And back I am. Exhausted, certainly, and may need a while for that to wear off, but I'm once more here to read and even write!
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5 yrs ago
Won't be replying for a while. Am hiking.
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5 yrs ago
My congratulations to the winners of TI9! Well played gentlemen, well played.
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6 yrs ago
Should have been writing posts. Took part in D&D shenaniganry instead. Got to fix that tomorrow.
6 yrs ago
There's a lot of backlog here on my end. I'm trying my best to lessen it, but replies might be less frequent for a time. A welcome change from the nothing doing I went through though! Thanks partners!
Bio
I suppose it is about time for me to copypaste fill in some information about myself over here just as well. Only took me a few years to getting around to do it.
I am a married individual in my twenties from the country some people dare claim does not exist. The Finland conspiracy is an old joke, you can stop with it now. Not a native speaker of the English language by any means, though I did begin studying it exceptionally early for our country's standards. I suppose it was some sort of a test case. With that out of the way though, what more should I be saying here...
I like being nice to people. If one needs to ask why, well that alone is reason enough.
I play and Dungeon Master Dungeons and Dragons, both offline and in the past also over here.
I enjoy OOC chatter, be it planning the RP or a more casual exchange (not that RP'ing is that serious). I can make do without, but don't be afraid to talk to me.
Whatever the case, I'm here to have fun and hone my writing abilities!
I do think that should about cover it, yes.
Thanks for stopping by I suppose! I do also have a Discord account, but I prefer to start anything RP related on the site. At least with people I don't know from the past, that is! But hey, now if you are a longer time contact of mine and happened to read this, now you know and can ask!
@Templar Knight Seems fitting to me. Quite the choice of moniker though, wonder how he stays in business with the "bringer of ruin" in his nickname... Well, he evidently doe so it is none of my business.
"Ah, yes, you are new here..." the voice from behind Kyra noted, a clearly annoyed tone in it. "Let me rephrase that", the man suggested, accelerating his steps and making it in front of the priestess. He took a particularly deep breath of the smoke and as he spoke again, small puffs of colour came out of his lungs along with the words: "We can either talk here and now where you are free enough to appreciate it. Or I can see you bound to one of those poles and left there to think of an answer. It is your call." Krets was not up for games, that much was for certain.
At a whole another scene, a discussion was proceeding with many less idle threats as Parum did her best to weave this acolyte around her finger. And as far as she could tell, it was working too. "Uhhh... I mean... I can't really ask to have a bed for you in the acolyte's tent but... Ahm...", Davis went on stammering for a while as he honestly thought what he could offer for the promise of additional reward. In the end once they arrived at their destination, he looked a bit defeated as he apparently couldn't really think of anything more than what he had. "No, there's little I can think of. I can get you a blanket or two at best, but at least there's some natural holes on them walls, with even bushes in the way for some. Neat enough, even if no tent... I hope", was his promise.
Now these two were close enough to see the scene with Torus, Orchid, Brannor and the very confused guards. "Look see, we don't want prisoners at the horses unless... hey, are you even listening to me? Hey!" an annoyed guard shouted after Orchid, but resorted to simply facepalming as the half-orc moved away without a care in the world. The guard bit his lip and grumbled, trying his very best to say no swears. And he actually managed to only let out a very, thoroughly and massively annoyed scream into a closed mouth. More stuff he would have to deal with. Astounding. He moved towards Brannor, stopping a few paces away.
"Prisoner. You may stop. I'll see you to somebody who can actually use you for something, or back to that tent of yours", he requested compliance from the man of the wilds. Were he not one for listening, the guardsman would need to take a moment to gather his thoughts. Who would refuse the chance to not deal with literal shit? If the man complied however, the guard would indeed see him to the tent where prisoners were kept when not working. Where he would then be assigned to somewhere else, no doubt.
@shylarah The RP will begin with all the characters gathered in a masquerade ball, yes. An event where many an unusual person has been invited. If you believe you have any concepts you would need to discuss beforehand thanks to them not fitting into the Fallen London as is, you are free to ask any questions you may have!
As for Schrödinger being a feline with secrets and all, that currently reminds me of this feller.
Name's on the hider. Currently watching through Hellsing Ultimate and have had the pleasure of getting to know this guy. Yes, they are a Nazi. Don't ask, it's pretty complicated, though at least they are no Rudolf von Stroheim. Now that's a whole another story...
Anyway, cats might be difficult to fit along with the rest, I'll admit. But if you would like to try, well, you are most certainly welcome to make a sheet for them and we'll see where it goes.
Name: Monica Wellington-Smythe Title: Lady Moniker: The Parasol-toting Poet Age: 34 Race: Human Appearance:
Well, it is an old picture. These days Lady Monica is a fair bit more muscular and her hair is somewhat less strikingly red. Both are changes not everyone would approve of: What need does a proper lady have for muscle ruining her slender frame and why would they allow their hair to be dimmed so? Do not let her know we added this part here, however. One important thing of note is that you'll never see her without a parasol (indoors) or an umbrella (outdoors). Except perhaps in her own room.
The Masters - It is only natural for a Londoner to look up to the Masters, the true wielders of power in the Neath. They have graciously given us relative autonomy, and we do owe them for that. Were I asked to, I would not hesitate to stand by their side, no matter the cause.
Bohemians - I am one of the poets within the court of her enduring majesty. What do you think I think of my fellow artists? Those of the Celestial tradition make me wonder about their sanity at times though... we have everything we could ever need right here.
Constables - The guardians of law and order, the hand of the Echo Bazaar and its Masters. It is the ministry of public decency I despise, but other than that they are fine men and women.
Criminals - I have a connection to the underworld and I need no more. For all I care, they can rot in New Newgate.
Hell - They have some interesting forms of art, and I've heard an abstraction may well help one understand the Neath better. I am not too sure if I should trust in their word though. I would be ignorant if I did not know of their connection to Mr. Slowcake though...
Revolutionaries - I may have mentioned rotting in New Newgate a moment ago, no?
Rubbery Men - Ew, keep them away from me.
Society - Now we are talking. I've many friends within the society, as is expected of one residing within the Shuttered Palace. My own entry in the Slowcake's Exceptionals could be more robust, but I nonetheless do have one. That is bound to change however, trust me on that.
Church - I assume they mean well. I do not really know what they have done for London however.
Docks - I do not really visit Wolfstack, ever.
The Great Game - To say I would not have anything to do with the Game would be a lie. To say that what I do would be of little consequence would also be a lie. The game can be played for many sorts of folk or perhaps even just for the game itself. I know where my allegiances lie, as do those who do work with me. Call me a player and leave it at that.
Tomb Colonies - I know the place. I've even visited it once or twice, maybe even thrice? Tough to tell at this point, such a dull locale. But hospitable, make no mistake. They are good people, if a bit stiff.
Urchins - Ugh, they better keep their grubby mittens off me or I do not take responsibility of the swinging arc of my umbrella.
Black Ribbon Society - Hm? Oh, these? Yes, I am a member. There is no sport quite as exhilarating.
Background: Technically speaking, Lady Monica (as she prefers to be called) was born on the surface. But that was pretty much it. After but three weeks, London was already below ground. One does not really have memories from such a young age, though she could swear she has seen the real sun and that no poetry can ever compare to its glory and thus whatever Celestials try for is but a sham. Especially the Neath born of the sort. She, in turn, has embraced the new environment to its fullest and despite her loyalty to the spires and Masters of the Bazaar, adopted the style of Nocturnal poetry. And, well, while it is not quite on the Mycologenes level of immodesty, she is not the greatest fan of the Ministry of Public Decency and nor are they a fan of hers. The less racy ones of her works are usually well received by her enduring majesty. You just need to get her to pen one like that first.
When she is not earning her keep (or heading straight for another exile) in the confines of the Shuttered Palace, Lady Monica is most often seen in the establishments of Veilgarden or occasionally a figure with quite a similar appearance might be spotted in Wilmot's End. The Game is played and will be played, though the place is also her chosen duelling ground if given the opportunity to pick. Apart from these places, she is occasionally spotted visiting the Bazaar on business. The only currency she really trusts is, after all, Echoes and pennies. She is often seen in the company of one Renee Bellerose, though the reasons why are unknown to the public.
@Templar Knight@shylarah As things are, newcomers are welcome to submit a character sheet bust like anyone else. I am not able to promise that everyone would make it in in the end, but the chances are better if a sheet is submitted than if not!
As for the premise, I cannot spoil much of the story ahead, for the very idea is that you need to figure out how this all ties together. But it does involve the Masters of the Bazaar sending you after somebody.
As for how different people need be, it depends on the eventual amount of characters submitted. A fair tip would be to avoid combinations of Persuasive>Dangerous (my character which I'll set up today), Shadowy>Persuasive and Shadowy>Watchful since that will easily cause an expertise clash. Personalities can vary vastly, naturally.
Ladies and gentlemen! We are deeply sorry to have committed such a blunder here on our part, but luckily the chief editor noted it before anything went too far! Our idea for the new story was missing the section to cover the appearance of the interviewees altogether! We have sent out our photographer Lyme and our ever reliable Sharp-Eyed Reporter to fix the matter for us! Naturally you would not want a fellow Londoner to miss who we are talking about, not when You have had the chance to enter an event as prestigious as this!
(I may have initially forgotten the Appearance part of the character sheet. It is there now.)
Ah, and you oh enchanting mademoiselle Renee Bellerose, we will have our additional reporters at your door post haste! Surely the missing appearance problem can be recovered from swiftly and efficiently, yes? And we cannot help but assume this Lady Monica you mention is another of the partygoers, no?
(From now on, I will save any interaction with the Unboxed Cat reporters for IC, for I believe this confusing joke may have ran on long enough. @Lady Selune, please include the recently added appearance section for your character. As for Lady Monica, that might well be my character, once I find the time and Guild wants to play along.)
Three decades ago, London was stolen by bats. Dragged deep into the earth by the Echo Bazaar. The sun is gone. All we have is the gas-light of Mr Fires. But Londoners can get used to anything. And it's quiet down here with the devils and the darkness and the mushroom wine. Peaceful.
Or so it would appear at a first glance anyway. It might not exactly be the case, not after that masquerade.
Welcome, delicious friends! Welcome to London! Of course, it is rather sunless here after the fall, but it is definitely less rainy just as well! The fall happened on the year of 1862 when the sovereign of England (her enduring majesty or the traitor empress, depending on who you ask from) sold the city to a group of cloaked figures speaking in shrill and high-pitched voices, but that isn't exactly relevant any more. It is the year 1896 now, so all that is well in the past!
T'is a tricky place this Neath, not the most ordinary of locales. Death is not exactly permanent any longer (though there are exceptions to the rule, of course), there is little to no weather, sunlight has to be brought in from the surface in mirror boxes and even then it starts killing you... but if we do our best to ignore the fact that London is surrounded by this place, we might almost believe nothing had changed. Well, other than the street/locale names. And the devils. And those things with faces of squid. Okay, I'll admit, that might be a stretch.
Notable locations:
Ladybones road, the home to many, many gossips and the locale of the Hangman's arch where public executions take place.
The Spite, a most crowded market many of those who wish to avoid dealing with the Bazaar shop at. Beware of pickpockets. Lots of talking cats with secrets here, though!
Watchmaker's Hill, home to many watchmakers, the observatory manned by blind men and the department of menace eradication. Try not to fall into the marsh while there.
Veilgarden, the haunt of many lowly performers of art, the place where drunkards drink before collapsing on the streets of Spite and the home to many a honey den. No, not the ordinary honey. The honey of entering dreams, the Prisoner's Honey.
The Forgotten Quarter, what remains of the 4th city after London fell on it. You read that right. It's hard to remember things that transpired while in the location, but it is rich in archaeologists doing expeditions.
The Flit, a kingdom on the rooftops on London. The Topsy King's court technically rules this place, but they are not exactly watching over the place too tightly.
Wolfstack Docks, where zailors dwell and from where departing and arriving ships get taken care of.
The Shuttered Palace and the court of her enduring majesty. Yeah. Not much to say about this place. It's the place where the most important of the non-Masters can be found. Well, I guess the court has a fair bit of artists sponsored by it.
University, the genteel battleground of the Summerset and Benthic colleges. The church and Hell aligned (respectively) groups try their best to get their voice heard over the other. Actual research is done here. Also cricket. That's the Benthic though. Summerset is known for feasting.
Wilmot's End, a ruined statue garden. The Great Game has more or less claimed this place as its playground, so unless looking for something specific in the area, it is better to avoid it in case of a mistaken stabbing.
The Labyrinth of Tigers, Led by a man known as Mr. Finch. Not a Master. Many tigers roam free, but they talk, much like cats. There are many coils to the labyrinth and most never make it beyond the second.
The Brass Embassy, built on Moloch street. In addition to the train to Hell, this place has lots of devils you may or may not want to do business with.
Mahogany Hall, one of the more prestigious theatres in the city of London. Lots of different magic shows are played out here.
Mrs. Plenty's Carnival, just like the name says. A carnival. Ferris wheel's and all. House of mirrors too. Carnival foods like rubbery lumps and heated wine. Lovely.
What concerns us the most would be where we start from. The masquerade ball. But you have to realise, this was a rather specific gathering. Not just everyone was invited. And the Masters who would turn out to be behind it proved to have looked for distinctively different sort of people when the invitations were being sent out. Standing out from the masses, but not as much as to appear in page sized letters in Slowcake's Exceptionals, was apparently a boon. And much like the group of people the job offer, too, was quite a special case. (What I am saying is that I may not be able to take everyone who has expressed interest in. Try not to duplicate roles, or you'll end up competing with one another!)
But just who were those people invited? Well, that is quite the question! It would be for the better for those people to introduce themselves! We at the Unboxed Cat magazine interviewed each of them, though some imposters may have also slipped in. In any of those unfortunate cases, we apologise!
Name: Should be self explanatory Title: Sir/Lord/Madam/Lady/Doctor/Professor/Sergeant/Lieutenant/Bishop/erm, yes. Something along those lines. Moniker: A nickname usually in the for of Adjective+Noun people might refer to you with. Examples include "Repentant Forger", "Malodorous Pirate", "Honey-sipping Heiress" and "Dark-Spectacled Admiral". Age: Remember when London fell, so if you want a Neath born... Race: Most of you are undoubtedly human, though a Clay Man or a Tomb Colonist of particular status could have made it in. Or a Drownie. Anything else would need to be just spectacularly convincing. If any non-human options sound unfamiliar, I recommend sticking to humans. Appearance: Of course, the looks of a person are not the most important thing out there. But that has a tendency to be what people first see of you. Pictures and/or a description are just dandy. Primary Attribute: The attribute you rely most on. Secondary attribute: The attribute you rely second most on.
The Fallen London browser game relies heavily on the four main attributes, Watchful, Shadowy, Dangerous and Persuasive. These are used in a multitude of skill checks, though we naturally won't be using them quite as heavily in a freeform RP like this, oh no. These are here more to show how your character thinks and likes to solve their problems. And experience should naturally help in performing such actions too. A short overview for each:
Watchful - Observation, intelligence, deduction. This is your observational ability, allowing you to learn numerous secrets of Fallen London. Examples include trying to figure out the path to take in the Forgotten Quarter or deduce who the murderer is, other than immediately pointing at the butler. Shadowy - Stealth, subtlety, cunning. This is your subtle and cunning skills, allowing you to exploit the dark and fascinating underground that is Fallen London. Examples include picking pockets undetected and avoiding the swarm of constables and Neddy Men when you failed to recognise the fact going for a Master's pockets would be unwise. Dangerous - Strength, ferocity, soldiering. This is your ability to confront and smash through numerous dangers and horrors of Fallen London. Examples include beating people up in a bar brawl and stomaching more gin than anyone else in the party after. Persuasive - Wit, charm, plausibility. This is your social skills and irresistible charm, allowing you to persuade, convince and charm denizen of Fallen London for your benefit. Examples include writing a poem of questionable content and then trying to convince the Ministry of Public Decency that it is not something Mr. Pages would like to see burned.
Connections: Everyone is bound to have a few of these. What factions are you closest to?
Here's a quick run down.
The Masters of the Bazaar are the group of roughly a dozen strange, almost certainly inhuman beings who control all trade at the Bazaar, and therefore all trade in Fallen London. They wear heavy cloaks that conceal their features, and speak in shrill, high-pitched voices.
Mr. Wines, who controls trade in wine, coffee, and other drinkable beverages. It also claims jurisdiction over dreams, but this is disputed by Mr. Spices. Mr. Wines is one of the most amiable and sociable Masters, and is known to throw some excellent parties, although it has trouble paying for them.
Mr. Apples, who controls trade in fruits, vegetables, and lumber. This includes Hesperidean cider, which means it also controls trade in immortality. Mr. Apples is also somewhat amiable and sociable.
Mr. Spices, who controls trade in spices and narcotics. It also claims jurisdiction over dreams, but this is disputed by Mr. Wines. Mr. Spices is serious, professional, and businesslike, but easily irritated.
Mr. Stones, who controls trade in stone, gems, salt, and blasting powder. Mr. Stones is extremely materialistic and greedy. It's either not capable of speaking English properly or just thinks that sentences longer than two or three words are a waste of time.
Mr. Fires, who controls trade in coal, gas, and candles, and oversees the Wolfstack Docks. Mr. Fires is confident and self-assured, and carries itself somewhat like a human businessman. A 19th century human businessman, which means violent strikebreakers ahoy!
Mr. Iron, who controls trade in weapons, tools, engines, and printing-presses. Mr. Iron is stern and humourless, and does not speak, instead communicating only through writing.
Mr. Cups, who controls trade in crockery, pottery, and sculpture, as well as miscellaneous household trinkets. It has a number of rag-and-bone men who collect said trinkets called the Relickers.
Mr. Pages, who controls trade in paper, books, ink, pens, and affordable secrets. It also controls the Ministry of Public Decency, which ensures that any books the government or the Masters don't approve of are properly burned. Mr. Pages is friendly and approachable, but easily excitable and overly fond of long, possibly made-up words.
Mr. Hearts, who controls trade in meat, skins, bones, and animals. It is friendly and informal to a point that can seem slightly condescending, and likes to make jokes.
Mr. Veils, who controls trade in fabric and clothing. Mr. Veils is an upright sort who is always unfailingly polite.
Mr. Mirrors, who controls trade in glass, mirrors, and high-quality secrets. Mr. Mirrors is polite, but reserved and distant.
Besides the proper Masters who hang out at the Bazaar, there are some other individuals who appear to at least be the same class of creature as whatever the Masters are:
The Masters collectively run an exclusively club called the House of Chimes out of the ruins of Big Ben. Whichever Master is hosting the House of Chimes at any given time goes, appropriately, by the name Mr. Chimes.
Mr. Sacks, also known as the Crimson Beast of Winter, is a Master who dresses up like Santa Claus and runs around Fallen London at Christmas (or "Sacksmas", as it is now called). Unlike Santa Claus, he takes things instead of giving them. Sometimes this can be beneficial (he might take your nasty injury, for example) but he's still one you want to be wary of.
There are rumors that there exists, or once existed, a Master named Mr Eaten. Asking questions about Mr Eaten is a good way to get yourself in a lot of trouble.
Bohemians - The many artists of London, from the playwrights from court of her enduring majesty to the starving pianists at Veilgarden, not to forget the performers of Mahogany Hall. Constables - Those who watch the laws of London, friends to the high society and the Masters.
The direct opposite of those above. Well, perhaps not. They are not quite revolutionaries. But they are the ones that move in the shadows, relieve you of your things and may administer a free beating on the side. There are several leadership figures among the group, the most notable as follows:
The Cheery Man, an aging man who represents the old guard of London criminals. He also runs a popular waterfront pub called the Medusa's Head.
The Gracious Widow, an elderly woman of East Asian descent who accounts for half the contraband in the city. She always stays shrouded in shadow. Literal shadow, I mean, not metaphorical shadow.
The Topsy King, a madman who rules over a court of fellow madmen called the Raggedy Men, all of whom live on the city rooftops, the Flit.
Hell - Yup, Hell. The Devils and whatnot. They import souls and export brass. They've got an embassy in the Neath too. Be careful around them, if you value your soul. They pay well though. Revolutionaries - If you want to see the Masters gone, these are the people you should look to. Fighting the high society, constables and Masters alike, the "dynamite faction" is hardly united, but undoubtedly dangerous. The closest they have to leadership would be the Calendar Council. Rubbery Men - Boneless creatures with the faces of squids. They like amber. Or at least they trade a lot with it. (High) Society - The more renowned folk, essentially those who have an entry in the Slowcake's Exceptionals (the big book of who's who in London). Naturally, not all entries are created equal. Church - The opposite force to Hell, more or less. They try to have people see the value of their soul before it is sold to Hell and keep up the old tradition of belief and worship. Docks - The Zailors are their own bunch, hanging around the bars of Wolfstack Docks when not on the Unterzee. The Great Game - A game played by great powers of Neath and surface alike, spies, thieves and assassins as their pawns. "A player" does usually refer to one of the pawns, rather than those who seek benefit from it though. Tomb Colonies - The home to those scarred enough to be wrapped into bandages and excluded from the polite society. Just a short trip on the Zee away. They are (mostly) old and experienced folk, there. Be careful, but do not fear them needlessly. Oh, and if you get a few too many paparazzis on your tail, the colonies are a nice place to take a vacation at. The current mayor of London, Feducci, happens to be one of the many colonists. Urchins - Yeah, no city is complete without a bunch of young boys and girls stealing stuff making do on the streets. Especially no city that was stolen underground by bats, don't you think?
Background: Now keep it brief-ish, this is a newspaper, not a novel!
I suppose it is about time for me to [s]copypaste[/s] fill in some information about myself over here just as well. Only took me a few years to getting around to do it.
I am a married individual in my twenties from the country some people dare claim does not exist. The Finland conspiracy is an old joke, you can stop with it now. Not a native speaker of the English language by any means, though I did begin studying it exceptionally early for our country's standards. I suppose it was some sort of a test case. With that out of the way though, what more should I be saying here...[list][*] I like being nice to people. If one needs to ask why, well that alone is reason enough.
[*] I play and Dungeon Master Dungeons and Dragons, both offline and in the past also over here.
[*] I enjoy OOC chatter, be it planning the RP or a more casual exchange (not that RP'ing is [b]that[/b] serious). I can make do without, but don't be afraid to talk to me.
[*] Whatever the case, I'm here to have fun and hone my writing abilities![/list]I do think that should about cover it, yes.
Thanks for stopping by I suppose! I do also have a Discord account, but I prefer to start anything RP related on the site. At least with people I don't know from the past, that is! But hey, now if you are a longer time contact of mine and happened to read this, now you know and can ask!
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">I suppose it is about time for me to <span class="bb-s">copypaste</span> fill in some information about myself over here just as well. Only took me a few years to getting around to do it.<br><br>I am a married individual in my twenties from the country some people dare claim does not exist. The Finland conspiracy is an old joke, you can stop with it now. Not a native speaker of the English language by any means, though I did begin studying it exceptionally early for our country's standards. I suppose it was some sort of a test case. With that out of the way though, what more should I be saying here...<ul class="bb-list" style="white-space: normal;"><li>I like being nice to people. If one needs to ask why, well that alone is reason enough.</li><li>I play and Dungeon Master Dungeons and Dragons, both offline and in the past also over here.</li><li>I enjoy OOC chatter, be it planning the RP or a more casual exchange (not that RP'ing is <span class="bb-b">that</span> serious). I can make do without, but don't be afraid to talk to me.</li><li>Whatever the case, I'm here to have fun and hone my writing abilities!</li></ul>I do think that should about cover it, yes.<br><br>Thanks for stopping by I suppose! I do also have a Discord account, but I prefer to start anything RP related on the site. At least with people I don't know from the past, that is! But hey, now if you are a longer time contact of mine and happened to read this, now you know and can ask!</div>
