The Fierce Philanthropist

"There are some things we were not meant to know, they say. But you wouldn't be down here if you took that seriously." 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.

"The Admiralty - and other powers - disapprove of such innovation. Therefore, we will need to be discreet. I have procured experts, labourers, and a workshop. They are well-paid, and loyal."

The Fierce Philanthropist, real name Evelyn, is the affluent daughter of a wealthy Industrialist, and is also the wife of Lytton, the financier of the Seven Against Nidah, who lives in Port Carnelian.

The Agreement About Nothing of Consequence

"London, the Presbyterate, the Khanate, Khan’s Shadow, the New Sequence and even the Iron Republic have all concluded that there’s nothing of any importance under the Zee, and they’ve all agreed to leave it well alone. That means the places below the waves are off limits to you, too."

A zubmarine. Art from FL.

The Fierce Philanthropist financed the recreation and development of Zubmarines in 1887, which violated the Agreement About Nothing of Consequence - but not that the Admiralty could do anything about it, anyway, with their lack of manpower.

The Agreement About Nothing of Consequence, signed in 1896 but circumvented by enterprising zailors almost immediately, is a treaty between the various nations of the Unterzee to ban all exploration of the Unterzee's depths as well as research and construction of zubmarines.

Prior to the Agreement, London's Admiralty conducted its zubmarine research at Station III; the Khanate's zubmarine research base is unknown, but some scientists associated with the project later took up residence at Khan's Shadow.

The New Street Line

"There is no line, only the idea of one. We have conductors operating throughout the Empire, reporting to me. I'll point you to one of them and they'll tell you where you need to go. Assuming, of course, you're ready to be responsible for another's freedom."

In 1906, the Philanthropist became a co-owner of the Steam & Sapphire Company, an engine yard in New London. Secretly, however, she runs a secret underground railroad called the New Street Line. The "railroad" smuggles prisoners from several Workworlds, such as the Brabazon Workworld, and her cousin and co-conspirator is the "conductor" of this line.

She still likes sherry.