Dirk McTaggart
Posts: 8
2/26/2016
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Robin Mask wrote:
Just wanted to say this is possibly my favourite story to date, even more so than "Flint"  I adored the mixture of gameplay elements, as well as how the story felt divided into three acts, and the story itself was superb . . . the characters were complex and easy to become invested in, while the overall rewards felt fantastic (I very much value one item in particular, which can be frustrating to get otherwise).
This sums up my feelings perfectly An outstanding story, to say the least.
Bravo!
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Dirk~McTaggart
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+3
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Nanako
Posts: 536
2/26/2016
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feedback time
This story was really fun, lots of interesting mechanics, and a nice chance to explore little bits of london's culture
I felt it was, overall, a bit too easy though. Especially the flash lay near the end, the difficulty of that seemed to be clearly set towards the lower end of flash lays, and i passed every check (even the shadowy ones, which is my worst stat) without any issue at 100% odds, without ever having to optimise gear. I expected more of a challenge.
It was also mildly odd that almost none of the storylets along the way had any material rewards, even just little things for flavour. Like when i as cleaning out the fireplace at Baseborn and Fowlingpiece, i feel like that should have yielded Inklings of Identity from poking around with fragmented documents.
But my biggest criticism of all i think, was the overall mundaneity of the story. Nothing i did, or discovered, had any real consquence, for myself or london. I went looking for a missing nanny, and I found her. With barely a hint of dark magic or deeper mysteries along the way. I kind of expected higher stakes
it was a good story though. 4/5
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Sunless Skies needs engine and speed control mechanics. Have a look at my design proposal for implementing it
http://community.failbettergames.com/topic25687-a-design-for-engines.aspx
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-3
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Mr Sables
Posts: 597
2/26/2016
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Nanako wrote:
I felt it was, overall, a bit too easy though. Especially the flash lay near the end, the difficulty of that seemed to be clearly set towards the lower end of flash lays, and i passed every check (even the shadowy ones, which is my worst stat) without any issue at 100% odds, without ever having to optimise gear. I expected more of a challenge.
In response to this, I think it was intentional.
The "Exceptional Stories" have to be accessible to all users of all levels; people can buy membership at any time, and a lot of new players do this (along with older players), and having an entire level unwinnable by design is . . . bad for profit  If I'd spent money on a story, then found out I'm only level 20 and need to be level 80 to get through to the end of the story, which may take me months depending on how much I play (while spoilers may be abound on forums and private discussions), then I'd probably want my money back
The length of the Flash Lay is probably what makes up for this; I had to wait ten minutes for each turn, so it still felt like a 'challenge', especially when some cards in my hand couldn't be discarded and could give me menaces and the like . . . you have to use strategy (if you have an unlucky hand), as well as a lot of patience, and that's what makes the Flash Lay a good choice for both sets of players
But my biggest criticism of all i think, was the overall mundaneity of the story. Nothing i did, or discovered, had any real consquence, for myself or london. I went looking for a missing nanny, and I found her. With barely a hint of dark magic or deeper mysteries along the way. I kind of expected higher stakes
This one I feel is both right and wrong . . .
On the one hand, it is a 'mundane' story insofar as it's not about magic or greater lore, but - on the other hand - not every story needs to be about those things . . . I'd argue it can't be, either, as then the appeal and unique nature of those tidbits wanes off, plus people get tired of every story being the same. Eventually, you get sick of it . . . like, I adore the masters, but were they in every story -? I'd probably stop playing.
My other counter is that it did have consequence; your actions potentially impacted the children, in my case they became more civilised and learned to understand their actions in relation to others, and your actions should impact yourself too . . . do you invade someone's privacy or respect it, do you be cruel to be kind or be patient to a fault . . . everything about this story is personal growth and interpersonal relationships, it's about who your character is and what they do. It's why I love it - it's not about getting an item, finding a person, going to a certain place . . . it's not an A to B without any real significance, but instead something personal and meaningful.
You have to care about London to want to 'live' in London.
This story - to me - did that well
edited by RobinMask on 2/26/2016
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+14
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aertew
Posts: 10
2/26/2016
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Sara Hysaro wrote:
Has anybody gotten the bonus mentioned in the Bazaar Side-streets storylet? I've been playing that option for most of the night without any luck so far, so I'm tempted to just move on with the story and maybe try again with Delmar later.
You receive a sworn statement and some very interesting information about the Veteran Privy Counsellor of the court.
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/aertew
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+5
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Nanako
Posts: 536
2/26/2016
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The "Exceptional Stories" have to be accessible to all users of all levels;
I don't really agree with this. FBG have made many premium stories in the past that come with advisory notices on where your stats should roughly be, in order to enjoy it most
But even if that is a necessary design goal, i don't see how making it easy achieves that. In this case you're just sacrificing the enjoyment of experienced players, in favour of newer ones. Someone always loses out.
I'm inclined to think a company should favour its established fans first and foremost. YMMV.
Perhaps the difficulty of things could adjust to the level of the player. Certainly this storyline had some options that specifically targeted lower and higher ranked players differently (the checks on the Making your Name qualities)
people can buy membership at any time, and a lot of new players do this (along with older players), and having an entire level unwinnable by design is . . . bad for profit If I'd spent money on a story, then found out I'm only level 20 and need to be level 80 to get through to the end of the story, which may take me months depending on how much I play (while spoilers may be abound on forums and private discussions), then I'd probably want my money back
the storyline isn't going away though, if you're a member when you get it, you can save it.
And if you're a new player, you're already flooded with a billion other things to do and places to go, that are all shiny and new. A new player never wants for activity around here
My other counter is that it did have consequence; your actions potentially impacted the children,
The children are transient characters. I don't expect to see them ever again, nor the resolute aesthete, or any of a myriad of other temporary people who are introduced for storylines. It's hard to care about them
in my case they became more civilised and learned to understand their actions in relation to others, and your actions should impact yourself too . . . do you invade someone's privacy or respect it, do you be cruel to be kind or be patient to a fault . .
Personally, i just did my best to murder them by setting the starveling cat on them. They had that coming. I got bored of the children rather quickly when it became clear they were predestined to trump anything you use on them, and be even more annoying little brats in the process. So i eventually gave up on them
--
Sunless Skies needs engine and speed control mechanics. Have a look at my design proposal for implementing it
http://community.failbettergames.com/topic25687-a-design-for-engines.aspx
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-6
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Kade Carrion (an_ocelot)
Posts: 1372
2/26/2016
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I'm just starting and I'm excited to travel all around London investigating. Minor feedback note:
"4 - Look for opportunities throughout London to trade this for Tales of Domestic Service x The Trust of Servants"
is pretty ungainly.
Edit: ah, apparently this is just on the first time you acquire it. Still.
edited by an_ocelot on 2/26/2016
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Social Actions: send them to Kade Carrion (she/her; no Tournament of Lilies, please). an_ocelot has gone NORTH and cannot benefit from social actions!
Possibly-Useful Things: Spreadsheets and hints and link collections, oh my.
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Kaigen
Posts: 530
2/26/2016
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Nanako wrote:
I don't really agree with this. FBG have made many premium stories in the past that come with advisory notices on where your stats should roughly be, in order to enjoy it most Yes, but those premium stories aren't time limited. A new player has to decide whether to subscribe now to get access to this story (the preferable outcome for FBG) or wait months to pay fate for it, and buying a subscription so that they can take two actions and then sit on their hands probably doesn't appeal.
As for the children, I'd argue you get the better of them with the bedtime story, as it leaves them quiet, still, and utterly terrified.
edited by Kaigen on 2/26/2016
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Just a simple doctor with a chess habit. Publisher of The Flit Dispatch.
"One must remember that the impossible is, alas, always possible."
-Jacques Derrida
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+12
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Toran
Posts: 193
2/26/2016
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I deeply regret not having realized it was possible to get playing with the Children to 10, I wanted those endings. I may reset this one eventually. Otherwise, delightful. The one thing I felt was missing was a permanent quality noting I hadn't released the woman's secret. Because now she and the agency that placed her are under my thumb. THAT was my motivation - "curiosity" indeed.
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I have a Hepta-Goat. Do you have a Hepta-Goat?
https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Anthony%20Toran
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+4
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Hobnail
Posts: 179
2/26/2016
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A MESSAGE HAS NOT BEEN DELIVERED
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Hobnail
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+6
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aertew
Posts: 10
2/26/2016
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I enjoyed this story a lot, its tied for second favourite with July and close to Flint. I enjoyed the charecters, the children reminded me of a malicious version of the Baudelaire children from a Series of Unfortunate Events. The little servant storylets around London were fun and varied enough, and the flash lay was a fun feature. I choose to give the truth for the children, but has anyone chosen the harsh lie option?
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/aertew
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+4
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Zack Oak
Posts: 205
2/26/2016
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Oh man. This one has been amazing for worldbuilding, and I can't wait for the final card!
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Roland Banning, The Ambitious Operative (Profile)
Tumblr RP Account
Ask me about the Delicious Friends RP group!
Open for social actions (no cats or photographers, please. Currently taking a break from K&C.)
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+1
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Ian Hart
Posts: 437
2/26/2016
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An excellent story so far (I just finished the Flash Lay.)
Is "katabatist" a term one might know from real life, or is it purely a Fallen London thing?
Edit: Done now. Absolutely fantastic.
edited by Ian Hart on 2/26/2016
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Antifinity
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+1
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Estelle Knoht
Posts: 1751
2/26/2016
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Nanako wrote:
But my biggest criticism of all i think, was the overall mundaneity of the story. Nothing i did, or discovered, had any real consquence, for myself or london. I went looking for a missing nanny, and I found her. With barely a hint of dark magic or deeper mysteries along the way. I kind of expected higher stakes
Hey, we already have hellspawn (in the monstrous sense of word and not the Brass one) for The Gift. Another set of hellspawn and GRIMDARKBLOODMURDER after the previous batch of Exceptional Stories will be way too much.
Mundane people thriving in exceptional environments are fun, too, especially since this time the mundane people are making use of the same rules the players have. Also these kids trumped the Starveling Cat that's supposed to be all dreadful-and-horrifc-and-SMENish, that's enough dark magic for the day.
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Estelle Knoht, a juvenile, unreliable and respectable lady.
I currently do not accept any catbox, cider, suppers, calling cards or proteges.
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+13
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Emain Ablach
Posts: 348
2/26/2016
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Finished the story.
I loved it. It was touching, well written, and the characters were interesting, very well fleshed out.
Having to search for informations and bits of texts all around London was very nice, and the little stories, the little slice of life (is it the right expression ?) of the servants of each area of London were especially tasty.
Surprisingly, even though I'm very curious and often conflicted about my choices in FL, this time I felt the relationship between the characters was such that I knew immediately how to react, and I made my choice without any regret.
Thank you for this lovely story, it was a great reading and a very good play. Also, I'm happy to know this is part of a "season" !
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Went NORTH. Got salted. Never came back. We won't remember him.
https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Emain%20Ablach
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+4
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Amélie Vaincœur
Posts: 85
2/26/2016
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Fair warning everyone, posting in absolute fan-girl mode.... 
.....but this story was such a treat! A masterpiece! Utterly delightful! Truly Exceptional! I loved every minute of it!
(I wish I could vote 10 out of 5 when the Enthusiastic Urchin comes asking...)
I feel like this ES perfectly combined everything that is wonderful about Fallen London: there was use of a variety of game mechanics; and of course a story that, while in essence quite serious, is just absolutely hilarious on so many levels. I laughed so hard so often I must've been in serious danger of combustion myself!
There were just so many layers to this story! I loved checking every location in London for options to speak with servants, then making sure to play them all.... mixed up with playing with the children, and slowly finding out more about the Governess.... trading one quality for another - and when I feared I might be nearing the story's end: nope, here comes a Flash Lay! Brilliant!
So beautiful that we got an extensive POV from everyone: the mother, the children, the Governess herself... I totally feel like I really got to know that family.... and finally some in-depth information about the tribulations of Fallen London's servant class - something I had long felt had been missing from the game!
I very much appreciated being able to put off the end a little longer while waiting for the epilogue opp card (as an aside, I think that should become a standard feature for ES!). I really did not want to finish!
Overall, the writing was simply excellent from start to finish! Every little snippet of text fully deserved its place. For me, this story was better even than Lost in Reflections (my favourite so far) and Flint taken together!
Thank you, Emily Short! 
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Enchantée.
An occasional player's long and winding road to Paramount Presence:
27/09/2017 - London's Blood
29/12/2018 - London's Nerves
11/02/2019 - London's Marrow
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+11
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Optimatum
Posts: 3666
2/26/2016
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I accidentally clicked past the storylet after choosing to tell the Family a half-truth; what were the specific rewards for doing so?
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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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Guest
2/26/2016
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Nanako wrote:
But my biggest criticism of all i think, was the overall mundaneity of the story. Nothing i did, or discovered, had any real consquence, for myself or london. I went looking for a missing nanny, and I found her. With barely a hint of dark magic or deeper mysteries along the way. I kind of expected higher stakes
it was a good story though. 4/5
For myself, that is exactly what I liked the most about it. It's not all monsters, heads of state, international conspiracies, ancient mysteries, and far away places, sometimes it's just the ordinary people all around you who turn out to be anything but ordinary at all. The world of those who sweep the streets and polish the silverware, labour in factories and tutor the children of the upper classes. It made me feel that while I've been out exploring the zees, descending into caves, stealing from palaces, and so on, there has been a whole other world of adventure going on all around me from which I've been excluded until now. I dunno about you, but I didn't even know that I *had* servants, let alone all the mysteries and plots that they get up to. I love Emily Short for thinking of that.
My one regret is that I grew quite fond of the children, and it doesn't seem like we'll be seeing any more of them. If our unseen lords were feeling unprecedentedly kind, maybe a new storylet could appear in Ladybones Road so that we might visit them again from time to time? It's only an idea
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+6
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Lady Red
Posts: 517
2/26/2016
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I think this was my favourite exceptional story so far A great length, lots to do, with a fun and interesting plot. Perfect story pacing too, and the end wasn't rushed. Thanks!
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http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Lady~Red
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+1
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yetanotherone
Posts: 135
2/26/2016
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Rackenhammer wrote:
I have echoed the choice to steam open the letter. My main motivation was curiosity, but I feel that I regret breaking that trust. Which means that this was a very immersive story! Kudos to Emily Short.
I opened the letter too, and regretted it. I do hope losing the children's trust has no repercussions, they were quite adorable little murderers.
That one's on me though, and I have no complaints about the story - one of the best yet.
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https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/AncientDrunkard
https://www.fallenlondon.com/Profile/ModernDrunkard
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Guest
2/26/2016
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I am whizzing around London trying to find all the opportunities and it's quite exciting! I have to say that I'm especially surprised to find out that I apparently have servants now. Whoops. Anyone know if there are opportunities in more obscure locations like Flute Street or menace areas? I'm guessing there probably aren't any chilling with the boatman, but the Royal Beth/Tomb Colonies seem plausible enough.
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+1
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