Welcome to the Fourth Coil
This coil is not open to the public. There aren't many tigers here, either.
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…Further into Fallen London
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From here you can to The Labyrinth of Tigers Coil 3 or go on to learn what mysteries are here.
Before coming here, you will receive a golden opportunity card…
Thump!
What is someone doing, sending you lead postcards?
Thump!
That's a heavy thump on your doormat. Is someone sending you lead postcards?
unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 13, Dangerous 110
The fist and crook
The extra weight is the seal on the envelope. It's a huge, terribly old-fashioned thing. The imprint in the wax is of an iron gauntlet holding a shepherd's crook. That's the seal of the Bishop of Southwark.
Connected: The Church Challenge, almost impossible at 10, straightforward < 23
Vellum? Who uses vellum any more?
Mother Church needs you! You are among the least wicked of the foul sinners of this earth, and I have need of your skills in a matter of theological husbandry. Find me in the Fourth Coil of the Labyrinth of Tigers. And for God's sake, man, hurry!'
An occurrence! Your 'making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers' Quality is now 14 - Under Orders!
Spittle-flecked vellum
'Pitiable sinner! I have need of you! I am engaged in an operation of theological husbandry, and although you are a SINNING WRETCH, I have need of your skills. Find me in the Fourth Coil of the Labyrinth of Tigers, before BEELZEBUB CLAIMS YOUR SOUL.'
An occurrence! Your 'making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers' Quality is now 14 - Under Orders!
Into the Fourth Coil
The Fourth Coil isn't open to the public…The tigers leave the place alone, for the most part.
unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 14, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Turn left at the nun
The tunnels of the Fourth Coil are lined with sheds, barns and breeding pens. Animal husbandry experts rub shoulders with clergymen. A nun discusses serpent feed with a veterinarian. That old chapel must be the Bishop's base here.
The Hound of Heaven
Nobody worships at the chapel any more. The place is more like a general's headquarters than a church. A pale, trembling curate shows you into the Bishop's study.
When you enter, the bishop puts down his heavy, serpent-embossed book and stands up. Up close, he's an imposing figure. Tall and slab-muscled, a thousand miles away from the Church's image of mildness and tea.
'There you are! About d—ned time, too! Hell's army grows with each breath you draw! No time to waste. None at all. Right, you're here to help me with my beasts. I'm breeding hunting beasts. To hunt devils! They need to be strong, and vicious, and pious! You hear me? Inch has proved to be no bloody use, so it's up to you. Make me a beast. You will be handsomely rewarded, both in this life and the next.'
'But first, we must wrestle!'
An occurrence! Your 'making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers' Quality is now 15 - Engaged in Theological Husbandry!
You've gained 1 x
Appalling Secret
Scout out the Fourth Coil
Perhaps you should see what you're getting into first.
unlocked with Sneak-Thief's Mask 1; relocked with 'making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers' 15
Shadowy challenge, straightforward at 125
An ecumenical project
Representatives of a dozen sects are here. Visitors from other lands, too - an Oriental monk in orange robes strolls past, in animated conversation with a Melancholy Curate. And you'd swear that Hunched Scholar there is from the Esoteric Cryptozoology department at Benthic College - the more secular side of the University.
This is some sort of selective breeding scheme. An initiative against Hell. But the gossip and intrigue of all these churchly types is fascinating in itself.
Shadowy increase
55 x
Cryptic Clue
Connected: The Church increase
'Pardon, your Grace?'
Did you hear that right?…Does the Bishop of Southwark really want to wrestle you?
unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 15, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
You did hear that right
The Bishop wants to wrestle you, right now, in front of the fireplace. To prove your worth and piety. He pulls off his cassock and drops into a fighting crouch.
Dangerous challenge, straightforward at 120
Thrashing the Bishop
The Bishop rushes you, low and fast. Did he once do this for a living? You crash to the floor together, heaving and pushing. You're his match, despite his strength, and you slip out of his holds. You've little hope of holding him down, so you throw him against the stone mantelpiece, where he collapses in a heap of brass fire irons and soot.
You wait for him to collect his breath and his dignity, and he speaks: 'Splendid! Splendid! I knew you were the one for the job. Now - off you go and make me a beast. And no more serpents! Call in for some tea if you want to discuss matters.'
Dangerous increase
An occurrence! Your 'making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers' Quality is now 16 - Engaged in Theological Husbandry!
1 x
Appalling Secret
Ask the Bishop about Preparing Monsters to Breed
Let's hope that this business is not too unsavoury…
unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
The Bishop is adamant
'Come and talk to me when you have a monster. No point wasting our breath before then.'
This choice is locked for now.
To unlock, you need In the Company of Monsters 1.
In preparation
'Right, I see you have your beast. Capital. It's good and vigorous. I have high hopes that the wings-of-thunder bat won't just eat it.'
'To prepare your fanged horror for breeding, there are three approaches. First, you have the carnivorous toadstools out in the gardens nearby. If you can harvest them, they will smooth matters along.
'Then there is the business of training your beast. Darwin and Huxley and all those blitherers maintain that this won't affect the offspring, but they're fools! Idiots and atheists! We'll show 'em, won't we?!
'The third matter you should consider is INFERNAL INFLUENCE. There are devils IN THIS VERY COIL! You must be vigilant, and foil their depraved schemes.
'You'll need to follow at least one of these three approaches. You could try a few at once if you're feeling brave. I'll pay you for each breeding attempt with whatever I have handy. So get to it! Hell's foul breath is on all our necks. And no more serpents! How am I to instil fear in the hearts of devils with a serpent?'
Gain: 30 x
Whispered Secret
Ask the Bishop about Catching Monsters
Go to the Bishop's study…You'll just have to hope he's not in a wrestling mood.
unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Sit down and wait for the Bishop to speak
The Bishop pours each of you a half-pint of sherry and starts talking.
The capture of savage beasts
'I've got a wings-of-thunder bat from the Elder Country. Something from near the Mountain, if you know what I mean. Magnificent brute. No use in itself, but I have high hopes of breeding it to good purpose.
'I want you to find me a breedable creature. I've tried common beasts, but the bat just ate them, so we'll need something special. Something vigorous!
'There's some kind of hyaena-thing loose in the Second Coil here. That will be the easiest to catch, but probably not the best breeding stock. You could also try a Rubbery beast, or a zee-monster, or something from the Tomb-colonies if you're inclined to travel.'
'Once you've caught it, return here. Your beast will require preparation before it is ready to breed, but we can talk about that another time. So, go! Hell marches upon us day and night! Not a moment to lose!'
[You can catch a monster in the Second Coil of the Labyrinth of Tigers, In the Unterzee, in exile in the Tomb-Colonies, and in Flute Street.]
30 x
Whispered Secret
Approaching the Gates of the Garden increase OR
Approaching the Gates of the Garden hasn't changed, because it's higher than 15
Leaving the Fourth Coil
You are in the fourth coil of the Labyrinth…Where do you want to go next?
unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 14, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Return to the Third Coil
It's easy when you know the way.
Easily done
A smiling nun nods to you as you head out.
The fifth coil is closed
The fifth coil is currently closed for refurbishment. And certainly not because befanged monstrosities are loose and cocking their vile snooks at respectable folk.
This choice is locked for now.
To unlock, you need making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 20.
Tea with the Bishop
Follow the half-smiling nun to the Bishop of Southwark's Study…[Among other things, you can remind yourself of what the Bishop needs here.]
unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
'Remind me, your Grace…'
Ask the Bishop to remind you about how one should breed a beast to hunt devils.
A lecture from the Bishop
The Bishop pours the tea, a delicate Darjeeling blend. He counts off points on his fingers as you sip.
'I've got a wings-of-thunder bat from the Elder Country. Something from near the Mountain, if you know what I mean. Magnificent, but brutal. No use in itself, but I have high hopes of breeding it to good purpose. So, you'll need a creature. I've tried common beasts, and it just ate them, so you'll need something special.'
'There's some kind of hyaena-thing loose in the Second Coil here. That's the easiest to catch, but probably not the best breeding stock. You could also try a Rubbery beast, or a zee-monster, or something from the Tomb-colonies if you're inclined to travel.'
'For the breeding, there's three things. First, you have the carnivorous toadstools out in the gardens nearby. If you can harvest them, they might help matters along. Then there's training your beast. I know that Darwin and his foul ilk think that this won't affect the offspring, but they're fools! Idiots and atheists! We'll show 'em, won't we?! The third thing is INFERNAL INFLUENCE. There are devils IN THIS VERY COIL! You must be vigilant, and foil their depraved schemes. You'll need at least one of the three approaches, and you could try a few at once if you're brave. I'll pay you for each attempt with whatever I have handy. So get to it! Hell's foul breath is on all our necks! And no more serpents! How am I to instil fear in the hearts of devils with a serpent?!'
30 x
Whispered Secret
Aren't your eyes a little yellow for a nun?
Have a little chat with hell's agent here.
Connected: Hell challenge, high-risk at 17
Is Hell worried by all this?
The deviless smiles toothily and hands you a sheaf of letters. They're written by the Bishop. There's nothing startling in them, but the discussions of vice in the lesser clergy might be worth something.
Written on the back of one are the words 'Gather a great host of beasts. The betrayal must be absolute.' in lovely flowing script.
10x
Stolen Correspondence
A rematch
The Bishop is always ready to rip off his cassock and wrestle.
Dangerous challenge, straightforward at 125
Worth proven
The Bishop rushes you, low and fast. He always opens that way, but there's not much you can do about it. You crash to the stone floor together, heaving and pushing. You're stronger than you were at the first match, and you have the upper hand as often as his Grace. You pin his muscled bulk after five minutes and he relents.
Dangerous increase
Gain 1 x
Appalling Secret
All the following storylets but the last are unlocked with In the Company of Monsters…
Carnivorous Treats
According to the Bishop, several varieties of dangerous toadstool can help with animal breeding. Best not to think too hard about the details. [Raise your Hunt is On! quality to 6 to gather a useful quantity of fungus.]
unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4, In the Company of Monsters 1
Collect the cap of a fungus-column
These two-ton monstrosities infest the fecund wilderness at the edge of the Fourth Coil. And they would rather hang on to their caps.
Dangerous challenge straightforward at 117
Grabbing a handful
You duck under a lashing pink frond, and grab the column's cap. You slice a chunk off and leap away before the frond returns for a second swipe. Close up, the column is the same dusty pink as a débutante's dress. Of course, it's been a while since a débutante tried to slice your head off.
Dangerous increase
'
The Hunt is On!' increase (2 cp)
Swish!
The monster lashes you with a sharp pink frond. The contrast with your blood is beautiful. That doesn't stop it hurting, though.
Dangerous increase
Wounds is increasing…
Brave the chytrid wood
The fungus in the forest is essentially harmless. The unusually huge sorrow-spiders that nest in the trees are not.
Dangerous challenge straightforward at 120
A long, long hour
You brush thick, clinging webs from your face as you search for the fungus you need. You can hear the spiders all around you. The flexing of a thorax. The click of mandibles. The slow drip of venom. But this time they leave you alone. Perhaps they found some other fungus-gatherer to feast on.
Dangerous increase
'
The Hunt is On!' increase (2 cp)
What a monster
It's the size of a pig! In your haste to escape, you twist your ankle on a slippery patch of lichen. The spider lumbers towards you, red eyes glistening. You limp away, biting down on the pain, empty handed.
Dangerous increase
Wounds is increasing…
Scrape some vile slime off a fungus-ridden slug
Giant slugs live on the edge of the chytrid woods. They say that the fungus around here gets into their tiny brains and makes them dance on moonless nights.
Dangerous challenge straightforward at 125
Perhaps you should have listened to your mother.
The trick, you see, is to run up the slug's back and scrape off a layer of the slime before it can roll over and squash you with its lilac bulk. What a way to make a living.
Dangerous increase
'
The Hunt is On!' increase (3 change points)
Not so much dancing as devouring
The fungus infesting the brains of these monsters hasn't improved their tempers. You escape after sustaining only superficial wounds.
Dangerous increase
Wounds is increasing…
Tame your… Thing
Sparing the rod will spoil the slavering beast. Or perhaps there is a more kindly approach. [Raise your Taming the Beast quality to 6 to proceed.]
unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4, In the Company of Monsters 1
Hit it with a stick
Explain your requirements to the beast. And then hit it with a stick until it behaves. Simple.
Dangerous challenge straightforward at 117
Sullen obedience
Observe: the creature can be encouraged to conduct itself in a civilised manner by the appropriate application of a blunt instrument. It's going splendidly. You should write a monograph.
Dangerous increase
Taming the Beast increase (2 cp)
Blood and tears
Slavering monstrosities don't generally appreciate being hit with sticks. Your creature lodges a vigorous complaint in your forearm.
Dangerous increase
Wounds is increasing…
Whispering at Monsters
Use your cryptozoological knowledge to instruct your creature in its own language.
Watchful challenge, straightforward at 120
A meeting of minds
Your beast cocks its head to one side, the universal animal sign of vague interest. It seems to be listening to you, for now.
Watchful increase
Taming the Beast increase (2 cp)
Shut up! Shut up!
The problem with this technique arises when the creature starts whispering back.
Watchful increase
Nightmares is increasing…
Be kind
These creatures aren't easy to come by. One should treat them with kindness.
Dangerous challenge straightforward at 125
The quality of mercy
Your beast is docile and friendly. Well, friendly by the standards of slavering monsters. Perhaps it's just full of rats. In any case, it hasn't bitten anyone for a while.
Dangerous increase
Taming the Beast increase (3 cp)
Ow!
Biting the hand that feeds isn't just painful and vicious. It's clichéd.
Dangerous increase
Wounds is increasing…
Casting Out Devils
They cannot be allowed to taint the… well, whatever's going on down here. [Raise your Thwarting Beastly Devils quality to 6 to see them off.]
unlocked with In the Company of Monsters 1, making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Make an example of a devil
There are few devils openly walking the Fourth Coil. Those that do are often in the company of tigers. That will not save them.
Dangerous challenge straightforward at 117
Refreshing in its simplicity
You walk smartly up to the smug, meandering devil and shoot him. He is rather taken aback. So you shoot him again. You repeat the process until he leaves. The tiger looks the other way and examines her claws.
Dangerous increase
Thwarting Beastly Devils increase (2 points)
Well, it might save them a bit
Tigers and devils make a formidable team. A hissing, spitting, befanged team, spattered with your blood.
Dangerous increase
wounds is increasing…
Roust out infernal impersonators
The problem isn't actually finding the devils disguised in habits and cassocks. The problem is chasing them off with a firearm in front of witnesses.
Dangerous challenge straightforward at 120
A strange sort of game
The devils and devilesses, once you discover them, depart without a fight. They're not particularly afraid of you, but even they have to respect the reputation of the Bishop. They'll be back tomorrow, in fresh wimples and false moustaches. And you'll be waiting.
Dangerous increase
Thwarting Beastly Devils increase (2 points)
It's not what it looks like!
'You're doing what? To a nun?! The depravity! Unhand that Bride of Christ! Help ho!'
Dangerous increase
scandal is increasing…
Thump every devil you see in the Fourth Coil
No prisoners! For God and the Bishop!
Dangerous challenge straightforward at 125
The diocesan seal
You lay about with a cudgel at every devil you see, causing a great commotion. You're wondering whether you're going to run out of breath or conscious devils when the Bishop appears from behind his iron door. He nods, approving, and then heads back to his business.
Dangerous increase
Thwarting Beastly Devils increase (3 points)
Slings and arrows and fangs
A portly devil dressed as a donnish vicar raises his cassock and runs. You chase him around the side of an old half-timbered house, straight into a pack of hungry-looking fiends. One is holding a fork, of the toasting rather than the spirifer variety. This won't end well.
Dangerous increase
wounds is increasing…
Just the toadstools.
Attempt to breed your creature with the wings-of-thunder bat, with only the assistance of aphrodisiac toadstools.
unlocked with The Hunt is On! 6, making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Breed the Somnolent Hyaena
Consign the creature to its fate.
Unlocked with 1 x Somnolent Hyaena
Better than one, they say
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again in this world.
A silver snake with two heads - one at each end - slithers out. Four unblinking eyes consider you. The Bishop is scornful. 'Having a head on your backside isn't clever you know! Thumbs! That's where it's at! Two heads are no good if you're thwarted by a doorknob are they? Bloody snakes.'
The amphisbaena is sold to Mrs. Plenty's carnival for an undisclosed sum. When the Bishop's payment of wine arrives with a bundle of complimentary tickets, it cheers him immensely. 'I do love a bag of rubbery lumps!' he declares.
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 42 x
Strangling Willow Absinthe
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing. (1 CP)
Gain: 2 x Carnival Ticket
A brief ruddy gull
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again in this world.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. A huge bird, a great red-brown gull, covered in slime and blinking in the dim light. A low, growling call comes from within the barn. The gull slams the door shut with its beak and hops down towards you.
The bishop turns to you and says, 'This bird might be of use to us, scouting and whatnot, if it can manage a bat swarm. If not, well, there's a fine drumstick each. Actually, I've got something that would go perfectly with that.'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 31 (?) x
Strangling Willow Absinthe
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing. (1 CP)
Breed the Rubbery Hound
Could this hound be the key to the riddle of the Hound of Heaven?
Unlocked with 1 x Rubbery Hound
More wrestling?
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again in this world.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, walking on five chitinous legs. This asymmetric monstrosity is more crab than spider. It clacks its mandibles, cutting the cord that binds it to the thing inside the barn. Its emerald carapace glints in the dim light. It scuttles unsteadily towards you.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'Can't see a crab-spider thing being much use at tracking devils. No nose, you see. Still, we could probably ride one into the Great and Final Battle. Wouldn't that be a sight, eh? Fair stirs the blood, so it does. Fancy another wrestle?'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Rubbery Hound.
Gain: 4400 x
Rat on a String
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Tomb-Lion
Perhaps nobility of aspect will matter more than the smell.
Unlocked with 1 x Tomb-Lion
One for Darwin
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from under the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, squeezing its pale grey fur out into the dim light. A great ape! It retains the lion's claws and fangs, but its eyes burn with intelligence. It slams the trap door shut. The creature's face is etched with fear, relief and not a little birthing-slime.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'Haha! Well done! It even looks a bit like old Darwin, don't you think? I'll set this feller on devils. Or possibly atheists, eh? They don't like it up 'em!'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Gain: 39 x
Strangling Willow Absinthe
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Time for a thrashing
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from under the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, squeezing its pale grey fur out into the dim light. A great ape! It retains the lion's claws and fangs, but its eyes burn with intelligence. The creature's face is etched with fear, relief and not a little birthing-slime. The trap door snaps open again and a clawed hand grabs the ape. It screams as it is dragged back into the barn.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'Damnation! I hate it when that happens. Someone find out who forgot to feed the bat and send them to me for a thrashing. I need a drink.'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Gain: 30 x
Strangling Willow Absinthe
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Plated Seal
Perhaps the cold zee holds the secret.
Unlocked with 1 x Plated Seal
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
Wicked beyond sin
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from under the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, slithering on a midnight blue belly. A cobra! It must be twenty feet long. The venom dripping from its fangs leaves smoking holes in the stone roof the size of grapes. Its hood bears the Correspondence symbol for 'A gift to remind a woman of something best forgotten'.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'What? Another damned serpent? Look, I told you about these. I can't send serpents after devils. The foul villains would laugh at me! And laughing at Bishops is wicked beyond sin! I'll not be party to it! I'll not!'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
Gain: 52 x
Strangling Willow Absinthe
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breeding through discipline.
You don't need those mushrooms. And let the devils play where they might. You'll do this the old fashioned way - with a stick.
unlocked with Taming the Beast 6, making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Breed the Somnolent Hyaena
Consign the creature to its fate.
Unlocked with 1 x Somnolent Hyaena
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
Imagine the possibilities
When they open the trap door in the roof of the Bishop's stone barn, you hear the wings-of-thunder bat sniff the air, hungrily. Your creature is pushed into the darkness. The sounds that follow are of consumption rather than consummation, ending in cries of victory that become screams of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. A huge bird, a great red-brown gull, covered in slime and blinking in the dim light. A low, growling call comes from within the barn. The gull slams the door shut with its beak and hops down towards you.
The bishop turns to you. 'Well, what good's that going to b-'
The bird explodes.
Knife-sharp feathers shred a nearby tea-trolley and bury themselves in the mud around you as you hurl the Bishop to the ground. 'Capital! I'll take a whole flock!' Says the Bishop from underneath you. 'Ah, brings back memories, eh? Fancy another wrestle?' Your payment is especially generous.
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 1050 x
Primordial Shrieks
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Among the altos
You introduce your creature to the Bishop's bat through a trap door. The Bishop forces a smile. 'Procreation,' he says, loudly, over the sounds of your beast being assiduously eaten. 'The miracle of creation!' There is silence, then a conclusive squelch. Mucus splatters through the cracks in the door.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. A huge bird, a great red-brown gull, covered in slime and blinking in the dim light. A low, growling call comes from within the barn. The gull slams the door shut with its beak and hops down towards you, uttering jagged caws.
The Bishop turns to you. 'Good enough,' he says. 'Perhaps this one will peck out the eyes of devilesses. If not, I'll put a cassock on it and shove it in the alto section of the Cathedral choir. It can't do them any harm. It's prettier than most of them, too.'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 778 (?) x
Primordial Shrieks
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Rubbery Hound
Could this hound be the key to the riddle of the Hound of Heaven?
Unlocked with 1 x Rubbery Hound
Off to Flowerdene
When they open the trap door in the roof of the Bishop's stone barn, you hear the wings-of-thunder bat sniff the air, hungrily. Your creature is pushed into the darkness. The sounds that follow are of consumption rather than consummation, ending in cries of victory that become screams of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, walking on five chitinous legs. This asymmetric monstrosity is more crab than spider. It clacks its mandibles, cutting the cord that binds it to the thing inside the barn. Its emerald carapace glints in the dim light. It scuttles unsteadily towards you.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'Hmm, one of these. Seen them before, when Inch tried to breed a Spider-Council. No bloody use for hunting devils, but they scare the pants off sinners. I'll let it loose in Flowerdene Rookery. That'll bring 'em to God!
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Gain: 1500 x
Foxfire Candle Stub
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Tomb-Lion
Perhaps nobility of aspect will matter more than the smell.
Unlocked with 1 x Tomb-Lion
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
An interesting family
When they open the trap door in the roof of the Bishop's stone barn, you hear the wings-of-thunder bat sniff the air, hungrily. Your creature is pushed into the darkness. The sounds that follow are of consumption rather than consummation, ending in cries of victory that become screams of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, squeezing its pale grey fur out into the dim light. A great ape! It retains the lion's claws and fangs, but its eyes burn with intelligence. It slams the trap door shut. The creature's face is marked with fear, relief and not a little birthing-slime.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'Hmph. Reminds me of my aunt. Good show. She could spot a devil a mile away by moonlight. Let's see if this thing's got the knack.'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Gain: 2000 x
Foxfire Candle Stub
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
An easy crate of candles
When they open the trap door in the roof of the Bishop's stone barn, you hear the wings-of-thunder bat sniff the air, hungrily. Your creature is pushed into the darkness. The sounds that follow are of consumption rather than consummation, ending in cries of victory that become screams of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, squeezing its pale grey fur out into the dim light. A great ape! It retains the lion's claws and fangs, but its eyes burn with intelligence. The creature's face is marked with fear, relief and not a little birthing-slime. The trap door snaps open again and a clawed hand grabs the ape. It screams as it is dragged back into the barn.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'Give it a minute. I've seen them come out a few times after the bat's decided it's not hungry. I'll bet you a crate of candles that this one makes it out again.'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Gain: 1525 x
Foxfire Candle Stub
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Plated Seal
Perhaps the cold zee holds the secret.
Unlocked with 1 x Plated Seal
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
Don't go for the nuns
When they open the trap door in the roof of the Bishop's stone barn, you hear the wings-of-thunder bat sniff the air, hungrily. Your creature is pushed into the darkness. The sounds that follow are of consumption rather than consummation, ending in cries of victory that become screams of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, slithering on a midnight blue belly. A cobra! It must be twenty feet long. The venom dripping from its fangs leaves smoking holes in the stone roof the size of grapes. Its hood bears the Correspondence symbol for 'A gift to remind a woman of something best forgotten'.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'Look, I said no serpents, but… just look at it. Powerful, sinuous. Yes indeed. Look, we'll give this one a go. But if it goes for the nuns, I'm going to shoot it.'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
Gain: 2700 x
Foxfire Candle Stub
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Crawling on the belly
When they open the trap door in the roof of the Bishop's stone barn, you hear the wings-of-thunder bat sniff the air, hungrily. Your creature is pushed into the darkness. The sounds that follow are of consumption rather than consummation, ending in cries of victory that become screams of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, slithering on a midnight blue belly. A cobra! It must be twenty feet long. The venom dripping from its fangs leaves smoking holes in the stone roof the size of grapes. On its hood is the Correspondence symbol for 'A gift to remind a woman of something best forgotten'.
Shots ring out. The snake spasms and dies. The Bishop takes his enormous hunting rifle from his shoulder.
'Look, I told you before, no serpents! I'm not hunting devils with anything that crawls on its belly! And that includes the Bishop of St Fiacre's!'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
Gain: 1975 x
Foxfire Candle Stub
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Just keep the devils away
It's the infernal influences that cause all the problems.
Thwarting Beastly Devils 6, making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Breed the Somnolent Hyaena
Consign the creature to its fate.
Unlocked with 1 x Somnolent Hyaena
A matter of luck: pretty good odds
It's only trying to help
You introduce your creature to the Bishop's bat through a trap door. The Bishop forces a smile. 'Procreation,' he says, loudly, over the sounds of your beast being assiduously eaten. 'The miracle of creation!' There is silence, then a conclusive squelch. Mucus splatters through the cracks in the door.
What crawls out is a sort of ocelot with golden fur and an apologetic expression. It listens quietly as people talk about it, only interrupting to 'correct' their grammar. It's tone is polite, but disappointed. The Bishop thinks it's hilarious. At least until he leaves a participle dangling and the creature pointedly clears its throat.
'No.' grumbles the Bishop. 'Can't have it hanging around and wincing every time I split a bloody infinitive. Tell you what, have the little beggar boxed up and sent to the Darwinists.'
Before it's posted off, the creature tells you a fascinating tale of the Lost Grammars. You didn't know it was even possible to do some of those things with words…
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 8 x
Extraordinary Implication
Your "
Thwarting Beastly Devils" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
??
You introduce your creature to the Bishop's bat through a trap door. The Bishop forces a smile. 'Procreation,' he says, loudly, over the sounds of your beast being assiduously eaten. 'The miracle of creation!' There is silence, then a conclusive squelch. Mucus splatters through the cracks in the door.
The product of your hard work is a golden ocelot-thing with a helpful attitude and a predatory sense of grammar. At first there is excitement! A creature born with language! But it's difficult to keep a discussion going when something interrupts to point out every split infinitive. The third time it corrects the bishop for ending a sentence with a preposition he snaps, and calls for a rifle.
Fortunately, one of God's Editors is present to calm him. 'We could use this creature for the novices. If Sister Mary Castigation's diligent efforts can't drum the apparently esoteric art of putting words in order into them, perhaps they'll learn more readily from an appealing fluffy animal.' You watch as your creature is taken away. It's gone some time before anyone risks speaking again.
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 6 x
Extraordinary Implication
Your "
Thwarting Beastly Devils" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Rubbery Hound
Could this hound be the key to the riddle of the Hound of Heaven?
Unlocked with 1 x Rubbery Hound
Eyes like fires
There is a reason that matters of procreation are best left to medical professionals. They are trained for years to be able to handle phrases like 'thoracic tumescence ', 'placental expulsion', and 'a wings-of-thunder bat ate your rubbery hound alive and gave birth to an emerald crab the size of a pony'.
It's asymmetric, with five legs chitinous legs and mandibles both front and rear. It scuttles gracefully over, the light catching prettily on its green carapace.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'You ever been to Ireland? Savage place, of course, but beautiful. I met someone there once. He had eyes like fires…'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Rubbery Hound
Gain: 6 x
Extraordinary Implication
Your "
Thwarting Beastly Devils" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Armoured legions
You introduce your creature to the bishop's bat through a trap door. The Bishop forces a smile. 'Procreation,' he says, loudly, over the sounds of your beast being assiduously eaten. 'The miracle of creation!' There is silence, then a conclusive squelch. Mucus splatters through the cracks in the door.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, walking on five chitinous legs. This asymmetric monstrosity is more crab than spider. It clacks its mandibles, cutting the cord that binds it to the thing inside the barn. Its emerald carapace glints in the dim light. It scuttles unsteadily towards you and then flops sideways and collapses dead.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'I wonder if the chitin could stop an infernal fang? Imagine that! Armoured legions for God! Let's get some axes and find out.'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Rubbery Hound
Gain: 4 x
Extraordinary Implication
Your "
Thwarting Beastly Devils" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Tomb-Lion
Perhaps nobility of aspect will matter more than the smell.
Unlocked with 1 x Tomb-Lion
A matter of luck: pretty good odds
Up the chimney
You introduce your creature to the bishop's bat through a trap door. The bishop forces a smile. 'Procreation,' he says, loudly, over the sounds of your beast being assiduously eaten. 'The miracle of creation!' There is silence, then a conclusive squelch. Mucous splatters through the cracks in the door.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, squeezing its pale grey fur out into the dim light. A great ape! It retains the lion's claws and fangs, but its eyes burn with intelligence. It slams the trap door shut. The creature's face is etched with fear, relief and not a little birthing-slime.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'You can't go wrong with carnivorous apes. I mean to say, they're no use for tracking devils, but they're just the job if you need someone strangled and shoved up a chimney. Let's see how this one works out.'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Gain: 8 x
Extraordinary Implication
Your 'Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
A polite veil
Let's not go into indelicate detail. Procreation is the business of midwives and veterinarians, God bless them. Enough to say that your beast is removed to another part of the labyrinth and fed to a giant bat. During the proceedings you pace like an expectant parent, using the bishop's brandy and very fine cigars to moderate the tension. An hour later, a functionary bursts into the smoky room. 'Congratulations!' he cries. 'It's a carnivorous ape!' Have you ever felt more proud?
The creature isn't what you'd call clever; in fact it's barely what you'd call stupid. But it goes where it's pointed, and explodes into a destructive frenzy if you show it a banana and then hide the banana under a teatowel. 'Like a big hairy bomb.' the bishop declares, happily, as he pays you in mysteries extracted from a secret hymn.
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Gain: 6 x
Extraordinary Implication
Your 'Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
[[/div]]
Breed the Plated Seal
Perhaps the cold zee holds the secret.
Unlocked with 1 x Plated Seal
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
Strange thing to write on a snake
You introduce your creature to the Bishop's bat through a trap door. The Bishop forces a smile. 'Procreation,' he says, loudly, over the sounds of your beast being assiduously eaten. 'The miracle of creation!' There is silence, then a conclusive squelch. Mucus splatters through the cracks in the door.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, slithering on a midnight blue belly. A cobra! It must be twenty feet long. The venom dripping from its fangs leaves smoking holes the size of grapes in the stone roof. Its hood bears the Correspondence symbol for 'A gift to remind a woman of something best forgotten'.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'Those letters - a gift for a woman one hates? Strange thing to write on a serpent if you ask me. Although the Dilmun Club did ask very nicely to be told if anything like that showed up. Hmm.'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
Gain: 10 x
Extraordinary Implication
Your 'Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
Toadstools and a stick.
What these creatures need is firm discipline and a toadstool.
unlocked with The Hunt is On! 6, Taming the Beast 6, making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Breed the Somnolent Hyaena
Consign the creature to its fate.
Unlocked with 1 x Somnolent Hyaena
What's the harm?
The actual breeding happens in a stone barn, although is 'breeding' the right word for what goes on in there? Would 'engulfment' be more accurate? No, no. Maybe 'dinner'. The cartilaginous noises of a bat the size of an elephant devouring your hard-won creature are hard to forget. After, the barn trembles with the shrieks of birth.
A golden youth steps meekly from the barn. He is slender, with damp curls and a peaceful smile. He does not speak. His arms are unusually long, and when he wipes birthing-ooze from his face you notice that he has the wrong number of fingers. The bishop seems delighted.
'Handsome, isn't he? Look at the arms! Make a fine opening spinner, that one. Let him go. What harm can he do? A fine effort - I've got some diaries of sinners for you here.'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 62 x
Compromising Document
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Taming the Beast" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Never again
The actual breeding happens in a stone barn, although is 'breeding' the right word for what goes on in there? Would 'engulfment' be more accurate? No, no. Maybe 'dinner'. The cartilaginous noises of a bat the size of an elephant devouring your hard-won creature are hard to forget. After, the barn trembles with the shrieks of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. A young gentleman. His red hair and moustache are of the current mode, but his modesty is only covered by a scrap of black cloth and a thin layer of birthing-ooze. He looks at you and smiles. He looks hungry. A shot rings out, and the young man collapses, dead.
The Bishop lowers his revolver and turns to you. 'Never again,' he says. 'Never again.' His hands are shaking.
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 42 x
Compromising Document
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Taming the Beast" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Rubbery Hound
Could this hound be the key to the riddle of the Hound of Heaven?
Unlocked with 1 x Rubbery Hound
An infernal attack
The actual breeding happens in a stone barn, although is 'breeding' the right word for what goes on in there? Would 'engulfment' be more accurate? No, no. Maybe 'dinner'. The cartilaginous noises of a bat the size of an elephant devouring your hard-won creature are hard to forget. After, the barn trembles with the shrieks of birth.
A hound, sleek and golden, pads out. The bishop catches his breath. 'Is it-' The dog yawns, widely…and splits open along its length, its top and bottom halves parting like petals to disgorge a cloud of clicking brass beetles. "Malebolgic scarabs!" the bishop yells. A squad of vergers open fire, but the beetles are already on him. You leap forward, swatting them down with whatever's to hand.
When it's over, both you and the bishop are covered in scratches and tiny cogs. 'Devils' work. That's why it's so important to keep them away. Still, they sunk a lot of brass and effort into that, and what did they achieve? Just cuts and bruises! Good work, there.' He expresses his gratitude in his payment: evidence of infernal dealings by names you recognise from Slowcake's Exceptionals.
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Rubbery Hound.
Gain: 44 x
Compromising Document
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Taming the Beast" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Tomb-Lion
Perhaps nobility of aspect will matter more than the smell.
Unlocked with 1 x Tomb-Lion
An unfortunate dislike in this city
The actual breeding happens in a stone barn, although is 'breeding' the right word for what goes on in there? Would 'engulfment' be more accurate? No, no. Maybe 'dinner'. The cartilaginous noises of a bat the size of an elephant devouring your hard-won creature are hard to forget. After, the barn trembles with the shrieks of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. It's a cat. A common-looking sort of long-haired tabby, its fur somewhat matted with birthing ooze. It knocks the trap door closed with some effort, and regards you with cold green eyes.
The Bishop wrenches off his boot and hurls it at the cat on the stone roof. 'I hate cats', he says, but refuses to offer any further explanation.
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Tomb-lion.
Gain: 61 x
Compromising Document
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Taming the Beast" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Her Grace and his Grace
The actual breeding happens in a stone barn, although is 'breeding' the right word for what goes on in there? Would 'engulfment' be more accurate? No, no. Maybe 'dinner'. The cartilaginous noises of a bat the size of an elephant devouring your hard-won creature are hard to forget. After, the barn trembles with the shrieks of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. It's a cat. A common-looking sort of long-haired tabby, its fur somewhat matted with birthing ooze. It knocks the trap door closed with some effort, and regards you with cold green eyes for a moment before leaping away and disappearing into the gloom of the Fourth Coil.
Moments later, a tide of cats surges past you. Blacks, gingers, even a leopard. They give furious chase to the new cat, and you hear mewls and hisses fading away towards the third coil. The Bishop turns to you and says, 'A cat the Duchess doesn't approve of? Well, I never would have thought.'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Tomb-lion.
Gain: 43 x
Compromising Document
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Taming the Beast" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Plated Seal
Perhaps the cold zee holds the secret.
Unlocked with 1 x Plated Seal
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
A veteran
The actual breeding happens in a stone barn, although is 'breeding' the right word for what goes on in there? Would 'engulfment' be more accurate? No, no. Maybe 'dinner'. The cartilaginous noises of a bat the size of an elephant devouring your hard-won creature are hard to forget. After, the barn trembles with the shrieks of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, squeezing its sweating bulk into the dim gas-light. It's a horse, in a manner of speaking. A little small for riding, and horses should have hooves rather than claws. The neo-equine shakes its chocolate-brown head and regards you with ill-disguised contempt.
The Bishop stands, looking at the horse, lost in thought. At last he speaks. 'I was there, you know. At the last charge. I was in the Guards back then. A goat-demon pulled my horse from under me and ate it before my eyes. That's why this needs to work. Why I won't ever stop.'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
Gain: 70 x
Compromising Document
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Taming the Beast" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
All for nothing
The actual breeding happens in a stone barn, although is 'breeding' the right word for what goes on in there? Would 'engulfment' be more accurate? No, no. Maybe 'dinner'. The cartilaginous noises of a bat the size of an elephant devouring your hard-won creature are hard to forget. After, the barn trembles with the shrieks of birth.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, squeezing its sweating bulk into the dim gas-light. It's a horse, in a manner of speaking. A little small for riding, and horses should have hooves rather than claws. The neo-equine shakes its chocolate-brown head and regards you with ill-disguised contempt. It staggers a step sideways and falls with a wince-inducing crunch onto the cobbles below.
The Bishop rubs his brow. 'All that effort for nothing. I thought a horse might be a sign. Progress at last, perhaps. But I can't give up. I won't. I've seen what the devils do to people. I've rowed the Brass Trireme. I can't stop now.'
You were unfortunate. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
Gain: 52 x
Compromising Document
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Taming the Beast" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Sabotage the process, for the benefit of the devils
Gather your host of monsters and betray the Bishop. You'll need him to trust you, first.
Unlocked with 1 x Plated Seal, 1 x Somnolent Hyaena, 1 x Tomb-Lion, 1 x Rubbery Hound
What have you done?
You consider pressing your monsters into one unholy chimera, but that wouldn't fool the Bishop. Instead, you invent a breakthrough in abnormal husbandry. Generational Recursion! Vital Essences! The Bishop is sceptical, but you win him over through charm, erudition and the number of specimens you have captured. He agrees to your plan of sending all the monsters in at once.
You troop to the stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat and lead your gaggle of monsters up the ramp to the trap door. You disentangle the plated seal's teeth from the tomb-lion's bandages and hurl them in. There is a pause. Then, a cacophony. A bedlam that knocks ravens from their flight and glim from the roof. The whole coil shudders beneath the gargantuan struggle inside the stone barn. And then all is silence.
Far off, a whistle blows. Then another. Neddy men and Special Constables pour into the Fourth Coil, fists and revolvers out. 'What have you done?!' screams the Bishop into your face. 'What have you done?' You run for it.
There is a package waiting for you when you stop running, at your lodgings.
You were fortunate!
You've moved to a new area: your Lodgings
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Taming the Beast" quality has gone!
A twist in your tale! You are no longer
In the Company of Monsters.
Gain: 2 x
Portfolio of Souls
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Lose: 1 x Rubbery Hound.
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Connected: Hell is increasing!
Your 'Connected: The Church' Quality has gone!
Fungus and Pious Wrath
These creatures don't need discipline. Just a tasty toadstool and a lack of infernal interference.
unlocked with The Hunt is On! 6, Thwarting Beastly Devils 6, making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Breed the Somnolent Hyaena
Consign the creature to its fate.
Unlocked with 1 x Somnolent Hyaena
A golden youth
The sounds that come from the birthing chamber are terrible. First the screams of your beast as the bat pulls it apart and consumes it, then the ground-shaking shrieks of the birth. You sit in silence with the Bishop, wondering what will slouch from the trapdoor.
The wings-of-thunder bat falls suddenly silent. You can hear something humming in the barn, a simple, melodious tune. The door opens. A young man emerges: crowned with golden curls, broad at the chest, and long-necked. He says no words, but smiles as he hums.
'Oh, thank God - a baritone!' the bishop cries. 'Get this fine fellow off to the Cathedral choir before evensong. He might not be the Hound of Heaven, but the machinery of salvation must grind on, and he'll do as a cog. Good work.'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
You've gained 310 x
Maniac's Prayer.
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Thwarting Beastly Devils" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Just like Dublin
The sounds that come from the birthing chamber are terrible. First the screams of your beast as the bat pulls it apart and consumes it, then the ground-shaking shrieks of the birth. You sit in silence with the bishop, wondering what will slouch from the trapdoor.
Some time later something appears. A young gentleman. His red hair and moustache are of the current mode, but his modesty is only covered by a scrap of black cloth and a thin layer of birthing-ooze. He looks at you and smiles. He looks hungry. A shot rings out, and the young man collapses, dead.
The Bishop lowers his revolver and says, 'It's just like Dublin. It's always just like Dublin.' Is that a moist gleam in his eye?
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 210 x
Maniac's Prayer
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Rubbery Hound
Could this hound be the key to the riddle of the Hound of Heaven?
Unlocked with 1 x Rubbery Hound
Like a thousand rainbows
The sounds that come from the birthing chamber are terrible. First the screams of your beast as the bat pulls it apart and consumes it, then the ground-shaking shrieks of the birth. You sit in silence with the Bishop, wondering what will slouch forth.
When the trapdoor opens, an aurora of colour lifts gracefully out of it, casting cheery hues across the pens. The beasts in them fall silent and watch. They have stopped blinking. At the aurora's heart a sinuous shape darts - a small feathered eel. Droplets of colour fall from its fangs, brightening the mud with splashes of savage colour.
'God above!' the bishop whispers. 'Look at the vividity! A few drops of that will make stained glass burn! What a find!' His reward that day is especially generous: an apocryphal Life of St. Blethin. Blethin was accidentally beatified before his death, and treated his certain destination of heaven as license to commit a litany of sins.
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Rubbery Hound.
You've gained 44 x
A Journal of Infamy.
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Thwarting Beastly Devils" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Tomb-Lion
Perhaps nobility of aspect will matter more than the smell.
Unlocked with 1 x Tomb-Lion
The sounds that come from the birthing chamber are terrible. First the screams of your beast as the bat pulls it apart and consumes it, then the ground-shaking shrieks of the birth. You sit in silence with the bishop, wondering what will slouch from the trapdoor.
Some time later something appears. It's a cat. A common-looking sort of long-haired tabby, its fur somewhat matted with birthing ooze. It knocks the trap door closed with some effort, and regards you with cold green eyes.
'A cat? A bloody cat?' The Bishop is furious. 'They're half in league with devils. Almost as bad as a bloody serpent. You need to need to buck your ideas up, young [genderdescriptionshort]. Breed me a hound! Or a bear! Or something!'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
You've gained 62 x
A Journal of Infamy.
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Thwarting Beastly Devils" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
A private life
The sounds that come from the birthing chamber are terrible. First the screams of your beast as the bat pulls it apart and consumes it, then the ground-shaking shrieks of the birth. You sit in silence with the bishop, wondering what will slouch from the trapdoor.
Some time later something appears. It's a cat. A common-looking sort of long-haired tabby, its fur somewhat matted with birthing ooze. It knocks the trap door closed with some effort, and regards you with cold green eyes for a moment before leaping away and disappearing into the gloom of the Fourth Coil.
The Bishop shakes his head. 'Just as well it's gone. Damnable things, always ferreting out people's secrets and whispering to all and sundry. Can't a man have his own secrets without that pagan woman up at the Palace finding out about everything? Is a man's private life never to be private?'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
You've gained 43 x
A Journal of Infamy.
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Thwarting Beastly Devils" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Plated Seal
Perhaps the cold zee holds the secret.
Unlocked with 1 x Plated Seal
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
The future of warfare?
The sounds that come from the birthing chamber are terrible. First the screams of your beast as the bat pulls it apart and consumes it, then the ground-shaking shrieks of the birth. All goes quiet. The trapdoor trembles and opens…
That evening you dine with the Bishop.
'Now. Let's review what happened today. What we got there was not the Hound of Heaven, and that's a disappointment. However, it was a giant fire-spitting lobster. And anyone who can't think up a use for a giant fire-spitting lobster - or, more pertinently, for a thousand of them - has no damn business in the clergy. Bloody good work. Bloody good work.'
He rewards you with an account of the secret Fourteenth Crusade. It makes fascinating, if unsettling, reading.
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
You've gained 70 x
A Journal of Infamy.
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your "
Thwarting Beastly Devils" quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
The future of warfare?
The sounds that come from the birthing chamber are terrible. First the screams of your beast as the bat pulls it apart and consumes it, then the ground-shaking shrieks of the birth. All goes quiet. The trapdoor trembles and opens…
That evening the Bishop sits before of you and rubs the sore, pink skin where only that morning he kept his eyebrows. 'When given the gift of a cow-sized, fire-spitting lobster, it is considered churlish not to say thank you. So thank you. Excitable thing, though, isn't it? Still, it took more than a day to build Rome, and it'll take more than a day to build the First Ezekiel Nephropidian Artillery. Let's drink to the inevitable destruction of the unrighteous!'
After dinner he gets tipsy and reads to you from a lady's very secular diary. You wonder how he came by it.
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
You've gained 52 x
A Journal of Infamy.
The Hunt is On! has been reset: a conclusion, or a new beginning?
Thwarting Beastly Devils has been reset: a conclusion, or a new beginning?
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
A Firm Hand
No need for fungal shenanigans. A firm hand with both your creature and the devils.
unlocked with Taming the Beast 6, Thwarting Beastly Devils 6, making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Breed the Somnolent Hyaena
Consign the creature to its fate.
Unlocked with 1 x Somnolent Hyaena
A matter of luck: pretty good odds
The muscaliet
'We'll wait out here,' the Bishop says, as handlers prod your creature up a ramp and through a trap door in the roof of his great stone barn. 'Snifter?' The brandy gives you something to talk about as you try to ignore the sounds of the wings-of-thunder bat playfully batting your creature off the barn's walls for ten minutes before getting bored and eating it. The bat shrieks. The barn shakes. A small, complicated creatures waddles out.
A research verger approaches with a centuries-old illuminated bestiary. 'We think it's a muscaliet, your grace. A cross between a hare, a squirrel, a pig, a mole, a boar and a weasel.'
The bishop glowers. 'If we didn't put all those in how did we get that out? Just tell me what it can do.'
'It produces heat after it's fed, your grace. Lots of it.' It's not the blood-and-thunder answer the bishop was hoping for. He seems disappointed until you sketch out a rough plan for a muscaliet-powered, steam-driven church organ capable of rattling the lead off the neighbours' roofs with a high C. 'Marvellous! We could mount the whole thing on an elephant! Have some travelling music!'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 310 x
Surface-Silk Scrap
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
????
'We'll wait out here,' the Bishop says, as handlers prod your creature up a ramp and through a trap door in the roof of his great stone barn. 'Snifter?' The brandy gives you something to talk about as you try to ignore the sounds of the wings-of-thunder bat playfully batting your creature off the barn's walls for ten minutes before getting bored and eating it. The bat shrieks. The barn shakes.
The thing that emerges is small and complicated. A team of research vergers sets to work. 'It's body is that of a hare, your Grace.' they report. 'The tail and legs are a squirrel's. It also has a weasel's ears, and the bristles of a pig.'
'And what's with the nose?'
'A mole, your Grace. And our best guess is that it has a boar's teeth.'
The bishop huffs. 'Of course it does. Because a hare-squirrel-weasel-pig-mole isn't enough. Well-'
'One more thing, your Grace. When fed, the creature produces enough heat to warm a whole church. Even those draughty pews at the back on the left.'
The bishop turns to look at you. 'I ask for a scourge of devils; you bring me affordable heating.' You suggest politely that one of these things will change the world. The bishop grunts and pays you in rolls of surface silks, but he looks disappointed.
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 220? x
Surface-Silk Scrap
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Rubbery Hound
Could this hound be the key to the riddle of the Hound of Heaven?
Unlocked with 1 x Rubbery Hound
But what is it for?
'We'll wait out here,' the bishop says, as handlers prod your creature up a ramp and through a trap door in the roof of his great stone barn. 'Snifter?' The brandy gives you something to talk about as you try to ignore the sounds of the wings-of-thunder bat playfully batting your creature off the barn's walls for ten minutes before getting bored and eating it. The bat shrieks. The barn shakes.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, pushed out rather than moving under its own power. It might be a fish, if fish were barrel-shaped, if fish were more mouth than body, if fish had half a dozen twitching, glowing lures. It thrashes on the barn roof, gasping for water.
The Bishop turns to you and says, 'Well, I'll grant you it's impressive. But what, exactly, am I supposed to do with it? If God gave that thing a purpose, he didn't see fit to tell me about it.'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Rubbery Hound
Gain: 2290 x
Silk Scrap
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
A fishy plot
'We'll wait out here,' the bishop says, as handlers prod your creature up a ramp and through a trap door in the roof of his great stone barn. 'Snifter?' The brandy gives you something to talk about as you try to ignore the sounds of the wings-of-thunder bat playfully batting your creature off the barn's walls for ten minutes before getting bored and eating it. The bat shrieks. The barn shakes.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, pushed out rather than moving under its own power. It might be a fish, if fish were barrel-shaped, if fish were more mouth than body, if fish had half a dozen twitching, glowing lures. It thrashes on the barn roof, gasping for water. Then it explodes.
The Bishop turns to you and says 'I've heard some of those Darwinists say that these creatures can only live in the benthic depths. Nonsense, of course. The explosion is a mechanism of defence against the touch of devil! Pity this one went off early. I have an idea that twenty of them strapped together and smuggled under the Brass Embassy would cause a stir.'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Rubbery Hound
Gain: 1600 x
Silk Scrap
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Tomb-Lion
Perhaps nobility of aspect will matter more than the smell.
Unlocked with 1 x Tomb-Lion
A matter of luck: pretty good odds
A handsome fellow
'We'll wait out here,' the bishop says, as handlers prod your creature up a ramp and through a trap door in the roof of his great stone barn. 'Snifter?' The brandy gives you something to talk about as you try to ignore the sounds of the wings-of-thunder bat playfully batting your creature off the barn's walls for ten minutes before getting bored and eating it. The bat shrieks. The barn shakes.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. It's a cat. A common-looking sort of long-haired tabby, its fur somewhat matted with birthing ooze. It knocks the trap door closed with some effort, and regards you with cold green eyes.
The cat twirls about the Bishop's ankles. He waves a stern finger at it. 'Don't try that with me, you furry intriguer! You're after my secrets! Well, it won't work this time. You are handsome, though, aren't you? Who's a pretty cat, then?'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Gain: 2900 x
Silk Scrap
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
An unsettling change
'We'll wait out here,' the Bishop says, as handlers prod your creature up a ramp and through a trap door in the roof of his great stone barn. 'Snifter?' The brandy gives you something to talk about as you try to ignore the sounds of the wings-of-thunder bat playfully batting your creature off the barn's walls for ten minutes before getting bored and eating it. The bat shrieks. The barn shakes.
Afterwards you sit with the Bishop in his study. You are both silent for a long time. When he eventually speaks his voice still trembles. 'What was it, would you say? When it changed? Like a…a horse? Or an eel?.' You suggest a lamprey, and he swears and takes another drink. 'Trouble with this business is you can start to take it all for granted. Easy to get lost in the details of mushrooms and infernal influence, and to forget that this is supposed to be God's business. God's business.' You ask his Grace if he is going to have the thing destroyed.
He does not answer.
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Tomb-Lion.
Gain: 2150 x
Silk Scrap
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Plated Seal
Perhaps the cold zee holds the secret.
Unlocked with 1 x Plated Seal
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
An esteemed visitor
'We'll wait out here,' the Bishop says, as handlers prod your creature up a ramp and through a trap door in the roof of his great stone barn. 'Snifter?' The brandy gives you something to talk about as you try to ignore the sounds of the wings-of-thunder bat playfully batting your creature off the barn's walls for ten minutes before getting bored and eating it. The bat shrieks. The barn shakes.
As far as the research vergers can tell, the pale bat that emerges from the birthing shed is normal in every way. It doesn't speak, explode or change shape. However, the vergers are uncontrollably excited by the width of its propatagium, explaining that the bat represents a completely new species.
Is that why, a few hours later, a hunched, cloaked figure arrives and demands to speak to the bishop? One of the Masters, here in the fourth coil! Which one is it? Not Mr Wines, certainly. Mr Wines is more animated, and louder. Mr Spices, perhaps? Or Mr Stones? After an hour it departs, carrying the new bat away in a silver cage. The Bishop won't discuss the deal, but your payment is more generous than usual: an enormous length of cloth-of-gold. 'It was meant to be the robes of the previous Bishop of Southwark. Big chap. Popped his clogs before they could get further than the stole.'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
Gain: 3500 x
Silk Scrap
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
An esteemed visitor
'We'll wait out here,' the Bishop says, as handlers prod your creature up a ramp and through a trap door in the roof of his great stone barn. 'Snifter?' The brandy gives you something to talk about as you try to ignore the sounds of the wings-of-thunder bat playfully batting your creature off the barn's walls for ten minutes before getting bored and eating it. The bat shrieks. The barn shakes.
What emerges is, apparently, just a bat. It's removed for examination. You catch the Bishop later as he takes his constitutional. 'It's a bat.' he says, grinning wickedly. 'No special properties whatsoever. Won't be digging up any devils with this one.' You ask about his good mood. 'Turns out it's an entirely new species! The Department of Chiropterochronometry is offering a blessed fortune for it. Gold greases God's wheel, eh? Today was a good day!'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal.
Gain: 2600 x
Silk Scrap
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Pulling out the Stops
Fungal treats, firm discipline and no infernal altercations. Nothing but the best for the Hound of Heaven!
unlocked with The Hunt is On! 6, Thwarting Beastly Devils 6, Taming the Beast 6, making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4
Breed the Somnolent Hyaena
Consign the creature to its fate.
Unlocked with 1 x Somnolent Hyaena
Like Snow
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and a great host of frost-moths surges into the cool evening. Their blue-white wings shine in the dim light.
These moths stay well away from gas-lamps and candle flames, unlike most of their kind. They swirl and coruscate around the Fourth Coil like a snowstorm. Even the Bishop is dumbfounded at the spectacle of it.
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 80 x
Memory of Distant Shores
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
And then they were gone
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and a great host of frost-moths surges into the cool evening. Their blue-white wings shine in the dim light.
The moths cannot resist gas-lamps and candles. They hurl themselves into the flames, melting their fragile wings and dooming themselves. You watch helplessly as the beautiful swarm sparks and flashes and disappears.
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Somnolent Hyaena.
Gain: 60 (?) x
Memory of Distant Shores
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Approaching the Gates of the Garden increase OR
Approaching the Gates of the Garden hasn't changed, because it's higher than 15
Breed the Rubbery Hound
Could this hound be the key to the riddle of the Hound of Heaven?
Unlocked with 1 x Rubbery Hound
Getting the secrets out afterwards
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. A sleek horned owl. An owl with a peculiar longitudinal seam, and eyes gleaming with alien intelligence.
'What have you done?' cries the Bishop. 'That's a… wait. Perhaps we could use that. Devils have secrets, of course. More than anyone. Yes, this could work. Of course, the trick will be to get them out of the owl afterwards…'
You were fortunate!
You've lost
1 x Rubbery Hound.
Gain: 58 x
Incendiary Gossip
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
An owl?
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. A sleek horned owl. An owl with a peculiar longitudinal seam, and eyes gleaming with alien intelligence. 'What have you done?' screams the Bishop. 'That's a Bifurcated Owl! Run, if you value your secrets! Run! and hide!'
You were unlucky! Better luck next time…
You've lost
1 x Rubbery Hound.
Gain: 43 x
Incendiary Gossip
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Tomb-Lion
Perhaps nobility of aspect will matter more than the smell.
Unlocked with 1 x Tomb-Lion
The passing of a bat
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. A bat. Well, the shape of a bat. It's more like an ink spill pushed into a batlike silhouette. It glides on silent, unmoving wings towards you, passing just over your head. As you duck, you see that the shape contains tiny pin-pricks of light, like distant stars. No wind marks its passing.
The Bishop looks concerned. Almost fearful. He says nothing, just shakes his head at you and heads back to his study for a drink or seven.
You were fortunate!
You've lost
1 x Tomb-Lion
Gain: 74 x
Incendiary Gossip
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
What Indeed?
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears. A bat. Well, the shape of a bat. It's more like an ink spill pushed into a batlike silhouette. It glides on silent, unmoving wings towards you, passing just over your head. As you duck, you see that the shape contains tiny pin-pricks of light, like distant stars. No wind marks its passing.
'And what the bloody hell was that?' says the Bishop.
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
You've lost
1 x Tomb-Lion
Gain: 55 x
Incendiary Gossip
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters… is decreasing.
Breed the Plated Seal
Perhaps the cold zee holds the secret.
Unlocked with 1 x Plated Seal
A matter of luck: pretty good odds.
The Hound of Heaven!
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, slithering on a pure white belly. A snake. It glows gently in the dim cavern light. It looks around for a moment, and fixes its ruby gaze on a nun. She shouts with fear and runs, dropping a heavy bag behind her.
The Bishop strides over to the bag. It contains nothing but nevercold brass ingots. An infernal impostor! The snake picked her out!
The Bishop claps you on the shoulder. You manage not to stagger. 'You did it!' he yells. 'This, this is the Hound of Heaven! But didn't I tell you, no bloody serpents!'
You were fortunate!
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal
Gain: 1 x Hound of Heaven
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters decrease
Note for the curious: Once you've earned a Hound of Heaven, you can return to the Unterzee, acquire another Plated Seal, then breed a second Hound of Heaven. For those seeking the Neathy Pokemon project, this may allow you to give the Bishop a Hound of Heaven, while keeping one for yourself, with a (third) Plated Seal, on top of that.
The Hound of Heaven
You lead your creature to the squat stone barn that holds the wings-of-thunder bat. You're not permitted inside - 'far too dangerous' - so you give your creature a final pat before it's led up a ramp and pushed through a trap door in the barn roof. A high pitched scream, almost beyond hearing, shatters the peace. The barn shakes. You hear moist crunchings, and a thick trail of mucus snakes out from beneath the barn door. Your creature is not seen again.
Some time later, the trap door opens and something appears, slithering on a pure white belly. A snake. It glows gently in the dim cavern light. It looks around for a moment, and fixes its ruby gaze on a nun. She shouts with fear and runs, dropping a heavy bag behind her.
The Bishop strides over to the bag. It contains nothing but nevercold brass ingots. An infernal impostor! The snake picked her out!
The Bishop claps you on the shoulder. You manage not to stagger. 'You did it!' he yells. 'This, this is the Hound of Heaven! But didn't I tell you, no bloody serpents!'
You were unlucky. Better luck next time…
Lose: 1 x Plated Seal
Gain: 1 x Hound of Heaven
Your '
The Hunt is On!' Quality has gone!
Your '
Taming the Beast' Quality has gone!
Your '
Thwarting Beastly Devils' Quality has gone!
In the Company of Monsters decrease
Note for the curious: Once you've earned a Hound of Heaven, you can return to the Unterzee, acquire another Plated Seal, then breed a second Hound of Heaven. For those seeking the Neathy Pokemon project, this may allow you to give the Bishop a Hound of Heaven, while keeping one for yourself, with a (third) Plated Seal, on top of that.
Here's a table summarizing the above. Note: this is assuming the "fortunate" result. The "unfortunate" result gives roughly 25% less of each item.
This table is out of date, due to the rewards being updated on March 13, 2014. Out-of-date entries are bolded, and should be replaced by un-bolded values once they are known.
The Hound of Heaven
The Bishop may not like serpents, but this creature can sniff out devils like a truffle-pig in the forest.
(unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16, in the Labyrinth of Tigers, Navigating Coil 4, Hound of Heaven 1)
Hand over your hou… snake
The Bishop is sure to be pleased. Assuming he can overcome his irrational dislike of serpents.
Spittle and serpents
You stroll towards the Bishop's chapel-headquarters as the lamps are being lit. Your serpent's scales gleam prettily in the half-light as it slithers obediently beside you. A verger raises an eyebrow as you pass and crosses himself.
The Bishop is in a boisterous mood. 'I told you! No serpents! Oh, I give up. I'm being tested. And I shall not falter! Even if the Brass Embassy giggle themselves to sleep at night over the sight of a Bishop with a serpent. Well, I'll have them laughing on the other side of their fangs!' You nod politely and wipe off the spittle.
'Let's have it then,' says the Bishop. 'The beast could track a devil across a river and through the sky, you say? We'll see. Oh yes, we'll see. Now, you should go and leave me to my business. And serious business it is. I'll send you a few bottles of something splendid for your trouble.'
Lose: 1 x Hound of Heaven
Gain: 3 x Cellar of Wine
Connected: The Church increase
45-50 points
At some point, you will receive a bronze opportunity card…
A Visit from a Cloaked Stranger
A heavy, impatient knock at your door. Special constables wrap their black greatcoats tight against the fog. A Master of the Bazaar has come to see you.
Unlocked with making progress in the Labyrinth of Tigers 16
A review of your work
The Masters of the Bazaar have been observing your breeding programme. Mr Hearts wishes to comment on your results.
(Dangerous challenge, low-risk at 123)
Well. That's probably splendid.
'We commend your work. My brethren and I have enjoyed your creatures greatly. Juicy and well-spiced and delicious. We smack our lips and lick our fangs at the thought of the next creation. We grow a little weary of hyaenas, though. Perhaps you should look further afield. Take these tonics for your sweetmeats.'
Dangerous increase
Gain: 5 x F.F. Gebrandt's Tincture of Vigour
Gain: 3 x F.F. Gebrandt's Superior Laudanum
What is he talking about?
'We find your morsels to be mean. Dry and cracked and unappetising. You must try harder. If we did not know better, we might think you were insulting us.'
Dangerous increase
Suspicion increase
Mr Hearts has something for you
text missing
[This opportunity will unlock the hidden secrets of the Fourth Coil - four new beasts to breed and call your own. And the terrible truth of the Bishop's plans. A dozen storylets and opportunities of bestial savagery and revenge! You will need to be a Scholar of the Correspondence.]
Unlocked with a Scholar of the Correspondence 1
Requires 20 Fate
Fate-locked content must not be placed on the wiki, per the developers.
