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December Exceptional Story: Steeped in Honey

Absintheuse Posts: 348 11/30/2017	Delicious friends, the Exceptional Story for December is here! Investigate Veilgarden's most exclusive Honey Den, infiltrate a house of charity, and venture among reprobates at Watchmaker's Hill. Join us in a cup of red honey and burrow through the lost memories of the woman with the bee-stung eyes. Steeped in Honey is the first story in the Season of Silver, and was written by Mary Goodden. This season, experience three stories that delve into debts, obligations, and contracts gone wrong. You can begin each from the Season of Silver card. Editing and QA: Cash DeCuir, Olivia Wood and Caolain Porter. Art by Paul Arendt. EXCEPTIONAL FRIENDSHIP In addition to a new, substantial, stand-alone story every month, Exceptional Friends enjoy: Access to the House of Chimes: an exclusive private member's club on the Stolen River, packed with content An expanded opportunity deck: of ten cards instead of six! A second candle: Twice the actions! 40 at once! Finishing all three stories in the Season of Silver will make you eligible for an additional opportunity, to follow. If you want to keep an Exceptional Story beyond the month it’s for, you must complete the related storylet in the current Season’s card throughout London. This will save it for you to return to another time. edited by Absintheuse on 2/23/2018
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Omega8520 Posts: 102 11/30/2017	This story is amazing. The way it's all laid out, the plot, the fact that there's a use for the Cat's chiefest claw, the choices, it's great. Only problem is that some of the storylets, despite having titles, didn't put the title in when I echoed them, meaning I had to do some copy and paste. And when that's the biggest flaw with a story, it means the story is pretty damn good. Kudos. -- http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Omega8520 A Correspondent of measure and restraint, not-withstanding a tendancy to rush into things. http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Menacing%20Seeker Northwards with Noman. At least they'll have company.
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Plynkes Posts: 631 11/30/2017	Is that Helena Bonham Carter? -- "Then tell Wind and Fire where to stop, but don't tell me."
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James Sinclair Posts: 253 12/5/2017	Felicity Anne Stratford wrote: The way the story progressed was also really good and I liked how it all worked! I did have a thought at the end of it - wouldn't it be nice to have a storylet at our lodgings where we could check up on those we had encountered before? It could be something really simple that could change whenever desired - no rewards necessary. Something like "Such and such is delighted to see you again and invites you in to tea. She assures you that she is finding ways to cope with her situation now that her life is more settled." I would definitely click on it from time to time just to get a warm feeling! It's always a particularly delicious when an Exceptional Story makes some kind of small but permanent change or addition to the game. Then, whenever you see it, you can be reminded of that story. For example, 'Cut With Moonlight' and 'HOJOTOHO!' can potentially add storylets to the Society and Urchin faction cards, which always bring a smile to my face when I see them. Or how I can revisit Tanah-Chook and Apis Meet after playing through 'All Things Must End' and 'Flint'. Of course, if every story added something to the game, it might get a little crowded after a while! But when it does happen, it is IMO one of the best things about being an Exceptional Friend. -- James Sinclair Curator of the Sanguine Ribbon Society 🗡 A fully-fledged rêveur of The Night Circus. Wines is red Spices is yellow But old Jack-of-Smiles Is a murderous fellow ☠
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phryne Posts: 1347 12/31/2017	This is probably the most tragic ES ever. Red Honey is terrible. The story is great, it has just one big mistake: How can there not be an option to deal with the Mnesomyne Den? And to destroy their Red Honey stock? Seriously? (or, for more ruthless characters, the option to keep the Den as a permanent location to buy Red Honey) I mean, I got beaten up for telling the proprietor in his face what I thought of him. And then, that's it? I just go home and suck it up? I was actually searching all through London for some option I might have missed, waiting for another Epilogue card, whatever. Anything. Make no mistake, the rest of the story was A+. But to leave this hanging? That's terrible. You can't just have the PC discover a crime ring of this magnitude, where people are blackmailed and tortured and everything, and then not offer any kind of closure. Any decision on what to do about all that. Yea, no, this one left me feeling rather bitter. edited by phryne on 1/1/2018 -- Accounts: Bag a Legend • Light Fingers • Heart's Desire • Nemesis • no ambition Exceptional Stories, sorted by Season and by writer ― Favours & Renown Guide
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Amsfield Posts: 176 1/2/2018	Seeing as the Red Honey situation seems to be of particular interest to so many players, it might even warrant its own story; something in the style of A Trade in Souls. I'm sure people would appreciate the opportunity to commit there characters to an ongoing story of fighting against the dealers, and Amsfield (and presumably others players, hope I'm not alone in this) would like the opportunity to be more regular users of the Neath's most illicit high and to add an element of transgression to our hedonistic ways. -- Amsfield: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Amsfield A devotee of pleasures intellectual and fleshy. Always fabulously masked. Honoria Kastern: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Honoria%20Kastern A hunter, a shooter and a fisher. Also a patriotic busy body. Mildly corrupted. Maiser: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Maiser A young firebrand of obviously criminal intent. Venshik: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Venshik Not a nice person. Asmeria: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Asmeria Quiet, thoughtful and possibly mad. Excellent listener though. Favours grey.
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MidnightVoyager Posts: 858 12/3/2017	IgnatuStone wrote: I chose to give her up to the honey den and upon reading the other endings it actually seems like a more humane then sending her to the surface. Errr, being tortured until she finally dies but being able to look at shiny things is kinder than being able to see the sun one last time before death? When people die of sunlight, they seem ecstatically happy. -- Midnight Voyager - A blood-cousin to predators. Collector of beasts. Affably mad.
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Urthdigger Posts: 939 12/2/2017	I really want to burn the honey den down. Preferably with something heavy in front of the door. -- Looking for second chances to maximize your loot output from those troublesome storylets? Check out our handy gang of volunteers in this thread, or even volunteer yourself! @Urthdigger on twitter
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Diptych Administrator Posts: 3493 12/1/2017	Well, I spoke the truth and boldly rebuked vice, and I suppose I received the ending I wanted. I only wish there was a way to have that Gimlet-Eyed Proprietor imprisoned for life. -- 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 11/30/2017	Agreed about the artwork! They'd definitely have to get Helena Bonham Carter to play the Vagabond in the film version. :-) I'm about halfway through the story, and I'm really enjoying the pacing, the mystery, and the language. [spoiler] Also, because I'm playing the Nemesis ambition, the references to red honey have an extra resonance for me.[/spoiler] -- 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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Blaine Davidson Posts: 388 12/2/2017	I'm going to mirror a lot of the other sentiments mentioned here. An option in the future to go on a quest to rid London of these types of honey dens would be much appreciated. -- Blaine Davidson, a reserved and sensible woman with a fondness of collecting rarities.
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Anchovies Posts: 421 12/2/2017	I don't like that the fight resulting from denouncing red honey automatically ends in such a one-sided beating for the player character. I'm a Shattering Force, one of the most terribly dangerous people in all London, and I (of course) succeeded on the challenge! The bouncers, even with the advantages of surprise and numbers, shouldn't be able to do much more than keep me away from the proprietor and herd me towards the door. A fight can be unwinnable due to plot reasons, but it doesn't also need to be downright humiliating. Jolanda Swan wrote: I also have to agree that a follow up story where you get to do something about this den would be great - I know I would be rid of it, though I imagine many would choose to be patrons instead! Perhaps the DTC could be involved? This would be right up her alley. The Vagabond is one of the many, many, many victims of unregulated capitalism. There might be some catharsis in the thought of destroying Mnemosyne and fixing the problem, but that sort of revenge fantasy isn't how the world works. There are other exploitative businesses, and other victims like the Vagabond. Vigilante arson leaves us still adrift on a sea of misery. There's tragedy in the injustice, and that makes for a compelling story. -- Perhaps our role on this planet is not to worship God — but to create Him. —Sir Arthur C Clarke Lionel Anchovies. Character on indefinite hiatus.
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Amsfield Posts: 176 12/3/2017	What would happens, by the by, if someone were to use their own red honey? edited by Amsfield on 12/4/2017 -- Amsfield: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Amsfield A devotee of pleasures intellectual and fleshy. Always fabulously masked. Honoria Kastern: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Honoria%20Kastern A hunter, a shooter and a fisher. Also a patriotic busy body. Mildly corrupted. Maiser: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Maiser A young firebrand of obviously criminal intent. Venshik: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Venshik Not a nice person. Asmeria: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Asmeria Quiet, thoughtful and possibly mad. Excellent listener though. Favours grey.
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Lallinka Posts: 138 12/30/2017	Wow. I... wow. This story left me heart broken. I know that stories in Fallen London are not required to have happy endings, but holy smokes, this one left me feeling utterly hopeless and miserable. I'm not sure how much I appreciate that, although it definitely does speak to the quality of the writing. I wish there was an option to deal with the Den once and for all or to reunite the Vagabond with the young man one last time, in hopes it'd give her closure/help her remember/something. And I didn't like at all that the choice NOT the torture the poor soul was apparently the "wrong" one as it locked me out of potential future options or finding out the truth. This story did not make me feel pleasant by any means, but it sure made an impact. Wow. -- Lallinka is accepting any social interactions as soon as my actions allow it. No Loitering and no Photographer, please. Available for interviews about Nemesis and a Midnighter for Orphanages. Ragish is accepting everything, including Loitering and Photographer. Available for interviews about Heart's Desire and a Crooked-cross for Salons. Pienkava is freshly out of prison and will need charity to survive in the harsh streets of London. Have pity, she is only fifteen.
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dov Posts: 2580 12/31/2017	The Curious Watcher wrote: [Spoilers] Please: 1. Don't change the color of your text. This is reserved for FBG stuff on these forums. 2. To write (and hide) spoilers, use a spoiler tag. Similar to what you used, but a singular "spoiler" in the brackets (i.e. [ spoiler ] and [ /spoiler ], without the spaces) instead of the "Spoilers" you've used. -- Want a sip of Hesperidean Cider? Send me a request in-game. Here's an_ocelot's guide how. (Most social actions are welcome. Please no requests to Loiter Suspiciously and no investigations of the Affluent Photographer)
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The Curious Watcher Posts: 263 12/31/2017	[Spoilers][spoiler] I've just started Exceptional Friendship for the first time, and I have to say that this really is a great story. I usually play a pretty ruthless character heavily involved in the Great Game, and even I found it impossible to pick the evil option. Unlike all the characters in the Neath who have ulterior motives, skeletons in their closets, and a huge tendency to backstab someone, the Withered Vagabond really is a selfless character that won the hearts of the poor. The stark contrast of the House of Charity and the Mnenosyne Honey Den also helps with this narrative a lot since it showcases the running theme of contracts, obligations, and deals in the Season of Silver. The Withered Vagabond, despite being an incredibly rich and talented individual from the surface with no responsibility to care about others, decided to give all of that up in order to help the Unfortunates of a city next to Hell itself and they are still waiting for her return after all this time. In contrast, the Gimlet-Eyed Proprietor and the Mnenosyne honey runners are among the worst that London has to offer, having the gall to blackmail their victims, lie to their (very influential and dangerous) rich clientele, and threaten their suppliers into silence. The Repentant Rogue's intentions are interesting because it is up to the player's interpretation of the tidbits from dreams and written records to decide what his true motivations were. My guess is that he originally did gain the Vagabond's confidence in order to set her up, but saw just how kind a person she was and genuinely fell in love with her. However, the Honey Den did track him down, so both the Vagabond and the Rogue separately were trying to make a deal for the Rogue's freedom (the letter in her parlour proves this). The Rogue became so desperate for his freedom that he did set up an operation with the honey runners 'one last time', but immediately regretted his actions after finding out what happened to the Vagabond. Part of what he said is true (he is called the 'Repentant' Rogue, the Proprietor and his honey runners are clearly looking to arrest him based on the documents, and he wouldn't have slipped in his address to the House of Charity if she was just a mark to him), but he can't own up to his actions even if he loves her. So yeah, he is definitely a guilty party. For me, I just told the Withered Vagabond to forget about the Repentant Rogue and to go back to the House of Charity, in which her good deeds will finally benefit her for once and where she will be loved and protected. It will no doubt be difficult since the Mnenosyne Honey Den still has a huge amount of her red honey left and are still looking for her, but the Housekeeper and the Unfortunates had made it clear that they would protect her with their lives (it would be funny seeing those beggars finally beating down the wealthy that looked down upon them) and with time, she will recover. Sure it would be easier to send her to the surface, but I hope that this sparks a revolt, however small, against the red honey trade so that it will eventually be stopped. But my works of mercy are only reserved for Christmas. For the innocent. On other news, I left all three of the leading criminals of Lamentation Lock to rot, letting them curse the day they met me. I did my good deed for the season, I have no regrets [/spoiler] edited by The Curious Watcher on 12/31/2017 --- Mod Edit: Added this to a proper spoiler tag. ^^ edited by Sara Hysaro on 12/31/2017 -- The Thirteenth Master of the Bazaar: https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/The%20Thirteenth%20Master%20of%20the%20Bazaar The Silent Vake Hunter: GONE NORTH The Ravenous Wanderer: https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/The%20Ravenous%20Wanderer The Melancholic End-Bringer: https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/The%20Melancholic%20End-Bringer The Lethal Nightmare: https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/The%20Lethal%20Nightmare
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Lady Karnstein Posts: 278 12/1/2017	I greatly enjoyed the story. I really felt for the Withered Vagabond, as did Caroline. It is beautifully written, and makes you empathize. The very different sorts of tests in the different areas was nice...the disguise in the house of charity, dealing with the den, it was engrossing, if action hungry. I found myself riveted beginning to end. Great work from the writers this is excellent stuff. My issue is while Caroline is not, commonly, a violent person, she has killed, and given people over to the Drownies, for less then these people did, but she could take no action to harm them or even end what was going on at the Honey Den. That she could do nothing to stop what was being done from being done was very upsetting; I strongly hope a later point in the season at least gives the option to deal with the den, or I will be greatly disappointed. -- Lady Caroline Karnstein, The Moral Hedonist (Description) Infamous writer, artist, and courtesan. Unrepentant Invert. Hesperidean. Paramount Presence, Correspondent, Nocturnal. Poet Laureate of the Neath, Ambassador to Arbor
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Lamia Lawless Posts: 604 12/20/2017	[spoiler]At first, I resented having to sample the red honey just to know for certain whether or not her beau really betrayed her. Then I realized I was making the same mistake she made. All the facts I needed to know about his character were already there. Being a coercer for a red honey den is damning enough. Such an individual is not likely to be reformed by any means. Having to torture someone I was trying to help to find out the truth was unnecessary- and that's the point, isn't it? I don't believe that his expressions of remorse when I met him in person were authentic, either. After all, she's still out there, living on the streets, having strangers crawl through her memories. He's done nothing for her. He covers his face a few times, and you're supposed to believe he regrets it. Whatever. The Unfortunates take the edge off the bitterness in this tale. Most people she met rewarded her trust, after all. It's just that the one who didn't betrayed her in the most spectacularly nasty way possible.[/spoiler] It was good to have an Exceptional Story that involved one of Fallen London's more macabre secrets. It was a cynical, but insightful story. edited by Lamia Lawless on 12/20/2017 -- The Harmonic Hellfarer
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Reused NPC Posts: 259 12/4/2017	I haven't quite read up on the previous posts here to avoid spoiling myself, so apologies if I'm repeating what someone else said, but I have one compliment for this ES already: [spoiler]You can disguise yourself as an Unfortunate, then back out and go about your normal business while still disguised as an unfortunate. This pleases me greatly. I almost wish I could avoid finishing this story so I could live out my days as an invalid. Or maybe I can, if I take a minute to disguise myself before reporting back? Or would the disguise be cleared at some point?[/spoiler] Edit: Alright, I've finished the story. I really enjoyed the investigation process, myself. To be certain, is there some way to take the third option about your hypothesis without entering The Chambers? Does vehemently refusing to take the honey grant the evidence perhaps? But would that allow the safe to be opened? In any case, I have now tasted a certain honey outside of Ambition Nemesis and the Feast of the Rose. I do not expect to do it again. Not even at the Festival. edited by ReusedNPC on 12/4/2017 -- ReusedNPC, a d__ned lunatic. Edmund Viric, a rather dreamy sort. "I won't stay long, I shan't stay long! Tell me a secret." --the Baldomerian
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ValentinV Posts: 15 12/7/2017	I'm going to add my voice in praise of the current ES. Much like "The Heart, the Devil and the Zee" it's one that does not rely on worldchanging lore (except maybe revealing some specifics about red honey to those yet unfamiliar with it) but its strong focus on the central character and excellent writing make it emotionally powerful, even though most people can probably see the resolution coming in advance. Where the story really shines for me is the mechanics and the way the writing supports it. Even if the actual options are fairly limited it still felt like I was putting the Vagabond's story together through some actual snooping (something sorely missing from, say "The Twelve-Fifteen...") and even if it took me a few more actions as I was doublechecking if I got everything I'm here for the stories so I'm perfectly fine trading a bit more time for high quality material.
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Amsfield Posts: 176 12/2/2017	I love this story. I knew I would when I saw it focused on honey. I think the Vagabond might be one of the most engagingly sympathetically written characters in the game' even Amsfield was concerned for her well being. (Although not sufficiently enough to miss the chance to sample her honey.) I told her to consider her achievements, not dwell on the betrayal and left her in her old home, assuming she would be safe there given the loyalty of those she helped. -- Amsfield: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Amsfield A devotee of pleasures intellectual and fleshy. Always fabulously masked. Honoria Kastern: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Honoria%20Kastern A hunter, a shooter and a fisher. Also a patriotic busy body. Mildly corrupted. Maiser: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Maiser A young firebrand of obviously criminal intent. Venshik: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Venshik Not a nice person. Asmeria: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Asmeria Quiet, thoughtful and possibly mad. Excellent listener though. Favours grey.
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a Nice Friend Posts: 127 12/2/2017	Robin Alexander wrote: I think it made sense. From my understanding, using the red honey forges a psychic link to her, forcing her to relive her bad memories (or something like that, if I'm not mistaken) . . . I personally found it very clear and that it also made sense. More than that... sampling red honey causes excruciating agony to the donor, similar to the pain caused by the bee that tunnelled through their brains to collect the memories in the first place. Even the Masters forbid the stuff. I wish we could have done more about the mnemosyne. (This was a very good story, by the way.) -- Definitely a nice friend - http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/a%20nice%20friend
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Hattington Posts: 210 11/30/2017	Plynkes wrote: Is that Helena Bonham Carter? Man, I was WONDERING where I'd seen that face before. Certainly can't unsee it as anyone else, now. That aside, while I wasn't as blown away as some (the House of Charity carousel was a BIG action sink, argh) I definitely appreciate being able to try Red Honey again, and certainly cared more about the Vagabound than just about every other major NPC in the last 3 ESes. And I normally don't even need a reward to ruin an NPC's life. Also, if anyone has the ending where she was delivered to the Surface I'd be interested to see how what happens there. Edit: Oh, and @Kalix right here: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Hattington?fromEcho=20 edited by Hattington on 11/30/2017 edited by Hattington on 11/30/2017 -- The Dawnburnt Vake-Rider: https://www.fallenlondon.com/Profile/Hattington
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Indigo Clardmond Posts: 60 12/1/2017	Just finished this story this morning after a lengthy scouring around to make sure I really had discovered everything I could everywhere else and then a reluctantly taking the sample, knowing the pain it would bring and wishing there were some other way. I'll echo everyone else's praise of the story, the mechanics did certainly make it feel like you were piecing together a mystery via exploration and connection, the story was personal and focused on a very small aspect of the Neath once again, like the Devil, Heart and Zee, but profoundly effective because of it. I do like that Isery could be involved as well, though I thought they'd pull a little more clout at the honey den than they did. Even if the Gimlet-Eyed Proprietor was well versed in their own ventures of Red Honey...this is the Cat's Chiefest Claw we're talking about. You do not cross or disrespect them. Does make me wonder what Leopold thinks of this trade and how it affects the exports from his Cage Gardens, or if he perhaps has a stake in this Den too somehow. I felt the 'refreshing' of your disguise in the House of Charity by doing chores and acting like an Unfortunate was initially a little disconnected and thus easy to miss, mostly because it was described as physical and 'slipping' and falling apart. Perhaps just a little rewording to indicate the more performed or character aspects of it as opposed to the fragility of the costume itself. Otherwise I greatly enjoyed that area, both in description and in mechanic. My only major sort of grumble about the choice in theories at the end is that I do not see what exactly I learned from the memories of the Vagabond at the end that would enable me to make the existentially minded decision to not focus so much on the impossible to change choice of the past, but rather to find the meaning in what is available now in the present, in what she has accomplished and what she can change. It said I was lacking just one evidence of betrayal, but nothing revealed in those memories was anything new that I hadn't already heard from the Rake or inferred from the evidence discovered elsewhere. In fact, the Vagabond seemed wholeheartedly invested in the meaning of her caring, reforming actions, even with that moment of doubt as she saw his expression. The only thing I could think of was that you got the insight into her personality, life and motivations on the surface before she decided to come to the Neath, and indeed, the ending text seems to reflect her focusing more on that if you choose that theory. But if that's the case, then it doesn't really fit that it's evidence of betrayal you are lacking, just more lover's sacrifice, or an entirely new quality...say, the Melancholy of Privilege? Still though, the fact I feel so strongly about it speaks well to the writing and to the conflicting nature of the choices and the weight of the consequences of those choices, which I know is your first and foremost goal at Failbetter! Well done, and hope you all have a good December~ -- Indigo Clardmond - A kind-hearted Notary that is also a member of the C.V.R. And good friend to the Rubberies. And close to the Urchins. A gentleman of many talents. He is most definitely not secretly an imp of an existential nature. That would just be silly. Vazio Solus - A broken, bitter Correspondent with a sick relationship to the Truth. Defiant to all, even in the end, as the Gate was opened. The Luminous Orphan - A dazzling young Doctor of legendary charisma, weaving powerful Celestial imagery while she studies the form...'a star' would certainly be an appropriate way to describe her.
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Skinnyman Posts: 2133 11/30/2017	Plynkes wrote: Is that Helena Bonham Carter? Hahahaha, my thought exactly! Really wonder if this ES will have some implications/requirements/rewards related to dream qualities! -- ESs items and quality requirements sheet. Please check if there are errors or if something is missing Achievement list if you're feeling bored! I am accepting Plant battles, Neath's Mysteries card, Starveling Cats and boxed cats. No suppers, no second chances gain and no need to cure my menaces!
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Miss Zhang Posts: 9 12/1/2017	Thank you menaulon. I will submit a bug report to the staff. I am unable to re-enter the place where I should have discovered something important to my progress. I will warn everyone to avoid the temptation of stopping for a cup of dark drop... it may cause you to miss things unintentionally -- I am new and speak plainly. I have not yet adopted the fine airs of Londoners.
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Sister Vivian Posts: 5 12/1/2017	I quite enjoyed this story as well. Even as a pragmatic and cold individual, it's hard not to feel for the Vagabond's case. For an intelligent, kind, yet willfully naive individual like her to be reduced to that state pulled at heartstrings I rarely remember I possessed. The end choices were quite difficult, and the ending a little sudden, but overall an enthralling (heh) scenario. P.S. I knew how red honey was harvested, but I was unaware of the...psychic connection it still had with its donor. A sobering price of my pasttime. -- Fear is the mindkiller.
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menaulon Posts: 112 12/1/2017	This was an astonishing story! Intrigue, horror, and heartbreak. Truly, the Neath doesn't treat the good-hearted and lovestruck well. At least I trust the House of Charity to be kinder. Sir Frederick wrote: I only wish there was a way to have that Gimlet-Eyed Proprietor imprisoned for life. I agree wholeheartedly. This might have been the only time I wanted to find a Special Constable and report the breach of the Masters' laws and, of course, there were none in sight. -- Menaulon Open to social actions, but would prefer to be betrayed in the search for Photographer.
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Miss Zhang Posts: 9 11/30/2017	I just started playing two weeks ago, and I signed up just now for the forums just so I could comment how much I love this current story. I became an exceptional friend right away because I wanted the two candles, but I have to confess I was very disappointed/uninterested in last month's story (with the Church and all the politicking). This one is way more what I was hoping to see I can't wait to explore everything but alas, my candle runs short again. -- I am new and speak plainly. I have not yet adopted the fine airs of Londoners.
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PSGarak Posts: 834 11/30/2017	Sir Joseph Marlen wrote: spoilered text... [spoiler]You relive some of the Vagabond's memories. You are correct that one of those memories gives the safe combination. Each memory also gives a point of one of the Evidence qualities, and a regular item (I think one gave Vision of the Surface, another a Touching Love Story). I do not recall any other unique qualities. Echoes start here: http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/PSGarak?fromEchoId=13050199 [/spoiler] edited by PSGarak on 11/30/2017 -- http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/PSGarak
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PSGarak Posts: 834 11/30/2017	Sir Joseph Marlen wrote: snip [spoiler] Beats me! ¯\(°_o)/¯ I ran out of actions right after doing that part. [/spoiler] -- http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/PSGarak
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Cthonius Posts: 362 11/30/2017	There is a later mention about her being in pain from it, but it's one line with no real bearing -- Cthonius, gone North. Gone. Oneiropompus, a Scarlet Saint, eager to help make your dreams realities. Accepting all social requests for now.
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Pnakotic Posts: 266 12/1/2017	Sir Frederick wrote: Well, I spoke the truth and boldly rebuked vice, and I suppose I received the ending I wanted. I only wish there was a way to have that Gimlet-Eyed Proprietor imprisoned for life. Ain't that the truth. Or a good old-fashioned shanking. My ABoD is itching... -- J. Ward Dunn, Glassman Book of All Hours 9:99: Journey's end in lover's meeting. Progress is ascendancy.
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Mr Sables Posts: 597 11/30/2017	Plynkes wrote: Is that Helena Bonham Carter? Thanks, now I keep reading the Vagabond's voice as Helena Bonham Carter's XD * * * I'm in two minds about this story. I absolutely love the writing, with the characters very well written, and the mechanics were good, too. I will admit that exploring the House frustrated me initially, but - with trial and error - I uncovered I could repair my disguise by doing some work, and it became much more enjoyable and also a rather quirky/fun mechanic that didn't detract and only added to the gameplay and plot. Not too keen on some action sinks, though, such as moving from location to location, but otherwise no complaints. I just feel something is off, and I can't place my finger on why. I think I'm investing a lot on gameplay, but I'm just not investing emotionally in the Vagabond . . . her story is interesting, so I'm having fun uncovering it, but I don't think enough time was spent on her initially to invest in her, so I feel I'm coming at this cognitively and not emotively (like a detached detective, not a concerned citizen). Of course, that may be the intent. In any case, I also adore the length, as it's longer than most EF stories and I still only seem halfway through, despite being out of actions. It doesn't feel padded or drawn out, but well-paced and with a good focus on each part. I do look forward to playing onward later. So a very good story, but perhaps could have done with a longer intro?
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Barse Posts: 706 11/30/2017	Oooh I'm with Omega here, I thought it was fantastic. The plotting and pacing was great, the way that the PC uncovers facts & draws conclusions feels natural and it's always fun to see unexpected items/qualities used. The Withered Vagabond was superbly well realised and I thought this was one of the more touching stories in the game, period. Reining myself in here to avoid gushing/spoiling, but play it - and if you don't love the Vagabond then I'm not sure we can be friends. -- The Scorched Sailor, up for most social actions and RP. Not as scary as he looks.
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Kalix Posts: 50 11/30/2017	Did anyone echo what the Repentant Rogue said when you asked him to come back with you? My phone died while I was reading it 😞
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HarperMargrave Posts: 23 12/1/2017	Indigo Clardmond wrote: snip I just wanted to say I agree with all of this--both the pros and the cons listed. This was a lovely story, one of the best I've played through so far, and the choice at the end is appropriately tough. I actually didn't take the Cat's Chiefest Claw to the Mnemosyne Den, and I wish I'd been able to see what impact that had! I'm a sucker for anything tied to my Nemesis ambition, though, and it was still nice to see that get put to use here. -- https://www.fallenlondon.com/Profile/Harper%20Margrave Open to many social actions; please no Photographers, Loitering, or cats in boxes. An investigative sort with a flair for danger and a dark, vengeful streak. Courier's Footprint, Poet-Laureate of the Neath, seeking their Nemesis. https://www.fallenlondon.com/Profile/Bram%20Serranian A skulker, cunning and guileful. Seeking...that which should not be Sought.
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Plynkes Posts: 631 11/30/2017	Actually, the more I look it, the more I think it looks like a different Harry Potter actress, Shirley Henderson. -- "Then tell Wind and Fire where to stop, but don't tell me."
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Sir Joseph Marlen Posts: 575 11/30/2017	[spoiler] Does anyone know what sampling the red honey does? I assume it's the alternative method to unlocking the safe, though I'd prefer confirmation along with any other qualities it may provide.[/spoiler] -- Sir Joseph Marlen - The Romantic Sophist Alexus Harven - The Defiant Fatalist Rose Reinhelm - The Respectful Revolutionary Cappuccino - The Perfidious Spycraft Available for any and all social actions.
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James Sinclair Posts: 253 12/2/2017	Just finished this truly Exceptional story, and enjoyed it immensely. As I've said before, I particularly like stories that give us locations to explore at our leisure; here, it was a lot of fun to infiltrate the House of Charity and skulk around looking for clues while trying not to blow my cover. I was sorely tempted to resign my current profession and sign up as a Watcher, just so I could wear a Revolting Disguise for that section. The characters in this story were also well-written. I really felt for the Vagabond and the Housekeeper and wanted to help them, and I truly loathed the wicked Gimlet-Eyed Proprietor and the Repentant Rogue. I would have liked to see (or would like to see) some closure involving the red honey-den, other than the rather revolting option to hand the Vagabond over to the Proprietor. For example, to burn it down, destroy or steal the red honey, tip off the Constables or the Pirate-King, blackmail the Proprietor, etc. It feels like a major loose end to be able to do nothing about the den after spending so much effort to help the Vagabond. At least, with red honey being one of Fallen London's more horrifying aspects (hello royal children!), I hope we'll be seeing more red honey in the future. All in all though, this story was excellent. Request: does anyone have an echo of what happens if you have the Cat's Chiefest Claw help you at the honey-den? -- James Sinclair Curator of the Sanguine Ribbon Society 🗡 A fully-fledged rêveur of The Night Circus. Wines is red Spices is yellow But old Jack-of-Smiles Is a murderous fellow ☠
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HaganeNoAnna Posts: 2 12/7/2017	I think I've messed up somehow. When I wanted to break the red honey I ran out of energy and drank a coffee, but that sent me outside and now I cannot return to the honey den because my only option in there is "Return to the Withered Vagabond There is nothing more you can do here." I investigated the other places, but now there is nothing left to do. My Moment of Lucidity storylet is empty and all 3 places say "There is nothing more you can learn here." Is this a bug or did I do something wrong/am I not seeing something obvious? Edit: I see someone had a similar experience, I will send a bug report. edited by HaganeNoAnna on 12/7/2017
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dov Posts: 2580 12/17/2017	With all the Christmas content I've forgotten to add my 0.02 echoes on this story: I thought this story was excellent, with the missed opportunity to realize its full potential which could have made it one of the very best. There was hardly a weak part here - the characters were good, the premise was wonderful, the mechanics were superb. The only weak part for me was the eventual resolution of the story, which felt way too short. As other have mentioned, a way to deal with the honey den would have been welcome (either to destroy it, expose it, or maybe go into business with it...). The Vagabond's eventual fate, while up to our decision, felt very abrupt. It deserved a better epilogue. With a more fleshed out ending I could easily see this as being in my top 3 Exceptional Stories. As it is, I'm placing it "only" as 6th :-) [spoiler] Excellent: Lost in Reflections Cut with Moonlight Hojotoho! The Frequently Deceased The Waltz that Moved the World *Steeped in Honey* Flint All Things Must End The Century Exhibition The Twelve-Fifteen From Moloch Street The Persona Engine Where You and I Must Go The Sinking Synod The Attendants Good: The Web of the Motherlings The Pentecost Predicament The Calendar Code The Art of Murder The Chimney Pot Wars The Final Curtain The Heart, the Devil and the Zee Our Lady of Pyres The Clay Man's Arm Five Minutes to Midday Discernment The Haunting at the Marsh House Meh: Trial and Error The Last Dog Society The Seven-Day Reign The Court of Cats Terrible The Stone Guest [/spoiler] -- Want a sip of Hesperidean Cider? Send me a request in-game. Here's an_ocelot's guide how. (Most social actions are welcome. Please no requests to Loiter Suspiciously and no investigations of the Affluent Photographer)
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Six Handed Merchant Posts: 141 12/17/2017	Anchovies wrote: There might be some catharsis in the thought of destroying Mnemosyne and fixing the problem, but that sort of revenge fantasy isn't how the world works. Maybe. But while macro systems of injustice are fairly robust, the individual perpetrators within that system rarely are. The universe is a vast and uncaring place, and individual predators don't get any special favors or immunity from the universe. Can predators get away with horrible exploitation? Absolutely. But in the end they are just as squishy at the rest of us, and fall just as easily when thrown down by their superiors, or when their own luck runs out. As an example: [spoiler] Take Harvey Weinstein, a sadistic predator much like the Gimlet-Eyed Proprietor: Weinstein readily abused his power to hurt naive people like the Vagabond. Like the Gimlet-Eyed Proprietor, Weinstein had an ironclad reputation that he maintained though a spy network. Yet Weinstein's crimes (and the lies hiding them) came crashing down so hard that it even affected Fallen London. Shortly after Weinstein's fall, I noticed that the text in the card entitled The Lead was cleaned up to remove any possible interpretation of sexual exploitation: the old text had you sleeping with your lead performer whom you were the boss of, while the new text has you consulting the lead performers's opinions as a peer intellect. This change came after a real-world Gimlet-Eyed Proprietor was taken down, so I see no reason why the one in Fallen London should be invulnerable when his real-world counterpart was far from it. Also, the player in Fallen London wields a lot of world-changing power. As one small example, from the end of Trail and Error, the player can, with only days of effort, represent themselves in a Fallen London court against a star attorney backed by an infernal law-writing machine.[/spoiler] And if a player can do that, then they can easily clean up one honey den, or at least force the proprietor to eat his own bees. And I agree that it doesn't fix the greater problem, and in any good story that harsh reality would be front-and-center. But that doesn't remove the small value (and small amount of satisfaction) from delivering bee-eating justice where you can. edited by Six Handed Merchant on 12/17/2017 -- The Six Handed Merchant: If it's the truth you seek, The Six Handed Merchant is the gentlemen-, er, lady-, er, detective you need! Just pay no heed to that Eradication Officer tailing Six: that poor fellow is simply out of his mind! Six's Mantlepiece (I am available for roleplaying and SAs. My schedule is pretty full, so please PM me first to work out the details.)
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Felicity Anne Stratford Posts: 63 12/4/2017	I just finished this story and I want to add my own kudos! While I would have enjoyed a little more interaction with the main protagonist at the beginning of the story, I did find myself (and my character) caring about my choices and being careful to try to make the right one. In the end, my Felicity decided on the most compassionate choice in her eyes, and I am content with that. The way the story progressed was also really good and I liked how it all worked! I did have a thought at the end of it - wouldn't it be nice to have a storylet at our lodgings where we could check up on those we had encountered before? It could be something really simple that could change whenever desired - no rewards necessary. Something like "Such and such is delighted to see you again and invites you in to tea. She assures you that she is finding ways to cope with her situation now that her life is more settled." I would definitely click on it from time to time just to get a warm feeling! -- Looking for a roleplay partner with potential for Simone and maybe for Felicity. All genders considered. Felicity Anne Stratford is a Correspondent and delighted to visit Orphanages or Salons or be interviewed! Scientific correspondence greatly appreciated. Please no Seeking or Photographer. Simone Beaufort is a Midnighter and pleased to visit Orphanages or Salons or be interviewed! No Seeking or Photographer.
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rahv7 Posts: 294 5/3/2018	Dudebro Pyro wrote: rewards for this story [spoiler] taking her to the honey den gives a Brass Skull sending her to the surface gives a Searing Enigma taking her home gives a Rookery Password [/spoiler] -- It's possible people have forgotten that there is an actual devil in the actual Lord Mayor's office. A devil who is promising to look after people's souls. What is wrong with everybody? https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/rahv7
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SingingFlame Posts: 34 7/29/2019	Anne Auclair wrote: Technical question. I started this story on the old site and finished it on the new site. When everyone else finished it, did it leave an icon in your Stories journal? Because upon conclusion it didn't leave an icon in my Stories journal (or anywhere else) and I'm wondering if that's a bug... I finished it shortly after it came out and I don't have anything under "Stories" related to it, either. I vaguely remember that, for a couple of EFs, the story trackers were hidden qualities. It's possible this was one of those. -- Matilda Ydmos, the Discerning Huntress (Nemesis) Anne Carnacki, the Audacious Canon (Heart's Desire) Eleanor Redrick, the Stalwart Well-Widow (Bag a Legend!) -Any social actions welcomed-
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December Exceptional Story: Steeped in Honey