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.


Further memories of your past

Your rooms are luxurious and comfortable, as befits your status. There are plump hand-embroidered silk bolsters, a censer filled with sweet smells of jasmine and sandalwood, bright-glazed jugs filled with cool water with fresh mint and lemon-slices, shelves of books carefully dusted by quiet, respectful servants each morning.

Yet it was not always so: sometimes, as you cast your eye about the casual opulence, you are drawn to recall how you came to be here.

Gain Imagination and Memories if you succeed - but do not fear failure, it can often be rewarding.

Murshidabad

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

Recall training with Cani

A straightforward challenge

The first time you stepped into her mind, she threw you back into the waking world with casual power. Your teacher, patience visibly ebbing away, had ordered you to get into Cani's bed and hold hands with her.

            12
            You need Perception 12 (you have 43)

            12
            Unlocked with Perception 12 - you have 43

Recall your first days at court

A straightforward challenge

The court seemed a place full of wonder and terror to your eyes.

            14
            You need Perception 14 (you have 43)

            14
            Unlocked with Perception 14 - you have 43

Recall your teacher's funeral

An almost impossible challenge

There was no body: by tradition they burned a person-shaped sacking form filled with sweet spices, cardamom and ginger-root and oudh.

            16
            You need Perception 16 (you have 43)

Recall your father

You will gain 15 x Memories and 4 x Imagination each time you play this branch.

You have cut yourself away from the rag-and-bone child that you once were. Was it a haphazard decision, or one long deliberated? You last saw him as you were being led away from your home, your hand held fast by your new teacher as she whispered of the grandeur of the Nawab's court. Yet your father's eyes look back at you when you look in the mirror. Some things cannot be so easily left behind.

Recall a moment of passion

A straightforward challenge

There was a moment where you nearly confessed all to Cani. You are sure she knows of your passion; after that, how could she not?

            16
            You need Perception 16 (you have 43)

            1
            You need An unrequited passion for Cani Theruvil 1

            16
            Unlocked with Perception 16 - you have 43

            1
            Unlocked with An unrequited passion for Cani Theruvil 1


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

March: Investigate the French battle-plans

Unlocked when 1757 is:

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

; Unlocked with

<P>The Nawab's hopes of playing the British and French against each other have succeeded too well...

Investigate the court

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


Flowers and curtains

Recall training with Cani

Perception

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

A straightforward challenge

You remember Cani's disinterested grasp; you were much younger, and she held you in justifiable contempt. “You must allow your partner into yourself,” the sa-ilu had told her. “Allah give me strength, girl. Imagine yourself a flower, opening up to your partner.”

Unthinkably, Cani had laughed in your teacher's face, and then made a sly comment. You did not understand its significance, but – flush with the bravado of youth – had added that you heard the same thing from the laundry-woman, the most scandalous woman of your acquaintance. Cani had given you a look of genuine admiration before dissolving into hiccuping hysterics. Your teacher prescribed you both cold baths for a month, which had only pulled you closer together in solidarity. The next time you trained, Cani's dream had parted for you like a tasseled curtain. Now, you wonder whether that had been your teacher's plan all along.

13 change points, 31 more needed to reach level 44.

Perception is increasing...

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

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

You've gained 5 x Memories (new total 1,284).

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

You've gained 1 x Imagination (new total 1,125).


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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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?

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.


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

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 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

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

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

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 261

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

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

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...

Moonlit Ghazals at the Mystic's Tomb

<P>This month the singers meet by moonlight at the tomb of a saint, littering the manicured grass with their polished instruments and porcelain opium-pipes...


The Nawab's hopes of playing the British and French against each other have succeeded too well. An outright war between the British and the French is a dangerous situation. Especially if one of them wins - there is no such thing as an idle army, after all.

The French do not have the military might of the British in Bengal, but perhaps they have...other advantages?

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 Company Man

A straightforward challenge

Monsieur Jean Law is the chief of the factory in the nearby town of Kasim Bazaar; the closest representative of the French East India company.

            4
            You need Perception 4 (you have 34)

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 260)

            4
            Unlocked with Perception 4 - you have 34

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 260

The French General

A straightforward challenge

You know little of the Marquis De Bussy-Castelnau save two facts: he is widely considered the French military genius of his time, and Cani crosses herself at the mention of his name.

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 260)

            4
            You need Serenity 4 (you have 32)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 260

            4
            Unlocked with Serenity 4 - you have 32

The Wily Governor

A straightforward challenge

The Nawab has negotiated with Pierre Renault, the Governor of Chandernagore, in the past. He makes little secret of his dislike for Indians.

            2
            You need Imagination 2 (you have 260)

            4
            You need Curiosity 4 (you have 30)

            2
            Unlocked with Imagination 2 - you have 260

            4
            Unlocked with Curiosity 4 - you have 30

A boost to morale

You will gain 2 x The Defences of Chandernagore and 5 x visions

The dreams of Chandernagore are unstructured and shifting. Underneath the bravery and drum-beating of the young soldiers is blue-white fear like fire, and visions of death. You could smooth their troubles slightly, and leave them refreshed for the morning.


Moonlit Ghazals at the Mystic's Tomb

This month the singers meet by moonlight at the tomb of a saint, littering the manicured grass with their polished instruments and porcelain opium-pipes. The Sufi poet who challenged you when you came here last welcomes you with a wine-soaked greeting, and offers to introduce you to the nervous young singers tuning their sarangi.

“Or,” he demurs, with a sly look. “Would you prefer to shame us all with another recitation?”

It is a warm night, smelling of almonds and spice; a night for singing ghosts to rest, or calling down the favour of the gods, if you were inclined to be so romantic.

Gain Imagination if you succeed - but do not fear failure, it can often be rewarding.

Ask for an introduction

Perception

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

A straightforward challenge

The Sufi Poet is pleased to demonstrate his knowledge and authority, pulling you through the crowd with light, cutting comments about the skills of the poets and musicians you leave in your wake. “But this singer,” he tells you, voice shot through with reverence. “Ah, I will not use words, sa-ilu, to grasp at such a mystery.”

Recite a Hindu poem

Serenity

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

A straightforward challenge

You have long favoured the great poet-saint Tulsidas, said to be a reincarnation of the First Poet Valmiki who penned the epic Ramayanas. Perhaps the Sufis and ghazal-singers would appreciate hearing a song of your heritage?

            12
            You need Serenity 12 (you have 48)

            12
            Unlocked with Serenity 12 - you have 48

You are so tired

Curiosity

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

A straightforward challenge

Perhaps you could recite an ironic poem by the great Khaqani; at this moment, it reflects some of your darkest presentiments.

            12
            You need Curiosity 12 (you have 36)

            12
            Unlocked with Curiosity 12 - you have 36

Take a risk

A straightforward challenge

There are whispers of dissension amongst the poets assembled; whispers of the Nawab's weakness, his refusal to take counsel. They would certainly enjoy some veiled mockery, and you have just the verse, penned by the Persian poet of the people, Sa'di.

            0
            You need Loyal to the Nawab of Bengal 0

            12
            You need Perception 12 (you have 43)

            0
            Unlocked with Loyal to the Nawab of Bengal 0

            12
            Unlocked with Perception 12 - you have 43


War in the south

The French General

A straightforward challenge

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 259)

            4
            You need Serenity 4 (you have 32)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 259

            4
            Unlocked with Serenity 4 - you have 32

De Bussy dreams of sacking forts, and soldiers screaming in the pre-dawn light. You have heard rumours of de Bussy's alliance with the Rajah of Vizianagar against his British-allied enemies in the Deccan. It seems that Bengal is not alone in its strife.

Strangely, you are heartened by his dark-drenched dreams of blood and cannonfire: he would be a formidable opponent to the British, if he could be tempted into an alliance.

12 change points, 21 more needed to reach level 33.

Serenity is increasing...

You succeeded in a Serenity 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 259).

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 262).

You've gained 1 x An Enemy of the British (new total 103).


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 262

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.


Bold and quick

Take a risk

A straightforward challenge

Moonlit Ghazals at the Mystic's Tomb

This month the singers meet by moonlight at the tomb of a saint, littering the manicured grass with their polished instruments and porcelain opium-pipes. The Sufi poet who challenged you when you came here last welcomes you with a wine-soaked greeting, and offers to introduce you to the nervous young singers tuning their sarangi.

“Or,” he demurs, with a sly look. “Would you prefer to shame us all with another recitation?”

It is a warm night, smelling of almonds and spice; a night for singing ghosts to rest, or calling down the favour of the gods, if you were inclined to be so romantic.

Gain Imagination if you succeed - but do not fear failure, it can often be rewarding.

There are whispers of dissension amongst the poets assembled; whispers of the Nawab's weakness, his refusal to take counsel. They would certainly enjoy some veiled mockery, and you have just the verse, penned by the Persian poet of the people, Sa'di.

I am displeased with the company of friends / To whom my bad qualities appear to be good; / They fancy my faults are virtues and perfection; / My thorns they believe to be rose and jessamine. / Say! where is the bold and quick enemy / To make me aware of my defects?

There are surprised mutters in the crowd as you recite, but the tension breaks into nervous laughter. They are much easier discussing matters of politics around you after your performance, and you collect much gossip before you leave.

14 change points, 30 more needed to reach level 44.

Perception is increasing...

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.

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

You've gained 1 x Imagination (new total 1,126).


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.


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...


Murshidabad

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

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.


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.


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.


Indulge in your hobbies

It is vital that a sa-ilu indulge the mind and spirit; from time to time, you must pursue hobbies and amusements to keep yourself refreshed, in order that you may continue to travel safely in the dreaming world.

There are many pastimes to choose from at the Nawab's court, and in Murshidabad: intellectual pursuits and physical pastimes, refined courtly games and pastoral enjoyments.

How do you choose to spend your valuable time?

Gain Imagination if you succeed.

Murshidabad

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

Reading alone in the library

A straightforward challenge

There are several libraries in the palace complex. You have a favourite, located in a small tower set deep in the gardens, dedicated to obscure medical texts. The tower was built half a century ago for a Hindu court Physician who was particularly celebrated by the court for his aphrodisiac drugs.

Hunting with the court robles

A straightforward challenge

The ladies of the Nawab's court often accompany their noble husbands, brothers and fathers for the hunt in covered palanquins. One of the palace huntsmen spotted a deer in the nearby woods this morning: a hunt is assembling.

            14
            You need Serenity 14 (you have 48)

            14
            Unlocked with Serenity 14 - you have 48

Games of chess with the scholars

Curiosity

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

A straightforward challenge

Though the Hindu game of shatranj, chess, is not particularly popular with the Nawab there is always a match to be found in the gardens and courtyards of the palace. The scholars have a particularly lively weekly game near the peacock fountain; you are guaranteed a challenge, if you chance to pass by.

            14
            You need Curiosity 14 (you have 36)

            14
            Unlocked with Curiosity 14 - you have 36

Carousing with the traders and workmen

Gain 2 x Imagination and 2 x Threats of War each time you play this branch.

Murshidabad is always an excellent place to find liquor and company, but there is a particularly febrile air to the to the nightly merriment these days; it adds a certain dark appeal to an evening of palm-wine and camaraderie in the town's many crumbling liquor-shops.


Svapnasthana

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

Always

Always


Tactical decisions

Games of chess with the scholars

A straightforward challenge

The scholars and their assistants are spread out around the marble fountain as you arrive. Servants chip ice transported from the northern mountains into long drinks flavoured with rose and mango, and offer trays of milk-sweets and spiced savouries to the parched game-players. One of the military historians invites you to play with him, setting out his own set of chess-pieces made of bright glazed Iznik pottery imported from Ottoman Turkey.

You quickly fall into the rhythm of the game; he is a sharp, adaptable player, but perhaps too used to the battlefield. He uses his horses and elephants too much like real mounted cavalry. You lose many of your foot-soldiers as he advances but manage to sneak past his lines with your camels. Around you the scholars talk of their particular pursuits, assiduously avoiding mention of court politics. The sun has waned in the sky by the time you emerge victorious; he salutes you with his wine as he packs away his figures. An afternoon well spent.

31 change points, 6 more needed to reach level 37.

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 gained 1 x Imagination (new total 1,127).


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.


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.

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 259)

            5
            You need Curiosity 5 (you have 30)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 259

            5
            Unlocked with Curiosity 5 - you have 30

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 259)

            1
            You need 1 x Mir Jaffar  (you have 24)

            5
            You need Perception 5 (you have 34)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 259

            1
            Unlocked with 1 x Mir Jaffar  - you have 24

            5
            Unlocked with Perception 5 - you have 34

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 34)

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 259)

            5
            Unlocked with Perception 5 - you have 34

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 259

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 259)

            5
            Unlocked with Serenity 5 - you have 32

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 259


Murshidabad

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

Always

Always

Prayer and Prophecy at the Temple

<P>You find yourself drawn to return to the little temple in Murshidabad...


The inner courtyard

The ladies of the court

Curiosity

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

A straightforward challenge

            1
            You need Imagination 1 (you have 258)

            5
            You need Curiosity 5 (you have 30)

            1
            Unlocked with Imagination 1 - you have 258

            5
            Unlocked with Curiosity 5 - you have 30

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.

25 change points, 6 more needed to reach level 31.

Curiosity is increasing...

use imagination to act in the dreaming world

You've lost 1 x Imagination (new total 258).

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 263).

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

You've gained 2 x Traumas (new total 34).


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 263

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.


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.

Murshidabad

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

Observe the homas

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 48)

            10
            Unlocked with Serenity 10 - you have 48

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.

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.

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 48)

            16
            Unlocked with Serenity 16 - you have 48


Svapnasthana

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

Always

Always


Blood like gold

The Black-Tongued Prophetess

A straightforward challenge

She smiles and bares her black-stained lips and tongue, rolling her eyes back in laughter far too loud for this consecrated place – yet no-one else glances up from their business. Can she hide herself from their eyes with magic? Are they merely used to her unsettling presence?

“It does not matter what they see, oh honoured sa-ilu,” she tells you mockingly. “What matters, foolish one, is what you see. And, mmm, what is that?”

Her hands squeeze around your throat with unnatural strength, nails leaving a pattern of black thorns around your neck. As the breath leaves you gentle as a kiss you see armies of wooden soldiers arrayed over a hill, toppling to the earth and rising up again. The hill shudders and you realise it is not a hill at all, but a giant with your face. You are swarmed all over by soldiers who stick you with their small, sharp knives, and drink the gold liquid that bleeds from each cut. You struggle but your limbs are staked to the ground; the ropes are made of jasmine and rose-thorns and glistening saliva. You cannot break them.

42 change points, 7 more needed to reach level 49.

Serenity is increasing...

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

You've gained 9 x Visions (new total 1,529).

You've gained 1 x Slivers of Prophecy (new total 48).


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