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}}<blockquote>''"She has an interest in the far reaches of the Neath, and a firm commitment to ending banditry and criminal activity wherever she may encounter it."''<ref name="lesson">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Invite_the_Implacable_Detective_to_your_Board|Invite the Implacable Detective to your Board|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>'''The Implacable Detective''' is one of the most prominent investigators in [[London]], known for her relentless pursuit of the truth, her uncompromising moral code, and her attention to details.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attend_a_class_given_by_the_Implacable_Detective|Attend a class given by the Implacable Detective|Fallen London|}}</ref> | }}<blockquote>''"She has an interest in the far reaches of the Neath, and a firm commitment to ending banditry and criminal activity wherever she may encounter it."''<ref name="lesson">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Invite_the_Implacable_Detective_to_your_Board|Invite the Implacable Detective to your Board|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>'''The Implacable Detective''' is one of the most prominent investigators in [[London]], known for her relentless pursuit of the truth, her uncompromising moral code, and her attention to details.<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attend_a_class_given_by_the_Implacable_Detective|Attend a class given by the Implacable Detective|Fallen London|}}</ref> | ||
==Implacable== | ==Implacable== | ||
<blockquote>''"If you're getting nowhere, just keep snooping around the suspects and wait for someone's nerve to crack. That one's resolved more cases than I care to admit."''<ref name="lesson2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attend_a_class_given_by_the_Implacable_Detective|Attend a class given by the Implacable Detective|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>The Implacable Detective is a formidable, | <blockquote>''"If you're getting nowhere, just keep snooping around the suspects and wait for someone's nerve to crack. That one's resolved more cases than I care to admit."''<ref name="lesson2">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Attend_a_class_given_by_the_Implacable_Detective|Attend a class given by the Implacable Detective|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>The Implacable Detective is a formidable, aging woman with sharp eyes and an iron will. Well-known in London’s underworld, she has earned the respect of even the most hardened criminals.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Implacable_Detective The Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London''] "The Implacable Detective is a fixture of London's underworld"</ref> Among her many adversaries, [[The Cheery Man]] holds her in particularly high regard. They occasionally face off over chess.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/He%27s_not_alone_2 He's not alone, ''Fallen London'']</ref> | ||
Unlike many in the Neath, she upholds a rigid sense of justice, resisting the corruption that permeates nearly every institution in London—including her own.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Implacable_Detective%27s_Campaign_1 The Implacable Detective's Campaign, ''Fallen London''] "At the first evidence of corruption, [constables] are allowed to make a case for themselves […]. Very few pass.</ref> The flaws of London's Constabulary weigh heavily on her, filling her with shame.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_to_the_Clay_Showman Speak to the Clay Showman, ''Fallen London'']</ref> And so, when necessary, she occasionally sidesteps the law to uphold the justice it fails to deliver.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Turn_to_the_Implacable_Detective Turn to the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London'']</ref> | Unlike many in the Neath, she upholds a rigid sense of justice, resisting the corruption that permeates nearly every institution in London—including her own.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Implacable_Detective%27s_Campaign_1 The Implacable Detective's Campaign, ''Fallen London''] "At the first evidence of corruption, [constables] are allowed to make a case for themselves […]. Very few pass.</ref> The flaws of London's Constabulary weigh heavily on her, filling her with shame.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Speak_to_the_Clay_Showman Speak to the Clay Showman, ''Fallen London'']</ref> And so, when necessary, she occasionally sidesteps the law to uphold the justice it fails to deliver.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Turn_to_the_Implacable_Detective Turn to the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London'']</ref> | ||
The Detective is the pioneer of the Implacable Method,<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Implacable_Method The Implacable Method, ''Fallen London''] "The Implacable's practice is systematic and elegant: it consider all possibilities, eliminate all errors, and isolate the truth"</ref> and her most famous teaching is the Implacable's Lesson: ''"It's better to swallow a single hard truth than a thousand soft lies"''.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Implacable%27s_Lesson The Implacable's Lesson, ''Fallen London'']</ref> She gives the occasional lecture to constables, aspiring detectives and interested Londoners.<ref name=":0" />When cases turn physical or particularly dangerous, she relies on bodyguards for support.<ref name=":1">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/What%3F What?, ''Fallen London'']</ref> | The Detective is the pioneer of the Implacable Method,<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Implacable_Method The Implacable Method, ''Fallen London''] "The Implacable's practice is systematic and elegant: it consider all possibilities, eliminate all errors, and isolate the truth"</ref> and her most famous teaching is the Implacable's Lesson: ''"It's better to swallow a single hard truth than a thousand soft lies"''.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Implacable%27s_Lesson The Implacable's Lesson, ''Fallen London'']</ref> She gives the occasional lecture to constables, aspiring detectives and interested Londoners.<ref name=":0" />When cases turn physical or particularly dangerous, she relies on bodyguards for support.<ref name=":1">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/What%3F What?, ''Fallen London'']</ref> She's gained a reputation for subcontracting her investigations.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Argue_with_the_Implacable_Detective%27s_supporters Argue with the Implacable Detective's supporters, ''Fallen London''] "You demand to know why a woman notorious for subcontracting her cases is positioning herself as the saviour of London justice. You wonder why she seems to be relying so much on failed constables"</ref> | ||
The Detective has a near-compulsive habit of handing out her business cards:<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Implacable_Detective%27s_Business_Card Implacable Detective's Business Card, ''Fallen London''] "Almost any contact with the Implacable Detective will give you one"</ref> to allies,<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Deliver_the_file_to_the_Implacable_Detective Deliver the file to the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London'']</ref> to enemies,<ref name=":1" /> to those who already have one (or several).<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Meet_with_the_Implacable_Detective Meet with the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London'']</ref> She’ll even slip them into the most unlikely of places.<ref name=":2">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Look_for_something_cartographic Look for something cartographic, ''Fallen London'']</ref> Regardless of how someone acquires her ''carte de visite'', it serves as an open invitation—to get casework or simply to challenge her to a game of chess.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dangerous_pastimes Dangerous pastimes, ''Fallen London''] "I understand you're engaged on other business just now. But perhaps you'd care for a game of chess?"</ref> | The Detective has a near-compulsive habit of handing out her business cards:<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Implacable_Detective%27s_Business_Card Implacable Detective's Business Card, ''Fallen London''] "Almost any contact with the Implacable Detective will give you one"</ref> to allies,<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Deliver_the_file_to_the_Implacable_Detective Deliver the file to the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London'']</ref> to enemies,<ref name=":1" /> to those who already have one (or several).<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Meet_with_the_Implacable_Detective Meet with the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London'']</ref> She’ll even slip them into the most unlikely of places.<ref name=":2">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Look_for_something_cartographic Look for something cartographic, ''Fallen London'']</ref> Regardless of how someone acquires her ''carte de visite'', it serves as an open invitation—to get casework or simply to challenge her to a game of chess.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dangerous_pastimes Dangerous pastimes, ''Fallen London''] "I understand you're engaged on other business just now. But perhaps you'd care for a game of chess?"</ref> | ||
==Esoteric Associations== | ==Esoteric Associations== | ||
The Detective not only uses her investigative skills to solve crimes but also to unravel the deeper mysteries of the Neath. She is a prominent member of [[The Dilmun Club]], a secret society of intellectuals with the common goal of finding immortality. The Detective has extensive knowledge on more clandestine activities of various members of the club, seeing as she keep dossiers on everyone.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Dilmun_Club_(Loyalties_2) Discuss the Dilmun Club (Loyalties 2), ''Fallen London''] ''"I keep dossiers on everyone in the Dilmun Club"''</ref> | <blockquote>"The Implacable Detective's chart cabinet is rather impressive. You wonder that she has time for matters geographical when she's usually after some Flit-villain"<ref name=":3" /></blockquote>The Detective not only uses her investigative skills to solve crimes but also to unravel the deeper mysteries of the Neath. She is a prominent member of [[The Dilmun Club]], a secret society of intellectuals with the common goal of finding immortality. The Detective has extensive knowledge on more clandestine activities of various members of the club, seeing as she keep dossiers on everyone.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Dilmun_Club_(Loyalties_2) Discuss the Dilmun Club (Loyalties 2), ''Fallen London''] ''"I keep dossiers on everyone in the Dilmun Club"''</ref> | ||
The Club's pursuit of immortality is primarily centered on reaching its source: [[The Garden]]. However, in the past, the Detective explored a different path to eternal life.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Listen_to_the_Implacable_Detective Listen to the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London''] "I conducted research earlier in my career – at a more naïve period – into a hypothetical mechanism for achieving biological immortality"</ref> Her research delved into cartography—not just the mapping of places,<ref name=":3">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Sell_the_right-hand_side_to_certain_parties Sell the right-hand side to certain parties, ''Fallen London''] "The Implacable Detective's chart cabinet is rather impressive. You wonder that she has time for matters geographical when she's usually after some Flit-villain" | |||
</ref> but of the self as well.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Implacable_Detective%27s_map Discuss the Implacable Detective's map, ''Fallen London'']</ref> This journey took her to [[Hunter's Keep]],<ref name=":2" /> where she obtained several [https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Stone_Tentacle-Key Stone Tentacle-Keys].<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Meet_with_the_Implacable_Detective Meet with the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London'']</ref> [https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Stone_Tentacle-Key]Eventually, though, she abandoned her research, deeming it 'too unlawful' to continue.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Listen_to_the_Naturalist%27s_proposition Listen to the Naturalist's proposition, ''Fallen London'']</ref> The Detective feared it might unlock a monstrosity within mortals.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_her_reservations Ask about her reservations, ''Fallen London''] "The Stone Tentacle-Key can unlock the heart's secret chambers. Imagine the monsters inside"</ref> | </ref> but of the self as well.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Implacable_Detective%27s_map Discuss the Implacable Detective's map, ''Fallen London'']</ref> This journey took her to [[Hunter's Keep]],<ref name=":2" /> where she obtained several [https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Stone_Tentacle-Key Stone Tentacle-Keys].<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Meet_with_the_Implacable_Detective Meet with the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London'']</ref> [https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Stone_Tentacle-Key]Eventually, though, she abandoned her research, deeming it 'too unlawful' to continue.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Listen_to_the_Naturalist%27s_proposition Listen to the Naturalist's proposition, ''Fallen London'']</ref> The Detective feared it might unlock a monstrosity within mortals.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_her_reservations Ask about her reservations, ''Fallen London''] "The Stone Tentacle-Key can unlock the heart's secret chambers. Imagine the monsters inside"</ref> | ||
The Detective is also a member of [[The Candlefinder Society]] | The Detective is also a member of [[The Candlefinder Society]]—a group of the five greatest detectives in London. She often meets with them to talk shop and collaborate on cases.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Have_a_look_at_your_fellows Have a look at your fellows, ''Fallen London'']</ref> | ||
==London's 1895 Mayoral Elections== | ==London's 1895 Mayoral Elections== | ||
In 1895, three main candidates vied for the position of Lord Mayor of London. Among them was the Implacable Detective, the last to announce her candidacy, running under the slogan: "'''''The Only Logical Choice'''''". True to her profession, she conducted rigorous background checks on all her campaign patrons and managers. She also laid the groundwork for what her campaign ominously dubbed: "'''''The Great Prosecution'''''". While she garnered a respectable level of public support, her hardline stance on crime and corruption drove many Constables to abandon her in favor of rivals, particularly [[Feducci]]. <ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Implacable_Detective%27s_Campaign_1|The Implacable Detective's Campaign 1|Fallen London|}} ''"The numbers of Constables in her ranks have halved. Some have defected to Feducci's campaign, while more have been dismissed by the Detective herself."''</ref> Throughout her campaign, she also enlisted the aid of a group known as '''The Stereoscopists''' | <blockquote>"We need to take a firmer hand with the law. So many of our finest minds end their careers mired in poverty or honey. I intend to spend money cleaning them up and putting them back on the streets. They need help."<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Learn_more_about_the_Implacable_Detective%27s_platform. Learn more about the Implacable Detective's platform. ''Fallen London'']</ref> </blockquote>In 1895, three main candidates vied for the position of [[Lord Mayor of London]]. Among them was the Implacable Detective, the last to announce her candidacy, running under the slogan: "'''''The Only Logical Choice'''''".<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Choose_the_Implacable_Detective_as_your_candidate_2 Choose the Implacable Detective as your candidate 2, ''Fallen London''] She was last to declare, because she wanted full dossiers on her opponents before she'd enter the ring. Her slogan is "The Only Logical Conclusion."</ref> True to her profession, she conducted rigorous background checks on all her campaign patrons and managers. She also laid the groundwork for what her campaign ominously dubbed: "'''''The Great Prosecution'''''". | ||
While she garnered a respectable level of public support, her hardline stance on crime and corruption drove many Constables to abandon her in favor of rivals, particularly [[Feducci]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Implacable_Detective%27s_Campaign_1|The Implacable Detective's Campaign 1|Fallen London|}} ''"The numbers of Constables in her ranks have halved. Some have defected to Feducci's campaign, while more have been dismissed by the Detective herself."''</ref> Throughout her campaign, she also enlisted the aid of a group known as '''The Stereoscopists'''—a shadowy group with an uncanny connection to [[Parabola|mirrors]] and to whom she owed a debt.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Choose_a_Target:_The_Implacable_Detective%27s_Campaign|Choose a Target: The Implacable Detective's Campaign|Fallen London|}}</ref> As a token of support, her backers received a distinctive hat crafted by these mysterious figures.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Corinthian_Belfry_Hat_(action) A Corinthian Belfry Hat (action), ''Fallen London''] A label behind a tiny hand mirror reads: 'A Gift from the Honourable Company of Stereoscopists.'</ref> | |||
As the results of the 1895 Election was announced, The Detective seemed unfazed when Feducci was picked as the new Mayor.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Have_a_word_with_the_Implacable_Detective Have a word with the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London''] The Detective smiles as you approach. […] "Sorry about that. Never got the hang of vol-au-vents. Oh, don't look so downhearted. So we didn't win? That doesn't mean it was all for nothing." […] "The work continues."</ref> However, it’s clear she still harbors a grudge against him for winning.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Persuade_the_Implacable_Detective Persuade the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London''] "This is an old grudge, from when Feducci became mayor and the Implacable Detective only won increasing obscurity"</ref> | As the results of the 1895 Election was announced, The Detective seemed unfazed when Feducci was picked as the new Mayor.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Have_a_word_with_the_Implacable_Detective Have a word with the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London''] The Detective smiles as you approach. […] "Sorry about that. Never got the hang of vol-au-vents. Oh, don't look so downhearted. So we didn't win? That doesn't mean it was all for nothing." […] "The work continues."</ref> However, it’s clear she still harbors a grudge against him for winning.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Persuade_the_Implacable_Detective Persuade the Implacable Detective, ''Fallen London''] "This is an old grudge, from when Feducci became mayor and the Implacable Detective only won increasing obscurity"</ref> | ||
==The Past== | ==The Past== | ||
In her youth, the Implacable Detective served at [[The Magistracy of the Evenlode]], where all recruits underwent its rite of passage.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Light_of_the_Lure The Light of the Lure, ''Fallen London''] "This is the traditional rite of passage. All the new recruits must do it"'</ref> In the abyssal depths of the Magistracy, she encountered [[The Light-in-Exile]]—a meeting she buried deep in her memory, shrouded in shame.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flee_from_the_light Flee from the light, ''Fallen London''] "File these recollections with the other unsolved cases, which have been marked 'solved' […], and never re-open them"</ref> Yet, even after leaving the Evenlode for London, the past lingers, its shadow haunting her still.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Break_the_surface_(Flee) Break the surface (Flee), ''Fallen London''] "[…] she was writing about ''her own shame''. The Constables are worse than the […] Stags. Sending her to confront that creature."</ref> She now feels it's imprudent to keep secrets like this to herself.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Dilmun_Club_(Loyalties_4) Discuss the Dilmun Club (Loyalties 4), ''Fallen London''] "Perhaps I'll regret telling you. [...] But I fear a greater regret: keeping it to myself."</ref> | <blockquote>''You do not belong. You will never belong./You are not worthy. You will never be worthy./You don't remember. You don't want to remember.''<ref name=":4" /></blockquote>In her youth, the Implacable Detective served at [[The Magistracy of the Evenlode]], where all recruits underwent its rite of passage.<ref name=":4">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Light_of_the_Lure The Light of the Lure, ''Fallen London''] "This is the traditional rite of passage. All the new recruits must do it"'</ref> In the abyssal depths of the Magistracy, she encountered [[The Light-in-Exile]]—a meeting she buried deep in her memory, shrouded in shame.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Flee_from_the_light Flee from the light, ''Fallen London''] "File these recollections with the other unsolved cases, which have been marked 'solved' […], and never re-open them"</ref> Yet, even after leaving the Evenlode for London, the past lingers, its shadow haunting her still.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Break_the_surface_(Flee) Break the surface (Flee), ''Fallen London''] "[…] she was writing about ''her own shame''. The Constables are worse than the […] Stags. Sending her to confront that creature."</ref> She now feels it's imprudent to keep secrets like this to herself.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Discuss_the_Dilmun_Club_(Loyalties_4) Discuss the Dilmun Club (Loyalties 4), ''Fallen London''] "Perhaps I'll regret telling you. [...] But I fear a greater regret: keeping it to myself."</ref> | ||
==Inspiration in Fiction== | ==Inspiration in Fiction== | ||
The Implacable Detective stands between a Sherlockian [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GreatDetective Great Detective] and the [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LittleOldLadyInvestigates Little Old Lady Investigates] character trope popularised by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Marple Miss Marple]. Though her appearance and certain personality traits align more with the latter, her pioneering scientific methods and professional investigative credentials firmly place her in the realm of the former. | The Implacable Detective stands between a Sherlockian [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GreatDetective Great Detective] and the [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LittleOldLadyInvestigates Little Old Lady Investigates] character trope popularised by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Marple Miss Marple]. Though her appearance and certain personality traits align more with the latter, her pioneering scientific methods and professional investigative credentials firmly place her in the realm of the former. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Scroll box|text = <references/>}} | {{Scroll box|text = <references/>}} | ||
Revision as of 09:27, 31 January 2025
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Beyond this point lie spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include midgame or minor Fate-locked content. Proceed with caution. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"She has an interest in the far reaches of the Neath, and a firm commitment to ending banditry and criminal activity wherever she may encounter it."[1]
The Implacable Detective is one of the most prominent investigators in London, known for her relentless pursuit of the truth, her uncompromising moral code, and her attention to details.[2]
Implacable
"If you're getting nowhere, just keep snooping around the suspects and wait for someone's nerve to crack. That one's resolved more cases than I care to admit."[3]
The Implacable Detective is a formidable, aging woman with sharp eyes and an iron will. Well-known in London’s underworld, she has earned the respect of even the most hardened criminals.[4] Among her many adversaries, The Cheery Man holds her in particularly high regard. They occasionally face off over chess.[5]
Unlike many in the Neath, she upholds a rigid sense of justice, resisting the corruption that permeates nearly every institution in London—including her own.[6] The flaws of London's Constabulary weigh heavily on her, filling her with shame.[7] And so, when necessary, she occasionally sidesteps the law to uphold the justice it fails to deliver.[8]
The Detective is the pioneer of the Implacable Method,[9] and her most famous teaching is the Implacable's Lesson: "It's better to swallow a single hard truth than a thousand soft lies".[10] She gives the occasional lecture to constables, aspiring detectives and interested Londoners.[2]When cases turn physical or particularly dangerous, she relies on bodyguards for support.[11] She's gained a reputation for subcontracting her investigations.[12]
The Detective has a near-compulsive habit of handing out her business cards:[13] to allies,[14] to enemies,[11] to those who already have one (or several).[15] She’ll even slip them into the most unlikely of places.[16] Regardless of how someone acquires her carte de visite, it serves as an open invitation—to get casework or simply to challenge her to a game of chess.[17]
Esoteric Associations
"The Implacable Detective's chart cabinet is rather impressive. You wonder that she has time for matters geographical when she's usually after some Flit-villain"[18]
The Detective not only uses her investigative skills to solve crimes but also to unravel the deeper mysteries of the Neath. She is a prominent member of The Dilmun Club, a secret society of intellectuals with the common goal of finding immortality. The Detective has extensive knowledge on more clandestine activities of various members of the club, seeing as she keep dossiers on everyone.[19]
The Club's pursuit of immortality is primarily centered on reaching its source: The Garden. However, in the past, the Detective explored a different path to eternal life.[20] Her research delved into cartography—not just the mapping of places,[18] but of the self as well.[21] This journey took her to Hunter's Keep,[16] where she obtained several Stone Tentacle-Keys.[22] [1]Eventually, though, she abandoned her research, deeming it 'too unlawful' to continue.[23] The Detective feared it might unlock a monstrosity within mortals.[24]
The Detective is also a member of The Candlefinder Society—a group of the five greatest detectives in London. She often meets with them to talk shop and collaborate on cases.[25]
London's 1895 Mayoral Elections
"We need to take a firmer hand with the law. So many of our finest minds end their careers mired in poverty or honey. I intend to spend money cleaning them up and putting them back on the streets. They need help."[26]
In 1895, three main candidates vied for the position of Lord Mayor of London. Among them was the Implacable Detective, the last to announce her candidacy, running under the slogan: "The Only Logical Choice".[27] True to her profession, she conducted rigorous background checks on all her campaign patrons and managers. She also laid the groundwork for what her campaign ominously dubbed: "The Great Prosecution".
While she garnered a respectable level of public support, her hardline stance on crime and corruption drove many Constables to abandon her in favor of rivals, particularly Feducci.[28] Throughout her campaign, she also enlisted the aid of a group known as The Stereoscopists—a shadowy group with an uncanny connection to mirrors and to whom she owed a debt.[29] As a token of support, her backers received a distinctive hat crafted by these mysterious figures.[30]
As the results of the 1895 Election was announced, The Detective seemed unfazed when Feducci was picked as the new Mayor.[31] However, it’s clear she still harbors a grudge against him for winning.[32]
The Past
You do not belong. You will never belong./You are not worthy. You will never be worthy./You don't remember. You don't want to remember.[33]
In her youth, the Implacable Detective served at The Magistracy of the Evenlode, where all recruits underwent its rite of passage.[33] In the abyssal depths of the Magistracy, she encountered The Light-in-Exile—a meeting she buried deep in her memory, shrouded in shame.[34] Yet, even after leaving the Evenlode for London, the past lingers, its shadow haunting her still.[35] She now feels it's imprudent to keep secrets like this to herself.[36]
Inspiration in Fiction
The Implacable Detective stands between a Sherlockian Great Detective and the Little Old Lady Investigates character trope popularised by Miss Marple. Though her appearance and certain personality traits align more with the latter, her pioneering scientific methods and professional investigative credentials firmly place her in the realm of the former.
References
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