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February's Exceptional Story: Cricket Anyone?

FBG Intern Posts: 1 1/31/2019	Delicious friends, the Exceptional Story for February is here! The Tournament of Toasts! The greatest cricket match of the season! And the perfect opportunity for Benthic and Summerset College to tear each other to pieces! Grab a bat, grab a drink, but keep your wits sharp: the stakes are higher than they seem. Cricket, Anyone? is the third story in the Season of Hobbies, and was written by Chandler Groover. This season will give you the opportunity to spend time with Londoners at their leisure. You can begin each from the Season of Hobbies card. Editing, design and QA: James Chew and Olivia Wood. 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 members’ 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 Hobbies 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.
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loredeluxe Posts: 106 2/1/2019	Out of all the Masters, Mr Wines certainly gets the most character development. It's not even a contest. [spoiler]From his forced confession, we learn the full background regarding his life in the High Wilderness. His empire apparently spanned the cosmos and beings from across the universe came to him to beg favors. He was apparently trying to be the best ruler he could possibly be and tried to help everyone that came to him. Unfortunately, all the promises he made were were simply impossible to fulfill, so the broken promises caught up with him in a rather violent manner. He was cast down, from king to begger, and forced to turn to the Bazaar and its mission simply to survive. Remember this most of all. In the Passion destiny, Mr Wines is the only one of the Masters to speak out when you accuse them all of not believing the Bazaar's mission to obtain the sun's love is possible. After so many cities, so long away from the heavens they love, and after seeing so much heartbreak, Mr Wines is still trying his damnedest to keep the promise he and his brethren made to the Bazaar. He so desperately wants to keep his word at long last after his last unkept words cost him everything. I wouldn't really call any of the Masters outright evil, except for that bastard Veils, but I wouldn't have called any of them actually good either. This exceptional story has earned Mr Wines a lot of sympathy from me, perhaps not quite enough to call him a good person, but still enough for me to say I personally don't see Wines as a villain anymore.[/spoiler] What do you guys think?
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PSGarak Posts: 834 2/5/2019	I think this Exceptional Story is the whole, entire experience of Fallen London, distilled down into a single story. I think that's why we like it so much. It's everything we've wanted and everything we've enjoyed, distilled and purified until it fits into a single steaming mug. It starts grounded in the mundane, and it has the silliness and the word-play, and the feeling of being lost and confused and not knowing exactly what's going on. You get strange characters, and hints of mysteries and motivations. You work to improve yourself and make progress. And the mysteries have layers, and as you peel them back and find deeper truths, the mysteries get larger, and then grander, and then finally cosmic. Things that before seemed odd or fascinating now show themselves as significant, as you connect the dots and marvel at the thing that you have become a part of. The full range, from a back-alley assault with a blunt object up to staring down upon the stars from above. The mechanical integration is also absolutely top-notch fantastic. You know what playing this story reminded me of? Old-school Lucas Arts-style text adventures. You move to a new location and see a puzzle that you can't solve. Then later you get the thing that you know will let you solve it, and you re-trace your steps back through the intermediate locations in order to get back there. It really greats a sense of spatiality and location despite not having a map. I really enjoyed it, because remembering where things were meant that the bare mechanics of going somewhere felt rewarding when they could have been merely tedious. loredeluxe wrote: ~snip~ because spoiler tag limitation [spoiler]At the end of the description, I started think that Wines was perhaps really just a swindler, who told truly extravagant lies. And he believed those lies himself, which was the tragic flaw in his classic-Greek-theater-style capital-F Fall. As opposed to just a con-man failing, which isn't really a fall, because it's just being what he is. His kingdom and his glory was a pyramid scheme: he convinced those with cosmic power to pay homage to him, that they might take part in his even-greater glory. But all of the glory that he had to share was taken as homage from others. He saw this beauty and light and power running through his fingers, and convinced himself that he deserved it, because of he magnanimity with which he shared it, and so he promised the world, and worlds upon worlds. And he honestly thought he could keep it going, as many con-men do. Some of them actually succeed! But Mr Wines was not one of those. When he made promises, he made them in the Correspondence, and his promise was Law. Breaking promises is bad, but breaking that type of promise is the very worst kind of not-allowed. The type spelled in all-capitals, in a language where even the punctuation can burn down a building. [/spoiler] -- http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/PSGarak
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Passionario Posts: 777 2/1/2019	I do not use the word 'genius' lightly, but there is no lesser word that I can in good conscience substitute... This is a masterpiece in both content and form, executed with painstaking attention to detail of every quality description, QCD, QLD and QVD. You have brought the haughty Storynexus to its knees and made it sing. -- Passionario: Profile, Story, Ending Passion: Profile, Appearance
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Jolanda Swan Posts: 1783 2/6/2019	I agree with PSGarak's theory on Mr Wines - it is the one that makes the most sense. And I do agree that going from the silly and the mundane gradually to the cosmic was one of the strengths of the story. the enormity of the Law hits you with much stronger force, when you thought you were there just to play cricket. -- 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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Jolanda Swan Posts: 1783 1/31/2019	Loved it to the end - especially the end. Despite some gripes. -FINALLY, FINALLY I got to use Courier's footrpint in a story and it was worth. every. action. of the grind. When we complain that Poet Laureate and Courier's Fooprint is not celebrated enough at the end of the grind... this is the culmination to look for. I wish it wasn't locked behind a Fate story, but I am happy I finally got to have it. -This was London at its most alive: sporting events, factions, fun, a view of the whole city, things you did mentioned casually, visitors from India, bats all over the place, librarians, blemmigans going around. I think it was the first time that, instead of focusing on a single Thing (like rubberies, or servants, or zee travel), you felt like someone who has partaken of everyhting that London has to offer and brought a bit of everything to the table. The city felt whole, and your character felt complete. No small feat on behalf of the writer. -Loved the zero actions it took to wander around the game. The opposite would have been crushing, but this felt just right. -Loved that we got to use Wings-of-Thunder and even the Bat with Attitude for those of us who had one. -I would have preferred an explanation of why Benthic chose me; I mean, just the fact I expertly avoided the (wooden) bat swinging for my face would have been reason enough. Not to mention everything else that happened with me at the center, including the epilogue. As a Paramount Presence I can see why Jolanda was at the epicenter of all this, but for someone at the beginning of their FL career, a minor excuse would work better than 'it just has to be you' - even if certain qualities allowed for a different explanation later on. -Just wondering: is it possible for someone to just play cricket and get drunk, and not get involved in any sleuthing at all? It does seem likely, though of course it would not be much of a story... -The Broken Word is MINE. I am not giving it away, and I would love to know why would anyone do that. Having said that... Renown is supposed to be the one quality that never goes down. I can see how choosing to keep the item in question would cost you all your favors with either faction, or some Connected: Masters... but renown with them should increase, not decrease (which should never happen anyway, in my opinion). -Did I say the word is MINE? And mine alone? edited by Jolanda Swan on 1/31/2019 -- 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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babelfishwars Administrator Posts: 1152 1/31/2019	Manning the Sunless Skies fort. This is a very big day for us. -- Mars, God of Fish; Leaning Tower of Fish
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loredeluxe Posts: 106 6/29/2019	Saklad wrote: I had taken a bit of a break from Fallen London for a few months, as far as stories go. Having had more time yesterday, I played through “Cricket, Anyone?”. I must say, I think it is the perfect Exceptional Story. Wait until you play through this month's story. My Kingdom for a Pig, by the same author, is even better. It's by far the best Exceptional Story released so far.
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Saklad Posts: 528 6/29/2019	I had taken a bit of a break from Fallen London for a few months, as far as stories go. Having had more time yesterday, I played through “Cricket, Anyone?”. I must say, I think it is the perfect Exceptional Story. Fascinating writing, excellent use of mechanics (especially in terms of rewarding more esoteric achievements), consequences that matter, and agonizing decisions. Best of all, those decisions are always fair. Each branch is careful to clear up any mechanic-induced ambiguity (you never lock yourself out of something by accident), and everything has been carefully designed to avoid traps. The final decision’s threat to Renown qualities (and Connected: The Masters, which holds even more value) is brutal, but completely justified. It is one of the most damning (albeit negatable) penalties that Fallen London can deal, one capable of making almost any player stop in their tracks and hesitate. Sure, Mr. Eaten inflicts far worse, but those penalties are so extreme that they deter anyone who cares about them. Me, though? I’m a Paramount Presence, a Courier’s Footprint, a Poet-Laureate, a Master-Thief, a Correspondent. I am a force to be reckoned with, and I can suffer the slings and arrows of scorned factions for the right cause. -- Saklad5, a man of many talents
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Great Pigmeat Posts: 19 1/31/2019	I'm afraid the Benthic college team will be terribly let down by me; All I want to do is get drunk and throw blemmigans at people.
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Tintinnabulum Posts: 61 1/31/2019	I've unlocked this but haven't started it yet-- just wanted to say that I saw the phrase "Grab a bat", and then realized-- once cricket was mentioned (since in the game that comes later in the description)-- 'oh, that kind of bat.' Though who knows, maybe cricket's evolved a bit since the Fall. edited by Tintinnabulum on 1/31/2019 -- https://www.fallenlondon.com/Profile/Tintinnabulum
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Tyrconnell Posts: 271 1/31/2019	Tintinnabulum wrote: I've unlocked this but haven't started it yet-- just wanted to say that I saw the phrase "Grab a bat", and then realized-- once cricket was mentioned (since in the game that comes later in the description)-- 'oh, that kind of bat.' Though who knows, maybe cricket's evolved a bit since the Fall. edited by Tintinnabulum on 1/31/2019 Where are my sodding crickets? -- Tyrconnell, a gentleman and doctor of diverse interests and multifarious proclivities
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Optimatum Posts: 3666 2/1/2019	So. I just finished this story, and I have to go to sleep, and I have to do homework anyway, and I have no time today to write something about all the thoughts buzzing in my brain. And yet. I rarely have favorites. I love too many stories too dearly to choose. But this may be my favorite Exceptional Story ever. -- Optimatum, a ruthless and merciful gentleman. No plant battles, Affluent Photographer requests, or healing offers; all other social actions welcome. Want a sip of Cider? Just say hi! PM me for information enigmatic or Fated. Though the forum please, not FL itself.
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Lady Karnstein Posts: 278 2/1/2019	Skinnyman wrote: You mean a permanent reward? Do share details, do share details! There is a card that offers either 3 Correspondence Plaques or a Secluded Address and two Incendiary Gossip -- 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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Ixc Posts: 365 2/4/2019	As Lazaroth speaks of Mr. Wines, I also noted [spoiler] Wines says he made crimson garters from comets, just like the scarlet stockings his ladies of the evening wear. It appears the Masters are creatures of habit. [/spoiler] -- Pleased to meet you. Ixc, spy and detective. Inventor of the Correspondence Cannon. Are you a Paramount Presence? Record your name here. For posterity, of course. Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
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Catherine Raymond Posts: 2518 2/10/2019	Azothi, regarding your comment about the Athletic Deviless: [spoiler]It makes sense, though, that the Athletic Deviless would be able to dance messages. Remember the devils' connection with bees![/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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MidnightVoyager Posts: 858 2/8/2019	Azothi wrote: Just finished the story, and it's a thoroughly engaging story, though I want to say that it has incredible structure and pacing, which is difficult to pull off for a work of interactive fiction like this. The key to it, I believe, was that every plot turn was engaging and well-constructed for both new and veteran players. [spoiler] Seeing the Gulbuhar Redaction again was the first time in a long while that an Exceptional Story has taken me aback, but even for new players who have no idea what that is, the revelation that the Summerset Captain was studying the Correspondence to appease the devils is enough fuel to drive the story forward. The Benthic Captain playing the Great Game was very much the same - it's a revelation to newer players that the Benthic Captain is a spy, but namedropping Vienna and the fierce old man added that much more intrigue to it, and it makes me wonder what the White is up to nowadays. This is a case where the new knowledge we've gained from the confirmed Mysteries really helps improve the story, since we know what the fierce old man is playing for. The Athletic Deviless probably had the least interesting revelation from a lore perspective, but being able to dance the Correspondence is new and it connects back to the Wounds gain from learning cricket earlier in the story. [/spoiler] It's also a Sunless Skies reference, the Deviless bit Aaaaaaa I'm trying to decide. To keep the Word or give it to the Constables... has anyone echoed the latter? I've seen echoes of all the others. Never mind, I decided: https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/MidnightVoyager/15683274 If anyone wonders about the Constables one. edited by MidnightVoyager on 2/8/2019 -- Midnight Voyager - A blood-cousin to predators. Collector of beasts. Affably mad.
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Jolanda Swan Posts: 1783 2/8/2019	Eh, while I know that everyone plays the game differently, I wouldn't call the card useless by any means. The things it offers are useful in many, many grinds, and of course only High-level POSI would consider 1.50 echoes a waste of an action. Your mileage may vary of course, but considering the ES targets every level of player, I am not sure people wouldn't want the card. -- 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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mp Posts: 43 2/8/2019	Optimally, I wouldn't want the card gone (it is pretty and well worded, and I do acknowledge that it has circumstantial uses, esp. at early stages), but improved so that it could be viable at all levels of play. This could be achieved by things like reward scaling (with SotC, perhaps?), or a high-difficulty high-reward option. I also wouldn't have any objections if its options were instead added onto an existing card or as a storylet (Marriage of Feducci also gives 1.5e in a similar form without making it a card). And if that's all a no-go, then at least some way to opt-out from the card would also work. -- https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/mp
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Optimatum Posts: 3666 2/22/2019	phryne wrote: That said, I have a few questions for the community: [spoiler] Here's the Courier's Footprint option. No clue if it's visible when locked, but it's an alternate option to hit the ball in the fourth inning. Here are the echoes for having the Sceptre and Crown; I don't have the ones without but they should be easy to find. I'm pretty sure the losses are just 1 CP to each faction, yes.[/spoiler] edited by Optimatum on 2/24/2019 -- Optimatum, a ruthless and merciful gentleman. No plant battles, Affluent Photographer requests, or healing offers; all other social actions welcome. Want a sip of Cider? Just say hi! PM me for information enigmatic or Fated. Though the forum please, not FL itself.
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Barse Posts: 706 2/4/2019	I am late to the party here, but this ES was quite frankly glorious. Funny, wide-ranging and with spectacular lore payoff in its resolution, it had the gall to also display some of (at least to my armchair-critic's eyes) the best use & integration of Storynexus' functions I've seen in a long while. I don't wanna think about how fiddly and difficult to plan it must have been. Other stories have premises that have interested me more, or involved factions and characters that I'm more attached to, but I'm finding it difficult not to number this one among the very best. I particularly enjoyed the depiction of the Deviless, which I haven't seen anyone else comment on yet I don't think - she is a minor part of the story, but I was extremely taken with her attitude & philosophy, which I think gave the usual freedom-and-rebellion devil schtick an interesting new spin. tl;dr: yes please and also thank you! -- The Scorched Sailor, up for most social actions and RP. Not as scary as he looks.
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Lazaroth Posts: 67 2/3/2019	loredeluxe wrote: ~snip~ [spoiler]I think it's kinda both. If nothing else, Mr. Wines seems to regret his actions not only because it cost him his kingdom, but also for having so wronged his former subjects. The loss is certainly part of it, but I think it's significant that when the Confession reveals his fall from King to Beggar, the part he keeps repeating is "WE GAVE OUR WORD." Not, "we lost our kingdom," "WE GAVE OUR WORD." At least reflecting back on it, but at least as he reflects back on it now, the moral failure of having betrayed the trust of his followers and retainers weighs very heavily on him. But at the same time, what the confession shows us that, at the very least, that betrayal was partly motivated by greed. As Wines put it, "THEY GAVE US EVERYTHING." As the narration—which as technically also Wines, seeing as this is his confession—puts it, his servants were "Hordes swindled, deceived," and he was "the merchant king whose word meant less than nothing." So, I would interpret it as meaning Wines genuinely cared about and loved those people who swore themselves to him, but ultimately he sacrificed in service of his own greed, placing continuous short term gain above the health of his realm by making promises he knew he couldn't keep. One thing I think this casts in an interesting light is Wines' revels—those down here in the Neath, that is. We're told that he's notorious for not paying the people he hires for his revels, which would seem to be more of what got him cast down. But when we provide for the revels, we do actually get paid—but instead of paying us himself, Wines has us loot the unconscious bodies of the revelers. We are still being paid, the promise is being kept, but Mr Wines seems to be deliberately orchestrating sources of payment that come from outside his own personal resources. His word is kept, but in a way that doesn't reduce his ability to pay others in the future should he ever need to.[/spoiler] -- The Perspicacious Romantic — When all the world is washed away by misery, something beautiful will still remain.
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SamNorrey Posts: 41 2/3/2019	This story. I've played every single ES since they started (and all of the regular Fate stories by now), and some I have loved dearly. But this one, I hardly find words to praise it. It is really bringing it all together, not the usual single-focus linear story at all. It is alive, rhythmical. All the little details for special qualities (all the bats, for example) are just so heart-warming. I'm not sure it matters that I've used the SoTC 21 option, but already the fact that there is one, it is acknowledged, is enough. The writing is top-notch. And the story itself... Maybe the best praise I can give, is that I originally planned to try either the new content in AK's Cultist Simulator, or Sunless Skies itself, after finishing the story. But when I was done, I just thought no. I don't want more narrative games now. I'm deeply satisfied. The last time I felt like that in a game was when I reached the end of the Presbyterate Adventuress' personal questline in Sunless Sea. So, yeah, kudos! edited by SamNorrey on 2/3/2019 -- http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/Sam~Norrey
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DNA Cowboys Posts: 10 2/6/2019	I've always fancied myself a Corrospondent, but hadn't gone quite far enough down that lane. Regardless, I wanted to stop by to express my pleasure at this story (and my new, disrespectful possession).
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HarperMargrave Posts: 23 2/7/2019	I just finished this, and I can only echo what others have already said: This is one of the best Exceptional Stories I've played to date, if not the very best. The mechanics are tight: The balance between actions and 0-cost entries was well done, and the path was clear but varied such that I never felt lost, but I also consistently felt free to explore, and I appreciated how I was encouraged to backtrack. The story, characters, and pacing were all great, and I really enjoyed both the lore and the opportunity to take advantage of some of my obscure end-game shenanigans (as both a Courier's Footprint and Midnighter). I sincerely hope we get more from this author! Also: TeaFiend5 wrote: Did anyone give the Broken Word to the other factions? If so, how'd it go? I gave the Broken Word to the Great Game. Echoed 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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Optimatum Posts: 3666 2/5/2019	Skinnyman wrote: elderfleur wrote: Skinnyman wrote: Does anyone have the card requirements and what those mean or how to get them? (1) Cricket, Anyone? 150+ (2) not having any Reason to Suspect the Benthic Captain. [Standard Frequency] As I didn't finish this ES, is the second requirement similar to what's described here? Yes, the second requirement is specifically a lock using the quality Reason to Suspect the Benthic Captain. I'm not sure why it's there though, as I don't think it's possible to finish the story while keeping that quality. rovingthief wrote: Loving this so far, just wondering if there is a difference on [spoiler] The Fourth Stroke, whether or not you hit or miss the pitch? I could see my character doing either or as the fancy strikes them, but if there's a huge difference between the two outcomes, they may choose one in particular. [/spoiler] They have different text but the same result. edited by Optimatum on 2/5/2019 -- Optimatum, a ruthless and merciful gentleman. No plant battles, Affluent Photographer requests, or healing offers; all other social actions welcome. Want a sip of Cider? Just say hi! PM me for information enigmatic or Fated. Though the forum please, not FL itself.
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Cadwyn Knivlove Posts: 37 2/5/2019	Optimatum wrote: removed [spoiler] I really don't think we're at a place where we can say "definitely" anything. There's some things that don't add up perfectly if Wines is a judgement- having a physical crown and scepter, for example- but the descriptions in the story did feel like that was what they were implying. I find it a little hard to believe one of the masters' species (curators or not) could hold a power like Mr Wines had. We're learning a lot about judgements in Sunless Skies, and I find it entirely possible that there would be loopholes or "fine print" so to speak that we just don't know yet but could explain how Wines, if it was a judgement, is no longer one. Also, if I may point out, judgements in sunless skies are called kings.[/spoiler] edited by cadwynknivlove on 2/5/2019 edited by cadwynknivlove on 2/5/2019
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laskaris Posts: 66 2/1/2019	That definitely Escalated Quickly. -- https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/laskaris
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Omega8520 Posts: 102 1/31/2019	This ES is amazing. It is probably the most well written ES for quite a while, and it's mechanically amazing as well. Everything ties in together, rarely used qualities and items get a chance to play, and it reveals/confirms a little more of the deep lore. I aboslutely loved it, and am proud to keep my new BiS weapon. -- 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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Ixc Posts: 365 1/31/2019	Uhh... the art makes me think this cricket player has seen some things edited by Ixc on 1/31/2019 edited by Ixc on 1/31/2019 -- Pleased to meet you. Ixc, spy and detective. Inventor of the Correspondence Cannon. Are you a Paramount Presence? Record your name here. For posterity, of course. Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
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Diptych Administrator Posts: 3493 2/1/2019	Last time I went, she was there, and by golly I just wanted to give her the biggest hug. -- 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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Tom Davidson Posts: 107 2/1/2019	So I've seen a couple people mention a BiS weapon, but the Word that I got at the end of this story is, um, arguably a WiS choice. As I'm not QUITE at SotC 21, should I assume that there's an upgrade/repair to that "item" available to people at that level? -- http://www.fallenlondon.com/Profile/Black%20Tom
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Jolanda Swan Posts: 1783 2/1/2019	I just got the extra card that comes after you finish the story! Beautiful, establishes the new face in London, and new card art is always welcome. Having said that. Now I want the All the Saints card even more badly. See? No good deed goes unpunished. edited by Jolanda Swan on 2/1/2019 -- 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 Karnstein Posts: 278 2/1/2019	When Caroline came to the bat neither she...nor I...knew what she was going to do. I spent over a half hour deciding. This story was just...wonderfully done. The steps of the investigation are well thought out, and we are given a lot of options (it looks like even just playing) and the whole story was just...awesome. Glorious. Excellent job on this one, it is truly one of the best. Is...the card going to keep going? I could suffer worse than having a source of Secluded Addresses in my deck -- 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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TheDoomedLieutenant Posts: 5 2/1/2019	I'll be honest, the last few Exceptional Stories have been somewhat underwhelming for me, but this one is on a whole another level. Excellent writing, great choices, some good actually relevant lore, a far better length, excellent humour. It was definitely one of the most memorable storylines in my time with Fallen London. My only regret is that I did not have the two unique items that seemed to open options during the big... conversation, I suppose. Or at least the fact that the options I had were "unlocked" with the absence of those items makes me think that there must be an alternative for when you do actually have them.
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datarama Posts: 18 2/2/2019	This was a great ES; probably the best I've played since HOJOTOHO! (and it might even be better than that). Pacing was good, mechanics were good, writing was excellent - and I particularly enjoyed how there was a little payoff for the SoTC grind. (Now I just wish even harder for more University content! My character is, after all, first and foremost a scientist.) -- Professor Anton Moebius, the Antidisciplinary Scientist
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dov Posts: 2580 3/28/2019	How time flies when you're playing cricket. I got to this one late, but what an experience. With very few exceptions, I've played almost all Fate content over the years. This story is, by far, the best written one I've experienced. The writing and the mastery of the language rivals the Mr Eaten storyline in quality. The scope of the story is amazing - mechanics, lore, homour, characters, lasting impact, using important-but-usually-useless qualities - this has it all. And such attention to detail - some of the best word plays were in the text snippets displayed for quality changes. I liked it from the beginning (because of the characters and the amazing writing, word play, and humour), and as it progressed I was more and more in awe of the experience. The ending was perfect - surprising, huge in scope and implications, and also very human and heartfelt. And a sweet epilogue to wrap things up both narratively and emotionally. You stagger away, and that, too, is a law. Personal ranking of all Exceptional Stories: [spoiler] Masterpiece: *Cricket, Anyone?* Excellent: Lost in Reflections Cut with Moonlight Hojotoho! For All The Saints The Frequently Deceased The Waltz that Moved the World Steeped in Honey Flint All Things Must End Written In The Glim The Century Exhibition The Twelve-Fifteen From Moloch Street The Persona Engine Where You and I Must Go The Sinking Synod A Little Pandemonium The Attendants Good: The Murgatroyd Formula Lamentation Lock The Web of the Motherlings The Pentecost Predicament The Calendar Code Daylight The Rat-Catcher The Art of Murder The Chimney Pot Wars The Final Curtain The Magician's Dream The Bones of London The Heart, the Devil and the Zee The Price of Loss OK: Our Lady of Pyres Required Repairs The Clay Man's Arm Five Minutes to Midday Discernment The Haunting at the Marsh House The Pursuit of Moths Factory of Favours 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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Azothi Posts: 586 2/7/2019	Just finished the story, and it's a thoroughly engaging story, though I want to say that it has incredible structure and pacing, which is difficult to pull off for a work of interactive fiction like this. The key to it, I believe, was that every plot turn was engaging and well-constructed for both new and veteran players. [spoiler] Seeing the Gulbuhar Redaction again was the first time in a long while that an Exceptional Story has taken me aback, but even for new players who have no idea what that is, the revelation that the Summerset Captain was studying the Correspondence to appease the devils is enough fuel to drive the story forward. The Benthic Captain playing the Great Game was very much the same - it's a revelation to newer players that the Benthic Captain is a spy, but namedropping Vienna and the fierce old man added that much more intrigue to it, and it makes me wonder what the White is up to nowadays. This is a case where the new knowledge we've gained from the confirmed Mysteries really helps improve the story, since we know what the fierce old man is playing for. The Athletic Deviless probably had the least interesting revelation from a lore perspective, but being able to dance the Correspondence is new and it connects back to the Wounds gain from learning cricket earlier in the story. [/spoiler] -- Azoth I, the Emissary of Cardinals - A Paramount Presence (not currently accepting new Proteges) Away to where the Chain cannot bind us. Hesperidean.
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Pnakotic Posts: 266 2/9/2019	You are dewy with mornings that dawn over a thousand horizons. Trade winds roar through stellar ports, through sinews in your flesh. -- J. Ward Dunn, Glassman Book of All Hours 9:99: Journey's end in lover's meeting. Progress is ascendancy.
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Calliope Posts: 99 6/30/2019	Yeah I'm just about to dive into the thread for that myself after finishing it, and ho boy yeah I'm glad I'm not the only one with that opinion! -- https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Calliope%20Rannis
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Tyrconnell Posts: 271 2/2/2019	Two questions: 1. I'm working on Courier's Footprint, but I'm not there yet. Does not having it lose out on enough, either in rewards or in interesting text, to make it worth delaying this story until I've studied more Correspondence? 2. What if I don't want to clutter my deck with a card that pays off in 1.5 echoes of stuff? -- Tyrconnell, a gentleman and doctor of diverse interests and multifarious proclivities
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Harjavaldar Posts: 30 2/3/2019	Shaicarus wrote: I agree with all the sentiments about this ES being brilliant, but my browser kept getting hung up on things, and I know I missed out on a few pieces because of it. Does anyone have the text for what happens if you opt to accuse everyone? I clicked that, the page only partially loaded, and when I refreshed it had bumped me along to continuing the cricket match, so I didn't see what accusing everyone actually led to. It got hung up again when I clicked on 'CONFESS' after hitting the ball. Did I miss something between that and 'A KINGDOM, CONFESSED'? Because it kinda feels like I'm missing something and I'm leery to select anything without knowing if I have all the info. Accusing everyone: https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Harjavaldar/15642519 I do not think you missed anything between "CONFESS" and "A KINGDOM, CONFESSED" - at least, I have nothing in my journal between those two. As for the story itself, I loved it. It is definitely one of the best ESs I have played - it is between this and Flint for me. No matter what I might have considered before I got the option (to complete it, or avert the outcome), once I saw an option unlocked with SotC 21, I couldn't not take that option. However, does someone have a link to the 'standard' option to complete the plot, [spoiler] where you don't literally rewrite/crush the laws of heaven[/spoiler]? Also, very nice to see that my profession (Midnighter) also gave an extra option. Did other professions also get an extra storylet? -- http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Harjavaldar - A gentleman of many interests - most social actions welcome (no Affluent Photographer). Would you like a sip of cider? Send an in-game request. See an_ocelot's guide here, for how to easiest do so. http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/John_Wax - Found what they sought, down a Well.
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Deathjack999 Posts: 140 2/3/2019	[spoiler]Well, Wines being a Judgement explains why there was a Judgements Egg among the Regnant Coin rewards. By which I mean Wines probably made it itself.[/spoiler] edited by Deathjack999 on 2/3/2019 -- Send me anything social, My FL account has the same username as this one. Ambition Status: Waiting for new content in Bag A Legend.
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Optimatum Posts: 3666 2/3/2019	Deathjack999 wrote: -snip- [spoiler]Wines definitely was never a Judgement. Not only would a Judgement have the power to keep its word, but Judgements are very against mobility on the Chain, which is the only way one could become a bat such as Wines is now. Given Judgements write the laws, it also wouldn't be possible to use law to compel a confession. Of course, Wines' old kingdom could have had a Judgemental backer. Who knows?[/spoiler] -- Optimatum, a ruthless and merciful gentleman. No plant battles, Affluent Photographer requests, or healing offers; all other social actions welcome. Want a sip of Cider? Just say hi! PM me for information enigmatic or Fated. Though the forum please, not FL itself.
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loredeluxe Posts: 106 2/3/2019	[spoiler]I guess to follow up on my previous post and given the confession, do you all see Mr Wines as a good king that tried to do right by his people but failed or as a prideful and vain fool that tried to cajole respect out of his subjects with false promises? I personally see the former given context, but maybe that's just me being optimistically sympathetic. Ultimately, I see his refusal to abandon the Bazaar's mission in the Passion Destiny as someone that does genuinely try to stick to his word.[/spoiler] edited by loredeluxe on 2/3/2019
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Corran Posts: 401 2/3/2019	Baruch Blake wrote: Xorph wrote: My browser has also been getting the hanging issue, thankfully so far I've managed to only have it happen on repeatable actions and the toasts before each inning, but now I'm scared to select my accusation and risk missing major stuff towards the end of the story .-. I'm having this problem as well for the last hours, and I echo your concern about risking missing content. I'm afraid this is now happening for me as well. :/ It's extremely disappointing; I am at the end, my candle is at 39 actions and haven't been able to see what happened when I accused them all or what happened after I struck the ball using the SotC option. I've found the results echoed by others but I would really like to have been able to save them to my own journal as well. It's a real shame these server issues have to happen on a Sunday evening. I hope Sunless Skies isn't affected as well. -- My Fallen London profile
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Corran Posts: 401 2/3/2019	Jolanda Swan wrote: -The Broken Word is MINE. I am not giving it away, and I would love to know why would anyone do that. Having said that... Renown is supposed to be the one quality that never goes down. I can see how choosing to keep the item in question would cost you all your favors with either faction, or some Connected: Masters... but renown with them should increase, not decrease (which should never happen anyway, in my opinion). I had to pick this option as well and I fully agree; it makes no sense for Renown to be lowered, that's not how it was described when the system was introduced. -- My Fallen London profile
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Skinnyman Posts: 2133 2/1/2019	Jolanda Swan wrote: I just got the extra card that comes after you finish the story! Beautiful, establishes the new face in London, and new card art is always welcome. Having said that. Now I want the All the Saints card even more badly. See? No good deed goes unpunished. edited by Jolanda Swan on 2/1/2019 You mean a permanent reward? Do share details, do share details! -- 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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Hattington Posts: 210 2/1/2019	I finished earlier today and regardless of my feelings to the setup: The climax was worth it. The climax was virtually *EVERYTHING* I've ever hoped for from an Exceptional Story and from Fallen London as a whole, and it more than delivered. Most of all, it found an actual use for all that A Scholar of the Correspondence grinding and for that I am eternally grateful. loredeluxe wrote: I mostly agree with that assessment, and am eternally regretful I never got a chance to find that google doc that listed all the correct answers for the quiz. I'd be grateful if you could echo or copypaste that option for me; not sure if it's just me but mantlepieces aren't showing up for me for some reason. Anyway, I remember the Masters' crimes include "impersonation, and the delivery of false testimony" as well as "truth-strangling" so I'm holding out an open mind for at least two others to be right bastards. Based on or in addition to that, Mr. Fires seems to be a fairly straightforward villain whose current management style seems completely opposed to Mr. WInes'. As for Mr. Wines himself, well, it does put a very interesting light on his patronage of Sinning Jenny (was he, perhaps, happier about the ascent of a mayor who was hands on about caring than he could let on in front of his colleagues-and more sympathetic about how ineffectual she felt at times?) and the nuns who hunt the Vake (remnants of the 2nd City who the Masters otherwise seem to have a low opinion of, as well as Eaten did he also feel enough sympathy despite how things turned out to find a loophole against a colleague he shares a low opinion of?). Not to mention his rivalry with Mr. Spices, whose high opinion of himself may explain why he chose to compete against the former king among the Masters. Cadwyn Knivlove wrote: Oh, and does anyone know what the Beggar's Crown is from? I've heard it's fate-locked, but I'd like to know which story exactly. It was from a Mr. Sacks option from last Neathmas. If you had already visited Mr. WInes once (either during this Neathmas or the previous one) there's an option for "Mr. Wines, again" in which you find Mr. Wines feeling rather sorry for himself. He then hands you the now defunct crown before toddling off again. -- The Dawnburnt Vake-Rider: https://www.fallenlondon.com/Profile/Hattington
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Jolanda Swan Posts: 1783 1/31/2019	Wonderful story so far - I bought two extra candles. Lovely writing. I am a bit worried I am not timing my choices right, but we will only know at the end, I suppose. -- 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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PSGarak Posts: 834 1/31/2019	Tintinnabulum wrote: I've unlocked this but haven't started it yet-- just wanted to say that I saw the phrase "Grab a bat", and then realized-- once cricket was mentioned (since in the game that comes later in the description)-- 'oh, that kind of bat.' Though who knows, maybe cricket's evolved a bit since the Fall. Cricket and Bats go together like a different type of crickets and a different type of bats. Either way, crunching and cracking. I assume so, anyways. Not a lot of first-hand experience, or even second-hand. Now I understand how the rest of the world feels about the celebrations we're preparing for the gridiron hand-egg final on Sunday. -- http://fallenlondon.com/Profile/PSGarak
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Gallmarch Posts: 111 1/31/2019	I absolutely loved this one. The structure, the pacing, and the sense of place are excellent. It's no surprise that Chandler is also an Inform author — the way that the story requires you to explore and retrace your steps feels very Inform-like. I enjoyed the match, as well as what happened afterwards. -- My profile: https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Gallmarch
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The Stranger Man Posts: 21 2/1/2019	Having just finished the story, the detail involved was splendid, with the story fully taking advantage of the richness of the setting. Many times an ES, even a good ES, feels very isolated in its existence. Good ESs take advantage of this and build off of that isolation, typically ones involving boat trips or other travels (12:15 to Hell and Lost in Reflections are other examples). Bad ESs are typically a slight too mundane, and so you have nothing to distract from the railed nature of the story. The potential renown drop at the end (you prob. know where) is really perturbing because renown isn't meant to work like Connected did, but I will say the ending was superb overall, and I at least I finally got to use SotC 21. edited by The Stranger Man on 2/1/2019 -- When the strange things come a-knocking, hire someone Stranger.
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Monara Posts: 162 2/1/2019	As far as I've seen the only thing that changes between innings is the distracted cricketer's room. First noone is there and you can search the room a bit. Then she's in there and you can ask her about several aspects of the investigation (only conversation). And finally she's gone and the constables are in there. If you missed any of those stages there's no way to get back to them. Everything else can be caught up later I think. -- https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Miranah
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Lazaroth Posts: 67 2/1/2019	laskaris wrote: ~snip~ Thank you. -- The Perspicacious Romantic — When all the world is washed away by misery, something beautiful will still remain.
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Jules Asimov Posts: 95 2/1/2019	Sweet Jiminy Christmas Cake, this story was fantastic! I pretty much loved every minute of it! Especially the ending! -- https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Jules%20Asimov
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elderfleur Posts: 77 2/5/2019	Skinnyman wrote: Does anyone have the card requirements and what those mean or how to get them? (1) Cricket, Anyone? 150+ (2) not having any Reason to Suspect the Benthic Captain. [Standard Frequency] -- —Elderfleur
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silurica Posts: 210 2/7/2019	Optimatum wrote: Skinnyman wrote: elderfleur wrote: Skinnyman wrote: Does anyone have the card requirements and what those mean or how to get them? (1) Cricket, Anyone? 150+ (2) not having any Reason to Suspect the Benthic Captain. [Standard Frequency] As I didn't finish this ES, is the second requirement similar to what's described here? Yes, the second requirement is specifically a lock using the quality Reason to Suspect the Benthic Captain. I'm not sure why it's there though, as I don't think it's possible to finish the story while keeping that quality. The Reason to Suspect~ qualities (and a few others) are only cleared after you've played the epilogue, while the story tracker stopped earlier when you made the final decision regarding A WORD, BROKEN, so it's likely to prevent the card from showing up before it. -- Meika Osborne, the Reckless Researcher Leonard West, the Scarlet Informant Chizuru Nishiooji, the Rueful Ex-Diplomat
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AlchemicalGod Posts: 8 2/4/2019	If I may add yet another note to the near deafening chorus that now rises from this forum... This story not only exceeded my expectations, but as someone who has played every Exceptional Story, and has been playing since the Devil's looked like bug eyed monsters, please understand the weight behind my words when I say that is quite possibly the most fun I have had in years, if not all my years in this delicious world. I also think it might be worth noting that the final decision, regarding a word whose state of repair I shall not comment upon, has left me staring at the screen for over two hours now. It is not everyday (in fact it has never happened before) that I find myself not agreeing to side with Hell as if it were some compulsion. I can only hope that the author of this gem returns for more, regardless of its exact subject matter, I suspect it will be an enlightening, and entirely enjoyable experience! edited by AlchemicalGod on 2/4/2019
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Nonomori Posts: 25 2/4/2019	[spoiler]At first, I found myself randomly involved in a match of a game I didn't know much about, and with certain parties I didn't care about. But the investigation soon got interesting. The way I discovered the information was funny, and it only elicited more questions. For me, that kept the story interesting until the very end. And then, the climax. The stakes much higher than I initially thought. The moment of the impact with SotC 21? One of the most satisfying things I've done recently in London. And the monologue of Mr Wines, please. PLEASE. Loved the story.[/spoiler] -- Vahniel
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Sanguinifex Posts: 18 2/4/2019	This ES was very well crafted, and I liked how much it felt like a classic text-based adventure, without causing a ton of flailing. And the opportunity card for completing it is also very good, giving correspondence plaques or secluded addresses. (I'm not sure if the card/rewards change depending on who you accuse. I accused the Summerset Captain--"In all things, look to love.") -- http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/Profile/Sanguinifex Any non-harmful social actions except plant battles and affluent photographers!
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silurica Posts: 210 2/2/2019	It seems to be a server-side issue, I've had it for several hours by now and I know I'm not the only one. I haven't finished the story yet for that reason, but I have to say, this is everything I want from a Fallen London story and more. Well written words, good humour, interactions between qualities (new or old), unique quality check, a WiS item... I already loved The Rat-catcher and have had my eyes on Chandler, but this greatly surpassed my expectation. Very well done. -- Meika Osborne, the Reckless Researcher Leonard West, the Scarlet Informant Chizuru Nishiooji, the Rueful Ex-Diplomat
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Arcengal Posts: 196 2/2/2019	You'd honestly have to put a gun to my head to get me to choose between this, Hojotoho and Lost in Reflections as my favourite ES out of everything I've played so far in Fallen London. Everything about this was great. The mechanics were great. The humour was outstanding ("The other bat"). The difference in time between seeing options you have no idea what the items are and realising how you get them is just right. The length was fantastic and made up for what I felt was a short story in December. And while I don't have Courier's Footprint, it was nice to see options for my other bats in the laboratory. I would personally have loved to have kept the WORD to myself, but I think in character I did the right thing by giving it back. I think if the item itself was more beneficial to own then it would have been a more difficult choice. Keep up the good work you crazy people. -- https://www.fallenlondon.com/profile/Arcengal
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Magpie Dandy Posts: 13 2/26/2019	This is the first time I have delayed playing an ES, as I don't like cricket. Silly of me to think it would really be about cricket. This story was exceptional. -- http://fallenlondon.storynexus.com/profile/Magpie_Dandy
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Azothi Posts: 586 2/27/2019	James Sinclair wrote: I think I might have somehow gotten stuck. After asking the Benthic Captain about bats, I experimented with a Sulky Bat twice at the Department of Chiropterchromancy, which advanced Reason to Suspect the Benthic Captain to 5 ("You have confronted the Benthic Captain"), even though I never actually confronted him, and it did not end the inning. Now I've finished the third inning, but I don't see a way to get a "First Stroke" to make an accusation. Am I missing something here, or have I run afoul of a bug? I mean a bug would be appropriate, considering that it's a story about cricket... That's almost definitely a bug. I'd recommend reporting it. -- Azoth I, the Emissary of Cardinals - A Paramount Presence (not currently accepting new Proteges) Away to where the Chain cannot bind us. Hesperidean.
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Rasvarmo Posts: 54 3/16/2019	I am late to this match, but having recently finished the epilogue I came here to exalt this entire story. I have not yet left reviews for any of the Exceptional Stories, but I felt compelled to gush for this one. It is truly exceptional. Truly. From a narrative standpoint it had everything I crave: compelling characters (with a bit of a love story to boot), an intriguing mystery, and a dip into the cosmic lore of the setting. From a gameplay standpoint, this story was also amazing: Many chances to explore (and receive new flavor text each time), permitting some zero-cost actions (which kept me engaged instead of annoyed), clear indicators for your actions, and a fun way to investigate and mull over the mystery. And acknowledgment of achievements! Never have I been so happy to be a Scholar of the Correspondence, or to own a Wings of Thunder Bat; never have I so longed to have a scepter or gain a crown. Moreover, I absolutely ADORED the word play abundant in this tale. The many meanings of "stroke," the humorous touches ("swing the other bat", dear lord), and the use of ALL CAPS versus... not. I was reminded of the works of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman in the very best way. I aspire to such in my own writing. All together, I believe this story rivals - and perhaps even surpasses - some of the most well-regarded exceptional tales, like Lost in Reflections or the 12:15 to Moloch Street. My mind has not dwelt on a story like this since The Gift; from the cricket field to the heavens, this story elicited such emotion from me - suspicion, profound curiosity, even compassion and pity. What a wonderful, unexpected surprise. Kudos! -- Rasvarmo - a lady of distinction and ambition. Open to social exchanges. "No records. No writings. Words can be treacherous. If a story is important, it will be remembered."
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Skinnyman Posts: 2133 2/8/2019	Or just leave it as it is. Not everything added must be better than something already present. -- 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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Kaigen Posts: 530 2/9/2019	All I know is, part of me wants a new Feast companion or two stemming from this story. -- Just a simple doctor with a chess habit. Publisher of The Flit Dispatch. "One must remember that the impossible is, alas, always possible." -Jacques Derrida
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Tystefy Posts: 450 2/11/2019	… And now He's just... some drunk. That hit me harder than any of the other revelations or reveals. I even had the Who Want's To Be A Millionaire Final Question music on loop for 10 minutes mulling over who to accuse! I was pulling my hair out! -- Will sometimes return to post absurdity.
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MidnightVoyager Posts: 858 2/11/2019	Catherine Raymond wrote: Azothi, regarding your comment about the Athletic Deviless: This happens in Sunless Skies as well: [spoiler]Devils at the Well of the Wolf dance the Correspondence in hymns[/spoiler] -- Midnight Voyager - A blood-cousin to predators. Collector of beasts. Affably mad.
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Ixc Posts: 365 2/14/2019	So I was wondering about [spoiler] Vienna’s/the White’s motivation in collecting Mr. Wines’ Confession. Here is my rudimentary theory thus far and the assumptions it is built on: The fall of Mr. Wines’ kingdom would have been important news, thus we can presumably remove Vienna wanting to learn of what happened as a motivation, for the Old Man would have likely learned of it from his monochromatic ally in the heavens. This brings me to an older ES, the Waltz that Moved the World, where Vienna tried to learn of the Bazaar’s contingency plans for the Thief-of-Faces impersonating a Master, presumably so the Thief could replace them for their gain. Kidnapping a Master has been attempted before (Cheesemonger storyline), admittedly ending as a failure. Vienna’s unorthodox confessional would have taken Wines’ memory of this, a confession very few, sans Spices, would have known about, including the other Masters, which would explain if the Thief did impersonate Wines, why it wouldn’t know a very important and defining part of Wines’ life, giving it a stronger cover for when it strikes. Of course, this presumes Wines is the target, which would bring me to a second part of the speculation around the Waltz; His Amused Lordship as the Thief. If his Lordship really is the Thief and Wines his target, it would explain his status as ‘an intimate of Mr. Wines’- He is studying his mark and their mannerisms so he may more easily impersonate Wines. It all hinges on speculation and presumptions, but it does not bode well for Mr. Wines. [/spoiler] -- Pleased to meet you. Ixc, spy and detective. Inventor of the Correspondence Cannon. Are you a Paramount Presence? Record your name here. For posterity, of course. Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.
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Azothi Posts: 586 2/14/2019	Re: Ixc (on the motivations of certain agents) [spoiler] My perspective on Vienna's efforts in extracting the Confession gives them admittedly simpler and less interesting motives, but I believe it's still worth exploring. We know from the Mysteries that the Great Game is played for "The secret currencies in the Bazaar's vaults", those reflections of a more primal force that the Numismatrix describes. As far as I see things, this is what Vienna seeks. Learning secrets from the Tragedy Procedures and unveiling the weakness and regret of Mr Wines gives Vienna significant leverage in making a move on those secret currencies and the power they represent. I'm not inclined to believe that the fierce old man in Vienna is necessarily an ally of the White. We know that the Old Man is aware of the Judgements and the High Wilderness, and both share an intense desire to quash the Liberation of Night, but to me, they seem more like mythic echoes on different links of the Great Chain. They are the archetypal spymaster to the agent in the Woods in Winter. The Old Man seems intent on hiding this echo from the Judgements by keeping Frostfound secret. Furthermore, the White's plans for the Neath are distinct from and even conflicting with the Old Man's machinations. As for the Thief-of-Faces, this is the first I've heard of the HAL hypothesis. It's quite interesting, though I don't believe it. The defining trait of the Thief-of-Faces is hate, self-loathing and misanthropy, always changing but never satisfied. From the Bishop of St Fiacre's: Whatever it is, it hates, and whatever it has been, it hates and will work to destroy: it will change endlessly and never be satisfied. His Amused Lordship has not displayed much self-hatred, even in his confession, which reveals his wife was a Seeker. Furthermore, it seems like the Thief-of-Faces is currently with Mt. Nomad: You see its father the Thief-of-Faces, coming and going, dwelling in it for a time like a maggot in a peach. You cannot see the Thief's shape clearly: but you can see his old shapes slough from him, like flakes of flint. [/spoiler]On a more unrelated note, I'm very excited to see what Ambition: Heart's Desire holds in the future, even if I'm on Ambition: Nemesis, now that we've learned what we've learned. -- Azoth I, the Emissary of Cardinals - A Paramount Presence (not currently accepting new Proteges) Away to where the Chain cannot bind us. Hesperidean.
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Catherine Raymond Posts: 2518 2/14/2019	MidnightVoyager wrote: Catherine Raymond wrote: Azothi, regarding your comment about the Athletic Deviless: This happens in Sunless Skies as well: [spoiler]Devils at the Well of the Wolf dance the Correspondence in hymns[/spoiler] Interesting! Thanks for that tidbit. -- 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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lolahighwind Posts: 27 2/22/2019	Does anyone have echoes for [spoiler] the differences you get from having Mr Wines' Scepter? I'm wondering if it changes the context of things at all. Feel free to PM me ^u^ [/spoiler] Thank you! edited by lolahighwind on 2/22/2019 -- Aquila Highwind, the Adamant Monster-Hunter Dionysus Highwind, the Lost Wastrel (Gone NORTH) Ruby Valdez, the Opulent Operative
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phryne Posts: 1347 2/22/2019	PSGarak wrote: I think this Exceptional Story is the whole, entire experience of Fallen London, distilled down into a single story. I think that's why we like it so much. It's everything we've wanted and everything we've enjoyed, distilled and purified until it fits into a single steaming mug. Thank you for putting my feelings into words! I've played this story over the past weekend and, like others in this thread before me, was completely lost for words. I had high expectations when I saw the name Chandler Groover since their first ES, The Rat-Catcher, was outstanding - and now I think it's safe to say they went one better with this one. Failbetter, if it's at all possible, please hire Chandler Groover as a permanent writer, or at least as often as you possibly can! That said, I have a few questions for the community: 1) I never saw that opportunity unlocked with Courier's Footprint which so many of you have mentioned. Is it visible only to players who already have this requirement, or did I simply overlook it? Regardless, the person to send me its full text via PM will have my eternal gratitude! 2) Could someone link to the echoes for having/not having Mr Wines' Sceptre and the Beggar's Crown, respectively? I'd like to compare the differences. 3) I would also appreciate a link to the echo for giving the Word to the Constables. 4) How much Renown and Connected: the Masters do you actually lose if you choose to keep the Word? I'm thinking about resetting this story later, and take that option. I chose to give the Word to Hell ("Fallen things belong with fallen things" convinced me) and was a little bit disappointed with the single CP of Renown I got. But if the losses are also just 1 CP, that wouldn't be so bad... Apologies if some questions have already been answered, I only skimmed through the thread! edited by phryne on 2/22/2019 -- 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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February's Exceptional Story: Cricket Anyone?