These Opportunity Cards will not appear unless your Persuasive quality reaches a certain level. They generally challenge the Persuasive quality but some have options which test other Qualities. The links below will jump to the section of the page describing Cards which unlock at that level of Persuasive Quality.
Cards which unlock between 0 and 9
Entertaining the masses (Std)
The people queuing for the theatre are bored and restless. Perhaps there's something to be done.
[Unlocked with Persuasive no more than 27 (probably) (unconfirmed)]
Do you juggle?
Someone like you can find a way to entertain a crowd: epic poetry perhaps, or ribald gutter-ballads? You'll find a way.
_  Persuasive challenge (5% per point) |
You can't please all of the people all of the time…
Persuasive increase
The salvation of a Rubbery Man (Std)
A Rubbery Man is shambling mournfully down the street, his face-tentacles twitching, while a crowd jeers at him. The mood is turning nasty.
[Unlocked with Persuasive no more than 27]
Intervene in his favour
The poor creature is harmless. Probably. He deserves better! Also, Rubbery Men are known to give deep amber to those they favour. He is carrying a heavy satchel.
| _ Persuasive challenge (5% per point) |
Pick up the pieces
If you can't save the Rubbery Man, perhaps you can ensure some of his belongings go to a good cause. Like you.
| _ Persuasive challenge (20% per point) |
The Poet of the Streets (Std)
Poets, orators and madmen all gather at Scoundrel's Corner to speak – perhaps there’s a place for you there?
A voice in the mist
You stand in the drizzle falling softly from the cavern roof far above, and begin expounding…
| _ Persuasive challenge (5% per point) |
The power of words
Persuasive increase
Gain: 12 x Rat on a String
What you need is a coterie
You're quite the poet. And although your circumstances might currently be humble, the Veilgarden set are starting to take notice. What you need are followers. An artistic movement! This will invite someone who isn't playing to join you, and start a lucrative and somewhat bohemian story if they do.
The Bohemian call
You dash off an artistic manifesto for your friend. Teasing hints of whole new creative avenues only possible in the fallen city. Why are they wasting their time on the dreary old Surface?
Her barbed tongue (Std)
A rival has called into question your morals, your taste in attire and your relationship to goats. This cannot be borne!
[Unlocked with Persuasive 9-39]
A duel of wits
Surely you cannot stand for this - you must retort!
| _ Persuasive challenge (6.6% per point) |
Give her both barrels!
Retort? You're going to melt her ears.
| _ Persuasive challenge (2.5% per point) |
W— with the m— and your d—!
Persuasive increase
Gain: 5 x Stolen Correspondence
Going a little far, then a lot further than that
Persuasive increase
Cards which unlock between 10 and 19
Cards which unlock between 20 and 29
Ghostwrite a tongue-tied lover's poetry
At your favourite cafe, you are approached by one of the bandaged dead of the Tomb-Colonies. The gentleman's dusty old heart has quickened for a certain young lady, and he needs someone to put his affection into words.
Unlocks: Persuasive 21
Take up your pen and begin composing
What greater cause is there than the cause of true love? Anyway, the wretched old corpse is loaded.
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 26)
Perfect! What fluttering young heart could resist?
Yes, the bandaged gentleman may be fusty! Yes, he may smell faintly of moths! But! His regard for the young lady is genuine, providing ample inspiration for your work. When your client reads it he is silent for a long time, then thanks you hoarsely before placing your payment of grave-gold on the table before you. As he leaves you wonder if that was a sudden moistness darkening the wrappings around his eyes. Can you really be that good?
Persuasive increase
Gain: 21 x Rostygold
Interfere with the romance
Tomb-colonists romancing rosy-cheeked, vital maidens? Not if you have a say in the matter! You will write, certainly, but not what that corpse wants.
(Persuasive challenge; modest at 38)
A spanner in the gears of love
You craft a warning against romance with the nearly-dead that could freeze the heart of the most liberal of young ladies. She refuses to see the the tomb-colonist again and returns his gifts. It seems that the lady's family were aware of the tomb-colonist's intentions. They send you a case of wine in gratitude.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 36 x Greyfields 1879
An elopement? What?
What is wrong with this woman? Were your warnings of dusty romantic peril not enough? Has she been raised improperly? Who could be intrigued by the advances of that old dead thing? Young people today have little propriety and no sense. You fear for the future.
Persuasive increase
Journal requires original poetry for publication
It’s hardly The Magazine Formerly Known as the London Magazine, but this might help your reputation.
Unlocks: Persuasive 21
The indignities a genius has to suffer
The poetry journal is published irregularly, the fee is pathetic and the editor is notoriously mercurial. The theme is scandalous. Where did you put that pen?
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 26)
Words of passion and grace
Days have passed. You don’t know how many: alternating the consumption of prisoner’s honey and coffee strong enough to kill a horse have taken their toll. But it is complete: a work of splendid passion and not a little grace. The editor is impressed and promises that you will be published before next year is out. He is so engrossed by your work that he forgets his diary.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 18 x Cryptic Clue
Connected: Bohemian increase
A poor vehicle for your genius
A pox on that insignificant rag! Your work deserves a more fitting publication: the Unexpurgated London Gazette. Mr Huffam is sure to know his poetry.
(Persuasive challenge)
'We are pleased to note that the work will appear in the Thursday edition…'
Most of the poetry published by the Unexpurgated London Gazette is racy stuff depicting murder or coy allusions to current scandals. Your work is a little more substantial, although you dare not stray too far from the gazette's populist needs. It's not your finest piece, but one must pay the bills.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 36 x Jade Fragment
Win your way into a dying widow's will. (Std)
Quick! You've heard of a certain lonely, faltering dowager full of dying regrets she needs someone to hear…
[Unlocked with Persuasive 21-51]
You reach the deathbed a trifle flushed, but just in time!
Take her spotted, yellow hand and listen sympathetically…
| _ Persuasive challenge (2.8% per point) |
It is a small, sad tale, and soon told.
Persuasive increase
random reward ~20-30pp
Sweet child - your youth and mildness have restored me!
Persuasive increase
Persuade her lawyer to alter the will in your favour
The dowager's lawyer seems an underhanded sort of gentleman. He may be amenable to sharp practice if offered a share of the gains.
| _ Persuasive challenge (1.6% per point) |
Business smartly done
Persuasive increase
Moon-pearl x 36
Messrs Baseborn & Fowlingpiece (Solicitors at Law)
'I will do no such thing! Messrs Baseborn & Fowlingpiece have served this city's legal needs for generations and I will not sully their good names for base gain. Good day, man!'
Persuasive increase
Moving in rarefied circles
A notable family is holding a ball for the well-bred and the wealthy. Perhaps you can talk your way in.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 21]
Gossip with the servants
It's hardly high society, but the servants here are known for the occasional indiscretion regarding their betters.
A challenge for your Persuasive quality. [Straightforward at 35]
Encouragingly indiscreet servants
A merry rake is in prison for debt. A society darling is rumoured to have posed for a candid portrait. A married lady has been receiving love letters from a zee-captain. The evening passes in pleasant and occasionally valuable gossip.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 21 x
Whispered Secret
Connected: Society increase
'But my good man, the invitation never arrived!'
The host's butler is shrewd and the veteran of a hundred society events. It will not be easy to talk your way past him.
A challenge for your Persuasive quality. [Straightforward at 41]
'Oh, do allow me to introduce you to the Minister -'
Your tale of an invitation stolen by a rival and your engagement to a society darling being announced tonight buys you entrance to the glittering world of the elite. You pass a fine evening of exotic food, expensive drinks and barely recalled dance steps. By morning, your notebook hums with the secrets of the indiscreet.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 36 x
Whispered Secret
'I’m afraid that your name does not appear to be on my list.'
Damn that butler! The laughter and hushed conversation taunt you from the grand residence as you crunch your way down the immaculate gravel path in the company of stony-faced valets. The iron gate closes behind you with harsh finality. The tiny, bright world of the aristocracy will have to wait for now.
Persuasive increase
Trouble at home
Your neighbour is a troublesome fellow – noisy parties at night and the frequent attention of the Constables. It's time for him to go.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 21 and Persuasive no more than 51]
The pen and the poison
Your neighbour is mixed up with crime and politics – he must have sins aplenty in his past. Perhaps an anonymous warning letter is in order.
_ challenge
All is known!
You don’t know the details of your neighbour's crimes, but you craft a warning letter to freeze the bowels of any professional scoundrel. You write of secrets discovered, pacts unravelling and a host of former victims hungry for bloody-fisted revenge. Your neighbour bolts for the Brass Embassy immediately, leaving peace in his wake and a little something behind.
Gain: 20 x Rostygold
The law of the mob
You can't be the only one who wants to see him go. Assembling a mob to run him out of the area is hardly civilised, but it could work.
_ challenge
Who exactly is the scoundrel here?
Your neighbours come together to listen to your fiery words. Their opinion of the scoundrel is if anything lower than yours. You see him in the street and the mob gives chase! The scoundrel is too fast for the lumbering creature that is your mob, and he escapes somewhere near Childcake Street. The mob returns to his house and ransacks the place. You call for calm when they start to speak of burning, and distract them by sharing out the villain's possessions.
Persuasive increase
36 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
A huge mob, alas
You exhort your neighbours into action. At the appointed hour, they come. They have brought their friends. And their family's friends and friends' family. The mob is huge! Soon the area is swarming with Constables and neddy men to put down what might become a significant riot. Your glorious mob is dispersed before it can get near its target.
Persuasive increase
Debate with a philosopher at the Square of Lofty Words
The thinkers here perch atop long poles high above the surrounding buildings so that the rarefied air might nourish their wispy notions.
Unlocked with Persuasive 21
Repudiate an especially offensive hypothesis
You have been described as open-minded, innovative, an exemplar of forbearance; but this idiot on his stupid pole is talking rubbish and someone needs to step in.
(Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 26)
A victory as satisfying as any honour-duel
You counter his points, cast clever doubt upon his sources, and ultimately expose his theorem as the self-indulgent adolescent mooning that it is.
Persuasive increase
Gain:
Random reward (~20 pence)
The infuriating philosopher refuses to listen
Perhaps he is mostly deaf. That would explain his inability to perceive the obvious wisdom of your case.
Persuasive increase
Climb up and start expounding
You lack a pole, but a hansom stuck in traffic nearby will do just as well. They will hear you!
(Persuasive challenge, straightforward at ???)
Persuasive increase
Gain:
Random reward (~35 pence)
Cards which unlock between 30 and 39
After dinner speaking
A circle of literary types wants an entertaining speaker while brandy and cigars are enjoyed.
Unlocks: Persuasive 33
'Good evening, ladies and gentlemen…'
Your reputation as a wit has preceded you. The crowd is pretty erudite, though, so it won't be that easy.
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 52)
'…and with that he pulled up his britches and made for the window.'
Erudite or not, the crowd likes a little bawdy humour when the brandy has gone around the table a few times. You speak for a pleasant half hour, and although your audience isn't exactly rapt, they do laugh at all the good bits. The literary circle would consider it gauche to actually pay for your services, but you are allowed access to some books that the Ministry of Public Decency would not approve of.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 8 x Proscribed Material
Connected: Bohemian increase
Read them some of your poetry
The circle is very fussy about its literature, but you will find few better opportunities to air your works.
(Persuasive challenge; modest at 49, straightforward at 53)
The darling of the circle
A few eyebrows are raised at your choice of poetry rather than light anecdotry. But! Your work wins them over. Half a dozen stanzas in and the crowd are intrigued. A dozen more and they are rapt. You see notebooks come out from those who review poetry for certain magazines. They all want a copy of your work. Have you been published? What of your other works? Perhaps something splendid has begun tonight.
Persuasive increase
Connected: Bohemian increase
significant
Making peace
Two elderly retired army officers are determined to duel. One of them is the uncle of a friend of yours, and she asks for your help defusing things.
Unlocked with Persuasive 33
Belligerent old warhorses
The duel is over a woman, it seems. Perhaps something can be done.
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 53)
Rose-scented paper
You fabricate a convincing letter from the woman to her two crusty suitors, explaining that she has found true love in the arms of another and they are to forget her. As you expected, the duel was more to do with rivalry than love, and at least for the moment there is no prospect of bloodshed. Your friend is grateful and lets you have a look at some of the scandalous diaries of her uncle's youth.
Persuasive increase
9 x Stolen Correspondence
The course of true love
You fabricate a convincing letter from the woman to her two crusty suitors, explaining that she is heading back to the surface to meet her true love. Both of her aging suitors immediately vow to follow her, and make preparations for the arduous journey upward. These preparations include cutting your friend's allowance, and she is not best pleased.
Persuasive increase
Our forthright reporter
One of the more salacious and excitable newspapers has a temporary shortage of reporters. Could you fill in on the society pages?
Unlocked with Persuasive 33
Cover a few events
A salon here, a society wedding there. Concentrate on fashion and the safer margins of intrigue and gossip. Turn in your work and stay out of trouble.
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 38)
A natural talent
The research is pleasant enough. You were planning to go to some of these things in any case, so it is little out of your way. You observe new fashions in bustles and the introduction into Neath society of an exiled Count from the surface. You include in your articles enough coy allusions to scandal to keep the readers entertained, and your work is well received.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 33 x Whispered Secrets
Uncover some real scandal
There must be something interesting going on behind the polite smiles and long poetry readings. The world will know!
(Persuasive challenge; modest at 49, straightforward at 53)
The appetites of the aristocracy
That Count just arrived from the surface? Two? At the same time? Dear lord, no wonder the man escaped down here. Your readers are going to enjoy this.
The editor advises that you submit this one under a pseudonym. Aristocrats are known to act upon grudges once they return from exile in the tomb-colonies.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 48 x Moon-pearl
Out into the street
One thing that society events do not tolerate is the attention of the press. You are summarily ejected. You pick yourself up, retrieve your hat from the gutter and retreat with as much dignity as a gentleman can muster under these trying circumstances.
Persuasive increase
Scandal increase
Cards which unlock between 40 and 49
The Ways of the Shuttered Palace
Sombre, silent servants. The whims of an Empress.
A trip to the Palace
A Fashionable Under-Cook will show you around the Shuttered Palace if you supply her with silk and promise to be quiet.
Unlocks with 50 x Silk Scrap
And off you go
And here you are at the Palace. Your shoes make no sound on the three-inch thick carpet. The under-cook shushes you anyway.
[You're on a day trip to the Shuttered Palace! When you leave the Palace, you won't be able to return unless you open up the route at your lodgings or find another under-cook like this one. The Shuttered Palace is most interesting for those who have Persuasive 60+.]
You've moved to a new area:
The Shuttered Palace
Lose: 50 x Silk Scrap
Persuasive increase
A little word with the newspapers
A lover of the Captivating Princess has thrown himself into the river. He's not the first of her paramours to do so. Palace authorities would like you to suppress the story.
Unlocks with Route: The Shuttered Palace 1
Deftly squashed
You convince a sub-editor that the story is revolutionary propaganda. The Captivating Princess is a lady of breeding! She would never drive such a herd of lovers to madness and death. The idea is purest folly. And quite possibly treasonous to boot. The Palace functionaries are grateful for your intervention.
Persuasive increase
You've gained 60 x Deep Amber.
You know someone who knows someone
Invitations to the Palace are rare and prized. Still, you know a chap who knows a chap who might be able to provide one. [This will open up permanent access to the Shuttered Palace.]
Requires 5 Fate
Fate-locked content must not be placed on the wiki, per the developers.
Bricks and knives
Two gangs are fighting over the area near your lodgings.
Unlocked with Persuasive 45
Talk some sense into them
Perhaps you can convince then to leave, or make peace, or murder one another into quiescence.
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 65)
Having a little word
You track down one of the gang leaders and convince her that richer pickings are to be found nearer the river. The other gang leader takes more effort: he fancies himself a criminal visionary and intends to take over this neighbourhood as part of some grand plan. You persuade a disaffected lieutenant to deal with him, and he ends up stabbed and thrown into the Unterzee. Before a week is passed both gangs have drifted away from the area, and you are thanked by several of your neighbours.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 60 x Whispered Secret
The power of words
You spend considerable effort getting the two gang leaders to talk to one another, and arrange a meeting on a misty bridge in Tyrant's Gardens. Once they get to talk, the two gang leaders get on well. Too well, in fact: that may be the flare of romance between them. The two gangs agree to put aside their differences and concentrate on a really serious crime spree around your neighbourhood. The neighbours are not best pleased.
Persuasive increase
A deviless' serenade
A frustrated deviless sits beneath the window of a fine house. She tells you her plan; to win her beloved's heart with a song. But she's never been any good with words…
Unlocked with Persuasive 45
Write with Scorn
Perhaps your words can turn the deviless' intended against her, and you'll have a fine show.
Was that wise?
She starts to call out the words to her intended. Briefly. Then she realises exactly what you've written and turns her furious gaze on you. A few moments later, the devil has left, and you are lying in a gutter nursing your scratches and scalds. A small piece of cardboard floats down the gutter past you. On it is a picture of a smiling child, painted in bright colours.
An occurrence! Your
Playing with Broken Toys Quality is now 1!
Wounds increase
Write with Love
Perhaps your words can sway the intended's heart.
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 50)
A match made in…?
Your words work their magic. You see a silhouette at the window, trembling with emotion. The silhouette isn't what you expected; there are rather too many protruberances. Still, the deviless seems pleased, and when a handful of keepsakes are thrown down to her, she lets you have a couple for your trouble.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 45 x Deep Amber
Write with Lust
Help the devil slake her thirst, and there could be a reward.
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 60)
Hope on a rope
Your words work their magic. You see a silhouette at the window, clearly trembling with emotion. Or you hope that's what those tentacles are doing. A sinewy cable is lowered to the deviless. She flashes you a satisfied smile before climbing up to meet her intended. A few minutes later a scattering of amber is thrown down to you to thank you for your trouble. At least, that's what you hope it's for.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 60 x Deep Amber
Address the university
The Dean of Criminal Rehabilitation & Eradication is looking for visiting speakers.
Unlocks: Persuasive 45
Is that an insult?
The Dean is looking for speakers who understand the minds of criminals and other vermin.
Unlocks: Connected: Criminals 1
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 65)
'Consider the arsonist…'
Your experiences in the Neath have given you plenty of material for a lecture on the motivations and behaviour of the iniquitous element. Your monologue covers the arsonist, the burglar, the honey-fiend, the revolutionary and the smuggler. Used to dry academic fare, the students are rapt by your earthy tales of the shenanigans of the Neath. You detect a tinge of jealousy from the dusty professors, but you are paid as agreed and the students flock to you afterwards to ask questions.
Persuasive increase
20 x Surface Currency
Time for a little relaxation
The Parlour of Virtue is the kind of place to forget one's worries, if one has the means.
Unlocked with Persuasive 45
Spend a pleasant evening
The Parlour is fussy about its clientele, but you think your reputation will allow entrance. Note that visiting the Parlour is both expensive and scandalous. You can acquire Incendiary Gossip by using Rumours items in your inventory.
A challenge for your Persuasive quality.
[Unlocked with 2 x Incendiary Gossip]
What charming company!
The ladies and gentlemen of the Parlour of Virtue are exceptionally charming, and you spend a delicious time in their company. There are distractions here to sate any appetite, and it is hard to say where reality ends and honey-dreams begin. You find yourself invigorated by the experience, although a little poorer. Your name and speculations as to your proclivities also appear in a number of the more salacious gazettes.
Persuasive increase
Lose: 2 x
Incendiary Gossip
Nightmares decrease
Wounds decrease
Scandal increase
Belowstairs
Gossip with the servants, and perhaps you'll learn a little about the Shuttered Palace and its mistress.
Unlocked with Persuasive 45
Chat with a cook
He'll have a good idea what's going on, and you might be able to sample some of his work-in-progress.
Just dessert
He's less talkative than you hoped. You gain no insights into the Duchess's latest diet, although you do taste an absolutely astounding suet pudding. When you're sated, he passes you the recipe book he took it from. A piece of cardboard falls out. On it is a picture of a smiling child, painted in bright colours.
An occurrence! Your
Playing with Broken Toys Quality is now 1!
Share a bottle with a junior under-butler
A cup or two of '82 will set the tongue a-wagging.
Unlocked with Greyfields 1882 12
A heartfelt toast
Persuasive increase
3 x Intriguing Gossip
Make a suggestion to the chambermaid
Find out if those amused looks are because she's laughing with you, or at you.
(Persuasive challenge)
Trinkets and memories
A pleasant romp later, and you've made a fast friend at the palace; one that's discontented with the status quo. The two of you hatch a plan to relieve the Duchess of several trinkets in her collection. The plan is successful. It's a shame the chambermaid vanishes a week later, but that can't have been your fault.
Persuasive increase
4 x Relic of the Second City
An invitation to High Table!
What an honour. The Regius Professor of Tonsorial Alchemy has invited you to a formal dinner at the University. You put on your very nicest outfit and research several intellectual topics of conversation, only to discover that the Faculty are more drunken and dissolute than any students. You catch several of the more senior academics eyeing you in a squiffily lascivious manner, and you are not averse to a little fun. But who shall it be? Choose carefully. As you are discovering at dinner, the gossips here are merciless.
Unlocks with Persuasive 45
Allow the Junior Researcher in Epigraphical Mathematics to seduce you.
Everyone likes the Junior Researcher, so you cannot go too far wrong.
Unlocks with Persuasive 45
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 63)
A pleasant enough interlude
But the trouble with respectable people is, they do not do disrespectable things. Still, you pinch some wine from the excellent cellar before you go.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 5 x Morelways 1872
Allow the Bursar to seduce you.
Bursar means "person holding the purse-strings", right?
Unlocks with Persuasive 50
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 65)
Person holding the purse-strings? Very much so.
And the Bursar knows an awful lot of scandalous little secrets about very rich benefactors. You tuck away plenty of tantalising information.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 1 x Appalling Secret
Gain 20 x Cryptic Clues
Baleful eyes follow you out of the room
You should have known that slipping away with the Bursar, enjoyable though it was, would anger several others who also have their eyes on that endowment fund. Be more discreet next time.
Persuasive increase
Scandal Increase
Allow the Emeritus Professor of Antiquarian Esquivalience to seduce you.
A very prestigious catch, this one.
Unlocks with Persuasive 55
(Persuasive challenge; straightforward at 75)
The Professor is charmed by your elegant conversation.
We will draw a veil over the slightly less elegant events of the night that follows; but you have gained some very valuable insights and a small, rather shiny token of esteem to take away with you.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 3 x Appalling Secret
Gain: 30 x Jade Fragment
Cards which unlock between 50 and 59
A really nice haircut
The stylists at Cargill & Hummingbird have excelled themselves this morning. You emerge from the tonsorial emporium with a spring in your step and a gentle bounce in your follicles. You shake your tresses langorously, and Time herself slows to admire them. But which style did you choose?
Unlocks: Persuasive 50, You must be in The Shuttered Palace to play this card
The pompadour frame
A mighty trellis of hair, held to attention with built-in wires and balanced with a tiny gyroscope. The world will stop and stare.
You are magnificent!
Society ladies eye you from beneath their umbrellas. Filthy-faced workmen blush and doff their caps. A gang of urchins follows you home on a dare. You stop them and ask them why. 'Because you're worf it,' one says.
Persuasive increase
(significant, at least 40 points)
The Sweeney
Lavishly oiled and patted down, this is the ideal tonsure for those who prefer the shadows.
The Bun
A solid ball of hair, so tightly wound that your eyes open a little wider than they did before.
The Billiard
Hair? Hair is for Dollymops and dandies.
Cards with the civil service
The palace functionaries have taken a shine to you. There is a place for you at their monthly card table.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 57, Route: The Shuttered Palace 1]
So what are we playing, gentlemen?
Assuming you have the required set of deep amber gaming tokens, you settle in for an evening of bluff and wit.
_ challenge
[Unlocked with 20 x Deep Amber]
'Three jacks you say? I thought as much…'
A fine evening passes in a cramped but darkly elegant room that may have once been a royal chamber. The functionaries play a subtle but somewhat formulaic game and you come out firmly ahead. But not so far ahead that you won't be invited back. Dawn would be greeting your journey to your lodgings, if dawn happened down here.
Gain: 72 x Deep Amber
'Well played, there… '
A fine evening passes in a cramped but darkly elegant room that may have once been a royal chamber. The functionaries play a subtle but somewhat formulaic game and you come out firmly ahead. But not so far ahead that you won't be invited back. One of the functionaries is taken by your wit, and invites you to visit him.
Gain: 72 x Deep Amber
Persuasive increase
Acquaintance: Wry Functionary increase
Did I say that?
These dusty old fellows know how to play, and it takes all your concentration to break even with them. In an unguarded moment you let slip an indiscreet secret. Eyebrows are subtly raised. You probably shouldn't have done that.
Persuasive increase
Scandal increase
Dealing with the colonel
A Disgruntled Colonel is writing his memoirs. It seems that he knows some alarming things.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 57 and Persuasive no more than 87]
Where the bodies are buried
The Disgruntled Colonel must know some serious secrets: a cabal of ministers and senior palace functionaries will pay handsomely if you can persuade him to not publish.
_ challenge
A surprising lack of secrets
Over port and cigars at the Disgruntled Colonel's club, you get to know the old fellow. You soon enter his confidence and the truth becomes clear: he is bored. His memoirs are just a way of stirring up trouble for stuffy politicians. He agrees to split the hush-money with you if you tell the ministers that he put up a tremendous struggle.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 72 x Moon-pearl
Connected: Society increase
Troublesome old goat
The Disgruntled Colonel is having far too much fun upsetting the mighty to be swayed by your charms. Over the next few weeks you discover that he has said things about you to a lower class of journalist. Things that aren't even true!
Persuasive increase
Scandal increase
A strange mirror
The Shuttered Palace is known for its unusual mirrors. You have happened upon one in a forgotten hallway.
Surely it can't hurt?
Not just to chance a peek? Even if someone did make the mirror from polished jade covered in leering gargoyles?
Unlocks: Persuasive 57
Straightforward: Persuasive 77?
A glimpse of… what?
Your image shifts. It's still you, but… changed. Your clothes are shabby: down-at-heel shoes and a worn hat. You look worn out, even ragged. No! This shall not come to pass! You smash the mirror with your cane. Bad luck or not, you are better than this! And the mirror's destruction has left a few chunks of jade for the taking.
Persuasive increase
72 x Jade Fragment
The mirror lies! Doesn't it?
Your image shifts. It's still you, but… slightly changed. Your clothes are shabby: down-at-heel shoes and a worn hat. You look worn out, even ragged. What is this awful thing trying to reveal? You retreat before it shows you any more lies.
Persuasive increase
Nightmares increase
Cards which unlock between 60 and 69
The notable citizen
As a figure of some note, you are asked to address a government committee concerned with public safety. They may even have some tiny shred of power to change things.
Unlocks: Persuasive 69
Speak with little intention of changing matters
That you are speaking here at all is the important thing. Attempt to sound erudite and aware of current matters.
Straightforward: Persuasive <79
A prudent performance
You address the committee in a measured and sensible manner. One of them does fall asleep, but he is very old indeed and that is to be expected. Your plan for an extra Constable on Moloch Street receives due consideration. You are politely thanked and allowed to remain for subsequent deliberations, which are even interesting in places.
Rewards :
69 x Whispered Secret
Speak with passion
These dusty old fellows have spoken and debated and done nothing for too long. They will listen to you!
Straightforward: Persuasive 89?
A fiery performance
'Robbers and hooligans roam at will! The markets of Spite have more pickpockets than pockets! The debauchery of Veilgarden makes grown men weep! How long are we to condone such horrors…'
The slumbering members of the committee are jolted awake. They are unused to being harangued in this manner, but they cannot deny that you make a series of valid points. One of them joins in with you, although he soon gets distracted and starts talking about dock tariffs. No matter. You have their attention. Perhaps something useful might even come from this. You are invited to meet with members of the committee for brandy and gossip when official business is over.
Rewards :
84 x Whispered Secret
A fractious but good natured mob is forming around your lodgings…
Unlocked with Persuasive 69
Speak for a little while and ask them to disperse
Although they are infringing your privacy, celebrity does have certain obligations. You will indulge them, a little.
| _ Persuasive challenge |
Put on a fine show for them
Play up to the crowd. Tell a few intimate anecdotes. Flirt a little. They will love it.
Recount tales of a Hallowmas gone by
"Oi! Weren't you in that Hallowmas edition of the Gazette?"
Choose this to gain Making Waves and other rewards. The better your mention in the Gazette, the more rewarding this may be.
[Unlocked when The Unexpurgated Gazette: Hallowmas Edition of 1892 is: ]
- You feature as one of the 'disgruntled participants' in a story headlined 'THE TRUE COST OF HALLOWMAS!'
- Your tale appears, unattributed, in an editorial insert entitled 'AN EXAMPLE OF FIDELITY!'
- Your interview is on page two, the one with 'a noted collector of confidences'
- The third page is given over to your "fiction": 'A TRADE IN FACES: A Seasonal Tale of Abominable Terror'
- An effusive statement of thanks on page two! Apparently, you are the Gazette's 'official Hallowmas consultant'
- It contains your impassioned letter forgiving those who wronged you. Huffam describes it as 'inspirational'
- Page two thunders with your promise of retribution on all who betrayed you! They have been warned
- The second page bears your story of years-old trust. When the Bishop of Southwark read it, he declared you and your confessor "a pair of good eggs"
- You made the front page! 'THE PURVEYOR OF PERFIDY!' roars the headline, above a gloriously sinister portrait
- You made the front page! 'THE RELIQUARY OF SECRETS' declares the headline, above a saintly portrait
- Inside, an entire supplementary edition is devoted to 'THE UNWAVERING BULWARK OF PROBITY'. That's you
- Inside, an entire supplementary edition chronicles your exploits under the title 'A BLOODY-FINGERED MURDERER OF CONFIDENCES'
- The entirety of the issue is given over to your exploits. The front page reads: 'UNMASKED: THE SOVEREIGN OF HALLOWMAS!' Some are born to royalty, others have royalty thrust upon them.
- A whole column at the top of page two! The tagline describes you as 'a person much beset by visions and visitations'
- Inside, an entire supplementary edition is devoted to 'THE UNWAVERING BULWARK OF PROBITY'. That's you
- Here you are, on page eight: one of the 'sundry skeptics'
- 'Multitudinous revellers' the copy reads. That's you!
Graduate Advice
A young lady of your acquaintance has completed her university education. She has a creditable degree from Benthic, but is unsure how to proceed. What do you advise?
[Unlocked with Persuasive 69]
Encourage her to marriage and a family
Degree or not, the proper place for a young lady is in the home.
_ challenge
Properly done
You explain the virtues of home and family, and the young lady agrees. She has several suitable suitors from her Benthic days, so she heads off to consult her parents on which might make a suitable match. No doubt your wisdom and prudence will reach their ears.
Austere increase
[no higher than 5]
Connected: Society increase
Persuasive increase
Encourage her to the arts
She's a good pianist and a passable composer. Perhaps there's a future for her in music.
_ challenge
A chamber performance
Your graduate friend is easily convinced of her talents. However, her parents regard a career in music as hardly better than dancing naked for zailors. Undaunted, you arrange for a chamber performance with some respectable persons - a notable vicar and a pair of staid notaries. They all applaud the young lady's performance and agree that it would be a shame to waste such talent.
The parents are not pleased about this, but they don't wish to break their daughter's heart either. They agree to hold a salon for orchestral types next week. Your friend is delighted.
Persuasive increase
Connected: Society increase
Connected: Bohemian increase
Hedonist increase
[no higher than 6]
'But I couldn't possibly…'
The young lady is not convinced of her talent. Try as you might, she refuses to believe that she might have a future in the arts. What a terrible shame. Her parents are pleased by the outcome, but that's no thanks to you.
Persuasive increase
Scandal increase
Encourage her to political service
There are no female MPs, and few ladies within government service. All the more reason to encourage her that way.
_ challenge
Away to a life of politics
Although many government positions are closed to ladies, there are a handful of routes into government. Your friend will likely start as a political journalist or private secretary to a private secretary, but it's something. You hear murmurs of discontent about these 'Benthic Ladies' and their struggle for power. If it goes on like this, they say, women will be voting…
Connected: Society increase
Persuasive increase
The Toymaker's tree
Unlocks: Persuasive 69, this card can only be played in the Shuttered Palace, and your Persuasive must be <= 106
In the Occasional Foyer stands a flowering tree made entirely from brass. In its branches sit creatures fashioned from precious metals. In the back of each is a key.
Turn the key of the silver bat
It hangs amongst gleaming leaves, wings unfurled, so lifelike that it might take flight at any moment.
Turn the key of the copper rat
It hugs the bole of the tree, burnished fur sparkling, its head posed as if looking for something.
The hoarding rat
Trrrk. Trrrk.
The rat chitters, metal forelimbs rubbing. It flows up the side of the tree and disappears into a hole. In a moment it returns, dropping a small pouch into your hands, then freezes back into its old pose.
Rewards:
6 x Diamond
Turn the key of the golden cat
The dainty creature lounges along a tree bough, paws draped, tail curling, so self-satisfied that it could be alive.
The whispering cat
Trrrk. Trrrk.
The cat's eyes flicker open, it blinks twice, and then the head shifts. The jaws click open wide and the faintest of metallic whispers pours out. You lean forward and listen to what it has to say.
Gain: 80 x Whispered Secret
Wind up the jaded attendant
Well, he does look in need of some excitement.
(Persuasive challenge, Almost impossible at 73)
Watch the birdie
A little shadow play, a little voice-throwing, and you have the attendant convinced that a brass raven is insulting his parentage. The enraged man spends several minutes poking at the bird with a broomhandle. While he's distracted, you select the best of the bottles of wine that sit unguarded on the sideboard.
Gain: 1 x Greyfields 1868 First Sporing
The marriage of inconvenience
Society weddings are carefully arranged matters. This one is in tatters: the groom has cold feet and the bride's family is bound up with a weasel-doping scandal. Can you pour oil on troubled waters?
[Unlocked with Persuasive 69 and Persuasive no more than 106]
Bring them together
You'll have this wedding back on the rails before supper!
_ challenge
A fine match
The problems stem from a mis-match of status between the two families, but it's nothing that a gentle scandal can't resolve.
You do the obvious thing. You manufacture an incident which leads to the groom's father being rude about a nun in public. This alters the balance of power just enough to dispel remaining doubts. The vicar will read the banns at evensong. The wedding is on!
Persuasive increase
Gain: 1 x Confident Smile
Connected: Society increase
Set your aunt on the job
Your aunt was born to sort out problems like this. She specialises in shouting at recalcitrant youths and smoothing over life's little gaffes, when she's not in the newspapers herself.
[Unlocked with Inconvenienced by your Aunt 10]
Unleash the aunt
Your aunt rolls up her sleeves and dives into the marital mess. She harangues peaceful uncles at gentlemen-only clubs. She lectures youth about duty and propriety. She makes the bride's mother cry, but one can't have everything. You stand well back from the maelstrom of order and arrangement.
A week later, everything is in place and the vicar will read the banns at evensong. The families are, if not overjoyed, at least relieved. Your aunt has picked up some interesting tidbits of gossip from them, too.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 50 x
Whispered Secret
A gathering of gourmets
Take a seat in the Smoke-filled Parlour to sample pungent delicacies from gardens across Fallen London. Each plate bears a label. Which will you try?
Unlocks: Persuasive 69
this card can only be played in the Shuttered Palace
‘Slippery Jack’
Strips of dark fungus glisten with oil
Actually, that’s rather splendid!
It has the texture of wet leather, but the delightful marinade lifts it to something sublime. Lovely!
2 x Confident Smile
Wounds is dropping
‘Plums and Custard’
Purple tops and bright yellow gills in a creamy white sauce.
Actually, that’s rather… oh dear…
A burst of smoky flavour on the tongue, but now it’s struggling to escape your stomach. Time to make a hasty exit. Before it does.
You've gained a new quality: Wounds at 2
‘Golden Topper’
Slender stalks and golden caps, lightly fried in a Greyfields sauce.
Actually, that’s rather… codswallow…
A sparkling taste, with a lumpen doxy floxilating on the candle. Rude strilation bluely raises the strutfurrow. Blooriful, messire!
1 x Sudden Insight
Nightmares increase
Hedonist increase
Sometimes you just can’t help yourself
Engage the other diners in sparkling conversation, and while they're distracted, swap the labels around. Then sit back and watch the fun…
straightforward at persuasive = 86
Time to redecorate!
A splattering of interesting colours around the Parlour, and several very embarrassed gourmets. A wonderful jape to add to your exploits. But it may take a while to clean the curtains!
Admired is increasing…
Connected: Society
increase
Hedonist is increasing…
Cards which unlock between 70 and 79
Cards which unlock between 80 and 89
Attend a society funeral
The pneumonia has carried off a Widely-disliked Parliamentarian. Although he was unpopular, his funeral will be well attended.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 81 and Persuasive no more than 118]
Work the funeral
A surprising amount of political business is conducted in quiet corners at these events. One might pick up some interesting snippets.
_ challenge
Sombre business
Ambassadors are chatting over tea. Parliamentarians are gathered in a little parlour and are speaking without any of their public rancour. A poet widely suspected of revolutionary tendencies is sharing a quiet joke with a senior Constable. There are many saleable secrets here. Perhaps this is why cats cluster around cemeteries.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 40 x
Cryptic Clue
Read the eulogy
Although faintly distinguished, the fellow had no family and few close friends. Perhaps you could find something appropriate to say about him?
_ challenge
Making much of scant virtue
'He served parliament and party for more than twenty years' is about all you can think of, but you stretch it out and make up a few virtuous anecdotes from whole cloth. It's probable that nobody believes you, but decorum demands that you remain unharangued. The fellow's party comrades send you a case of wine.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 48 x
Greyfields 1882
Attend a Salon at the Palace
Simply everyone will be there. There will also be poetry or somesuch, but that's hardly important.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 81]
Smiles and charm
Rely on your grace and natural appeal to increase your prestige and learn interesting secrets.
_ challenge
[Unlocked with Route: The Shuttered Palace 1]
A disruption to poetry
A joke with His Amused Lordship. A knowing nod shared with the Captivating Princess. A smile at some sort of important Constable. You are in your element here. The poet at the salon makes an allusion to the cellars of the Palace and is almost booed off. All agree that one shouldn't mention them in polite company. They are infuriatingly vague on why that should be the case.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 40 x
Cryptic Clue
Connected: Society increase
[1 change point]
Gossip, scorn and scandal
Foil your rivals with calumny and bitter words.
_ challenge
[Unlocked with Route: The Shuttered Palace 1]
A well-judged campaign
A popular hostess' reputation is besmirched. A gentleman's unusual requirements are aired. The occasion demands that you be circumspect, but you are good at appearing discreet. The other guests now know better than to make an enemy of you. Perhaps there is a career in politics ahead of you.
Persuasive increase
Connected: Society increase
Ruthless increase
A matter of business
There is money to be made! Jade is moving slowly, there is little surface currency in the market… What will you deal in today?
Unlocks: Persuasive 81
Deal in deep amber
A reliable trade, if one is happy to deal with the Rubbery Men.
Unlocks: Connected: Rubbery Men 3
A pile of sticky wealth
The Rubbery Men seem eager to press the warm amber into your hands, and buyers are easy to find. After a day's brisk trading, you have a pleasing pile of amber and very sticky hands. You have now shaken the hands of enough Rubbery Men to know that the amber is the same temperature they are. Hmm.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 81 x Deep Amber
Connected: Rubbery Men increase
Deal in relics
A riskier proposition. One must know the field. And one must be able to convince others of the authenticity of one's wares.
Unlocks: 1 x Archaeologist's Hat, 1 x Relic of the Third City
More idols
Relics of the Third City are not currently fashionable, but you convince some of the more serious academic sorts that their historical value more than justifies the purchase price. Your reputation as a dealer is growing, and you wisely invest your gains in new stock. After all, fashions do change.
Persuasive increase
10 x Relic of the Third City
Caligula's Coffee House
The place is expensive, and it gets crowded when the fog swirls thick and dank. But the coffee is startlingly good. Well, mainly startling.
[Unlocked with Persuasive 81]
This sort of thing happens after four cups
A Finger-wagging Parliamentarian is holding court in the corner. The man's spouting nonsense! Give him a piece of your mind!
_ challenge
A stirring debate
The fellow may be a veteran of Prime Minister's Questions, but he's talking like an ass today. You deride his policies and question his discretion. The crowd at the coffee shop laugh in all the right places. People come in from the street to hear what's going on. The proprietor (who, alas, is not called Mr Caligula) shares a wink and some satisfying gossip.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 2 x
Incendiary Gossip
A drop of the good stuff
The fellow may be a veteran of Prime Minister's Questions, but he's talking like an ass today. You deride his policies and question his discretion. The crowd at the coffee shop laugh in all the right places. People come in from the street to hear what's going on. The proprietor (who, alas, is not called Mr Caligula) gives you a cup of the good stuff.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 1 x
Darkdrop Coffee
Drink the number four special
Its origins are nebulous and possibly unhygienic. Rubbery Men and civets, you understand. But it might just set your brain on fire.
[Unlocked with Inspired… 1]
_ challenge
Pan's own coffee
They say there's a place of pure ideas. An abstract realm that the genius and the visionary can sometimes glimpse. This stuff splits your head open and pours that realm into your brain. It also gives you a headache that make you want to pull your eyeballs out, but surely that's a tiny price to pay.
Persuasive increase
Inspired… increase
[~22 change points]
Nightmares increase
Cards which unlock above 89
The Paranomastic Newshound [Unusual]
The Paronomastic Newshound's headlines locate him in a dangerous territory: the hinterland between Increased Circulation and Editorial Defenestration.
Unlocked with Persuasive 100
Advise him on a headline
He has a story, but is momentarily stumped for an appropriately droll headline.
| _ Persuasive challenge |
Talk to him about the Tomb-Colonies
You've heard that he once spent some time at a little known Tomb-Colony off the main shipping lanes.
[Unlocked with Walking the Falling Cities 10]
An Old Acquaintance?
There are rumours that His Amused Lordship has been sending rare, hothouse toadstools to a certain music-hall singer from Spite. They're using words like 'scornful' and 'cynical' to describe her. Do you know who they're talking about?
Unlocked with Persuasive 105
Will she remember you?
It's been such a long time. Perhaps you should be reintroduced.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 115
'Let me introduce you…'
You wait until the singer comes up in conversation. This particular lady is scandalously excited about the prospect of meeting her at a tea-party, so you casually invite yourself.
Were you expecting someone else? She looks very familiar, certainly; but perhaps you simply saw her on stage once or twice. In any case, she betrays nothing in public, but you could swear she winks at you when no one else is looking.
Persuasive increase
You've made a friend, or at least a contact:
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer gained
Gain: 5 x Intriguing Gossip
Connected: Society increase
(2 change points)
Connected: Bohemians increase
(3 change points)
Claim intimacy
Everyone's talking about her, but you actually know her. At least, a bit. Enough to talk about, anyway.
Unlocked with Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer 1
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 125
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer challenge, straightforward =< 8.
Secondhand popularity
The music-hall singer's stock is very high right now. Your popularity rises accordingly. When you see her at a supper-party, she beckons you over. 'I hear we are still great friends,' she says, one elegant eyebrow raised. Then she smiles. 'Sit down, then. I am not one to argue with gossips.'
Persuasive increase
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer increase (1 change point?)
5 x Intriguing Gossip
Connected: Bohemian increase (5 change points)
Connected: Society increase (5 change points)
Discovered
You let it be known that you and the singer are great friends. It's going well - until you bump into her at a supper-party. She crushes you with a single glance. In front of everyone.
You succeeded in a Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer challenge!
Persuasive increase
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer is dropping…
Scandal increase
Call on her
Make sure at least one of the whispers winding its way through Society circles also concerns you.
Unlocked with Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer 3
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 135
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer challenge, straightforward at 10
A delightful afternoon
The music-hall singer is charmingly pleased to receive your visit. Although she doesn't quite dispense with the characteristic vitriol, it is all directed at other people. Some of it is bound to come in useful later, too.
Persuasive increase
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer increase (1 change point)
1 x Incendiary Gossip
30 x Cryptic Clue
Connected: Bohemian increase (1-5 change points)
Connected: Society increase (5 change points)
Rejection
The door is answered by a young urchin, who goes to see if the singer is receiving visitors. When he comes back, he tells you, 'She tole me to say she's not at 'ome.' He holds out his grubby hand for a tip.
Persuasive increase
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer decrease (1 change point)
Scandal increase (2 change points?)
Ask the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer to help you
Her star is in the ascendant again right now. It wouldn't take much for her to help yours rise. What will you ask for?
Unlocked with Persuasive 105 and Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer 1
Just a few introductions
Nothing very much at all, really.
(Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 115, A high-risk challenge for your Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer quality at 1, modest at 4)
Lord Somebody, Lady So-and-So..
The Music-Hall singer has gained a lot of terribly dull friends, recently. But they're all so d—-ed useful. Your evening drags on. The few pieces of truly entertaining gossip are almost enough to save it.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 1 x Incendiary Gossip
Gain: 3 x Intriguing Gossip
How outré!
The Music-Hall Singer must move in fairly Bohemian circles still, but the friends she introduces you to are stiffer than starched taffeta. They snub you politely but comprehensively.
Persuasive increase
Scandal increase
An invitation to a rather exclusive soirée
This is not a great deal to ask of such a friend, after all.
(Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 125, A high-risk challenge for your Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer quality at 1)
A charming evening
The Music-Hall Singer is delighted that you wish to accompany her. You find out why when you get to the party - the room looks like a Theosophisticals' administrative meeting. In the Tomb-colonies. But you learn some rather interesting facts, nonetheless.
Persuasive increase
2 x Incendiary Gossip
1 x Intriguing Gossip
Stuffed shirts
The Music-Hall Singer is terribly apologetic, but she already has a chaperone for this particular party. However, if you would like to take tea with some of her friends beforehand?
The interminable afternoon swallows you whole. Each tick of the clock takes silent aeons to arrive.
Persuasive increase
Scandal increase
An Extraordinary Sound
The Music-Hall Singer is delighted to take you along to a party as her chaperone. You find out why when you get there. This crowd is duller than the dust on the mantelpiece. At one point, the lady grabs your hand and drags you out to the courtyard. 'I'm so bored I could scream,' she says, 'but I can't, because people would get hurt. Can I whisper my scream into your ear instead?'
Gain: 1 x
Aeolian Scream
An audience with His Amused Lordship
Can you persuade her to pull the right strings?
(Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 135, modest at Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer 6, unlocked with cultivating an acquaintance with His Amused Lordship 3)
Amusement
His Amused Lordship is, well, amused to see you. 'Hello, hello,' he booms. 'Had any more thoughts about that expedition, then? Can't keep fooling about, you know!' Suddenly serious, he leans in. 'I hope my sponsorship's still good enough for you. Here. Take this as a token of my serious intent.'
Persuasive increase
130 x Nevercold Brass Sliver
A lack of amusement
The Music-Hall Singer smiles wryly at you. 'I'm so sorry. I mentioned your name and he said he was feeling too dyspeptic to see anyone. He said to come back tomorrow, though, so maybe he really did eat too many radishes.'
Persuasive increase
Scandal increase
Help the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer
'I made some… investments that went awry. I owe a rather large sum. Jasper and Frank are sending their nephew to collect a payment soon, but I haven't got it.'
Unlocked with Persuasive 105 and Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer 1
Option 1: Help her negotiate
You have more experience than she does in such matters.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 115
Handling Lyme
Jasper and Frank's 'nephew' Lyme isn't as experienced in the art of extortion as they are. They wouldn't have sent him if they'd known he'd be talking to you. You shame him into leaving - and not before he's promised to buy a ticket to see the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer's next performance.
Persuasive increase
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer increase (1 change point)
Gain: 5 x Intriguing Gossip
Gain: 5 x Cryptic Clue
Hardened Lyme
Jasper and Frank's 'nephew' Lyme has grown a lot tougher since you last saw him, and he's not willing to be persuaded of your point of view. Ouch.
Persuasive increase
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer is dropping…
wounds is increasing…
Option 2: Call on the Wry Functionary
Maybe he can use his influence to help.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 125
unlocked with Acquaintance: Wry Functionary 1 An Acquaintance: Wry Functionary challenge, straightforward < 9.
Wheels oiled
The Functionary looks over his spectacles at you and smiles. 'Oh, dear. I'm afraid I don't have much influence in the kinds of circles Mr Lyme moves in. But there is one string I can pull, since it's for you. A certain Clay bigwig owes me a favour.' Later on, you hear that the lady has been granted new terms on her loans. It appears that now it's you that owes the favour.
Persuasive increase
Gain: 6 x Intriguing Gossip
Acquaintance: Wry Functionary decrease
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer increase
Hard times
The Functionary shakes his head, lips pursed. 'I'm sorry,' he says. 'It's all politics, you see. Clay issues are particularly sensitive at the present time. It would be most unwise of me to interfere until the situation has resolved itself.'
Persuasive increase
Acquaintance: Wry Functionary failed in a challenge!
Scandal increase
Option 3: Call on the Repentant Forger to produce some banknotes
He is not in business any more, but perhaps he'd make an exception in this case.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 135
unlocked with Acquaintance: a Repentant Forger An Acquaintance: a Repentant Forger challenge, straightforward at 8
A reluctant favour
The Repentant Forger is fond of the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer, but he's fonder of remaining out of prison. You have to resort to mentioning one of the Forger's darkest secrets before he agrees to supply the Echoes the lady needs.
Persuasive increase
8 x Appalling Secret
10 x Cryptic Clue
Acquaintance: Sardonic Music-Hall Singer increase (1 change point)
Acquaintance: a Repentant Forger decrease
Insurmountable reluctance
The Forger won't respond to cajoling or threats. It turns out he's hurt the lady didn't ask for his help herself. You keep trying, but he's impassive.
You succeeded in a Acquaintance: a Repentant Forger challenge!
Persuasive increase
Scandal increase
You're 
Gain: 20 x 
Gain: 1 x 
Gain: 20 x 
Gain: 20 x 
Gain: 20 x 
Gain: 
Gain: 
