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|alias = The Rumpled Gentleman<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Bloody_Wallpaper The Bloody Wallpaper, ''Fallen London'']</ref>
|alias = The Rumpled Gentleman<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Bloody_Wallpaper The Bloody Wallpaper, ''Fallen London'']</ref>
|relationships = [[The Parabolan Panther]]<br>[[The Viscountess of the Viric Jungle]] (rival)
|relationships = [[The Parabolan Panther]]<br>[[The Viscountess of the Viric Jungle]] (rival)
}}<blockquote>''"A staunch ally of the Fingerkings, the Gentleman has interests concerning the Fourth City, the Glass and, of course, the serpents of Parabola."''<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Call_on_the_Ophidian_Gentleman Call on the Ophidian Gentleman, ''Fallen London'']</ref></blockquote>The Ophidian Gentleman is an agent of the [[Fingerkings]]:<ref name=":2">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Parabolan_Panther Parabolan Panther, ''Fallen London''] ''"When you enquire as to the Ophidian Gentleman's identity, your panther flicks her tail. "Once, he was a priest of the Fourth City, and the Curator of the Gallery of Serpents. Now he is a turncoat, and someone I have no desire to meet again." She takes you back to the mirror you entered by."''</ref> a mercurial, haughty,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Ophidian_Gentleman_in_the_Pavilion|The Ophidian Gentleman in the Pavilion|Fallen London|}} ''"He regards you with a fond expression that contains just the slightest hint of amusement. He does not invite your attention, instead, he seems to expect it in due course."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dismiss_the_Ophidian_Gentleman|Dismiss the Ophidian Gentleman|Fallen London|}} ''"The Ophidian Gentleman gives you a look of quiet disdain. Sighing, he stands from his pile of cushions and begins to gather his things. "Carry on as you are if you like. Though don't feel you need to disappoint me further," he says by way of parting. You get the sense that he doesn't wish to leave."''</ref> and self-serving figure<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_your_Generals|Ask about your Generals|Fallen London|}} ''"The Ophidian Gentleman beams. "Why, always! Set them to your tasks at once! This is precisely what serv— treasured allies are for.""''</ref> who appears to dreamers when least expected,<ref name=":0">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Recruit_the_Ophidian_Gentleman Recruit the Ophidian Gentleman, ''Fallen London''] ''"He doesn't respond to your invitation and appears when you had put all thought of him out of mind. He invites you to share his hookah pipe; it helps sharpen his mind, he claims. Almost immediately, he occludes your Pavilion with colourful smoke."''</ref> offering inspiration in whispered deals. Many a bohemian owes their good fortunes to his influence.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_an_invitation Accept an invitation, ''Fallen London''] ''"It is from the 'friend' who made so many artists great. He wishes to meet you."''</ref><ref>''[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_an_invitation Accept an invitation, Fallen London] "The Ophidian Gentleman shakes your hand. [...] He smiles, delighted to meet you. He has been observing you – your work, of course. Your work! – for a long time. [...] But he can still give you more: insight into dreams, whenever you wish. It'll be on your desk when you wake."''</ref> He appears human, but looks just a bit ''off,'' with his long,<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Masque_in_the_Marshes A Masque in the Marshes, ''Fallen London''] ''"They see […] peculiar things through the bindings of Parabola-linen. […] All agree it was […] worth the journey out to Bugsby's Marsh. […] You do not speak of the thirteenth guest you saw: a long-necked gentleman, […] who watched from the party's edge […]"''</ref> sinuous neck<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Shed_your_skin|Shed your skin|Fallen London|}} ''"The serpent-coils wind hypnotically above. The Ophidian Gentleman nods, once, his neck uncannily flexible."''</ref> and a smile with too many yellowed<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Betray_the_Genial_Magician%27s_Trust Betray the Genial Magician's trust, ''Fallen London''] ''"The Ophidian Gentleman smiles. You can count his yellowed teeth."''</ref> teeth.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_massive_snake_in_the_Dome_of_Scales Ask about the massive snake in the Dome of Scales, ''Fallen London''] ''"I have not had the pleasure. Introduce me, will you?" The Ophidian Gentleman smiles with his many teeth. "On second thought, best not. There are many powers in Parabola, and few of them are tamed. Don't look for history where there is only myth."''</ref> He is always impeccably dressed in a cream suit,<ref>''[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Parabolan_Panther Parabolan Panther, Fallen London] "A coracle drifts across the lake. The Gentleman in it wears a neat cream suit and an avid expression. He raises a hand to catch your panther’s attention. She bares her teeth. The waters around the coracle froth with wriggling eels."''</ref> paired with a red-, black-, and yellow-striped tie (the colors of a Fingerking's stripes).<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Gallery_of_Serpents_(7_FATE) A Gallery of Serpents (7 FATE), ''Fallen London''] ''"He adjusts his cuffs. His tie – gamely striped in red, black, and yellow – stirs sinuously about his collar, neatening its knot."''</ref>
}}<blockquote>''"A staunch ally of the Fingerkings, the Gentleman has interests concerning the Fourth City, the Glass and, of course, the serpents of Parabola."''<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Call_on_the_Ophidian_Gentleman Call on the Ophidian Gentleman, ''Fallen London'']</ref></blockquote>The Ophidian Gentleman is an agent of the [[Fingerkings]]:<ref name=":2">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Parabolan_Panther Parabolan Panther, ''Fallen London''] ''"When you enquire as to the Ophidian Gentleman's identity, your panther flicks her tail. "Once, he was a priest of the Fourth City, and the Curator of the Gallery of Serpents. Now he is a turncoat, and someone I have no desire to meet again." She takes you back to the mirror you entered by."''</ref> a mercurial, haughty,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Ophidian_Gentleman_in_the_Pavilion|The Ophidian Gentleman in the Pavilion|Fallen London|}} ''"He regards you with a fond expression that contains just the slightest hint of amusement. He does not invite your attention, instead, he seems to expect it in due course."''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Dismiss_the_Ophidian_Gentleman|Dismiss the Ophidian Gentleman|Fallen London|}} ''"The Ophidian Gentleman gives you a look of quiet disdain. Sighing, he stands from his pile of cushions and begins to gather his things. "Carry on as you are if you like. Though don't feel you need to disappoint me further," he says by way of parting. You get the sense that he doesn't wish to leave."''</ref> and self-serving figure<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_your_Generals|Ask about your Generals|Fallen London|}} ''"The Ophidian Gentleman beams. "Why, always! Set them to your tasks at once! This is precisely what serv— treasured allies are for.""''</ref> who appears to dreamers when least expected,<ref name=":0">[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Recruit_the_Ophidian_Gentleman Recruit the Ophidian Gentleman, ''Fallen London''] ''"He doesn't respond to your invitation and appears when you had put all thought of him out of mind. He invites you to share his hookah pipe; it helps sharpen his mind, he claims. Almost immediately, he occludes your Pavilion with colourful smoke."''</ref> offering inspiration in whispered deals. Many a bohemian owes their good fortunes to his influence.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_an_invitation Accept an invitation, ''Fallen London''] ''"It is from the 'friend' who made so many artists great. He wishes to meet you."''</ref><ref>''[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Accept_an_invitation Accept an invitation, Fallen London] "The Ophidian Gentleman shakes your hand. [...] He smiles, delighted to meet you. He has been observing you – your work, of course. Your work! – for a long time. [...] But he can still give you more: insight into dreams, whenever you wish. It'll be on your desk when you wake."''</ref> He appears as a bald man,<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Gallery_of_Serpents_(7_FATE) A Gallery of Serpents (7 FATE), ''Fallen London''] ''"He is bald like an egg"''</ref> but looks just a bit ''off,'' with his long,<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Masque_in_the_Marshes A Masque in the Marshes, ''Fallen London''] ''"They see […] peculiar things through the bindings of Parabola-linen. […] All agree it was […] worth the journey out to Bugsby's Marsh. […] You do not speak of the thirteenth guest you saw: a long-necked gentleman, […] who watched from the party's edge […]"''</ref> sinuous neck<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Shed_your_skin|Shed your skin|Fallen London|}} ''"The serpent-coils wind hypnotically above. The Ophidian Gentleman nods, once, his neck uncannily flexible."''</ref> and a smile with too many yellowed<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Betray_the_Genial_Magician%27s_Trust Betray the Genial Magician's trust, ''Fallen London''] ''"The Ophidian Gentleman smiles. You can count his yellowed teeth."''</ref> teeth.<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_massive_snake_in_the_Dome_of_Scales Ask about the massive snake in the Dome of Scales, ''Fallen London''] ''"I have not had the pleasure. Introduce me, will you?" The Ophidian Gentleman smiles with his many teeth. "On second thought, best not. There are many powers in Parabola, and few of them are tamed. Don't look for history where there is only myth."''</ref> He is always impeccably dressed in a cream suit,<ref>''[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Parabolan_Panther Parabolan Panther, Fallen London] "A coracle drifts across the lake. The Gentleman in it wears a neat cream suit and an avid expression. He raises a hand to catch your panther’s attention. She bares her teeth. The waters around the coracle froth with wriggling eels."''</ref> paired with a red-, black-, and yellow-striped tie (the colors of a Fingerking's stripes).<ref>[https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/A_Gallery_of_Serpents_(7_FATE) A Gallery of Serpents (7 FATE), ''Fallen London''] ''"He adjusts his cuffs. His tie – gamely striped in red, black, and yellow – stirs sinuously about his collar, neatening its knot."''</ref>


== Serpentine Allegiances, In More Ways Than One ==
== Serpentine Allegiances, In More Ways Than One ==

Revision as of 07:18, 11 April 2025

"A staunch ally of the Fingerkings, the Gentleman has interests concerning the Fourth City, the Glass and, of course, the serpents of Parabola."[2]

The Ophidian Gentleman is an agent of the Fingerkings:[3] a mercurial, haughty,[4][5] and self-serving figure[6] who appears to dreamers when least expected,[7] offering inspiration in whispered deals. Many a bohemian owes their good fortunes to his influence.[8][9] He appears as a bald man,[10] but looks just a bit off, with his long,[11] sinuous neck[12] and a smile with too many yellowed[13] teeth.[14] He is always impeccably dressed in a cream suit,[15] paired with a red-, black-, and yellow-striped tie (the colors of a Fingerking's stripes).[16]

Serpentine Allegiances, In More Ways Than One

"I should like to pretend that it was altruism that compelled me. But, if I am entirely honest, I just wanted the Satrap's gifts for myself alone."[17]

Centuries ago, the Ophidian Gentleman was a Fourth City priest who served as Curator of the Gallery of Serpents[18] and assisted in the city's imprisonment of the Fingerkings.[19] He was tempted to betray his former cause, and now serves the beings he once held captive.[3] At some point after his alliance with the Fingerkings, he went on pilgrimage with a group[20] that would enter the service of the powerful Satrap of Shallows,[21] but in an apparent double-crossing, he convinced his fellow neophytes to abandon the path[22] so that he could claim the Satrap's gifts for himself.[23] The Gentleman claims he has been alone in future journeys since the Fourth City was destroyed,[24] but in fact he was cursed by the enraged Satrap to stand in place of the eleven he turned away, renewing himself again and again until his debt was repaid — or until he found another to take his place.[23] Even with the Satraps long gone, his duty remains, and he waits sorrowfully for their return.[25]

The Gentleman and the Parabolan Panther clashed at the Battle of the Smoking Shore,[26] but in a later battle at the Dome of Scales,[27] the Gentleman rescued the Panther from a falling column.[28] Though she does not return his affections, the Ophidian Gentleman persists;[29] he has an uncanny ability to track down the Panther to bother her, continually trying to catch her attention or spend a moment with her.[30] Since the intrusion of London into the Parabolan War, the Gentleman has more frequently been seen in open conflict with another powerful cat, the Viscountess of the Viric Jungle.[31]

References

  1. ↑ The Bloody Wallpaper, Fallen London
  2. ↑ Call on the Ophidian Gentleman, Fallen London
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Parabolan Panther, Fallen London "When you enquire as to the Ophidian Gentleman's identity, your panther flicks her tail. "Once, he was a priest of the Fourth City, and the Curator of the Gallery of Serpents. Now he is a turncoat, and someone I have no desire to meet again." She takes you back to the mirror you entered by."
  4. ↑ The Ophidian Gentleman in the Pavilion, Fallen London "He regards you with a fond expression that contains just the slightest hint of amusement. He does not invite your attention, instead, he seems to expect it in due course."
  5. ↑ Dismiss the Ophidian Gentleman, Fallen London "The Ophidian Gentleman gives you a look of quiet disdain. Sighing, he stands from his pile of cushions and begins to gather his things. "Carry on as you are if you like. Though don't feel you need to disappoint me further," he says by way of parting. You get the sense that he doesn't wish to leave."
  6. ↑ Ask about your Generals, Fallen London "The Ophidian Gentleman beams. "Why, always! Set them to your tasks at once! This is precisely what serv— treasured allies are for.""
  7. ↑ Recruit the Ophidian Gentleman, Fallen London "He doesn't respond to your invitation and appears when you had put all thought of him out of mind. He invites you to share his hookah pipe; it helps sharpen his mind, he claims. Almost immediately, he occludes your Pavilion with colourful smoke."
  8. ↑ Accept an invitation, Fallen London "It is from the 'friend' who made so many artists great. He wishes to meet you."
  9. ↑ Accept an invitation, Fallen London "The Ophidian Gentleman shakes your hand. [...] He smiles, delighted to meet you. He has been observing you – your work, of course. Your work! – for a long time. [...] But he can still give you more: insight into dreams, whenever you wish. It'll be on your desk when you wake."
  10. ↑ A Gallery of Serpents (7 FATE), Fallen London "He is bald like an egg"
  11. ↑ A Masque in the Marshes, Fallen London "They see […] peculiar things through the bindings of Parabola-linen. […] All agree it was […] worth the journey out to Bugsby's Marsh. […] You do not speak of the thirteenth guest you saw: a long-necked gentleman, […] who watched from the party's edge […]"
  12. ↑ Shed your skin, Fallen London "The serpent-coils wind hypnotically above. The Ophidian Gentleman nods, once, his neck uncannily flexible."
  13. ↑ Betray the Genial Magician's trust, Fallen London "The Ophidian Gentleman smiles. You can count his yellowed teeth."
  14. ↑ Ask about the massive snake in the Dome of Scales, Fallen London "I have not had the pleasure. Introduce me, will you?" The Ophidian Gentleman smiles with his many teeth. "On second thought, best not. There are many powers in Parabola, and few of them are tamed. Don't look for history where there is only myth."
  15. ↑ Parabolan Panther, Fallen London "A coracle drifts across the lake. The Gentleman in it wears a neat cream suit and an avid expression. He raises a hand to catch your panther’s attention. She bares her teeth. The waters around the coracle froth with wriggling eels."
  16. ↑ A Gallery of Serpents (7 FATE), Fallen London "He adjusts his cuffs. His tie – gamely striped in red, black, and yellow – stirs sinuously about his collar, neatening its knot."
  17. ↑ The Enshrinement of Waters, Fallen London
  18. ↑ A Gallery of Serpents (7 FATE), Fallen London "The Gentleman commends your decency. The serpent door exists here, too, in your dreams. It opens for him. "Your Lost Majesties, I bring tidings and solace from the Castle of Forests..." The door closes behind him. You wake up."
  19. ↑ The Hollow Triptych, Fallen London "Speaking personally, we thank you. We are bound to follow certain rules – both by our old masters in the Fourth, and our new behind the glass. Our direct interference in another's bargain was not permitted. And yet we greatly regret our involvement in the construction of that Entanglement. You have extricated us from a significant quandary." The Ophidian Gentleman performs an elaborate formal bow. "We wish you pleasant dreams."
  20. ↑ Comply, Fallen London "In the old days there would have been twelve of us, but alas this fallen age."
  21. ↑ Approach the fountain, Fallen London "The Gentleman follows your gaze and sighs. "That was the past. When many of us neophytes would make pilgrimage to the Satrap of Shallows. We would do obeisance here, and then enter into her lustrous service.""
  22. ↑ Approach the fountain, Fallen London "I was part of the last group. The others were from my temple. I convinced them to leave the pilgrim road before we reached here. I can be quite convincing when I wish to be." The humour in his tone does not reach his smile. "I entered alone."
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 The Enshrinement of Waters, Fallen London "The Ophidian Gentleman sighs, a long, rich exhalation. "I should like to pretend that it was altruism that compelled me. But, if I am entirely honest, I just wanted the Satrap's gifts for myself alone. [...] The punishment was unpleasant. But also a gift, in its way. I was to take the place of the other eleven. Over and again I would be renewed. And should I wish to end my debt early, well. I must find others. Personages of a superior quality to a mere Fourth City novice.""
  24. ↑ Ask about the other pilgrims, Fallen London "The Gentleman frowns. "Cowardice, mostly. I have tried to entice others to come since the Fourth City neophytes fell to lacre or roses or the call of the zee. I have made bargains and offered gifts, secured debts and promises – but none have had the courage to share these trials." He smiles. "You are the first to witness this pilgrim way in many long years.""
  25. ↑ Follow the Gentleman, Fallen London "Beyond, you find the Gentleman, kneeling before a great altar. The icons of throned Fingerkings are arrayed around it, displayed in majesty. The thrones themselves, however, are empty. There is nothing here but for the Gentleman, the knife and the oils he has displayed around him. [...] The Gentleman, now suppler, tauter, brighter-eyed, nods his thanks. "One day they will return," he says by way of explanation. "And it would not do to have accrued interest in that time." His expression invites no further comment. He makes no move towards your own skin. He leads you from the temple in silence. His tears are washed away in the mists."
  26. ↑ Parabolan Panther, Fallen London "They met during the battle of the Smoking Shore, where he earned his limp and she saved him from an Ophidian Gentleman."
  27. ↑ Parabolan Panther, Fallen London "We fought them here, you know," your panther tells you, conversationally. "Myself and the other Marcher-lords. I got pinned under this column when it fell. It would have been the end of me, but an enemy showed an uncharacteristic moment of weakness."
  28. ↑ Parabolan Panther, Fallen London "Wait, Marchioness!" The Gentleman calls. The vines writhe in the trees, tightening around the branches in winding coils. "I only want to speak! I spared you! Doesn't that buy me a moment of your time?"
  29. ↑ Parabolan Panther, Fallen London "The Gentleman is determined. His hands grip the rim of his vessel with trembling passion. 'I only want to see you, Marchioness! Won't you listen to me, just for a moment?' Your missiles rain around him, but do not slow his advance. Your panther snarls in frustration. Before he can reach the shore, she leads you away. 'We'll have to try another time,' she grumbles. 'Sometimes I think it would have been better if he'd killed me.'"
  30. ↑ Parabolan Panther, Fallen London ""There is no need for violence, Marchioness. I only came here to tell you that I missed you." He leaves."
  31. ↑ Listen to the Viscountess, Fallen London "The Viscountess opens her mouth, but it is another who speaks. The Ophidian Gentleman, striding into your Camp, a satisfied expression on his face. "The Viscountess has overreached herself. Her interference in the Viric Jungle has not gone unnoticed." "Interference? I'll have your throat you green-tongued traitor. I did my duty, protecting the people of London, as you should have done in—" "Well, neither of us has got our way," the Ophidian Gentleman cuts in, taking a careful step back."
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