Unfinished Business In Spite
When your Shadowy is 61-70
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Unfinished Business in Spite.
Perhaps the old place still has a thing or two that's worth the taking.
This storylet unlocks with Shadowy at 70 but individual options all require that one be A Person of Some Importance. This storylet allows one to accumulate specific items necessary for the acquisition of the more expensive items obtained in the Bazaar Sidestreets.
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Keep your hands quick
Pilfer a few rats from the market stalls. Hardly worth your time, of course, but the prudent thief stays farthest from the gallows.
Unlocked with A Person of Some Importance 1
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 105)
Making it look easy
You move through the crowd when the market is at its busiest, and much later when the costermongers yawn and rub their bristly chins. Your fingers are fast and you soon fill your burlap sack with little furry morsels.
 Shadowy increase
 Gain: 100 x Rat on a String
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The fellow in the corner
You wouldn't bring your intended to this pub for a romantic evening. Actually, you wouldn't bring anyone, unless they were both vicious and armed. But there's a chap in the corner who reckons he can sell you cheap granite figurines.
Unlocked with Connected: Criminals 10, 10 x Rostygold, A Person of Some Importance 1
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 105)
What a bargain!
This fellow doesn't know what he has, packed into his grubby overcoat. Or perhaps their previous owner and the Constables are closing in and he needs to move them tonight. Either way, you've found a bargain.
Shadowy increase
 Gain: 11 x Relic of the Third City
 Lose: 10 x Rostygold
'What do you make of this?'
This is something apart, nothing like the dusty figurines and worn idols. You're sure he doesn't know what he's got here. You're not that sure yourself. You get a scream for a song.
Shadowy increase
 Gain: 1 x Aeolian Scream
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Encourage the honest folk of Spite to give you 'gifts'
The folks around here will keep you sweet, if they know what's good for them.
Unlocked with Ruthless 1, A Person of Some Importance 1 This storylet will cost you 5 actions!
One at a time, now
The honest working folk of Spite queue up to buy another week of untroubled life. Despite the reputation of the place, there are many here that are honest, if downtrodden and desperate. The silk-weavers bring you enough scraps and off-cuts to be worth your time.
 Gain: 450 x Silk Scrap
 Ruthless increase but no higher than 6
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Eavesdropping
Spite is a good place to hide yourself. What business is being discussed behind market stalls and under the Flit-ropes?
Unlocked with A Person of Some Importance 1
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 105)
A new sort of secret
The crowd that hides the whisperers can also hide you. Secrets are everywhere, but they grow ever stranger. Once it was all about the Great Game and who was stealing what. It seems that every secret these days is a new illusion for Mahogany Hall, some nonsense about the Correspondence or an upward estimation of the number of soulless in London. These are complex times.
Shadowy increase
 Gain: 50 x Cryptic Clue
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Rob a glim shipment
Rubbery Men move glim around Spite. Sometimes, carts full of the stuff.
Unlocked with A Person of Some Importance 1
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 105)
Pant pant
Your breath is coming hard now. How much longer will these blue-coated wretches chase you? And the sack split! You only have what you stuffed into your pockets. But you're outpacing them now. Two more streets and you'll be away.
Shadowy increase
 Gain: 100 x Glim
(This is not the best action for Glim. More can be scored at Mahogany Hall, by educating Lyme, the Clay Man. Teaching Lyme tests Persuasion, while stealing the Glim here tests Shadowy.)
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The prince of…
You've spent enough time around devils to know their ways. A little theatrical make-up and you'll be collecting souls from gullible spirifers in no time.
Unlocked with Connected: Hell 10, A Person of Some Importance 1
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 105)
The wages of sin
'Yes, yes, your account at the Embassy will be credited with these fine souls. Now, run along and gather up some more.'
'He he he.'
Shadowy increase
 Gain: 50 x Soul
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Ambush a few couriers for old times' sake
Does that bring back memories of simpler, poorer times? Perhaps. It's certainly true that messengers, couriers and spies still walk Spite's alleyways with intriguing satchels.
This storylet will cost you 2 actions!
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 105)
A late delivery
Who would dare rob a uniformed servant of the Post Office? Oh, you would. A smart blow on the head, and you're away into the fog with a sack of letters.
Shadowy increase
 Gain: 40 x Stolen Correspondence
The saddest thing is that it will never be delivered
Who would dare rob a uniformed servant of the Post Office? Oh, you would. A smart blow on the head, and you're away into the fog with a sack of letters. A few are saleable. One might bring a tear to your eye.
Shadowy increase
 Gain: 1 x Touching Love Story
Gain: 20 x Stolen Correspondence
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The Troubles So Far
This box of yours causes endless difficulties. But who is really to blame?
Unlocked with Shadowy 120, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
Those who govern
The box is a thing of the Masters of the Bazaar. It's probably their fault your life is so complicated.
Vox populi
Any government should be wary of its people. Specifically, you.
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now The Conscience of Empire!
Those who are governed
If people would just shut up and be ruled, the Masters wouldn't have to scheme and plot.
Onwards
Perhaps one day the Masters will acknowledge your loyalty and vision. But for now, you have things to do.
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now A Guardian of the Realm!
A Guardian of the Realm!
An Agent of the Masters
These people don't have titles or badges. They have expensive suits, an aura of menace and a pack of Special Constables to do their bidding. This one is known to have scandalous appetites.
Unlocked with Shadowy 120, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12, A Power in Waiting-A Guardian of the Realm , A Boxful of Intrigue 0-3
Expose him to the newspapers
Public outrage is the only restraint known to these people.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Read all about it
Mr Huffam won't touch the story, but his competitor next door at the distinctly republican Underworld Clarion laps it all up. His readership likes nothing more than sordid tales of anyone richer than they are. Of course, your name won't be mentioned.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now The Conscience of Empire!
So that's how it is
When you arrive at the newspaper offices, there's a crowd jostling against a ring of Constables. You'll be seeing nobody here today.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Help cover up the sordid business
Assisting the mighty in remaining so is seldom a poor idea.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Why do you want to go there at all?
One expects the powerful and well-connected to have a few shameful peccadilloes. They're much like gold pocket-watches and sleek carriages. But this fellow's habits need to be out of sight. Possibly at the bottom of a well. That well. You keep the worst of it out of the papers, at least.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
A little too close
Who was that society figure seen in the company of our scandalous official? It was you. Turn to page four for the whole story.
Shadowy increase
Scandal increase
(1 change point)
The Unionist
The strike was over for now. But the Special Constables still hunted a union leader.
Unlocked with Shadowy 120, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12, A Power in Waiting-A Guardian of the Realm, A Boxful of Intrigue 0-3
Help her escape
Mr Fires has a particular savagery reserved for unionists. It's best not to think about the ones it captures.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Up and away
The unionist isn't the sort to hide out in the tomb-colonies. But you know some places in the Flit where even the Special Constables won't go. She'll be safe there for a while.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now The Conscience of Empire!
Gone
They caught the unionist yesterday. You don't know where she was sent, but it wasn't New Newgate. A Special Constable gives you a mirthless grin in the street.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Join the hunt
Order must be maintained. And Mr Fires occasionally remembers to be grateful.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Gone away and forgotten
The unionist ascended a rope to the Flit. And you were there waiting for her. They're unimaginative when they get desperate. The Special Constables take her away, and not to New Newgate. You overhear one asking whether the unionist is an orphan.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Across the line
The unionist is gone to the Flit. One more across the border from troublemaker to revolutionary. They all end up in the same place eventually.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
Doing the Rounds
Jasper and Frank, the amiably brutal Clay agents of the Masters, pop by for a little word. They want to know where a certain local gossip is.
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-A Guardian of the Realm, A Boxful of Intrigue 4-6
Tell them the truth
The Gossip is probably down the Medusa's Head drinking cheap beer and playing darts.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
A bad night to be a gossip
You know better than to lie to these two. Frank salutes - or possibly threatens - you with his hammer and the pair stomp noisily away into the fog.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Whatever can he mean?
'Right you are, glimshine', says Jasper. 'But don't think we don't know about what you've been up to. You're a proper villain, ain't you?'
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
Lie to them
Jasper and Frank rarely bring anything but pain. Send them elsewhere.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Credible lies
Jasper and Frank head off to the weasel pits, hefting their hammers. Your urchin messenger will reach the Gossip before they realise their mistake. It's good to have people owe you favours.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now The Conscience of Empire!
'Do I look like a bleedin' ladybird?'
Perhaps you should have picked somewhere a little more plausible. The Gossip isn't really the sort for salons.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
The Course of Love
For reasons best known to itself, Mr Fires sometimes has agents interfere with romances in the public eye. This couple were about to part acrimoniously.
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-A Guardian of the Realm, A Boxful of Intrigue 4-6
Keep its agents at bay
If it is not to be, then having Mr Fires' silken-tongued intriguers trying to prolong the match isn't going to help anyone.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Gone but not forgotten
The final argument happened at a society salon. The band played on as the couple screamed and threw furniture. As good a way to go out as any.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now The Conscience of Empire!
Helpless in the face of love
Was the last spat a ruse for the press? Does Mr Fires have agents you don't know about? Either way, they're together again, cooing and smiling for the press.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
Help keep them together
It doesn't seem likely that Mr Fires has a romantic streak. But whatever its intentions, helping it out will pay.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Contained
The more popular newspapers were full of their shouting matches and tearful reconciliations. But they stayed together a little longer. A Special Constable tells you that Mr Fires is almost chirpy.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Troubled waters
Despite the help of a company of shadowy agents dedicated to the cause of true love, she left him for a zee-captain and zailed away. Mr Fires raged for days.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Encryption of a Sort
When the Masters of the Bazaar send each other messages, they often use the Correspondence. Is that their native tongue? Or a particularly dangerous cipher?
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-A Guardian of the Realm, A Boxful of Intrigue 7-9
Intercept the messages
Whatever they're talking about, it must be worth knowing.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Taken
The first lead plaque could say 'A fortuitous occasion for the revision of plans for murder' or possibly 'A deep place to hide sins'. Seldom have you seen a courier so pleased to be robbed.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now The Conscience of Empire!
Empty
The lead plate is blank. But when you sleep, you can feel one of the letters drifting through the fog of dreams towards you. You wake covered in sweat.
Shadowy increase
Nightmares increase
See that the messages arrive safely
You have little expectation of gratitude from the Masters. But the stone wheels of government must turn.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Holding steady
Tonight the machine runs smoothly. The villains and revolutionaries didn't get close. London abides in your care.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Too close
The courier catches his breath and says, 'Thanks for that, mate. I'd have hated to lose this.' He shows you an engraved copper cylinder and your eyes fill with blood. You can smell burning.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
A Night of Desperate Ambushes
The neddy men are out in force tonight. Nobody seems to know why they're fighting a ragged force of dockers, costermongers and the poor of Spite.
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-A Guardian of the Realm, A Boxful of Intrigue 7-9
Wade in with the neddy men
Order must be maintained. Sometimes, regrettably, with a stick.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Instruction
You teach the people of Spite a lesson in humility and the order of things. The neddy men around you leave a few legs broken and a few buildings burned, but Spite will be much the same by morning. Perhaps a little more obedient.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Refused
'We don't want your sort around here, mate.' You've not seen that neddy foreman before. But who briefed him against you?
Shadowy increase
Wounds increase
Defend Spite from the neddy men
The people of Spite have little enough. They must keep what they have.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Life goes on
Spite's narrow streets saw ambush after ambush. But by the lighting of the lamps, the neddy men had retreated. Spite was little worse than the day before. The skirmishes were never mentioned in the newspapers. Life goes on.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now The Conscience of Empire!
Troubled
You put up a robust resistance. But there are too many of them. If the dawn rose here, it would find you sheltering in a market hall. And some of the neddy men saw your face.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
A Salon of a Sort
The Duchess is holding a philanthropic salon in a hall in Spite. Can you get through the crowds to speak to her?
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue 10-12
Steer the conversation to Mr Stones
What will the Duchess say about the wealthiest Master of them all?
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
The matter of wealth
You weave, sneak and shove your way to the Duchess. Crumpets fly in your wake. The Duchess chooses her words carefully.
'We would never speak against the Masters, of course. But one must wonder what all this wealth Mr Stones is accumulating is for. The Masters do not value wealth for its own sake. So what is it going to do with it all?'
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
A touchy subject
'Oh.
It. We see no need to speak of it at all.'
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
Steer the conversation to Mr Fires
What does her Grace have to say about the captain of London's industries?
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Rarefied
You beat a pack of literary wits to the Duchess, and engage her on the subject of Mr Fires. Her fingers shake as she speaks, almost spilling her tea.
'Why was it so insistent on controlling the dirigibles? They're awful things, of course, but really more in the remit of Mr Cups or Mr Veils. But it did want those dirigibles so. It spent quite a lot of capital and spilled an amount of blood to grasp them.'
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
The wrong question
'Oh.
It. We would rather not speak of it at all.'
Shadowy increase
Scandal increase
(1 change point)
A Strong Box
The Masters' wealth is beyond measure, they say. They keep most of it in hidden vaults, but they must sometimes move money around the city.
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-A Guardian of the Realm, A Boxful of Intrigue 10-12
Tell your larcenous colleagues when the strong-box will be moved
It will be a high risk job, but there are a few crews in the city that might attempt it.
Unlocked with Connected: Criminals 1
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
A mixed bag
The robbery got very complicated very quickly. The lads made off with one strong-box, even though the coppers picked up one of the look-outs. The take was good enough, though, that his wife will be looked after until he gets out of New Newgate.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Connected: Criminals increase OR
Connected: Criminals hasn't changed, because it's higher than 10
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now The Conscience of Empire!
Not reflecting well on you
The coppers were waiting in great handfuls when the lads made their move. A terrible business, and not one of them escaped New Newgate.
Shadowy increase
Scandal increase
(1 change point)
Tell the gentlemen in blue about any plans for robbery you hear about
It's the duty of any responsible citizen.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Smartly done
The armoured carriage arrived safely and there are now four less hoodlums around to rob Londoners of their wealth. Everyone is pleased. Well, everyone who isn't in New Newgate.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Connected: The Constables increase OR
Connected: The Constables hasn't changed, because it's higher than 10
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
How could you know?
The armoured carriage with the strong-box was robbed two streets before the Constables set their ambush on your advice. Stern eyes turn to you.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
The Conscience of Empire
An Agent of the Masters
These people don't have titles or badges. They have expensive suits, an aura of menace and a pack of Special Constables to do their bidding. This one is known to have scandalous appetites.
Unlocked with Shadowy 120, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12, A Power in Waiting-The Conscience of Empire, A Boxful of Intrigue 0-3
Expose him to the newspapers
Public outrage is the only restraint known to these people.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Read all about it
Mr Huffam won't touch the story, but his competitor next door at the distinctly republican Underworld Clarion laps it all up. His readership likes nothing more than sordid tales of anyone richer than they are. Of course, your name won't be mentioned.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
So that's how it is
When you arrive at the newspaper offices, there's a crowd jostling against a ring of Constables. You'll be seeing nobody here today.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Help cover up the sordid business
Assisting the mighty in remaining so is seldom a poor idea.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Why do you want to go there at all?
One expects the powerful and well-connected to have a few shameful peccadilloes. They're much like gold pocket-watches and sleek carriages. But this fellow's habits need to be out of sight. Possibly at the bottom of a well. That well. You keep the worst of it out of the papers, at least.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now A Guardian of the Realm!
A little too close
Who was that society figure seen in the company of our scandalous official? It was you. Turn to page four for the whole story.
Shadowy increase
Scandal increase
(1 change point)
The Unionist
The strike was over for now. But the Special Constables still hunted a union leader.
Unlocked with Shadowy 120, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12, A Power in Waiting-The Conscience of Empire, A Boxful of Intrigue 0-3
Help her escape
Mr Fires has a particular savagery reserved for unionists. It's best not to think about the ones it captures.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Up and away
The unionist isn't the sort to hide out in the tomb-colonies. But you know some places in the Flit where even the Special Constables won't go. She'll be safe there for a while.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Gone
They caught the unionist yesterday. You don't know where she was sent, but it wasn't New Newgate. A Special Constable gives you a mirthless grin in the street.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Join the hunt
Order must be maintained. And Mr Fires occasionally remembers to be grateful.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Gone away and forgotten
The unionist ascended a rope to the Flit. And you were there waiting for her. They're unimaginative when they get desperate. The Special Constables take her away, and not to New Newgate. You overhear one asking whether the unionist is an orphan.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now A Guardian of the Realm!
Across the line
The unionist is gone to the Flit. One more across the border from troublemaker to revolutionary. They all end up in the same place eventually.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
Doing the Rounds
Jasper and Frank, the amiably brutal Clay agents of the Masters, pop by for a little word. They want to know where a certain local gossip is.
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-The Conscience of Empire, A Boxful of Intrigue 4-6
Tell them the truth
The Gossip is probably down the Medusa's Head drinking cheap beer and playing darts.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
A bad night to be a gossip
You know better than to lie to these two. Frank salutes - or possibly threatens - you with his hammer and the pair stomp noisily away into the fog.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now A Guardian of the Realm!
Whatever can he mean?
'Right you are, glimshine', says Jasper. 'But don't think we don't know about what you've been up to. You're a proper villain, ain't you?'
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
Lie to them
Jasper and Frank rarely bring anything but pain. Send them elsewhere.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Credible lies
Jasper and Frank head off to the weasel pits, hefting their hammers. Your urchin messenger will reach the Gossip before they realise their mistake. It's good to have people owe you favours.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
'Do I look like a bleedin' ladybird?'
Perhaps you should have picked somewhere a little more plausible. The Gossip isn't really the sort for salons.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
The Course of Love
For reasons best known to itself, Mr Fires sometimes has agents interfere with romances in the public eye. This couple were about to part acrimoniously.
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-The Conscience of Empire, A Boxful of Intrigue 4-6
Keep its agents at bay
If it is not to be, then having Mr Fires' silken-tongued intriguers trying to prolong the match isn't going to help anyone.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Gone but not forgotten
The final argument happened at a society salon. The band played on as the couple screamed and threw furniture. As good a way to go out as any.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Helpless in the face of love
Was the last spat a ruse for the press? Does Mr Fires have agents you don't know about? Either way, they're together again, cooing and smiling for the press.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
Help keep them together
It doesn't seem likely that Mr Fires has a romantic streak. But whatever its intentions, helping it out will pay.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Contained
The more popular newspapers were full of their shouting matches and tearful reconciliations. But they stayed together a little longer. A Special Constable tells you that Mr Fires is almost chirpy.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now A Guardian of the Realm!
Troubled waters
Despite the help of a company of shadowy agents dedicated to the cause of true love, she left him for a zee-captain and zailed away. Mr Fires raged for days.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
Encryption of a Sort
When the Masters of the Bazaar send each other messages, they often use the Correspondence. Is that their native tongue? Or a particularly dangerous cipher?
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-The Conscience of Empire, A Boxful of Intrigue 7-9
Intercept the messages
Whatever they're talking about, it must be worth knowing.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Taken
The first lead plaque could say 'A fortuitous occasion for the revision of plans for murder' or possibly 'A deep place to hide sins'. Seldom have you seen a courier so pleased to be robbed.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Gain: 2 x Correspondence Plaques
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Empty
The lead plate is blank. But when you sleep, you can feel one of the letters drifting through the fog of dreams towards you. You wake covered in sweat.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 2 x Correspondence Plaques
Nightmares increase
See that the messages arrive safely
You have little expectation of gratitude from the Masters. But the stone wheels of government must turn.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Holding steady
Tonight the machine runs smoothly. The villains and revolutionaries didn't get close. London abides in your care.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now A Guardian of the Realm!
Too close
The courier catches his breath and says, 'Thanks for that, mate. I'd have hated to lose this.' He shows you an engraved copper cylinder and your eyes fill with blood. You can smell burning.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
A Night of Desperate Ambushes
The neddy men are out in force tonight. Nobody seems to know why they're fighting a ragged force of dockers, costermongers and the poor of Spite.
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-The Conscience of Empire, A Boxful of Intrigue 7-9
Wade in with the neddy men
Order must be maintained. Sometimes, regrettably, with a stick.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Instruction
You teach the people of Spite a lesson in humility and the order of things. The neddy men around you leave a few legs broken and a few buildings burned, but Spite will be much the same by morning. Perhaps a little more obedient.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now A Guardian of the Realm!
Refused
'We don't want your sort around here, mate.' You've not seen that neddy foreman before. But who briefed him against you?
Shadowy increase
Wounds increase
Defend Spite from the neddy men
The people of Spite have little enough. They must keep what they have.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Life goes on
Spite's narrow streets saw ambush after ambush. But by the lighting of the lamps, the neddy men had retreated. Spite was little worse than the day before. The skirmishes were never mentioned in the newspapers. Life goes on.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Troubled
You put up a robust resistance. But there are too many of them. If the dawn rose here, it would find you sheltering in a market hall. And some of the neddy men saw your face.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
A Strong Box
The Masters' wealth is beyond measure, they say. They keep most of it in hidden vaults, but they must sometimes move money around the city.
Unlocked with A Power in Waiting-The Conscience of Empire, A Boxful of Intrigue 10-12
Tell your larcenous colleagues when the strong-box will be moved
It will be a high risk job, but there are a few crews in the city that might attempt it.
Unlocked with Connected: Criminals 1
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
A mixed bag
The robbery got very complicated very quickly. The lads made off with one strong-box, even though the coppers picked up one of the look-outs. The take was good enough, though, that his wife will be looked after until he gets out of New Newgate.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Connected: Criminals increase OR
Connected: Criminals hasn't changed, because it's higher than 10
Empire's Kingmaker increase
(10 change points)
Not reflecting well on you
The coppers were waiting in great handfuls when the lads made their move. A terrible business, and not one of them escaped New Newgate.
Shadowy increase
Scandal increase
(1 change point)
Tell the gentlemen in blue about any plans for robbery you hear about
It's the duty of any responsible citizen.
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 135)
Smartly done
The armoured carriage arrived safely and there are now four less hoodlums around to rob Londoners of their wealth. Everyone is pleased. Well, everyone who isn't in New Newgate.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat
An occurrence! Your 'A Power in Waiting' Quality is now A Guardian of the Realm!
How could you know?
The armoured carriage with the strong-box was robbed two streets before the Constables set their ambush on your advice. Stern eyes turn to you.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
The Rewards of Intrigue
The quick and the wise can extract items of worth from the intrigues of the Masters.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue 13
Accept a gift for your efforts
Why not? You are so very talented, after all
This will gain you Strangling Willow Absinthe.
Bottoms up.
Perhaps you'll have a little drink. Oblivion follows intrigue like a faithful spaniel.
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
Gain: 35 x
Strangling Willow Absinthe
Write it all down
Your secrets are getting to be more than your head can hold.
This will gain you Compromising Documents.
The ink dries
These would make a fine prize for another spy. Best hide them well.
Gain: 35 x
Compromising Document
Speak of your work in intimate company
You deserve a little attention.
This will gain you Stolen Kisses.
The night drifts into day
Who said that spycraft isn't fun?
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
Gain: 7 x
Stolen Kiss
Send your report to certain bandaged gentlemen
Being dead doesn't stop you from taking an interest in current events.
This will gain you Mourning Candles. It won't reduce your Empire's Kingmaker quality.
Unlocked with Empire's Kingmaker 40
Your pound of fat
The candles are certainly expensive. But you can't help but wonder if they cost your contact something personal.
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
Gain: 8 x
Mourning Candle
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Occurs when A Turncoat is 4 (Locks out many "a Survivor of the Affair of the Box" storys and options)
The Traitor's Feast
You've crossed the bridge once too often. Nobody trusts you. Making progress will be slow and difficult.
While you are a Turncoat, progress in the Affair of the Box will be very slow.
Unlocked with Shadowy 120, A Turncoat x 4, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box] 12
Finally getting somewhere
You're tolerated, if not trusted, perhaps. You'll get to the bottom of this yet. There's a good chance you won't make any progress, even if you succeed.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue x 7
(Shadowy challenge; straightforward at 140)
Getting there
You hear a whisper that the long-running feud between Mr Spices and Mr Wines is warming up again. A bordello of low quality has been ransacked by masked hoodlums. Time to put this to some use.
Shadowy increase
Snubbed
You pass Jasper and Frank in the street. They shrug their tectonic shoulders at your greeting. At least they don't go for their hammers.
Shadowy increase
Reflection
The Venal Police Sergeant has a lead for you. Something about Mr Mirrors never appearing in public. It's not much, but it might just get you back into this game.
Shadowy increase
Gain: 1 x A Boxful of Intrigue
Disadvantaged
Special Constables are arguing with shabby types in the street. You don't recognise any of their faces. But they know yours well enough.
Shadowy increase
Suspicion increase
(1cp)
Paying the anarchist's dues
Your reputation is that of a traitor to the cause. But there are still those who will speak for you.
Unlocked with Connected: Revolutionaries 20
Returned to the bosom of the people
Your sins are forgiven. The Cause is generous. There is space for you on the barricades once more. Back to business.
Connected: Revolutionaries decrease (From 29 to 26 for me, or 27 to 23, or 59-57)
Your 'A Turncoat' Quality has gone!
Paying the Master's dues
Perhaps they love you enough to forgive you.
Unlocked with Connected: the Masters of the Bazaar 1
A convenient lapse of memory
The memories of the Masters, their agents and their enemies is limited. Perhaps they'll forget your changing sides.
This will remove the A Turncoat quality.
Requires 5 Fate
Fate-locked content must not be placed on the wiki, per the developers.
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The D—nable Box
That heavy iron box lurks smugly in a corner of your pantry. It's time to do something about it.
Unlocked with Shadowy 120, a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 12
Interested parties
You have the box. You can't open it yet, but for now it's yours. But there are others after it. Best find out who.
Unlocked with 1 x A Heavy Iron Box, A Boxful of Intrigue 13
A particularly desirable little box
You've had a history, you and this mysterious box. You were hired to steal it by a Stuttering Fence, and it's been haunting you ever since. You're looking after it now because of Jasper and Frank - the Clay enforcers of the Masters. You've been after a key that will open the seven locks. For a while you thought the Kashmiri Princess - who turned out to be twins - had the key.
The fog in the streets brings you whispers. People are looking for your box. A devil is offering handfuls of rostygold for information. A pair of ladies, widely suspected of being Special Constables, are making discreet enquiries not far from your lodgings. The box cares not, but you can feel your collar warming from the attention. You'd best do something about it. Perhaps it's time to get the d—ned thing open.
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 15 - You'll have it open soon!
A Key at Last
A dapper Oriental fellow collars you in the street. He says, 'My employer - the Gracious Widow - has a key for sale. The key to a certain iron box. The price, to you, is one moon-pearl.'
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 15
Take the Gracious Widow up on her offer
Something isn't right here. The price is ridiculously low. But what do you have to lose?
Unlocked with 1 x Moon-Pearl, A Boxful of Intrigue 13
The Widow's Generosity
The same dapper fellow delivers the key. He bows extravagantly as he takes charge of your single moon-pearl, then takes his leave and disappears back into the swirling fog.
The key is much like the locket worn by the Kashmiri Princess. It's a complex mechanical thing, with a score of smoothly moving parts. It takes you all night to be absolutely sure that it doesn't fit any of the locks. In fact, there don't seem to be any recognisable lock mechanisms behind those keyholes. The key is a fake. And why would the box's original owner trust people like the Kashmiri Princess to hold them?
That's it! All the keys are fakes. The box isn't meant to be opened. The seven locks don't work at all. Even the number of locks is a red herring - recalling matters best not thought of. It was generous of the Gracious Widow to give you this message. And it's not like her to be generous. She must have an interest. But still, this is progress. So, the keys are distractions, illusions, false trails. But that's not going to stop you. Perhaps it's time for a locksmith. Or a steam hammer.
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 16 - You'll have it open soon!
Lose: 1 x
Moon-Pearl
Opening the box
The keys distributed around London are distractions. Not one of them will open your box. Still, there are other ways.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 16
Get the thing open
London is stuffed with ways and means that might open a truculent iron box. Locksmiths and steam hammers are only the start of it.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue 13
Open up
The engineering companies won't let you use their steam tools. 'We've got a big order on. More ships, you understand. The hammers never stop - Mr Fires would have our hides.'
Every locksmith in London has heard of your box and its seven locks. Not one of them will touch the thing, even when offered bribes beyond avarice. They all sing the same song. 'Those locks are off limits, by order of the Masters.'
Song. There's a point. The drownies know all sorts of strange songs. Perhaps they know one that can open locks.
The next few days pass in a damp blur. The Drownies are never easy to deal with, and their appetites are particularly unsavoury. But you manage it. You set up a trade. They won't teach you the song, but they'll open the box for you. At last.
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 17 - You'll have it open soon!
Finally Opening the Box
The sturdy iron box has repelled every attempt to open it. But now you have a new weapon.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 17
Open up
It wasn't easy to engage the services of a Drownie. And it meant lugging the box down to the river. But at last, you can open it.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue 13
In the box
The Drownie wants some privacy to sing her song, so you leave her alone with your box under the arch of a bridge. She must have started. You can't hear anything, but your hands shake and your teeth hurt. You can move only slowly, like you're far down in the black depths of the Unterzee.
And then it stops. There's a series of seven clicks from the archway, and a splash. When you turn the corner of rough brick, the Drownie is gone. She's left you with an unlocked box.
You open the box, and something climbs out. Something has a glistening carapace the colour of smoked sapphires. Something is made almost entirely of legs. Too many legs. It was folded up tight in there, and now it's out it stands taller than you. The crab-insect thing lets out a low gurgling moan, astonishingly like the noise of a Rubbery Man being murdered. It falls to the floor with a crash, quite dead.
Was the box keeping it alive? Or is there something disagreeable about the fog? Either way, this thing is made of glim. Most of it is cracked and pitted, but there's a lot of usable glim here. And what's this, in the bottom of the box? A little bundle of letters, tied with a red ribbon.
The script is that of the fourth city, but you can read a few words. These are love letters. What in the Neath?
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 18 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
Gain: 4000 x
Glim
Gain: 120 x
Romantic Notion
You no longer have any of this: 'A Heavy Iron Box'
Finding out More
The thing in the box was… well, it's hard to say. Perhaps you can find someone who knows more.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 18
An authority on the matter
A notable academic by the name of Dr Vaughan knows about these things. She's wanted by the Masters and hardly ever in London. But you've tracked her down.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue 13
Illegal, even for a Master…
Dr Vaughan is persecuted by the Masters to the point where she's rarely in London. But she has to meet her publishers occasionally, and you've managed to get a quarter-hour with her in a cramped office on Blackfinger Street.
You tell her about the thing in the box and she replies, 'A dozen legs and made of glim, you say? Well, that's certainly a moon-miser. The things that live on the roof - you know, the false-stars. Glim is their carapace-shedding, you know? How they got it in a box that size is beyond me. The poor thing. I could have helped it if it had lived a little longer. A terrible shame.
'And those heathen Masters are involved, you say? Now that is a thing, isn't it? The Masters have a treaty among themselves - they're not supposed to bring those things down from the roof. Far too dangerous. They exude this stuff - moon-milk. It acts like sort of a love potion from a silly fairy tale. You could get up to all sorts of mischief with something like that. So, if one of the Masters was keeping one of these in London, well… that's a big risk on its part.'
'And Fourth City love letters, you say? That makes no d—ned sense at all. You'd best ask someone who can read them. The Gracious Widow, perhaps. Well, pip pip. I'm back off out to the wilds before one of those crows catches me. Lovely to chat to you.'
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 19 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
Speaking to the Widow
The Gracious Widow might know something about these Fourth City love letters you've found.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 19
An understanding
The Gracious Widow will agree to speak with you about the box and its contents, if you hand over the Fourth City love letters.
Unlocked with 100 x Romantic Notion, A Boxful of Intrigue 13
The Widow Remembers
The room is swathed in darkness. But not even the Gracious Widow can read a love letter without light. She lights a tiny candle. It illuminates her hand - spotted and clawed with age, frail for one so powerful. You sip your green tea as she reads. Is that a sigh, a tear? The Widow clutches a pendant hanging around her neck - a beautifully fashioned silver leaf - as she reads.
Your cup is empty before the Widow speaks. 'Thank you for these. I had thought them lost forever into the hands of the Masters. They will provide me some comfort. I know a little about your box. And though it is now empty, it is still important.
'You see, few know that the box is empty, so it is still useful as a playing piece. A piece in a game that has been going on across London since this latest Fall. And before that in other places. The Masters play. The devils have once more joined the game. But as players or pieces?
'The Masters of the Bazaar are… not, perhaps as united in their aims as they like to claim. They squabble and war amongst themselves. The box is part of that conflict. It is a thing of Mr Stones, I would guess.
'I played once. The previous time this game ended, so did my city. I learned that lesson. I will speak no more of it. Speak to Yesterday's King if you must. But you must leave now. I wish to be alone.'
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 20 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
You've lost 100 x
Romantic Notion
Yesterday's King
The Gracious Widow mentioned Yesterday's King. But you've not heard of him.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 20
Tracking down the monarch of the past
There must be someone else who knows about Yesterday's King. You'll find him.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue 3
Yesterday's King
The favours and time you spent tracking him down don't matter now. You know where Yesterday's King is. Like the other relics of the Fourth City, he's in the Forgotten Quarter.
You find him in the ruins of a temple on the far outskirts of the Quarter, living in a rat-worried lean-to made of decayed bamboo. He's scrawny and ancient, ruined by time. He throws a rock at your head as you approach, but it doesn't get halfway to you.
'Go! Go! Oh, you're not a devil, are you? You look a bit like a devil. You shouldn't do that, looking like a devil and creeping about around here. Too many devils by half around here. I'm five hundred years old, you know.
'Did the Khan's daughter send you? That woman ruined me. Promised me the thrones of the world. All I had to do was bring down the Masters of the Bazaar. We had a city and the Neath. How hard could it be? They destroyed us. Razed the city and then went looking for another. London! What a terrible joke. And they forgot about me. Just left me here to rot.
'But they won't be laughing long. A devil came here yesterday. And I do mean yesterday, not ten years ago. I'm not that far gone. Nice hat. Yellow rose. One up to his neck in the intrigues of the Masters. Asked me a lot of questions about my little coup. I think he wants to try his hand. Where do you think the Sixth City will be?'
Return to Spite to continue investigating.
You've moved to a new area: The Forgotten Quarter
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 21 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
A Devil of a Plan
Yesterday's King mentioned a devil with a nice hat and a yellow rose.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 21
The devil you don't know
Many devils have unusual hats, but you're not sure if your tastes match up with the King's. You can look for a yellow rose, though.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue 13
The devils' gossip
You lurk where devils congregate. The Brass Embassy, Benthic College, hospitals and newspapers. You're taking lunch at Dante's Grill when you see your man. Well, devil. He's sitting at the next booth, talking to an infernal colleague and sipping venomous sherry.
'…and Mr Stones is furious that its box has gone missing again. The Clay twins are tearing the place up looking for it. No box means no moon-milk. And that means our exiled captain won't provide it with the troops it wants. It'll just have to wait for its blessed Sixth City.
'That's pleased old Fires, of course. Stones hid the love-letters it stole from Fires in the box. I'm sure Stones was planning on presenting the letters to the Bazaar, but that will have to wait too. If I didn't know better, I'd think that Fires actually wanted to keep the Bazaar in the Fifth City. Perhaps it likes the fog. Or lording it over its workers. That lot didn't have any servants before the Bazaar caught them, certainly.'
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 22 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
What to do about the box?
The moon-miser in your iron box is no more. But how do you make the best of this?
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 22
Go to Mr Stones
Mr Stones is plotting to move the Bazaar on from London. Could this be a good thing? You could gain its favour by coming clean about the box.
Prudence
It is well known that Mr Stones likes shiny objects. And you pocketed an awful lot of its glim. It's best you put together a little present to put it in a good mood when you speak.
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 30 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
Go to Mr Fires
Mr Fires wants the Bazaar to stay in London. It will be very interested in hearing about its rival's box.
Unavailable
Mr Fires is difficult to meet, even for a Master. You'll have to put in some effort to obtain an audience.
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 40 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
Spread stories about the Masters' plotting and disunity
You'll not bend your knee to these cloaked villains! You'll let the world know. No matter the cost.
You'll need a Newspaper if you're to publish this story.
Spreading the bad word
The Masters exert influence over the press, so publishing will be difficult. But you can whisper words in the right ears. And perhaps there is a way…
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 50 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
Go to Mr Stones Option (a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 30)
Meeting Mr Stones
Mr Stones might not be pleased that you've opened its box. Best bring it a present.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 30
A tiny gift
What does one give the cloaked inhuman ruler who has everything? A huge pile of glim is probably a good start.
Unlocked with Glim x 5000
At the office of Mr Stones
Special Constables heave the sacks of glim away. Mr Stones' cloak shimmers, more grey than black. Perhaps it's the tiny diamonds woven into the fabric. The tapping of its claws fills the gloomy office. Behind it, Jasper and Frank stand to attention. It speaks.
'So. Box is opened. Our box. No more. Disappointed. Didn't need glim. Needed moon-milk. Devils interested. Valuable trade opportunity lost.' Jasper reaches for his hammer.
'But. Ingenuity in opening box. Cunning. Perseverance. Admirable.' Jasper puts his hammer away.
'Go now. Discover Fires' next move. Be rewarded.'
Lose: 5000 x
Glim
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 31 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
Looking into Fires
You cast your lot in with Mr Stones. It asked you to look at the plots of Mr Fires.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 31
Fires' next move
You'll have to be subtle. It's not easy to spy on the schemes of a Master.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue 13
A box
The Special Constables see a lot of what the Masters get up to.They're a loyal and discreet bunch, but there's always a weakness, and you to sniff it out. A week later, you're having a pint in the Blind Helmsman with the least loyal and least discreet of them. You ask him about Mr Fires.
Now the box is gone, you're best out of the business. The Masters don't much care who gets hurt in their games. Shocking business. Now, Mr Fires, you say? It's about the only one that really likes London as a city. Most of the Masters want to get their service over with, but old Fires enjoys the life here. So it interferes with the other lot. It's thrown a spanner in old Stones' plan to get some posh devil to turn up with an army. And it's always messing with the love stories. Wines and Spices do most of that work, and they fair hate its guts. But Fires is subtle enough, and they can't do much against it in the open.
'Fires has its claws full with Wines and Spices right now - let's just hope old Stones doesn't start up some new plot before that's sorted out.'
If Mr Stones is fascinated by this intelligence, he doesn't show it. All you get is a curt, 'Noted. Enough.' and a little wooden box. Perhaps not as intriguing as the old iron box that started all this, but quite interesting nonetheless.
This is the end of the Affair of the Box!
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 60 - The Gratitude of Mr Stones!
You've gained 3 x
Searing Enigma
Connected: the Masters of the Bazaar increase
(At least one change point)
A twist in your tale! You are now
Fist of the Bazaar.
(From 0 to 13)
Go to Mr Fires Option (a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 40)
Finding Fires
Getting to meet Mr Fires is particularly difficult, even if you have good information for it.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 40
Going up
Mr Fires' official calendar is booked up for months. But perhaps you can sneak aboard a dirigible.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue x 13
A short trip
Mr Fires is flipping the pages of a ledger with a gloved hand. It's some time before it notices that you're not its usual navigator. You introduce yourself and tell Mr Fires what happened with Mr Stones' box. Most of the masters speak in a shrill squeak. It makes Mr Fires' hypnotic purr all the more unnerving. 'And Stones was pushing this moon-miser all around London, was it? And thinking of selling moon-milk to devils. Not a bad idea in itself, perhaps, but dealing with Hell's Exile is beyond madness. 'The question, of course, is what will Stones do now that you've ruined its precious box? Find out for us, and we will reward you. Now, get off our dirigible.'
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 41 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
Spying on Stones
Mr Fires has asked you to look into Mr Stones' likely next move.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 41
The smoothness of stones
Mr Stones is careful and wily. You'll need to take small steps.
Unlocked with A Boxful of Intrigue x 13
Stones and Fires
Mr Stones' agents are loyal. They're well paid and terrified of Jasper and Frank. So you look elsewhere - freelance intriguers and the servants of other Masters.
Fortune favours you, as you bump into Jervaise - Mr Wines' majordomo - as he leaves the Parlour of Virtue. He seems singularly pleased with his place in the world, and is happy to gossip.
'Old Stones is used to its box fluttering about London, so I'd expect it thinks it's hidden somewhere. It's probably not after you in person if the Clay twins haven't turned up already. So I wouldn't lose any sleep over that. If its deal with the devils - some exiled sort, you say? - went sour, it'll have to save face with them. So it'll probably be after a bunch of souls. I expect the spirifers will be busy for a while.
'The way I see it, Stones doesn't want the Bazaar to stay in London much longer. But look what happened to the Fourth City after it left. No, if you ask me, the Bazaar needs to stay here. But there's only a few of the Masters that think that way. Fires, and maybe Veils. I don't think my boss cares where the Bazaar is, as long as there's love stories about the place. Anyway, nice talking to you. And if the wife asks I was here on business.'
Mr Fires nods its head sagely at the mention of souls and spirifers. 'Well then,' it says, 'we'll have to encourage the Velocipede Squad to turn their attentions to the awful business of the soul trade. Well done. Our little game shall continue…'
This is the end of the Affair of the Box!
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 70 - The Gratitude of Mr Fires!
Connected: the Masters of the Bazaar increase
(1-2 change points)
A twist in your tale! You are now
Fist of the Bazaar.
(From 0 to 13)!
You've gained 3 x
Searing Enigma
Spread stories about the Masters' plotting and disunity Option (a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 50)
Baring All
Publishing the details of the Masters' plans will be almost impossible. The important word there is 'almost'.
Unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 50
Timing the word
The important thing is timing. If you're to survive the experience, you must publish when the Masters' clawed hands are full elsewhere.
Unlocked with 1 x Newspaper, A Boxful of Intrigue 13
A good day for news
That's it! Another strike at Wolfstack Docks leaves Mr Fires short-handed. And a Special Constable with a laudanum habit told you that Mr Stones has a temporary shortage of cash. And as a bonus, Jasper and Frank are back in their native Polythreme for a holiday.
That's it! Warm up those presses!
Go to Doubt Street and publish a new edition to continue.
Your 'A Boxful of Intrigue' Quality has gone!
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 51 - Aftermath and Intrigue!
When you'll be ready to start the presses, you'll then have a new choice :
A very special edition
You'll need to have established a reputation for truth in reporting. But this is the big story. This is the one they need to read.
unlocked with a Survivor of the Affair of the Box 51, Defender of Truth (at least 1 - Considered reliable)
MASTERS SCHEMING AGAINST LONDON AND EACH OTHER
Your journalists and sub-editors flee when they read the headlines. There's not one of them in the city when the first edition goes on sale. Cowards.
But you've judged it perfectly. London is a weary old city. Even a headline like this isn't going to have angry mobs in the streets. But it's a start. A crack. A tiny fault in the Masters' rule.
If one newspaper can question the wisdom of the Masters of the Bazaar, can others? Mr Huffam won't be following your lead any time soon, and no questions will be asked in Parliament. But across the city, people talk. Do the Masters care about London? What will happen when they choose the Sixth City? Is there another way?
You have pushed the first pebble. All you can do now is wait for the avalanche.
This is the end of the Affair of the Box!
'Hours before the Deadline' has been reset: a conclusion, or a new beginning?
You've gained 2 x
Extraordinary Implication
You no longer have any of this: 'Meritorious Copy'
You no longer have any of this: 'Salacious Copy'
You no longer have any of this: 'Outlandish Copy'
Defender of Truth has increased
An occurrence! Your 'a Survivor of the Affair of the Box' Quality is now 80 - A Most Notable Edition!
You've gained 3 x
Searing Enigma
Making Waves has increased
You've lost a quality:
Connected: the Masters of the Bazaar.
notes for wiki editors
turncoat ranks
You now have 1 - Somewhat Untrustworthy x A Turncoat
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat (new total 2 - Somewhat Untrustworthy)
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat (new total 3 - Somewhat Untrustworthy).
You've gained 1 x A Turncoat (new total 4 - Beyond the Pale).
Traitor! Villain! Inconstant Bounder! [If this gets too high, you will have problems progressing in the Affair of the Box.]
You were hired to steal a box by a Stuttering Fence who may have betrayed you.
