The Protege Of A Mysterious Benefactor

Storylet

the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor Who is this person? Why are they being so generous? What do they want?

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A Note in the Gruel

Obtained in New Newgate Prison (Again):
 
 
 
 
 

Rewards spoiler

New Newgate gruel is bitter stuff. But this pot of it seems worse than usual. Papery. A note: 'Have patience. When you escape again, assistance will be sent to your lodgings. All shall be well.'
Rewards:
A twist in your tale! You are now the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor.

A gift!

Location: Your Lodgings
Unlocks: the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor 1
When you were… indisposed, a mysterious benefactor promised you a gift. And now, a package has been delivered. Somehow, they knew what you'd find most useful. What is it?

Option 1: Brass Knuckles

For the removal of life's little difficulties. [This is the Dangerous choice.]

Rewards spoiler

You now have 1 x Brass Knuckledusters
the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor has increased to 2!

Option 2: A huge supply of mint humbugs

A useful tool of introduction. [This is the Persuasive choice.]

Rewards spoiler

What a taste!

The smell of these things can knock bats out of the sky. They should be useful in breaking the ice, although you'll need to hide them when urchin gangs are about.
You now have 1 x A Bag of Fierce Mint Humbugs
the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor has increased to 2!

Option 3: A bowler hat

Bowler hats are very common. One could blend inconspicuously into a crowd when wearing this. [This is the Shadowy choice.]

Rewards spoiler

Wherever did you get…

The hat is old and worn, but sturdy. The fit isn't quite right, so it dips rakishly over your left eye. Just the thing for a larcenous night out.
You now have 1 x Unobtrusive Bowler Hat
the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor has increased to 2!

Option 4: A pair of extremely shiny shoes

What secrets could you see reflected? Many things are hidden close to the ground. [This is the Watchful choice.]

Rewards spoiler

Best buy some polish

The shoes squeak a little, but fit well enough. You see your reflection peering back up at you. And that paper you lost under the dresser. And the new holes in the skirting board. My, they are shiny.
You now have 1 x Mirror-polished Shoes
the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor has increased to 2!

With the parcel

Location: Your Lodgings
Unlocks: the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor 2, (Gift of the Mysterious Benefactor)
There was a note with your gift

Option 1: Open it up

What does your benefactor have to say?

Rewards spoiler (Mirror-polished Shoes)

It is unsigned (Watchful)

'I know your FACE. A VISION was vouchsafed to me. You will bring the TRUTH. They see me WATCHING THEM but they do not know. Lies and TRUTH, lies and TRUTH. I will find you soon.'
the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor has increased to 3!

Rewards spoiler (A Bag of Fierce Mint Humbugs)

The same simple handwriting as before (Persuasive)

'It is good to see that your previous troubles are resolved. I hope you appreciate the gift, and trust you understand that such confections are uncommon in the city. I hope to put your gift for wit and deft conversation to use in the days to come. We can be of great use to one another. I will see you very soon.' The note is not signed.
the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor has increased to 3!

Rewards spoiler (Brass Knuckledusters)

The same simple handwriting you saw in prison (Dangerous)

'My friend!! Everything is well. I hope you appreciate the gift: the very best that Gorchett & Sons has to offer. I'll see you very soon!!! Let's go and destroy something together!!!!' The note is not signed.
the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor has increased to 3!

Rewards spoiler (Unobtrusive Bowler Hat)

A note in an elegant hand (Shadowy)

'It is good that your former troubles are resolved. The gift I sent you is not intended to create obligation. It is to assist in the performance of evil acts to good purpose. Opportunities to disreputably gather virtue will be accorded before the wheel turns long. We will meet very soon.' The note is not signed.
the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor has increased to 3!

CONTINUED AT THE FOLLOWING BRANCHES

Dangerous Path

Persuasive Path

Watchful Path

Shadowy Path

Paths then return

A past benefactor

Unlocks: the Protégé of a Mysterious Benefactor 7
Your benefactor! Things seemed so simple then. A friend, a gift, a mission. Perhaps one day you'll have a protege of your own.

What happened to your friends?

Unlocks: A Bag of Fierce Mint Humbugs 1
Did they find what they were looking for?

Rewards spoiler

Look to the future

You did your best for the Urchins. Now it's up to them.
Gain: 1 x Confident Smile

If things had been different…

Cost: 8 Fate
Perhaps they can be yet. [Spend Fate to begin the Benefactor storyline from the beginning again, when the gift arrived in your lodgings.]

Rewards spoiler

lose Your Gift! Ouch. 8 Fate to get shafted.

If things had been different…

Unlocks: Brass Knuckledusters
Where did that exotic affliction first enter the world?

Rewards spoiler

What's done is done

Be proud of your part in it. It wasn't easy.
[[image /art/fistsmall.png Gain: 1 x Hard-Earned Lesson

Who was the Tattooed Woman?

Unlocks: Unobtrusive Bowler Hat
Did you make the wisest choice?

Rewards spoiler

???

And what of the secrets of Hell?

Unlocks: Mirror-polished Shoes
Why did you advise him as you did?

Rewards spoiler

A man with a mission

Perhaps you admired the man. Perhaps you regretted so much time spent around that impossible smell of his. Either way, you learnt a great deal.
1 x Sudden Insight

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