Advent Calendar 2020

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From December 1st to the 25th, FBG released an access code every day at noon GMT. It may give anything, from little trinkets to rare or even previously fate-locked items.

Visit the Fallen London Advent Calendar or the Failbetter Twitter page for the newest access codes! This is simply an archive of the story snippets which accompany each code.

December 1st

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/849615advpaperdoor8dis4

The Bazaar rations and licenses Christmas cards. Wisely! They are perilous and subversive harbingers of a peculiar tradition. But hush: here are additional cards, escaped through the Paper Door.

Result:

This has given you seven Potential Christmas Cards. Send them before Christmas, from your lodgings!

[From 2nd December until Christmas Day, you will receive new Christmas cards each week via Time, the Healer.]

•  You now have 7 x Potential Christmas Card

December 2nd

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/850385dimlightinthedarknight6es6

A sudden commotion down on the embankment. A burst of raised voices, then an abrupt silence. The flurry of running footsteps.

Result:

By the time you look over the railing, there's no one there. Only a pile of opened crates (empty), and a shuttered lantern emitting a pool of reticent light. You take it.

•  You've gained 1 x Clandestine Candle

December 3rd

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/8507921advaleatoria23stabl3

A parcel wrapped in seven colours of silk. The card reads A PEACE OFFERING.

Result:

'We've had our differences. But this is Christmas. Best wishes, the Fallen London Probably Random Number Algorithm'

•  You've gained 1 x Devilbone Die

December 4th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/037583dvcovertchristmas7anti0

Rustling from above! Something thumps across your ceiling, and your chimney coughs a cloud of ash. Who's on your roof?

Result:

By the time you've clambered onto your roof, it's empty. But tucked into the chimney is a wrapped bundle, perhaps the loot stashed by some fleeing burglar. You'll consider it an early present.

•  You've gained 1 x Bottle of Broken Giant 1844
•  You've gained 1 x Partial Map
•  You've gained 100 x Foxfire Candle Stub
•  You've gained 1 x Solacefruit

December 5th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/0094941advmistletoe11ish

An arch of mistletoe hangs between two lamposts. A Lonely Clay Man waits beneath; his expression is dubious.

Result:

Someone approaches him; the kiss is brief, and he turns away almost immediately. "No. This is not what I want," he announces. He sighs and shakes his head, before walking away, alone, into the gloom.

•  You've gained 1 x Stolen Kiss
•  You've gained 10 x Romantic Notion
•  You've gained 5 x Memory of Distant Shores

December 6th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/0798069advpalbrush1ism

On the outskirts of the bone market, a small crowd has been lured by a stall-keeper's giveaway.

Result:

"You! A Londoner of taste and distinction," the seller calls, beckoning you closer. "The finest bristles! Polished wood from the Surface! See the quality for yourself!" The palaeontologist's brush is indeed superior. The seller leans close to you and winks. "Easily concealed in the top of your boot, yes?" You turn the brush over in your hands. Its end is stake-sharp. What do they think you're digging up?

[Equipped in your Boots slot, the Completely Unassuming Palaeontological Accessory increases your Dangerous, Persuasive, and Respectable.]

•  You've gained 1 x Completely Unassuming Palaeontological Accessory

December 7th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/5530413advbucketofcat2dex5

A sprinkling of lacre's come early this year. Your doorstep is rank with fishy-smelling white goo. Happy Christmas-to-come.

Result:

Ah, lacre. The Neath's answer to snow. Lacre-men always seem watchful. Lacre-capped roofs tingle with sinister phosphorescence. Lacre dissolves in water only reluctantly, like a guest who hopes to find space in your box-room.

[Use this in your inventory to learn more about lacre or acquire a Destiny.]

•  You've gained 1 x Unusual Pail of So-Called Snow

December 8th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/920742ghostofratmaspast4dnight3

A sound, downstairs at midnight. A burglar…?

Result:

Someone has left… something in the centre of your parlour. Was it a gift? Or did you disturb them at their midnight work?

•  You've gained 1 x Rat of Glory

December 9th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/100902exceptionalfeet1autec8

Ahahaha... Excuse me. We do beg your pardon. 'Ho ho ho.'

Result:

"Do you recall how we came to that place? And they sang of their lightnings and shapeful disgrace? And we tilted our vanes and ennobled our spires. They welcomed us then and commingled all choirs. And not enough, not enough. Still It mourns, and still waits the Sun."

•  You've gained 1 x Meticulously Altered Stocking

December 10th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/6040018advegg4zappa56

A thud in your hearth. Something crashes down your chimney and lands on your rug. Something bottled and pale and luminous.

Result:

A soul? Dropped from above, or intentionally rolled down your chimney? Either way, it's yours now. Keep it safe – there are fewer of these than once there were.

•  You've gained 1 x Judgements' Egg

December 11th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/510284toencouragesolitude0emmons9

A blood curdling scream rends the air! It came from just around the corner...

Result:

A Society matron is shaking her fist at the sky, swearing like a docker. She turns to you. "Bl___y urchins. Nearly brained me!" She gestures to a metal cross on the floor. "Dropped it from the roof – no thought of who might be walking here. I can't go to the river – I've tea with the Duchess on Tuesday."

•  You've gained 1 x An Ornate and Hefty Gothic Cross

December 12th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/088301advbonecloak5alcorn6

You awake to a clattering of bones. Their rattle advances towards your bedroom door.

Result:

The glow of your candle sends rats scattering from under a heap of dark fabric. Beneath it, you find a note that reads, We saw this and thought of you. The words are crossed out and followed by, We saw you and thought of this.

You shake the thing out at arms length and discover a dark cloak with delicate bones stitched into the lining.

[Equipped to your clothing slot, this item increases Shadowy, Dangerous, and Bizarre.]

•  You've gained 1 x Pickpocket's Bane

December 13th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/83479532advhojotoho8cole8

A thud against your windowpane. Snow skitters down the glass. Laughter, bright and high, from the other side.

Result:

Urchins! They pelt your door with snow, and your person too, when you step out onto the street. They run at your approach; you only catch a glimpse of a feathered colander-helmet. A few feathers are left behind, blue as the vanished sky.

•  You've gained 1 x Favours: Urchins (up to 7)
•  You've gained 5 x Royal-Blue Feather

December 14th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/7014473advboletale4keith5

Someone has enlisted an urchin to stand in the false-snow outside your lodgings and hand out tins of something.

Result:

"New! From Murgatroyd's," the child proudly declares. You're almost afraid to ask what's inside. The label proclaims that these are MURGATROYD'S patented JELLIED MUSHROOM CAKES, a NEW INVENTION to DELIGHT and ASTONISH – it goes on like this for some time.

•  You've gained 3 x Tin of Murgatroyd's Jellied Mushroom Cakes

December 15th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/630183alightmeal2moon1

Your Aunt has called by to ensure that your Lodgings are appropriately decorated. She prattles on over tea, then stops abruptly, blushes, and sees herself out. She let something slip.

Result:

Her cherished recipe for scones! Now you know her secrets, it'll be scones for breakfast, dinner and tea. Everyone loves a scone.

•  You've gained 1 x Plate of Scandalously-Buttered Scones

December 16th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/633939advguanatic5baker5

A smiling woman in an unfamiliar uniform, with eyes like moon-pearls, raps at your door. "Drink deep!" she says, handing you a steaming mug.

Result:

That steam! Inhale it and feel your synapses snap and your sinuses crackle.

[Drinking Darkdrop Coffee will refresh ten actions. Find it in your inventory.]

•  You've gained 1 x Darkdrop Coffee

December 17th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/968931restfortheweary9angela8

The 'snow' muffles the hustle and bustle of the city. Winter cold keeps urchins to their hidden haunts, and away from your roof. Tonight, finally, you might be able to get some uninterrupted rest.

Result:

You wake early, to the sound of urchins cackling at a fishmonger who has slipped in slushy lacre. The quiet was never going to last. When you lean out to observe the slapstick, you spot something glinting brilliantly on your windowsill. Where did that come from?

•  You've gained 1 x Ostentatious Diamond
• Your 'Nightmares' Quality has gone!
• Wiki note: Nightmares effect was added around 6 PM UTC.

December 18th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/08022129motr0cake5

Building works at the end of the street have broken through to a disused basement.

Result:

Ministry officials have turned up to cart away the rubbish from this disused basement, but perhaps you could help yourself to one or two small things. You duck in among the workmen and come out again with a thick pile of prohibited documents.

•  You've gained 1 x The Censored Census of 1862

December 19th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/6003481advofficer5whit7

A carriage comes to a rest outside your lodgings. The door opens, and a liveried footman helps a figure down into the slush. She approaches your door and raps thrice.

Result:

The Captivating Princess at your door! She can't stay, she tells you, drinking your wine, but she's sure you'll be seeing a lot more of her very soon. A contrite message from the palace soon appears, announcing a gift of wines to compensate for the Princess' ravages.

•  You've gained 15 x Bottle of Morelways 1872

December 20th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/71010091adreamofasunderedsea7hillm5

What is this place? A sky of fire and names, a sea of pale tears?

Result:

This dream is over. Perhaps something remained.

[This has raised your Putting the Pieces Together: the Taste of Lacre quality. You'll be able to trade it for rewards in January.]

•  You've gained 1 x Putting the Pieces Together: the Taste of Lacre

December 21st

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/7453483advangeldiadem4jilm4

A fussy neighbour has brought you a small gift: it is an angel, meant to top a Christmas tree. "I picked it up for a song at the pawn shop!" she cries. "And I thought you could rather use a better one."

Result:

The angel itself is shabby. Its dress is stained, its face obviously glued back together after being dropped. But its diadem positively glows. Indeed, you pop the little jewel from its crown, and – oh, god! This is no ordinary stone! This is – yes!

•  You've gained 1 x Mountain-sherd

December 22nd

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/083619unusedspare3m0

A cart and a hansom cab have collided on the lacre-slick cobbles. One of the chests strapped to the top of the hansom has fallen and burst open, spilling its contents across the street.

Result:

The inevitable crowd gathers, assessing the value of the garments now strewn across the road. The hansom's driver shouts that they were destined for the new residence of former mayor and deviless Virginia. In all the excitement, a natty hat has rolled onto the pavement. No one has spotted it.

•  You've gained 1 x Virginia's Spare Pillbox Hat

December 23rd

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/0798069advgoesonforever9th7

At the back of the Blind Helmsman, a Frostbitten Midshipman shivers by the fire. She says she travelled with a Merchant Venturer to a frozen Northern door. For a mulled cider, she'll tell you what was behind it.

Result:

The High Wilderness! An unblemished frontier of endless night, awash with potential. The Merchant Venturer is out there, plying the wind-roads of the void. Where one has gone, may others follow?

[You can explore the High Wilderness in our videogame SUNLESS SKIES, available for PC, Mac and Linux. Find it on Steam or GOG.com, delicious friend.]

•  You've gained 1 x Sky-Story

December 24th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/611068agleamingtrap4rd9

Two Constables bustle a burly man out of a house gleaming with Christmas decorations. "Oi!" says the man. "This isn't fair! It's entrapment!."

"Yes?" replies the younger of the constables. "That's rather the point." [...]

Result:

This is the constables' latest scheme: abandoned houses turned into honey-traps – with easy picking for thieves, and watchful constables lurking in every shadow. Every window in the house is cracked open. The front door lock is distressingly flimsy. And in clear view from the street is a large, gleaming safe – ajar. It has done its job here. You can put it to good use elsewhere.

•  You've gained 1 x Lightfingers' Folly

December 25th

Access Code: https://www.fallenlondon.com/a/950431magnificentfeast6hg6

In Fallen London, it is Christmas. But wherever, whoever and whenever you are, Failbetter Games wishes you the best imaginable holiday of your dearest preference. We'll see you in 2021!

Result:

Meet, drink, and be many, for tomorrow They may dine.

•  You've gained 1 x Magnificent Feast