Forum game: Ask the character!

Fallen London
121

(Seeker of Names, as always hidden by zir hood, speaks faintly from within shadow.) I am a child of the Neath.

(DragonRidingSorceress seems strangely reluctant to answer.) I’m British, alright, a citizen of the British Empire. I always desired to come to London, and a little thing like it falling into the earth wasn’t going to stop me, now was it? (She sighs.) Fine. Australia.

Which outpost of the Empire would you most like to visit, if you could return to the Surface?

[Hooray for cultural cringe?]

122

Anywhere in the Empire? From the southernmost wilds of Australia to the rich cultural landscape of India? If I could explore the highest peak of Kilimanjaro to the lost kingdoms of the hidden Zulu tribes? Where would I go?

Wiltshire.
All my family still lives there near the old apple orchards near Upavon. Mum and Dad and brothers and sisters. Cousins beyond count. Not two pennies to rub together between any of them, but lots of laughs. Lots of love.
While I sit here alone in the finest hotel in London.
But I’ll get there someday. The orchards of immortality await me in the Neath. Not soon, but soon enough.

Who from your past do you miss the most?

123

I had an old Bohemian friend in Paris; the real kind of Bohemian, an exiled Czech-speaker from the Austrian Empire. He helped me, a fellow-expatriate, find my feet, and taught me how to navigate the tricky business of getting money out of publishers. He wanted to see London before he died, but gave me his ticket when he heard that I was in trouble with the gendarmes. I’ve often wondered what happened to the old fellow. I always send him a copy of my work when I publish, but it’s been a while since I got any letters from him.

Who was your most unexpected friend when you arrived in London?

124

[quote=Rackenhammer]I had an old Bohemian friend in Paris; the real kind of Bohemian, an exiled Czech-speaker from the Austrian Empire. He helped me, a fellow-expatriate, find my feet, and taught me how to navigate the tricky business of getting money out of publishers. He wanted to see London before he died, but gave me his ticket when he heard that I was in trouble with the gendarmes. I’ve often wondered what happened to the old fellow. I always send him a copy of my work when I publish, but it’s been a while since I got any letters from him.

Who was your most unexpected friend when you arrived in London?[/quote]

I struck up a friendship with a player of The Great Game, whose name I will not mention. I learnt a lot from him, and despite the odd occasion where we have played for opposing sides maintain a healthy friendship and respect, with only the occasional attempt at murder as one would expect from a player.

Now, my question: everyone in this city has a particular item and scrapbook that is important to them. I ask you: what is yours for each and why is it such? For myself, I keep the Devilbone Dice I gained the one time I lost my soul. They seem to have the luck of the devil when I need to play a game of dice for information and other things.

125

(DragonRidingSorceress holds up a pleasingly venerable silver coin.) I keep these on my Mantelpiece, as a reminder. I struggled so hard to get the 77 I needed as proof that I was worthy of playing the Marvelous. And after that, the bloody things all but fall out of the sky into my lap. Not that I can complain, really. (She slides it between her fingers, flipping it up and down.) My Scrapbook is empty at the moment, but during the Feast of the Masks, it showed my Spirit of Hallowmas. I thought almost-200 was a lot, at the time.

(She smiles at Seeker of Names encouragingly. Seeker nods - at least, the hood bends then lifts - and begins to speak.) I keep Souls on my Mantelpiece. 664 of them, now, but I did have 666 when I decided to display them. It amused me. My Scrapbook? I am showing off this terrible hunger that has seized me. I have heard that it may help me to begin Seeking Mr Eaten’s Name. It has hit me seven-fold, and yet I still cannot find the path.

Who would you consign to true death?

126

(The cloaked man is silent for a moment.)

Who would I consign to true death you ask? I think one of the revolutionary leaders would be a good choice. I can see a potential eventual need for a redistribution of the ruling order (After all I doubt The masters will be with us forever and it may be prudent to prepare for whatever happened to the other cites should it befall us), but their ultimate goals from what I hear make Jack of Smiles look like the sort of guy you want to hang out with. So i will go with whichever mad revolutionary plotted/works on the scheme, with a revolution of the revolution in eventual order.

Let us say you wish for a holiday in the neath and have the means. Where do you go aside from our city and why?
edited by Kylestien on 11/20/2014

127

The Iron Republic. Not because I want to go there in the slightest, but I have to and I’m not the kind to pass up the opportunity to go there. In addition, if I had the means I wouldn’t need to deal with hell to get there. Vacation is all well and good, but someone has to maintain the family honor. And my sister certainly won’t do it.

Speaking of which, what do you have in the way of family, and how do get along with them?

128

The urchins have been and will be my family for the rest of my days. My role in this ragged family has definitely changed over the years, but I know that this is one relationship I will not let go. Not after all that has happened between us.

And no less dear is my (slightly) less illegal family. To the courts and anybody else that matters, I bear the Banning name now. And even if I don’t live in their spire so much as visit, my time with them is treasured. With the life I have lead, there are few things that I will not sell. The first is my soul. The second is my families.

Next question! What would you never sell, even if you had the chance?

129

Well I certainly cannot claim the same of my own soul. (Matthias briefly flashes an unusually large diamond) Odd, though, I could have sworn it sparkled with a greater sheen when the devil held it, before the procedure… No matter.

I could never be persuaded to sell my companion (a gesture to a large Rattus Faber perched on his shoulder). I find it almost odd that the Rattus Faber even can be bought and sold, sentient as they are. Even so, Felix has been with me almost since my descent. Perhaps it may be considered uncouth to call a rat a friend, but he has proven to be a loyal and indispensable ally to me since the somewhat awkward business of his assault on my home. To pawn him off would be a betrayal of the highest order.

As to my question, what, if anything, would you consider worth dying for? And I refer to the true, final death, not the River.

130

[quote=Matthias Scathelocke]Well I certainly cannot claim the same of my own soul. (Matthias briefly flashes an unusually large diamond) Odd, though, I could have sworn it sparkled with a greater sheen when the devil held it, before the procedure… No matter.

I could never be persuaded to sell my companion (a gesture to a large Rattus Faber perched on his shoulder). I find it almost odd that the Rattus Faber even can be bought and sold, sentient as they are. Even so, Felix has been with me almost since my descent. Perhaps it may be considered uncouth to call a rat a friend, but he has proven to be a loyal and indispensable ally to me since the somewhat awkward business of his assault on my home. To pawn him off would be a betrayal of the highest order.

As to my question, what, if anything, would you consider worth dying for? And I refer to the true, final death, not the River.[/quote]

What would I die the final death for? I would have to say… making the right choices when it matters. We walk life on a razor’s edge do we not, not knowing if the choices we make are for the better or worse or if things could have been different. If I died making the right choices, the choices that matter, the choices that ends up best for the world and for our city and for people… I can live with that. Metaphorically.

Now, my question: Let us say you wielded power infinite. Our city is yours to mold like clay. What would do with such power?

131

I would spread it. Being allmighty in the company of mortals sounds dreadfully boring. Being allmighty in the company of others of the same calibre, on the other hand?
We are already Godlike in some regards when compared to our people on the surface: Immunity to death, though limited, a fiery language to command the world itself, parabolan insights into the world that are inconceivable for surface-dwellers… yet the world remains challenging and enjoyable, partially because everyone here is.
I am convinced that giving everyone more Godlike powers would change the focus of our games, but would only make them more entertaining, or entertaining in a different way.
This is the reason why I seek the Garden.

Can you still return to the surface? If you can’t, do you wish you could?

132

No, I am one of the many who have made that trip to the River, from which one can never return to the lands of the Sun.

Mind you, I hadn’t been planning to go back anytime soon, and by the time I actually do everything I desire to do in the Neath, I will actually be able to go back. So… no real regrets.

Tell me, if you could make your own league of Knife and Candle, what rules would your propose to Mr. Iron?

133

(DragonRidingSorceress shrugs ruefully.) I do not think I can. An unwise bluff with a spider council sent me to the River. Since then, I HAVE sipped Cider, but I have not tested it by trying to return to the Surface.

I would like to emerge from the Neath at some point in the future, yes - or at least, to have the option to do so.

Who or what is your favourite pet?

[This may be a duplicate question, but I don’t think that hurts.]

134

Ooo… -Two- questions!

Tell me, if you could make your own league of Knife and Candle, what rules would your propose to Mr. Iron?

When you dispatch someone you get to take one item they are equipped with. Not that anyone plays this game of course.

Who or what is your favourite pet?

My darling little black cat, Rumpleteazer, has been with me since almost my first day in the Neath. As a fierce ratter she leaves something to be desired. As a warm ball of softness soothing the physical and psychical aches of Neathy life she is perfection.

Question: What would your autobiography be titled?

135

I would call it Writer, Scholar, Gambler, Spy. A engaging read it would be too, though a few parts may not make it past the censors or make unnecessary enemies.

What journey in your life did you must enjoy, and which do you most regret?

136

The voyage I enjoyed most must have been my first visit to Polythreme. I was enchanted by the lively streets, the people, the noise…
I made so many new friends there. I still like to return, but it’s never quite as good as that first time.

I regret that cursed research expedition into Mesoamerica. I gained my name there and more, but lost many friends and fellow students. The price was too steep.

Why did you take up your Profession?
edited by Curious Foreigner on 11/21/2014

137

Well, when I got married, I was quite aware that I was gaining a magnificent husband and new name, but I didn’t realise that I was going to be a̶f̶f̶l̶i̶c̶t̶e̶d̶ er, the proud new possessor of a conscience as well. I hadn’t realised they were contagious. So what was an exceptionally lethal lady to do? I had all the skills I’d carefully honed as a Licentiate, as well as a vast and varied array of weaponry, and all of those very quiet shoes. In the end I decided Monster Hunting was the closest thing suited to my talents and, though the transition left some lingering side effects I wasn’t at all prepared for, I’ve settled into it quite nicely.

My question, since we seem so often to focus on what we’ve lost by leaving the Surface behind, what’s your favourite thing that you’ve gained by living in the 'Neath?

138

I gained freedom. I can wear what I like, kiss who I like, live how I like without fearing the gaol – not to say I don’t skirt the edge of suspicion. But the Masters don’t care what creature fills a gown so long as the echoes are good, and the Bazaar doesn’t care about the gender of a lover so long as there’s a story told. Our fellow humans on the Surface aren’t so indifferent, so attached to ages-old divisions. Not so old, I’d wager, as the light of the Judgments, but down here we can escape even that – down here the Chain –

But now I really am skirting suspicion. Let’s talk another sort of skirt – what’s your smartest outfit?
edited by narcissus_echo on 11/21/2014

139

(DragonRidingSorceress grins a slightly smug grin.)

If we want to get technical, my smartest outfit, in the sense of making me seem smart, consists of:

  • Luminous Neathglass Goggles, which shine with the light of discovery;[/li][li]Academic Gown, the garb of any self-respecting academic;[/li][li]Avid Gloves, which are alert and watchful and hardly likely to bite at all;[/li][li]Either my ‘For Your Own Good’ Compass, a curious device which will point any way but north; or my Pre-Emptive Guinea-Pig, who is a darling and has a better airspeed velocity than a laden swallow, at least for short flights;[/li][li]Meticulously Altered Stockings, a Sacksmas present I remain very fond of;[/li][li]My Appreciation Society. My readers are so very sweet, and very eager to feed me interesting tidbits that they feel I might like to publish;[/li][li]I now like to carry a copy of my Newspaper, The Dragon Chronicle. Nothing speaks to intelligence quite like owning a newspaper;[/li][li]My White Glim Telescope lets me study the distant secrets in the moonish light;[/li][li]and of course, my accursed Destiny Gleams.

But perhaps you mean my smartest outfit in the social sense - what do I wear when I wish to look well-turned-out?

  • My Modish Bonnet is utterly stylish - a little too stylish for some, it seems, because it always sets off rumours;[/li][li]I’ll admit, I have yet to go past my Glad Rags. They’re a little old, but they’re comfortable, and they look good on me;[/li][li]I wear Magician’s Gloves, which are white and genteel and absolutely don’t have a pocket for Aces;[/li][li]over which I will wear a Brass Ring. I have dabbled with the Devils, and am not afraid to show it. It didn’t stop me joining the CVR;[/li][li]This Hallowmas, I bought myself a pair of Scarlet Stockings of Dubious Origin. It seemed the thing to do, to celebrate the Feast, although it set tongues wagging again;[/li][li]My Appreciation Society is always keen to accompany, in spirit if not in form, and it lends quite a social clout;[/li][li]Being a member of God’s Editors, of course, also presents well in company;[/li][li]as does my membership at The Parthenaeum.

Since I am half-way through, let me continue.

It is, at times, smart to be sneaky. When I must deflect attention, I will wear:

  • A Tanned Mask, leather as supple as skin - weaselskin, surely;[/li][li]A Ratskin Suit, hardwearing and waterproof;[/li][li]Cutpurse’s Mittens, my lucky gloves;[/li][li]My ‘For Your Own Good’ Compass, which I have mentioned before;[/li][li]I will be accompanied by the Scuttering Squad, the sneaky geniuses;[/li][li]and a Gang of Hoodlums;[/li][li]and I will ride my Ratwork Velocipede.

And of course, there are times when it is smart to be Dangerous. At those times, I will wear:

[ul][li]An Iron Hat - more helmet, than hat, truly;[/li][li]My old Rough Gown, or a Bloodstained Suit, depending on the type of Dangerous I am going for - subtly, or obviously;[/li][li]A Knife of Lost Sky, which I won through completely legal participation in a candle competition;[/li][li]Savage Hob-Nailed Boots; and[/li][li]I will travel with the Scuttering Squad, again.[/li][/ul]But of course, that is not all, is it? There are times when it is smart to belittle oneself, and seem less than you are. Exactly what I wear in those times varies, depending on my aim, but at a minimum I will wear:

[ul][li]A Starveling Stole, which I am fairly sure is dead. Fairly sure; and[/li][li]a Talkative Rattus Faber, who is terribly useful, but whose company I try not to endure for overly long periods of time. If not for his surprisingly sweet nature, I’m not sure I could bear his company at all.[/li][/ul](It is a wonderous thing, is it not, these authors who can speak in bulleted lists?)

Would you consider joining an Armed Force?

140

Against devils, rubbery men, tomb colonists, or indeed most supernatural beings of the neath, a armed force would be just about useless. I’m sure you all know The Regretful Soldier’s Tale for example. It seems to me like soldiers have a poor lot in the neath. So, no. More then willing to help out a few unofficially should the need arise, but join up and go on a campaign to invade somewhere like hell? Absolutely not.

Now, let us reverse things a little with your question. You join a Armed Force, and rise in rank to the top brass. You have to invade somewhere because you are being pushed to. Where would you invade, why, and what precautions would you take/what would be your invasion plan?