Prayer and Prophecy at the Temple

You find yourself drawn to return to the little temple in Murshidabad. The daily prayers and chants of the priests carry on despite the Anglo-French war and the mutters of conspiracy; their slow rituals are comforting and familiar.

The temple is a devotional space but also a social one. Many people talk in huddles and whispers, bringing sacrifices and gossiping with their neighbours. You could learn much, with a sharp ear.

Observe the homas

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

A straightforward challenge

The homa, the ritual-fire, burns constantly. The priests are fat with offerings of milk-sweets and fruit; it would be useful to know what people are praying for.

            10
            You need Serenity 10 (you have 49)

            10
            Unlocked with Serenity 10 - you have 49

Speak with the priests

A straightforward challenge

They will know many of Murshidabad's secrets – spiritual and otherwise. Will they recognise your low-caste features if you approach too closely? Perhaps they will be blinded by your wealth and reputation.

            12
            You need Serenity 12 (you have 49)

            12
            Unlocked with Serenity 12 - you have 49

Pray at the shrine of Ganesha

A straightforward challenge

The elephant-headed god is the lord of obstacles. There are many ahead of you; it would be wise to ask his favour in your mission.

            14
            You need Serenity 14 (you have 49)

            14
            Unlocked with Serenity 14 - you have 49

The Black-Tongued Prophetess

A straightforward challenge

She had seized you upon the street in Chandernagore, and offered to tell you her terrible prophecies. Now she sits cross-legged in the temple courtyard. Her kohl-ringed eyes flash open, and regard you tauntingly. Do you dare approach her?

            16
            You need Serenity 16 (you have 49)

            16
            Unlocked with Serenity 16 - you have 49


The inner courtyard

The ladies of the court

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

A straightforward challenge

March: Investigate the court

True treachery is bred inside the cool courtyards and marble corridors of the palace. In daylight the court is by turns sneering and wary – they will never accept the grey vibuthi streaked across your forehead on auspicious mornings or the low-caste darkness of your skin. But they fear your magic, as well they should.

At night you step inside their stiff court masks and disassemble them from the inside out. Their most delicate joys, their sweetly secret sorrows, their most venal ambitions – you must know them all.

Every successful action in the dream world uses up Imagination - if you use up all your Imagination you must go back to the wake to gain more.

The ladies of the Nawab's court have excellent imaginations. In the wake their smiles are hidden behind the purdah in their guarded apartments, but you may walk amongst them freely in the dream.

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 211)

            5
            You need Curiosity 5 (you have 31)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 211

            5
            Unlocked with Curiosity 5 - you have 31

The women dream of huddling in groups, whispering stories of British soldiers and French spies. Their fear and anger torches the sky in red and orange, raining fire down on Murshidabad until all that is left are the cool marble pavilions of the palace. You leave with a sense of growing desolation.

4 change points, 28 more needed to reach level 32.

Curiosity is increasing...

You succeeded in a Curiosity challenge! (Simple challenges mean you don't learn so much.)

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

You've lost 1 x Imagination (new total 211).

You must investigate threats to the Nawab's power both in the dream and the wake

You've gained 1 x Investigating the situation for the Nawab (new total 282).

a compendium of pain - you do not know what compels you to collect these little miseries

You've gained 2 x Traumas (new total 8).


Pearl-Encrusted Box

Its insides are mirrored; you keep your most precious mementos safely locked within.

A scrap of yellow silk

A precious memento from your past.

You have a torn scrap of your mother's favourite sari. Your memories come into sharper focus when you carry it with you.:1

A scrap of yellow silk: You have a torn scrap of your mother's favourite sari. Your memories come into sharper focus when you carry it with you.

A precious memento from your past.
Enhances your Perception by +1

Shadow-marks

The shadow has written itself on the flesh of your body; do you welcome its darkness, or fear it?

A cowrie-shell tattoo

a black swirl on your palm, which transforms into a pattern of embedded milk-white shells in the dreaming

An unusual collection

the pleasures and pains of daily life are valuable resources that you carefully collect - spend these sharp & precious things in both the dreaming and the wake

Desires

Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes
Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

Visions

inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true
inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

Memories

found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia
found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

Traumas

often gained by accident rather than design

a compendium of pain - you do not know what compels you to collect these little miseries
often gained by accident rather than design

The Principal Players

There are many here who would change history - some will be remembered, and others too-quickly forgotten

Ghaseti Begum

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

You tried to defy the Begum once, but no longer. You are in her power.

You tried to defy the Begum once, but no longer. You are in her power.:3

Ghaseti Begum: You tried to defy the Begum once, but no longer. You are in her power.

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

Cani Theruvil

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

Mir Jaffar

The Nawab's smiling, thickly-moustachioed general - there is something about him you dislike.

Pierre Renault

The Governor of Chandernagore - he will never be your ally, but perhaps he is your enemy's enemy?

Jean Law

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Maratha Envoy

The Hindu Marathas make no secret of their imperial ambitions - their envoy is a bold fellow

William Watts

The British representative of the Nawab's court - blessed with a most charming wife.

Amina Begum

Rabia Begum is the Nawab's mother - a fiercely loyal ally, but relatively powerless

Survivor of the Black Hole

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

Faizen's honour

You allowed the truth of Faizen's death at the Nawab's hands to emerge - you upheld her honour.

Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams

spies, assassins, advisers - the sa-ilu have shaped history since the time of Babylon

You follow your own path

games of politics & power  are for the rich, you have learned to look out for yourself

Marked by Shadow

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

An unrequited passion for Cani Theruvil

An unrequited passion for Cani Theruvil 1

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

Playing the divine messenger

You must have your amusements

Poisoned by the Begum

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

Delving into Benigno's past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Indigo-stained lips

Your lips and tongue are a rich royal blue from indigo dye - surely no one will notice?

A missed connection

Eyes the colour of river-water running across granite; you will remember them forever

A lost heritage

Could it be that there are others like you, sa-ilu raised apart from the Nawab of Bengal's court?

A Dream of the Fever-Tree

Its colours are too vivid, it is saturated with the taste of bitter bark - the Young Surgeon's dreams intrigue you greatly.

A spy in the British camp

You blackmailed the treacherous courtier Nandakumar - now he spies on the British for you.

Seeking out Nandakumar

Seeking out Nandakumar 5 - You have - dealt with - the situation

The Nawab instructs you to meet with his man in Chandernagore, to help the French defend against the British threat

Seeking out Nandakumar: You have - dealt with - the situation

1757 March - Anglo-French rivalry threatens Bengal

Bengal, 1757 - a troubled time

March - Anglo-French rivalry threatens Bengal

March - Anglo-French rivalry threatens Bengal

1757: March - Anglo-French rivalry threatens Bengal

The Dreaming

You are in the dreaming

Imagination

gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

use imagination to act in the dreaming world
gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

An Enemy of the British

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

Investigating the situation for the Nawab

Investigating the situation for the Nawab 282

You must investigate threats to the Nawab's power both in the dream and the wake

Investigating the situation for the Nawab

You must investigate threats to the Nawab's power both in the dream and the wake
Raise this quality to 10 to progress

The Defences of Chandernagore

You must raise this quality to 10 to progress

The Defences of Chandernagore 10 - Formidable fortifications

The Defences of Chandernagore: Formidable fortifications

Ditches, fortifications, artillery, intelligence: you will need all this & more to have a hope of turning aside the British
You must raise this quality to 10 to progress

Exercises of Power

Exercises of Power 15 - Your name is spoken with reverence - or is it fear?

the myth of the sa-ilu grows in the telling; percieved power can be more potent than actual power, sometimes

Your name is spoken with reverence - or is it fear?

Your name is spoken with reverence - or is it fear?:15

Exercises of Power: Your name is spoken with reverence - or is it fear?

Dreams of distant shores

You yearn to set sail, to let the sea open up before you like a blue-bright pathway leading you to lands unknown

Ancient and forgotten magics

The world is stranger than even you - dream-walker, sorcerer, stranger - could possibly suspect

A Marathi Scroll

Stolen from the desk of the Maratha Envoy - it could hold valuable secrets. If you can decipher it.

Madame Molloy

The formidable Madame Molloy is an Irishwoman married to a French trader, a smuggler, and a dab hand at chaupar. A useful woman to know.


Cleansing rituals

Observe the homas

A straightforward challenge

Prayer and Prophecy at the Temple

You find yourself drawn to return to the little temple in Murshidabad. The daily prayers and chants of the priests carry on despite the Anglo-French war and the mutters of conspiracy; their slow rituals are comforting and familiar.

The temple is a devotional space but also a social one. Many people talk in huddles and whispers, bringing sacrifices and gossiping with their neighbours. You could learn much, with a sharp ear.

The homa, the ritual-fire, burns constantly. The priests are fat with offerings of milk-sweets and fruit; it would be useful to know what people are praying for.

The usual rituals continue: merchants line up to pay for Lakshmi homas to ask for wealth and prosperity, parents of children ask the priests to remove evil influences in their children's lives. But there are many haggard people, Murshidabadis and refugees, villagers and courtiers alike, who ask the priests to perform the Kritya Pariharana homa: a particular rite to cleanse a person from black magic. The homa is performed at the home rather than at the temple, and the priests charge exorbitantly. You expect many of the poorer villagers to refuse at the cost, but to your surprise none do; it appears that Murshidabad's citizens believe themselves, quite seriously, to be plagued with evil magics.

It is probably all superstition and hysteria, but given all the things you have seen – can you truly dismiss their collective fears?

15 change points, 35 more needed to reach level 50.

Serenity is increasing...

You succeeded in a Serenity challenge! (Simple challenges mean you don't learn so much.)

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true

You've gained 3 x Visions (new total 1,587).

Growing whispers of conspiracy, rumours of madness and magic - all of these could prove threatening to your mission

Rumours of Madness and Dissent has not changed from 15 because it's higher than 15.


Pearl-Encrusted Box

Its insides are mirrored; you keep your most precious mementos safely locked within.

A scrap of yellow silk

A precious memento from your past.

A precious memento from your past.
Enhances your Perception by +1

Shadow-marks

The shadow has written itself on the flesh of your body; do you welcome its darkness, or fear it?

A cowrie-shell tattoo

a black swirl on your palm, which transforms into a pattern of embedded milk-white shells in the dreaming

A five-pointed lotus tattoo

a black design over your heart; a mark of shadow

a black design over your heart; a mark of shadow

An unusual collection

the pleasures and pains of daily life are valuable resources that you carefully collect - spend these sharp & precious things in both the dreaming and the wake

Desires

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes
Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

Visions

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true
inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

Memories

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia
found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

Traumas

a compendium of pain - you do not know what compels you to collect these little miseries
often gained by accident rather than design

The Principal Players

There are many here who would change history - some will be remembered, and others too-quickly forgotten

Ghaseti Begum

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

Cani Theruvil

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

Mir Jaffar

The Nawab's smiling, thickly-moustachioed general - there is something about him you dislike.

Pierre Renault

The Governor of Chandernagore - he will never be your ally, but perhaps he is your enemy's enemy?

Amina Begum

Rabia Begum is the Nawab's mother - a fiercely loyal ally, but relatively powerless

The Mughal Sa-ilu

Amir is the sa-ilu to the Mughal Court at Delhi - a prideful, bearded young man

Shadowhair

The mysterious shadowhaired woman appears to have powers in the dream. She is also working for the British - a dangerous opponent.

Survivor of the Black Hole

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams

spies, assassins, advisers - the sa-ilu have shaped history since the time of Babylon

You follow your own path

games of politics & power  are for the rich, you have learned to look out for yourself

Marked by Shadow

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

Playing the divine messenger

You must have your amusements

Unquiet bones

You hid the truth of Faizen's death at the hands of the Nawab - will she continue to ravage the dreaming?

Poisoned by the Begum

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

Delving into Benigno's past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Indigo-stained lips

Your lips and tongue are a rich royal blue from indigo dye - surely no one will notice?

A missed connection

Eyes the colour of river-water running across granite; you will remember them forever

A Dream of the Fever-Tree

Its colours are too vivid, it is saturated with the taste of bitter bark - the Young Surgeon's dreams intrigue you greatly.

An arrangement with Nandakumar

The treacherous courtier offered you British silver in exchange for your silence - and you accepted.

Seeking out Nandakumar

The Nawab instructs you to meet with his man in Chandernagore, to help the French defend against the British threat

Uneasy Sleepers

Courtiers & commoners alike lie insensate in the hospital wards: they cannot be woken. What strange plague is this?

Incubus

You have chosen to impress the Young Surgeon with fear rather than admiration

You have chosen to impress the Young Surgeon with fear rather than admiration

Investigating the Conspiracy

There are disturbing rumours of conspiracy: you must investigate further.

There are disturbing rumours of conspiracy: you must investigate further.

1757 April & May - War in Bengal and Rumours of Conspiracy

Bengal, 1757 - a troubled time

April & May - War in Bengal and Rumours of Conspiracy

April & May - War in Bengal and Rumours of Conspiracy

1757: April & May - War in Bengal and Rumours of Conspiracy

The Wake

You are in the wake

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

use imagination to act in the dreaming world
gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

An Enemy of the British

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

Exercises of Power

the myth of the sa-ilu grows in the telling; percieved power can be more potent than actual power, sometimes

Rumours of Madness and Dissent

Explore the dreaming and the wake for rumours and threats

Growing whispers of conspiracy, rumours of madness and magic - all of these could prove threatening to your mission
Explore the dreaming and the wake for rumours and threats

Threats of War

Explore the dreaming and the wake for clues

The British march against the French, the Afghans and Marathas bristle at your borders - who is the greatest threat?
Explore the dreaming and the wake for clues

Reluctant Conspirator

You have agreed to side with the conspirators - for now.

You have agreed to side with the conspirators - for now.

Dreams of distant shores

You yearn to set sail, to let the sea open up before you like a blue-bright pathway leading you to lands unknown

Ancient and forgotten magics

The world is stranger than even you - dream-walker, sorcerer, stranger - could possibly suspect

Lover's Quarrel

A quarrel with your lover

Madame Molloy

The formidable Madame Molloy is an Irishwoman married to a French trader, a smuggler, and a dab hand at chaupar. A useful woman to know.


Svapnasthana

The dream world is beautiful, and treacherous - even for one so skilful as yourself.

Sa-ilu: Travel back into the wake

Unlocked with Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams 1 - you have 7; Unlocked when 1757 is:

February - the Treaty of Alinagar brings a tenuous peace

March - Anglo-French rivalry threatens Bengal (you have this)

You have been trained to keep a very careful map of the twists and turns you take on your dream-wanderings in your head...

Always

Always

Investigate the court

<P>True treachery is bred inside the cool courtyards and marble corridors of the palace...


Murshidabad

The Nawab's capital city is a glittering jewel on the banks of the river Bhagirathi

Sa-ilu: Travel into the Dream

Unlocked with Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams 1 - you have 7; Unlocked when 1757 is:

April & May - War in Bengal and Rumours of Conspiracy (you have this)

<P>Murshidabad is quiet with the rhythms of rest...

An Arrangement with Nandakumar

Unlocked when 1757 is:

April & May - War in Bengal and Rumours of Conspiracy (you have this)

; Unlocked with An arrangement with Nandakumar 1 - you have 1

<P>You came to an arrangement with the traitor Nandakumar after discovering that he had been bought off by the British in Chandernagore...

Inspiring your imagination

Your powers as sa-ilu come from the imagination, your creative essence...

The Story So Far

Unlocked with A Dream of the Fever-Tree 8 - you have 8; Unlocked with Investigating the Conspiracy 3 - you have 3

<P>The final battle looms on the horizon...

Always

Always

An opium-wreathed afternoon in the Nawab's court

<P>Of late, the Nawab's weekly durbar is charged with anxiety, thick with heat and the closeness of bodies...


you flow on, you wander, you pass through states of existence

Of late, the Nawab's weekly durbar is charged with anxiety, thick with heat and the closeness of bodies. It seems as though half of Murshidabad has decided to traipse to the Palace.

The grand hall is wreathed in opium smoke; half-clad dancing girls laugh and cavort to the tunes of wine-maddened musicians. Servants in gold chains and white langotis fan the courtiers with palm-fronds. The holy men have absented themselves, muttering darkly of ill-omens and wickedness.

Amongst the fearful revelry, refugees from Chandernagore come to trade the last of their wares or beg the lords for land, diplomatic Envoys exchange packets of documents, and the nobles talk endlessly of war and provisions and treachery.

Many of these courtiers can be visited in the dreaming as well.

The Mughal Envoy

A straightforward challenge

Your Nawab owes his fealty to the Mughal Emperor Alamgir II of Delhi, a man who has spent forty of his fifty-five years of life imprisoned and is known to be in the thrall of his clever Vizier ul-Mulk. You wonder which one of them the Envoy reports to; it would be wise to choose your words carefully.

The French Representative

A straightforward challenge

Jean Law looks like a man with a rakshasa, a demon, pursuing his dreams. As you yourself have not visited them much of late, you surmise that it is the stress of the Anglo-French war that is causing the haggardness in his face. To your surprise, he approaches you.

            12
            You need Perception 12 (you have 43)

            12
            Unlocked with Perception 12 - you have 43

The Sikh Merchant

A straightforward challenge

Omichand represents a large guild of silk-weavers and silversmiths; he is a devout Sikh, and known for his fearlessness in business deals. His wealth and connections make him powerful, and he is reportedly discontented with the Nawab. It would be prudent to keep an eye on him.

            12
            You need Curiosity 12 (you have 37)

The Factor's Wife

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

A straightforward challenge

It seems the Irish-French merchant escaped the fall of Chandernagore none the worse for wear. She chuckles at the sight of you, and waves away another supplicant, gesturing for you to sit at the chaupar board. It seems Madame has set up shop right here in the Nawab's court. A chilling thought: she will probably be running the kingdom by next year.

            1
            You need 1 x Madame Molloy  (you have 1)

            12
            You need Curiosity 12 (you have 37)

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Madame Molloy  - you have 1

            12
            Unlocked with Curiosity 12 - you have 37


Sa-ilu: Travel back into the wake

You have been trained to keep a very careful map of the twists and turns you take on your dream-wanderings in your head. You trace your steps back into Cani's dream.

Always

Always

Leave the dreaming

Cani always dreams of Madras in the middle of cloying summer. Clearly the girl is half-mad. You walk through the kitchen doorway framed by strings of white cowrie-shells, glinting like teeth.


Always

Always


A woman of means

The Factor's Wife

A straightforward challenge

As you lay out the pieces, you enquire after her business following the siege. “It was a damned hot time of it, I don't mind telling you,” she says, as she pours the tea with that surprising grace. “War is no good for anyone but the quick and the dead, and I intended to be one of the quick ones. So I laid my hands on a store of powder and shot and got it out of the city under cover of a shipment of grain, and myself and my ledgers in a cartload of fever-dead. An experience I'll not soon forget.”

She gives a dyspeptic chuckle and moves a piece. You can tell that she intends to dine out on this story for many years. And so she shall, if any of her listeners can keep their dinner down.

Then, is she selling powder to the Nawab? “Aye, but it's a seller's market,” she says with a wink. “I'd never sell coal dust for powder, but there's nothing to say a merchant can't label their powder-barrels as wine or indigo and let them sit a-while as the prices go up. The Nabob's excise-men can't tell the difference, or won't for a friendly fee.” She laughs, and traps one of your pieces in a neat move. She is certainly enamoured with her own good sense.

And what of her husband? you ask, playing along. She gives you an empty look, and removes her pipe from her mouth. “Didn't make it out, poor devil,” she says. You are not terribly surprised.

10 change points, 28 more needed to reach level 38.

Curiosity is increasing...

The British march against the French, the Afghans and Marathas bristle at your borders - who is the greatest threat?

Threats of War has not changed from 15 because it's higher than 15.

Growing whispers of conspiracy, rumours of madness and magic - all of these could prove threatening to your mission


Pearl-Encrusted Box

Its insides are mirrored; you keep your most precious mementos safely locked within.

A scrap of yellow silk

A precious memento from your past.

A precious memento from your past.
Enhances your Perception by +1

Shadow-marks

The shadow has written itself on the flesh of your body; do you welcome its darkness, or fear it?

A cowrie-shell tattoo

a black swirl on your palm, which transforms into a pattern of embedded milk-white shells in the dreaming

A five-pointed lotus tattoo

a black design over your heart; a mark of shadow

a black design over your heart; a mark of shadow

An unusual collection

the pleasures and pains of daily life are valuable resources that you carefully collect - spend these sharp & precious things in both the dreaming and the wake

Desires

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes
Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

Visions

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true
inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

Memories

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia
found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

Traumas

a compendium of pain - you do not know what compels you to collect these little miseries
often gained by accident rather than design

The Principal Players

There are many here who would change history - some will be remembered, and others too-quickly forgotten

Ghaseti Begum

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

Cani Theruvil

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

Mir Jaffar

The Nawab's smiling, thickly-moustachioed general - there is something about him you dislike.

Pierre Renault

The Governor of Chandernagore - he will never be your ally, but perhaps he is your enemy's enemy?

Amina Begum

Rabia Begum is the Nawab's mother - a fiercely loyal ally, but relatively powerless

The Mughal Sa-ilu

Amir is the sa-ilu to the Mughal Court at Delhi - a prideful, bearded young man

Shadowhair

The mysterious shadowhaired woman appears to have powers in the dream. She is also working for the British - a dangerous opponent.

Survivor of the Black Hole

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams

spies, assassins, advisers - the sa-ilu have shaped history since the time of Babylon

You follow your own path

games of politics & power  are for the rich, you have learned to look out for yourself

Marked by Shadow

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

Playing the divine messenger

You must have your amusements

Unquiet bones

You hid the truth of Faizen's death at the hands of the Nawab - will she continue to ravage the dreaming?

Poisoned by the Begum

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

Delving into Benigno's past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Indigo-stained lips

Your lips and tongue are a rich royal blue from indigo dye - surely no one will notice?

A missed connection

Eyes the colour of river-water running across granite; you will remember them forever

A Dream of the Fever-Tree

Its colours are too vivid, it is saturated with the taste of bitter bark - the Young Surgeon's dreams intrigue you greatly.

An arrangement with Nandakumar

The treacherous courtier offered you British silver in exchange for your silence - and you accepted.

Seeking out Nandakumar

The Nawab instructs you to meet with his man in Chandernagore, to help the French defend against the British threat

Uneasy Sleepers

Courtiers & commoners alike lie insensate in the hospital wards: they cannot be woken. What strange plague is this?

Incubus

You have chosen to impress the Young Surgeon with fear rather than admiration

You have chosen to impress the Young Surgeon with fear rather than admiration

Investigating the Conspiracy

There are disturbing rumours of conspiracy: you must investigate further.

There are disturbing rumours of conspiracy: you must investigate further.

Bengal, 1757 - a troubled time

The Wake

You are in the wake

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

use imagination to act in the dreaming world
gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

An Enemy of the British

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

Exercises of Power

the myth of the sa-ilu grows in the telling; percieved power can be more potent than actual power, sometimes

Rumours of Madness and Dissent

Growing whispers of conspiracy, rumours of madness and magic - all of these could prove threatening to your mission
Explore the dreaming and the wake for rumours and threats

Threats of War

The British march against the French, the Afghans and Marathas bristle at your borders - who is the greatest threat?
Explore the dreaming and the wake for clues

Reluctant Conspirator

You have agreed to side with the conspirators - for now.

You have agreed to side with the conspirators - for now.

Dreams of distant shores

You yearn to set sail, to let the sea open up before you like a blue-bright pathway leading you to lands unknown

Ancient and forgotten magics

The world is stranger than even you - dream-walker, sorcerer, stranger - could possibly suspect

Lover's Quarrel

A quarrel with your lover

Madame Molloy

The formidable Madame Molloy is an Irishwoman married to a French trader, a smuggler, and a dab hand at chaupar. A useful woman to know.


Svapnasthana

The dream world is beautiful, and treacherous - even for one so skilful as yourself.

Always

Always


Murshidabad

The Nawab's capital city is a glittering jewel on the banks of the river Bhagirathi

Always

Always


Sa-ilu: Travel back into the wake

You have been trained to keep a very careful map of the twists and turns you take on your dream-wanderings in your head. You trace your steps back into Cani's dream.

Always

Leave the dreaming

Cani always dreams of Madras in the middle of cloying summer. Clearly the girl is half-mad. You walk through the kitchen doorway framed by strings of white cowrie-shells, glinting like teeth.


Sa-ilu: Travel into the Dream

Murshidabad is quiet with the rhythms of rest. You feel a brief, bitter flare of resentment for those careless sleepers.

You yourself do not sleep and you cannot dream. Such is the price of your power as sa-ilu. You would like to sleep, perhaps. Just lay down and let your cares wash away. But that is not your path.

You must explore the dream to progress.

Always

Always

Enter the dream

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

A straightforward challenge

Cani is settled into sleep, and ready to act as your conduit. Her breathing is laboured, but even.

You spend Imagination to act in the world of dreams. Gain Imagination by playing appropriate 'sometimes' cards in the waking.

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 1176)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 1176


Always

Always


Pearl-Encrusted Box

Its insides are mirrored; you keep your most precious mementos safely locked within.

A scrap of yellow silk

A precious memento from your past.

A precious memento from your past.
Enhances your Perception by +1

Shadow-marks

The shadow has written itself on the flesh of your body; do you welcome its darkness, or fear it?

A cowrie-shell tattoo

a black swirl on your palm, which transforms into a pattern of embedded milk-white shells in the dreaming

An unusual collection

the pleasures and pains of daily life are valuable resources that you carefully collect - spend these sharp & precious things in both the dreaming and the wake

Desires

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes
Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

Visions

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true
inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

Memories

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia
found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

Traumas

a compendium of pain - you do not know what compels you to collect these little miseries
often gained by accident rather than design

The Principal Players

There are many here who would change history - some will be remembered, and others too-quickly forgotten

Ghaseti Begum

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

Cani Theruvil

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

Mir Jaffar

The Nawab's smiling, thickly-moustachioed general - there is something about him you dislike.

Pierre Renault

The Governor of Chandernagore - he will never be your ally, but perhaps he is your enemy's enemy?

Jean Law

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Maratha Envoy

The Hindu Marathas make no secret of their imperial ambitions - their envoy is a bold fellow

William Watts

The British representative of the Nawab's court - blessed with a most charming wife.

Amina Begum

Rabia Begum is the Nawab's mother - a fiercely loyal ally, but relatively powerless

Survivor of the Black Hole

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

Faizen's honour

You allowed the truth of Faizen's death at the Nawab's hands to emerge - you upheld her honour.

Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams

spies, assassins, advisers - the sa-ilu have shaped history since the time of Babylon

You follow your own path

games of politics & power  are for the rich, you have learned to look out for yourself

Marked by Shadow

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

An unrequited passion for Cani Theruvil

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

Playing the divine messenger

You must have your amusements

Poisoned by the Begum

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

Delving into Benigno's past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Indigo-stained lips

Your lips and tongue are a rich royal blue from indigo dye - surely no one will notice?

A missed connection

Eyes the colour of river-water running across granite; you will remember them forever

A lost heritage

Could it be that there are others like you, sa-ilu raised apart from the Nawab of Bengal's court?

A Dream of the Fever-Tree

Its colours are too vivid, it is saturated with the taste of bitter bark - the Young Surgeon's dreams intrigue you greatly.

A spy in the British camp

You blackmailed the treacherous courtier Nandakumar - now he spies on the British for you.

Seeking out Nandakumar

The Nawab instructs you to meet with his man in Chandernagore, to help the French defend against the British threat

Bengal, 1757 - a troubled time

The Dreaming

You are in the dreaming

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

use imagination to act in the dreaming world
gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

An Enemy of the British

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You must investigate threats to the Nawab's power both in the dream and the wake
Raise this quality to 10 to progress

The Defences of Chandernagore

Ditches, fortifications, artillery, intelligence: you will need all this & more to have a hope of turning aside the British
You must raise this quality to 10 to progress

Exercises of Power

the myth of the sa-ilu grows in the telling; percieved power can be more potent than actual power, sometimes

Dreams of distant shores

You yearn to set sail, to let the sea open up before you like a blue-bright pathway leading you to lands unknown

Ancient and forgotten magics

The world is stranger than even you - dream-walker, sorcerer, stranger - could possibly suspect

A Marathi Scroll

Stolen from the desk of the Maratha Envoy - it could hold valuable secrets. If you can decipher it.

Madame Molloy

The formidable Madame Molloy is an Irishwoman married to a French trader, a smuggler, and a dab hand at chaupar. A useful woman to know.


The Story So Far

The final battle looms on the horizon. Your actions will change the course of history - how will you choose?

You have reached the end of playable content. The next month will conclude your journey as sa-ilu.

If you would like to be emailed when the final battle is up, or if you have any feedback contact meg@thisunrealcity.com.

We hope that you've enjoyed playing.

Always

Always

Continue exploring

It would be prudent to finish exploring April and May, and build up qualities that you will need in the coming battle.


March: Investigate the court

True treachery is bred inside the cool courtyards and marble corridors of the palace. In daylight the court is by turns sneering and wary – they will never accept the grey vibuthi streaked across your forehead on auspicious mornings or the low-caste darkness of your skin. But they fear your magic, as well they should.

At night you step inside their stiff court masks and disassemble them from the inside out. Their most delicate joys, their sweetly secret sorrows, their most venal ambitions – you must know them all.

Every successful action in the dream world uses up Imagination - if you use up all your Imagination you must go back to the wake to gain more.

Svapnasthana

The dream world is beautiful, and treacherous - even for one so skilful as yourself.

The ladies of the court

A straightforward challenge

The ladies of the Nawab's court have excellent imaginations. In the wake their smiles are hidden behind the purdah in their guarded apartments, but you may walk amongst them freely in the dream.

Behind the General's mask

A straightforward challenge

You have suspicions of Mir Jaffar, the Nawab's general. Perhaps it is time to investigate them more thoroughly?

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 211)

            1
            You need 1 x Mir Jaffar  (you have 28)

            5
            You need Perception 5 (you have 35)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 211

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Mir Jaffar  - you have 28

            5
            Unlocked with Perception 5 - you have 35

The close advisors

A straightforward challenge

The Nawab raises men up carelessly and drops them with as little ceremony. You are not the first of low birth he has honoured, but you are the only one who has remained so.

            5
            You need Perception 5 (you have 35)

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 211)

            5
            Unlocked with Perception 5 - you have 35

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 211

The Maratha Envoy

A straightforward challenge

A recent addition to the Nawab's retinue is an envoy from the warlike Maratha empire, which threatens Bengal from the West. You do not know what he wants, but his appearance at this time of crisis cannot bode well.

Success will unlock The Maratha Envoy quest.

            5
            You need Serenity 5 (you have 32)

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 211)

            5
            Unlocked with Serenity 5 - you have 32

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 211


Murshidabad

The Nawab's capital city is a glittering jewel on the banks of the river Bhagirathi

Always

Always


Impossible hungers

The close advisors

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

A straightforward challenge

            5
            You need Perception 5 (you have 35)

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 210)

            5
            Unlocked with Perception 5 - you have 35

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 210

The Nawab's confidantes this week seem - particularly unpleasant. You do not think you have to worry about them plotting treason. They are far too busy indulging their baser appetites, and dreaming of worse besides. In their dreams the Nawab is always opium-mazed, his laughter sharp like glass, his eyes unfocused and cruel. You fear for his sanity if this revelry continues. You fear for Bengal.

11 change points, 25 more needed to reach level 36.

Perception is increasing...

You succeeded in a Perception challenge! (Simple challenges mean you don't learn so much.)

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

You've lost 1 x Imagination (new total 210).

You must investigate threats to the Nawab's power both in the dream and the wake

You've gained 1 x Investigating the situation for the Nawab (new total 283).

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

You've gained 1 x Marked by Shadow (new total 74).


Pearl-Encrusted Box

Its insides are mirrored; you keep your most precious mementos safely locked within.

A scrap of yellow silk

A precious memento from your past.

A precious memento from your past.
Enhances your Perception by +1

Shadow-marks

The shadow has written itself on the flesh of your body; do you welcome its darkness, or fear it?

A cowrie-shell tattoo

a black swirl on your palm, which transforms into a pattern of embedded milk-white shells in the dreaming

An unusual collection

the pleasures and pains of daily life are valuable resources that you carefully collect - spend these sharp & precious things in both the dreaming and the wake

Desires

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes
Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

Visions

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true
inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

Memories

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia
found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

Traumas

a compendium of pain - you do not know what compels you to collect these little miseries
often gained by accident rather than design

The Principal Players

There are many here who would change history - some will be remembered, and others too-quickly forgotten

Ghaseti Begum

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

Cani Theruvil

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

Mir Jaffar

The Nawab's smiling, thickly-moustachioed general - there is something about him you dislike.

Pierre Renault

The Governor of Chandernagore - he will never be your ally, but perhaps he is your enemy's enemy?

Jean Law

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Maratha Envoy

The Hindu Marathas make no secret of their imperial ambitions - their envoy is a bold fellow

William Watts

The British representative of the Nawab's court - blessed with a most charming wife.

Amina Begum

Rabia Begum is the Nawab's mother - a fiercely loyal ally, but relatively powerless

Survivor of the Black Hole

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

Faizen's honour

You allowed the truth of Faizen's death at the Nawab's hands to emerge - you upheld her honour.

Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams

spies, assassins, advisers - the sa-ilu have shaped history since the time of Babylon

You follow your own path

games of politics & power  are for the rich, you have learned to look out for yourself

Marked by Shadow

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

An unrequited passion for Cani Theruvil

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

Playing the divine messenger

You must have your amusements

Poisoned by the Begum

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

Delving into Benigno's past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Indigo-stained lips

Your lips and tongue are a rich royal blue from indigo dye - surely no one will notice?

A missed connection

Eyes the colour of river-water running across granite; you will remember them forever

A lost heritage

Could it be that there are others like you, sa-ilu raised apart from the Nawab of Bengal's court?

A Dream of the Fever-Tree

Its colours are too vivid, it is saturated with the taste of bitter bark - the Young Surgeon's dreams intrigue you greatly.

A spy in the British camp

You blackmailed the treacherous courtier Nandakumar - now he spies on the British for you.

Seeking out Nandakumar

The Nawab instructs you to meet with his man in Chandernagore, to help the French defend against the British threat

Bengal, 1757 - a troubled time

The Dreaming

You are in the dreaming

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

use imagination to act in the dreaming world
gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

An Enemy of the British

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

Investigating the situation for the Nawab 283

You must investigate threats to the Nawab's power both in the dream and the wake
Raise this quality to 10 to progress

The Defences of Chandernagore

Ditches, fortifications, artillery, intelligence: you will need all this & more to have a hope of turning aside the British
You must raise this quality to 10 to progress

Exercises of Power

the myth of the sa-ilu grows in the telling; percieved power can be more potent than actual power, sometimes

Dreams of distant shores

You yearn to set sail, to let the sea open up before you like a blue-bright pathway leading you to lands unknown

Ancient and forgotten magics

The world is stranger than even you - dream-walker, sorcerer, stranger - could possibly suspect

A Marathi Scroll

Stolen from the desk of the Maratha Envoy - it could hold valuable secrets. If you can decipher it.

Madame Molloy

The formidable Madame Molloy is an Irishwoman married to a French trader, a smuggler, and a dab hand at chaupar. A useful woman to know.


Inspiring your imagination

Your powers as sa-ilu come from the imagination, your creative essence. Travelling in the dream world is miraculous but also exhausting and dangerous.

There are not many who would choose this life, and fewer still who would thrive in it. How do you keep your mind clear and eager for the next night?

Trade Desires, Memories and Traumas for Imagination, which lets you act in the dream-world.

Always

Always

You try new things

You are drawn to novelty and exploration - how can your spirit feel too taxed when there is so much wonder yet to be discovered?

            3
            You need 3 x Desires  (you have 1180)

            3
            Unlocked with 3 x Desires  - you have 1180

Your past drives you

You remember what it was like to be hungry, and dirty, and illiterate. No matter how exhausted you are, you are lucky to be sa-ilu.

            3
            You need 3 x Memories  (you have 1342)

            3
            Unlocked with 3 x Memories  - you have 1342

You are complicated

Yes, the bite of failure urges you on, but so does the sheer joy of exploration. You are drawn to the new, but you know that you will never entirely remake yourself. Your motivation is multistranded.

            1
            You need 1 x Desires  (you have 1180)

            1
            You need 1 x Traumas  (you have 1)

            1
            You need 1 x Memories  (you have 1342)

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Desires  - you have 1180

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Traumas  - you have 1

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Memories  - you have 1342

It is difficult to answer that

Perhaps it it just tonight, perhaps it has been building for a long time - but you feel unsure of yourself. Of your purpose.

Your failures are a reminder

You have seen much pain and disappointment - the sting of misery keeps you honest, reminds you to do more and better.

            3
            You need 3 x Traumas  (you have 1)

            3
            Unlocked with 3 x Traumas  - you have 1


Svapnasthana

The dream world is beautiful, and treacherous - even for one so skilful as yourself.

Always

Always

Delve into Chandernagore's tainted dreams

Unlocked when 1757 is:

March - Anglo-French rivalry threatens Bengal (you have this)

<P>At night, Chandernagore is a town of fear and sickness...


Harmony in all things

You are complicated

            1
            You need 1 x Desires  (you have 1179)

            1
            You need 1 x Traumas  (you have 0)

            1
            You need 1 x Memories  (you have 1341)

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Desires  - you have 1179

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Traumas

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Memories  - you have 1341

What you seek most is to be true to yourself. The Gita tells us: better to fail in following your own destiny, than succeed in someone else's. You look for your pleasures everywhere, and you are rarely disappointed.

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

You've gained 1 x Imagination (new total 1,177).

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

You've lost 1 x Desires (new total 1,179).

a compendium of pain - you do not know what compels you to collect these little miseries

You've lost 1 x Traumas (new total 0).

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

You've lost 1 x Memories (new total 1,341).


Pearl-Encrusted Box

Its insides are mirrored; you keep your most precious mementos safely locked within.

A scrap of yellow silk

A precious memento from your past.

A precious memento from your past.
Enhances your Perception by +1

Shadow-marks

The shadow has written itself on the flesh of your body; do you welcome its darkness, or fear it?

A cowrie-shell tattoo

a black swirl on your palm, which transforms into a pattern of embedded milk-white shells in the dreaming

A five-pointed lotus tattoo

a black design over your heart; a mark of shadow

a black design over your heart; a mark of shadow

An unusual collection

the pleasures and pains of daily life are valuable resources that you carefully collect - spend these sharp & precious things in both the dreaming and the wake

Desires

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes
Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

Visions

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true
inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

Memories

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia
found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

The Principal Players

There are many here who would change history - some will be remembered, and others too-quickly forgotten

Ghaseti Begum

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

Cani Theruvil

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

Mir Jaffar

The Nawab's smiling, thickly-moustachioed general - there is something about him you dislike.

Pierre Renault

The Governor of Chandernagore - he will never be your ally, but perhaps he is your enemy's enemy?

Amina Begum

Rabia Begum is the Nawab's mother - a fiercely loyal ally, but relatively powerless

The Mughal Sa-ilu

Amir is the sa-ilu to the Mughal Court at Delhi - a prideful, bearded young man

Shadowhair

The mysterious shadowhaired woman appears to have powers in the dream. She is also working for the British - a dangerous opponent.

Survivor of the Black Hole

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams

spies, assassins, advisers - the sa-ilu have shaped history since the time of Babylon

You follow your own path

games of politics & power  are for the rich, you have learned to look out for yourself

Marked by Shadow

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

Playing the divine messenger

You must have your amusements

Unquiet bones

You hid the truth of Faizen's death at the hands of the Nawab - will she continue to ravage the dreaming?

Poisoned by the Begum

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

Delving into Benigno's past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Indigo-stained lips

Your lips and tongue are a rich royal blue from indigo dye - surely no one will notice?

A missed connection

Eyes the colour of river-water running across granite; you will remember them forever

A Dream of the Fever-Tree

Its colours are too vivid, it is saturated with the taste of bitter bark - the Young Surgeon's dreams intrigue you greatly.

An arrangement with Nandakumar

The treacherous courtier offered you British silver in exchange for your silence - and you accepted.

Seeking out Nandakumar

The Nawab instructs you to meet with his man in Chandernagore, to help the French defend against the British threat

Uneasy Sleepers

Courtiers & commoners alike lie insensate in the hospital wards: they cannot be woken. What strange plague is this?

Incubus

You have chosen to impress the Young Surgeon with fear rather than admiration

Investigating the Conspiracy

There are disturbing rumours of conspiracy: you must investigate further.

There are disturbing rumours of conspiracy: you must investigate further.

Bengal, 1757 - a troubled time

The Wake

You are in the wake

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

use imagination to act in the dreaming world
gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

An Enemy of the British

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

Exercises of Power

the myth of the sa-ilu grows in the telling; percieved power can be more potent than actual power, sometimes

Rumours of Madness and Dissent

Growing whispers of conspiracy, rumours of madness and magic - all of these could prove threatening to your mission
Explore the dreaming and the wake for rumours and threats

Threats of War

The British march against the French, the Afghans and Marathas bristle at your borders - who is the greatest threat?
Explore the dreaming and the wake for clues

Reluctant Conspirator

You have agreed to side with the conspirators - for now.

You have agreed to side with the conspirators - for now.

Dreams of distant shores

You yearn to set sail, to let the sea open up before you like a blue-bright pathway leading you to lands unknown

Ancient and forgotten magics

The world is stranger than even you - dream-walker, sorcerer, stranger - could possibly suspect

Lover's Quarrel

A quarrel with your lover

Madame Molloy

The formidable Madame Molloy is an Irishwoman married to a French trader, a smuggler, and a dab hand at chaupar. A useful woman to know.


At night, Chandernagore is a town of fear and sickness. The French tear down palaces and slums alike for raw masonry, building last minute barricades against the coming British siege. Disease spreads even more quickly in the dream world than the waking, the minds of the sick and maimed leaking trails of blood and rot into the liminal spaces that connect the dreamers to each other.

Here are minds at their most unguarded – it is easy to uncover their secrets, and perhaps even to manipulate their dreams. If you are willing to endure the risk. The teachings of the sa-ilu warn against being caught in the dream of a dying man. There are no accounts that describe what it is like, and that tells you enough to be wary.

Svapnasthana

The dream world is beautiful, and treacherous - even for one so skilful as yourself.

The Baker's Son

A straightforward challenge

A few families defiantly occupy their homes despite the Governor's decision to tear them down for fortifications. One such house, a baker's, caught fire in the dead of night. Some whisper that the French set the fire, in order to evict the baker's family. The baker's son will survive – and his account will influence the attitude of the locals towards the French, and their enthusiasm to defend Chandernagore against British attack. You could perhaps influence him yourself...

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 210)

            8
            You need Serenity 8 (you have 32)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 210

            8
            Unlocked with Serenity 8 - you have 32

The Dark Wards

A straightforward challenge

You have noticed that in the dreams of the gravely injured, the dreamer's bodies are often strangely distorted. They can swell to the size of a city, fire and plague playing out in the precincts as their flesh knits or rots. Other times the mind is so distended by sickness and sensation that the dreamer almost disappears altogether. You will have to be especially cautious as you explore the dreams rising hotly from the fever-wards.

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 210)

            8
            You need Perception 8 (you have 35)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 210

            8
            Unlocked with Perception 8 - you have 35

The Young Surgeon

A straightforward challenge

What is it that draws you to one dream above another? Amidst all the the fear for the siege, the plans for escape or manipulation, one dream is bright and musky as a lantern fresh with moths. In his cell in the hospital, the young French surgeon dreams in vivid, unmistakeable colour.

Success will unlock a multi-part quest: A Dream of the Fever-Tree.

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 210)

            8
            You need Curiosity 8 (you have 31)

            0
            You need A Dream of the Fever-Tree 0 and A Dream of the Fever-Tree no more than 0 (you have 4)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 210

            8
            Unlocked with Curiosity 8 - you have 31

            0
            Unlocked with A Dream of the Fever-Tree 0 - you have 4


Murshidabad

The Nawab's capital city is a glittering jewel on the banks of the river Bhagirathi

Always

Always


A peaceful torpor

The Dark Wards

A straightforward challenge

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 209)

            8
            You need Perception 8 (you have 35)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 209

            8
            Unlocked with Perception 8 - you have 35

The head physician is the safest perspective, though he is so tired that you feel his dream weigh down your limbs as you slide into it. His mind reveals a vast city of the sick: orderly rows of beds stretch out of sight. The head physician knows that the hospital is at the breaking point: exhausted staff fold their beetle-like robes around them and climb gratefully into any vacant bed. Tincture falls like rain.

He dreams Chandernagore as a town completely overcome with fever, balanced in a strangely peaceful torpor. He fears that when the siege begins he and his workers will be forced to move closer to the walls, to treat the battle-injured. When that happens the fever-stricken in the hospital will begin dying even more quickly than they are now. You begin to wonder whether the British will want this city after they have won it.

12 change points, 24 more needed to reach level 36.

Perception is increasing...

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

You've lost 1 x Imagination (new total 209).

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true

You've gained 5 x Visions (new total 1,104).


Pearl-Encrusted Box

Its insides are mirrored; you keep your most precious mementos safely locked within.

A scrap of yellow silk

A precious memento from your past.

A precious memento from your past.
Enhances your Perception by +1

Shadow-marks

The shadow has written itself on the flesh of your body; do you welcome its darkness, or fear it?

A cowrie-shell tattoo

a black swirl on your palm, which transforms into a pattern of embedded milk-white shells in the dreaming

An unusual collection

the pleasures and pains of daily life are valuable resources that you carefully collect - spend these sharp & precious things in both the dreaming and the wake

Desires

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes
Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

Visions

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true
inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

Memories

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia
found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

Traumas

a compendium of pain - you do not know what compels you to collect these little miseries
often gained by accident rather than design

The Principal Players

There are many here who would change history - some will be remembered, and others too-quickly forgotten

Ghaseti Begum

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

Cani Theruvil

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

Mir Jaffar

The Nawab's smiling, thickly-moustachioed general - there is something about him you dislike.

Pierre Renault

The Governor of Chandernagore - he will never be your ally, but perhaps he is your enemy's enemy?

Jean Law

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Maratha Envoy

The Hindu Marathas make no secret of their imperial ambitions - their envoy is a bold fellow

William Watts

The British representative of the Nawab's court - blessed with a most charming wife.

Amina Begum

Rabia Begum is the Nawab's mother - a fiercely loyal ally, but relatively powerless

Survivor of the Black Hole

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

Faizen's honour

You allowed the truth of Faizen's death at the Nawab's hands to emerge - you upheld her honour.

Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams

spies, assassins, advisers - the sa-ilu have shaped history since the time of Babylon

You follow your own path

games of politics & power  are for the rich, you have learned to look out for yourself

Marked by Shadow

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

An unrequited passion for Cani Theruvil

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

Playing the divine messenger

You must have your amusements

Poisoned by the Begum

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

Delving into Benigno's past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Indigo-stained lips

Your lips and tongue are a rich royal blue from indigo dye - surely no one will notice?

A missed connection

Eyes the colour of river-water running across granite; you will remember them forever

A lost heritage

Could it be that there are others like you, sa-ilu raised apart from the Nawab of Bengal's court?

A Dream of the Fever-Tree

Its colours are too vivid, it is saturated with the taste of bitter bark - the Young Surgeon's dreams intrigue you greatly.

A spy in the British camp

You blackmailed the treacherous courtier Nandakumar - now he spies on the British for you.

Seeking out Nandakumar

The Nawab instructs you to meet with his man in Chandernagore, to help the French defend against the British threat

Bengal, 1757 - a troubled time

The Dreaming

You are in the dreaming

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

use imagination to act in the dreaming world
gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

An Enemy of the British

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You must investigate threats to the Nawab's power both in the dream and the wake
Raise this quality to 10 to progress

The Defences of Chandernagore

Ditches, fortifications, artillery, intelligence: you will need all this & more to have a hope of turning aside the British
You must raise this quality to 10 to progress

Exercises of Power

the myth of the sa-ilu grows in the telling; percieved power can be more potent than actual power, sometimes

Dreams of distant shores

You yearn to set sail, to let the sea open up before you like a blue-bright pathway leading you to lands unknown

Ancient and forgotten magics

The world is stranger than even you - dream-walker, sorcerer, stranger - could possibly suspect

A Marathi Scroll

Stolen from the desk of the Maratha Envoy - it could hold valuable secrets. If you can decipher it.

Madame Molloy

The formidable Madame Molloy is an Irishwoman married to a French trader, a smuggler, and a dab hand at chaupar. A useful woman to know.


An Arrangement with Nandakumar

You came to an arrangement with the traitor Nandakumar after discovering that he had been bought off by the British in Chandernagore. He could be a useful source of information, as he is placed in a position of trust within the British camp.

You communicate with him via cyphered missives sent through a network of bribed palace servants; his dreams are too anxious and turbulent to visit.

Check this card when you discover something new – Nandakumar may have information for you.

Always

Always

Ask of yourself

A straightforward challenge

What do the British know of you and your powers? You have reasons greater than idle curiosity: their opinion of you will matter in any coming confrontation.

            14
            You need Serenity 14 (you have 49)

            5
            You need Exercises of Power 5 (you have 15)

            14
            Unlocked with Serenity 14 - you have 49

            5
            Unlocked with Exercises of Power 5 - you have 15

Mir Jaffar

A straightforward challenge

Mir Jaffar is one of the Nawab's generals – his name has come up far too often in conjunction with rumours of conspiracy. It would be useful to know if Nandakumar can confirm any suspicions.

            14
            You need Serenity 14 (you have 49)

            1
            You need 1 x Mir Jaffar  (you have 1)

            14
            Unlocked with Serenity 14 - you have 49

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Mir Jaffar  - you have 1

Shadowhair

A straightforward challenge

You wish to know more of the dreamwalker encountered in the Bengali General's dream. She appeared to be working for the British, perhaps Nandakumar knows something?

            14
            You need Serenity 14 (you have 49)

            1
            You need 1 x Shadowhair  (you have 1)

            14
            Unlocked with Serenity 14 - you have 49

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Shadowhair  - you have 1


Svapnasthana

The dream world is beautiful, and treacherous - even for one so skilful as yourself.

Always

Always


Weaponised

Shadowhair

A straightforward challenge

Nandakumar's note is short, written in a shaky hand. He has heard some of the officers boasting of a “new weapon”, and seen a dark-skinned woman wearing a striped-silk dress around the camp. She is carefully guarded, and not very well liked. That is all he knows. It seems that the British do not respect their sa-ilu, if they even understand them at all.

16 change points, 34 more needed to reach level 50.

Serenity is increasing...

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true

You've gained 3 x Visions (new total 1,590).


Pearl-Encrusted Box

Its insides are mirrored; you keep your most precious mementos safely locked within.

A scrap of yellow silk

A precious memento from your past.

A precious memento from your past.
Enhances your Perception by +1

Shadow-marks

The shadow has written itself on the flesh of your body; do you welcome its darkness, or fear it?

A cowrie-shell tattoo

a black swirl on your palm, which transforms into a pattern of embedded milk-white shells in the dreaming

A five-pointed lotus tattoo

a black design over your heart; a mark of shadow

a black design over your heart; a mark of shadow

An unusual collection

the pleasures and pains of daily life are valuable resources that you carefully collect - spend these sharp & precious things in both the dreaming and the wake

Desires

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes
Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

Visions

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true
inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

Memories

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia
found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

The Principal Players

There are many here who would change history - some will be remembered, and others too-quickly forgotten

Ghaseti Begum

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

Cani Theruvil

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

Mir Jaffar

The Nawab's smiling, thickly-moustachioed general - there is something about him you dislike.

Pierre Renault

The Governor of Chandernagore - he will never be your ally, but perhaps he is your enemy's enemy?

Amina Begum

Rabia Begum is the Nawab's mother - a fiercely loyal ally, but relatively powerless

The Mughal Sa-ilu

Amir is the sa-ilu to the Mughal Court at Delhi - a prideful, bearded young man

Shadowhair

The mysterious shadowhaired woman appears to have powers in the dream. She is also working for the British - a dangerous opponent.

Survivor of the Black Hole

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams

spies, assassins, advisers - the sa-ilu have shaped history since the time of Babylon

You follow your own path

games of politics & power  are for the rich, you have learned to look out for yourself

Marked by Shadow

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

Playing the divine messenger

You must have your amusements

Unquiet bones

You hid the truth of Faizen's death at the hands of the Nawab - will she continue to ravage the dreaming?

Poisoned by the Begum

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

Delving into Benigno's past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Indigo-stained lips

Your lips and tongue are a rich royal blue from indigo dye - surely no one will notice?

A missed connection

Eyes the colour of river-water running across granite; you will remember them forever

A Dream of the Fever-Tree

Its colours are too vivid, it is saturated with the taste of bitter bark - the Young Surgeon's dreams intrigue you greatly.

An arrangement with Nandakumar

The treacherous courtier offered you British silver in exchange for your silence - and you accepted.

Seeking out Nandakumar

The Nawab instructs you to meet with his man in Chandernagore, to help the French defend against the British threat

Uneasy Sleepers

Courtiers & commoners alike lie insensate in the hospital wards: they cannot be woken. What strange plague is this?

Incubus

You have chosen to impress the Young Surgeon with fear rather than admiration

Investigating the Conspiracy

There are disturbing rumours of conspiracy: you must investigate further.

There are disturbing rumours of conspiracy: you must investigate further.

Bengal, 1757 - a troubled time

The Wake

You are in the wake

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

use imagination to act in the dreaming world
gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

An Enemy of the British

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

Exercises of Power

the myth of the sa-ilu grows in the telling; percieved power can be more potent than actual power, sometimes

Rumours of Madness and Dissent

Growing whispers of conspiracy, rumours of madness and magic - all of these could prove threatening to your mission
Explore the dreaming and the wake for rumours and threats

Threats of War

The British march against the French, the Afghans and Marathas bristle at your borders - who is the greatest threat?
Explore the dreaming and the wake for clues

Reluctant Conspirator

You have agreed to side with the conspirators - for now.

You have agreed to side with the conspirators - for now.

Dreams of distant shores

You yearn to set sail, to let the sea open up before you like a blue-bright pathway leading you to lands unknown

Ancient and forgotten magics

The world is stranger than even you - dream-walker, sorcerer, stranger - could possibly suspect

Lover's Quarrel

A quarrel with your lover

Madame Molloy

The formidable Madame Molloy is an Irishwoman married to a French trader, a smuggler, and a dab hand at chaupar. A useful woman to know.


Pearl-Encrusted Box

Its insides are mirrored; you keep your most precious mementos safely locked within.

A scrap of yellow silk

A precious memento from your past.

A precious memento from your past.
Enhances your Perception by +1

Shadow-marks

The shadow has written itself on the flesh of your body; do you welcome its darkness, or fear it?

A cowrie-shell tattoo

a black swirl on your palm, which transforms into a pattern of embedded milk-white shells in the dreaming

An unusual collection

the pleasures and pains of daily life are valuable resources that you carefully collect - spend these sharp & precious things in both the dreaming and the wake

Desires

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes

a glittering collection of carnal lusts, dark ambitions, secret hopes
Gain desires by choosing to indulge your ambition, curiosity and lust

Visions

a swirling mass of mystical prophecy, hallucination & divine pronouncement - some may even be true
inspired by the gods, meditative experiences & wandering in the dream

Memories

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia

your own & others, some sharply painful, others softened by nostalgia
found in recollections & particularly fine experiences

Traumas

a compendium of pain - you do not know what compels you to collect these little miseries
often gained by accident rather than design

The Principal Players

There are many here who would change history - some will be remembered, and others too-quickly forgotten

Ghaseti Begum

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

You have seen Ghaseti Begum's forbidden face; now your life is in her hands

Cani Theruvil

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

She is your portal into the world of dreams and your partner, like it or not

Mir Jaffar

The Nawab's smiling, thickly-moustachioed general - there is something about him you dislike.

Pierre Renault

The Governor of Chandernagore - he will never be your ally, but perhaps he is your enemy's enemy?

Jean Law

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Factory chief at Kasim Bazaar - a potential ally against the British?

The Maratha Envoy

The Hindu Marathas make no secret of their imperial ambitions - their envoy is a bold fellow

William Watts

The British representative of the Nawab's court - blessed with a most charming wife.

Amina Begum

Rabia Begum is the Nawab's mother - a fiercely loyal ally, but relatively powerless

Survivor of the Black Hole

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

You witnessed the horrors; you will always remember that place

Faizen's honour

You allowed the truth of Faizen's death at the Nawab's hands to emerge - you upheld her honour.

Sa-ilu: you walk in dreams

spies, assassins, advisers - the sa-ilu have shaped history since the time of Babylon

You follow your own path

games of politics & power  are for the rich, you have learned to look out for yourself

Marked by Shadow

the dreaming can be more treacherous than the sea, crueller than the gods - do not let this quality grow too high

An unrequited passion for Cani Theruvil

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

She is your partner in the dreaming - but she could be so much more...

Playing the divine messenger

You must have your amusements

Poisoned by the Begum

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

You must return to the Begum each week for the antidote

Delving into Benigno's past

Half-missionary, half-madman: you gather up fragments of Benigno's intriguing past

Indigo-stained lips

Your lips and tongue are a rich royal blue from indigo dye - surely no one will notice?

A missed connection

Eyes the colour of river-water running across granite; you will remember them forever

A lost heritage

Could it be that there are others like you, sa-ilu raised apart from the Nawab of Bengal's court?

A Dream of the Fever-Tree

Its colours are too vivid, it is saturated with the taste of bitter bark - the Young Surgeon's dreams intrigue you greatly.

A spy in the British camp

You blackmailed the treacherous courtier Nandakumar - now he spies on the British for you.

Seeking out Nandakumar

The Nawab instructs you to meet with his man in Chandernagore, to help the French defend against the British threat

Bengal, 1757 - a troubled time

The Dreaming

You are in the dreaming

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

use imagination to act in the dreaming world
gained in the wake, you use Imagination in dreams

Curiosity

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

"you will never be lovelier than you are now" - energy, desire, ambition

Perception

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

'he who sees me in a dream truly sees me' - observation, using the senses

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

An Enemy of the British

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You know it is only a matter of time before trade becomes conquest

You must investigate threats to the Nawab's power both in the dream and the wake
Raise this quality to 10 to progress

The Defences of Chandernagore

Ditches, fortifications, artillery, intelligence: you will need all this & more to have a hope of turning aside the British
You must raise this quality to 10 to progress

Exercises of Power

the myth of the sa-ilu grows in the telling; percieved power can be more potent than actual power, sometimes

Dreams of distant shores

You yearn to set sail, to let the sea open up before you like a blue-bright pathway leading you to lands unknown

Ancient and forgotten magics

The world is stranger than even you - dream-walker, sorcerer, stranger - could possibly suspect

A Marathi Scroll

Stolen from the desk of the Maratha Envoy - it could hold valuable secrets. If you can decipher it.

Madame Molloy

The formidable Madame Molloy is an Irishwoman married to a French trader, a smuggler, and a dab hand at chaupar. A useful woman to know.


Murshidabad

The Nawab's capital city is a glittering jewel on the banks of the river Bhagirathi

Always

Always


March: Investigate the British plans for war

The British East India Company sends representatives and envoys and obsequious traders, as if it is not a conquering force. You are familiar with some of its faces - but what lies behind?

You decide to investigate the minds of your enemy, to better understand their weaknesses.

Every successful action in the dream world uses up Imagination - if you use up all your Imagination you must go back to the wake to gain more.

Svapnasthana

The dream world is beautiful, and treacherous - even for one so skilful as yourself.

The commander of the army

A straightforward challenge

Robert Clive - or Colonel Clive, as you should call him - commands the armies that threaten the French town of Chandernagore. Knowing his mind will be of great value.

            6
            You need Perception 6 (you have 35)

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 209)

            6
            Unlocked with Perception 6 - you have 35

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 209

The admiral

A straightforward challenge

Charles Watson commands His Majesty's Navy in the East Indies. His ships recaptured Calcutta, and now he plans to sail to Chandernagore.

            6
            You need Serenity 6 (you have 32)

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 209)

            6
            Unlocked with Serenity 6 - you have 32

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 209

Mrs. Watts

A straightforward challenge

The wife of William Watts, she is - surprisingly - well liked by the Bengalis, court and citizenry alike. Even the Nawab's mother, Amina Begum, appears to like her. Curious.

            6
            You need Curiosity 6 (you have 31)

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 209)

            6
            Unlocked with Curiosity 6 - you have 31

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 209

False intelligence

Playing this branch will give you 2 x The Defences of Chandernagore and 2 x An Enemy of the British

Clive's map of Chandernagore is accurate. Too accurate. It would be so easy to disturb its layout in the dream, and perhaps cause confusion in the wake too...

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 209)


Sa-ilu: Travel into the Dream

Murshidabad is quiet with the rhythms of rest. You feel a brief, bitter flare of resentment for those careless sleepers.

You yourself do not sleep and you cannot dream. Such is the price of your power as sa-ilu. You would like to sleep, perhaps. Just lay down and let your cares wash away. But that is not your path.

You must explore the dream to progress.

Always

Always

Enter the dream

Imagination

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

A straightforward challenge

Cani is settled into sleep, and ready to act as your conduit. Her breathing is laboured, but even.

You spend Imagination to act in the world of dreams. Gain Imagination by playing appropriate 'sometimes' cards in the waking.

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 1177)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 1177


Portraits and velvet

The admiral

Serenity

'look upon success & failure with an equal eye' - calmness, detachment & logic

A straightforward challenge

            6
            You need Serenity 6 (you have 33)

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 208)

            6
            Unlocked with Serenity 6 - you have 33

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 208

For a naval man, Watson's dreams are strangely pallid and powdery. He dreams of soft beds and warm fires, of reading histories by candlelight and honours stored carefully in velvet-lined boxes. You would almost think he had lost his will to battle - but a portrait of Robert Clive, stern and vigorous, stares down upon every scene like a harsh schoolmaster. Watson, it appears, it Clive's man through and through. More's the pity.

0 change points, 34 more needed to reach level 34.

Serenity has increased to 33!

You must investigate threats to the Nawab's power both in the dream and the wake

You've gained 1 x Investigating the situation for the Nawab (new total 284).

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

You've lost 1 x Imagination (new total 208).