The Wistful Deviless: Difference between revisions
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The Deviless is polite, demure, and entirely nonthreatening to those who visit her quaint little residence.<ref name = "guardian"/> She responds to gifts graciously,<ref name="souls">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|A hesitant request|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Do you happen to have a case of souls for me? [...] I'd like a keepsake. And all souls are ours, you know, by right." [...] The Deviless lifts the lid of the crate. The light from the souls within illuminates her face. She stares at them for a long moment, and then tears begin to roll silently down her face. "Thank you," she says. "I've missed them so." [...] "Let me tell you something very special." (She whispers it in your ear: her breath smells like hot stone.) "But you should go now. Thank you.""''</ref> has a tendency to overapologize for social misjudgements,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|Refuse tactfully|Sunless Sea|}} ''"I understand. It is a little indelicate. But I've had so few human friends. I'm sorry if I'm tactless sometimes. Sit with me a while. Let's just talk. Oh, and I have this hamper of honey-fungus that your cook might find a use for [...]"''</ref> and can be very openly emotional.<ref name="souls"/> She is also a ''very'' sappy drunk.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Wistful_Deviless|Invite her to supper in your quarters|Sunless Sea|}} ''"She seems more wistful than usual [...] Finally you realise that she's drunk. She's saying something about the old days - [...] She looks directly into your eyes. "You're very pretty," she says. Then she falls face-down in the remains of her chops and stewed mushrooms, and begins to snore."''</ref> When duty calls, she is willing to be threatening, but will (usually) not harm those she cares about.<ref name = "hear"/> The Wistful Deviless is still a devil, however, and has some odd habits and views. She keeps a suitcase made of human skin,<ref name = "suitcase">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|Tell the Deviless it's time to go|Sunless Sea|}} ''"She lifts a single man-skin valise. "This is all I need. Take me back to London.""''</ref> enjoys poisonous wines,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Wistful_Deviless|Invite her to supper in your quarters|Sunless Sea|}} ''"She complains that you have only human spirits, not the cloying poisonous stuff that devils favour, but she drinks it liberally regardless."''</ref> and has a great love for [[souls]].<ref name="souls"/> She also has a condescending attitude towards humans, and is confused and disgusted by emotions such as compassion.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|The Wistful Deviless|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Why did you have to spoil everything?" she complains. "And why - why are you warning me now? No, don't tell me. It'll be one of your human reasons. Compunction or compassion or one of those. What an untidy race you are.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless_comes_calling|The Wistful Deviless comes calling|Sunless Sea|}} ''"You pat her consolingly and wait for her to finish. It takes a while. She seems embarrassed when she leaves: irritated, even, as if she blames you."''</ref> | The Deviless is polite, demure, and entirely nonthreatening to those who visit her quaint little residence.<ref name = "guardian"/> She responds to gifts graciously,<ref name="souls">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|A hesitant request|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Do you happen to have a case of souls for me? [...] I'd like a keepsake. And all souls are ours, you know, by right." [...] The Deviless lifts the lid of the crate. The light from the souls within illuminates her face. She stares at them for a long moment, and then tears begin to roll silently down her face. "Thank you," she says. "I've missed them so." [...] "Let me tell you something very special." (She whispers it in your ear: her breath smells like hot stone.) "But you should go now. Thank you.""''</ref> has a tendency to overapologize for social misjudgements,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|Refuse tactfully|Sunless Sea|}} ''"I understand. It is a little indelicate. But I've had so few human friends. I'm sorry if I'm tactless sometimes. Sit with me a while. Let's just talk. Oh, and I have this hamper of honey-fungus that your cook might find a use for [...]"''</ref> and can be very openly emotional.<ref name="souls"/> She is also a ''very'' sappy drunk.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Wistful_Deviless|Invite her to supper in your quarters|Sunless Sea|}} ''"She seems more wistful than usual [...] Finally you realise that she's drunk. She's saying something about the old days - [...] She looks directly into your eyes. "You're very pretty," she says. Then she falls face-down in the remains of her chops and stewed mushrooms, and begins to snore."''</ref> When duty calls, she is willing to be threatening, but will (usually) not harm those she cares about.<ref name = "hear"/> The Wistful Deviless is still a devil, however, and has some odd habits and views. She keeps a suitcase made of human skin,<ref name = "suitcase">{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|Tell the Deviless it's time to go|Sunless Sea|}} ''"She lifts a single man-skin valise. "This is all I need. Take me back to London.""''</ref> enjoys poisonous wines,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/Wistful_Deviless|Invite her to supper in your quarters|Sunless Sea|}} ''"She complains that you have only human spirits, not the cloying poisonous stuff that devils favour, but she drinks it liberally regardless."''</ref> and has a great love for [[souls]].<ref name="souls"/> She also has a condescending attitude towards humans, and is confused and disgusted by emotions such as compassion.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|The Wistful Deviless|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Why did you have to spoil everything?" she complains. "And why - why are you warning me now? No, don't tell me. It'll be one of your human reasons. Compunction or compassion or one of those. What an untidy race you are.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless_comes_calling|The Wistful Deviless comes calling|Sunless Sea|}} ''"You pat her consolingly and wait for her to finish. It takes a while. She seems embarrassed when she leaves: irritated, even, as if she blames you."''</ref> | ||
The Deviless is a restless spirit who feels dissatisfied with her current station.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|The Deviless disconsolate|Sunless Sea|}} ''"She pours the tea with a shaking hand. Her eyes are distant. "The lights, the agonies, the scalding mists of lead. I miss them so. I long to return from exile. I was such a fool. There's no future with the Convention.""''</ref> Her faith in the Brimstone Convention has wavered,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless_comes_calling|Story description|Sunless Sea|}} ''"At the Convention, I had a purpose. We were going to destroy so many things. I lost faith in that purpose, but I have no more faith here."''</ref> and she misses [[London]], Hell,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|A hesitant request|Sunless Sea|}} ''"I just - I told you that I miss London. I miss Hell."''</ref> and opportunities for mischief<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless_comes_calling|No sympathy for the deviless|Sunless Sea|}} ''"All right. I have lives to ruin. Perhaps I'll see you again. Don't drown."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Brass_Embassy|Escort the Deviless to the Brass Embassy|Sunless Sea|}} ''"You've done a terrible thing, and I am terribly grateful. Take this." [...] "Perhaps I'll see you again. You're so much fun.""''</ref> and the procurement of souls.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|A hesitant request|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Do you happen to have a case of souls for me? No I'm not going to eat them! We don't eat souls, usually. [...] I just - I told you that I miss London. I miss Hell. I'd like a keepsake. And all souls are ours, you know, by right.""''</ref> She seeks to feed the [[Brass Embassy]] information about the Convention so they may allow her return,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|The Deviless disconsolate|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Will you help me? I overhear things, here at the gate - the Convention's plans. Take them back to London for me. The officialdom of Hell will show gratitude to me, [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|Give the Deviless the news from the Embassy, and the gift|Sunless Sea|}} ''""So listen. I have something more valuable for them. The names of seven devils back home who remain loyal to the aristocracy, to Brimstone. Here. Take the names: give them to the Embassy. Ask them if I can come home. [...]"''</ref> but her true loyalties are indeterminable.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Brass_Embassy|Pass on your 'independent verification'|Sunless Sea|}} ''"Pass on your 'independent verification' [...] Rare event (60%) [...] A traitor [...] "How interesting. And unfortunate. This directly contradicts the Deviless' information. Well, treachery is to be expected: I wish she hadn't been so gauche about it. But that's the Brimstone Convention for you." [...] A loyalist [...] "I am delighted to say that this information precisely matches what the Deviless has told us. So we can rely on her: unless you are unreliable in your turn.""''</ref> | The Deviless is a restless spirit who feels dissatisfied with her current station.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|The Deviless disconsolate|Sunless Sea|}} ''"She pours the tea with a shaking hand. Her eyes are distant. "The lights, the agonies, the scalding mists of lead. I miss them so. I long to return from exile. I was such a fool. There's no future with the Convention.""''</ref> Her faith in the Brimstone Convention has wavered,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless_comes_calling|Story description|Sunless Sea|}} ''"At the Convention, I had a purpose. We were going to destroy so many things. I lost faith in that purpose, but I have no more faith here."''</ref> and she misses [[London]], Hell,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|A hesitant request|Sunless Sea|}} ''"I just - I told you that I miss London. I miss Hell."''</ref> and opportunities for mischief<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless_comes_calling|No sympathy for the deviless|Sunless Sea|}} ''"All right. I have lives to ruin. Perhaps I'll see you again. Don't drown."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Brass_Embassy|Escort the Deviless to the Brass Embassy|Sunless Sea|}} ''"You've done a terrible thing, and I am terribly grateful. Take this." [...] "Perhaps I'll see you again. You're so much fun.""''</ref> and the procurement of souls.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|A hesitant request|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Do you happen to have a case of souls for me? No I'm not going to eat them! We don't eat souls, usually. [...] I just - I told you that I miss London. I miss Hell. I'd like a keepsake. And all souls are ours, you know, by right.""''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Brass_Embassy|Escort the Deviless to the Brass Embassy|Sunless Sea|}} ''""London! Oh, the souls, the souls. I haven't smelt so many since - " She inhales, eyes closed, face rapt. Your hackney-carriage approaches the Embassy."''</ref> She seeks to feed the [[Brass Embassy]] information about the Convention so they may allow her return,<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|The Deviless disconsolate|Sunless Sea|}} ''""Will you help me? I overhear things, here at the gate - the Convention's plans. Take them back to London for me. The officialdom of Hell will show gratitude to me, [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Wistful_Deviless|Give the Deviless the news from the Embassy, and the gift|Sunless Sea|}} ''""So listen. I have something more valuable for them. The names of seven devils back home who remain loyal to the aristocracy, to Brimstone. Here. Take the names: give them to the Embassy. Ask them if I can come home. [...]"''</ref> but her true loyalties are indeterminable.<ref>{{Citation|https://sunlesssea.fandom.com/wiki/The_Brass_Embassy|Pass on your 'independent verification'|Sunless Sea|}} ''"Pass on your 'independent verification' [...] Rare event (60%) [...] A traitor [...] "How interesting. And unfortunate. This directly contradicts the Deviless' information. Well, treachery is to be expected: I wish she hadn't been so gauche about it. But that's the Brimstone Convention for you." [...] A loyalist [...] "I am delighted to say that this information precisely matches what the Deviless has told us. So we can rely on her: unless you are unreliable in your turn.""''</ref> | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 18:27, 28 September 2024
"The road to the crater ends at a brass gate in the crater wall. Beside it stands an oddly charming little cottage. It's thrown together from pumice and basalt, but it features honeysuckle. An equally charming deviless in a tea-gown leans against the cottage wall, twirling a parasol and fanning herself."
"I am the guardian of this place. You may not pass. But can I offer you a cup of armillaria tea?"[1]
The Wistful Deviless is a deviless who resides on the island of Mount Palmerston.[2] She is a member of the Brimstone Convention,[3] a group of exiled aristocrats from Hell, and she guards the route to the volcano's crater to ensure no interloper hears things they should not.[2][4]
The Deviless is polite, demure, and entirely nonthreatening to those who visit her quaint little residence.[2] She responds to gifts graciously,[5] has a tendency to overapologize for social misjudgements,[6] and can be very openly emotional.[5] She is also a very sappy drunk.[7] When duty calls, she is willing to be threatening, but will (usually) not harm those she cares about.[4] The Wistful Deviless is still a devil, however, and has some odd habits and views. She keeps a suitcase made of human skin,[8] enjoys poisonous wines,[9] and has a great love for souls.[5] She also has a condescending attitude towards humans, and is confused and disgusted by emotions such as compassion.[10][11]
The Deviless is a restless spirit who feels dissatisfied with her current station.[12] Her faith in the Brimstone Convention has wavered,[13] and she misses London, Hell,[14] and opportunities for mischief[15][16] and the procurement of souls.[17][18] She seeks to feed the Brass Embassy information about the Convention so they may allow her return,[19][20] but her true loyalties are indeterminable.[21]
References
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