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…Further into Fallen London
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Storylets that appear if you are Embroiled in a War of Illusions |
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Storylets that appear with Tales of Mahogany Hall |
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Storylets that appear while participating in the Weekly Variety Bill |
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Storylets that appear if you remember The Affair of the Box |
The Wars of Illusion
The Wars of Illusion: welcome to the Shroud
You have gained the trust of the Shroud, the secret organisation of parlour spiritualists and fortune-tellers…What do you think you should do next?
[Unlocked with Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 15]
Play both sides
You're trusted, now. You could take a step back for a while and see if you can infiltrate the Glass. Maybe you prefer magicians to mediums, mirrors to Tarot cards, bats to cats. Maybe you could become a double agent. Are you happy to risk your current allegiance?
Playing it safe
Whatever happens, it can't hurt to find out more about the other side. Can it? At any rate, you've made no final commitments yet.
You will need to go back to the Flit and start making alliances with the bats to do this. You'll still keep the connection to the Shroud if you do.
An occurrence! Your 'Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion ' Quality is now 9!
Subtle increase
Stay loyal to the Shroud
You're confident you made the right choice. Based on what you've seen of the other side, you know where you want to be. Forge ahead!
The courage of your convictions
You have made your decision and you're happy with it. You have chosen your side in the Wars of Illusion!
Steadfast increase
An occurrence! Your 'Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion ' Quality is now 20!
The Wars of Illusion: welcome to the Glass
You have gained the trust of the Glass, the secret organisation of stage magicians and illusionists…
Unlocks: Route: Mahogany Hall 1, Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 15
Play both sides
You're trusted, now. You could take a step back for a while and see if you can infiltrate the Shroud. Maybe you prefer mediums to magicians, Tarot cards to mirrors, cats to bats. Maybe you could become a double agent. Are you happy to risk your current allegiance?
Playing it safe
Whatever happens, it can't hurt to find out more about the other side. Can it? At any rate, you've made no final commitments yet.
An occurrence! Your 'Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion ' Quality is now 9!
Subtle increase
Stay loyal to the Glass
You're confident you made the right choice. Based on what you've seen of the other side, you know where you want to be. Forge ahead!
Playing both sides in the Wars of Illusion
You have managed, adroitly, to gain the trust of both the Glass and the Shroud. In the coming conflicts, you will no doubt be forced to make some difficult choices.
Unlocks: Connected: Shroud 1, Route: Mahogany Hall 1, Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 15, Shadowy 97, Connected: Glass 1
Become more deeply involved
Now you have connections in both factions, you will need to be careful.
A pleasant bonus
A bright-eyed fellow calls at your lodgings. 'Good day,' he says. 'I would be most obliged if you would accept this small token of our organisation's esteem. By way of a welcome.' He leaves his visiting card and a pair of pristine white gloves on the sideboard. 'Monsieur Pleat, Hypnotist', he card says.
It isn't until he's gone that you think to wonder. Which organisation was he from? You've never seen this man before, either on stage or in parlour-magic circles.
Rewards:
Gain: 1 x Magician's Gloves
An occurrence! Your 'Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion ' Quality is now 20!
Hold your own séance?
Unlocks: Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20, Shadowy 97, Connected: Shroud 1
If you want to be influential in the Shroud, you will need to design a séance yourself. Preferably one that the upper classes will patronise.
Design your own séance
Certain of Society's luminaries are obsessed with Spiritualism, whether from intellectual curiosity or grief for those left behind. Start your research.
Contact with Worlds Beyond!
You have taken the first steps towards becoming a recognised medium. Many of the Shroud will be delighted to teach you their secrets in exchange for your help with their acts.
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Shroud' Quality is now 2!
Star in your own illusion?
Unlocks: Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20, Shadowy 97, Connected: Glass 1
Accomplished stage magicians must design - and perform - their own illusions. The Glass illuminati would like you to begin planning yours.
Begin planning a grand illusion
What are the grandest illusions of them all? The leading lights in the Glass are unanimous: you should design an escapology stunt.
A feat of daring
Escapology! The crowds thrill to the courage, the ingenuity, the danger of these acts, popularised just before the Fall by one Henri Blanc. You will need to gain some stage experience first, of course.
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Glass' Quality is now 2!
The mystic arts
Gain some experience with the trades and arcana of the Shroud. It will serve as preparation for taking the role of a medium in your own séance.
[Unlocked with Connected: Shroud 2]
[Unlocked with Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20]
Tell fortunes
Fortune-tellers use many methods; palmistry, crystal balls, chiropteromancy. The skill, though, is in reading the person, rather than manipulating the props. Your experience as a thief should help.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 1]
[Unlocked with Connected: Shroud 2]
_ 
challenge
'Love will find you. Especially if you look in Veilgarden'
You set up a stall in Spite, far enough away from the Carnival to avoid taking custom from Madame Shoshana. You'll still be sharing your profits with her, of course. It turns out you have a knack for this lark; your experience in reading punters for confidence tricks and sneak-thefts suits mysticism perfectly.
People cross your palm with pearls and secrets, and in return you give them vague but compelling predictions. A few careful questions, some educated guesswork, and you know what they want to hear. Profits are very healthy.
Shadowy increase
Connected: Shroud increase
Gain: 51 x Moon-pearl
Gain: 51 x
Cryptic Clue
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
'You will meet a dark, handsome badger'
You set up a stall in Spite, far enough away from the Carnival to avoid taking custom from Madame Shoshana. With your experience reading punters for confidence tricks and sneak-thefts, telling customers what they want to hear should be easy.
It isn't, though. After the third customer has suffered a fainting-fit, a bat delivers a little note. It suggests you might read fewer penny-dreadfuls and more romantic novels if you're to suceed in this line of work.
Scandal increase
A Spiritualist evening
The Theosophistical Society is still in its infancy, but there is a tremendous and growing enthusiasm among Fallen Londoners for all things Spiritualist. Hold a public talk. Drum up some business. Work out who's particularly gullible.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 1]
[Unlocked with Connected: Shroud 3]
_ 
challenge
A very successful evening
You hold court at a meeting-room attached to one of the more reputable salons in Veilgarden. Ladies and gentlemen attend in good numbers; curious, respectable, and driven. They long to find ways to communicate with loved ones out of normal reach, back on the Surface. The Church does not offer the answers they seek, now that Death is not the barrier it was. And they are generous with donations.
You give a short speech. Communication with those left behind on the Surface is possible, you explain. Complicated mechanisms described in the work of the mystic Imanuel Lundberg, involving the movements of the physical elements of spirit, are the key. Interestingly, he calls his ideas 'The Theory of Correspondence'. You glide over this detail for now.
Persuasive increase
Connected: Shroud increase
Gain: 103 x
Jade Fragment
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
A lack of enthusiasm
You hold court at a meeting-room attached to one of the more reputable salons in Veilgarden. Ladies and gentlemen attend in good numbers; curious, respectable, and driven. Unfortunately, your explanation of the alchemical and physical nature of the spirit serves only to confuse the audience. They are not au fait with elemental or material philosophy, and you can't find the words to get through to them. You need to practise more.
Assist a hypnotist
Monsieur Pleat, hypnotist extraordinaire, visits wealthy Society ladies in their homes. His service is a curious mixture of entertainment and therapy, and many of his clients are quite dependent on him. Accompany him on a visit.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 1]
[Unlocked with Connected: Shroud 4]
_ challenge
A marvellous trance
You call at a grand residence near the Palace, home of an elderly Society lady. In a dim, overstuffed parlour, you watch as Monsieur Pleat begins his consultation. His techniques involve a lot of staring at pocket-watches and descriptions of dark staircases. When the lady is in a deep trance, you take over.
You make suggestions, gently soothing the lady's fears and easing her mind. Your voice is soft and persuasive. You suggest that giving more to charity might help her conscience. Perhaps that's why she gives you that necklace afterwards.
Shadowy increase
Connected: Shroud increase
Gain: 1 x Diamond
Gain: 91 x Moon-pearl
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
A fit of the vapours
You call at a grand residence near the Palace, home of an elderly Society lady. Monsieur Pleat puts the lady into a deep trance, and asks you to take over.
You make a few suggestions, aimed at easing the lady's troubled mind. But the more you try to soothe her, the more agitated she becomes. Is it your voice? Whatever the reason, it's upset her so much you have to break out the smelling-salts.
Scandal increase
Connected: Glass decrease
The magic of the theatre
Perform some magic on stage; you'll need the experience to plan your own escapology illusion. Which will be marvellous, of course.
[Unlocked with Connected: Glass 2]
[Unlocked with Shadowy 97]
[Unlocked with Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20]
Assist in a Mentalist's act
Alexandria, The Woman Who Knows, needs an associate to perform her act. Her usual helper is indisposed. Step in.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 1]
[Unlocked with Connected: Glass 2]
_ challenge
'A pocket-watch. Ratwork. Engraved with a spotted toadstool.'
Your job is to move among the audience, taking objects and holding them up. Alexandra sits on stage, heavily blindfolded, and describes the items using pure telepathy. Well, that's what the handbills say. In fact, her assistant tells her the details using a complicated coded patter.
The code is fiendishly difficult but you master it well enough. You help Alexandra identify silk scarves, jewellery, trinkets and hats, and you soon have the audience gasping in amazement. While they're distracted, you pocket some of the nicer items.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 50 x
Silk Scrap
Gain: 30 x Moon-pearl
Gain: 25 x Deep Amber
Connected: Glass increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
Take part in a conjuring act
The popular conjurer known as Jonesion will use you in his stage show, if you can perform some basic sleight of hand.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 1]
[Unlocked with Connected: Glass 3]
_ challenge
Practice makes perfect
You are an experienced pickpocket by now. Sleight of hand is second nature. A short lesson in the specifics and you're ready to take the stage. Your role is to perform some simple but effective tricks to fill the gaps between Jonesion's more spectacular feats of legerdemain.
You turn eggs into scarves and produce bats from hats with ease. There's plenty of time to observe the preparations for Jonesion's illusions. Backstage, urchins shift huge mirrors draped in black cloth, and marshal stacks of top hats.
Later, over several muscaria brandies, Jonesion starts to talk. 'No, no. Create illusions? Why would we want to do that? No, no. We just twist the mirrors. The audience see what they want. We're the… it's like Bugsby's Marshes, see. Smuggling brandy.' He holds his glass up to the light. 'We're like the fellers at the edge of the dock with a lantern, do you see? The Fingerkings are the chaps bringing it in. Taking it out again. Only top hats and rabbits, not barrels. Why do we get through so many? Well, it's not like the postal service. They don't always end up where you expect them. Somewhere in Parabola, there's probably a dirty great pile of them!' His snorts of laughter turn to snores, and you learn no more.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 50 x
Silk Scrap
Gain: 53 x Deep Amber
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
Connected: Glass increase
Assist a hypnotist
Monsieur Pleat, Hypnotist Extraordinaire, performs on stage at Mahogany Hall most weeks. He needs 'volunteers' for his act.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 1]
[Unlocked with Connected: Glass 4]
_ challenge
'Look into my eyes'
Your job is to volunteer for hypnosis early in the act. Monsieur Pleat will use you to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of his techniques. The moment arrives. You stare at Pleat's pocket-watch as he counts backwards from three, but you stay alert.
Convincing the audience that you see a snake when they just see a walking stick is easy. In fact, almost too easy. It really appears to be moving. And scaly. And that's a beady eye, and a flickering tongue…
You blink. It's a stick. You return to pretending that plain water tastes like muscaria sherry and honey-vinegar. Must have been the stage lights.
Shadowy increase
Connected: Glass increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
Gain: 105 x Moon-pearl
'You will believe you are a penguin'
Your job is to volunteer for hypnosis early in the act. Monsieur Pleat will use you to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of his techniques. The moment arrives. You stare at Pleat's pocket-watch as he counts backwards from three.
It is the next morning. You are in your own bed. Fully dressed. There is mud all over your boots and a black hole in your memory. You could murder a nice piece of fish right now.
Scandal increase
Connected: Glass decrease
Become a double agent for the Shroud
Unlocks: Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20, Connected: Glass 6, Connected: Shroud 6
You are rising in both the Glass and the Shroud. You have the opportunity now to confirm your allegiance to the Shroud by sabotaging an important Glass performance.
Choose sabotage
The Shroud will no doubt be very pleased with you if you can disrupt a grand stage illusion. This is just as important as your own career as a medium.
Mahogany Hall awaits
Mahogany Hall hosts stage magicians on Saturday nights. You won't have problems getting backstage if the Glass trust you. A complicated illusion should be easy to sabotage. Shouldn't it?
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Shroud' Quality is now 11!
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Glass' Quality is now 6!
Gain: 50 x Cryptic Clue
Avoid the distraction
You should concentrate on developing your skills as a medium. A séance requires intensive preparation, and getting sidetracked could prove disastrous
Velvet curtains by candlelight
You will leave the Glass to their own devices for the moment. It is for the best. You have scenes to set and apparitions to prepare.
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Shroud' Quality is now 15!
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Glass' Quality is now 6!
Become a double agent for the Glass
Unlocks: Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20, Connected: Glass 6, Connected: Shroud 6
You are making progress with both the Glass and the Shroud. Do you wish to cement your allegiance to the Glass by sabotaging the Shroud's next important event?
Embark on a sabotage campaign!
Damaging the Shroud's next séance will raise your standing with the Glass. It's well worth delaying your show at Mahogany Hall for.
Infiltration
You've decided to postpone work on your marvellous escapology act. Instead, you will attend an important séance - and make sure the medium is thoroughly discredited. You receive a little bonus from the Glass when you hint at your plans.
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Glass' Quality is now 11!
Gain: 100 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Shroud' Quality is now 6!
Don't delay. Forge ahead with the Glass
Concentrate on developing your grand escapology illusion. Do not get distracted by the Shroud.
Ropes and chains
You throw yourself into preparing for your performance at Mahogany Hall. Illusionists fill the bill on Saturdays, and you'll be on the next one.
Accidents permitting…
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Glass' Quality is now 15!
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Shroud' Quality is now 6!
Sabotaging a séance
It is time. You are at a table with some very high-class people, awaiting Mrs Poecilia, the celebrated medium. How exactly do you plan to ruin the event?
unlocked with Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20, Connected: Glass 11, Connected: Shroud 6
Be subtle
The spirit cabinet is supposedly empty, but its false back conceals the various mechanical devices Mrs Poecilia uses to produce her illusions. In this dimly lit room, you should be able to interfere without anyone being the wiser.
(Shadowy challenge)
Spirit hands?
Stuffed gloves dangling from fishing rods become ghostly hands in the dark of the parlour. A hidden urchin with a harmonica creates the illusion of an accordion playing itself. The faces of spirit apparitions are just balloons. Mrs Poecilia even volunteers to be tied up to prove her honesty. She is, of course, a practised escapologist. Burglary and dipping have given you the skills you need. You snip the fishing-lines, steal the harmonica and let the air out of the balloons. As an encore, you tighten the knots binding Mrs Poecilia to her chair. The séance quickly becomes a farce. No spirits appear, no music plays. Mrs Poecilia tips over her chair and curses like a zailor. You slip out quietly and sell the harmonica for a handsome profit. Gold plated. Very nice.
Shadowy increase
An occurrence! Your 'Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion ' Quality is now 25!
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Shroud' Quality is now 1!
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Glass' Quality is now 15!
Gain: 112 x Jade Fragment
Create a huge disruption
Stand up! Denounce the medium! Turn up the lamps and open the curtains so everyone can see her trickery!
(Persuasive challenge)
An uproar
You take action. You expose the medium's arts and deceits to her audience. The coins covered in luminous paint that are made to 'float' with the help of strings. The spirit cabinet that contains an urchin, poised to make spooky noises at appropriate moments. The mechanism that levitates the medium in her chair.
There is an outcry. The room erupts with shouted outrage and demands for restitution. You receive a handsome tip from one particularly red-faced gentleman. But you have certainly ruined your relationship with the Shroud.
Persuasive increase
An occurrence! Your 'Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion ' Quality is now 25!
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Shroud' Quality is now 1!
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Glass' Quality is now 15!
Gain: 100 x Deep Amber
Final preparations for the grand illusion
Saturday's show approaches…Perhaps you are fresh from sabotaging the Shroud's great séance? Perhaps you decided to concentrate on your grand illusion? Either way, it is time to check you are ready.
unlocked with Connected: Glass 15, Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20
Ask Jonesion's advice
If he's not too inebriated, he's usually helpful.
'You can borrow old Snowy if you wish.'
Jonesion is in an expansive mood when you buttonhole him. He's even willing to lend you his beloved rabbit. You demur politely. Snowy is highly-strung. Jonesion puts an arm around you and says, 'Look. All you really need to do is stay out of the way. The Fingerkings just like us to provide a bit of window-dressing, you know? Abracadabra and all that.' He begins to croon softly, and you take your leave.
2 x Appalling Secret
40 x Cryptic Clue
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Glass' Quality is now 16!
An occurrence! Your 'Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion ' Quality is now 25!
Final preparations for the grand séance
The hour approaches. Perhaps you are fresh from sabotaging the Glass's great illusion? Perhaps you decided to concentrate on your grand séance? Either way, it is time to check you are ready.
unlocked with Connected: Shroud 15, Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20
A well-stocked spirit cabinet
Talk to the rat in charge. Make sure your spirit cabinet has everything you need.
'And 'ere is the secret drawer for the spooky buttons, and 'ere…'
The rat that handles this sort of thing for the Shroud is confident he's thought of everything. Trap-doors for urchin helpers, outlets for phosphorescent substances - it's all there. He gives you an extremely thorough lesson in how to work it all. For something so ostensibly passive, being a medium is hard work.
40 x Cryptic Clue
2 x Appalling Secret
An occurrence! Your 'Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion ' Quality is now 25!
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Shroud' Quality is now 16!
The Most Daring Feat of Illusion and Escapology!
You are about to take the stage at Mahogany Hall…You have your illusion planned; you have urchin helpers; you have mirrors placed. The Fingerkings, whatever they are, will control most of the illusion, but you've been assured you can trust them. The curtain is rising. Time to begin.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 15]
[Unlocked with Day of the Week 6]
[Unlocked with Connected: Glass 16]
[Unlocked with Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 25]
Smoke and mirrors
You will be escaping from a fiendish amount of chains, ropes and padlocks, while your Fingerking helpers take care of bringing objects on and off the stage, via mirror-entrances to Parabola. Should be easy enough. Look! All eyes are on you, in hushed expectation.
_ challenge
A triumph
You pull it off. Literally - your knot of chains and ropes looks Gordian from the outside, but conceals an ingenious system of releases. All you have to do is pull a couple of strings and pretend to struggle.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the stage, the mirror room reflects another world back at you. Tropical birds, rabbits, top hats, giant orchids, bunches of grapes on the vine, silver statues - all these things appear on stage for a few seconds, then vanish. The audience is captivated. Then the doorway opens - a mirror slides back to reveal a scene from the Fingerkings' world. Hot, humid air rushes into the theatre. A gust of sweet wind, carrying raucous bird calls. A spray of rain and a flash of rainbow. You time your finale perfectly; you throw off the last chains just as the doorway swings closed again. The audience erupts into a standing ovation.
But all you did was standard sleight of hand. The audience was expecting to be shown a trick, a mechanical effect - but what they, and you, actually saw was beyond natural explanation. This is the real secret of the Glass. The Fingerkings' arts. And now you're part of it.
This is not the end of The Wars of Illusion. They will continue! In the meantime, you can still participate in shows at Mahogany Hall.
Shadowy increase
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Glass' Quality is now 20!
Gain: 113 x Moon-pearl
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
The grand séance!
You are ready to take the role of medium. You have a spirit cabinet full of trickery. You have urchin assistants. You have an audience of dyspeptic types, gloomily awaiting messages from the Surface. Light the candles and begin.
unlocked with Connected: Shroud 16, Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 25, Shadowy 97
'Do we have a Cyril here? Cedric? Ah, Charlie, that's it.'
You pull it off. You use all the special effects in the Shroud's arsenal. Behind the false back of your spirit cabinet are rods for manipulating curtains and levitating objects. There are fine strings attached to pulleys that play a violin with invisible hands. There are sheets draped over mannequins, ready to be ghosts manifesting in the dim, stuffy corners of the parlour. You orchestrate them all perfectly. You bring your guests peace and comfort; you tell them what they want to hear, that their loved ones are well and happy on the Surface. Naturally, they tip well.
In the end, you've never seen anyone in the Shroud do anything in the slightest bit supernatural or scientific - unless mechanical engineering and psychological manipulation count. But they perform their craft with extraordinary skill. And you're a part of that, now.
[This is not the end of The Wars of Illusion. They will continue! In the meantime, you can still participate in shows at Mahogany Hall.]
An occurrence! Your 'Connected: Shroud' Quality is now 20!
You've gained 113 x Jade Fragment
A travesty
Behind the false back of your spirit cabinet are rods for manipulating curtains and levitating objects. There are fine strings attached to pulleys that play a violin with invisible hands. There are sheets draped over mannequins, ready to be ghosts manifesting in the dim, stuffy corners of the parlour.
Sadly, there's also someone in the room determined to ruin it all for you. It's too dark in here to see who it is, but someone definitely stole your bell, your castanets and your luminous buttons. The final straw comes when they collapse one of the pulley systems. A stuffed glove and a spider's nest come crashing to the table in a cloud of plaster dust. Your guests cannot leave quickly enough.
Scandal increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall
Start your career at Mahogany Hall
You've found your way to Mahogany Hall. Secrets to steal, money to make - there's a wealth of opportunity here.
A silver tongue
Mahogany Hall! Illustrious palace of dreams! Be transported by the glittering magic of theatre! Your Persuasive quality will be useful here.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 95]
Actually, it's a fleapit
The floors are sticky, the seats are shabby, the gilt is peeling, the tabs are frayed, the ushers are unsavoury. But, yet, there is magic in the old place. As curtain approaches, hushed anticipation sparkles in the air. Music, paint and gaslight transform the tired auditorium into a world of wonders. Well, most nights.
This is your big chance, to produce your own shows. The management seem to think you'll do very well, with your background and… unique blend of skills.
An occurrence! Your 'Tales of Mahogany Hall' Quality is now 1!
Persuasive increase
A silver touch
Mahogany Hall! Nest of a thousand munificent villainies! Use your cunning, agility and legerdemain to advantate! Your Shadowy quality will be even more useful here.
[Unlocked with Shadowy 95]
Villainy or brilliance?
Only a heart of iron would remain unmoved by the Hall's magic. Every night, music, paint and gaslight transform the tired auditorium into a world of wonders. Well, most nights.
What are you here for? Glory, companionship, entertainment? Or simply the chance to turn a make an Echo or ten? Good luck.
An occurrence! Your 'Tales of Mahogany Hall' Quality is now 1!
Shadowy increase
The rhythm of life at Mahogany Hall
It's time to get a little bit more familiar with how things work at Mahogany Hall…
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 1
Get down to specifics
Spend some time with the staff. Ask a few questions. They'll tell you anything you want to know for a cup of tea, in the main.
Tales of Mahogany Hall
You have cosy chats with everyone from the wardrobe mistress, scene painters and lighting urchins to the flock of brightly plumed chorus-girls. You learn about Mahogany Hall's weekly variety bills, her routines and idiosyncrasies, her temperament and tolerances. You're ready to begin your career as an impresario!
Raise your Tales of Mahogany Hall quality to 10 to begin unlocking successive Days of the Week.
An occurrence! Your 'Tales of Mahogany Hall' Quality is now 2!
Persuasive increase
Shadowy increase
Provide master-classes in etiquette
Mr Gillibrand's new play, Galatea and Pygmalion, has opened to rapturous reviews. Jasper and Frank, Unfinished Men and occasional enforcers for the Masters of the Bazaar, have a business idea. If they supply the pupils, will you provide etiquette lessons? Mahogany Hall makes a fine venue.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 1]
Take on a Louche Devil
Lazy, brutal, beautiful, amoral even for a devil, brimming with tigerish cunning. The Brass Embassy despairs of him. Can you teach him how to act among humans?
A puzzle of a pupil
Jasper shows the young devil into the theatre and introduces you, listing your achievements at Court and singing your praises. The devil raises an eyebrow like a lick of black ink, and shrugs. 'Very well,' he drawls. 'Teach me what you know.'
An occurrence! Your 'Pygmalion' Quality is now 1!
Take on a Clay Pupil
Jasper and Frank introduce him as their 'nephew'. His name's Lyme. He's rough round the edges even for a Clay Man. They want him trained up in human manners, to make him more useful to the 'business'.
A hulking challenge
It's a quiet afternoon. Frank ushers a taciturn Lyme into the empty theatre. 'Get a move on,' he chivvies. 'Yer manners won't learn themselves, will they?' He leaves you and Lyme standing in a pool of dusty gaslight, looking at each other.
An occurrence! Your 'Pygmalion' Quality is now 1!
An occurrence! Your 'Educating Lyme' Quality is now 1!
Take on a Rubbery Pupil
Not exactly a hatchling, but perhaps not far off it, this young Rubbery Man needs a little extra help coping with London ways.
Requires 5 Fate
Fate-locked content must not be placed on the wiki, per the developers.
Take on an Elegant Lady
Hold on - this lady's got more manners than the entire 'Peers of the Neath' section in Slowcake's Exceptionals. What does she need you for? There might be cash in it, whatever it is…
Requires 5 Fate
Fate-locked content must not be placed on the wiki, per the developers.
The above card opens up mini-arcs in Mahogany Hall that are recorded on the Master Classes In Etiquette page.
Variety is the spice of life!
Make preparations for your next show at Mahogany Hall!
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 2]
Steal ideas from other theatres
Trying to come up with your own sketches and songs is far too much like hard work.
_ challenge
A stash of ideas
You and your urchin scouts head out to do the rounds. You sidle into rehearsals, filch scribbles from waste-paper baskets and eavesdrop on conversations in taverns and dressing rooms. It's quite wonderful how profligate these creative types are with their ideas. Song lyrics, outlines for satirical sketches, choreographer's notes, it's all there for the taking. In an afternoon of spying, you glean enough material for at least a week's shows.
Shadowy increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
[2cp]
Gain: 50 x
Cryptic Clue
'Maybe a song about Rubbery Lumps being disgusting?'
You spend an afternoon spying on rehearsals and dressing rooms. Discarded ideas are thin on the ground, and the ones you do pick up are terrible. You're left with a snatch of song from one of the rehearsals lingering in your head. 'In and out the markets of Spite, up St Dunstan's steeple, that's the way the Boatman rows…'
Shadowy increase
Plagued by a Popular Song increase
Steal props and goods from other theatres
The wonderful magic of theatre can't happen without a great deal of solid, everyday stuff. And stuff is not cheap.
_ challenge
Tallboys, wigs, samovars, a stone aspidistra
You round up the usual urchins, the enterprising ones that are always ready to do odd jobs for Mahogany Hall. There's a new show due to open at the Old Empress Theatre, which means new scenery and props. You lead your grubby team to the stage door and wait for the delivery men to arrive.
It looks as if the new production is to be set in a very grand residence indeed. You bundle the hapless delivery men into the back of their own cart, tied securely, and take what you want. There's plenty of surplus to sell, too.
Shadowy increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
[2cp]
Gain: 102 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
A minimalist production at the Old Empress
You wait, and wait at the stage door. Then you wait. Eventually, a whistling urchin strolls up with a basket of fruit. Apparently, that's all the props the show needs. D—n. And that dratted tune he's whistling will be with you all day!
Shadowy increase
Plagued by a Popular Song increase
'Obtain' licences from the Ministry of Public Decency
It's essential to jump through these bureaucratic hoops, but there are ways and means.
_ challenge
[Unlocked with 200 x Moon-pearl]
A well-greased palm
You fall back on the traditional lubricant for the wheels of bureaucracy. Precious objects, in substantial quantities. Irksome, but a grubby urchin delivers your official licences the very next day, so at least they're efficient. And you pick up some fascinating secrets in the careful pre-bribe negotiations.
Persuasive increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
[2cp]
Lose: 200 x Moon-pearl
Gain: 10 x
Inkling of Identity
Bribe an orchestra to play for your show
You can steal many things from other theatres, but the very worst thing you can take from them is talent.
_ challenge
[Unlocked with 200 x Nevercold Brass Sliver]
An artistic coup
A Scruffy Violinist is nominally in charge of the Antimacassar Theatre's current orchestra in residence. They're a ragtag lot, certainly, but there's no doubting their popularity. They have spirited arrangements of all the popular songs, including that one about the…
Never mind that. You conclude an entirely satisfactory deal with the violinist, some brass changes hands discreetly, and Mahogany Hall's new handbills are on the streets within hours. Takings soar pleasingly.
Persuasive increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
[2 cp]
Lose: 200 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
Gain: 300 x Moon-pearl
The cutthroat world of advertising
Mahogany Hall uses the usual gangs of urchin bill-stickers to advertise upcoming shows. But they're not particularly well-organised. Make them more effective.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 2]
Fly-post your bills over the Antimacassar's
Organise your urchins. Instruct them to wait until the Antimacassar's bills are up on hoardings and shutters, then paste over them.
_ challenge
A successful campaign
Your urchins set out, wielding their buckets of paste and rolls of bills. They move quietly through the night, working in teams with bucket and brush. You should be proud. By the next day, the only bills visible around Spite and Veilgarden are for Mahogany Hall. People know about your shows, not theirs, and takings rise accordingly.
Persuasive increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
(1cp)
Gain: 104 x
Glim
Urchins nowadays
Urchins make a better mob than an army. It's like herding bats. By the next day, the Antimacassar's urchins have not only papered the streets with their own bills but also stuck one on Mahogany Hall's front door! To add insult to injury, they're all whistling a terribly catchy tune. You find yourself humming all day. 'Up and down the Ladybones Road, on St Dunstan's steeple…'
Persuasive increase
Plagued by a Popular Song increase
Sabotage the Imperial Opera's bills
The Opera House employs well-organised bill-posters. Finding ways to interfere should be an amusing challenge.
_ challenge
Masterfully done
You gather Mahogany Hall's gang of urchins for some instruction in advanced sabotage and theft. They're quick studies, with inventive minds. It's not long before they're contributing ideas of their own. You let them loose on the streets.
The children steal brushes and swap buckets of paste for pails of river-water, which is thick enough to go undetected until the paper starts to dissolve. They peel freshly-posted bills from hoardings and replace them upside-down. They add witty drawings. Mahogany Hall's own bills remain undisturbed, and there's an upturn in box-office takings.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 108 x
Glim
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
(1cp)
Woeful attempts at stealth
You give your gang of urchins a few lessons on stealing publicity, and they set out to deface and disturb the Opera House's bills. Unfortunately, someone must be expecting you. Any urchin that so much as looks at a hoarding is met with the unblinking stare of a Clay guard.
Suspicion increase
Box Office Burglary
You're very busy, establishing yourself at Mahogany Hall, but that's no excuse to neglect the obvious criminal opportunities. The nearby theatres take a lot of money every week.
Unlocks: Shadowy 97, Tales of Mahogany Hall 2
Don't be greedy
Rob the Antimacassar Theatre's box office, halfway through the week. The takings will be sparser than at the week's end, but so will the security measures.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 102)
A reasonable haul
You sneak into the Antimacassar, late one midweek night. It's quiet. You're holding a guttering candle. The corridors are just as labyrinthine as those at Mahogany Hall, but you know better than to assume they're arranged in the same way. You find your way to the box office fairly quickly in the end. It's almost anticlimactic. Still, there's a pleasing amount of cash there, even for midweek.
Rewards:
Shadowy increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
(1cp)
Gain: 97 x Moon-pearl
Be daring!
Aim for the biggest haul you can. Rob the Imperial Opera's box office, right at the end of the week.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 112)
A substantial success
You sneak into the Imperial Opera House as the crowds are leaving after the performance. You're dressed up in all your finery, and the crowd accepts you without a murmur. It's easy to find a hiding place in the melee - a convenient broom closet, of course - and it's easy to pick the box office lock once everyone's gone. You make off with a satisfying amount of cash.
Rewards:
Shadowy increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
(1cp)
Gain: 107 x Moon-pearl
The wrong sort of gloves?
You dress up in your Sunday best, and join the crowds leaving the Opera House. Your intention is to hide until everyone's gone; but somehow, you're spotted. A particularly large Clay usher offers to help you find the exit, and you have no choice but to leave.
Suspicion increase
Ticket touting
Tickets for some of Fallen London's more popular shows are like gold dust. Odin's Horse, for example, is sold out. It would be, well, criminal, not to take advantage.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 2]
Sell stolen tickets
Take the uncomplicated approach. Steal tickets from theatre-goers and sell them straight back to them.
A challenge for your Shadowy quality.
[Unlocked with Connected: Urchins 10]
A profitable enterprise
You set up a nice little system. Urchin pickpockets work the crowds outside the Imperial Opera House, relieving affluent customers of their tickets. When they discover the theft, you are there, all sympathy, offering replacements at very reasonable prices. Most are only too glad to pay to save their evening. Especially devils. They pay with souls. Well, the Valkyrie chorus is said to be extraordinary.
Shadowy increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
(1cp)
Gain: 82 x Moon-pearl
Gain: 15 x
Soul
Connected: Urchin decrease
(5 change points)
Sell forged tickets
Why risk stealing tickets when you can just make them?
A challenge for your Shadowy quality.
[Unlocked with Connected: Criminals 10]
[Unlocked with Acquaintance: a Repentant Forger 1]
A beautiful job
You have contacts with expertise; arranging the use of an underground printing-press for an evening is a trifling matter. Soon, you have rolls of fresh, crisp tickets for Odin's Horse. You sell several dozen to the hopefuls gathered outside the box office before the show. You're gone long before anyone can find their seat already occupied by an irritable devil.
Shadowy increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
(1cp)
Gain: 116 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
Connected: Criminals decrease
(1 or 2cp?)
Work for Jasper and Frank
Everyone's favourite pair of Unfinished Men sometimes have little jobs they're happy to hand out to the right people.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 10]
[Unlocked with Shadowy 100]
Be the bag person
Some of Jasper and Frank's 'business interests' involve regular 'collections' from stallholders in Spite.
_ challenge
Business as usual
You make the rounds of the traders. Candlemakers, toffee-vendors, hatpin sellers - all of them pay Jasper and Frank a few Echoes a week for 'protection'. Collecting the money's not difficult at all. Your main problem is reassuring them that you're not going to hurt them. You take your cut as usual.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 105 x
Glim
Rebellion
You make the rounds of the stallholders that pay Jasper and Frank for 'protection'. Most are biddable, but one handkerchief-seller refuses to pay and threatens to set Mr Veils on you. The Unfinished Men are not happy.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Fire-raising
Sometimes, buildings or ships become unprofitable. Help Jasper and Frank make insurance claims.
_ challenge
The intoxicating rush of sparks against a deep black sky
Jasper and Frank lurk in a tavern, conspicuously establishing an alibi, while you set the fire. You use lamp oil; the fire is bright and beautiful. Days later, your cut of the claim arrives.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 112 x Deep Amber
Careless
You set a match to the fire you've prepared, and make your escape. But you didn't wait to see if it caught. And it was a foggy night. There will be no pay for you.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
The Affair of the Box
Remembering the Affair of the Box
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 1
It was a while ago, now, that a Stuttering Fence tried to hire you to steal a heavy iron box. Do you remember what happened? Only it's become a little urgent that you do. Jasper and Frank, the Unfinished Men, are at the door.
That dratted thing?
Yes, it's been gathering dust in your lodgings for some time now. Perhaps you've been wondering what to do with it.
[Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 1]
[Unlocked with A Heavy Iron Box 1]
'Just checking.'
There's no point trying to hide it from Jasper and Frank, so you show them the box, crouching in a corner, still safely impenetrable. You've found a good use for it, anyway, as a boot stand.
'Good,' says Frank. Or was it Jasper? 'We just wanted to make sure. We'll be seeing you shortly.' You wonder aloud what happened to the Stuttering Fence. 'Never you mind,' says the second one. He positively leers as he says it. Charming.
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 6!
That thing? Oh no. You got rid of that thing.
Assure Jasper and Frank that you no longer have the box. Be convincing.
[Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 1]
Gain: 1 x A Heavy Iron Box
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 6!
Talking to Jasper and Frank
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 12, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 6
A heavy knock on the door signals the return of Jasper and Frank, Unfinished Men and occasional enforcers for the Masters of the Bazaar. They want to talk to you about that iron box.
Throw the box out of the window
You won't be forced into anyone else's intrigue! Deal with this on your own terms.
(Dangerous challenge)
Not quick enough
You heave the box out of the window. With a lot of effort. You're rushing to answer the door, so you miss hearing it hit the cobblestones below.
You open the front door to a grinning - as far as you can tell - Jasper and Frank. 'Naughty, naughty,' says the left-hand one. 'You nearly brained Frank 'ere with that box.' The one that must therefore be Frank deposits the box in your hallway as though it weighs nothing.
'Now,' says Jasper. 'We'll reckon on that being an accident and no more said. You'll be wanting to get the key next. Before old Veils or Apples or one of that lot catches on, like. We'll tip you the wink, cos we like you. You know the Kashmiri Princess, sings at Mahogany Hall of a Sunday? You've seen the posters. Indian lady. Pretty, like. Yeah. Ask her. Oh, and 'ere. Take this for your trouble.'
Dangerous increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 7!
Gain: 105 x Glim
Let them in
No point in hiding from them. You have to deal with that b- box at some point.
(Persuasive challenge)
'We're glad you see it that way.'
Jasper and Frank are pleased that you're looking after the box. 'We was half afraid you might try something daft,' rumbles one of them. 'Anyway, you'll be wanting to get the key next. Before Fires or Veils or one of them starts nosing around. We'll tip you the wink, cos we like you. You know the Kashmiri Princess, sings at Mahogany Hall on Sundays? You've seen the posters. Indian lady. Pretty, like. Yeah. Ask her. Oh, and 'ere. Take this for your trouble.'
Rewards:
Persuasive increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 7!
Gain: 105 x Glim
Pretend to be out
The longer you avoid the issue, the more likely it is to go away. Isn't that right?
(Shadowy challenge)
Lights out
You extinguish all the lamps and crouch under a table to wait. Heavy knocks reverberate around your lodgings. Voices rumble. Eventually, though, you hear the thud of retreating footsteps and it's safe to come out.
A note, pushed under the door. It apologises - after a fashion - for calling while you were out. 'FIND KEY. TALK TO KASHMIRI PRINCESS,' it advises. 'SINGS MAHOGANY HALL SUNDAYS. KEEP AWAY FROM WINES, CUPS, ET CETERA.' There's also a quantity of glim. Looks like this problem isn't going to go away.
Shadowy increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 7!
Gain: 105 x Glim
Find the Kashmiri Princess
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 13, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 7
Jasper and Frank have hinted - well, they're not that subtle, they've told you outright - that she's the key to this business of the box.
Bribe your way to her
Put the word out, grease some palms. You can acquire Aeolian Screams by using other Wild Words items in your inventory.
Unlocked with Aeolian Scream x 2
(Persuasive challenge)
A mysterious lady
You're liberal with the glim. It helps you talk to a wardrobe mistress, who sends you to a prompter, who suggests you talk to the theatre cat, who recommends you hide in a certain alcove at a particular hour of the morning and follow the urchin delivering the flowers.
In the end, you find your way to a dressing room set quite apart from the rest. You hear a whisper of tiny bells and catch a glimpse of a beautiful dark-skinned woman, dressed in a crimson sari, before the door swings shut. A wisp of frankincense drifts past you in the dark corridor.
Persuasive increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 8!
You've lost 500 x Glim
Gain: 53 x Cryptic Clue
Find her by yourself
You don't need to waste money on bribery. How hard can it be to find one singing star in one theatre?
(Watchful challenge)
A secluded corridor
Mahogany Hall's backstage is a rabbit warren of interconnecting passages. Gloomy and practically identical, it's a real feat to find your way around them. You try the time-honoured method of solving a maze - turning left every time you have a choice. And eventually, you find it. A dressing-room, miles from any other. You hear the subdued jingle of tiny bells and catch a glimpse of a beautiful Indian woman, swathed in a crimson sari, before the door closes. A wisp of frankincense drifts past you in the dark corridor.
Watchful increase
53 x Cryptic Clue gained
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 8!
Ask Jasper and Frank for more information
Unlocks: Route: Wolfstack Docks 1
(Dangerous challenge)
Seek them out down at the docks. High-risk, but potentially faster.
By the skin of your teeth
You find the Unfinished Men in their cold, clammy lair at the docks. Unfriendly eyes are watching, and you don't waste time asking for more information. While Frank rumbles merrily, Jasper smacks you heavily on the back. 'Brave of you to come down 'ere,' he says. 'Very brave. All right.' He gives you a detailed map of Mahogany Hall's backstage corridors. 'Get away now, before the fellas get antsy.'
Following the map, you find your way to a dressing room set quite apart from the rest. You hear a whisper of tiny bells and catch a glimpse of a beautiful dark-skinned woman, dressed in a crimson sari, before the door swings shut. A wisp of frankincense drifts past you in the dark corridor.
Dangerous increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 8!
Gain: 53 x Cryptic Clue
Steal the information
Mahogany Hall's payroll records, such as they are, will tell you how to find this Princess. But they're under lock and key.
(Shadowy challenge)
A routine burglary
You sneak into the accountant's office early one morning, when theatre people are still hours from waking. The payroll ledger is kept in - the poetry of it! - an iron box. Thankfully, this one only has one rusty lock, easily broken, and now you have directions to the Kashmiri Princess's quarters.
Later, you find your way to a dressing room set quite apart from the rest. You hear a whisper of tiny bells and catch a glimpse of a beautiful dark-skinned woman, dressed in a crimson sari, before the door swings shut. A wisp of frankincense drifts past you in the dark corridor.
Rewards:
Shadowy increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 8!
Gain: 53 x Cryptic Clue
The Kashmiri Princess
Now you know where to find her dressing-room, it's time to go and talk to her. Find out what Jasper and Frank meant when they told you to ask her about the key to the box.
[Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 8]
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 14]
Sneak into her room
Find a hiding place in her room. See what you can find out.
_ challenge
A fascinating lady
In early morning, the theatre is deserted. You secrete yourself behind a curtain in the Kashmiri Princess's dressing room and settle down to wait. And wait. In fact, you've just about fallen asleep when you hear voices. Lilting female voices, two of them, with strong Spite accents.
The curtain you're hiding behind is very dusty. You can't help it - you sneeze violently. At once, the curtain is pulled aside, and the ravishing Indian woman is looking down at you, amusement all over her face. 'Up you get, then,' she says. 'Looks like you really want to talk to us. Let's hear it, then.' She offers you her hand. As she pulls you to your feet, you see she's standing next to a full-length mirror… No, wait. Is her reflection moving independently?
Oh. So there's two of them. 'I'm Esmeralda,' says the first. 'This is my twin sister, Rose. We're the Kashmiri Princess.' They dissolve into fits of cackling giggles.
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 9!
Gain: 5 x
Inkling of Identity
Gain: 30 x
Cryptic Clue
Knock on the door
Just knock on the door. Bring a gift and you can talk your way in. You can obtain a Presbyterate Passphrase by using other Elder items in your inventory.
_ challenge
[Unlocked with 1 x Presbyterate Passphrase]
A disguise and a surprise
Disguised by a gigantic bouquet of very expensive mushrooms and mosses, and a hat pulled low over your eyes, you knock on the Kashmiri Princess's door. The ravishing Indian woman you saw before opens it, amusement all over her face. She takes the bouquet and plucks the hat from your head. 'Well,' she says. 'Looks like you really want to talk to us. Let's hear it, then.' Her accent is pure Spite. She offers you her hand. As you enter the room, you see she's standing next to a full-length mirror… No, wait. Is her reflection moving independently?
Oh. So there's two of them. 'I'm Esmeralda,' says the first. 'This is my twin sister, Rose. We're the Kashmiri Princess.' They dissolve into fits of cackling giggles.
Persuasive increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 9!
Lose: 1 x
Presbyterate Passphrase
Gain: 5 x
Inkling of Identity
Gain: 29 x
Cryptic Clue
Climb up to the window
Yes, there's a window. It's a bit of a tricky climb, but not impossible.
_ challenge
A daring feat
You shin up drainpipes and swing from gable to gargoyle. Mahogany Hall's architecture is jumbled and treacherous, but eventually you find the right window. One vertiginous instant suspended over a sickening drop later and you're on the windowsill.
You right yourself and peer in. The ravishing Indian woman is on the other side of the glass, amusement all over her face. She yanks the window open. 'In you come, sunshine,' she says. Her accent is pure Spite. 'Looks like you really want to talk to us. Let's hear it, then.' She offers you her hand. As she pulls you into the room, you see she's standing next to a full-length mirror… No, wait. Is her reflection moving independently?
Oh. So there's two of them. 'I'm Esmeralda,' says the first. 'This is my twin sister, Rose. We're the Kashmiri Princess.' They dissolve into fits of cackling giggles.
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 9!
Dangerous increase
Gain: 55 x
Cryptic Clue
Get close to Esmeralda and Rose
The Kashmiri Princess, exotic star of Mahogany Hall, is actually twins. They have a blossom-like, delicate beauty and a coarse sense of humour. Maybe they'll help you with the iron box if you do them a favour? Maybe you can find a way to make use of them?
[Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 9]
Help them with something sneaky
Will you conceal an unlucky peacock feather in a rival's dressing-room for them?
_ challenge
The Evil Eye
It's hard to remember which is which with these two. They say Esmeralda is the one with the beauty mark on her lip, and Rose has a green speck in her left eye.
'If you take this to her room…' says one. 'It will put the evil eye on her,' finishes the other. 'See the eye? No actress could see that and not be scared.' 'Yeah,' says the first twin. 'She'll be put right off her tawdry little act!'
You conceal the feather up your sleeve. It tickles as you tiptoe to the rival's dressing-room, where you place it behind the mirror. She won't see it immediately, but when she does… The screams are gratifying. The twins are delighted. 'Here, have this,' says one. 'Yeah, and come back soon,' says the other. She tucks an ornate gold locket into her choli. She sees you watching, and winks. 'Don't want to lose this, do we? Old Stones'd flip his wig.' 'Hah. If he had one,' says her sister.
Shadowy increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 10!
Gain: 55 x Deep Amber
Gain: 28 x
Cryptic Clue
Help them with something diplomatic
One twin likes honey from a particular supplier. The other recently kicked him somewhere delicate. Can you persuade him to sell to them again?
_ challenge
[Unlocked with 300 x Glim]
A reasonable gentleman
It's hard to remember which is which with these two. They say Esmeralda is the one with the beauty mark on her lip, and Rose has a green speck in her left eye.
You visit the honey-den on Elderwick, and discuss the twins' deep regret with the owner. A purse of glim helps convince him they're properly contrite, and he agrees to go back to sending them honey. 'Try a sample yourself, why don't you?'
The twins are delighted. 'Here, have this,' says one. 'Yeah, and come back soon,' says the other. She tucks an ornate gold locket into her choli. She sees you watching, and winks. 'Don't want to lose this, do we? Old Stones'd flip his wig.' 'Hah. If he had one,' says her sister.
Persuasive increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 10!
Gain: 56 x
Drop of Prisoner's Honey
Lose: 300 x
Glim
Help them with something risky
The twins want you to arrange an accident for a certain baritone. He's 'a b - - - - - -,' apparently.
_ challenge
Just desserts?
It's hard to remember which is which with these two. They say Esmeralda is the one with the beauty mark on her lip, and Rose has a green speck in her left eye. It's unclear which of them is the wounded party here, but no matter. Arranging for the offending gentleman to fall through an unsecured trap-door is child's play.
'The twins are delighted. 'Here, have this,' says one. 'Yeah, and come back soon,' says the other. She tucks an ornate gold locket into her choli. She sees you watching, and winks. 'Don't want to lose this, do we? Old Stones'd flip his wig.' 'Hah. If he had one,' says her sister.
Dangerous increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 10!
Gain: 61 x
Jade Fragment
Gain: 25 x
Cryptic Clue
Making Plans
You're getting friendly with the twins who play the Kashmiri Princess on stage. But the other pair in your life are growing impatient. Jasper and Frank, the disturbingly amiable Unfinished Men, drop by the theatre one evening. 'Just to see how you're getting along, friend.'
[Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 10]
[Unlocked with 1 x A Heavy Iron Box]
Ask for their help
Admit an interest in any profit to be made. There's no shame in it. Is there?
_ challenge
Putting preparations in place
Jasper and Frank are only too keen to offer their help. There's an unpleasant undertone of quid pro quo to what they say, but it's too late to worry about that now. You tell them you're making progress, and they clap you on the back. Ouch. 'We can tell yer when to grab it,' says one. 'Yeah. It's hidden somewhere all the rest of the time,' says the other. 'But when she's on stage it's round 'er neck,' says the first. 'So all you have to do is get up there,' says the second. 'Stones'll be generous with all of us if the rest stay none the wiser,' adds the first. They don't seem to have noticed that they're doing all the talking. Not the sharpest of customers.
This doesn't quite answer all your questions, and it raises a few more, but it's a start. The next time Esmeralda or Rose - or is it both? - will be on stage is Sunday night's variety show, in which the Kashmiri Princess takes top billing. You'll be able to make your move then, if you're ready.
Shadowy increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 11!
Gain: 57 x
Cryptic Clue
Trick them into helping you
Bluff a bit, and chances are they'll let something slip. And you won't be indebted to them.
_ challenge
A helpful hint
You cover up any uncertainty in bluster and bravado. You assure the Unfinished Men that you've made good progress and that you know where the key is. They start to grin and clap you on the back. Ouch. 'So you know by now it's hidden away most of the time,' says one of them. 'Yeah, it's only round 'er neck during the show,' says the other. 'Stones'll be generous with all of us if the rest stay none the wiser,' adds the first. 'So what's your plan then?'
Well, that's a start. You tell them you're still working out the details and they're happy with that. They aren't the sharpest of customers. Anyway, the next time Esmeralda or Rose - or is it both? - will be on stage is Sunday night's variety show, in which the Kashmiri Princess takes top billing. You could make your move then, if you're ready.
Persuasive increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 11!
Gain: 57 x
Cryptic Clue
'Hah. You've got a nerve.'
Jasper and Frank smirk at your attempts to bluff them. When you claim to have made progress all on your own, they snort. 'You don't want our help, that's fine,' says one. 'Yeah. We'll leave you to it,' says the other. As they leave they both start humming a tune. 'All around the warrens of clay, underneath the people…'
Persuasive increase
Plagued by a Popular Song increase
Tell them you've had enough of this
Stand up to them. Threaten not to help them any more unless they offer you something concrete. A risky move, this.
_ challenge
'Fine. We've 'eard about you.'
'That's why we're 'ere in the first place.' You clench your fists; they start to grin and clap you on the back. Ouch. 'Orlright. Look. We don't want no trouble. The key, it's hidden away most of the time,' continues the first Clay Man. 'Yeah, it's only round 'er neck during the show,' says the other. 'Stones'll be generous with all of us if the rest stay none the wiser,' adds the first.
So. The next time Esmeralda or Rose - or is it both? - will be on stage is Sunday night's variety show, in which the Kashmiri Princess takes top billing. You could make your move then, if you're ready.
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 11!
Gain: 57 x
Cryptic Clue
Dangerous increase
The Weekly Variety Bill
The weekly variety bill!
You have been busy making preparations - and cementing your place in your new little crime ring - for a while now. Are you ready for an actual show?
As your Tales of Mahogany Hall quality rises, choose which day's show you wish to put on this week.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 10]
Monday
On Monday nights, Mahogany Hall puts on a bill of light entertainment - folk songs, topical jokes and the like.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 10]
Almost time for curtain
You've decided to participate in Monday's show. One of the stage-door alley cats drops by your office with a snippet of gossip about the private life of one of the singers.
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 1!
Gain: 3 x
Inkling of Identity
Tuesday
On Tuesdays, Mahogany Hall hosts jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, tumblers and high-wire acts.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 12]
A taste for danger
Onwards to Tuesday's show. Someone's impressed at your preference for the danger and excitement this week - you find a gift tucked into your pocket.
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 2!
Gain: 2 x Diamond
Wednesday
Ventriloquists, comedians and crossdressing variety acts take the stage on Wednesday evenings.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 14]
Bawdy delights
This week, it's racy comedy that takes your fancy. The urchin that delivers the mushrooms on a Wednesday tells you something very shocking.
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 3!
Gain: 2 x
Appalling Secret
Thursday
Thursday nights are for a more refined crowd. There are selections from melodramatic operas and ballets on the bill.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 16]
Elegant entertainment
So you wish to see Thursday's show through this week. It's probably just a coincidence that you find an extremely expensive earring on the foyer floor.
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 4!
Gain: 1 x Sapphire
Gain: 1 x Diamond
Friday
Friday is one of the busiest nights at Mahogany Hall. Crowds flock to see the most popular singers of the day.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 18]
Musical variety
Audiences love to sing along to the most up-to-the-minute popular songs. It should be an enjoyable evening. Unless someone sings 'Pop Goes The Weasel'.
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 5!
Plagued by a Popular Song increase
Saturday
On Saturdays, Mahogany Hall's programme is composed of illusionists, conjurers and hypnotists. If you're embroiled in the Wars of Illusion, this may be your big opportunity. You will need Connected: Glass (or Glass and Shroud both) at 6 or more and Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion at 20 or more to participate in your own show. Otherwise you'll see someone else's. If you're about to hold a grand séance, you must do that first.
[Unlocked with Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 10]
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 20]
A night of magic
Saturday night it is, then. This might be a momentous event in the history of the conflict between the Glass and the Shroud. Or just another night at the music hall. In any case, someone has left you a thoughtful - and concerned - gift.
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 6!
Gain: 3 x
F.F. Gebrandt's Tincture of Vigour
Sunday
Sundays are the Kashmiri Princess's days. Her show takes top billing for the whole week. If you're on the trail of the key that she guards, Sunday is the night you've been waiting for. If you're not - well. She's supposed to be very good anyway.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 22]
Tonight is the night
The anticipation in the air is not just for the Kashmiri Princess' show tonight. A cat, trying to be helpful, furnishes you with some frankly irrelevant secrets.
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 7!
Gain: 4 x
Appalling Secret
Light Entertainment!
Monday's bill comprises folk songs, comedians and an accompanying band. Will you be participating or watching?
[Unlocked with Day of the Week 1]
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 10]
Take a backstage role
You've done enough preparation. Sit back - but make sure you take enough of the credit.
_ challenge
A most professional entertainment
Performers take the stage in quick succession, tonight. A young man croons traditional favourites including 'Mr Barley's Wine' and 'Robbie Spindle Went to Zee'. The band plays a waltz. A trio of bizarrely tattooed young ladies form a tableau vivant - the Three Graces, perhaps? Hard to tell. A husband-and-wife team perform a hilarious sketch about a Rubbery detective.
You watch from the wings. You need do very little, as everyone is thoroughly familiar with their roles. Nevertheless, you take ownership. A hand on an arm here, a laugh and a wink there. You earn your share of the box office by presence alone.
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is gone!
Shadowy increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Gain: 200 x
Jade Fragment
Stage-manage the show
Be in control of every part of this show, from the mushroom buttonholes to the arrangement of 'The Ratcatcher's Daughter'.
_ challenge
The acclaim is yours
You take charge. You stand in the wings, arranging costumes, dictating changes to the sets, insisting the band play a particular waltz. A young man croons traditional favourites including 'Mr Barley's Wine' and 'Robbie Spindle Went to Zee'. A trio of bizarrely tattooed young ladies form a tableau vivant of the Three Graces, improved vastly by your last-minute suggestions. A husband-and-wife team perform a hilarious sketch about a Rubbery detective, and you suggest a devastating punchline.
You have earned a great deal of the credit tonight - and taken still more. You deserve an extra share of the profits.
Persuasive increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Gain: 200 x Moon-pearl
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Feats of Daring and Grace!
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 10, Day of the Week 2
Tuesday nights' entertainment is the most thrilling, glittering show of the week. Acrobats, trapeze artists, jugglers, sword-swallowers, contortionists - Mahogany Hall has them all.
Try your hand on the trapeze
You have plenty of experience on the ropeways of the Flit. And it looks like such fun!
A triumph!
You step in to replace a trapeze artist with a swollen ankle. And it's amazing. You soar through the air! Only the urchins that operate the scenery will ever see a view like this. There's things up here. Things that would bear investigation. For now, you reach for something shiny, and snag a handful of pearls on a string. You have no time for more.
You handle the acrobatics with ease. The practice you gained in the Flit was worth it. As you land gracefully on stage, the applause swells and the lights dazzle. But those catwalks, high in the dark, they're what's on your mind. What was that pathetic huddle of chalky gleams and jaw-gaping leather in the spider-spaces up above? What - or who?
Rewards:
Shadowy increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Gain: 6 x Appalling Secret
Gain: 110 x Moon-pearl
Help the stagehands
There's a lot of dangerous things happening on stage tonight. Better by far to work backstage. And look for opportunities for profit.
Good show
You take on some general duties - holding a rope here, making sure mats are in place there. There's plenty of time for a little fishing trip into the stalls. When you get there, the audience is captivated - the tumblers are just blurs of movement, and look - someone's juggling with fire! It's never been easier to relieve people of their purses and jewellery.
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
40 x Glim
36 x Moon-pearl
30 x Silk Scrap
The comedy of the absurd!
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 10, Day of the Week 3
It is Wednesday, the day when Mahogany Hall's acts reverse roles and subvert theatrical conventions. Women dress as men, men animate puppets and satire is the order of the day.
Take charge of props and wardrobe
Tonight's a good opportunity to make some cash, if you're happy taking a backstage role.
Such rich pickings!
The costumes, the props, the elaborate jewellery, the terrifying ventriloquists' dummies… there's a lot of exotic stuff lying around backstage tonight. You snip pearls from costumes and pocket little gilt accessories. Onstage, a pair of young ladies in waistcoats and fake beards act out a very amusing sketch about His Amused Lordship and a Clay Man. You reach for a tiny trombone, but something in the eyes of the dummy that's holding it stops you.
53 x Moon-pearl
53 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Take part with your own act
You can put on a satirical sketch with the best of them.
'And then he found out it was just a weasel!'
You visit the wardrobe department, and after a couple of hours with greasepaint and wigs, you're transformed. The person in the mirror is a stranger to you. That stranger goes on stage and performs a topical sketch that absolutely brings the house down. You mock everyone from F.F. Gebrandt to Mr Spices. Your impersonations are spot on, your jokes are sharp and your imagination is, well, risque. Your share of the box office is deservedly large.
Rewards:
Persuasive increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Gain: 103 x Deep Amber
An evening of refined entertainment
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 10, Day of the Week 4
Thursday night. A bill of extracts from operas, ballets and other highbrow orchestral delights. Will you watch or take centre stage?
Enjoy the show
Have a rest, for a change. Let the wonderful entertainment just wash over you. Then take a percentage anyway.
It's all in the attitude
You slip into a half-full box and help yourself to a glass of rare, sparkling saprotrophic wine. The other, elderly, occupants won't even notice you're there. Then you just let the velvet cushion you and the voices of the sopranos carry you away. The majesty of the orchestra, the flashing, sensuous beauty of the corps de ballet - well, it's all down to your expert planning, is it not? Why, when it's time to float down to lock up the box office, you feel quite, quite worthy of your extravagant cut. You didn't even make any jokes about the 'corpse of ballet'.
Shadowy increase
54 x Glim
54 x Deep Amber
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Conduct the orchestra
You can easily conduct a performance like this. It's just popular classics, after all. And think of the acclaim.
'Wonderful!'
The auditorium is hushed as you emerge from the wings. The halo of bright light on stage only makes the dark, dark space behind the proscenium arch seem infinite. Baton in hand, you begin.
The next few hours pass in moments, as you lose yourself in the music. Before you know it, you're swept up in a tumult of applause and a dazzle of gaslight. People fall over themselves to press gifts on you. Well done.
Rewards:
Persuasive increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Gain: 55 x Glim
Gain: 55 x Moon-pearl
Fallen London's Best-loved Entertainers
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 10, Day of the Week 5
Popular singers and comedians fill the bill on Fridays. It's several steps up from Monday's show - these are the best known acts in the business.
Take charge of the front of house
You have a full house of affluent theatregoers. A perfect evening for showcasing your charm and for a little advanced pickpocketing.
A marvellous evening
You prowl the foyer, greeting customers with handshakes, helping elderly ladies up steps, offering to deposit items in the cloakroom. By the end of the show, you have more jewellery and scarves than Bessie Blanc, tonight's star performer, is wearing on stage. Which is more than anyone would have thought possible if they hadn't seen it with their own eyes.
It's just a dratted shame everyone is humming that song that's so popular at the moment.
Shadowy increase
Plagued by a Popular Song increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Lose: 64 x Silk Scrap
Gain: 2 x Diamond
Gain: 2 x Venom-ruby
Sing your own version of 'Pop Goes The Weasel'
Unlocks: Plagued by a Popular Song 3
Why not take centre stage? Seize the chance to make more of a name for yourself? It's not as if you don't know the d—ned melody backwards anyway.
'Round and round Mahogany Hall'
'On St Fiacre's steeple, that's the way the Masters fly… Pop! goes the weasel!'
Your version of the song is a great success. In fact, later on, one of the other singers offers to buy it from you. By then, you'll do anything you can to get rid of it.
Persuasive increase
Plagued by a Popular Song decrease (2 change points)
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Gain: 102 x Moon-pearl
Find a way to watch the Grand Illusion
You're loyal to the Shroud, and notorious among the Glass after your successful séance. But do you want to find a way to watch the Grand Illusion?
unlocked with Day of the Week 6, Tales of Mahogany Hall 10, Connected: Shroud 20
'Research' disguises
For a thief of your skills, this should be easy.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 115)
A fine hairpiece
You burgle one of the dressing-rooms at Mahogany Hall itself. Simple. Dressed in this particular combination of wig, hat and spectacles, even the Glass won't recognise you. You hunch unobtrusively in a seat at the back of the circle.
The illusionist warms up by sawing a sequinned young lady in half and producing a flock of bats from his hat. But the finale of the show is on a different scale.
The house lights dim; the theatre holds its breath. A door opens slowly in the centre of the stage, and the scents and sounds of the jungle fill the air. Huge green leaves push through the doorway. A hot, fresh breeze carries birdsong and the perfume of lilies through the auditorium. The front rows gasp as a shower of raindrops bursts over them.
From the circle, you catch a glimpse of a reflection under the proscenium arch. Aha. It really is all done with mirrors. The illusionist steps through the door and vanishes. The cat sitting next to you mutters, 'Bloody Fingerkings,' jumps down and vanishes.
[This is not the end of The Wars of Illusion. They will continue! In the meantime, you can still participate in shows at Mahogany Hall.]
Shadowy increase
Your
Day of the Week Quality has gone!
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Gain: 4 x Appalling Secret
20 x Cryptic Clue
Bats everywhere!
You burgle one of the dressing-rooms at Mahogany Hall itself. Simple. Dressed in this particular combination of wig, hat and spectacles, surely even the Glass won't recognise you. You hunch unobtrusively in a seat at the back of the circle.
The illusionist warms up by sawing a sequinned young lady in half and producing a flock of bats from his hat. It's a lovely effect. Until the bats spot you and start flapping round your head, squeaking and pinching you with their little claws. Looks like you weren't as unobtrusive as you thought. Time to go. Someone's singing, too. 'Half a pound of toadstool spores, a penny's worth of beetles…'
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Your
Day of the Week Quality has gone!
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Plagued by a Popular Song increase
Another night of magic
You have performed your own illusion and risen high in the Glass…Your work is done, for now. The show must go on, though, and this Saturday it's Henry Peppercorn's turn. He's showing a new variation on his famous Ghost.
[Unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 20]
[Unlocked with Day of the Week 6]
[Unlocked with Connected: Glass 20]
Compare Peppercorn's illusion to yours
Take diligent notes. No slacking off, now.
_ challenge
Most instructive
You sit in the audience, watching as Peppercorn escapes from impossibly thorough bonds. He produces flocks of bats and herds of rabbits from hats and sleeves. He creates a rainbow between two mirrors and causes a bird of paradise to fly along it. For his finale, he shows the audience a scene of stones and hot sun in one of his mirrors - then steps backwards into it and vanishes. People faint and scream. You record it all, learning from one of the masters of the Glass's arts.
Watchful increase
Gain: 50 x
Cryptic Clue
Gain: 1 x
Appalling Secret
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Steal Peppercorn's ideas
Forget comparative analysis. Just take what you can from this.
_ challenge
Shocking ruthlessness
You hide backstage to watch Peppercorn escape from seemingly impossible bonds and create magical worlds using mirrors. You help yourself to the notes he's left with the stage manager, and you manage to catch what he does at the crucial moment in his act. Before he disappears into the mirror, his reflection beckons to him. Well. That's got to be worth knowing.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 30 x
Cryptic Clue
Gain: 2 x
Appalling Secret
Gain: 7 x
Proscribed Material
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Indulge your hunger. Sabotage Peppercorn
Why should you let Peppercorn take the stage? The crowd will forget your own miracle if you do. And you're so d—nably hungry all the time. This choice is guaranteed to cause you all kinds of harm. It is strongly advised that you don't do this.
_ 
challenge [10% chance of success per point, e.g. 50% at 5]
[Unlocked with Unaccountably Peckish 3]
Raaah!
Peppercorn's act begins with escapology. You come onstage with his assistants, brandishing a rope, and proceed to tie him up so tightly he can barely breathe. From under the coils, he whispers. 'This is what they did to the eaten one! Didn't you know? What have you become?' You turn to the audience and roar, before everything turns red… You wake up in your lodgings, with a skull-splitting headache and a rumbling stomach. And singing to yourself. 'Ask the cat for Mr Wines, but not for Mr Eaten…'
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
[40 cp]
Scandal increase
[4 cp]
Nightmares increase
[4 cp]
Wounds increase
[4 cp]
Suspicion increase
[4 cp]
Plagued by a Popular Song increase
[4 cp]
Unaccountably Peckish increase
[4 cp]
Seeking Mr Eaten's Name increase
Ouch
You stumble onstage, intent on disrupting Peppercorn's show, or stealing it, or something. It's hard to be sure once you're up there. Anyway, there's a bowl of fruit on the other side of the stage! You lurch for it. Your hands hit silvered glass and your foot slips on coils of rope. That's the last you remember. Now you're in your lodgings, with a terrible headache, hungrier than ever. And singing to yourself. 'The roads lead all around the Hall, and nobody is leaving…'
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
[37 change points]
Unaccountably Peckish increase
[5 change points]
Nightmares increase
[6 change points]
Wounds increase
[5 change points]
Scandal increase
[5 change points]
Suspicion increase
[5 change points]
Watching the Grand Illusion
You're loyal to the Shroud, so you dare not take too active a part in Saturday's show…But you could learn something useful if you watch.
unlocked with Tales of Mahogany Hall 10, Day of the Week 6, Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20, Connected: Shroud 6
Option 1: Watch from the audience
Blend in. Experience the illusion as its creator intended.
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 119
A fascinating event
You can't tell who's here from the Glass and who's just a member of the public. So you disguise yourself and hunch unobtrusively in a seat at the back of the circle.
The illusionist warms up by sawing a sequinned young lady in half and producing a flock of bats from his hat. But the finale of the show is on a different scale.
The house lights dim; the theatre holds its breath. A door opens slowly in the centre of the stage, and the scents and sounds of the jungle fill the air. Huge green leaves push through the doorway. A hot, fresh breeze carries birdsong and the perfume of lilies through the auditorium. The front rows gasp as a shower of raindrops bursts over them.
From the circle, you catch a glimpse of a reflection under the proscenium arch. Aha. It really is all done with mirrors. The illusionist steps through the door and vanishes. The cat sitting next to you mutters, 'Bloody Fingerkings,' jumps down and vanishes.
[This is not the end of The Wars of Illusion. They will continue! In the meantime, you can still participate in shows every Monday to Friday at Mahogany Hall.]
Shadowy increase
57 x Cryptic Clue
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Option 2: Watch from the wings
You might be able to spy better from backstage.
Watchful challenge, straightforward at 107
Sabotaging an illusion
It is a Saturday night. You are backstage at Mahogany Hall. Henry Peppercorn is about to unveil a new illusion, one that's been months in the making. He will combine escapology with classical mirrorwork - a new twist on his famous Ghost. He's due on stage shortly, and you'll be ready to ruin his act.
unlocked with Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20, Connected: Glass 6, Connected: Shroud 11, Day of the Week 6, Tales of Mahogany Hall 15
Be subtle
The illusion of the Ghost depends on exactness. It will only appear if the mirrors are perfectly aligned; a difference of a degree is the difference between success and failure. So all you should have to do is move one of them. Presumably.
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 117?
Make a real splash
Smash the mirrors! Show the audience how it's really done. You couldn't do anything worse to a stage magician than reveal his secrets.
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at ??
Sunday's show
The Kashmiri Princess takes to the stage tonight. Your aim is simple. Secure the locket she wears around her neck.
[Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 11]
[Unlocked with **Day of the Week 7 **]
Make the snatch from onstage
Nobble one of the dancers and take her place in the show. Then pounce!
| _ Persuasive challenge |
At last!
Someone said to the dancer, 'Break…'
The Affair of the Box is not over! Head to Spite to continue.
Persuasive increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 12 - An Associate of Jasper and Frank!
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Gain: 114 x
Moon-pearl
Grab the locket from her dressing-room
Do it just before the show, so you'll know it'll be accessible.
| _ Shadowy challenge |
At last! The key is yours!
Mushroom bouquets in hand, you sneak…
The Affair of the Box is not over! Head to Spite to continue.
Shadowy increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 12 - An Associate of Jasper and Frank!
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Gain: 114 x
Moon-pearl
Sell Jasper and Frank out
Why would you try to snatch the key for those two? See if you can throw your lot in with Esmeralda and Rose instead. Although angering the Unfinished Men is a risky business.
| _ Dangerous challenge |
A new alliance
Mushroom bouquets in hand, you sneak…
The Affair of the Box is not over! Head to Spite to continue.
Dangerous increase
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 14 - Assisting the Kashmiri Princess(es)!
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Gain: 114 x
Moon-pearl
After choosing an option in the previous action, this action appears:
The CHARMING and EXOTIC Kashmiri Princess
You've seen her show. You've tried and failed to get the locket that holds the key. Still, the show goes on. Maybe you can learn something else while you wait for developments.
unlocked with Day of the Week 7, Tales of Mahogany Hall 15, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
Watch from the audience
This time, just be a member of the public. Enjoy the show.
(Watchful challenge)
A fine evening's entertainment?
You sit back and allow the music to wash over you. You've taken a seat in the stalls, close enough to the stage that you can tell it's Rose that's singing, but far enough away not to be spotted. The performance is good, but Rose seems to be going through the motions - there's no spark of joy in her voice. Hmm.
Watchful increase
Your
Day of the Week Quality has gone!
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Gain: 56 x Cryptic Clue
Ask her to sing Pop Goes The Weasel
It plagues you, haunts you - it may even have lost you a weasel or several. Perhaps if you actively seek it out, its spell will be broken?
[This is quite possibly a dreadful idea. Don't do this.]
unlocked with Plagued by a Popular Song 2
(A Plagued by a Popular Song challenge, high risk at Plagued 2, chancy at Plagued 4)
An explosion of weasels
The Kashmiri Princess - Rose, tonight, again - performs the usual array of the Neath's latest popular songs, and no one cares how incongruous they are against the painted background of blue skies, fantastical castles and soaring, icy mountains. For her encore, she takes requests, and agrees to sing your choice.
'Half a pound of cinnamon spice, a penny's worth of secrets, mix it up and make it nice - pop! goes the weasel!'
All around you, weasels start exploding. There's little bits of bloody fur everywhere you look! The crowd is furious! You're chased out of the theatre. And the song is further entrenched than ever in your head. And all that blood's just made you hungry.
Plagued by a Popular Song increase
Scandal increase
Nightmares increase
Suspicion increase
Wounds increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your
Day of the Week Quality has gone!
Unaccountably Peckish increase
Oh dear
Rose is singing as the Kashmiri Princess tonight, and she accepts your request with a wink and a smile.
'Up and down the river to Hell, the devils are all streaming, take the bats to Mr Veils - pop! goes the weasel!
It's chaos. Weasels blow up left, right and centre. Including all your own. You're showered in sad little scraps of bloodstained fur. And the crowd doesn't take kindly to losing their pets. You're lucky to make it back to your lodgings alive. And why did all that blood make you feel so hungry?
Plagued by a Popular Song decrease
lose all Lucky Weasel
lose all Araby Fighting Weasel
Scandal increase
Nightmares increase
Suspicion increase
Wounds increase
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your
Day of the Week Quality has gone!
Unaccountably Peckish increase
