lose as part of your involvement with the Once-Dashing Smuggler. Once you have met the Once-Dashing Smuggler other opportunities could arise in the Tomb Colonies and elsewhere, and are described below.

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Freelance Smuggling

An acquaintance has told you of a Once-Dashing Smuggler who's in need of help. Your friend is willing to make an introduction.

Agree to the introduction

Your acquaintance hasn't led you astray before.

Reward spoiler

Business over drinks?

The next day, a messenger delivers a handwritten invitation from the Once-Dashing Smuggler - and a bouquet of slightly desiccated roses. His penmanship is elegant, and the flowers smell faintly of myrrh.
You now have 50 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Find more information

How come you're not already acquainted with this particular smuggler? Maybe those you do know can tell you know more about this one.
Unlocks: Connected: The Orient 20

Reward spoiler

A new… er, face?

In groups, the Gracious Widow's workers deny any knowledge of new competition. But when you take one young lady aside, she whispers to you of a tomb-colonist who needs someone to fence some grave-gold. Before she flees, she hints that the Widow has not been sleeping lately.
Gain: 20 x Cryptic Clue
Watchful increase

A gallant tomb-colonist

Unlocks: 50 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
The Once-Dashing Smuggler is the consummate host. He only asks for your aid in finding buyers for his grave-gold once you're comfortably seated with a drink in your hand.

Stick to business

Negotiate a fair price, no matter how charming he is.

Reward spoiler

He is impressed

His viridian eyes dance with amusement as you haggle over your commission. He does not let you win; but the compromise is fair. Before you leave, he presses a velvet pouch into your hand. ‘A token of my esteem.’
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 1 x Venom-ruby
Gain: 2 x Diamond
Gain: 30 x Moon-pearl

Add in a little pleasure

He is quite fetching. Probably. Under the bandages.

Reward spoiler

The candles burn down to stubs

You spend a long evening laughing and talking with the Once-Dashing Smuggler. You tell him the latest gossip, and he offers to take you to soirees with tomb-colonists that would make London's bohemians look like church mice. He grasps your hand for a moment as you take your leave. His touch is firm and strong beneath the bandages.
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 50 x Cryptic Clue

An invitation from the Once-Dashing Smuggler

Unlocks: 49 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
The Once-Dashing Smuggler might be smitten with you. He claims to have arranged for the Museum of Mistakes to open at midnight just for the two of you.

Attend with pleasure

My, he's certainly going to great pains for you. Perhaps his interest is platonic, perhaps not. Are you sincere in your friendship, or seeking advantage? [This will begin a romance… of sorts.]

Reward spoiler

Hushed footsteps on marble

The Museum is yours for the evening, though its halls are dark and the exhibits are difficult to make out. Your bandaged guide is quick to supply an anecdote or dry remark about any item that catches your eye. He picks up a jade carving you particularly admire and slips it in your pocket.

As you leave, the Once-Dashing Smuggler tries to distract your attention from something lying still in a corner. What is that dark smear on the tiles? What price was the pleasure of your company?
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 2 x Appalling Secret
Gain: 50 x Jade Fragment

Alert the Constabulary

No matter who this gentleman is, it's unlikely he has the influence to open the Museum at this hour.

Reward spoiler

A prudent betrayal?

The Once-Dashing Smuggler is prompt and resplendent in a new jacket and freshly-wound bandages. He waits for you outside the museum, as agreed, but you're watching from across the street. In moments, a pair of constables are upon him.

He makes short work of them and slips away, glancing around as he goes. You catch a glimpse of his murky eyes; they are stricken, as sad as the Silent River.
Connected: The Constables increase
An occurrence! Your Myrrh-Scented Roses Quality is now 1!

Not your type

Don't like men? Don't like tomb-colonists? Smugglers? Green eyes? Anyway, let's give him the push before he gets too keen.

Reward spoiler

Gone into the dark

The remaining petals decay gradually and politely. You hear no more from the Smuggler.
An occurrence! Your Myrrh-Scented Roses Quality is now 1!

Who is this Smuggler?

Unlocks: 48 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
There’s something intriguing about his graceful brutality. Or should that just be 'frightening'?

Ask him yourself

Would a muscular man wrapped entirely in bandages have anything to hide?

Reward spoiler

Audacity rewarded

He invites you into his home, and laughs heartily when you ask. The Smuggler’s operation used to be a family business, at least until he died tragically. He glosses over the specific nature of the tragedy, however, and changes the subject before you can ask any more questions.
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 2 x Intriguing Gossip (Not to be confused with Incendiary Gossip)
Gain: 16 x Cryptic Clue

Follow him around discreetly

Why risk arousing the wrath of such a volatile man?

Reward spoiler

The Smuggler keeps a tight schedule

You shadow him to a dark warehouse and a confrontation with someone he clearly feels has betrayed him. The way his muscles ripple as he beats the man is reminiscent of a marsh wolf's attack. He is relentless.

At the end of the evening, he stands on a hill in silence, staring at the Gracious Widow’s darkened home. After a few long minutes, a single lamp illuminates a bedroom window, and the Smuggler leaves.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 2 x Inkling of Identity
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Watching the Shroom-Hopping

Unlocks: 46 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
The Once-Dashing Smuggler has invited you to watch the Shroom-Hopping races with him. It would be enjoyable, if it weren't for the woman with the ornate hat standing directly in front of you.

Politely ask her to move

Well. It's difficult to see. Surely she will understand.

Reward spoiler

'The impertinence!'

The woman cannot believe you have the gall to ask such a thing. She turns her back on you indignantly, seemingly taking up more space than ever. The Smuggler jostles her when you leave, and you could swear you see a sorrow-spider crawling onto her hat. You glance at your companion, who winks.
Daring increase
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 2 x Appalling Secret

Ignore the giant hat

It's the polite thing to do, and being able to actually see the race is a luxury you can forgo for the sake of a quiet life.

Reward spoiler

How considerate of him

Despite your sporting attempt at pretending to see, the problem becomes obvious when you suggest betting on a man with one leg. Your companion taps the woman on the shoulder, smiling kindly. He whispers something in her ear. Shocked, she giggles and steps to the side.
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Find a different vantage point

One with the particular advantage of discreetly removing yourself from the Smuggler's presence.

Reward spoiler

Mixed signals

You return to your lodgings to find a polite note stabbed to your door with a knife. In it, the Smuggler apologises profusely for losing track of you and hopes to see you again soon. Once inside, you find a small purse of jade on your pillow.
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 100 x Jade Fragment

Attending a masquerade

Unlocks: 45 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
A costumed ball is taking place at the Shuttered Palace. Neither you nor the Once-Dashing Smuggler have invitations, but he doesn’t think that will be an issue. He plans to go dressed as… A tomb-colonist.

Go dressed as a character from 'Odin's Horse'

This particular opera is all the rage in polite society. Best to put some distance between yourself and the Smuggler.

Reward spoiler

Social ostracism

While your Valkyrie outfit is perfectly acceptable, the entire court is horrified that the Once-Dashing Smuggler came dressed as an actual tomb-colonist! You’re courted with canapes and conversation as he’s escorted away by a pair of butlers. His eyes are filled with reproach. You look for more wine.
You've moved to a new area: The Shuttered Palace
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Go dressed as a tattooed zailor

Why should your companion be the only one dressed as something shocking?

Reward spoiler

Priceless reactions

The entire ball is slack-jawed and silent as you and your bandaged escort make a grand entrance. You walk confidently, and for every two who turn away, another is eager to dance with you. You talk to some surprising people that night.

Afterwards, the Smuggler presents you with some tempting jewels, stolen from the ladies he danced with.
You've moved to a new area: The Shuttered Palace
Gain: 100 x Moon-pearl
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Scandal increase

Don't go at all

It's sweet of him to ask, but you have other plans.

Reward spoiler

A trip to the Emporium

Unlocks: 44 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
The Emporium of Educational Curiosities is a rambling warren of shops and stalls, most owned by the Masters themselves. For someone as notorious as the Smuggler to show his bandages here is madness - but the sort of madness he enjoys.

Tip off the neddy men

If you wish to curry favour with the Masters, you could let them know a wanted criminal is planning to visit the Emporium.

Reward spoiler

The neddy men work fast

A discreet note dropped at an informant’s feet is enough to bring them down around you. As the Smuggler is dragged away, you are shoved into an alley, and a clinking purse lands by your side.
You've moved to a new area: The Labyrinth of Tigers even if it hasn't been unlocked yet
An occurrence! Your Myrrh-Scented Roses Quality is now 1!
Connected: the Masters of the Bazaar increase
Gain: 100 x Glim.

Enjoy the danger

You may be arrested for simply being seen at the Emporium. May as well make the risk worth it.

Reward spoiler

A profitable afternoon

You wander around with the Smuggler, his face obscured under an elegant bowler. While haggling is frowned upon at the Emporium, the Smuggler’s casual charm wins you some bargains. You leave with some rare wine.
Shadowy increase
You've moved to a new area: The Labyrinth of Tigers even if it hasn't been unlocked yet
Gain: 1 x Greyfields 1868 First Sporing
Gain: 1 x Black Wings Absinthe

Going batwatching

A particular dirigible captain accepts unofficial passengers, at a price. The gondola offers unequalled views of the city, and of the bat-flocks of the Neath.
Unlocks: 42 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Watch the bats with him

There is something very soothing about their movements.

Reward spoiler

Strange and lovely

You find a secluded window with the Smuggler. He produces a flask of ambrosial truffle brandy. As the black, chattering skeins of bats stream by, his arm slips around your waist. It is surprisingly warm.
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Nightmares decrease

Suggest something less romantic

Perhaps a University lecture?

Reward spoiler

The Back of the Lecture Hall

Once you arrive, the Smuggler heads straight for a group of Benthic students passing around a flask. He proceeds to ignore you most of the night, save for a smug glance when a girl tentatively asks to touch his bandages.
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Attend to the 'stars' by yourself

From here, perhaps you can discern patterns invisible from the cavern floor.
(Watchful challenge; straightforward at 99)

Reward spoiler

Watchful increase
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 1 x Sudden Insight

Attend one of the Brass Embassy's hunts

The Smuggler brings you to meet a cadre of devils beneath a silver tree in the Forgotten Quarter. They are all masked save for their eyes, which glint like copper and embers. They give you a brass horn and offer a quasi-equine mount.
Unlocks: 41 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Stay with the pack

Better to stay among experienced hunters.

Reward spoiler

What follows is indelicate

The quarry leads you on a merry chase through the Forgotten Quarter, until he is finally cornered on the steps of a seven-tiered tower. The Smuggler draws you close and suggests that you depart before the second part of the hunt begins.
Dangerous increase
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Head off on your own

This is not nice. Make a tactful retreat from the action. By yourself.

Reward spoiler

A prudent move

You don't say anything, but withdraw gradually from the pack. The Smuggler is caught up in the hunt, and doesn't follow you, for once. The weight of his presence is something you only notice when it's gone. You spend a pleasant afternoon wandering the Quarter, and find a curio nestling in moss.
Gain: 1 Fourth City Relic
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Ride out ahead

You and the Once-Dashing Smuggler can pursue faster on your own.
(Watchful challenge; straightforward at 105)

Reward spoiler

A haunted look

Just as you begin to squeeze the trigger, your prey opens his eyes. Undeniably human eyes. A tremor in your hand sends your bullet wide, and he disappears behind a colonnade.
Watchful increase
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 3 x Appalling Secret
Heartless decrease

Perhaps another time?

You have something terribly pressing to do. Assuming you can come up with something believable.
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 95)

Reward spoiler

A sinister favour

The Smuggler bows politely and bids you adieu. The next morning you awake to find three unconscious men bleeding on your doorstep.

There is a note from the Smuggler tied to a bottle of wine. 'I noticed these vagabonds were paying your home undue attention. I took the liberty.'
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 1 x Greyfields 1868 First Sporing.

The troublesome suitor

Unlocks: 41 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
The Once-Dashing Smuggler is dangerous, maddening, and feels deep affection for you. This can only go poorly. Perhaps a friend can help.

Ask the Struggling Artist

Unlocks: an Admirer of Art 1
He has had his share of awkward suitors, after all.

Reward spoiler

The practical approach

The Artist commiserates with you over swamp-shroom tea. He knows tomb-colonists. Apparently, they make difficult patrons, as they exist largely on the edges of society. They don't feel bound by decorum and propriety. He suggests cajoling as many gifts as you can from your suitor, then changing your address.

He must have a lingering fondness for you still. Before you go, he presses a little token on you, 'for your protection'.
Gain: 1 x Horsehead Amulet
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Try talking to the Gracious Widow

Unlocks: Connected: The Orient 20
Maybe she can give you insight into the mind of another Smuggler.

Reward spoiler

A reminder of the past?

The Widow sighs wistfully as you tell her of the Smuggler’s maddening shifts between charm, obsession, and cruelty. Romance, she says, is quite boring when it only goes smoothly, and such depth of devotion is not to be overlooked. There is a catch in her voice that's difficult to identify. Sorrow? Fear? Jealousy? Regret?
Gain: 2 x Inkling of Identity
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Go it alone

You don't need anyone's help!

Reward spoiler

Quiet reflection

You spend some time pondering the situation. A few long, lonely walks, the odd hour gazing into the fire. Has anything become clearer in your mind?
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Gain: 1 x Sudden Insight
Watchful increase

Help from the Affectionate Devil

Unlocks: an Intimate of Devils 5
Perhaps the Devil's feelings for you can help put the Smuggler off your scent. [This will likely end the affair!]

Reward spoiler

The green-eyed monster

The Affectionate Devil’s disposition remains solicitous, although his eyes turn molten when you hint that the Smuggler’s advances were untoward. He promises you will not have to deal with this glorified mummy's impropriety again.
An occurrence! Your Myrrh-Scented Roses Quality is now 1!

Treasures from the Royal table

The Once-Dashing Smuggler has an opportunity to raid the Empress' larder. Will you join him in a private feast?
Unlocks: 40 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Take up his invitation

Forbidden fruit is that much sweeter.

Reward spoiler

A riverside meal

You abscond with your spoils to a deserted residence near the docks. The Smuggler himself cooks up a banquet, with dazzling colours and electrifying scents of Surface spices. Hours later, you are still delicately feeding each other delightful morsels, and he is whispering things in your ear that make you blush as warmly as the spices do.

Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses
Unaccountably Peckish decrease
Gain: 1 x Dark-dewed Cherries

Warn the pastry-cook

The kitchen staff may be severely punished for turning a blind eye to the Smuggler if you do not intervene.

Reward spoiler

The cupboard is bare

You arrive to find shelves cleared of all things of value. All that remains is a sliver of dried meat in a rat trap and a jar of pickled cave-crab. Tantalising aromas of oranges and sun-warmed pear still drift about the room.
The Smuggler mutters darkly as he regards the desolation. You think you see him empty a phial into the jar of crab; when you steal a look inside, it has an unwholesome, viscous sheen.
Lose: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

A firm 'No thank you'

You have no interest in this scoundrel.

Reward spoiler

A Smuggler's farewell

Unlocks: Myrrh-Scented Roses 4
The Once-Dashing Smuggler must return to the tomb-colonies for business. He longs to see you one last time.

See him off at the dock

A dignified goodbye to a dear friend.

Reward spoiler

A hearty embrace
His eyes are smiling warmly as you say your farewells, and he promises to call on you again before the last of your roses wither. He boards the ship and you wave until it is a spot on the horizon.
When you return home, there is a chest on your bed and a note from the Smuggler about limited space in the ship's hold. The treasures he has left for you!
An occurence! Your Myrrh-Scented Roses Quality is now 3.
Gain: 500 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
Gain: 5 x Sapphire

See him the night before

If you might not see him again, it should be a night to remember.

Reward spoiler

A spirited evening

You ask questions about tomb-colonists and their day-to-day lives that would be offensive in other circumstances, but a tired mind and imbibed spirits make your curiosity amusing to the Smuggler. He mentions that secrets are inscribed upon the interior of tomb-colonist bandages, and says you are welcome to his.

All the secrets that you find pale in comparison to his face.
Gain: 10 x Inkling of Identity
Gain: 10 x Incendiary Gossip
Gain: 5 x Appalling Secret
Hedonist increase.
An occurence! Your Myrrh-Scented Roses Quality is now 3.

Refuse to see him at all

You have better things to do with your time.

Reward spoiler

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Opportunities in The Tomb Colonies

Once you have made the acquaintance of the Once-Dashing Smuggler, you may encounter him again if you visit the Tomb-Colonies.

Visit an old friend

The Once-Dashing Smuggler lives in this colony. Perhaps you should see him?
Unlocks: 2 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Assuage your guilt

Being a tomb-colonist is difficult; you see that now. You owe him an apology.
Unlocks: 2 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Reward spoiler

He is kinder than you might deserve

Genuinely glad to hear from you, the Smuggler forgives and forgets any strife between the two of you. He even presents you with another rose, and promises to talk to friends in Fallen London about your reputation.

Scandal decrease
Gain: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Spend a long evening talking

The exchange of gossip is an both a pleasant pastime, and a vital infusion of life, here in the dry, dusty tomb-colonies.
Unlocks: 3 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Reward spoiler

As if no time has passed

You stay up late laughing about your adventures in Fallen London, and exchanging information. What you learn about your acquaintances back home will be of great use. It will be strong motivation for them to help improve public opinion of your affairs.
Scandal decrease 1 change point

Spend a long evening not talking

Hm. Is the Smuggler as well-preserved as the last time you saw him?
Unlocks: 3 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Reward spoiler

A worthy collection of secrets

After you spend a languid evening re-acquainting yourselves, you pick some of the Smuggler’s bandages up from where you carelessly scattered them on the floor. The secrets written on the interior surfaces can buy many things. But not, after last night, respectability.

Gain: 25 x Cryptic Clue
Scandal increase 2 change points

A Smuggler scorned

After what he sees as your betrayal, the Once-Dashing Smuggler is seething and upset. Will you make amends?
Unlocks: 1 x Myrrh-Scented Roses

Send him a token of your affection

He is strange, and his mercurial ways have caused no end of complications. But he is dear to you, regardless. [This will kindle or rekindle a romance of sorts.]
Unlocks: 100 x Deep Amber

Requires 12 Fate

Fate-locked content must not be placed on the wiki, per the developers.

Why should you?

He is unstable and violent. If keeping your conscience clear has put him off, all the better.

Reward spoiler

One last effort

He sends another single rose, perhaps as a reminder of what he feels you both shared. When you do not respond to this overture, his pursuit of you stops.
An occurence! Your Myrrh-Scented Roses Quality is now 2.

Who was he again?

That bandaged chap? The one with the unsuitable interest in you? No, let's steer clear of him, he's all sorts of trouble.

Reward spoiler

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