Alexis Kennedy
Posts: 1374
10/29/2015
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"Let's speak of the South. Of a place of flint."
In the bright heart of the Elder Continent lies a prison built to hold a pretender-god. You'll see what lies there. But first you'll need to steal an instrument of power from the lair of the Order Vespertine. And that's the easy bit.
Flint is a special Christmas treat: a two-part Truly Exceptional Story. Part I is coming on 29 October, and Part II will follow on 26 November.
Each part on its own is bigger than a standard Exceptional Story. (The first is more wide than long, but there’s a lot of meat on it. The second is, er, I’ve kind of gone nuts.)
Traffic with the inscrutable Bishop of St Fiacre's; penetrate the mysteries of the Order Vespertine; and in Part II, be the first to see what lies behind the borders of the Presbyterate...
How does a two-part Exceptional Story work?
This is an experiment in two-part Exceptional Stories.
Regular subscribers will have access to the first part of the story in November. Anyone who is an Exceptional Friend in December will be able to play both parts of the story then.
We think it's worth two months' subscription, but if you choose to unsubscribe for a month, we'll understand.
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Alexis Kennedy
Posts: 1374
10/29/2015
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metasynthie wrote:
Also, did anyone else notice that items can now have qualities? All the Vespertine medals from F&C now have "Recognized by the Order Vespertine (1)" and there's a new interface on some storylets to pick an item (or status?) that has that quality. It's a neat little way to group multiple items that might allow for smoother backwards compatibility, I guess?
BUT WHAT IF QUALITIES ON ITEMS ALSO END UP GETTING QUALITIES? Where does this rabbit hole end?!?
In a well.
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Lamia Lawless
Posts: 604
11/2/2015
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I'm thoroughly enjoying this story so far. I don't think I've ever gotten to talk to the Bishop of St Fiacre before. I have to say I like this character. He's dry, witty, interesting... and surprisingly sympathetic. [spoiler]His talk about hope, forgiveness, redemption, etc, really got to me.
I also sort of love/hate stories that force me to make decisions based on my priorities. I love them because they make me think critically about what I want out of the story, and what my character is most likely to think about the situation, I hate them because they're hard. <3
[/spoiler]
If I had one mildly negative thing to say, it's that I sometimes wish there were more of a sense of continuity in stories. For instance, my character is a Hellfarer, with a connected: Hell quality of 202, so there was some cognitive dissonance over the fact that the Bishop was asking her a favor, and apparently trusting her with something secret. I'm sure lots of players would be upset if they were barred from the story based on their connections, but I personally would have enjoyed being given a sort of test or extra hurdle for my character to do, to prove that the bishop can trust her with this errand. I also thought it must have been kind of funny for anyone who played Discernment and picked the less friendly approach towards the bishop, to have him later ask them for a big secret favor.
edited by Lamea Lawless on 11/2/2015
edited by Lamea Lawless on 11/2/2015
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The Harmonic Hellfarer
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Guest
11/15/2015
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My friends, I have an embarrassing question... can anyone educate me regarding the significance of the Knapt? That is, why were we to retrieve it in the first place?
[spoiler]I kept it in the final choice, because I subconsciously assumed it must be of some importance, but the fact that my character seems most pleased about the fact that they have remained armed along with the "sinister" response from the bishop imply that I've probably been a bit inadvertently naughty. Oh well. I'm most pleased with the "reward" you get for this choice out of the three.[/spoiler]
edited by Corprustie on 11/15/2015
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Guest
11/6/2015
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Agatha Kizmesis wrote:
NotaWalrus wrote:
Can't wait for December. And for all these qualities to see use!
Seriously. There are lots of choices here that will affect the next part. It seems Alexis did go nuts with it.
Oh yes, I agree! The Cherty quality reeks of intrigue. I can hardly stand the wait!
Is it December yet?
No? How about now?
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metasynthie
Posts: 645
11/9/2015
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Ian Hart wrote:
Is "Then, as they say in the Presbyterate..." functioning correctly? By a rough reckoning it's 2 echoes per action, though I suppose difficulty in grinding Mysteries of the Elder Continent might mitigate that somewhat?
I feel the need to point out that this is a rather large loophole in the FL economy. Although I suspect most Exceptional Friends would rather continue on to the 2nd half of Flint rather than endlessly talk to the Bishop of St. Fiacre, it's currently the most profitable "ordinary, accessible grind" in the game, even for a new POSI -- and it's the cheapest way to get Antique Mysteries for say, buying the 5-card Royal Bethlehem lodging.
Even if you grind Jade, convert it into Relics of the Third City and then into Mysteries of the Elder Continent, then turn those one at a time into Presbyterate Passphrases and sell them, it's around 1.75 echoes per action:
- Grind 5000 Jade at Unfinished Business in Watchmaker's Hill for around 250 Jade per 2 actions: 40 actions (on average)
- Convert 5000 Jade into 525 Relics of the Third City: 5 actions
- Convert 500 Relics of the Third City into 105 Mysteries of the Elder Continent: 1 action
- Convert 105 Mysteries of the Elder Continent into 105 Presbyterate Passphrases by talking to the Bishop in the House of Chimes: 105 actions
- Sell 105 Presbyterate Passphrases and 25 Relics of the Third City for 265 Echoes after the 151 actions listed above: 1.75 Echoes per action
Do I have that right? I'm not tempted to try and grind out a goat or cider's worth of Echoes this way, and I hope nobody else is either -- but it would be faster than a lot of other methods. A tiny bit better than spirifage, I think? Maybe it's close enough to spirifage, and similarly available to fate-purchasers, that this is OK.
edited by metasynthie on 11/9/2015
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Positively antique
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/metasynthie
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omegasavant
Posts: 23
10/31/2015
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So I just spend real money on this game for the first time, and I couldn't be happier. Though I am a bit disappointed by how little use you can get out of that second candle, especially if you play the game frequently (and if you're spending money, you probably are). I feel like it'd make a bit more sense to have actions refresh in five minutes instead of ten or something.
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Diptych
Administrator
Posts: 3493
11/4/2015
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Right here!
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Sir Frederick, the Libertarian Esotericist. Lord Hubris, the Bloody Baron.
Juniper Brown, the Ill-Fated Orphan. Esther Ellis-Hall, the Fashionable Fabian.
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metasynthie
Posts: 645
11/5/2015
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Just more wounds than if you succeed at that option, I believe -- otherwise the same, sends you back to the same storylet to choose another option.
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Positively antique
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/metasynthie
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Hobnail
Posts: 179
11/5/2015
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I
CHOSE
CANDLE
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Hobnail
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Diptych
Administrator
Posts: 3493
11/5/2015
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In practical terms, I think they're identical (from what we've seen so far, at least.) So it's really just a question of whether you envisage your expedition being evening wear in a neat white dining-tent, or passing a bottle around a campfire and singing to the stars.
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Sir Frederick, the Libertarian Esotericist. Lord Hubris, the Bloody Baron.
Juniper Brown, the Ill-Fated Orphan. Esther Ellis-Hall, the Fashionable Fabian.
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Catherine Raymond
Posts: 2518
11/1/2015
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I thought Part I of the story was all too short, but that may be because I was enjoying it so much. I was also please to see that it openly states some facts that the game had only hinted at previously.
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Cathy Raymond
http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/cathyr19355
Catherine Raymond aka Mrs. Rykar Malkus http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Catherine%20Raymond (Gone NORTH)
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metasynthie
Posts: 645
11/2/2015
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Zantumall wrote:
Alistair:
[spoiler]
It healed a couple points of wounds and gave me a rather mysterious quality, but did not do a great deal other than that. I doubt it's a big deal either way. [/spoiler]
I'm going to guess that in the next chapter, it will be prudent not to let this quality get too high, lest one calcify on a cliffside, or somesuch.
--
Positively antique
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/metasynthie
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metasynthie
Posts: 645
11/4/2015
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Yes, you'll eventually draw that card again, although it could take a long while. The only way to speed it up would be to thin your deck -- get rid of all your Connected qualities, companions and pets that cause card draws, move to a remote lodging, and draw cards in an area that doesn't have any special cards (e.g. Mahogany Hall, Labyrinth of Tigers).
However, such austerity may not be worth it. Having the Face-Tailor quality scarcely changes the story at all; depending on the choices you made in that story (and the fate-locked follow-up), you get a slightly different response from the Bishop at the beginning of Flint, which has no lasting effect. The rewards are slightly different, but commonplace. If you want to read some echoed examples, you can always satisfy your curiosity with links (the first couple on each are the variations relating to the Face-Tailor):
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Spacemarine9?fromEchoId=6895128
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Eva~Anderson?fromEchoId=6901012
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Positively antique
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/metasynthie
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Zareen Bakara
Posts: 66
11/4/2015
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Lamea Lawless wrote:
I also thought it must have been kind of funny for anyone who played Discernment and picked the less friendly approach towards the bishop, to have him later ask them for a big secret favor.
This is slightly disappointing, that he didn't treat you differently based on your actions in the previous story. I actually expected that he would. But then, I made the opposite choice from you and he didn't make reference to that either. Honestly, I was assuming that having him feature in consecutive stories had a purpose of that kind... But maybe it was only intended to introduce him to players who'd never met him before.
Anyway, for my part, I am postponing finishing this story until I've accepted all my Hallowmas confessions, but I did the first bit (the big initial conversation with him) as soon as it came out. Very interesting stuff, beautifully written. The vocabulary used in this game makes me happy. Where else would I encounter a character comparing redaction with redemption?
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An authoress of Persian and Abyssinian origins, come to London on a personal matter. http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Zareen~Bakara
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babelfishwars
Administrator
Posts: 1152
10/29/2015
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Excalihurr wrote:
I noticed something which may or may not be an oversight; I just wanted to check as it may well be part of some insidious plot going over my head.
[spoiler]I chose to relinquish the Knapt to the patroness in order to save the Bishop's sister, yet after talking to the Bishop, receiving the Mountain-sherd, and concluding the story I was able to head back to the Dish and Spoon and take the Knapt for a second time from the knife drawer. This seems to be defeating the whole point of having to give it up in the first place. Am I mistaken in thinking this is a mistake?[/spoiler]
That's a bug, now fixed. Thanks for drawing it to our attention. Possessing both may break the second part of the story, and it'll be a lot harder to unpick once you progress - if you get in touch with support@failbettergames.com I'll fix your qualities for you.
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Mars, God of Fish; Leaning Tower of Fish
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acorncap
Posts: 30
10/29/2015
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Addy's going with a set of the pious and a set of the ruffians. Seems like a good balance. A bit stumped on who to take as my deputy- on the one hand, the Soldier seems like he'd be the 'best' option (and probably the one Addy'd go with in-character), but on the other hand, I love the Forger, and constantly desire more things to do with him.
On the third hand, Silas is looking tempting. Since I HAVE him and all.
The only thing I know for sure is I'm about ready to adopt the Bishop.
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Dr. Adelaide Capella - The Steadfast Doctor - Also a Watchful Patron
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Travers
Posts: 98
10/29/2015
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Did anyone echo a different ending than the ones below? I'm curious about the "good" ending that my character would never pick.
[spoiler]
Word of Caution
Knapt
[/spoiler]
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Professor~Travers~Durward
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Kylestien
Posts: 749
10/29/2015
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[spoiler]I chose the save her ending. Here is the result: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Kylestien?fromEchoId=6901333
As for rewards, you get a companion called A Seared Snuffer with 1 Watchful and 3 Shadowy, and a Luminosity item called a Mountain-Sherd, which I can only asume is a typo. Oh, and the "Satisfaction" of surprising the Patroness, which in my eyes makes it totaly worth it despite the dark hint of worry. [/spoiler]
edited by Kylestien on 10/29/2015
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I will accept all actions, though I hold the right to refuse for my own reasons. However, if you explain WHY you send me a harmful action like Loitering or Dantes,And I feel the reason good, I will consider it more. http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Kylestien
Persuasive patron. You want a lesson, send me a message asking for one.
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Kivrin Neverwinter
Posts: 86
10/30/2015
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Cuznatch:
[spoiler] my alt, August, kept the Knapt. Echoed below if you want the results. But, of course, there is no wrong choice.
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/August~Reave?fromEchoId=6892138 [/spoiler]
edited by Kivrin Neverwinter on 10/30/2015
--
Often lost, always armed, eager for adventure.
Kivrin Neverwinter
Also: August Reave, whose quest for knowledge tends to drive him mad or dead or both, at least once a week.
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Bertrand Leonidas Poole
Posts: 335
10/29/2015
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This has strengthened my love of The Bishop so far.
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metasynthie
Posts: 645
10/29/2015
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Also, did anyone else notice that items can now have qualities? All the Vespertine medals from F&C now have "Recognized by the Order Vespertine (1)" and there's a new interface on some storylets to pick an item (or status?) that has that quality. It's a neat little way to group multiple items that might allow for smoother backwards compatibility, I guess?
BUT WHAT IF QUALITIES ON ITEMS ALSO END UP GETTING QUALITIES? Where does this rabbit hole end?!?
--
Positively antique
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/metasynthie
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kitsune9tails
Posts: 2
10/29/2015
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Talking with the Bishop appears to be an easy way to accumulate Mysteries of the Elder Continent with no risk or cost (save actions).
For either ethical or practical reasons, or simply opinion: how many is too many?
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Kitsune9tails
Pleasure is it's own reward. But ware the cost.
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Travers
Posts: 98
11/11/2015
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MadmanAtW wrote:
Gah, I misclicked and, intending to question the Bishop further, I wound up telling him that I had the Word and not the Knapt. And then my hand, pre-programmed as it was for what I thought I was doing, exited out of that screen before I could read it. Has anyone echoed that particular response, where he [REDACTED]
I recorded his response here.
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Professor~Travers~Durward
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Ridagoth
Posts: 86
11/11/2015
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LawrenceKeyworth wrote:
Travers wrote:
MadmanAtW wrote:
Gah, I misclicked and, intending to question the Bishop further, I wound up telling him that I had the Word and not the Knapt. And then my hand, pre-programmed as it was for what I thought I was doing, exited out of that screen before I could read it. Has anyone echoed that particular response, where he [REDACTED]
I recorded his response here.
So sorry, I accidentally thumbs downed you!
On that note, I really wish there was a way to fix that on here...
I balanced it. hehe  Forgive my off-topic reply here, carry on! 
--
Ridagoth-A Midnighter who forgets more than usual with Irrigo clinging to them...
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Gonen
Posts: 817
11/11/2015
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metasynthie wrote:
Ian Hart wrote:
I've been grinding it whenever I don't have the focus to do something else. It seems simple and profitable to me (if a bit click-intensive.) I've been gaining my Mysteries through side-converting, since I imagine I'll have to move on in the story long before I run out of tier 3s. I'm hoping it'll help me make some significant progress on my goat, if only by keeping me focused.
edited by Ian Hart on 11/9/2015
Aha! It appears that this was changed to two actions instead of one, which makes it far less profitable.
Yes. When I got to that part, it was already 2 actions: one to start talking, one to finish the conversation. And repeat.
[spoiler] I kinda hoped I will be able to use the fact that I have an intimate relationship with a snuffer (a fate locked story from foreign office): When speaking to the bishop, perhaps make it even harder for me to access the Elder Continent. SOME reference. Hard to ignore the fact I share a life with a snuffer and it won't be expressed in ANY way in a story which revolves around snuffers and their enemies.
[/spoiler]
--
 The Ashen Anesthesiologist - Paramount Londoner
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness.
The long journey to eccentricity:
On March 10th, 2018, reached 15 on all quirks, simultaneously. The Quirky Anesthesiologist
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RandomWalker
Posts: 948
11/12/2015
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Sara, you got two of one from one, and one of two from the other.
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Sara Hysaro
Moderator
Posts: 4514
11/18/2015
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There's no way to reset it yet, but here is the text you missed.
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Sara%20Hysaro
Please do not send SMEN, cat boxes, or Affluent Reporter requests. All other social actions are welcome.
Are you a Scarlet Saint? Send a message my way to be added to the list.
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colinsapherson
Posts: 191
11/18/2015
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Ian Hart wrote:
The 2 echo grind was patched by the powers that be, so it now costs 2 actions.
Thanks to that, I've now gone ahead and completed the story, looking at the quality requirements for Part 2, I've noticed that "A Quiet Woman" is one of the valid deputies. Does anyone know who that is, or how you get it? I certainly don't remember it as an option.
I'm pretty confident that it is something available to you if you complete the Knapt half of the story in a particular way before choosing your deputy. Specifically:
[spoiler]
If you save the Bishop's sister from the factory I think she becomes the quiet woman.
[/spoiler]
Annoyingly, I made my choice very slightly before that point. Still kicking myself, slightly.
--
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Colin%20Sapherson%2c%20Lord%20President%20of%20the%20Council
Available for Knife & Candle Moon League matches, Tournaments of lilies and other social actions (including boxed cats and photographers).
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Strangewheys~Wandering
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/RUSKIN~WARE
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Sara Hysaro
Moderator
Posts: 4514
11/22/2015
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[spoiler]An Element of Dawn.[/spoiler]
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Sara%20Hysaro
Please do not send SMEN, cat boxes, or Affluent Reporter requests. All other social actions are welcome.
Are you a Scarlet Saint? Send a message my way to be added to the list.
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Dudebro Pyro
Posts: 755
8/10/2018
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I don't know anything about Flint but I have never heard of anything stopping the inexorable march of time. For peace of mind, you can always wait until just after it hits, immediately raise MW up to your Notability level, and then you have just under two weeks before you need to head back to top up again, which should be more than plenty of time. Or, if you really like taking your time, get twice your Notability in MW before setting out to get an extra week.
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Dudebro Pyro, eccentric scholar
Spare Starveling Kitties always welcome. I collect them.
For that matter, send me your unwanted cat boxes too.
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