The Jovial Contrarian

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

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"A fixture of high Society, the Jovial Contrarian is much admired and little loved. His allegiances shift like sand; his arguments dance from position to position, merely for the love of debate. His positions are unclear, his rhetoric incisive. No one is quite certain whether he intends to win at all."[1]

The Jovial Contrarian is a writer and a lover of debate, known to flip-flop between positions from column to column and conversation to conversation.

Agree

"We have cause for celebration. At last, the chance to prove we are capable of self-governance is in our grasp." The Contrarian extends a hand, taking in the tubs of green paint, mitres perched on mops, and a twelve foot scarecrow in red stockings. "If we happen to upset the unaccountably self-important along the way, so be it. The Masters will take note."[2]

One of London's most infamous figures, the Jovial Contrarian has a singular talent for provoking debate and giving his opponents conniptions.[3] He grew up in an orphanage, where he preferred to help enforce the rules, and was eventually adopted by a well-to-do couple.[4] He dreams of retiring to the life of an idle aristocrat, but the thrill of righteous conflict keeps drawing him back.[5] He dislikes violence, believing there are always better ways to resolve disputes,[6] and delights in whimsy and pranks.[7] It is difficult to glean much else about his views from the source, however, because he contradicts himself constantly.[8] He is a wheelchair user.[9]

The Contrarian serves as August of the Calendar Council.[10] A more moderate member of the Council, he opposes the Liberation of Night[11] and asserts that London's revolutionary movements need to be more respectable and reputable rather than focusing on agitating.[12] A treatise on debate and oratory in the Agendums of Ascent betrays his authorship thanks to its constantly shifting opinions.[13] He is close to April,[14] though they do not always agree, and respects January despite their differences in opinion.[15] He has considerable affection for September,[16] and some kind of relationship and/or rivalry with the Affluent Photographer.[17]

The Manager of the Royal Bethlehem Hotel

The Jovial Contrarian ran in the first election for Mayor of London in 1894, under the slogan "Master Yourself." In classic fashion, he declared his candidacy the day after he denounced the entire election as an "undemocratic sham."[18] With the help of the Manager of the Royal Bethlehem Hotel,[19] he ran on an essentially anarchist platform, advocating for self-governance of London,[20] and his campaign quickly became a spectacle of absurdist rhetoric.[21] Despite his encouragement of chaos,[22] the campaign initially operated with a surprising degree of organization behind the scenes, ensuring that his financial dealings and intelligence network were entirely in order.[23] The Contrarian was even meticulous enough to reject donations from January of the Calendar Council, on account of her Liberationist leanings[24] — and to secretly donate to his own political rivals in order to sow further strife.[25] The orderly disorder could not continue forever, though, and the Manager and some of the Contrarian's key staff were replaced by February and her agents, causing an internal revolt within the campaign.[26] Sinning Jenny ultimately won the election, but the Contrarian, chipper even in defeat, promised that "The light has not yet gone out. This is not the end."[27]

To Disagree

"I woke up one morning in my bath and found I was absolutely furious! How could I have been so wrong? There was nothing for it but to run against my own ideals!"[28]

In 1896, the Jovial Contrarian embarked on his second mayoral campaign under a new slogan: "Pull Yourselves Together!"[29] Angry that his previous campaign was hijacked by February,[30] he pivoted towards a platform diametrically opposed to his previous stance: advocating for law and order and a return to civic discipline.[28] The establishment and the Constables rallied behind such a cause,[31] especially since the Contrarian proposed making the Constables financially independent from the Ministry of Public Decency, as well as hosting a Constables' Ball to recognize their service.[32] Some revolutionaries from his first campaign felt betrayed, while others remained on the Contrarian's side, recognizing the deeper game he was playing[33] — hinted at by the fact that January, previously too radical for the Contrarian to accept her donations, was his campaign manager.[34]

January of the Calendar Council

The Contrarian leaned toward authoritarianism, arguing that previous mayors had failed in maintaining law and order, but remained evasive about his personal convictions.[35] Upon closer inspection, his vast intelligence network was monitoring the Constabulary and its secret divisions, exposing the Ministry’s influence over law enforcement.[36] The Contrarian was, in fact, aiming to weaken the Constabulary; financial independence from the Ministry would result in the closure of the Special Constables and any other Ministry-funded divisions,[32] removing a major tool of enforcement from the control of the Bazaar and the Masters.[37] His strategies resonated with the electorate, and the Contrarian was elected Mayor of London[38] — though his victory was overshadowed by the demolition of the mayoral residence, orchestrated by the outgoing Mayor Feducci.[39] The Contrarian immediately set to work, preparing for conflicts with the Ministry and consolidating his newfound authority.[40]

True to his plans, as Mayor, the Contrarian sought to limit the power of the Constabulary and fought against the Ministry[41] (and by extension the Masters).[42] Working out of his townhouse,[43] he was a competent mayor and manager during his term, taking extra time to answer public concerns and keeping his staff content with reasonable hours.[44] He participated in diplomatic relations with Arbor when the city opened its gates later that year.[45] Toward the end of his term, he published several articles decrying all three of 1897's candidates; in his last act as Mayor, he declared the mayoral position to be "corrupt, shambolic and altogether unfit for purpose," and replaced it with the position of Lord Mayor.[46] His successor, Virginia, was the first to hold this title.[47]

In the Sunless Skies timeline, the Contrarian lives among fellow academics aboard the Wreck of the Berrenger in Eleutheria, wearing the mask of the Recalcitrant and arguing that the Berrenger itself is a waste of time.[48]

Historical Inspirations

The Jovial Contrarian may have been inspired by Georges Couthon, a notable politician during the French Revolution. Couthon, like the Contrarian, was a wheelchair user due to paralysis in his legs. He was known for his persuasive oratory skills and his alliance with radical Jacobin leader Maximilien Robespierre. The alignment between the Contrarian's position as August in the Calendar Council, and Couthon's middle name Auguste, is unlikely to be a coincidence. However, in addition to the obvious chronological discrepancy, the backgrounds of the two men differ significantly; while the Contrarian grew up in an orphanage, Couthon grew up in a lower bourgeoisie family with both parents present.

References

  1. ↑ The Jovial Contrarian 2, Fallen London
  2. ↑ Learn more about the Jovial Contrarian's platform (1894), Fallen London
  3. ↑ ...is about to give a Whiskered Admiral a fit, Fallen London "Too late! The Admiral has passed the limit of his patience. He stands then collapses – purple-faced – into the sprout tureen. The evening comes to an abrupt end; everyone was rather put off their food by someone dying in it. As guests leave, still picking sprouts from their bustles, the Contrarian is apologetic. He doesn't know why this keeps happening."
  4. ↑ A Confession of the Jovial Contrarian, Fallen London "The Contrarian writes of his childhood at an orphanage. Back then, he had no revolutionary spirit: when the matron was on the warpath, he hid. When blame was placed, he pointed. If friends were punished, he kept silent. When he grew older, he became prefect, and would ferret out jam-stealing children at the matron's command. His policy served him well, and he was adopted by a society couple. He writes that he still misses the friends he left behind."
  5. ↑ Have lunch with the Jovial Contrarian (12 FATE), Fallen London "'I want to retire. To a grand house, where I could host dinner parties. I should have adorable pets I'd forget about, and redecorate monthly. The papers would write the vilest things about me and I'd have them in court by the hour.' He sighs, 'Isn't it terrible? When one's spirit and one's ethics quarrel? There. I'm just as bad as everyone else, really.'"
  6. ↑ Gift the Mayor a Confession of Violence, Fallen London "The Mayor blanches. "There's always a better way.""
  7. ↑ Gift the Mayor a Confession of Whimsy, Fallen London "The Mayor giggles heartily. "How marvellous! And helpful too. Thank you.""
  8. ↑ The Jovial Contrarian..., Fallen London "He'll argue for the rights of Clay Men in the columns of one paper and against them in another. But he's a prized presence at parties; who doesn't enjoy a good argument?"
  9. ↑ ...is looking for someone to argue with, Fallen London "Take a seat next to his wheeled chair. You'd rather debate than dance any day."
  10. ↑ Bury the Council's Secrets, Fallen London "March needs assistance […]. June cannot be trusted. […] August is being recalcitrant. […] April's latest business ventures need burying, before it's discovered she still lives. There's no time for play, when your work is deadly serious."
  11. ↑ The Jovial Contrarian's Campaign 1, Fallen London "A substantial amount from the same source – denoted with a black x. [...] all are dated simply 'January'. An uncashed cheque [...] has been scrawled over crossly [...] 'The light need not necessarily go out.'"
  12. ↑ Help plant an agent in the Ministry for Public Decency, Fallen London "As revolutionaries go, the Jovial Contrarian is perilously frank. "We've no shortage of troublemakers, speech-wrights, and bomb-throwers," he tells you. "What the movement needs today is someone of sound reputation." He looks at you meaningfully."
  13. ↑ The Calendar Code, Fallen London "A closer reading reveals a position which shifts and transforms from page to page. You realise that what the author is writing about is the art of debate itself; the pleasure of the spoken word, and its power to change minds. Along the way, you glean many little insights."
  14. ↑ Persuade the Jovial Contrarian, Fallen London "For once, the Jovial Contrarian does not seem to be joking. "I highly value the input of my note-making colleague," […] "I consider it one of the Board's greatest triumphs to attract her participation, and to lose her would be a loss to the company.""
  15. ↑ Persuade the Jovial Contrarian, Fallen London "What? […] January is an old and dear friend– well, no. January is a–. January will be difficult if you offend her. […] I've done it many times […] It's such a bother making one's apologies and I really recommend that you avoid the necessity."
  16. ↑ Persuade the Jovial Contrarian, Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian looks even more jovial than usual at this prospect. What would one call that look? Sparkling? Gleaming? Aglow? Perhaps his heart warms at the thought of someone almost as argumentative as himself."
  17. ↑ Revolution and Coffee, Fallen London
  18. ↑ The Jovial Contrarian (1894 candidate), Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian was last to declare. He joined the election only a day after publishing a piece denouncing the entire process as an undemocratic sham. His slogan is 'Master Yourself.'"
  19. ↑ Choose a Target: The Jovial Contrarian's Campaign, Fallen London "The Manager of the Royal Bethlehem is always at the Contrarian's side. They are both convivial when they think themselves observed. But once, you spot them in a dark corner, arguing. "Between this and the Bazaar, there is no third way," the Manager says. "You will be neither forgiven nor thanked.""
  20. ↑ Learn more about the Jovial Contrarian's platform (1894), Fallen London "We have cause for celebration. At last, the chance to prove we are capable of self-governance is in our grasp. [...] If we happen to upset the unaccountably self-important along the way, so be it. The Masters will take note."
  21. ↑ Engage the Contrarian's Supporters in Public Debate, Fallen London "The Contrarian's supporters delight in nonsense and often force their opponents to defend themselves against absurd and unexpected accusations."
  22. ↑ Choose the Jovial Contrarian as your candidate (1894), Fallen London "A marching band of nuns in scarlet passes by. The Contrarian waves to them merrily. "Marvellous, isn't it? Nothing quite like the joie de vivre of the democratic process." Nearby an elderly deacon engages one of the Contrarian's supporters in a vigorous bout of democratic process. The Jovial Contrarian applauds, delighted."
  23. ↑ The Jovial Contrarian's Campaign 1, Fallen London "His invoices are ordered, his ledgers discrete in function. His staff are paid a handsome sum, and always on time. Behind the chaos of the street campaign, a methodical and efficient mind is at work."
  24. ↑ The Jovial Contrarian's Campaign 1, Fallen London "There are, however, irregularities. A substantial amount from the same source – denoted with a black x. Despite being scattered throughout the records, all are dated simply 'January'. An uncashed cheque is book-marking the page with the most recent entry. The cheque has been scrawled over crossly, with words in an altogether more untidy penmanship, reading 'The light need not necessarily go out.'"
  25. ↑ The Jovial Contrarian's Campaign 1, Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian employs a team of fixers of astonishing efficiency [...] As a result, the Contrarian has access to almost on the hour reports on the levels of his support, vital constituencies, and wavering campaigners. [...] there is an iron core of supporters around the Contrarian himself [...] These workers ensure that key accounts are duplicated before being presented to the campaign manager. In most cases, both sets match. However, recent entries in the Contrarian's personal ledgers reveal substantial donations to both Jenny and the Bishop. It is unlikely that these rows have been copied across."
  26. ↑ Choose a Target: The Jovial Contrarian's Campaign, Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian's campaign headquarters are in a state of chaos. More chaos. Key staff have been replaced, including the Contrarian's campaign manager. The Manager of the Royal Bethlehem is conspicuous in his absence. Those staff trusted by the Contrarian have taken over the upper floors. They are refusing access to a horde of fresh – and especially fervent – supporters. They arrived only today, along with the new campaign manager. And the identity of the new campaign manager? You bump into her on the stair to the Contrarian's offices. February flashes you a smile to stop a ghost's heart. "I'm not surprised to see you here. You should know – things will proceed very differently from now on. The Contrarian will come to see the error of his present folly.""
  27. ↑ Have a word with the Jovial Contrarian, Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian beams as you approach his chair. "Isn't this wonderful?" [...] "No two ways about it, we lost. But such an upswelling of support! So many are willing to fight for our cause." His smile becomes mischievous [...] "Take heart, friend. The light has not yet gone out. This is not the end.""
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 The Jovial Contrarian (1896 candidate), Fallen London "No one was expecting the Jovial Contrarian to try again, least of all himself. As he says in an extensive interview with Mr Huffam, "I woke up one morning in my bath and found I was absolutely furious! How could I have been so wrong? There was nothing for it but to run against my own ideals!" His platform is a restoration of London to a city of order, a devotion to the rule of law; a city for the just, the virtuous and the wise. "Pull yourselves together!""
  29. ↑ Choose the Jovial Contrarian as your candidate (1896), Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian is a fixture of London debates. He reliably takes the opposite position to whatever is being argued. He ran for Mayor before. His slogan is "Pull yourselves together!""
  30. ↑ Ask the Jovial Contrarian about his change of heart, Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian meets you at his campaign headquarters in Ladybones Road. "I don't like to discuss that topic publicly. I'm drawing a line between this campaign and the previous, you understand? Now: what is a man but a system of contradictions held together by the perceptions of others?" He pauses. "Alright, that needs work, but you see my point." Is he prevaricating? "Not in the slightest! If truth be told, I was angry when my campaign was hijacked. It soured me on my so-called friends." Is this campaign an act of revenge, then? The Jovial Contrarian smiles. "An argument is never really over," he says mildly."
  31. ↑ The Jovial Contrarian (Card), Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian's supporters are an orderly bunch. [...] The majority of the facts even appear to have been checked. The Jovial Contrarian wheels along at the heart of his motley alliance, surrounded by burly Constables, well-heeled shopkeepers, grocers, pub-landlords and the occasional confused anarchist. He appears to be having a wonderful time."
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Ask the Jovial Contrarian about his plan for London, Fallen London "'You mustn't, of course, believe the rot in the papers about my wanting to abolish the Constabulary.' He fixes you with a serious look. "In my term of Office, I should be able to enact two key policies. The first is fiscal. It's improper for the Constables to rely upon the Ministry of Public Decency for funding. To say nothing of various special divisions of the Constabulary being directly answerable to the Ministry. We must make the Constables self-governing. The second is that we hold a Constables' Ball – to say thank you for the hard work of our civic defenders.'"
  33. ↑ Protest the Jovial Contrarian's Campaign, Fallen London "You gather a coalition of betrayed revolutionaries, criminals, bored society types [...] and urchins with nothing better to do. [...] you march on the Contrarian's position. A wall of jeering constables and loyalist revolutionaries meets you. [...] Things look like they're about to get very ugly indeed, when the crowd parts. The Contrarian himself wheels out to meet you. What follows is a very pedantic and entirely impersonal debate. He even shakes your hand at the end."
  34. ↑ Choose a Target: The Jovial Contrarian's Campaign 2, Fallen London "A formidable curator keeps a sharp eye over the running of the campaign and interviews all prospective staff. "I run a museum," she tells you, as though that explains anything." (January, initially introduced as the Masked Curator, runs the Museum of Injustice.)
  35. ↑ Learn more about the Jovial Contrarian's platform (1896), Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian is happy to take time out from reminding honest citizens of their civic responsibilities to talk to you. [...] "Would you say our previous Mayors have been effectual in the field of law and order? That's rhetorical." He gives you a merry wink. "That issue is why I believe I ought to be Mayor. I can hardly do a worse job. Besides, what's the good in being philosophically 'right' when ordinary Londoners are suffering from a surfeit of violence, vitriol and the Vake?" He sends you on your way with a smile."
  36. ↑ Choose a Target: The Jovial Contrarian's Campaign 2, Fallen London "[...]you quickly identify a trail of paperwork indicating a network of spies and informants. Much of their intelligence is speculation, and at least three are suspected double-agents. But together, the material represents a forensic overview of the running of the Constabulary, including their secret departments, and how and which of each are controlled by the Ministry."
  37. ↑ Convince the Jovial Contrarian to share a confidence, Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian takes you on a tour of his headquarters: a series of mouldering tenements near Hangman's Arch, knocked together to form one ramshackle warren. "I shall stay here, even if I win," he says. "You can never really pin this place down." He pauses, looking at a brace of Constables marching below. "The previous two Mayors have been so ineffectual, the worst thing that could happen to the Constables is direct governance by the Mayor's Office. Which is precisely why I advocate the policy. Dismantle the tools," he says softly, looking out to the spires of the Bazaar, "And we are a step closer.""
  38. ↑ 1896: The Victor is Announced!, Fallen London ""You have elected your new Mayor. Please come forward, sir." The Jovial Contrarian wheels himself to the front of the platform, beaming, though evidently bemused. The crowds begin to cheer."
  39. ↑ 1896: The Victor is Announced!, Fallen London "Just as the civil servant is making a discreet exit, a loud explosion is heard. Smoke rises from the direction of Blythenhale. It later emerges that as his last act as Mayor, Feducci had the mayoral residence exploded."
  40. ↑ Have a word with the Jovial Contrarian (1896), Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian raises his hands and shoos away his crowd of delighted Constables and amazed anarchists. [...] "So much to do! First off, getting my headquarters set up for a proper war footing. In a manner of speaking," he winks extravagantly. "People to thank, hopes to dash, information to burn, you know how it is. And then prepare for a nasty fight with the Ministry." He looks delighted at the prospect."
  41. ↑ The Mayor is at the Festival!, Fallen London "The advantage," he drawls, "to having such a close relationship with our brave constabulary is that I now know what everyone is up to." His security escort makes a face. "The Ministry doesn't like us coming to Mutton Island," he says wistfully, "I'm really going to have to do something about all their interfering."
  42. ↑ Protest against the Mayor (The Jovial Contrarian), Fallen London "The protest is organised near the Bazaar, to deter the Mayor from visiting[…]. He avoids the south bank entirely. A senior auditor in the Ministry keeps an eye on proceedings. […] "We won't surrender our institutions to chaos." […]"
  43. ↑ The Mayor of London (The Jovial Contrarian), Fallen London "With the old Mayoral residence at Blythenhale reduced to ash, the Jovial Contrarian has made the new residence his well-appointed townhouse in Ladybones Road. In the main hall, Constables and Ministry officials can be found arguing every hour of the day. The Contrarian's Revolutionary guards roost in the attic."
  44. ↑ Investigate the Mayor (The Jovial Contrarian), Fallen London "The Jovial Contrarian works five days a week. He spends long luncheons with concerned citizens, which inevitably results in longer hours at his desk, teasing out the merits of each complaint. While he sees to the well-being of his staff, insisting on reasonable working hours, he ignores this for himself."
  45. ↑ Ask what the Mayor is up to, Fallen London ""I have a civic responsibility to find out what an envoy to the city wants. Especially when she is heralded by dreams of falling roses." He pauses. "Or, one might consider that a Mayor with a vested interest in the well-being of his citizens should be curious about the survival of a group from a prior city, and the means by which they achieved it.""
  46. ↑ Election 1897: The Victor is Announced, Fallen London "We all know the office of Mayor is corrupt, shambolic and altogether unfit for purpose. Therefore, as my last act,I have abolished it. I have put in an appeal to Her Majesty. From now on, London shall have a Lord Mayor instead."
  47. ↑ Ask what the Mayor is up to, Fallen London "He brandishes a piece of paper authoritatively. "London's first Lord Mayor shall be ... Virginia.""
  48. ↑ "The Berrenger is a waste of time, and should be destroyed.", Sunless Skies "A Recalcitrant rolls forward on his wheelchair and states his position cheerfully, despite the roars of outrage."
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