Mahogany Hall
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!
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?
Unlocks: Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 15
Option 1: 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
Option 2: 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!
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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
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!
The mystic arts
Unlocks: Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20, Connected: Shroud 2
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.
Tell fortunes
Unlocks: Connected: Shroud 2, Tales of Mahogany Hall 1
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.
'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
Unlocks: Connected: Shroud 3, Tales of Mahogany Hall 1
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.
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
Unlocks: Connected: Shroud 4, Tales of Mahogany Hall 1
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.
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
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 magic of the theatre
Unlocks: Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20, Shadowy 97, Connected: Glass 2
Perform some magic on stage; you'll need the experience to plan your own escapology illusion. Which will be marvellous, of course.
Assist in a Mentalist's act
Unlocks: Connected: Glass 2, Tales of Mahogany Hall 1
Alexandria, The Woman Who Knows, needs an associate to perform her act. Her usual helper is indisposed. Step in.
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.This choice is locked for now.
Unlocks: Connected: Glass 3, Tales of Mahogany Hall 1
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.
Rewards:
Shadowy increase
Gain: 50 x Silk Scrap
Gain: 53 x Deep Amber
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
Connected: Glass increase
Assist a hypnotist
Unlocks: Connected: Glass 4, Tales of Mahogany Hall 1
Monsieur Pleat, Hypnotist Extraordinaire, performs on stage at Mahogany Hall most weeks. He needs 'volunteers' for his act.
'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
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
Unlocks: Persuasive 95
Mahogany Hall! Illustrious palace of dreams! Be transported by the glittering magic of theatre! [Your Persuasive quality will be useful here.]
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.
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Tales of Mahogany Hall' Quality is now 1!
Persuasive increase
A silver touch
Unlocks: Shadowy 95
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.]
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
Variety is the spice of life!
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 2
Make preparations for your next show at Mahogany Hall!
'Obtain' licences from the Ministry of Public Decency
It's essential to jump through these bureaucratic hoops, but there are ways and means.
Steal ideas from other theatres
Trying to come up with your own sketches and songs is far too much like hard work.
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 105
'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…'
Plagued by a Popular Song increase (1 change point)
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.
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 107
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!
Plagued by a Popular Song increase (1 change point)
Bribe an orchestra to play for your show
Unlocks: Nevercold Brass Sliver 200
You can steal many things from other theatres, but the very worst thing you can take from them is talent.
Provide master-classes in etiquette
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 1
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.
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.'
Rewards:
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.
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Pygmalion' Quality is now 1!
An occurrence! Your 'Educating Lyme' Quality is now 1!
The above card opens up two mini-arcs in Mahogany Hall that are recorded on the Master Classes In Etiquette page.
Work for Jasper and Frank
Unlocks: Shadowy 100, Tales of Mahogany Hall 10
Everyone's favourite pair of Unfinished Men sometimes have little jobs they're happy to hand out to the right people.
Be the bag person
Some of Jasper and Frank's 'business interests' involve regular 'collections' from stallholders in Spite.
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 110
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.
Rewards:
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.
Suspicion increase
Fire-raising
Sometimes, buildings or ships become unprofitable. Help Jasper and Frank make insurance claims.
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 117
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.
Rewards:
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.
Suspicion increase
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?
Unlocks: A Heavy Iron Box 1, Survivor of the Affair of the Box 1
Yes, it's been gathering dust in your lodgings for some time now. Perhaps you've been wondering what to do with it.
'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.
Rewards:
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.
Let them in
No point in hiding from them. You have to deal with that b- box at some point.
Pretend to be out
The longer you avoid the issue, the more likely it is to go away. Isn't that right?
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
Unlocks: 500 x Glim
Put the word out, grease some palms.
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?
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
Ask Jasper and Frank for more information
Unlocks: Route: Wolfstack Docks 1
Seek them out down at the docks. High-risk, but potentially faster.
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.
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
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 14, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 8
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.
Sneak into her room
Find a hiding place in her room. See what you can find out.
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 114
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.
Rewards:
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
Unlocks: 300 x Glim
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 114
Just knock on the door. Bring a gift and you can talk your way in.
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!
You've lost 300 x Glim
You've gained 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.
Dangerous challenge, straightforward at 114
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
Unlocks: a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 9
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?
Help them with something sneaky
Will you conceal an unlucky peacock feather in a rival's dressing-room for them?
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 116
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.
Rewards:
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
Unlocks: 300 x Glim
One twin likes honey from a particular supplier. The other recently kicked him somewhere delicate. Can you persuade him to sell to them again?
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 116
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!
You've gained 56 x Drop of Prisoner's Honey
You've lost 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.
Dangerous challenge, straightforward at 116
Making Plans
Unlocks: A Heavy Iron Box 1, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 10
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.'
Ask for their help
Admit an interest in any profit to be made. There's no shame in it. Is there?
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 118
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.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 118
'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…'
Rewards:
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.
Dangerous challenge, low risk at 116
'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 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.
Unlocks: 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.
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 109)
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…'
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.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 113)
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)
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)
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
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 2
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.
Sell stolen tickets
Unlocks: Connected: Urchins 10
Take the uncomplicated approach. Steal tickets from theatre-goers and sell them straight back to them.
Sell forged tickets
Why risk stealing tickets when you can just make them?
Unlocks: Acquaintance: a Repentant Forger 1, Connected: Criminals 10**
The weekly variety bill!
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 10
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.]
Monday
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 10
On Monday nights, Mahogany Hall puts on a bill of light entertainment - folk songs, topical jokes and the like.
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.
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 1!
Gain: 3 x Inkling of Identity
Tuesday
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 12
On Tuesdays, Mahogany Hall hosts jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, tumblers and high-wire acts.
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.
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 2!
Gain: 2 x Diamond
Wednesday
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 14
Ventriloquists, comedians and crossdressing variety acts take the stage on Wednesday evenings.
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.
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 3!
Gain: 2 x Appalling Secret
Thursday
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 16
Thursday nights are for a more refined crowd. There are selections from melodramatic operas and ballets on the bill.
Friday
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 18
Friday is one of the busiest nights at Mahogany Hall. Crowds flock to see the most popular singers of the day.
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 (1 change point)
Saturday
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 20, Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 20
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.
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!
3 x F.F. Gebrandt's Tincture of Vigour
Sunday
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 22, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 10
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.
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.
Rewards:
An occurrence! Your 'Day of the Week' Quality is now 7!
Gain: 4 x Appalling Secret
Light Entertainment!
Unlocks: Tales of Mahogany Hall 10, Day of the Week 1
Monday's bill comprises folk songs, comedians and an accompanying band. Will you be participating or watching?
Take a backstage role
You've done enough preparation. Sit back - but make sure you take enough of the credit.
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'.
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!
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.
Take part with your own act
You can put on a satirical sketch with the best of them.
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.
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.
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.
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 Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion 25, Connected: Glass 16, Day of the Week 6, Tales of Mahogany Hall 15
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 117
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!
113 x Moon-pearl
Tales of Mahogany Hall increase
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
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 Connected: Glass 20, Day of the Week 6, Tales of Mahogany Hall 20)
Option 1: Compare Peppercorn's illusion to yours
Take diligent notes. No slacking off, now.
Watchful challenge, straightforward at 119
Option 2: Steal Peppercorn's ideas
Forget comparative analysis. Just take what you can from this.
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 120
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
30 x Cryptic Clue
2 x Appalling Secret
7 x Proscribed Material
Tales of Mahogany Hall decrease
Your 'Day of the Week' Quality has gone!
Option 3: 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.]
unlocked with Unaccountably Peckish 3.
Unaccountably Peckish challenge, High-risk at 3, Chancy at 4.
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 (approximately 4 change points)
Nightmares increase (approximately 4 change points)
Wounds increase (approximately 4 change points)
Scandal increase (approximately 4 change points)
Suspicion increase (approximately 4 change points)
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 ??
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
Option 2: Watch from the wings
You might be able to spy better from backstage.
Watchful challenge, straightforward at 107
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)
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
Sunday's show
Unlocks: a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 11, Day of the Week 7
The Kashmiri Princess takes to the stage tonight. Your aim is simple. Secure the locket she wears around her neck.
Make the snatch from onstage
Nobble one of the dancers and take her place in the show. Then pounce!
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 119
At last!
Someone said to the dancer, 'Break a leg.' The careful application of greasepaint to a step made their words come true! So here you are, in the wings, dressed in something made entirely of sequins and feathers. Singers come and go, but at last, it's time for the Princess's act. The handbills say the show is 'Bringing the EXOTIC and PERFUMED Princely State of KASHMIR to Fallen London for your WONDERMENT and DELIGHT'. Beautifully painted backdrops give an artist's impression of Kashmir's palaces and mountains. The artist has never left Veilgarden in his life, but that is neither here nor there.
One of the twins sashays onto the stage, gorgeous in an emerald green sari. Golden embroidery, pearls and gilt bangles in their hundreds sparkle in the gaslight. Which twin is it? Impossible to tell from here. You copy the other dancers, relatively successfully, until you see your chance. You leap past the twin, noting as you do that it's Rose, and grab the locket from around her neck along with a string of pearls. She doesn't try to stop you, but she does say quietly, 'You should have asked Esme.' No time to think about that. You race for the exit. A bold move, beautifully executed!
You stop in a tavern to examine the locket. It is a heavy, ornate thing, and it opens easily - to reveal a lock of greying hair and a miniature portrait of a gloomy-looking young man. This can't be the key to the box!
[The Affair of the Box is not over! It will continue soon, and you will have a chance to pursue the real key.]
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, straightforward at 119
At last! The key is yours!
Mushroom bouquets in hand, you sneak through the corridors to the Kashmiri Princess's secret dressing-room. As you approach, you hear voices. It's the twins, laughing and joking about something.
You tap on the door and put your head round it. The twins shriek in welcome and beckon you in. One of them is dressed for the stage, in a bright emerald green sari decorated with gold and pearls. The other is wearing an ordinary frock. She has her mouth full of hairpins and is making up her sister with rouge. You present them with the posies and they kiss you, one on each cheek. 'Cheers!' says one. 'Bloody 'eck,' says the other, 'what are you after?' You laugh it off and start to look around the room. There it is. On the dressing-table.
You sidle over, your back to the table, and grab a handful of jewellery, including the locket, without looking at it. As you leave, you notice that the twin dressing for the stage is Rose. Their laughter follows you all the way down the corridor. There's a shout, too - it sounds like, 'Should've waited for Esme's turn!' Later, you stop in a tavern to examine the locket. It is a heavy, ornate thing, and it opens easily - to reveal a lock of greying hair and a miniature portrait of a gloomy-looking young man. This can't be the key to the box!
[The Affair of the Box is not over! It will continue soon, and you will have a chance to pursue the real key.]
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, straightforward at 119
A new alliance
Mushroom bouquets in hand, you sneak through the corridors to the Kashmiri Princess's secret dressing-room. As you approach, you hear voices. It's the twins, laughing and joking about something.
You tap on the door and put your head round it. The twins shriek in welcome and beckon you in. One of them is dressed for the stage, in a bright emerald green sari decorated with gold and pearls. The other is wearing an ordinary frock. She has her mouth full of hairpins and is making up her sister with rouge. You present them with the posies and they kiss you, one on each cheek. 'Cheers!' says one. 'Bloody 'eck,' says the other, 'what are you after?' You look around the room. There it is. On the dressing-table.
You bid the ladies sit down and explain to them that you're in charge of the box, and Jasper and Frank want you to steal the key. But if you all worked together to betray them… You look pointedly at the locket, and one of the twins, the one dressed up, scoops it up. 'Why are you tellin' us?' she asks. 'You want to do the dirty on the Clays?' 'Fine by us,' says her sister. 'They might work for Stones now, but if they get greedy… khhhrkh!' She draws a pantomime finger across her throat. 'Not to mention what'll happen if the others find out.' 'Listen,' says the first twin. 'You sit tight. I've got to go on now, but take this and go lie low. They don't know when it's my turn and when it's Esme's, so we've got the jump on 'em.' She hands you a cheap locket on a chain and bustles you out of the room.
[The Affair of the Box is not over! It will continue soon, and you will have a chance to pursue the real key.]
Rewards:
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)
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
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Gain: 100 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
Gain: 112 x Jade Fragment
Gain: 15 x Souls
Connected: Urchin decrease (5 change points)
Connected: Criminals decrease
Gain: 1 x Sapphire
Gain: 2 x Venom-ruby
