Hannah Flynn
Administrator
Posts: 491
2/4/2016
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We're celebrating a Year at Zee with a Zee Shanty Competition!
The full explanation of the competition and all the delicious prizes is on our tumblr, but in short:
- Post your zee shanty online, wherever you like - including this handy thread
- They can be on any Sunless Sea/Fallen London theme you like, but they must be 100 words or less
- Email a link to us at competitions@failbettergames.com
- We'll shortlist the top 5, and then community vote will decide the winner!
Best of luck, delicious friends!
--
Wields the news canon, aboard the hype train.
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Optimatum
Posts: 3666
2/7/2016
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[To the tune of Here Comes THE SUN]
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN
THE SUN THE SUN
I'll come up with a real submission later 
--
Optimatum, a ruthless and merciful gentleman. No plant battles, Affluent Photographer requests, or healing offers; all other social actions welcome.
 Want a sip of Cider? Just say hi!
PM me for information enigmatic or Fated. Though the forum please, not FL itself.
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Kylestien
Posts: 749
2/4/2016
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Oh,'Ow do ya stave off a ravenous 'unger
Oh let us count the ways,
Bread and stew and meat and crew,
None will avert that gaze,
Oh you wanna stave off that ravneous 'unger?
Well it's really quite simple ta doooooooo,
Make sure not ta feed it, that's how ya beat it,
But be sure not to die from that too!
Just came up with it on the spot, what do you all think? It's supposed to be a sort of cautionary tale about a certain hunger and how to stop it, but it's also supposed to be somewhat jaunty so people don't forget it. It's also not really one to sing round the Masters that's for sure.
--
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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SouthSea Rutherby
Posts: 224
2/9/2016
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Fallen London!
It's a far away town
Victorian style
But deep underground
Fallen London!
Full of weasels and teeth
abducted by bats
and brought to the Neath.
Fallen London!
Now be sure to stay whole
The devils are coming
And they're eyeing your soul!
Fallen London!
Yes, we're right next to hell
But some things are worse
Don't talk to the well!
The Masters are Watching
The Sun's Moving In
A revenge is coming
For a great wicked sin
The Sixth City's falling!
But I have no fear
'Cause when London's drowning I'm
BEHIND THE MIRROR!!!!!!!
edited by SouthSea Rutherby on 2/9/2016
--
Now the proud captain of Mr. Eaten's Revenge
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dragonridingsorceress
Posts: 622
2/25/2016
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The captain’s line hangs off the stern
Oh no, she’ll make us eat it!
Zee monsters she catches to learn
And then, she’ll make us eat it!
“Now come and see what’s on my hook.”
“Brave bully boys, come take a look.”
A hard-shelled thing with eye that blinks
It stares around as if it thinks
With skin of blue and damp and cold
A Drownie girl with hair of gold
A feathered thing that shrieks and sings
Truly a fish if it has wings?
When Captain’s learnt all she can learn
She’ll pass it on to Cook to burn!
(I hope the format I have is clear enough. It seems to be the standard on websites which have Shanty lyrics.
I want to add, 100 words seemed like plenty until I got started. I could have kept going easily!)
edited by dragonridingsorceress on 2/25/2016
edited by dragonridingsorceress on 2/25/2016
--
DragonRidingSorceress is an Author of good standing. Mostly good standing. She's happy to accept any social action except Photographer and Loitering, but requests warnings before duping/poisoning/etc.
Seeker of Names is a... being with an obsession. They're willing to accept all invitations.
One who seeks to know all that is and may be. One who dances in the silence of the void. One whose fantasies make the reality come alive.
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Marcurious
Posts: 11
2/4/2016
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May as well throw my hat in the ring.
We think the Captain's a Snuffer
[Chorus]
Call: We think the captain’s a snuffer
Reply: Tell me, how do you know?
He asked for a menu of wax,
It was in among the cargo.
And after he ate, the candle crate,
He told the bosun so.
[Chorus]
When we saw The Mountain,
He cried “The Garden Ho!”
He scrambled up the rigging,
Bathing in the glow.
[Chorus]
He had some fun, with a sailor’s son,
A rather gruesome show.
Now it’s in his box of faces,
He stashes it down below.
--
~777777.7% towards Ambition:Hesperidean Cider
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EluOberon
Posts: 2
2/5/2016
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Here's hoping I'm allowed to squeeze out the call and responses in without word counting each time!
To the tune of "A Hundred Years on the Eastern Shore"
Map's all wrong and the engine screams
+Sleep, boys, sleep
Fire and smoke, and the sage in my dreams
++Ah, vast the zee and deep!
Twas the pirate's isle all cov'rd with bees
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Left a zailor there where he dreams of trees
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In the frosty north where the monks they feast
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They said me bunkmate fell to a beast
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I saw it meself tho' I dared not speak
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Cap'n surely pushed Shirley to the dank and bleak
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An altar stands here alone at zee
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Cap'n and the mate, come grinnin' at me
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Meryle
Posts: 1
3/4/2016
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My entry: The Lilac Shanty.
It is a work song usually sung when the zailors need to keep rhythm for something. It also tends to get popular when terror gets higher, for obvious reasons. According to rumours there is a version with two more stanzas called The Lilac Mutiny, but alas, this version is lost to the zee.
For every stanza foresinger sings the first line and chorus the second one.
Lilac came on board in Irem
So the Captain tells us, aye
Lilac left the ship in Wolfstack
So the Captain tells us, aye
Lilac is the best of doctors
So the Captain tells us, aye
Lilac is the Maybe's mother
So the Captain tells us, aye
Lilac is now back on our ship
So the Captain tells us, aye
Lilac wants to see the Statues
So the Captain tells us, aye
Thus we're sailing now past Varchas
So the Captain tells us, aye
Even though we never saw her
So we tell the Captain, aye
Fallen London is © 2015 and ™ Failbetter Games Limited: www.fallenlondon.com. This is an unofficial fan work.
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Magmionify
Posts: 32
2/7/2016
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Well, I guess I will try, but short compositions aren't my best scenario... Althought I have to say that It was pretty funny to create this piece. Just for ambientation and a little roleplay game, I' ve pictured the song to the tune of a little shorter "All for me grog", wich would be half sang, half whispered, by tripulations of "Zeekers" looking for they own demise on the sea. Or zee, we might even say.
All for me Name
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And it's all for the name, the damned, bloody, name:
all for his Name, and our zeekiiiiiin'!
Dizgrace 'pon us, on our shoulders shame,
'til we rest 'nder northern waters, 'longzide the Faaaaaathomking!
||.
Where are me man, me wretched, ztained crew,
they'd be all gone from hunger and terroooooor!
For the robust, dripping meat… if only did they knew
how we now all carry inside a piece of zea-faaaaaarer!
[Repeat |]
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Well blow me down if I ain't zick,
for I'm still zcanty!
Nor stain, scar, chain is my wiiick…
Haul! To Ocean I pledge too; the Zeek, my shaaaaanty!
[Enjoying the creativity out of everyone's mind in the post!]
--
Magmionify, a Crooked-Cross lover of devilesses, intrigues, and blood... Intoxicating blood. Also, you should taste his incredible cake of rodents
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TempesteBeausoleil
Posts: 1
3/2/2016
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This is my first time on the forums and my goodness the Fallen London/Sunless Sea fandom is brimming with talent. It's such a joy to read all the entries!  Anywho, here is my Zee Shanty based on the most adored abomination in the Neath, the Dawn Machine! This 'zhanty' is of the zailors struggle to shun it's tyrannical, yet beckoningly beautiful, light. 
- - - - - - -
TURN
Cast to the mast a rope and a light.
The glowing is growing; blood borders our sight.
(Refrain)
Turn, turn, turn, turn,
Steer and turn, away from THE SUN.
Sparks in the dark! The horizon aflame!
But cold as the gold that inspires its name.
(Refrain)
We drift o’er a rift; scarlet carpets the waves.
We veer ever clear lest we don gilded graves.
(Refrain)
We burn and we yearn and threaten to deal,
Our brain for the reign of a star born of steel.
(Refrain)
Turn x7
Steer and turn.
Turn x7
Fear and burn.
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malthaussen
Posts: 1060
2/5/2016
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Inspired by a shanty I read in a book somewhere... vexingly, I cannot find an online reference. Done as call-and-response, the italicized bits are the response, each stanza concludes with the same response before the chorus (but can't be fit into 100 words, so I cheat). (Note: "zailor" and "over" are shouted in the chorus, and represent the point at which everyone heaves on the line)
Chorus: Hey, ho, rock and roll, Fallen London zailor
Hey, ho, down below, rock and roll me over.
Oh, London lads is a cheery lot Fallen London Zailor
They'll eat your flesh before it can rot Rock and Roll me over.
[chorus]
Oh, London lasses is mighty fine [FLZ]
You take yours and I'll take mine. [RnR me O]
[chorus]
Oh, London ale is best of all [FLZ]
Makes you feel you're walkin' tall. [RnR me O]
[chorus]
So come to Fallen London, men. [FLZ]
You'll never miss the Surface again. [RnR me O]
[chorus]
-- Mal
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"Of two choices, I always take the third."
Will do all socials except Loitering or Private Evenings (all my Free Evenings are accounted for), and Affluent Photographer Betrayals only, please. I am not currently accepting calling cards.
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/malthaussen
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Schurchk
Posts: 6
2/19/2016
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Sung with swing in the soul. To zing the Zailor's Hymn, extinguish all lights, and light a candle on the bow. As the zailors and captain go about the duties, they zing, hoping desperately to catch the (merciful) attention of the aloof gods of the Zee.
This is a first draft that I'd like to share here. I'm rather satisfied, personally. I hope you all enjoy it.
Zailor's Hymn
We've left our sons, our Sun, our psalms
Not one of us has any fam'ly.
Abandoned the crowds, the Master's shrouds
To zail away, to zee!
Slaves to the mast, we're home at last
In our sunless Underzee.
Gone are the lights of London bright
Gone are Jenny's girls!
Instead all we have is cold, and fright
And bleeding Drowning-Pearls!
We zing our prayer, this zong today
To Gods only Zailors know!
Salt, and Storm, and far-away Stone
Remember these souls as your own.
Slaves to the mast, we're home at last
In our sunless Underzee.
edited by Schurchk on 2/19/2016
--
Mr. Bright, the Avid Showman! "What a strange point of view. Perhaps someday you'll understand the stakes of our performance."
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TheThirdPolice
Posts: 609
2/17/2016
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An online search confirmed that rum does indeed exist in the Neath. I would post the snippet, but it has the honour of being the least important Fate-locked snippet that forum rules have ever barred.
--
Excessive Corpse & Tender to Irreal Ravens
Lover of Flawed Souls
And with especial pride, Worst Screwup of the Decade!
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Parelle
Posts: 1084
2/18/2016
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The Masters and Jack hunt me tonight
They'll get no stories from me (*refrain*)
I'll seek for riches far from here
And find them across the Zee,
But from Frostfound down to Venderbight
*refrain*
By Polytheme's shore Crabby came in sight
*refrain*
We best be having 'im for tea
Or else cook's coming after me,
His eyes and knife are ever too bright
*refrain*
Storm, Salt, and Stone are ever right
*refrain*
We Drownies sing for the Fantomking
On this we do agree,
That all shall be well, shall be well
And all matter of things shall be well.
Fallen London is © 2015 and ™ Failbetter Games Limited: www.fallenlondon.com. This is an unofficial fan work
Sung by me: https://goo.gl/dsz9t6
edited by Parelle on 2/18/2016
--
Parelle, Lady Joseph Marlen. The Singular Librarian. A Midnighter, a Player of the Marvelous.
pages from a dusty bookshop: a badly updated FL changelog | Useful Guidance and Explanations
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TheThirdPolice
Posts: 609
2/18/2016
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The Sinking of the Violant
~–~–~–~–~–~–~–~–~–~
Off in the East
We showed 'em what for
- Ocean of glass, hold fast
All hands on deck
All Hands on the shore
- London gunners unsurpassed
Whispers of scintillack
Clinking of gold
- Branches on mast, hold fast
Rustle of stowaway
Deep in the hold
- London gunners unsurpassed
Storm in the engine room
Salt in our sight
- Drownies' Mass, hold fast
Child-sized fingers
Reach in the night
- London gunners unsurpassed
Harbor reflection
Showed us the truth
- London at last, hold fast
Ape for a captain
Soulless for crew
- London gunners unsurpassed!
&——
Fallen London is © 2015 and ™ Failbetter Games Limited: www.fallenlondon.com. This is an unofficial fan work.
edited by TheThirdPolice on 2/18/2016
--
Excessive Corpse & Tender to Irreal Ravens
Lover of Flawed Souls
And with especial pride, Worst Screwup of the Decade!
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GreatDerpression
Posts: 1
2/18/2016
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lines in brackets indicate the crew,
everything else is sung by the Shantyman.
A Toast
To Our ForeBearer Tobias Fulchard,
Whom we would not be here
without his gift of Steamer,
Gold and Advice.
Mad was the ma-an,
[To-bi-as Ful-Chard!]
Captain, The Flecker
A steamer, Like no other.
[Zailor of the Zee,]
[Man a Mystery!]
We sing a song,
with a swig a rum.
[in Honor o-of Thee.]
His bones may lay forgotten,
near the isle a-a Mutton.
Yet the name lives on
As the ztory preys upon....
[The Zailor of The Zee!]
[A Man a Mystery!]
Confronted by,
the eye a danger,
and an empty manger.
[He Still Ro-ode On!]
[Until He Wa-as Gone!!!]
.............................................
To - Bi - As Ful - Chard!
[A Man Like No Other!!!]
Zailed Across The Zouthern Zide,
A The Zee!
(repeating song)
Because!!!
(go back to the top)
(If your wondering who Tobias Fulchard is, I stumbled across his name in one of the loading screens for sunless sea, and there I found a note that said that we got the beginner's steamer from him and so In honor of out late family member of indistinct origin we toast him for this opportunity to join the ranks of great zee-men and women. I also got lucky I'm assuming and my ship was named the Flecker which fit perfectly with my rhythem)
edited by GreatDerpression on 2/18/2016
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NurdtheScourge
Posts: 28
2/17/2016
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The Honey-Stuck Lover
Solo Singer: Oh, I once met a lad
Who seemed mighty sad
While having a grin on his face-oh.
He beckoned me in
With a right sticky grin
And told me of a marvelous place. Oh,
He showed me the jars
And hummed me some bars
Of a love song, deep and true.
He told me to stay
And with him come away
To honey dreams, "Me and you."
Crew: What did you say?
Solo: I said...
Chorus: I must away
To the zee, I say,
To the salt and the brine and the sunless sky.
So lubber, turn away,
And don't anything say,
'Cause I can't bear to see you cry.
--
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/NurdtheScourge
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Parelle
Posts: 1084
2/17/2016
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Wow, I am completely flummoxed by the 100 word limit! My first attempt was 237 and I'll have to cut out two verses to go under 100 (never mind the fact the poor thing won't make sense). But I've enjoyed these and making up tunes to them.
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Parelle, Lady Joseph Marlen. The Singular Librarian. A Midnighter, a Player of the Marvelous.
pages from a dusty bookshop: a badly updated FL changelog | Useful Guidance and Explanations
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ShaunTheXV
Posts: 13
2/21/2016
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This is my zee shanty, The last Zee Zong, a man who sentenced his fate to death because he found a zong that should have been stay unfound. Part in bold is the chorus, sang by all people hearing the song. This is go it goes:
After zailing the zee
I have found the real gold
Not souls or money
Not what’s beyond
For you I shall bring, friend
The last damned tones
Now zing with me this last Zee Zong
Been long forgotten by those who drown
Went down to hell
And zang with the Devil
Dance with forgotten
Souls who wanted me
Now I shall go
To find what’s beyond
Now zing with me this last Zee Zong
Been long forgotten by those who drown
Now zing with me this last Zee Zong
Been long forgotten by those who drown
"Those my last words on a London canteen. My ship was claimed by the Fathomking, thus my soul. But I'm happy. I found the secret unfound, the notes that no one wants to hear. Remember me, or thou shalt join me on tis' my eternal song." -Last entry found on a ship's logbook near Fathomking's Hold, with a shanty written on a strange alphabet.
--
A pair of glasses watches you above a sly smile. This guys looks like he wants to talk to you. Will you?
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Shaun~The~XV
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NiteBrite
Posts: 1019
2/21/2016
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I posted my shanty to my tumblr blog, but I might as well cross post it here for my forums friends. It's a short re-telling of the Northbound Parliamentarian storyline with details from the six perspectives, so it has spoilers for that. I'll put it in a spoiler box just in case. The tune is Two Fishermen (hymn).
~~
Zong of the Northbound
[spoiler]Six passengers who zailed
Towards the port of Venderbight
Suffered a twist of fate
Adrift during the starless night
Now Eaten watched them from the well
Then called her, ‘Seek my Name’
She change their course
The drunk captain
Was bribed with wine to blame
Vengeance will be mine
Zail North to seek my Name
And as they landed on strange shores
Twas scorpions they’d find
And pillars of abysm-glass
Xibalba they enshrined
The priest kings would not let them leave
But games they loved to run
Twas fair the game their Cardsharp played
Their freedom he had won[/spoiler]
--
I AM currently accepting calling cards.
Stats loss counter: reset, irrigo equivalent: none
[00:34] <@ortab> NiteBrite's laugh is that of a condemned soul gazing into the abyss.
Merciless Modiste avatar by Paul Arendt (based on an original image by Joe England)
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/TheBriteModiste
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Acer Pseudoplantatus
Posts: 3
3/1/2016
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My little contribution; the Stay-Sane-Shanty (TM). Italic parts are the bosun's, non-italic ones the crew's.
Gather around, bully boys,
gather 'round and zing along!
Come raise your voice,
let's zing a glad zong!
Cheer up, me mates,
there's still fuel in the tanks!
There's still food on our plates,
and for that we give thanks!
The Zee may be vast
and yes, we're adrift,
but the captain's steadfast
and our ship is swift!
If everyone now raises his voice
we might scare off the fiends tonight,
we can drown out their noise
and might not have to fight.
Worry not about shadows,
for we do still have light,
mention no woes,
we shall be alright!
--
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Acer~Pseudoplantatus
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Appolonia
Posts: 248
2/26/2016
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This shanty is featured in an upcoming opera by Miss Ravenscroft, called the Drowning Feast. The leader sings the "Bless..." lines, and the zailors reply with the parenthetical lines.
Bless Storm who makes the waves to swell
(And might yet blow us all to Hell)
Bless Stone who keeps us from our dying
(Though the drownies surely keep on trying)
Bless Salt and each dark-fathomed beast
(May we never serve at a Drowning Feast)
Bless Storm who in the North does dwell
(And our loved ones in the city that fell)
Bless Stone who tears of flint is crying
(And Her Light – that’s South - that we are spying)
Bless Salt, the God who travelled East
(May we never be served at a Drowning Feast.)
--
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Appolonia%20VonRavenscroft
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Elias Caspar
Posts: 1
2/7/2016
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"London's Light"
Light the coals, turn to the dark
Out into eternal night (Response 1)
Set to Zee on a madman's lark
Past the glow of London's light (Response 2)
We head past teeth and ragged claws
(Response 1)
Beyond the reach of mortal laws
(Response 2)
Will we carry silk, or sapphires, or honey?
(Response 1)
It doesn't really matter if we get the money
(Response 2)
Keep your mind off of the waters
(Response 1)
Lest you be mourned by your sons and daughters
(Response 2)
edited by Elias Caspar on 2/7/2016
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Zekh
Posts: 1
2/5/2016
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We saw the bats, we saw the dark.
London fall.
The twisted will of the Bazaar.
London fall.
On that black day, the deal was made
She sold us all
By the hand of the Empress
London fall
Never bargain with the Masters
They eat love and spit out disasters.
The Neath is a cold and cruel place.
Surrounded by absolute darkness.
Now we have no lights, thanks to her.
Having to face a lot of dangers.
Among them, devils and zee monsters.
All standing in the way, of our Heart's Desire.
We left our hearts in London.
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Maximilian Datterpie
Posts: 9
2/5/2016
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I shall try as well to enter this contest, even if my skills are not as sharp as those of others here.
There is no sea more sunless than this.
Capt'n, dear capt'n, in darkness we're free.
I long for the light and the sun and the sky.
Rest now, oh capt'n, for Death said goodbye.
Deathless and lawless and lost and alone.
Gleeful and cheerful, Life's mysteries shown.
I weep for the light. I cry for the law.
We laugh for the songs, we search for the awe.
Capt'n, dear capt'n, don't give us that stare.
Our happiness's here, you must be aware.
Go, then. Sing and be merry and be gone.
I will create a Machine for my Dawn.
Fallen London is © 2015 and ™ Failbetter Games Limited: www.fallenlondon.com. This is an unofficial fan work.
edited by Maximilian Datterpie on 2/5/2016
--
Maximilian's Profile: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Maximilian~Datterpie
- Enjoys honey dreaming, wines and homicide. He does accept each and any social action given to him, except the ones with that pesky Affluent Photographer.
- He's always up to a good exchange of opinions in the light of a candle and a knife, if there is moonlight.
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Diptych
Administrator
Posts: 3493
2/4/2016
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Parelle wrote:
Question: does the tune need to be original?
According to this Tumblr post, one song to the tune of another* is permitted.
* Possibly with Colin Sell at the piano.
--
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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Talkes
Posts: 90
2/4/2016
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It took some ruthless squeezing and cutting, so it may be rough around the edges.
Apologies for probably mistaking some pronouns as well.
To the tune of "The Fish Of The Sea":
Come all young zailormen listen to me
I'll zing you zong of treacherous zee,
And its
Scary weather, boys, creepy weather, boys,
When nothing happens for weeks mad we'll go.
Up jumps seal with his halfton of weight,
Drops to stern as cap gets into bate
Cuz
We caught one yesterday, stalked it for tenday,
Captain got bruised and ain't place for one more.
Then up jumps the blue blemmigan
With his tentacles holding huge sealed old jar
And
Offers selling for printing his poetry once we get home.
We were in hurry, so took him along.
Fallen London is © 2015 and ™ Failbetter Games Limited: www.fallenlondon.com. This is an unofficial fan work.
Not sure it's needed here, posting on the forums, but oh well.
--
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Talkes
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IHNIWTR
Posts: 346
2/4/2016
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Hey, up! from the Mourn and to the Crow now,
Hey, up! and a-full steam ahead
hey, up! we'll berth her out and show how
a true London-born zails the zee with no dread
hey, up! fill those larders up here
hey, up! get those boilers stoked well high
hey, up! shine the lantern bright, we're
a-heading out to where the beasties neath us lie
hey, and up! the cannons they're a-firing
hey, and up! the waves they lash the bow
hey, and up! next port we'll be a-hiring
another lad or lass to take a zailor's vow
hey, and down, and we see the dock's far lights and
hey, and down, we can hear the bouy's bell
hey, and down, we will raise our glass tonight, for
a true London-born their lost friends remembers well
edited by IHNIWTR on 2/4/2016
--
https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Daniel%20Vaise
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somekindawizard
Posts: 2
2/4/2016
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Let me tell you a story a few verses long,
About some hamsters and rats that just cant get along.
I docked at the port for supplies and some rum,
To be met by two creatures neither noble nor strong,
The Rat begged my service and so did the hamster,
To join a bloody war, they awaited my Answer.
So if ever you land upon Pig-mote Isle,
Heed my advice, turn and leave her in style
For bloodshed and slavery you’ll leave in your wake,
And they are only vermin for goodness sake,
edited by somekindawizard on 2/4/2016
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Agent Artemis
Posts: 7
3/2/2016
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Man, it's almost March 4th - time flies, huh?
---
Shovel That Coal
There’s darkness in the North today,
All warmth and light are gone;
Shovel that coal, raise the zails,
We must continue on.
The Drownies quiet, moon-pearls wane,
The North yet haunts our dreams;
Shovel that coal, raise the zails,
Ignore your shipmates’ screams.
The captain calls, “Approach the Void!”
And we send Stone our prayers;
Shovel that coal, raise the zails,
And pray that someone cares.
The dark-glass Nomad hunts us now,
A warning not to roam;
Shovel that coal, raise the zails,
And hope we make it home.
--
Agent Artemis, a citizen, scientist, revolutionary, and devoted wife of a lovely and barely even murderous Snuffer
A vote for the Dauntless Temperance Campaigner is a vote for fairness, progress, and tea for all!
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Johnny Felix
Posts: 180
3/3/2016
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Well, for better or worse, her is my attempt: "Our first captain of the underzee"
----------------------------------------------
Our first captain of the underzee
(Who is she?)
A thieving lass from London piers
spirited yet green behind 'er ears
longing for fame and wealth abundantly
(Cops don't swim, practice piracy!)
Our fierce captain of the underzee
(What does she?)
Hunts treasures, steals fright,
challenges Khanagians to fight
Does trading, exploring, even piracy
(Watch for the Navy, they are aiming for thee!)
Our glorious captain of the underzee
(Where is she?)
She fought rodents on Pigmote Isle
stole their crown (Oh how vile!)
and now all the cavies call her 'Your Majesty'!
(All hail Queen Taimi, becoming furry royalty!)
--
https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Johnny%20Felix
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muchandquick
Posts: 1
3/4/2016
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[This shanty is ninety-nine words in total. The one-hundredth word was stolen by an ill-fated urchin.]
___________________
We've shoveled the coal and we've loaded the grog,
Wey-hey, blow winds blow!
But where in the unter has gone our dear mog?
Wey-hey, away we go!
Where to, the zee only knows!
A ratter by nature, a zailer by trade,
Wey-hey, blow winds blow!
Our dear captain's favored, good luck she doth bade,
Wey-hey, away we go!
Where to, the zee only knows!
If you take one word zailor, take it from me,
Wey-hey, blow winds blow!
A ship with no mog's just a tub in the zee!
Wey-hey, away we go!
Where to, the zee only knows!
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A B Nile
Posts: 414
3/3/2016
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Ahoy mateys. I humbly present my entry, "Captain, take me home"
(Words in brackets are to be sung in chorus)
----------------------------
I’ve felt the cold of the Avid Horizon
Dined at Hunter’s Keep
Surrendered my soul in the Empire of Hands
(Half my life at zee!)
So look to the oars and look to the engines!
(Captain, take me home!)
Full steam to London, with holy protection!
(Salt and Storm and Stone!)
Changed by the laws of the Iron Republic
Zailed South of Adam’s Way
Dragged down below the Fathomking’s Hold
(The zailor’s price to pay!)
So look to the oars and look to the engines!
(Captain, take me home!)
Anchors aweigh, and pray for protection!
(Salt and Storm and Stone!)
--
My profile: A B Nile
My alt: Zanzibar Buck-Buck McFate
(seeking Acquaintances and accepting all social actions)
Item conversion table - finally complete with all rare successes!
Bloody, bold and resolute
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Shon Richards
Posts: 1
3/3/2016
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My humble entry, the Brave Lad
The Brave Lad was smooth and fair
And he went to zee without a care
But never happy will he be
For he lost his soul to the Unterzee
Blue Blemmigan chark,
Glim falling spark
He is sailing north into the dark
Was he mad or was he fool
When he sank his teeth into the jewel
Or did he know what no one knew
Spoken to him by Drownie lips blue
Blue Blemmigan chark,
Glim falling spark
He is sailing north into the dark
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Psyringe
Posts: 2
3/6/2016
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Info about the song:
The song is exactly 100 words (with the direction at the bottom included in the count). I'm not sure if fluff texts count to the 100 words as well. If they do, please ignore this section here and proceed straight to the song below.
The ballad "The Kings of Saints-Haven" is a drinking song, to be sung by rugged fellows in a dirty pub. After the third stanza, mushroom wine is supposed to go round. Once the glasses are empty, one of the patrons will continue the song from the first stanza. To a first-time participant, the depicted events and characters may actually become clearer during the second time it's sung, though that probably depends on the amount of mushroom wine consumed during the interlude.
(I have a melody for it in my head, but I really can't name a song for it. But if you search for "limerick shanty" on youtube, you'll probably find some suitable ones.)
=========================================
Once there was a new king in Saints-Haven
He had the most beautiful wife
Who could not resist
To see zailors on trysts
So he threatened her life with a knife
Once there was a sad queen seeking romance
Now heark'ning her husband's harangue:
"They'll never love thee
I myself was at zee
And I learned they care just for their gang!"
Once there was a brisk zailor, quite hansom
Rushed in to protect the young lass
And made her his bride
After swift regicide
To the new king, let's raise our glass!
(repeat from start, won't make sense otherwise)
edited by Psyringe on 3/6/2016
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harbourlady
Posts: 78
3/18/2016
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last weekend for voting - not gonna lie, i'm starting to bite my nails a little - i think i'll join you for some honey at this point TheThirdPolice
--
Harbourlady: Torn between hedonism and solitude, harbourlady worships the twin alters of wine and secrets. Capricious, but rarely cruel, she will always go just over every line she encounters.
Captain Van Townes: He will tell you he was born of the sea, and you will never know if he is lying. Quick to fight and quick to steal, but with the honor born of men who will always tell the truth when asked the right question.
Social actions welcome, please be open to receiving them in return.
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Harbourlady
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Captain~van~Townes~
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TheThirdPolice
Posts: 609
3/21/2016
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I start vacation in a rural area tomorrow. The announcement will probably happen before I leave, but if not, I'm going to have a fun mission tracking down an internet connection!
--
Excessive Corpse & Tender to Irreal Ravens
Lover of Flawed Souls
And with especial pride, Worst Screwup of the Decade!
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curtinparloe
Posts: 4
4/15/2016
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Well I had a full month of work (and I don't use Tumblr) so I missed it all. Who was shortlisted, and who won?
--
Last night, the velvet sky glimmered with lightning, the rain fell in globs, and the air hung heavy with the electric sensation of burnt ozone.
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TheThirdPolice
Posts: 609
4/19/2016
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I don't think the shortlist is visible any more now that the poll is closed. And one of the two winners asked Failbetter not to link to their song.
That awkwardness aside, the other winner was Leknaat, whose shanty is here: http://inthegrayworld.tumblr.com/post/140437856570/a-little-bite
--
Excessive Corpse & Tender to Irreal Ravens
Lover of Flawed Souls
And with especial pride, Worst Screwup of the Decade!
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TheThirdPolice
Posts: 609
5/2/2016
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From memory (besides Little Bite):
Kylestien's "Oh,'Ow do ya stave off a ravenous 'unger"
Marcurious' "We think the Captain's a Snuffer"
My own "The Sinking of the Violant"
Maybe dragonridingsorceress' "she'll make us eat it"?
Hundstrasse's "LEADBEATER AND STAINROD" — hurray, I managed to google this one
And several more that I either didn't recognize or that are not on this thread. Apologies to anyone I missed, you're welcome to anyone I erroneously included.
--
Excessive Corpse & Tender to Irreal Ravens
Lover of Flawed Souls
And with especial pride, Worst Screwup of the Decade!
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Hannah Flynn
Administrator
Posts: 491
2/4/2016
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That was quick! Remember to email us a link to your piece, as we're managing all of the entries through our support system. Hooray!
--
Wields the news canon, aboard the hype train.
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somekindawizard
Posts: 2
2/4/2016
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Just spotted on twitter that @Echobazaar said we can "Make the best possible use of your 100 words, however you see fit!" So Im putting back in the chanting chorus I made
* Chorus “OH To hell with the vermin I say!”
Let me tell you a story a few verses long,
About some hamsters and rats that just cant get a long
*
I docked at the port for supplies and some rum,
To be met by two creatures neither noble nor strong,
*
The Rat begged my service and so did the hamster,
To join a bloody war, they awaited my Answer.
*
So if ever you land upon Pigmote Isle,
Heed my advice, turn and leave her in style
For bloodshed and slavery you’ll leave in your wake,
And they are only vermin for goodness sake,
*
edited by somekindawizard on 2/4/2016
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middynighty
Posts: 1
2/4/2016
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No land, no land, lost in the Zee
No food at hand, my crewmates and me
A crewmate’s gone missing
No land, no land
While we were a-drifting
Lost in the Zee
We searched high and low, he did not show
Did he fall down below, below, did he fall down below
Another man missing
No land, no land
We are still drifting
Lost in the Zee
While searching the hull, discovered his skull,
They didn’t fall down below, they didn’t fall down below
No land, no land, lost in the Zee
The food at hand, my crewmates for me
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The Dark Gentleman
Posts: 188
2/5/2016
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Apparently, I can't ever pass up a chance to show off my mediocre skill as a Fallen London lyricist (see http://community.failbettergames.com/topic21166-sacksmas-carols.aspx?Page=1#post122906 for my previous foray). I apologize for lacking a specific theme. I have a tendency to try for themes far larger than can be supported in my chosen medium. Or at least, in 100 words or less. However, this is a song describing a voyage in 100 words exactly. Bits even rhyme:
Long we’ve zailed towards THE SUN of Man.
'Scaping its influence best we can
Set Full Power! past Kingeater’s Castle
Make port there and court disaster.
WE. ARE. CLAY. Keeping engines running strong.
Show respect to the gods Salt, Stone and Storm.
Shoot zee bats and it’s crew morale you’ll mourn.
Long we’ve zailed through the Pillared Sea
The future of Irem a memory.
Start to freeze under Censor’s Arch
Flee from lifebergs with weapons charged
Wolfstack Docks. I can see the lights ahead.
Back to port. Home to London once again.
Free Evening. A night I can sleep abed.
(I realized after posting the original that I'd nearly covered the four corners of the map, accidentally. How could I pass up a chance for a clean sweep?)
edited by The Dark Gentleman on 2/5/2016
--
The Dark Gentleman~ Social actions welcome. Menace reductions upon request. Newspaper interviews by appointment. Falconry by invitation only.
"THE HOURS FEAR THE NAMES.
THE NAMES FEAR THE LONG.
THE LONG FEAR THE KNOW.
ALL FEAR THE HOURS."
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malthaussen
Posts: 1060
2/5/2016
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Is the competition limited to one entry per person?
-- Mal
--
"Of two choices, I always take the third."
Will do all socials except Loitering or Private Evenings (all my Free Evenings are accounted for), and Affluent Photographer Betrayals only, please. I am not currently accepting calling cards.
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/malthaussen
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Chuck
Posts: 41
2/7/2016
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"The Compass Rose"
"To the West is Mother London,
Home, humility, safety.
Look not North.
To the South is the Elder Continent,
Mystery, colony, luminosity.
Look not North.
To the East is the Khanate,
Enemy, perfidy, degeneracy.
Look not North.
And Irem in glass, the Republic in Iron,
Clay Polythreme and frozen Whither.
But look not North”
Really liking what everyone is coming up with!
--
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Charles~Liao
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hyperhop
Posts: 5
2/6/2016
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Here's mine:
Oh across the Dark Zee,
Oh across the Dark Zee,
As Zailors we travel,
Far from the lights of any city.
Oh across the Dark Zee,
Oh across the Dark Zee,
From Station III to Shepherd Isles
From Adam's Way to Abbey Rock.
Oh across the Dark Zee,
Oh across the Dark Zee,
We Zail for knowlege, treasure,
Goods and curiousityyyy.
Oh across the Dark Zee,
Oh across the Dark Zee,
We bring reports to the Admiralty
And Masters await in London city.
There's no place like it
Underneath in the eerie Dark Zee.
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HelfireReign
Posts: 1
2/6/2016
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Well this little ditty sums up my dear characters life, from Fallen London to Sunless Sea.
From Fallen London A poet I be,
With my new crew, I fled to the Zee
For devils wait,
(For your soul to take)
Yes devils wait,
(Less we sink at zee)
On and on we sailed through the black,
Stone, Salt and Storm, let me never go back,
For devils wait,
(For your soul to take)
Yes devils wait,
(Less we sink at zee)
No more food, but the crew need to feed,
Maybe back on the shore was safer for me,
Where devils wait,
(For your soul to take)
Yes devils wait,
(Less we eat at zee)
Fallen London is © 2015 and ™ Failbetter Games Limited: www.fallenlondon.com. This is an unofficial fan work.
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TheWolfoftheStars
Posts: 11
2/27/2016
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My little contribution to the competition. It's to the tune of Loch Lomond. The refrain is sung by everyone, and the verses are sung by whoever is leading the song.
- - - - - - -
For many years, I have drifted these zees,
I am weary of the black waters sprawling,
Now I wish for the light of the brightly shining Sun
The winds of the highlands are calling.
(refrain)
Oh, from Wolfstack to Hunter's,
From Polythreme to NORTH,
Our hearts yearn ever to wander,
To explore every wave of the windless, waveless zee,
For to feel light of Surface yonder.
Oh, that I could return to my home in the hills,
That daffodils bloom in the meadows,
But now silent rivers flow in my veins,
And the black roses wilt in my window.
(refrain)
- - - - - - -
Ehh, doesn't really fit the tone of a zee shanty, but I thought I'd submit it anyways.
EDIT: Acht, I forgot the disclaimer thingy. Fallen London is © 2015 and ™ Failbetter Games Limited: www.fallenlondon.com. This is an unofficial fan work.
--
Soon-to-be Correspondent TheWolfoftheStars! More than happy to help with social actions, just shoot me a request. http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/TheWolfoftheStars
edited by TheWolfoftheStars on 3/6/2016
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NiteBrite
Posts: 1019
2/28/2016
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The Sadistic Songstress wrote:
A bit late to be asking, but is it just one entry per person for this contest?
None of the previous contests had a one entry limit, so probably this one doesn't either unless it's explicitly stated somewhere and I've missed it.
--
I AM currently accepting calling cards.
Stats loss counter: reset, irrigo equivalent: none
[00:34] <@ortab> NiteBrite's laugh is that of a condemned soul gazing into the abyss.
Merciless Modiste avatar by Paul Arendt (based on an original image by Joe England)
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/TheBriteModiste
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Parelle
Posts: 1084
2/29/2016
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I was pretty sure I read about a one shanty limit but I've found no evidence of it.
--
Parelle, Lady Joseph Marlen. The Singular Librarian. A Midnighter, a Player of the Marvelous.
pages from a dusty bookshop: a badly updated FL changelog | Useful Guidance and Explanations
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TuppencePies
Posts: 3
3/1/2016
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Hey all, when I tweeted Failbetter, this is what they said about multiple entries:
"You can enter more than once but we'll only shortlist one entry per person, so you may want to focus on one!"
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The Sadistic Songstress
Posts: 6
3/1/2016
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TuppencePies wrote:
Hey all, when I tweeted Failbetter, this is what they said about multiple entries:
"You can enter more than once but we'll only shortlist one entry per person, so you may want to focus on one!"
Yes! Thank you! My terror about instant disqualification is now greatly reduced. 
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Ace Unknown
Posts: 2
3/2/2016
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Irrigo
A song we shall sing (x2)
That you’ve never heard before;
It goes like this:
A wave and a twist
And silence evermore.
A colour arise,
Envelop and sighs;
She’ll soak you to the core.
A song we shall sing (x2)
From memory never bore.
With a wave of her hand,
She’s forgot you and ran;
Absent in all but lore.
Left you alone,
Lost far from home;
In remembrance you are poor.
A song we shall sing (x2)
That you’ve never heard before;
It goes like this:
A wave and a twist
And silence evermore.
[Repeat until forgotten]
____
Fallen London is © 2015 and ™ Failbetter Games Limited: www.fallenlondon.com. This is an unofficial fan work.
edited by Ace Unknown on 3/2/2016
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Happy Londoner
Posts: 74
2/17/2016
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Ahoy, zhanty-bards! A quick questions to you: is there rum in the Neath? What would a hardened zailor drink? Definitely not Greyfields, I figured. Need this for the zong!
--
My profile: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Happy~Londoner
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Talkes
Posts: 90
2/17/2016
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Not sure why there wouldn't be rum imported from the surface, though I couldn't find any references. Ale is known to be exported to Carnelian Coast and sold in dockside tavern(s), as well as certain peculiar porter I haven't yet tasted (nor I most likely will). Morelways '72 is also quite popular.
A really hardened zailor would, of course, have a flask of the good stuff.
--
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Talkes
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