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Eagle's Empyrean
Eaglesempyrean ambience
Eagle's Empyrean (Sidebar)
Located in Eleutheria
Ports The Lane of Lions and Unicorns
The Empyrean
Shops The Blue Heaven Arsenal
Shipyard Illuminated Engineering

Eagle's Empyrean is a station in the outer circle of Eleutheria. The working Reach Transit Relay is located "anticlockwise" from the port.

Log Entries[ | ]

A neon blaze in the dark: the Eagle's Empyrean! Once they were allies of London. Today, the relationship is more nuanced.
The Eagle's Empyrean has been hung here like a lamp, amidst the fathomless dark of Eleutheria.
This part of the sky has been claimed by the Eagle Khan.

Agitated by the fierce neon, the useless cat yowls until someone closes the shutters.
In his eagerness to be of value, the dog has made a tooth-marked war zone of the pantry.
Incognito Princess: "The Khan does ransom important prisoners, yes? Just in case."
Repentant Devil: "The Khans have always been more suspicious of devils than London was."
The Fatalistic Signalman looks enviously at the Empyrean's electrical glow. "Could have used that in the Reach."
The Incautious Driver sighs wistfully. "I wish the Empyrean sold more of its toys."
Your Aunt is brushing up on her Norwegian. "One should regularly broaden one's mind."
"First rule of the skies," says the Vagabond. "Just because you fear the darkness doesn't mean you can trust the light."
"The Empyrean! Isn't it glorious?" He frowns. "I just wish it weren't alone out here."

The Lane of Lions and Unicorns[ | ]

A little piece of Albion on the edge of the Empyrean. Here Her Majesty's Embassy works tirelessly to maintain cordial relations with the Empyreals.


London's Enclave
Locomotive
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 278102


London's Enclave[ | ]

Her Majesty's Embassy dominates this little street, but the Eagle stands above the Lion and the Unicorn on the street-sign. London and the Khanate worked together to enter the High Wilderness; but their alliance since has been tenuous. It is preserved only by desperate diplomatic endeavour and a number of carefully preserved fictions regarding what the other is up to.


Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Meet a New Street Line Passenger in a Mahjong parlour
The Empyrean uses hours for labour in its war against the dark. Liberating indentured workers is a priority of the Fierce Philanthropist even on the other side of Heaven.
Flight from midnight
Lights of blue and green spill across the avenue, almost hiding a slim alleyway. A door, overlooked by most passers-by, opens to a descending staircase. Those who do see it, who enter, and who descend to the smoky parlours, are turned away by a set of muscular guards. But when you show your ticket, you are welcomed with professional courtesy. Your passenger is an old soul who's just lost yet another game. "Ever so glad you're here," they say. You show them to your vessel; it's New Street Line: Passenger For Delivery(Port) for them.
Investigate the clocks
Introduce yourself at the Embassy
They might be glad to receive news from London. Few captains dare venture into Eleutheria.
A brisk welcome
The Embassy is a fine example of Georgian architecture. Inside, the elegance gives way to a pandemonium of desks, where bureaucrats minutely scrutinise their correspondence. Any mistake could trigger a summons to the Khan and the possible expulsion of the Embassy. Each is hunched with age, with hair as white as Lustrum's snow. The Ambassador's Secretary is assigned to handle incoming captains. He reaches over a mountain range of papers with a visa. "Please don't make additional work for us. If you must visit the city, be polite."

Game note: You can get a visa here, required to enter the Empyrean proper.


Enjoy a respite at the Maiden and Unicorn
A tea-shop on the edge of the lane – as close to home as one can be in Eleutheria.
Home comforts
No matter how hard the decor tries, it can't mask the darkness visible from the window, nor soften the electric light of the Empyrean moon. Still, off-duty diplomats congregate around the triangle-cut sandwiches. They drink steeped tea with translators, attachés and runners. The Maiden and Unicorn is also popular with citizens of the Empyrean. Some come to sample the latest London cuisine; others to do unofficial business with London's embassy. Others, like everyone else, just come to get away from the dark.
Finish an unfinished story for the Gardener-Archivist
Instigate conflict. Answer questions. Tie loose threads. The Unflower can guide you.
A denouement
You read the petals of the Unflower. It blackens and wilts in your hands. It becomes apparent what you must do to bring the story to an end...

You storm into the London embassy and grab a frightened diplomat by the lapels. "He still loves you, Frederick!" you cry. "When you overheard him and Percy, they weren't lovers in earnest – they were only rehearsing for a play! Now go to him, and quick, because next week he is due to be married to the loathsome Margaret!"

You depart before Frederick has a chance to ask any questions.
Gather a port report
The Eagle's Empyrean is a bastion of light in Eleutheria's dark.
Beyond the antique facades of the Lane of Lions and Unicorns, the Empyrean rises high in steel and blue light. The constraints of its location necessitates that the Empyrean builds upwards. Careful porticoes give way to expansive temples and crowded markets. People live cheek by jowl. Light is precious, and easily lost. Power is conserved carefully; when times are bad whole districts go dark. It would be easy for hopelessness to seep in; the Khan occupies his people with festivals, celebrating his people's history of the old Khanate, and constant technological innovation. To be idle is to be afraid here. The Empyrean is busy at every hour.
Ask about the Transit Relay to the Reach
Few diplomats would accept a posting here if they couldn't return to British territory. They know of a way back.
Rivalry
The gentleman is immediately obliging. "We really should put a sign up. It. Anticlockwise around the region from here. It's under Empyrean control, of course. In accordance with the treaty." He smiles the broad smile of a practised liar. "We thought it would be a nice gesture. Let them think they control their borders, and all that." For all his confidence, he checked for Empyreans in earshot before saying that.
Visit the Embassy
The Ambassador is always glad to receive guests. Suitably respectable ones, at least.



The London Embassy
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 299722


The London Embassy[ | ]

The Ambassador greets you in his study. Instead of a fire burning in the hearth, there is an electrical heater that smells faintly of burning hair. Everything else is comfortingly old-fashioned, from the creaking leather of the armchairs, to the vintage of brandy in the drinks cabinet.


Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Warn the Ambassador of the Bespectacled Official
A foreign agent contacted you. He should be told.
A familiar story
The Ambassador is entirely unsurprised. "Oh, don't worry. His lot in the Rose-Without-Thorns try that with everyone. "Between you and me, I think it's mostly just their way of showing us that their people are always watching ours. A blasted nuisance, but we can't complain. If more of them came to London, we'd be doing the exact same thing."
Ask how you might help the Embassy
Perhaps the Ambassador has some special requests.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 1 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

The House of Rods and Chains
The Ambassador swirls the brandy in his glass. "London is entirely open with her Empyreal allies. That being said, if we had illicit eyes in the field, I imagine they would have had difficulty getting reliable reports from the House of Rods and Chains. A shame. I have money put aside for exactly that kind of information." .
Ask how you might help the Embassy
Perhaps the Ambassador has some special requests.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 2 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

Piranesi
The Ambassador warms his hands on the electric fire. "Ah, yes, the prisoners of Piranesi. We keep an eye on who goes in. The real question is: who comes out? Yesterday's enemies can so quickly be turned to tomorrow's friends. Or vice versa, of course. We prefer having advance warning." .
Ask how you might help the Embassy
Perhaps the Ambassador has some special requests.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 3 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

Achlys
The Ambassador shows you a map of Eleutheria, so vague that it may as well fill the uncharted areas with warning of dragons. He taps on a small circle.

"Achlys. Lots of our people headed there recently. For the tea, I believe, but that might be code for something else. A shame we can't take a closer look without showing our hosts that we've taken an interest." He tops up his brandy glass.

.
Ask how you might help the Embassy
Perhaps the Ambassador has some special requests.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 4 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

Caduceus
The Ambassador drains his glass. "Never did trust devils. All that buzzing around. Goodness only knows what they're up to at Caduceus. Horrible place. Could be anything. Want a drink?" He leaves the other request implied. .
Deliver intelligence on the House of Rods and Chains
It's only spying if the Eagle finds out about it.
A quiet exchange
The Ambassador does not, of course, take any documents from you. Nor does the clerk who hands you your reward. As you leave, however, Known to the Bespectacled Official(KnownSwitch) Bespectacled Official does watch you from a distance. His polite smile is thin.

Game note: Delivering Intelligence to the Ambassador will raise your standing with the London Embassy and lower it with the Eagle.


Deliver intelligence on Piranesi
It's only spying if the Eagle finds out about it.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 2 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

    • Piranesi icon Report: Piranesi ≥ 1 [You have a port report for Piranesi.]

A quiet exchange
The Ambassador does not, of course, take any documents from you. Nor does the clerk who hands you your reward. As you leave, however, Known to the Bespectacled Official(KnownSwitch) Bespectacled Official does watch you from a distance. His polite smile is thin.

Game note: Delivering Intelligence to the Ambassador will raise your standing with the London Embassy and lower it with the Eagle.


Deliver intelligence on Achlys
It's only spying if the Eagle finds out about it.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 3 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

    • Achlys icon Report: Achlys ≥ 1 [You have a port report for Achlys.]

A quiet exchange
The Ambassador does not, of course, take any documents from you. Nor does the clerk who hands you your reward. As you leave, however, Known to the Bespectacled Official(KnownSwitch) Bespectacled Official does watch you from a distance. His polite smile is thin.

Game note: Delivering Intelligence to the Ambassador will raise your standing with the London Embassy and lower it with the Eagle.


Deliver intelligence on Caduceus
It's only spying if the Eagle finds out about it.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 4 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

    • Caduceus icon Report: Caduceus ≥ 1 [You have a port report for Caduceus.]

A quiet exchange
The Ambassador does not, of course, take any documents from you. Nor does the clerk who hands you your reward. As you leave, however, Known to the Bespectacled Official(KnownSwitch) Bespectacled Official does watch you from a distance. His polite smile is thin.

Game note: Delivering Intelligence to the Ambassador will raise your standing with the London Embassy and lower it with the Eagle.


Smuggle Artefacts into the Empyrean
"Empyrean electricity is fascinating," says the Ambassador. "Fascinating, but dangerous. We must tip the technological balance in our favour."
Advancements in technology
The Ambassador's clerk leads you to an unregistered basement, where a layer of soot marks the failure of many attempts to replicate the Eagle's advanced electrical technologies. "Our head researcher suspected the Rose-Without-Thorns kept slipping us sabotaged devices," he says, and points at an oddly human-shaped silhouette on the walls. "Hopefully their replacement will be more careful."

Game note: This will trade three Otherworldly Artefacts for a Moment of Inspiration.


Smuggle Secrets into the Empyrean
"What have you heard, I wonder," says the Ambassador. "I know a certain someone who would be most grateful to find out."
A diplomatic soiree
Your service sees you invited to a dinner that night, where representatives of the London Embassy and their rivals in the Rose-Without-Thorns share drinks and barbed civility. "You can almost see the daggers behind their backs, can't you?" says a figure behind you. "Let me pour you a drink and give you a name you might find useful."

Game note: This will trade three Savage Secrets for a Cryptic Benefactor.


The Bespectacled Official
Smuggling
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 299724


The Bespectacled Official[ | ]

"He greets you at his customary table in the park, wearing a warm smile so genuine, it must be practised. "Ah, Addressed As(SpeechFormal). Will you join me in playing my favourite game?" It is clear he is not speaking of mahjong, though the table is set and ready for a polite round."

Trigger conditions

Eaglesempyrean icon Known to the Bespectacled Official ≥ 1


Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Play a game of mahjong with the Official
The air is warm, the tea is hot, the moon is burning bright. The unspoken business of spycraft can wait.
A quiet moment
The Official offers you two teas – one more suited to the English pallet, the other to that of Empyreans. "There's value in being comfortable with both sides," he says. "I spent some time in London myself, many years ago. A fine place. Fine people. Alas, family duties called, as did my current position serving the Rose-Without-Thorns. I do still like to keep up with the latest gossip, however. My generous Khan is known to value it as well."
Exchange Plaques from Douser Engines for money
The Official will arrange the payment.
Enemies of the State
The Bespectacled Officer's smile fades. "The Liberation of Night. Their ships take a special interest in our scouts and their lanterns. We return the favour. Let me show you my Khan's gratitude for your assistance."
Advanced alteration value probably needs examination.


Donate Plaques from Douser Engines
You have fought hard against those who would extinguish the light. The Official will appreciate that.
Quiet gratitude
The Official passes you a hot cup of tea before sipping his own. He points to the bright moon and smiles proudly. "It's almost all that stands between us and the night. That intimidates some. Not me. I find it reassuring. Human invention can conquer the Wilderness, and the dark that floods across it. Human invention, and the bravery of those who'd fight against the revolutionaries who would betray us."

Game note: This will lower Terror.


Ask about the Khan's current interests
On the off-chance you should you be travelling in that direction...
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 1 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

The House of Rods and Chains
"The House of Rods and Chains remains an uncomfortable mystery on our borders. It is a difficult place for our people to remain inconspicuous inside. Perhaps you could be my eyes." The Official carefully places a mahjong tile onto the board. "Your move." .
Ask about the Khan's current interests
On the off-chance you should you be travelling in that direction...
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 2 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

Piranesi
"There are many interesting people within Piranesi. Some of them may remain a little too interesting, if and when they emerge. A little advance warning would be valuable." He places a mahjong tile on the board. "Your move." .
Ask about the Khan's current interests
On the off-chance you should you be travelling in that direction...
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 3 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

Achyls
You take your turn while the Official considers the matter. "Have you heard talk of Midnight's Favour? It's a tea grown in Achlys. My interest in the beverage itself is purely personal – I hope to try it one day. But my professional concern is that where there is tea, there are Murgatroyds. Where there are Murgatroyds, there is the Game. I would like to know who the current players are." .
Ask about the Khan's current interests
On the off-chance you should you be travelling in that direction...
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 4 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

Caduceus
The Official toys with a tile. "Have you ever wondered what the devils at Caduceus get up to? They do not discuss their business with outsiders. Ordinarily, that would be their prerogative. But this close to Empyrean territory, even good neighbours must regretfully become just a little inquisitive." .
Deliver intelligence on Achlys
This should satisfy the Official's current need.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 3 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

    • Achlys icon Report: Achlys ≥ 1 [You have a port report for Achlys.]

The drop-off
A smile. A nod. An envelope passed from hand to hand under the table. A dropped mahjong tile draws your attention to a money pouch by your seat. You pick it up and play your next move. Careful as you are, it is unlikely that this exchange has gone unnoticed by observers from the London Embassy.

Game note: Delivering Intelligence to the Official will raise your standing with the Eagle and lower it with the London Embassy.


Deliver intelligence on Piranesi
This should satisfy the Official's current need.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 2 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

    • Piranesi icon Report: Piranesi ≥ 1 [You have a port report for Piranesi.]

The drop-off
A smile. A nod. An envelope passed from hand to hand under the table. A dropped mahjong tile draws your attention to a money pouch by your seat. You pick it up and play your next move. Careful as you are, it is unlikely that this exchange has gone unnoticed by observers from the London Embassy.

Game note: Delivering Intelligence to the Official will raise your standing with the Eagle and lower it with the London Embassy.


Deliver intelligence on Caduceus
This should satisfy the Official's current need.
    • Affiliationacadame icon A Request in Eagle's Empyrean = 4 [Both the Bespectacled Official and the London Ambassador would reward you for information: they can be found in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns]

    • Caduceus icon Report: Caduceus ≥ 1 [You have a port report for Caduceus.]

The drop-off
A smile. A nod. An envelope passed from hand to hand under the table. A dropped mahjong tile draws your attention to a money pouch by your seat. You pick it up and play your next move. Careful as you are, it is unlikely that this exchange has gone unnoticed by observers from the London Embassy.

Game note: Delivering Intelligence to the Official will raise your standing with the Eagle and lower it with the London Embassy.


Deliver intelligence on the House
This should satisfy the Official's current need.
The drop-off
A smile. A nod. An envelope passed from hand to hand under the table. A dropped mahjong tile draws your attention to a money pouch by your seat. You pick it up and play your next move. Careful as you are, it is unlikely that this exchange has gone unnoticed by observers from the London Embassy.

Game note: Delivering Intelligence to the Official will raise your standing with the Eagle and lower it with the London Embassy.


Smuggle Ministry Permits into the Empyrean
"I do miss London sometimes," says the Official. "I wonder if you might provide me a souvenir."
Paperwork
The Official examines the paperwork closely. "If those are forged signatures, they're amongst the best I've seen. On an unrelated matter, perhaps this little trinket may be of use to you? Not our researchers' finest work. A little too willing to go explode. Still, I believe you should be able to find a profitable use for it, ideally very far from here."

Game note: This will trade three Ministry-Stamped Permits for a Condemned Experiment.


Smuggle Visions of the Heavens into the Empyrean
"Even the Eagle's eyes only see so far," the Official admits. "What wonders remain to be conquered?"
A stealthy exchange
The Official gives you the time, and the place. The electric moon casts amber shadows through the alley in the Lane of Lions and Unicorns. Your contact is late, and doesn't apologise for it. You provide glimpses of your travels through the High Wilderness and she repays you with intelligence straight from the Khan's vault. By mutual agreement, neither of you was here.

Game note: This will trade three Visions of the Heavens for an Unlicensed Chart.


Hire on Crew
Crew
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 310692


Hire on Crew[ | ]

"Many potential workers lurk by the London Embassy. Their Empyrean visas have expired, but they've no way away from the port. "

Game note: You will only be able to do this once every 15 days.

Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Hire a handful of crew
You can take your pick from those stranded here.
Failed event Advanced query needs investigation

Advanced alteration value probably needs examination.


Game note: Recruit up to 3 or 4 Crew. Success lowers their cost.

Canny recruits
These crew members spent time in the Khan's market and have learned a great deal about haggling. Their be paid their full value and not a sovereign less.
Successful event
Eager workers
These few have been stuck at the Empyrean for weeks. They've become exceedingly tired of the weak tea offered by the Embassy 'to keep their spirits up', and will accept reduced wages if you'll just take them away.
Go on a recruitment mission
You are shorthanded. Engine morale and condition will falter if you don't recruit more crew.
Failed event Advanced query needs investigation

Advanced alteration value probably needs examination.


Game note: Recruit up to 4–8 Crew. Success lowers their cost.

A good showing
Not everyone stranded at Eagle's Empyrean is fit to crew your locomotive. But after a series of interviews you gather the best of those here: those with previous experience, the drive to survive, and the scars to prove it.
Successful event
New hands
The groups gathered outside the embassy clamour to be taken on. Perhaps, they hope, you'll take them somewhere that doesn't rely on faltering electricity to fend off the dark.


Recruit a Felined Eccentric
Felinedeccentric
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 310171


Recruit a Felined Eccentric[ | ]

"A woman sits at the station-side in oil-stained overalls. Three overfed, baleful cats lounge near her. "I'm looking for work," she says, climbing to her feet. The cats observe you with naked hostility. "I'm afraid they're part of the package," she says, indicating them. "

Game note: Officers require a sign-on fee.


Trigger conditions

Affiliationacadame icon Airs of Officers ≤ 33,
Felinedeccentric icon Felined Eccentric ≤ 0,
Felinedeccentric icon Felined Eccentric's End ≤ 0,


Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Recruit her
You always have room for a good engineer. Even one with cats.
A new officer
As she climbs aboard, she pats your locomotive's boiler fondly. "Hello, my girl." She makes her way towards her new cabin. The cats tangle around her feet, almost tripping her.

Game note: The Felined Eccentric is a Chief Engineer who increases Mirrors by 6, Hearts by 2, and Affiliation: Villainy by 1.



The Empyrean[ | ]

The electric-and-neon jewel in the Eagle Khan's crown, and the only Empyrean city in the High Wilderness. A solitary bastion of brightness in the long night of Eleutheria.

An Outrider prepares for launch
Lantern
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 303726


An Outrider prepares for launch[ | ]

Beyond the city, the Eagle's latest ship prepares to head out into the heavens. Around the docks, the crowd does its part by releasing paper lanterns into the night air and cheering the skyfaring heroes.

Trigger conditions

Calendar icon DateClock icon An Opportunity in the Eagle's Empyrean,
Clock icon An Opportunity in the Eagle's Empyrean ≥ 1


Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Join in with the ceremonies
All are welcome to celebrate, and toast the Eagle's power.
An evening's celebration
You are made unusually welcome amongst the Empyrean's citizens, and encouraged to construct your own travelling lantern. For once they use candles rather than electricity; white, pristine, waxy. You fold the bright paper as instructed and release it into the air to join the rest. Together, they rise proudly past the Xanthous Moon and disappear into the darkness, carrying the defiance of light against the Liberation of Night.
Recruit Empyrean youths for your crew
Only chosen hands get to fly Outriders. A tour of duty will help their chances.
Welcome aboard!
The Empyrean crew eyes up the rest with a certain suspicion, but no real conflict of interest. When they return, they will again proudly serve the Eagle. For now, they swear their allegiance to you.
Advanced alteration value probably needs examination.




Repair your Locomotive
Locomotive
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 310688


Repair your Locomotive[ | ]

The engineers of Illuminated Engineering are locomotive experts. They are not permitted to share their knowledge with Londoners – but, if you'll step away from the yard while they work, will happily repair your engine. It'll cost, of course.


Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Fully repair your hull
Restore your locomotive to a pristine condition.
As good as new
A runner comes for you at the London Embassy. Your engine is ready for the skies.

Advanced query needs investigation Advanced query needs investigation Advanced alteration value probably needs examination.


Game note: This will cost three sovereigns per point of Hull you've lost.


Have your hull partially repaired
Perhaps this is all you can afford.
A partial job
The runner who comes for you at the London Embassy is not happy. Apparently he took the brunt of the engineers' frustration at having to leave a job half done.
Advanced query needs investigation

Game note: This will repair 10 Hull for 30 Sovereigns


Leave
Go elsewhere in the Empyrean.


The Visa Checkpoint
Envelope
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 286464


The Visa Checkpoint[ | ]

A modest checkpoint stands at the end of the Lane of Lions and Unicorns. Visitors to the Empyrean must have their papers checked. There is a queue to get past the guards, but it moves efficiently.

Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Ambition: Establish a spider-council
The streets of the Empyrean are well lit. Your spider will need to be careful.
A strand of the web
You watch your spider scurry into the hard neon shadows with some trepidation. You feel a connection with it. You did, after all, carry it in in the now-useless husk of your left eye when it was young. You needn't have worried. It returns a week later, having located a secret spider-cult in the recesses of the city. They call themselves the Motherlings, are expert in the knitting of spider-councils, and are fully supportive of your endeavour.
Journey towards Boragerel Graveyard
The Fortunate Navigator knows the way. Best not tell the guards where you're going, however.
Tourists have no business in graveyards. Gawping at tombs is a peculiarity of the British, viewed with suspicion.
Hand over an Empyrean Hostage
The Empyrean will pay for the return of its own.
Delivered home
The Empyrean never acknowledges defeat in battle. A pair of guards emerge to greet their returning 'hero', with expressions that guarantee their homecoming will become most uncomfortable once they are behind closed doors. The money that one of them gives you is not a ransom, but a reward. Their expressions are clear on that point as well.
Advanced alteration value probably needs examination.


Rare event (25%)
Delivered home
The guards prepare to take your hostage inside the city when a smartly dressed clerk runs up and whispers something. They immediately let go of the prisoner's arms. "Our gratitude," says the clerk, speaking crystal-clear English. "Something of a prodigal, this one, but from a renowned family. I trust a little bonus payment will be sufficient to keep the, ah, details of their triumphant return between ourselves? Splendid."
Surrender your Contraband
Better to face the Empyrean's bureaucrats than their soldiers.
The safe alternative to smuggling
The Eagle's officials are happy to liberate you of your contraband goods. Most of them will likely end up on the black market anyway, but that is now someone else's problem.
Advanced alteration value probably needs examination.


Have your visa checked by the guards
They are ready to inspect your papers.
Ingress
You are welcomed to the 'one true civilisation in Eleutheria'. You are as free to explore as any citizen.

Advanced query needs investigation

Advanced query needs investigation


Have your visa checked by the guards
You're only allowed to visit once every fortnight. Frequent visits are regarded with suspicion.
Ingress
You are welcomed to the 'one true civilisation in Eleutheria'. You are allowed into the Empyrean proper. You are as free to explore as any citizen.

Advanced query needs investigation


Go to the Ovoo of Returned Skies
The spiritual heart of the Empyrean: a sanctuary for its citizens and a monument to its entry into the heavens.
You set out to the Oovo, passing through the lantern-strung streets of the richer districts. Citizens hurry past, some fearfully watching the skies. The Belt of Midnight is too close for the Empyrean's comfort; the Eagle's moon cannot drive away so much dark.
Go to the Khan's Market
All merchants in the Empyrean, whether citizen or not, operate only with the express permission of the Eagle Khan.
The great market fills the square below the Khan's Palace. The locomotive stations are on the other side of the city, so foreign merchants must travel through the splendid thoroughfares of the Empyrean to get here.
Go to Shangtu
The district of recreation and amusement, where music and games distract from the encroaching dark.
The electric purple lights of Shangtu can be seen even from the Lane. The sound of laughter carries on the wind. Labourers finishing shifts; guards just off their Outriders; courtiers fresh from the Palace; all form a throng streets away from Shangtu, headed in one direction alone. You'll have to pass through the quieter places of the city first, however.


Progress through the streets
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 286484


Progress through the streets[ | ]

Each street is lit by evenly placed electric lights. The light is cold, and casts hard shadows. Empyrean citizens hurry by in silks and cloth. There is always somewhere to be in the Empyrean. All who live here work. There is no space for idleness.

Trigger conditions

Empyrean Encounter ≥ 1


Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Spot a Bespectacled Official
A Empyreal man has been following you since you left the Lane of Lions and Unicorns.
An offer for information
The Bespectacled Official sidles next to you and adjusts his cravat. "I need an observer to bring me the latest on goings on in Eleutheria. A traveller would suit my purposes very well. Perhaps we could discuss it over a little tea and a friendly game of mahjong? There's a little park on the Lane of Lions and Unicorns. I'll be by the rose-bush."
Walk away
A rosebush? The gentleman must be a member of the Rose-Without-Thorns, the Empyrean's foreign office. He wishes you to spy for him.
The Bespectacled Official looks on with visible amusement as you hurry away. He waves as you depart.
Give your assent
This may prove profitable.
A nod is enough. The Official adjusts his glasses, you go your separate ways.
Walk on
You've done all you want to here.
Pause for a procession
The Eagle Khan is passing through the streets of his city today.
A reminder of imperial glory
The street ahead is thronged with people. Labourers, station-workers, traders, servants, courtiers and courtesans line the Way to the Blue Citadel. A coterie of lacquer-armoured guards keep the crowds at bay as the Khan's red and gold sedan makes its way down the way. Behind it, like the tail of a comet, are the liveried lesser members of the royal family. Their robes trail along the white stone; their crowns sparkle in the red electric light. They toss coins as they pass. You take a handful. Free money is free money, after all.
Join in the Festival of All-Conquering
There's no getting anywhere quickly today: the sixth day Festival is in full swing. You may as well join in.
Remembrance
Dancers from the Palace wander the main streets, performing the histories of the Empyrean. Its opening of the Gate to All Skies; the raising of the Empyrean, bringing light to darkness; its technologies, the Outriders and the Xanthous Moon. Some of the dances are very complicated. The Palace provides the roasted street-food that waters your mouth. The London Embassy begrudgingly foots the bill.
Navigate in the dark
Lights on the street ahead fail suddenly. The Empyrean suffers periodic bouts of darkness, as power stalls. Can you find your way?
Failed event
All things can fail
You struggle on; moving through a press of bodies: citizens eager to get back to the safety of home and light. People draw close together; gathering around oil-lamps and hastily lit lanterns. The Liberation has agents in the dark; the Empyrean has foes other than London. A fraying blue light sparks to life as you round what turns out to be a dead-end alley. A window shatters nearby. There is a cry of 'Liberation', and then the sound of running feet, away from you.
Successful event
A lantern in the night
There are a few curses as the district plunges into night, but any who've been in the Empyrean long are familiar with these periodic bouts of lightlessness. Citizens grope their way down the main thoroughfares, travelling in numbers and down familiar routes. You stick by a group of guards, visible by the light of a lantern hung from a nearby window. They walk beside you until with a thrumming spark, light floods the Empyrean once more.



Recruit the Stalwart Navigator
Fortunatenavigator
Category Story Event
Type Story
Data ID 302955


Recruit the Stalwart Navigator[ | ]

"He is discriminating when it comes to captains. Your locomotive has caught his attention. "

Game note: Officers require a sign-on fee.


Trigger conditions

Fortunatenavigator icon Stalwart Navigator ≤ 0,
Terror icon Navigator's End ≥ 10
Fortunatenavigator icon Fortunate Navigator ≤ 0,


Interactions

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Offer them a berth
He is young but talented. He'd make a fine addition to your crew.
Seeking adventure
The youth salutes you crisply, then picks up his bag. "It's a pleasure to join you aboard, Captain." The Navigator has high standards in captains, but he recognises something in you.

Game note: This will recruit the Stalwart Navigator, a First Officer who increases your Iron by 10, your Affiliation: Establishment by 1 and your Affiliation: Boheme by 1.


Eagle's Empyrean Ambitions[ | ]

Warning: these pages contain spoilers for you captains ambition


DyingstarTruth ambition[ | ]

Dyingstar Ambition: Acquire Empyrean Ingenuity

Shops[ | ]

The Blue Heaven Arsenal

The Empyrean specializes in technology, electricity, and weaponry. Only the latter may be traded to those outside the Great Khan's military.

Item Buy Sell
Fuel square icon Fuel Sovereigns icon 20 Sovereigns Sovereigns icon 10 Sovereigns
Supplies square icon Supplies Sovereigns icon 40 Sovereigns Sovereigns icon 20 Sovereigns
Munitions square icon Carefully-Packed Crate of Munitions Sovereigns icon 60 Sovereigns

Illuminated Engineering

The Empyrean engine yards produce one engine: the light, bright, sprightly Altani-Outrider. Available nowhere else in the High Wilderness, it is the pride of Empyrean technology and the finest weapon in the war against Liberation.

Item Value
Altani-Class Outrider Sovereigns icon 10000 Sovereigns
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