My first story about Fallen London, it's based mostly on in game content but, as you'll find, there are some additions of my own. If people like what they read there may be some follow up chapters to this, as i did enjoy writing this. Anyway, enjoy!
A raucous knocking at the door wakes you. Groaning, you sit up in bed and look across to the window to see what time of day it is. A pointless act, as it is always night in the Neath, but the action echoes of your days on the surface. The knocking continues as you dress and make your way to the front door.
A slim, attractive woman stands on your doorstep. "I wondered when you would answer"! She exclaims. "I feared I would have to break in and introduce myself in your bedroom, shame really" she finishes the latter as she pushes her way into your lodgings with a seductive wink. You collect yourself and follow her into your study.
"I'm sorry" you start "I didn't catch your name..."
She stops regarding your wine cabinet and shoots you a smile. "Miss. Bracknell, there is a matter of great importance I need to speak to you with and I'm gasping for a cup to tea"!
Once again you feel blustered in her presence. "Right...yes...I'll see to it".
Upon your return, laden with a tea tray and a modest pile of biscuits, you find Miss. Bracknell sitting opposite the desk. She waits until you pour the tea and settle in your chair before starting; "Now, to business, I've been sent under direct orders to acquire your skills to help our cause..." You interrupt before she continues.
"I'm flattered Miss, but if you know of my skills then you must also know that I help no others but myself, unless there is...compensation".
She bristles at this. "Believe me; I am aware that your loyalty applies only to yourself. However, I am curious to see if you would be more inclined to join us when your soul is taken from you".
You leap from your chair, scattering cups and crumbs, and draw your weapon. "Are you threatening me? If you are a spirifer, then that it an unwise course of action".
She is on her feet and backing away to the door as you advance. Keeping her eyes fixed on you she moves a lapel aside on her dress coat; revealing a peculiar pin in the shape of a triple cross. "Do you know what this is"? She inquires. The pin seems familiar, you've seen amongst individuals in the Flit and on some clergymen of the Church. "It's the symbol of my order, now, perhaps threatening your soul gave you the slightly wrong impression, but it is in fact the beings my order hunts that will steal it from you". You stand in the hallway, unsure how to proceed, so she takes a step towards you. "You see, the Masters came with the Bazaar, we've no idea when they came from or what they are. But when London was dragged underground it was placed in close proximity to hell, and that is where our enemy originates".
"The devils?" You ask, "How are they the enemy"?
"They trick the greedy, the curious, the flighty and the sinners to give them their souls". She sighs and looks reminiscent; making you thing which of the four traits mentioned corresponds to her. "Some devils are rather persuasive, some blunt, however they all want your soul and to get you to hell at the first opportunity". You remain silent, casting back over your own experiences with the infernal denizens of hell. Miss. Bracknell then casts a backward glance; "Thank you for seeing me; I'll leave you to think on my offer to join us. If you are interested, meet me in the Singing mandrake in three days time. Good day".
And with that she leaves, you wait until she closes the front door before getting up to watch her from the window. Yet when you look out, there is no sign of her on the street.