Thread:Vae Victis/@comment-6042046-20130526090455/@comment-6042046-20130529090421

"But I fear that like with souls (do they have any use at all? And why do the devils claim that at any given moment there are only several hundred soulless in FL, when I can easily get hold of thousands of souls?), Prisoner Honey and everything else only works in the Neath (similarly to the Empress' consort who needs to stay in the Neath to cheat death)."

So you're far along enough to piece that together. The physics of the Neath do function differently than that of the Surface, but we're not sure to what extent. Actually, some people are already certain of the extent of particular items: 1000 Nevercold Brass wanted! Will pay handsomely!

A few of the sidebar snippets also lead one to think that Prisoner's Honey has been produced and used on the Surface.

The practical uses of souls? I'm uncertain, but they do look nice all lined up on a vanity.

When has a devil proclaimed there are only several hundred soulless? As you've guessed, it's a blatant lie. At any time, approximately 11% of FL's humans are without their souls, or so it's been reported. Maybe the devil meant that there are only several hundred soulless humans of especial value, the previous holders of Coruscating Souls and the like.

"Historically, that was only true for high society."

Are you implying Jane Austen misled me, haha? I was generalizing. You're right that most people didn't have fripperies; they couldn't afford them. They still practiced social etiquette and maintained a stringent sense of morals, though it varied further down the social stratum (and many of those morals are considered dubious today). There were external pressures, but I meant to say it was Parliament who passed the various social reform acts; in government, it was the upper class members who typically held the highest positions. Same goes for the military and religious institutes. It'll be extremely difficult to attain a seat of influence without being one of the upper class. Unless...you're intending to go further with your Robespierre comparison by slaughtering the entire upper class to bring social equality? I say, that's not very democratic!

"We all know how hang up the Victorians were on sexuality. In reality, at that time, the number of prostitutes was the highest in all of Britain's history. By some estimates about a quarter of all women in London have worked in prostitution at least some time in their lives)."

The focus has switched from bare ankles and loose hair to other body parts, but people are still hung up on sexuality. XD Prostitution was quite common, but that didn't make it acceptable. It was regarded as evil and finally outlawed in 1885. We can learn more about the socioeconomic plight of females in the era rather than any inherent sexual deviancy of society. The unskilled portion of the working classes and the impoverished "under/sunken" class who were females entered prostitution to feed, clothe and house themselves. Parents also sold their children to bring income into the household. You're too old to work in the mines, not educated enough to be a governess, unwanted as a maid... What exactly are you going to do with yourself? You're so poor you can't afford your principles... Oh, right, you'd commit arson. :P

There was a staggering difference between the living and financial conditions of the middle and working classes. You're not part of high society yet; you're still part of the middle class. Back then, middling households could afford at least one servant and respectable homes. Considering how you began the game as a fugitive huddling in a crypt, you should be proud of how far you've come!

You weren't born into the upper classes, so you'll have to pay your way there. The extravagant expenses don't strike till you become a Person of Some Importance. You'll know you're a toff when three quarters of your inventory have to be sold to purchase PoSI items.

"My character would also love to meet a bad end. Becoming a martyr, wallowing in self-pity and self-admiration is very alluring to his brand of crazy."

Sounds interesting; at least you've got an excuse! My alt's the self-centered and insouciant sort of psycho. She understands how people perceive morality, but she doesn't personally feel it. She's aiming for a throne of skulls (or roses, or wine bottles, doesn't really matter), so she's keeping her options open by sticking close to Society, Hell and the Revolutionaries. She sees how Mr Wines contemplates and controls the realms of desire. She thinks that position would please her.

"Can you imagine the ceremony though?"

I really shouldn't giggle at interspecies jokes at my age -- or any age, really -- but I let a few rip. :D

"You old softie. I remember being like that once. The Neath changed it all - the Neath is very good at changing people."

I practice a specific philosophy of megalomania: don't let your environment shape you -- shape your environment! I will reform the city into a place the majority of its inhabitants can safely and proudly call home. Besides, I find people more useful when they're alive.