Begun through a storylet in one's lodgings
A Polite Invitation
Embossed letterhead; fluid script. Someone would be 'thrilled' if you would attend their 'little soirée'. You check the address. Unobjectionable.
Reply and attend
Entertaining company. Free food. Free wine. Why not? [This will move you to a different area and remove your hand of opportunity cards]
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 125
'Have you heard who's coming?'
When word of your attendance gets around, invitations to the party become a valuable commodity. Suddenly, it's the talk of the drawing rooms and coffee houses.
What to do at a party:
1. Your Time Remaining… quality tells you how long you have left at the party. When it reaches zero you will return to your lodgings.
2. Each party passes through a number of stages: arrival, mingling, finding a dance partner, the last dance, dining, winding down, and leaving.
3. Parties are a good way to increase your Talk of the Town quality. At the end of the evening there may be an opportunity to trade Talk of the Town for a Personal Recommendation or Favours in High Places, valuable qualities of use in crafting higher level items.
4. You can interact with specific guests via opportunity cards. Guests will present different possibilities as the evening progresses. Check back on them throughout the party.
Persuasive increase
You've moved to a new area: Veilgarden
You now have 6 of this: 'Time Remaining…'
Talk of the Town increase (2 change points)
While in this storylet you cannot be sent to New Newgate from excess Suspicion
Storylets
Arriving at the Party
Unlocks: Time Remaining 6
The windows blaze with candlelight. Sprays of vibrant mushrooms line the path to the front door, where servants have been arranged to greet you. Their collars are starched as sharp as sword-blades.
Arrive punctually
It's only polite. And it gives a moment to shine before the crowds arrive.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 125
As the clock strikes seven
As one of the first to arrive, you are able to spend a few minutes as the centre of your host's attention. A couple of your more memorable anecdotes make quite an impression. Your contribution to welcoming the other guests does not go amiss, either.
Persuasive Increase
lose 1 x Time Remaining…
Talk of the Town increase (2 change points)
Arrive fashionably late
It wouldn't do for people to think this was the only demand on your time.
[You will miss the start of the party but have a chance of making a bigger impression with your arrival.]
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 130
'Thank heaven you're here!'
Apparently, it had been agreed there was no point starting without you. Your host was near hysteria, and welcomes you like the Second Coming. As she ushers you into the main hall there is an inappropriate but heartwarming cheer. Socialites press around you, vying for a nod of recognition. A deft butler presses a glass into your hand. This is how things should be.
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase (5 change points)
The party is in full swing
A servant takes your coat and ushers you into the hall. Dusty clergy are sipping wine. Poets laugh at poor jokes. Nervous young things express opinions, then withdraw them in fear of offence. Your arrival is welcome, but largely unremarked.
Persuasive increase
lose 2 x Time Remaining
Mingle with the Guests
The house heaves with the rich, the fashionable, and those who aren't either but are desperate to be. It's important to be seen with the right people.
Exchange pleasantries with two creaking ladies
That's just the whalebone in their corsets, surely.
Connected: Society Challenge
Never judge a book…
Beneath the powder and manners lurk two of the most savage intellects you've encountered. They're capable of brutal criticism without resorting to a single rude word or a tone of less than utter sweetness. You spend a glorious quarter of an hour mauling your fellow guests, and part in mutual respect.
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
Trade airy theorems with the Dean of Epigraphical Mathematics
Not for you the tattle of society tables. You crave intellectual substance!
Connected: Summerset Challenge, straightforward < 39
A vigorous debate
Some of the words you employ are so large that bystanders have to take a step backwards. The Dean breaks into a sweat as he tries to keep up. You end your conversation as the musicians begin testing their strings, and hear the Dean praising your intellect to several of his friends. You've not heard the word 'girth' applied to vocabulary before.
You succeeded in a Connected: Summerset challenge!
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase (2 change points)
Indulge in Bohemian banter
Perhaps they're admirers of your work?
Connected: Bohemian Challenge
'Your last work moved me profoundly…'
Ah, it's good to have admirers. The praise is flattering, but better yet is the presence of a critic who wrote a lukewarm review. You cheerily excoriate his writing until he's forced to gather the last scraps of his dignity and flee in search of kinder company
You succeeded in a Connected: Bohemian challenge!
You've lost 1 x Time Remaining…
Talk of the Town has increased to 3 - This Week's Story!
'Of course, my own publication has been very well reviewed.'
The leader of the circle is a terrible bore, insisting on drawling fragments of her work at you and reciting snippets of polite but unexcited reviews. You can barely get a word in, despite the obvious interest of some of her followers. You just hope that being seen with her doesn't erode your own reputation.
Connected: Bohemian
X failed in a challenge! Try again and you may have better luck
You've lost 1 x Time Remaining…
Scandal increase
The Musicians are Testing their Strings
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 4
As the floor clears, guests dart about like hummingbirds to fill in the last spaces on their dance cards. You look over the names on your card.
The delightful young thing
Who is that? Their name isn't on your card, but there are ways and there are means.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 125
Your sudden appearance on their card causes a smile, but no complaint
Your connection is evident, forming the subject of much discreet discussion that evening. Apparently, people consider the two of you an excellent match.
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
2 change points
Hedonist increase
(no higher than 5)
Austere decrease
The clingy octogenarian
Their name is on your card, you suppose. Best honour it.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 125
'I'm terribly sorry. Did my hand slip again?'
That is not the proper hold for a waltz. At least afterwards your partner is good enough to comment widely on your character, and more selectively on your posterior.
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
Hedonist decrease
Austere increase (capped at 5)
The Last Dance
Those unable to keep up the pace have found chairs. Only the hungriest social animals are still on their feet, eyeing one another as they circle the floor.
Unlocks: Time Remaining 3
Attempt a fiery dance of the Elder Continent
It will certainly attract attention. But is London ready for it?
[Note: this will increase your scandal]
Unlocks: Mystery of the Elder Continent
(Persuasive challenge, low-risk at 124)
'But that's… the forbidden dance!'
How were you to know the Ministry for Public Decency banned it only last week? Merely witnessing that hip rotation makes everyone present accomplices after the fact. The guests agree they would not fare well in New Newgate, and swear never to speak of this. The transgression adds a daring frisson to the evening. Ladies untie their hair. Gentlemen loosen their supports.
No-one else will ever know quite what happened here tonight. But they know they missed the event of the season. You'll make sure of that.
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
2 change points
Daring increase
(no higher than 5)
Scandal increase
1 change point
'I say! It's got a good beat!'
Your rivals flee the floor rather than risk the passion of the dance. You spin your partner in a filigree of steps, all eyes on you. Even the most dignified toes can't help tapping to the jaunty tune, and you end to applause. Your partner's breath is uneven, their eyes are bright when they look at you across the final scandalously deep dip.
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
2 change points
Daring increase
(no higher than 5)
Scandal increase
1 change point
Stick to something stately
Others may resort to desperate grabs for attention. Class speaks for itself.
(Persuasive challenge, modest at 124)
'Elegance and restraint. Beautiful.'
Some of the other dancers play fast and loose with the steps, but it's your quiet, delicate performance that everyone's talking about. You make your partner look like an angel, and trust the experts in the audience to point that out to those less perceptive.
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
2 change points
Steadfast increase
but no higher than 5
Teaching a thing or two
The cavorting of your rivals looks increasingly desperate as you sail gracefully across the floor. Afterwards, a Whiskered Admiral approaches you, his voice hoarse with emotion.
'Magnificent. The very soul of what it means to be a Londoner. Stately! Like a…like a galleon!' Apparently, he considers that a compliment. 'Tell me, do you give lessons?'
Persuasive increase
Lose: 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
2 change points
Connected: The Docks increase
Steadfast increase
but no higher than 5
The Dinner Gong
Unlocks: Time Remaining 2
The dining table is laid with geometric precision. Each setting bristles with cutlery.
Concentrate on the food
The chef is a master. Avoid distractions and focus on what's important here: the food.
'Excuse me? I'm talking to you. Hello?'
Delicious! Seven courses of rare quality. You feel rejuvinated. Now. Was someone saying something?
Nightmares decrease
Wounds decrease
Hedonist increase (capped at 7)
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Discuss recent fluctuations in the market
The Fallen London equivalent of talking about the weather. Neutral. Vacuous. Safe.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 126
'The price of marble has been high for so long…'
It is the perfect ice-breaker. Before long your end of the table hums with conversation, and you laugh together like old friends.
Lose: 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
1 change points
Express an opinion!
Risky. Very risky.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 126
'Quite right. Quite right.'
A vehement murmur of agreement. A Quiet Statesman remarks that the city could do with more of that kind of thinking. Phew. Looks like you've got away with it.
Persuasive increase
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
2 change points
You may have had a glass too many.
What exactly was it you said? Why did it cause that owlish gentleman to faint? And shouldn't someone lift him out of his soup? He's stopped making bubbles.
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Connected: Society decrease at least 50 change points
The Evening is Drawing to a Close
The meal has finished most people off. Eyes droop around the room. Gentlemen discreetly loosen their cummerbunds. The brandy begins to circulate.
Join the gentlemen for cigars and brandy
Discuss weighty affairs of state. Also ladies and sport.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 125
'Mm. Mmrhhmblemrrh!'
Your points are met with heavy nods and tectonic rumbles of agreement. Gentlemen uncover the deep truths of the earth in the thick smoke of that room. The world is set to rights before morning. The specifics are gone by then, of course, departing with the pleasant warmth of the brandy. But the general conviction that you're a d—n good sort has taken firm root.
Persuasive increase
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase (2 change points)
Join the ladies for sherry and confidences
There are things that you are dying to share, and the people here are finely-calibrated instruments for the dissemination of gossip.
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 125
'Such is, sadly, the way of the modern world.'
Of course, none of you believe the rumours you share. Not even for a moment. Except… Well, there's no smoke without fire, is there? Ladies shake their heads at the thought of the inconstancy that has overtaken the world. At least the present dear company is proof that propriety has endured.
Persuasive increase
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
2 change points
Taking your Leave
The last guests stagger into their carriages. The servants are at work cleaning up the food-stains and wine-spills. Time for home, and bed.
You've not gone unnoticed
The Quiet Statesman is waiting for you at the door.
Unlocks: Talk of the Town 1
'I look forward to our paths crossing again.'
He's under-secretary for something convoluted and innocuous. Which means, of course, that he's embedded in the very heart of government. His handshake is firm and sincere, and he makes it clear he hopes to meet you again at another event. Promising. Very promising indeed.
You've moved to a new area: your
Lodgings
Connected: Society increase
approx 30 change points, may even vary, as have had contradicting results
Someone would like a word
Is that who you think it is? [This will trade Talk of the Town for Favours in High Places.]
Unlocks: Talk of the Town 12
'A joy, as always. I wonder…are you free on Friday?'
You've read her books, of course. Everyone's read her books. Her nom-de-plume is something of an open secret. 'I'm hosting a little dinner very soon. Nothing so…inclusive as this. Just a few dear friends. The under-secretary, a certain lady of foreign royalty who would rather not be named, an artist friend or two. We would be delighted if you'd join us.'
You've moved to a new area: your
Lodgings
Gain: 1 x Favours in High Places
Talk of the Town decrease (no more than 12 levels; possibly only 76 change points!)
Your host would like a moment before you leave
She looks very pleased. [This will trade Talk of the Town for a Personal Recommendation]
Unlocks: Talk of the Town 12
Make your Apologies
Unlocks: Time Remaining >1
Is that the time? There are other places you need to be.
Take a cab home
An early night is in order.
[This will return you to your lodgings, discard your hand of party opportunity cards, and reduce your Talk of the Town a little.]
Opportunity Cards
The Turkish Girl…
She's the talk of the shroom-hopping circuit, with a shelf of gold morels. She's here as more of a talking-point than a guest, though.
[Check this card at different times during the party to see different possibilities.]
…has been cornered by spicily arrogant débutantes
It's possible to be very polite and very cruel at the same time. Intervene.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 5
(Persuasive challenge)
'She won me fifty echoes, y'know!'
You interrupt the talk of salons and fashions with a question about shroom-hopping. The Turkish Girl speaks colourfully about her achievements and the entertaining skullduggery of the track, and others drift closer to hear. It turns out that many of guests have won money betting on her. Talk turns to the races, leaving the débutantes in the cold.
Persuasive Increase
lose 1 x Time Remaining
1 x Confident Smile
57 x Whispered Secret
…has a space on her dance card
It would be a crime for someone so accomplished to have to sit out a dance, but have you the courage to ask her?
Unlocks: 4 x Time Remaining…
Unlocks: Daring 1
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 123
'An unusual couple, but charming!'
Her knowledge of the steps is shaky, but she learns quickly and has a racer's grace. Her conversation is lively, and your laughter can be heard over the musicians. Many glances are cast your way.
Persuasive Increase
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
2 change points
…has taken her shoes off to dance
Ankles! Naked ankles! People don't know where to look. Calamity looms.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 3
(Persuasive challenge)
'Actually, I hear it's quite the thing. The Duchess does it!'
Quick as a flash you remove your own shoes. People assume that if you're doing it, it must be alright. Soon everyone is dancing barefoot and giggling at the daring of it. It's possible you've just started a new fashion.
Persuasive Increase
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
The Brass Ambassador…
Today, the Brass Ambassador is a statuesque she-devil, endearingly scatterbrained and disconcertingly attentive.
[Check this card at different times during the party to see different possibilities.]
…bumps into you on the street outside
The bump is literal - she was reading some papers. A private moment with her is an opportunity. Perhaps a bottle of her favourite vintage will buy her favour.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 6
Unlocks: Broken Giant 1844 x 1
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 120
…is pretending you don't exist
They know your name even in the circles of Hell. This won't do.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 5
Unlocks: A Person of Some Importance 1
Persuasive Challenge
'Have you heard? Even Hell itself…'
All it takes is one insinuation. Why would the Ambassador be avoiding you? If genuine ignorance is impossible (and of course it is) what motive is left? Perhaps… fear?
Soon the party is alive with whispers of how Hell itself is afraid of you. You take a drink of wine. Are you smiling? Who could say?
Persuasive increase
Lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase (
3 change points)
…asked you to bring a certain document along
Why she wanted this particular contract from your collection, you don't know.
Unlocks: 1 x Time Remaining…
Unlocks: 10 x An Infernal Contract
Watchful challenge straightforward at 120
'The very one. Capital.'
She doesn't say why it's important. You know the name on it doesn't belong to anyone at the party. Is someone using a false identity? Or does the contract belong to an acquaintance of someone here? You observe closely. Later, you see the Ambassador speaking with a Quiet Statesman. He is pale, his lips pinched. The Ambassador has the contract rolled casually in one hand, and occasionally uses it to tap him on the shoulder in a friendly fashion.
Watchful increase
Lose 1 x Time Remaining
Gain 2 x Appalling Secret
Connected: Hell increase
Lose 1 x Infernal Contract
The Nibbles Tray
unlocked with Time Remaining… 1
Oh, dear God. Lemon biscuits so light, only the mint leaf on top of each one keeps it from floating away. Little thimbles of chocolate, dark as sin. Cages of spun toffee, with fresh strawberries rolling inside!
Must…resist! Think…of waistline!
The tray floats nearer. All eyes are on you.
Austere Challenge
'Such willpower!'
The eyes of onlookers widen in amazement as you look lingeringly over each treat, cooing in proper delight and complimenting every one, but then allow the tray to pass by. Someone applauds. Fortunately, no-one notices your leg trembling.
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
2 change points
Austere increase
OR, Austere hasn't changed, because it's higher than 7
Hedonist decrease
Perhaps just the one…
Except one leads to another, which leads to a third, and before the red mist lifts there's chocolate around your mouth, cream stains on your collar and toffee shards on the carpet. No-one speaks. But you can feel them looking at you. Judging you.
Oh God. What have you done?
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Hedonist Increase
Nightmares increase
Help yourself
There's no need to limit yourself to one - who could choose between such delights?
Hedonist Challenge
This isn't your first time at the cake stand
Indulgence is an art. It's not unseemly if you take your time. Savour it. Relish it. And if, after eating one, you pause, comment entertainingly on the sweet's virtues and then move onto another, who is to complain? Your critique is appreciated. 'Almost as good as eating it,' someone says, gratefully.
You succeeded in a Hedonist challenge!
Lose 1 x Time Remaining
Austere decrease
Talk of the Town Increase
The Jovial Contrarian…
He'll argue for the rights of Clay Men in the columns of one paper and against them in another. But he's a prized presence at parties; who doesn't enjoy a good argument? [Check this card at different times during the party to see different possibilities.]
…is looking for someone to argue with
Take a seat next to his wheeled chair. You'd rather debate than dance any day.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 4
Watchful challenge straightforward at 128
'I'm prepared to admit the possibility of my error. I suppose.'
Your debate attracts quite a crowd, becoming the de facto entertainment for anyone sitting out a dance. While you don't think the Contrarian is capable of admitting someone else is correct, his acknowledgement that he's just as fallible in this case is treated by the observers as a crushing defeat. You are toasted by everyone who has been on the receiving end of his logic. The Contrarian seems quite cheerful about it; he's had a grand time.
Watchful increase
Lose 2 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase (
4 change points)
…is about to give a Whiskered Admiral a fit
Someone needs to intervene. A fatality does the party spirit no good at all.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 2
> Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 122
'The Empress? The least of monarchs? I must assume you are mad!'
The trick is to present the Contrarian with a target he can't refuse. As he turns his invective upon your cheery insult of the Traitor Empress, the Admiral's complexion returns to a safer colour. Your host mouths a sincere 'thank you' at you.
Persuasive increase
Lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase (
1 change point)
Connected: Society increase (57-70 change points)
The Tentacled Entrepreneur…
It has a stranglehold on the amber trade and a warren of factories crammed with Rubbery workers. All its wealth, though, hasn't bought it more than a foot in society's door. [Check this card at different times during the party to see different possibilities.]
…is heading hopefully in your direction
It has an odd gait for a Rubbery Man. Almost as if it has real bones in there somewhere. Converse with it, despite the stares. If 'converse' is the right word for all that miming.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 5
(Persuasive challenge)
It's charming, in its own way
The Entrepreneur's conversation is necessarily direct. Mime and subtlety are not happy companions. But people here could learn some lessons from it, like how to listen occasionally. It even hints at certain tentacular mysteries in gratitude for your courtesy.
Persuasive increase
Connected: Rubbery Men increase
Magnanimous increase (capped at 7)
lose 1 x Time Remaining
25 x Cryptic Clue
…is confused by the cutlery
Offer some discreet advice.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 2
(Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 123)
…has a business proposition
The thing's rich as Croesus. No need to let snobbery interfere with business.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 1, Connected: Society 40
Persuasive challenge, straightforward at 124
'I'm really not sure that- I'm sorry, how much?'
You make some careful introductions, and after one gesticulatory conversation, three people are notably richer. You pocket a modest arranger's fee of course.
Persuasive increase
Connected: Rubbery Men increase (3-5 change points)
Connected: Society increase (1-16 change points)
lose 1 x Time Remaining
100 x Deep Amber
The Whiskered Admiral…
(His years of steadfast if unimaginative service were ended by a politically unfortunate defeat. Now a reluctant civilian, he lives on wine, five meals a day and glorious memories.)
…would like to know who you are, exactly.
He asks loud enough to cut through the hubbub, and all ears twitch to hear how you'll respond.
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 5
'Of course! You helped me with that…little situation.'
You reassure him there's no reason he should have heard of your modest accomplishments, and then spend some time enumerating them. He knows your name! you did a service for a relative of his. News of your involvement causes your stock to rise.
Persuasive increase
lose 1 x Time Remaining
Talk of the Town increase
…has turned an alarming shade of purple
Was it the heat? The chanterelle soup? The ankles of the Turkish Girl beside him?
Unlocks: Time Remaining… 2
Watchful challenge, straightforward at 129
lose 1 x Broken Giant 1844.
Scandal increase
