Fallen London Careers: From Apostle of the Rates to Hellish Hired Help (Without Actually Selling Your Soul... Probably)
Ah, Fallen London! City of fog, mysteries, and the constant nagging feeling you forgot to pay your rent this aeon. It's a place brimming with opportunity, if you know where to look (and how to avoid the irate Zubmariner demanding his echo back). But fear not, fellow citizen, for this guide will illuminate the path to respectable (or disreputable, depending on your moral compass) employment!
Step One: Ditch the Lobotomy Mask (Unless It's Part of the Brand)
First impressions are everything, even in a city where shadows whisper secrets and rats plot revolutions. Looking like you just wandered out of the Forgotten Quarter won't inspire confidence in potential employers. Invest in some decent attire (second-hand is perfectly acceptable, just make sure it doesn't house any rogue spiders). A clean cravat and a well-polished boot never hurt anyone's career prospects, unless of course, you're aiming to be a professional grave robber.
Step Two: Friend a Faction (Unless You Prefer Working Alone)
Fallen London boasts a delightful array of factions, each with their own unique career paths. Do you fancy yourself a revolutionary, bringing down the corrupt establishment (or at least, hoping for a decent cup of tea afterwards)? Then the Society might be your calling. Perhaps whispers of forgotten lore and arcane rituals tickle your fancy? Then the University awaits! Remember, there's a faction for everyone, even those who enjoy pensive walks through graveyards (the Church of the Eaten Sun welcomes you with open, skeletal arms).
Finding Your Niche: A smorgasbord of Shady and Straight-Laced Jobs
The Honest Folk (Mostly)
- Laborer: A classic! Muscle in, move crates, avoid falling into the honey-dredger. Perfect for those who enjoy a good sweat and a healthy dose of existential dread.
- Messenger: Deliver cryptic messages and questionable parcels across the Neath. Fast legs and a talent for ignoring suspicious bulges in packages are key.
- Journalist: Unveil the city's secrets, interview dubious characters, and try not to get libel sued by a particularly litigious rat. A sharp wit and a tolerance for the bizarre are essential.
The Slightly Less Honest Folk (But Hey, We All Need to Eat)
- Criminal: Rob the rich, avoid the wrath of the constables (and the tigers), and pray you don't get caught in a rubbery fit. Strong nerves and a talent for disappearing into the fog are your best friends.
- Smuggler: Transport questionable goods (emphasis on questionable) across the borders. Just remember, discretion is key, and a good disguise can be the difference between a hefty profit and a stay in the Fingerkings' clink.
- Spy: Engage in thrilling (and possibly terrifying) acts of espionage. Deception, disguise, and the ability to hold your breath while dangling from a rooftop are valuable skills.
FAQ - Fallen London's Finer Points of Employment
How to Choose a Faction?
Go with your gut! Do you crave knowledge or righteous rebellion? Fancy yourself a shadowy figure or a beacon of truth? Explore the factions, chat with their members, and see who feels like the best fit for your dubious talents.
How to Get That Promotion?
Keep your nose clean (mostly), complete your assigned tasks diligently, and avoid attracting undue attention from the Brass Embassy (unless that's part of your job description).
How to Deal With Nightmares?
Ah, the bane of a Fallen Londoner's existence. Invest in a Cheerful Goldfish, visit the Shuttered Palace for some artistic therapy, or simply embrace the madness. It's all part of the charm, right?
How Much Does This Job Pay?
Enough to keep you in echoes (hopefully), a decent hat, and the occasional indulgence in the Bazaar's more questionable delicacies (cough, zub honey, cough).
How Do I Quit My Job (Because Let's Face It, Sometimes You Just Have To)?
A simple letter of resignation from your lodgings will do the trick. Fallen London is a city of opportunity, so don't be afraid to explore different paths until you find your perfect fit (or at least, a job that doesn't involve wrestling with rats).
There you have it! With a little effort and a dash of daring, you too can secure gainful employment (or delightfully disreputable employment) in the captivating chaos of Fallen London. Now get out there and make your mark (just try not to get lost in the Fog)!
