Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
10/22/2018
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Every year, Londoners post their confessions on the Ivory Door of the Bazaar as a Hallowmas tradition. What confession will you post this year?
A few notes:
Ivory Door was started by Reused NPC in 2017; see the original here.
Post one in-character confession per character. If you have multiple characters, feel free to post a confession for each. Confessions are anonymous (save for any clues in the confessions themselves).
Confessions can be short and sweet, long and convoluted, or anything in between. However, maximum confession length is 3500 characters. If your confession is longer than that, you need professional help, not a door.
EDIT: The Ivory Door form is now closed. Thank you to everyone who contributed!
edited by Lady Sapho Byron on 11/7/2018
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/7/2018
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While Huffam occupies himself by scribbling the pablum of unctuous interviews, Lady Byron's Lyre of Erato has acquired confessions from a sample of London's most delicious denizens (never you mind how!). The 30 confessions, arranged in no particular order, will be published in series of articles ... starting now.
1. In almost-unreadable handwriting, but with a dangerous, chilling control to it, as if every letter was the slice of a scalpel
I cut them open just to see what would happen. I was drunk, I was insane- no- I was merely curious, a damnable curiosity. Clay stained my coat, so I tore it off and worked in shirtsleeves. When I came to the next morning, I was numb as I rinsed my study floor, framed their hearts in glass. It was months before I swallowed my guilt enough to put my findings to good use.
(The rest is scribbled out, pages upon pages of ink. When you reach the end, there is but one sentence left legible.)
I do not regret it.
2. Typewrit in a curly italicized font, which proves to be quite a hassle to interpret.
I once dreamt that I were the waning moon, or the wayward moth, or a little little magpie-snake. I flew and flew through the skies, until I were tired. I landed upon the walls of a ruined castle, then, and the Sun came out to greet me.
"Moon," she spoke, "why come you to my house?"
"For I am weary," I spoke, "and my wings and my orbit and my crimson fate carried me here."
"Moth," she, "why did you fly so far from home?"
"For I am of many phases," I, "for I have shed many skins, for I have worn many gloves, and my past lay heavy upon my shoulders."
"Serpent, I am lonely here, without morn or even and without the night. Will you keep me company?"
And none of I could refuse her.
3. Scrawled on the back of a scrap of surface-silk in black ink, messy and barely readable
I've killed a lot of people, sure. It's my job. I tend not to have many regrets about death. But I do have a confession about it. So, I had a Rattus Faber friend, very faithful, very honorable. He requested I send him to sow dissension among an enemy's ranks. Now, I did, and he died because of it. Very sad, and all that, but what I'm confessing is that when he died, I turned my back on him. Buried him and forgot. He sacrificed himself for a cause, and I eventually joined up with the creature that slew him; that had caused him much pain before. It was a choice for me to make, and I made it. I confess to defiling my friend's memory.
4. A whisper-satin tablecloth covered in nigh-illegible sloppy ink trails. Whoever wrote this must have had either a penchant for mixing absinthe and honey, or an extensive professional experience in the healthcare field. Perhaps both.
I cheated on my spouse with the Last Constable. I keep telling myself that this was for a charitable purpose. She was facing imminent danger from all sides and needed a touch of goodness and care in her life.
And yet, deep inside my soul, I know that the real reason is because the Constable's scars were so much like my spouse's. Am I that shallow?
5. This confession is written upon a sheet of thick, black card, covered in an elegant scrawl written with a bright, gold-flecked ink that seems to illuminate the paper, shimmering even in the dim light of the Neath.
Though many of my friends and family had decided to leave their lives behind and delve into the darkness of the Neath, I was never tempted to leave the surface myself...until he did. And so I followed him. I followed him down here. I thought he was the love of my life. I thought he was the one for me. I thought I would never love another. And then I came here. And I abandoned him faster than I had fallen in love with him in the first place. I wish I felt guiltier about this. But I do not. And I do not think, with all the Neath's temptations before me, that I ever will again.
6. Six words, scribbled on a scrap of parchment
I am glad that he forgot.
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Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/13/2018
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19. Written in a spidery hand upon the back of an expired infernal contract.
How wrong is it to keep secrets from your lovers when they are so happy with the lie?
20. An elegant if scientific hand, that devolves into a shaking scrawl the further you go down. It seems as though confessing this was rough…
I have unleashed a monster upon this accursed city, a horror right out of Stoker's twisted imagination.
Long have I been secretly consumed with the idea of bringing easily obtainable immortality to the masses. If we could transcend mortal limitations think of what we could accomplish! However, I was unsuccessful in obtaining the required amount of Hesperidian Cider to continue with the experiment.
A colleague of mine suggested based on his research into blood that perhaps the blood of a cider drinker would have the needed immortality catalyst, so I went aboard the expedition of one. The man was so worried about someone stealing his elixir that he did not notice the occasional bloodletting.
Sadly the experiment itself was far more catastrophic. I had heard while on board the immortal's tale of how he fought a twisted monster out for blood and dismissed it as a fanciful story... until the willing subject started to mutate in front of my very eyes. I put a stop to the experiment, but too late I fear, for the near human creature had my subject's intellect as well as the hunger for blood.
He fled. So did I. Then the murders started.
I am so sorry.
21. Tystefy
Dear Mr. Eaten,
I am very, very sorry about trying to kill you.
I still want that Stick, though.
Truly yours,
*an ink stamp of a smol pawprint*
22. A hurried chickenscratch penned onto the blank side of an anatomical book's title page.
He put that awful wretched urge in me the day we met. I had to have many things, and I had to add him to the list. So handsome! So sauve! Such gifts!
But I could not have him, so I confess, I went to Veilgarden and found another to be bribed with honey to come home with me. Not as handsome, not as rich, not as sweet... but he would be a sufficient snack for me. A treat for an empty stomach. So I slathered him in honey and sweet spices to tender the flesh, and I whispered the dark things of saints in his ears before the knife.
I confess it, and I am not proud of it.
(but I also confess: I am not sated)
23. Typed on an internal Ministry of Pulic Decency report form (unsigned)
The stone pigs are not all asleep. At least one of them is dead. And its flesh is delicious.
24. Quick and sharp, like a carefully planned river of dried black ink guiltily cutting its way through the torn slip of paper. It does not hint at remorse.
I'm tired of being a mere pawn in others' games. I'm tired of unfamiliar blood decorating my hands. I've seen the acts behind the curtains, and I know the actors behind the masks.
It's time to steal the show.
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/10/2018
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13. Simple, elegant handwriting on crisp rosé-coloured paper.
I convinced my Noman that she should go by the name Penelope Puddle.
14. Though this confession is folded neatly and written in a delicate, looping script on fine paper, the edges are marred with sticky honey-drippings, waxy smears of at least three lipsticks, and the wet imprints of many, many champagne flutes.
Even before I ever saw the Winged Mirror, my dreams were always of Paris. No matter how many magnificent wonders the Neath has bestowed upon me, I know the twisting tendrils of my Fate lead there. Those dulcet notes from July's violin—as warm and sweet as summer rainfall—may drift though my slumber each night and fade again as I wake, but it will all come to pass, just as I saw, in time. I will create that painting. I will have a family. I *will* see the Sun again!
15. Heavy lines, disorderly slant, uneven spacing. Black ink on foolscap.
I destroyed the young Contessa with a rap of my cane. She had been transmogrified into a Clay Woman by her Clay lover, and the look in her eyes haunts me still. At the time, I thought she was terrified at the implications of becoming truly Clay, and wished to free her. But now I am certain that she feared being parted from her beloved more! Of all the deaths I have caused in Fallen London, that is the most indelible, the most culpable--perhaps because it was the first.
16. Neat red lettering on a sheet of heavy cream foolscap
So many in London are alive, and well, and happy, because of me. So many are not, because of me. And some nights, while those which are sleep in peace, I stare out at the false-stars and wonder: how often did I make the wrong choice?
17. A white sheet of paper, placed in an elaborate gold frame of tiny roses, bird bones and coins. The writing itself is in cursive, and insetad of left to right it it reads top to bottom, lending it a strange Japanese appearance at first glance.
I am here to find my fiance; I have been through so many things that if I do lay eyes on him, I 'm afraid I will kill him or find a way to consign him to a Fate worse than death. Or worse yet I might marry him and pretend that nothing exciting or horrible ever happened to me till I found him. I don't know what treachery will be worst.
18. Scrawled on the back of a shipping manifest of some sort, in an elegant scrawl that suggests someone of an aristocratic, educated background attempting to appear less of both.
I long, most desperately, to be in love. The circumstances of my parentage, my patronage, and my preferences, all excluded me from ever experiencing love on the surface. Here, in the Neath, was the first and only time I ever felt as though I might be worthy of the affections of another, that I could pursue a romantic relationship free of the judgement of others, without the fear of being labeled an abomination against God for loving the wrong person, or the parents who, through no fault of their own, came from different corners of the world and compelled me to a nomad-like existence of never finding a country to call home. And yet, though I have seen other men like myself holding the hands of their male paramours, and women, kissing the fingers of their female partners, and even other gentlepersons, unrestricted by such foolish notions of gender as we have on the surface, enjoying each other's company, I maintain an abject fear of being rejected for my preferences, and proving that it was not only the surface that deemed me unworthy of love. But oh, how I long for it! Truly...how I wish for love.
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lady Taimi Felix
Posts: 202
11/16/2018
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Whilst we wait for our esteemed hostess to return with the last batch of confessions (and do add me to the chorus of thank yous!), I've been sorting through and adding names to confessions that have been 'unmasked'. Here's what I have so far, including Passionario's post above:
1.
2.
3.
4. Passion's confession.
5. Dr. Emmaline Anders' confession.
6.
7.
8.
9. Frogvarian's confession.
10. Maria Konstantinopolska's confession.
11. Edacio's confession.
12. Duplicate of #26
13. Lady Byron's own confession.
14. Vivienne Thursday's confession.
15.
16. Professor Kan's confession.
17.
18. Balzac Thibault's confession.
19. Six-Handed Merchant's confession.
20. Kylestien's confession.
21. Tystefy's confession.
22.
23. Passionario's confession.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28. Lady Caroline Karnstein's confession.
29.
30.
31.
32. Tanith Wyrmwood's confession.
Does anyone have anything to add or amend to that at the moment?
Edited to update and to thank you for the kudos! I love to organize things! ;D
edited by Lady Taimi Felix on 11/24/2018
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Lady Taimi Felix: Devoted Wife. Invisible Eminence. Patron of the Shadowy Arts. Monster Hunter. Lady of Adventure. Exceptionally Lethal. Loves a Good Chat over Coffee.
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/16/2018
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True confession time: I am administering a quiz on sentence analysis today, and I might possibly have taken my examples from these confessions. My students will probably consider me insane.
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/17/2018
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So a student made a misquote recently that seemed like excellent inspiration for a confession. I'm not likely to remember it for 11 months, and I don't have a character for it anyway, so I thought I'd throw you all a free confession now:
On a dirty rag, in what is undoubtedly red ink:
"Obey the Golden Rule." That's what Mama always said. So I try. It's hard sometimes, but I try.
Billy down the road tried to take my toys, so I reminded me of the Golden Rule.
Mad Thomas started attacking anyone who walked by, so I reminded me of the Golden Rule.
A zailor got drunk and threatened to chuck me to the Drownies. It was hard, but I remembered the Golden Rule.
Old Man Walker told me he'd chop me in pieces if I ever looked at his daughter again. It wasn't until after that the Constable told me the Rule doesn't say, "Do unto others as they would do unto you."
Sorry, Mama.
edited by Siankan on 11/17/2018
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Loulou
Posts: 51
11/20/2018
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I must confess, I hadn't expected my confession to generate much interest, but after reading all your kind responses, I feel I should come forward as #18. That would be Balzac Thibault.
To be honest I had intended to post and ghost, as it were, just to get some things off my chest in a semi-autobiographical fashion. I'm not very active in the forums and as a full-time writer I rarely have the energy to roleplay properly, but I've loved kind of observing from afar and thought participating in Ivory Door this year might be fun. But your responses made me feel really good. Unfortunately, unlike Balzac, I haven't a Neath to escape to; I live in one of the most homophobic/transphobic countries in the world and it does tend to wear on me after a while. But it's nice to know I have yourr support, delicious friends. Believe me, it really does make a difference.
Balzac is largely an inactive character, but please feel free to connect with Dr. Emmaline Anders instead. I'm happy to respond in roleplay, provided you don't mind a couple of days in between responses. Oh, and Emmaline was #5.
Thank you all, and especially Lady Sapho Byron, for this thread!
edited by Louffles on 11/20/2018
edited by Louffles on 11/20/2018
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Dr. Emmaline Anders, Open to most social actions, and accepting all calling cards.
Lieutenant Balzac Thibault, seldom seen in public and rarely (if ever) available for social actions.
Rest in love, Lady Ellia Stoneham, gone NORTH at last.
Open to PMs if you're looking for help with affairs 'enigmatic'.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/8/2018
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Note: After today my life will be a little more hectic; I might not be able to post confessions every day.
7. A confession of curiosity from a gentleman thief
I have been looking into things I probably shouldn't. Both my curiosity and the pursuit of treasure has led me to look into the affairs of several of the masters.
8. An aged parchment, words scribbled across in swaying lines both parts sloppy and eccentric. It is scented, three parts roses, two parts lacre, and one part coffee stains.
I am afraid of my coldness and what I might do for revolution. I have gladly ruined careers and lives for strategy and fun. I have fought against the cruelty of Masters and rulers without plan of what will come next, and I am ever tempted by a darkness most have feared. I do know the risks of lawlessness, but I am more afraid of the current state of law and how it hurts us, how it controls us, how it will dispose of us in our end. I fear something in me may be wrong, for wanting what others call unnatural, for doubting my ability to empathize. But deep down, I do care, I truly do. I care enough to seek revolution in whatever method I can, even if it means dethroning law itself.
9. The writing is elegant - cursive with many twirls - though it appears shaky, as if written with regret. The paper upon which the black ink shines is of high quality. In the bottom right corner is a smudged drawing of a person in a corset and a tophat.
Oh how it pains me, the shame, every night. The Young Master doesn't know. Their heirs shall never know. It was all for the good of the family, though. The contracts, the lies. Yet Old Master beckoned, and so I answer.
They're at the zee now. When they return, I will be ready.
10. Careful, immaculate calligraphy written with a fountain pen onto quite cheap, low quality paper.
Но добра... цо зробилам? Well, there was that friend of mine... let's call him.... uhm... Spike! Yes, Spike will do! So, I agreed to do his laundry, as he is very chaotic at worst. Plus, he was teaching me brawls. So well, he doesn't have much in the way of....убране... eh, ангиелски... clothes! Yes, not many clothes. So, he threw his only pair of trousers at me. All not unusual, showing his gentleman's sausage is normal for him.... but well, he wanted to go to church. And, well.... I couldn't let him do that! I mean, there has to be some respect for god and the church... at least I was taught so as a child at home... either way, I set chase to him and well.... I wasn't exactly dressed myself. So, I ran after him dressed in my nightgown... through a busy market... and well.... that would be impropriety. But before reaching market.... well, that man came out of the брама.... uhm... homegate! So, I knocked him over, continuing to try to catch Spike... sadly, that guy turned out to be a rich heir.... who made me pay the clean bill. Then the chase continued through a market... it was pain to clean all these melons out of nightgown. Though they didn't make me pay for these at least. Then the fishmonger and sliding over dropped fish and ice straight into next wall. Hurt. And in the end, at least I caught him and stopped him from reaching the church, just as we reached the door, only for it to be opened by a мша... uhm, mass full of old ladies. And then they all fainted upon the priest. Who was angry, as one almost suffered a heartattack! We could have killed her!
11. A hasty scrawl. Half the punctuation goes right through the paper.
I love him. Not... that way. And not in a good way, neither. And you know what's funny? It's because he doesn't love me. Everyone else in London, man woman or jellyfish, I call the tune, and they laugh or smile or swoon just as I like--and then maybe hate me afterwards, the smart ones. Him? No. No! Not even a smile! Not even ignoring, like those society ladies who want you to KNOW they're ignoring you. He takes your hand and bows a bit and says how do you do and moves along like you were anybody else. Odioso! But I can't stop thinking about him now, about what I can do to get that polite, handsome b-------- face to do something! Why does he smile at them, and not at me? If I hurt them, he'd kill me. Maybe it would be worth it.
12. This sure isn't regular paper - more like cloth. Stripes of black and white cloth, weaved in a way that suggest a chess board. The ink seems pretty normal, yet it smells like wax. The handwriting is careful, but a bit messy.
I started my ascend in it in order to understand it, and perhaps, to end it when my knowledge rise up to the challenge and my capacities allow for it. Yet, it seems one (or at the very least, this one I've become) is incapable of it. I grew to love the role, or rather I grew to become the role. There is not much else of me besides it and the mask... and I whole heartily love it just like that.
Love and fear of this truthful lie is what I've become. And here, in these steps, I linger.
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lady Karnstein
Posts: 278
11/22/2018
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Kylestien wrote:
A confession about a confession: number 20 was mine. I figured since there are no real vampiric entities in London thus far, and it was halloween, it would be fun to create one albeit briefly. There were some clues too that seemed to be lost: I was briefly at the start of Drake Dainymo's argo rp before I regretfully stopped updating, and figured it would be a fun reference to tie into the story of how he got the elixir in the first place. It seems it went unnoticed by everyone. Perhaps I should become a criminal mastermind.
Yeah, good thing there is nothing...like...that...there...
<__<
>__>
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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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Vivienne Thursday
Posts: 42
11/20/2018
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Loulou wrote:
I must confess, I hadn't expected my confession to generate much interest, but after reading all your kind responses, I feel I should come forward as #18. That would be Balzac Thibault.
Balzac Thibault's confession moved me because while I do live in a country where people are free to marry whoever they wish, I have people close to me who are struggling with their sexuality and faith and a million other issues, while the world outside is very concerned with other issues (though some of those issues are important as well).
Speaking mostly for myself (and Lady Byron a little bit, but only because she really is the sweetest person imaginable), you always welcome with us, Loulou, in character or not, whatever makes you the most comfortable. I'll offer you virtual hug, or a sympathetic ear, or just some words between friends who live in different corners of the world and may or may not actually wish they were in a cave a mile below the surface. ♥
edited by Vivienne Thursday on 11/20/2018
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Vivienne Thursday:
Artist • Author • F̶l̶i̶r̶t̶ Wife
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Vega
Posts: 150
11/20/2018
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Oh my, I missed this thread when it was open and would _love_ to have joined. How delightful to read these and see the creativity and variety that FL inspires in everyone!
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The Jaunty Mystic, Taranlei, roams the streets of London, interviewing fellow citizens. Member of the Sanguine Ribbon Society and the Temple Club (happy to send invites). Accepting all Acquaintances, lethal duels, social interactions, and opportunities for casual roleplay.
The Shifty Spectre has departed on the final voyage. "I have gone down, down, my love..."
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/20/2018
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Vivienne Thursday wrote:
Loulou wrote:
I must confess, I hadn't expected my confession to generate much interest, but after reading all your kind responses, I feel I should come forward as #18. That would be Balzac Thibault.
Balzac Thibault's confession moved me because while I do live in a country where people are free to marry whoever they wish, I have people close to me who are struggling with their sexuality and faith and a million other issues, while the world outside is very concerned with other issues (though some of those issues are important as well).
Speaking mostly for myself (and Lady Byron a little bit, but only because she really is the sweetest person imaginable), you always welcome with us, Loulou, in character or not, whatever makes you the most comfortable. I'll offer you virtual hug, or a sympathetic ear, or just some words between friends who live in different corners of the world and may or may not actually wish they were in a cave a mile below the surface. ♥
edited by Vivienne Thursday on 11/20/2018
I would say more, but I can't improve on what Vivienne has written. I will only add that #18 was extremely touching and my favorite confession of this year.
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/20/2018
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Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
Sian ... you must list the sentences you used!!
So, I may have enjoyed myself just a bit too much, because I had another quiz to give, and I dipped back in the same well. This time, the sentences had structural problems they were supposed to identify and solve, so sanity won't allow me to give you the originals. However, I have got to say that it was a wonderful delight every time I gave credit for sentences such as "We drove through Veilgarden, Wolfstack, and Watchmaker's Hill" or "Maria chased Spike around the market, which caused a mess."
The best questions, however, are the sentence fragments. It's effectively grammatical Mad-Libs (or as I like to think of it, a written Rorschach test), and you never know what you're going to read. There were two fragments on the quiz, and the best by far was "Written on the back of an infernal contract." Many, many things got put on the back of that contract--I don't think I saw the same answer twice--and most of them were amusing-yet-innocuous answers like "a secret message." One, however, was particularly concerning: "my mother's signature."
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Lady Taimi Felix
Posts: 202
11/17/2018
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Hmm, as I was finishing my organizing of the thread today, I noticed that Confessions #12 and #26 seem to be exactly the same:
12. This sure isn't regular paper - more like cloth. Stripes of black and white cloth, weaved in a way that suggest a chess board. The ink seems pretty normal, yet it smells like wax. The handwriting is careful, but a bit messy.
I started my ascend in it in order to understand it, and perhaps, to end it when my knowledge rise up to the challenge and my capacities allow for it. Yet, it seems one (or at the very least, this one I've become) is incapable of it. I grew to love the role, or rather I grew to become the role. There is not much else of me besides it and the mask... and I whole heartily love it just like that.
Love and fear of this truthful lie is what I've become. And here, in these steps, I linger.
26. This sure isn't regular paper - more like cloth. Stripes of black and white cloth, weaved in a way that suggest a chess board. The ink seems pretty normal, yet it smells like wax. The handwriting is careful, but a bit messy.
I started my ascend in it in order to understand it, and perhaps, to end it when my knowledge rise up to the challenge and my capacities allow for it. Yet, it seems one (or at the very least, this one I've become) is incapable of it. I grew to love the role, or rather I grew to become the role. There is not much else of me besides it and the mask... and I whole heartily love it just like that.
Love and fear of this truthful lie is what I've become. And here, in these steps, I linger.
_____
So, if these are written by the same person, we should eliminate/disqualify one of the entries. That leaves us with a total of 31 confessions, 9 of which have been successfully guessed, and 22 left to still be guessed.
edited by Lady Taimi Felix on 11/17/2018
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Lady Taimi Felix: Devoted Wife. Invisible Eminence. Patron of the Shadowy Arts. Monster Hunter. Lady of Adventure. Exceptionally Lethal. Loves a Good Chat over Coffee.
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/16/2018
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Bravo for the listing! That is helpful--and shows us how much further we have to go.
For clarity, you might as well label #11 as Edacio's confession. It is indeed my own sociopath's, and that will prevent any confusion between #11 and #16.
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/16/2018
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Here are the last batch of confessions (there are actually 32 total, so we end with 8). Thank you so much to everyone that contributed and more thank yous for the all the kind words!
25. In nervous pencil, on an erratum slip found in the offices of God's Editors
Tales of the Gothic are a weakness of mine. I suppose it’s only fair to add one to the collection plate.
I once needed money and was offered a post as confessor, somewhere I don’t feel inclined to fully describe. The chapel backed on to a labyrinth of glasshouses, perpetually filled with vapour. Sub-tropical bracket fungi, I was told. If there were lights or noises at odd hours, this was natural, as such a valuable crop must be defended. I was not to interfere; I was to sit in the confessional, listen, and transcribe. I would be paid in Surface currency for my stolen secrets. Just put them under the door of the confessional, and wait for payment.
And so the confessions trickled in, from behind a cheap tin grille. A succession of variations on the vox humana, detailing sins – always in a male voice, curiously, even when the indiscretions seemed feminine. The secrets would flow thin and clear, then acquire gargles, thicken with glottal stops, and at last lapse into a linguistic coagulum that might as well have been Loamsprach to me. The penitent would depart, and the cycle would be repeated. No, I couldn’t hear all that more than two or three times a week. But research into souls isn’t cheap, and I needed the cash.
They are incurable consumptives, I said to myself, or deliquescent Tomb-Colonists who stubbornly refuse to leave for Venderbight. I shall hear them out and absolve them, and though to render their secrets down for sale is undoubtedly a grave sin, whatever they tell me will be nameless. And the Neath is no place for scrupulosity.
It was not, of course, a juicy human head that thumped against the grille one late October evening, like an overripe pineapple nodding on its stem. It never had been, as I realised when I snatched the other door open. I’ve seen those features a score of times since, the podded lids and scanty beard, the bloodless lips of a counterfeit St. John. Where, in ordinary circumstances, there would be a bloody severance, there was instead an abscission, pale and neat as a cabbage-stalk, settled onto a conical bellows arrangement that had collapsed under its weight.
And this is was the source of my confessions!
Orchid-fanciers are notoriously thrifty folk. I suppose my efforts constituted a sort of second pressing of secrets – perhaps even a third – from the by-product of their endeavours. Thin stuff, but saleable. You may well imagine that I bolted after that, and you may well imagine the I was pursued; no doubt my spiritual successor is waiting to hear from me. But I no longer deal in confessions. I no longer relish pineapple, fresh or tinned. And I would vastly prefer it if you don’t wear that scarf. Goodnight.
26. This sure isn't regular paper - more like cloth. Stripes of black and white cloth, weaved in a way that suggest a chess board. The ink seems pretty normal, yet it smells like wax. The handwriting is careful, but a bit messy.
I started my ascend in it in order to understand it, and perhaps, to end it when my knowledge rise up to the challenge and my capacities allow for it. Yet, it seems one (or at the very least, this one I've become) is incapable of it. I grew to love the role, or rather I grew to become the role. There is not much else of me besides it and the mask... and I whole heartily love it just like that.
Love and fear of this truthful lie is what I've become. And here, in these steps, I linger.
27. The confession is printed on an elegant, ivory colored paper, which remains in a shockingly crisp condition. Conversely the script itself appears shoddy and almost illegible, but with signs of embellishment found amongst it, most likely an attempt by the writer to keep themselves anonymous.
There are many individuals I’ve met over the years that I have lived, although most I have forgotten. Some persons, unlike the rest, have remained entrenched inside my memory refusing to be forgotten. One such individual in particular comes to mind a remarkable young woman, that I met during my younger years as I traveled on the surface from place to place, from city to city. She was quite comely and elegant but unlike my previous companions, who I had found elsewhere, she was delightfully charming in a way that I had not yet experienced before. Her company, I found to be exceptionally enjoyable and I did take great delight in our many conversations. She as well found my company pleasurable, and day after night we did share in the passionate speech that is often found in the works and writings of poets and artists. Such flowery and passionate words words we did share.
One night, while she laid next to me, she wistfully told me of the future that we could have together, and I agreed. Her eyes filled with delight, as I spoke those words, and we spoke and shaped this future together as we laid in the bliss of each other’s presence. In the morning I gathered my things, and joined back with my traveling companions. I did indeed truly ponder the heartfelt thought she had given to me, but it was never to be. I harbour no regret in my actions at the time nor do I harbour any regret for my actions at this time of writing, but for a moment I did forget my ambitions.
28. Written in the Kurrent style by a left-handed woman on paper clearly originating on the surface
I am a woman known for many things. Hundreds have met me; I have had personal romances, written reams of text, and been praised for my beauty, my wit, and my mastery of the word. Those are secondary abilities, means to an end. In fact, I have plans. Over many years I have clawed my way to the top of the Great Game, and dozens, if not hundreds, of people have been ordered killed since I first walked in Vienna. The most important decisions are not made in Schönbrunn. Even now, I operate behind the scenes, spinning webs so elaborate few know of them and some of the few who do suspect a hidden Master at work. They are not entirely wrong. As much as I enjoy my affairs and writing, none of those are my masterpiece. My masterpiece is being built across the face of the world and beneath it. They may never see the threads or the fingers manipulate them, but their world will change by my hand.
29. Sawn on a small piece of red velvet with white lace
Being rich and famous I am getting fat and lazy as an old Tomcat. Me who wanted to be a Tiger...
30. I have written on a piece of regular parchment paper, in ordinary ink. Occasionally, there is a water stain on the ink as if someone has been crying.
I am deeply sorry. To all of the people I've betrayed, the people who I've burgled, and the pockets I have picked. To the people I've treated well, before throwing them away, as if they were disposable. To the people I've driven to madness, intentionally or otherwise. To the people I've killed, and especially the ones I killed permanently. I am deeply sorry.
31. An entire page of cramped letters, filled with the same message written over and over again. The nib of the pen was pressed down with such force that it has torn the paper in places.
If I waited a few more weeks to test my vaccine, he would have lived a long life. Now, I do not know if there is even enough time to say goodbye. I do not intend to tell him. Dear god, how could I tell him? How could he love me if he knows I am his murderer?
32. In elegant but overly deliberate handwriting, on heavy cream stationery from which the letterhead has been neatly torn
I stole his dreams. I took them and locked them away where he could never find them. I don’t know where I hid them. And I don’t know why. I think I locked those memories away as well. I could probably find them again. But I’m afraid to. Whatever it was, I didn’t want to know it.
--
http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lord Gazter
Posts: 665
11/16/2018
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I've really enjoyed this year's Hallowmas confession, they've been great. Thank you Lady Sapho Byron for handling and organizing this. 
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Lord Gazter: a charming gentleman of noble birth and a person of significant influence.
Victoria Crow: a spirited la.. young woman and freshly anointed firebrand.
Get a copy of the Phlegethonian Gazette for pertinent and trustworthy news! Only five pence!
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Aberrant Eremite
Posts: 362
11/14/2018
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Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
On the button!
Now show us your work.
Sensual but not in as way that implies harm to oneself or others. Playfully scandalous but classy. Just a touch of silliness, enough to be charming but not enough to be taken less seriously. A delight in playing with words. I have a shadow of a memory of seeing that stationery somewhere before, but I could be wrong there.
In other words - I guessed! Based on vague intuitions.
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Hieronymus Drake: Gentleman scholar, big-game hunter, scar-faced aristocrat. Remarkably sane, all things considered.
Tanith Wyrmwood: Longshanks cat-burglar; Bohemian author; now, perhaps, something more. Bubbly, expressive, and affectionate. It’s not only still waters that run deep.
Telemachia Lee: Gentle lady by birth, brawling Docker by choice. Good company in the drunk tank.
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Vivienne Thursday
Posts: 42
11/14/2018
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It's been some time since I've been able to keep up with the roleplays on the forum, but I too want to give #18 a hug. You may not currently have love on the surface, but you certainly have a sympathetic ear here with me.
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Vivienne Thursday:
Artist • Author • F̶l̶i̶r̶t̶ Wife
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Vivienne Thursday
Posts: 42
11/8/2018
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Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
Note: After today my life will be a little more hectic; I might not be able to post confessions every day..
No worries, dear heart. We'll be waiting patiently over here by the drinks table!
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Vivienne Thursday:
Artist • Author • F̶l̶i̶r̶t̶ Wife
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Jolanda Swan
Posts: 1784
10/22/2018
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This is great. Thanks!
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Lover of all things beautiful, secret admirer of ugly truths, fond of the Parabola Sun... and always delighted to role play.
http://fallenlondon.com/profile/Jolanda%20Swan
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
10/31/2018
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What's that going bump in the night? Why, this thread of course.
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/4/2018
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November 6th will be the last full day to post a confession to the Ivory Door. Sometime on November 7th I will close the Google Form to new entries.
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/5/2018
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Kylestien wrote:
how many did you get?
As of this post, there are 23 confessions.
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/6/2018
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Daedalus, I will be closing it on Nov. 7, not Nov. 6. On the 7th I'll probably close around 5:00 PM GMT; it may be later depending on the vicissitudes of life.
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Rysiek
Posts: 693
11/10/2018
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Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
13. Simple, elegant handwriting on crisp rosé-coloured paper.
I convinced my Noman that she should go by the name Penelope Puddle.
.
No idea who wrote this one, but I love it already 
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The silesian Detective
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Rysiek
The incredible Warsovian. She certainly didn't steal your diamond necklace. That idea is RIDICULOUS...
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Maria~Konstantynopolska
The silesian vengeance seeker
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Agata~Grym
I apologize for any and all anachronisms. I am too lazy to check some facts if I am sure they are from the 1890s or sometimes think they are.
Oh, and by the way, I am not polish, I am GERMAN to clarify for heavens sake... tylko po polsku mowie. Um Himmelswillen...
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/10/2018
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A lot of foolscap being used today. Must be a popular size at the moment. Also,
Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
14. Though this confession is folded neatly and written in a delicate, looping script on fine paper, the edges are marred with sticky honey-drippings, waxy smears of at least three lipsticks, and the wet imprints of many, many champagne flutes.
17. A white sheet of paper, placed in an elaborate gold frame of tiny roses, bird bones and coins. The writing itself is in cursive, and instead of left to right it it reads top to bottom, lending it a strange Japanese appearance at first glance.
We are putting a lot of effort into our papers, too. How much work does it take to get that much lipstick onto one piece of paper? I don't know, but I applaud the effort.
Would Schlomo have a field day? You decide.
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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LadyGrayRose
Posts: 13
11/14/2018
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Just want to pop in and say that I'm loving all the confessions I've seen!
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Kalitha Duskenmoore — Accepting most social interactions.
Miza de Leon — Seeker | Accepting all social interactions, dupes included.
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Six Handed Merchant
Posts: 141
11/13/2018
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Awesome, thank you for doing this, Lady Byron!
I have a few ideas for who some of them are, but I'm going to wait until they are all out to be sure. :-)
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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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Six Handed Merchant
Posts: 141
11/22/2018
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Loulou wrote:
To be honest I had intended to post and ghost, as it were, just to get some things off my chest in a semi-autobiographical fashion. I'm not very active in the forums and as a full-time writer I rarely have the energy to roleplay properly, but I've loved kind of observing from afar and thought participating in Ivory Door this year might be fun. But your responses made me feel really good. Unfortunately, unlike Balzac, I haven't a Neath to escape to; I live in one of the most homophobic/transphobic countries in the world and it does tend to wear on me after a while. But it's nice to know I have your support, delicious friends. Believe me, it really does make a difference.
Balzac is largely an inactive character, but please feel free to connect with Dr. Emmaline Anders instead. I'm happy to respond in roleplay, provided you don't mind a couple of days in between responses. Oh, and Emmaline was #5.
Thank you all, and especially Lady Sapho Byron, for this thread!
Alas, there is no Neath to escape to in real life, but I do hope we have made virtual home for you that can act as the Neath you need, that we all need. Please do reach out, we're here for you. And while my replies are frequently delayed, you can always DM me and I will respond.
And if you ever want to correspond with one of the odder probably-human detectives in the city, feel free to send a calling card to the Six Handed Merchant.
--
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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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/22/2018
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1896: The Ivories
So I wanted to give a shout-out to some favorite confessions, and am in the mood for excessive silliness. Therefore, I present you with this year’s Ivory Awards.
N.B. These are entirely, subjectively my own opinion. I make no (okay, few) claims to their objective merit. In particular, that means
- Nothing of mine, obviously. First, that’s no fun. Second, if I’m the best writer here, it is a sad and depressing world.
- Few if any tragic/twisted/desperate love stories. I realize these are London’ stock-in-trade, but, well, they’re London’s stock-in-trade. I’m on the lookout for something more inventive.
- For similar reasons, short and vague stories don’t get in unless they’re particularly evocative.
- Extra points for descriptions that show, rather than tell (especially when it comes to handwriting).
Preliminaries out of the way, if you can get the envelope back from that ape, we’ll begin.
Most Humorous: Maria Konstantinopolska, #10
This story was delightful. Maria’s voice was believable and charming, which kept things just this side of farce. I think this was the confession that I’ve come back to the most.
Most Evocative: Tanith Wyrmwood, #32
There is an art to implication; it takes work and talent to create something which pulls you beyond yourself and makes you want to know more. Tanith’s confession did that very effectively, teasing you with a story that not even she seems to know, daring you to fill in the blanks and smilingly denying you the opportunity. The flirt.
Best Handwriting: The Six-Handed Merchant, #19
Handwriting descriptions range from sparse to florid, but none were so clearly stamped with the character’s identity than the Six-Handed Merchant’s. As with Tanith’s confession, this description packs a great deal into a small number of words—and that is the definition of eloquence.
Most Neathy: Vexpoint (OOC), #25
The thing I love about this confession is that it could not have happened anywhere but the Neath. Maria’s confession could, conceivably, have occurred anywhere with a church. Most of the confessions (including many of the best ones) could flatly have occurred anywhere; they reflect Fallen London’s atmosphere but not necessarily its setting. This one, not so much. There isn’t even a conceivable analog outside London to the false heads of the Baptist. Not only does it capture the spirit of the game, but it does so with a particularly Neathy vehicle. Magnifico.
Most Whimsical: Lady Sapho Byron, #13
Maria’s confession makes me laugh; the Lady’s causes the sort of silly grin that has my wife asking what I’m reading. To quote my esteemed colleague, “Playfully scandalous but classy. Just a touch of silliness, enough to be charming, but not enough to be taken seriously.” In other words, the right balance to be delightful rather than ridiculous.
Best in Door: Vexpoint (OOC), #25
Far and away my favorite, and I think the reason comes down to attention to detail. From the “collection plate” nod in the opening sentence to the scarf-aversion at the end, the whole thing is thoughtfully and carefully tied together. So bravo! and I’d dearly love to know who wrote this one. Also, could I get permission to use as an example in future writing classes? [Edit: Thank you, and thank you.]
Everyone, thanks for a fun year and thirty-two delightful reads. Winners, please collect your Ivory Doors on the way out, and don’t open them where a Special Constable can see you.
edited by Siankan on 11/29/2018
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Vivienne Thursday
Posts: 42
11/23/2018
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We still have 16 un-claimed/-guessed confessions! Anyone else care to come forward or drop a hint? In lieu of any facts, we guessers will be happy to begin to speculate wildly!
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Vivienne Thursday:
Artist • Author • F̶l̶i̶r̶t̶ Wife
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Lord Gazter
Posts: 665
11/23/2018
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I've quite enjoyed watching the search and speculation for who's confession is who's. So I will say that a certain Lord's confession might have been hidden in with the rest of them.
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Lord Gazter: a charming gentleman of noble birth and a person of significant influence.
Victoria Crow: a spirited la.. young woman and freshly anointed firebrand.
Get a copy of the Phlegethonian Gazette for pertinent and trustworthy news! Only five pence!
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Vexpont
Posts: 137
11/29/2018
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The wordy #25 was written by me (and anyone is welcome to use it however they like) though it's not at all in character. It's just that 1. The Loquacious Vicar is an eccentric gadfly who needs more love, and 2. even taking into account the existence of both Gaoler's Honey, and a nameless facility on Venderbight, St. John's Lily is surely the nastiest potential interrogation tool in all the Neath.
My favourite handwriting and confession are consecutive:
#8. An aged parchment, words scribbled across in swaying lines both parts sloppy and eccentric. It is scented, three parts roses, two parts lacre, and one part coffee stains.
Bottle this, and get Tom Ford to sell it.
#9. Oh how it pains me, the shame, every night. The Young Master doesn't know. Their heirs shall never know. It was all for the good of the family, though. The contracts, the lies. Yet Old Master beckoned, and so I answer.
They're at the zee now. When they return, I will be ready.
Servant characters and their conflicted loyalties are underused in FL. This is a really nice short hook.
Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
Also, you should send the author of "my mother's signature" a link to FL. Seconded.
edited by Vexpont on 11/29/2018
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Dangerous to my enemies; loyal to my friends. Not too handy at telling the difference.
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Vexpont
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Catherine Raymond
Posts: 2518
11/13/2018
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I doubt mine will be detected--I don't roleplay on these Forums enough. However, I join others in thanking Lady Sapho for publishing these Confessions, in this way.
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Cathy Raymond
http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/cathyr19355
Catherine Raymond aka Mrs. Rykar Malkus http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Catherine%20Raymond (Gone NORTH)
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Mel Lawrence
Posts: 9
10/22/2018
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Just a note, the first question on the form is bugged- it requires you to submit a response of at least 750 characters, instead of at most 750 characters. I doubt you want a slew of 750-character-long handwriting descriptions ^^;
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"You may not know who I am, but you're going to."
Currently open for all social actions:
Mel Lawrence, a doctor and scientist with a strong hedonistic and independent streak. Her eccentricities and insanities are tolerated in high society only because of the novelty of her ideas.
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Jolanda Swan
Posts: 1784
11/9/2018
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Ah, good. It was the cyrillic in one hand, the criminal innocence on the other and strangely, the calligraphy. Maria is a university creature, after all.
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Lover of all things beautiful, secret admirer of ugly truths, fond of the Parabola Sun... and always delighted to role play.
http://fallenlondon.com/profile/Jolanda%20Swan
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Aberrant Eremite
Posts: 362
11/14/2018
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Well, I'm not afraid of being wrong again! I'm going to guess that #13 is Lady Sapho herself.
And #19 *could* be the Six-Handed Merchant.
I have no idea who #18 is, but your fellow gay slumming aristocrat, Telemachia Lee, would like to give you a hug. Or possibly punch you on the shoulder and tell you to buck up.
edited by Aberrant Eremite on 11/14/2018
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Hieronymus Drake: Gentleman scholar, big-game hunter, scar-faced aristocrat. Remarkably sane, all things considered.
Tanith Wyrmwood: Longshanks cat-burglar; Bohemian author; now, perhaps, something more. Bubbly, expressive, and affectionate. It’s not only still waters that run deep.
Telemachia Lee: Gentle lady by birth, brawling Docker by choice. Good company in the drunk tank.
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Mel Lawrence
Posts: 9
11/13/2018
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Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
20. An elegant if scientific hand, that devolves into a shaking scrawl the further you go down. It seems as though confessing this was rough…
I have unleashed a monster upon this accursed city, a horror right out of Stoker's twisted imagination.
Long have I been secretly consumed with the idea of bringing easily obtainable immortality to the masses. If we could transcend mortal limitations think of what we could accomplish! However, I was unsuccessful in obtaining the required amount of Hesperidian Cider to continue with the experiment...
I really have no clue who wrote this one, but I love it! If there is another mad scientist in the Neath, Mel would be absolutely delighted to meet you. Perhaps drop off a card...?
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"You may not know who I am, but you're going to."
Currently open for all social actions:
Mel Lawrence, a doctor and scientist with a strong hedonistic and independent streak. Her eccentricities and insanities are tolerated in high society only because of the novelty of her ideas.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/14/2018
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Aberrant Eremite wrote:
Well, I'm not afraid of being wrong again! I'm going to guess that #13 is Lady Sapho herself.
On the button!
Now show us your work.
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/7/2018
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...and the Seventh will doom all.
Let the guessing commence! (Also, where on earth did they get that typewriter? And can I get one?)
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Osborn Draiss
Posts: 16
11/9/2018
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Aberrant Eremite wrote:
I haven't heard this amusing story before, but the style - and the inventiveness! - remind me greatly of one Dione of Argos.
EDIT: On closer examination, that's not Greek. Maybe Cyrillic. So my guess is wrong.
edited by Aberrant Eremite on 11/9/2018
According to professor google himself, that's Serbian. If you're interested.
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Osborn Draiss, a bumbling idiot who doesn't know what he's doing.
If you, for some unknowable reason, want to contact me, you can find me at https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Osborn%20Draiss. I am always interested in new friends.
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incerteza
Posts: 103
11/9/2018
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Siankan wrote:
So, until the author gives clarification, a speaker of the appropriate language gives clarification, or I can ask my Bulgarian student her opinion, I'm sticking with Russia.
I'm Russian, it's certainly not Russian. "Но добра... цо зробилам? [Alright... what happened?]" and "брама [gates]" sounds kinda Ukrainian, "убране [clothes]" is very archaic and I guess might be any old-fashioned slavic language, and I have no idea what "ангиелски" and "мша..." might be.
(whoever wrote that, great job on puzzling people! )
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Kukapetal
Posts: 1449
11/15/2018
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As Maria's friend "Spike" can attest, trying to find love in the Neath is an exercise in futility.
Hope your fate is better, #18
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Lady Karnstein
Posts: 278
11/15/2018
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Yeah Caroline feels stirrings of sympathy for 18. No idea who though.
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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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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/16/2018
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Sian ... you must list the sentences you used!!
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/16/2018
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Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
Sian ... you must list the sentences you used!!
Oh, my.
The quiz questions weren't as good as the originals, as I had to edit for simplicity. (I like to challenge the freshmen, but I don't hate them.) Some were lifted directly (minus editations), while some were merely inspired by. I don't have time to list everything, as I'm still at work with grades to put in, but I'll give you a couple of examples:
(from #18) The confession was written on the back of a shipping manifest.
(from #25, loosely) Do not feed your roommate to talking plants.
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Tystefy
Posts: 450
11/17/2018
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It would appear I accidentally put my name on my confession.
Stupendous.
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Will sometimes return to post absurdity.
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Six Handed Merchant
Posts: 141
11/17/2018
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Also, I love the Noman name, Sapho!
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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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Vivienne Thursday
Posts: 42
11/18/2018
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Ding ding! Yes, it does, Sapho! #14 is mine.
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Vivienne Thursday:
Artist • Author • F̶l̶i̶r̶t̶ Wife
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Loulou
Posts: 51
11/20/2018
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Aberrant Eremite wrote:
18 could be Somerset Maugham! He'd be in his mid-twenties, I think. Keynes would be too young, and Turning hasn't been born yet.
Plus he has an attraction to the working class, and a meekness that doesn't wholly compromise his dignity ... Yes, this is my guess, #18 is Somerset Maugham.
edited by Aberrant Eremite on 11/15/2018
This is actually a brilliant guess? Hadn't made the connection myself, but now that you've pointed it out, I can't unsee it. Might I be so bold as to take this as a compliment? I'm deeply flattered by the comparison!
--
Dr. Emmaline Anders, Open to most social actions, and accepting all calling cards.
Lieutenant Balzac Thibault, seldom seen in public and rarely (if ever) available for social actions.
Rest in love, Lady Ellia Stoneham, gone NORTH at last.
Open to PMs if you're looking for help with affairs 'enigmatic'.
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/19/2018
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Lady Taimi Felix wrote:
Does anyone have anything to add or amend to that at the moment?
#32 has been identified. It is the confession of Tanith Wyrmwood.
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Aberrant Eremite
Posts: 362
11/20/2018
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Siankan wrote:
"Maria chased Spike around the market, which caused a mess."
Normally, this would be an ordinary dangling modifier, but in this case, I could argue that the Market did indeed cause a mess.
Siankan wrote:
The best questions, however, are the sentence fragments. It's effectively grammatical Mad-Libs (or as I like to think of it, a written Rorschach test), and you never know what you're going to read. There were two fragments on the quiz, and the best by far was "Written on the back of an infernal contract." Many, many things got put on the back of that contract--I don't think I saw the same answer twice--and most of them were amusing-yet-innocuous answers like "a secret message." One, however, was particularly concerning: "my mother's signature."
Mother never did read the "Terms and Conditions"...
--
Hieronymus Drake: Gentleman scholar, big-game hunter, scar-faced aristocrat. Remarkably sane, all things considered.
Tanith Wyrmwood: Longshanks cat-burglar; Bohemian author; now, perhaps, something more. Bubbly, expressive, and affectionate. It’s not only still waters that run deep.
Telemachia Lee: Gentle lady by birth, brawling Docker by choice. Good company in the drunk tank.
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Loulou
Posts: 51
11/20/2018
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Aberrant Eremite wrote:
I'm so glad you liked it! Yes, by all means do take it as a compliment. I think that the fact that your confession moved so many people shows that it was powerfully written. And the fact that I had so many guesses about the character from just a few lines also speaks well of it.
I had only been thinking of a fictional character, though, not that his troubles might be yours to some extent as well. I am sorry to hear it. Please do accept my intention of a comforting hug. (And I won't let Lee punch your shoulder! Sorry, she's unruly.)
Not to worry, I'm actually in a comfortable partnership and quite happy with my romantic life! Balzac is far more maudlin than I, with a tendency to be dramatic. I'm sure he'll be fine. Your hug is appreciated nonetheless and I'm sending a strong one back! Balzac would probably really like Lee. If he's ever active again I'll be sure to drop her a line.
Vivienne Thursday wrote:
Speaking mostly for myself (and Lady Byron a little bit, but only because she really is the sweetest person imaginable), you always welcome with us, Loulou, in character or not, whatever makes you the most comfortable. I'll offer you virtual hug, or a sympathetic ear, or just some words between friends who live in different corners of the world and may or may not actually wish they were in a cave a mile below the surface.
I have no words for the gratitude I'm experiencing. Thank you, Vivienne. From my corner of the world to yours, I'm sending love and hugs and appreciation. Messages like this make it much more bearable than I can describe. Please consider me your friend, both above and below the surface ♥
--
Dr. Emmaline Anders, Open to most social actions, and accepting all calling cards.
Lieutenant Balzac Thibault, seldom seen in public and rarely (if ever) available for social actions.
Rest in love, Lady Ellia Stoneham, gone NORTH at last.
Open to PMs if you're looking for help with affairs 'enigmatic'.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/20/2018
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Aberrant Eremite wrote:
Siankan wrote:
"Maria chased Spike around the market, which caused a mess."
Normally, this would be an ordinary dangling modifier ...
Given how Spike was dressed ...
--
http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/20/2018
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Siankan wrote:
"Written on the back of an infernal contract." Many, many things got put on the back of that contract--I don't think I saw the same answer twice--and most of them were amusing-yet-innocuous answers like "a secret message." One, however, was particularly concerning: "my mother's signature."
Thank you for sharing .. us with your students and vice-versa!
Also, you should send the author of "my mother's signature" a link to FL.
--
http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Loulou
Posts: 51
11/20/2018
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Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
I would say more, but I can't improve on what Vivienne has written. I will only add that #18 was extremely touching and my favorite confession of this year.
I am truly, truly honored. Thank you, Lady Byron!
--
Dr. Emmaline Anders, Open to most social actions, and accepting all calling cards.
Lieutenant Balzac Thibault, seldom seen in public and rarely (if ever) available for social actions.
Rest in love, Lady Ellia Stoneham, gone NORTH at last.
Open to PMs if you're looking for help with affairs 'enigmatic'.
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Kylestien
Posts: 749
11/21/2018
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A confession about a confession: number 20 was mine. I figured since there are no real vampiric entities in London thus far, and it was halloween, it would be fun to create one albeit briefly. There were some clues too that seemed to be lost: I was briefly at the start of Drake Dainymo's argo rp before I regretfully stopped updating, and figured it would be a fun reference to tie into the story of how he got the elixir in the first place. It seems it went unnoticed by everyone. Perhaps I should become a criminal mastermind.
--
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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Aberrant Eremite
Posts: 362
11/20/2018
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Loulou wrote:
This is actually a brilliant guess? Hadn't made the connection myself, but now that you've pointed it out, I can't unsee it. Might I be so bold as to take this as a compliment? I'm deeply flattered by the comparison!
I'm so glad you liked it! Yes, by all means do take it as a compliment. I think that the fact that your confession moved so many people shows that it was powerfully written. And the fact that I had so many guesses about the character from just a few lines also speaks well of it.
I had only been thinking of a fictional character, though, not that his troubles might be yours to some extent as well. I am sorry to hear it. Please do accept my intention of a comforting hug. (And I won't let Lee punch your shoulder! Sorry, she's unruly.)
--
Hieronymus Drake: Gentleman scholar, big-game hunter, scar-faced aristocrat. Remarkably sane, all things considered.
Tanith Wyrmwood: Longshanks cat-burglar; Bohemian author; now, perhaps, something more. Bubbly, expressive, and affectionate. It’s not only still waters that run deep.
Telemachia Lee: Gentle lady by birth, brawling Docker by choice. Good company in the drunk tank.
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Passionario
Posts: 777
11/19/2018
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#23 is mine, by the way.
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Passionario: Profile, Story, Ending
Passion: Profile, Appearance
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Lady Taimi Felix
Posts: 202
11/18/2018
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Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
Oops. Sorry for the double post!
No problem at all, dear! I just didn't want anyone to get missed.
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Lady Taimi Felix: Devoted Wife. Invisible Eminence. Patron of the Shadowy Arts. Monster Hunter. Lady of Adventure. Exceptionally Lethal. Loves a Good Chat over Coffee.
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
11/18/2018
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Maybe, just maybe, #14 belongs to the delightful Vivienne Thursday ...
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Six Handed Merchant
Posts: 141
11/17/2018
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Is #8 Hotshot Blackburn?
And is #29 Lady Vivienne Thursday?
*
edited by Six Handed Merchant on 11/17/2018
--
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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Vivienne Thursday
Posts: 42
11/17/2018
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Six Handed Merchant wrote:
And is #29 Lady Vivienne Thursday?
How flattering to think that I could be mistaken for either being a Lady or 'famous' (as #29 claimed), but I am neither, dear heart. I will, however, drop the hint that I did indeed write a confession.
--
Vivienne Thursday:
Artist • Author • F̶l̶i̶r̶t̶ Wife
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Six Handed Merchant
Posts: 141
11/17/2018
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Aberrant Eremite wrote:
And #19 *could* be the Six-Handed Merchant.
Correct! As is your assumption as to the context of the confession.
Alas, Six needs to work harder on their handwriting. It's still quite monstrous. 
*
edited by Six Handed Merchant on 11/17/2018
--
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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Aberrant Eremite
Posts: 362
11/16/2018
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Sian is right. Tanith gets a lot of good advice, and she tries to follow it, she really does! But sometimes things just get so crazy that it's not only hard to know what to do, but it's hard to know what she already did!
--
Hieronymus Drake: Gentleman scholar, big-game hunter, scar-faced aristocrat. Remarkably sane, all things considered.
Tanith Wyrmwood: Longshanks cat-burglar; Bohemian author; now, perhaps, something more. Bubbly, expressive, and affectionate. It’s not only still waters that run deep.
Telemachia Lee: Gentle lady by birth, brawling Docker by choice. Good company in the drunk tank.
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Kukapetal
Posts: 1449
11/15/2018
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It always amuses me that he ends up being the straightman in his interactions with Maria :P
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/16/2018
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Also, #25 is fantastic. If no one guesses, please tell me who you are so I can avoid scarf-wearing in the future.
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Lady Karnstein
Posts: 278
11/16/2018
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Aberrant Eremite wrote:
I'm guessing that #28 is Lady Caroline Karnstein.
Correct.
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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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Jolanda Swan
Posts: 1784
11/9/2018
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Perhaps numer ten is Maria Konstantinopolska?
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Lover of all things beautiful, secret admirer of ugly truths, fond of the Parabola Sun... and always delighted to role play.
http://fallenlondon.com/profile/Jolanda%20Swan
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/9/2018
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incerteza wrote:
I'm Russian, it's certainly not Russian.
Excellent. Thank you for the clarification. It does make me that much more curious what it is, so I am looking forward to the author's revelation.
--
Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Rysiek
Posts: 693
11/9/2018
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Jolanda Swan wrote:
Perhaps numer ten is Maria Konstantinopolska?
We have a winner. As to the cyrilic... made it harder. But Maria DOES render polish in cyrilic. I already had it in russian, but decided to swap it as Maria would rather put doubts to paper in Polish, even if she can't really write it. Ангелски is Angielski, English. Убране is phonetic ubranie, clothes. Мша is... hopy service? The thing the ptiest does at church, with communion and all. With the rest, incerteza is right. Even though Но добра, со зробилам (No dobra, co zrobiłam) means 'Ok, what did I do?'
Also, bonus challenge. Does someone want to guess who 'Spike' might be?
--
The silesian Detective
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Rysiek
The incredible Warsovian. She certainly didn't steal your diamond necklace. That idea is RIDICULOUS...
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Maria~Konstantynopolska
The silesian vengeance seeker
http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Agata~Grym
I apologize for any and all anachronisms. I am too lazy to check some facts if I am sure they are from the 1890s or sometimes think they are.
Oh, and by the way, I am not polish, I am GERMAN to clarify for heavens sake... tylko po polsku mowie. Um Himmelswillen...
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/9/2018
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Rysiek wrote:
As to the cyrilic... made it harder. But Maria DOES render polish in cyrilic.
Well, that explains the confusion. Brilliantly done.
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Aberrant Eremite
Posts: 362
11/9/2018
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Rysiek wrote:
Ангелски is Angielski, English.
Ah! Google did give me "Angielski," but I didn't know what to make of of it. I should have remembered: "Non angli, sed angeli!"
--
Hieronymus Drake: Gentleman scholar, big-game hunter, scar-faced aristocrat. Remarkably sane, all things considered.
Tanith Wyrmwood: Longshanks cat-burglar; Bohemian author; now, perhaps, something more. Bubbly, expressive, and affectionate. It’s not only still waters that run deep.
Telemachia Lee: Gentle lady by birth, brawling Docker by choice. Good company in the drunk tank.
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Mel Lawrence
Posts: 9
11/7/2018
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Ooh, I love the second one! It's completely incomprehensible, to be sure, but it does conjure up a lovely image.
--
"You may not know who I am, but you're going to."
Currently open for all social actions:
Mel Lawrence, a doctor and scientist with a strong hedonistic and independent streak. Her eccentricities and insanities are tolerated in high society only because of the novelty of her ideas.
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/7/2018
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Mel Lawrence wrote:
Ooh, I love the second one! It's completely incomprehensible, to be sure, but it does conjure up a lovely image.
Oh, I wouldn't say completely incomprehensible. Moths and Snakes and Suns all have pretty definite connotations down here. I think it's fair to say, at the very least, that the owner of this most unique typewriter is not a member of the Shroud.
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Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Lady Karnstein
Posts: 278
11/8/2018
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Thanks so much for doing this, and what a lovely bunch of confessions so far! Sadly no guesses yet.
--
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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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/14/2018
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Aberrant Eremite wrote:
Both! You're right that I considered both of those. But Six also has a big secret to keep, and I know through role-play that they're both sensitive enough and ethical enough to worry about it.
There's a big secret, certainly. I just don't know enough to comment on "lovers."
You know, we should fix that. Friend of Six Hands, do let me know when you have an available evening.
--
Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Siankan
Posts: 1048
11/14/2018
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Aberrant Eremite wrote:
And speaking of ethical worries - I'm also going to guess that #16 is Professor Kan himself.
Precisely on the money! You know him well.
--
Prof. Sian Kan, at your service.
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Catherine Raymond
Posts: 2518
11/14/2018
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LadyGrayRose wrote:
Just want to pop in and say that I'm loving all the confessions I've seen!
I second that!
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Cathy Raymond
http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/cathyr19355
Catherine Raymond aka Mrs. Rykar Malkus http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Catherine%20Raymond (Gone NORTH)
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Frogvarian
Posts: 101
11/10/2018
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Mel Lawrence wrote:
Lady Sapho Byron wrote:
9. The writing is elegant - cursive with many twirls - though it appears shaky, as if written with regret. The paper upon which the black ink shines is of high quality. In the bottom right corner is a smudged drawing of a person in a corset and a tophat.
Oh how it pains me, the shame, every night. The Young Master doesn't know. Their heirs shall never know. It was all for the good of the family, though. The contracts, the lies. Yet Old Master beckoned, and so I answer.
They're at the zee now. When they return, I will be ready.
I know this one! Frogvarian/Raven, an intriguing acquaintance to say the least.
edited by Mel_Lawrence on 11/8/2018
A keen eye! I am on the lookout for your own, Doctor. I have a guess, though I have to see further to be sure.
--
R. J. Frogvarian
An Extraordinary Mind, Correspondent, and author of mysterious, if a bit scandalous, qualities.
Open to interactions, roleplay, chess, and the occasional scanadlosity.
Rebeka Frogvarian
Gone NORTH.
Publisher of The Goosey Gazette, the best stop for all things arty and Neathy!
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Lady Sapho Byron
Posts: 770
10/22/2018
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Oops! Fixed. Thank you for the catch!
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http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Lady%20Sapho%20L%20Byron
Fighting the Menace of Corsetry Since 1892.
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Catherine Raymond
Posts: 2518
11/13/2018
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Passionario wrote:
1. It's not Russian.
2. One of the confessions from the first batch was written by Passion.
Re: 2. above. Is #1 Passion's?
edited by cathyr19355 on 11/14/2018
--
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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