Sniffing Around The Parthenaeum

This story begins with the following Opportunity Card.

Speaking Engagements

A Finger-Wagging Parliamentarian has been called to the colonies for some time. His government business is in hand, but could you step in for his speaking engagements? [Note: scandalous persons, or those well-connected among Revolutionaries, need not apply.]
Unlocks with A Person of Some Importance 1

Take on the engagements

Two philanthropic fund-raising affairs, a literary salon and what's this? After-dinner speaking at the Parthenaeum? The chance to address a dignified locus of Fallen London power? Things could be looking up!
Unlocks: Connected: Society 20
(Persuasive challenge)

Reward spoiler

An evening at The Parthenaeum

Your first few speaking engagements proceed in capital fashion. You stick to involatile topics: it would not do to alarm members of the Parthenaeum before you even arrive.

The dinner that awaits you at the club is nothing short of magnificent. Everything is so marvellously fresh. You might be back on the Surface. The other diners tuck in without comment, as if they do this every day. Perhaps they do.

Your speech goes well enough. Your audience seem relieved that the Finger-Wagging Parliamentarian is absent. Perhaps he's a little fierce after such a meal. After dinner, you are escorted out so the gentlemen can take care of some private business, but you have the impression that you will be back.
Persuasive increase
An occurrence! Your Sniffing Around The Parthenaeum Quality is now 1!

It continues in the Bazaar Sidestreets

That most expensive of Envelopes

You have a note from the membership committee at the Parthenaeum. They would consider an application. [Note: you cannot join if you are a Member in Good Standing of another club. You can leave your current club via a storylet at your Lodgings.]
Unlocks with Sniffing Around The Parthenaeum 1

Perhaps somewhere a little cheaper

The membership fees are a little steep here.

Reward spoiler

On the fire with it

The invitation crisps and smokes on the fire. Ah well, there will be others.

Your Sniffing Around The Parthenaeum Quality has gone!

Accept graciously

You can almost taste the port. You'll do more than taste it soon, if you are of an appropriate character.
unlocked with:
1 x Favours in High Places 1000 x Cryptic Clue, 1000 x Drop of Prisoner's Honey, 500 x Proscribed Material, 800 x Stolen Correspondence each
3 x Personal Recommendation 1000 x Greyfields 1882, 1000 x Jade Fragment, 1000 x Moon-pearl, 2000 x Whispered Secret each
3 x Book of Hidden Bodies 1500 x Cryptic Clue, 3000 x Whispered Secret each
Connected: Society 20

Reward spoiler

Finding a home

Of course! You would be delighted to grace the quiet halls of the Parthenaeum with your presence. Perhaps a game of billiards. Perhaps a little word in the right ear. Who knows where such things could lead?

An occurrence! Your 'A Member in Good Standing' Quality is now 1!
An occurrence! Your 'The Parthenaeum' Quality is now 1!
Your 'Sniffing Around The Parthenaeum' Quality has gone!
Lose 1 x Favours in High Places
Lose 3 x Personal Recommendation
Lose 3 x Book of Hidden Bodies

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Opportunity Card(s)

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A relaxed day at the Club

The Parthenaeum is so very civilised. Days pass in a pleasant haze. All it lacks is a few dusty sunbeams slanting from the skylight. Why would you ever go home?

Fall asleep in front of the fire

Well, pretend to fall asleep, and keep an ear out.

Reward spoiler

Long ears

The Parthenaeum is quiet. The crackle of the fire, the slow tick of a clock and the occasional click of billard balls don't so much break the silence as caress it. One can hear a long way if one puts one's mind to it.

Gain 150 x Whispered Secrets

Have a little word with the Chief Constable

There's no need for that tedious business to go to court, is there?

Reward spoiler

'Which business?'

'Oh yes, that business. Well, that's hardly anything to worry about. I'll have a word.'
suspicion decrease (2 change points)

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