Feducci

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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."

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.


"Feducci claims that only a duel to the death can make him feel alive. He is often described as an exiled prince of the tomb-colonies, but you've been around him enough to wonder. Where is he really from?"[2]

Feducci is an accomplished duelist, self-proclaimed prince of the Tomb-Colonies, and former Mayor of London.

'Tis But A Scratch

"What unnatural vitality does this man possess? He dismisses all questions ... As he leaves, Feducci suggests that you would do well to visit his home, far across the Unterzee. You don't think he's speaking of the tomb-colonies."[3]

Feducci is best known for running numerous illegal fighting rings across London;[4][5][6] these are training grounds for those who aspire to join his elite dueling club, the Black Ribbon Society.[7] Once focused on hunting dangerous beasts,[8] the club has since shifted toward lethal duels between its own members, and Feducci himself has permanently slain several duelists.[9] Feducci is at the very least partially immortal, and has survived wounds that would be fatal to ordinary Londoners.[10] His preferred weapon is the lance, which he wields with unparalleled skill.[11][12]

While Feducci keeps his origins under (literal and figurative) wraps, his exceptional vitality suggests that he hails from the Elder Continent. According to an inmate at the Grand Sanatorium who was also an expatriate of the Continent, she and Feducci once served as Presbyterate agents; if her claims are true, Feducci is still the Prester's primary agent in London.[13] The Big Rat also refers to him as the "Presbyter's dog."[14] For his part, Feducci regularly visits Wolfstack Docks,[15] where he has been seen transferring intelligence,[16] valuable animals,[17] and antiques.[18] His apparent work for the Prester extends beyond mere service, as he seeks to become Prester one day himself.[19]

Despite his ties to the Prester, Feducci is also a member of the Dilmun Club, where he serves as a liaison and informant in matters of the Elder Continent.[20][21][22] Since he is essentially a double agent, however, he is excluded from the club's deeper secrets.[23][24]

A replica of Feducci's lance

Beneath his bandages, Feducci is a healthy bearded man,[25] not at all the decrepit tomb-colonist that he enjoys pretending to be.[26] He fought in Hell's Season of Revolutions,[27] aiding the devils in overthrowing their princes and becoming known as a hero; through this he gained an intimate knowledge of the Hinterlands[28]... and perhaps also an intimate knowledge of Virginia,[29] his compatriot in the revolution.[30] It is implied that Feducci later worked as a slaver on Hell's ships during the Campaign of '68,[31] and he himself notes that he has seen zee-beasts devour Hell's triremes whole.[32] It almost goes without saying that Feducci's affiliations have led him to harbor no respect for religion.[33]

For all his bravado, Feducci has endured a share of hardship. After losing a bet, he was forced to make a perilous journey to Arbor.[34] His popularity in the Elder Continent meant that many people volunteered to travel with him, but they all perished, leaving Feducci to reach the gates of Arbor alone.[34] He stayed there for some time,[35] haunted by survivor's guilt.[36]

Feducci's first name may or may not be Antonio.[37]

Mayoral Campaign

"A constant source of rumour, suspicion and fear, Feducci's candidacy has come as something of a surprise. Yet, the tomb-colonist (and there are rumours about that too) takes delight in games of high stakes and deadly chance, and there are few games with higher stakes than politics."[38]

Feducci ran for Mayor of London in 1895, under the slogan "Fair Game, Fair Play."[39] He promised a more egalitarian and meritocratic London, where any citizen could reach their full potential.[40] His campaign was managed by an Indulgent Devil,[41] and gained the support of a fractious array of Londoners.[40] Despite his controversial dealings with Hell,[41] challenges in translating his principles into actionable policy,[42] and exposure of his insider trading activity,[43] Feducci led the polls by a wide margin and eventually won with nearly half the vote.[44][45] He was so assured in his victory that he even moved into the mayoral mansion at Blythenhale before the conclusion of the election, where he made for an abominable tenant.[46]

Upon taking office, Feducci transformed the mayoral mansion from Jenny's artists' commune[47] into a hub of gambling and dueling.[48] His administration was characterized by turmoil and corruption,[49] even going so far as to illegally erase criminal records;[50] he struggled with the slow pace of law and bureaucracy,[51] and was met with protests led by the likes of the Dauntless Temperance Campaigner.[52]

Ultimately, Feducci failed to enact meaningful change. He was so resentful about this fact that he demolished the mayoral residence during the Jovial Contrarian's inauguration,[53] and became even more resentful when his "successor-but-one" and possible old flame, Virginia, proved a far more effective leader.[54] The Contrarian got the last laugh, however: he soon repurposed Feducci's chair as a satirical art piece.[55]

The Royal Wedding

"Are you quite sure you want to know this?"

Beyond this point lie major spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or major Fate-locked spoilers. Proceed at your own risk.

You can find out more about our spoiler policy here.


"'ROYAL WEDDING ANNOUNCED!' 'FEDUCCI TO MARRY PRINCESS!'"[56]

The First Royal Wedding Since The Fall!

During his tenure as Mayor, Feducci courted the Captivating Princess. Unlike the previous Mayor, Sinning Jenny, he did not attend the Fruits of the Zee Festival, perhaps to focus on winning the Princess’s favor.[57] After his term ended, the Princess ultimately accepted his marriage proposal, resulting in the first Royal Wedding since the Fall.[56] As his best man, Feducci chose an Elder Continent ally, who owed him a life debt and adopted tomb-colonist bandages to match Feducci's.[58]

Though Feducci's affection for the Princess appears genuine,[59] there may have been political motivations for their marriage. After all, if Feducci was to invade the Elder Continent and see himself crowned Prester, London would be a valuable ally indeed.[60]

References

  1. ↑ Take notes on your experiences, Fallen London "Splendid seats of gold and porphyry, jade and mahogony and silver jut from the hoary ground. Mourners pass between them, carrying candles in their left hands and crystal glasses of sunlit wine in their right. You make your way between the thrones, reading the names on each. Ezekiah Hepthwaite. Victoria Ambrose. Antonio Feducci. And you."
  2. ↑ Duel Feducci, Fallen London
  3. ↑ A duel to the death with Feducci, Fallen London
  4. ↑ Making your Name: the Fighting Rings, Fallen London "London's illegal fighting rings are a closely guarded secret. Death is unlikely. Pain is certain."
  5. ↑ The Ring of Meat: Take Part in an Illegal Fighting Ring, Fallen London "Feducci, an exiled prince of the Tomb-Colonies, runs a makeshift arena called the Ring of Meat down in one of the warehouses by the wharves."
  6. ↑ The Painted Ring, Fallen London "A password – chosen by Feducci – grants entrance."
  7. ↑ 'Dear (title), ', Fallen London "'I have been watching your progress through the fighting rings. [...] This is my inner circle: a group of duellists who are prepared to duel to the final death in search of glory and sport. Find me near Wolfstack Docks if you have the courage.' [...] Blind Helmsman at Wolfstack Docks, was it?"
  8. ↑ 'Come to dinner...', Fallen London "Ah, we're just a shadow of what we were, you know. There was a time we hunted all across the Unterzee shores, looking for beasts that might challenge us. We even brought a few back here: have you ever been in prison?"
  9. ↑ Joining the Black Ribbon, Fallen London ""So, you want into the Black Ribbon, do you? Or at least, you're interested. Good. We are a duelling society of those who have the courage to face a final death."
  10. ↑ A duel to the death with Feducci, Fallen London "Unwilling to take chances, you hack him into pieces. […] A few days later he calls upon you. What? What unnatural vitality […]"
  11. ↑ Fight back (Railway Board), Fallen London "Feducci does kill one of the neddy men, but this is mostly for show: a lance is no weapon to use against a crowd in close quarters. After the token murder, Feducci settles down to hear what this is about."
  12. ↑ Feducci's Lance (Replica), Fallen London "This may only be a replica of Feducci's lance. But it's a hand-crafted one made especially to order. And it's lethal."
  13. ↑ A matter of dictation, Fallen London "33856 is […] firmly tied to her […] bed […]. She talks […] Latin, Arabic, Hebrew […] She's from the Elder Country […] She has died […] a hundred times in the service of the Presbyter. […] She used to work with Feducci. He is the Presbyter's agent in London."
  14. ↑ See if the Big Rat can become intoxicated, Fallen London "[…] the Big Rat hints at the Elder Continent […] He mutters darkly about Feducci, the 'Presbyter's dog'. He speaks of the Face-Tailor […] The rest of the evening is lost in a tirade against the faithlessness of humans."
  15. ↑ Steal an Antique Mystery from Feducci, Fallen London "Feducci is personally formidable. But he's always scurrying about London on some errand or another. It's a close scrape, but you're away with your prize just before he returns from another trip to Wolfstack Docks. What's that he's carrying? It glows in its box."
  16. ↑ Spy on Feducci, Fallen London "[…] You watch him […] head down to the docks […]. The dark-skinned zailors have business with Feducci. He hands over several notebooks, and they present him with a sack of what might be rostygold. Intriguing, although not very useful to your employer."
  17. ↑ Spy on Feducci, Fallen London "[…] You watch him […] head down to the docks […]. The dark-skinned zailors have business with Feducci. He hands them a caged white raven […]. As they carry the raven up the gangplank it says a single phrase in an unknown language […]"
  18. ↑ Sell your relics to Feducci, Fallen London "He has customers for antiquities waiting across the Unterzee. He will tell you of his travels in return."
  19. ↑ The Marriage of Feducci (Story), Fallen London ""[...] he'll do whatever it takes to become Prester." Prester! The fabled King of the Elder Continent? [...] "Of course. What else do you think he's been doing with his life? Certainly, he delights in the trouble he causes; but it's all done with a purpose. You Londoners really haven't a clue, have you?" He sighs, and shakes his head. "No matter. I apologise for the disruption. I only needed a moment alone.""
  20. ↑ Attend the meeting at Orchard House, Fallen London "Not quite," interrupts Feducci. "[…] I've arranged for you to meet their London representative: […] in the Fifth Coil of the Labyrinth […]"
  21. ↑ Let the Implacable Detective finish speaking, Fallen London "And yet," rasps Feducci, "progress remains […] lethargic. Every kingdom of the Presbyterate contains only fragments of knowledge, and each boasts its own […] impediment […]"
  22. ↑ Inspect the model with Feducci, Fallen London "Since you last looked inside, the landscape has changed. [...] Around the Presbyterate territory, where a half-dozen silver needles once marked the border, now there must be two dozen. [...] "I can smell blood," says Feducci. "Nidah is baring her fangs.""
  23. ↑ Upstairs at the Bridge Without (Evolution), Fallen London "[…] here […] the […] Club is more reserved. His […] Lordship dismisses his valet with an uncharacteristically gruff monosyllable. The […] Detective watches the street […] The Thirsty Croupier is dealing cards to the Bishop […] but nobody else is present. Not even Feducci […]"
  24. ↑ Receive certain privileged information, Fallen London "Even within the Dilmun Club, secrets have been withheld from some members."
  25. ↑ 'Come to dinner...', Fallen London "Feducci lifts his bandages to eat: a full beard and surprisingly ruddy lips lie beneath."
  26. ↑ Spy on Feducci, Fallen London "You are sure that Feducci's pained gait and hoarse whisper are affectations. What you don't know is where he ran off to. He has quite a turn of speed for a dead man."
  27. ↑ Choose a Target: Feducci's Campaign, Fallen London "Feducci's campaign manager [is] a very Indulgent Devil […] "Feducci has helped us in the past […] When we felled all thrones, he was in the vanguard. I think he rather misses such grand sport."
  28. ↑ Support Feducci's motion regarding a route to Moulin, Fallen London "Feducci lays out warnings of the dangers in this terrain: shifting ground, unexpected ravines, frequent earthquakes […] that, of course, is before you come into the question of the weaponry, the past battles, and the Devil-Barons that live out this way."
  29. ↑ The Marriage of Feducci (Story), Fallen London "The crowned heads of Europe stare daggers at her, but dare not speak. You [...] ask her very politely if she might consider being quiet. Virginia smiles at you, entirely unimpressed. But won't she do it? For Feducci's sake? Her smile falters. When you leave her, she sits statue-like. Evidently, she will do it for him. And when the groom's march begins, she dabs away scalding tears."
  30. ↑ Name a hero of the season of revolutions, Failbetter Games "Feducci or Virginia."
  31. ↑ Choose a Target: Feducci's Campaign, Fallen London "Most of the leaflets are utterly soaked, but you can make out […] Testimony of the Regretful Soldier…denouncing the hated slaver…Feducci aboard Hell's triremes. […]"
  32. ↑ The Marriage of Feducci (Story), Fallen London "I am alight," he says, examining the buttons left undone on his suit. "I have seen monsters of the Zee devour triremes whole; I have seen the fires of Hell consume its own; but I have never found a wonder like her. At long and happy last, I have met someone like myself."
  33. ↑ Persuade Feducci, Fallen London "Feducci's comments on the Church are such as could not be printed in the newspaper. It does not seem that he considers the Church's mission worthy of promotion."
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 A Confession of Feducci, Fallen London "A terse confession on yellowing pages, describing a duel Feducci lost in the Elder Continent. As forfeit, he swore to complete a gruelling pilgrimage to the brambled city of Arbor. Feducci was a celebrated figure, attended by lovers, well-wishers and flatterers. Many begged to accompany him, and a company of seventy-seven embarked with pennants, wine, and song. The roads they travelled were long-abandoned, haunted by hungry things. They skirted the fringes of the Desert of Eyes. They traversed viperous jungles. One by one, Feducci's companions fell, but he refused to turn back. When he reached the rosebrick gate, he was alone."
  35. ↑ Persuade the Drummer, Fallen London Fallen London "A lively percussive rhythm sounds from the Drummer's empty seat. It is the anthem of Arbor, where once Feducci resided. As it ends, Feducci applauds, before lapsing into a contemplative silence."
  36. ↑ Feducci's Confession, Fallen London "Written on gnarled papyrus, this is the last testament of a reluctant survivor."
  37. ↑ Take notes on your experiences, Fallen London "Splendid seats of gold and porphyry, jade and mahogony and silver jut from the hoary ground. Mourners pass between them [...] You make your way between the thrones, reading the names on each. Ezekiah Hepthwaite. Victoria Ambrose. Antonio Feducci. And you." (This is a honey-dream of past and future Presters, so its reliability as a source is questionable.)
  38. ↑ Feducci, Fallen London
  39. ↑ Feducci's Campaign, Fallen London "The master of the Black Ribbon duelling society has amassed a formidable following. His jet and crimson banners herald his arrival […]. "Fair Play, Fair Game" is his slogan, and is the tenet by which one rises and falls within his ranks."
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Feducci, Fallen London "He is a relaxed figure on the streets marching at the head of his band of Dockers, Criminals and Society youths. He promises an egalitarian vision for London, when all may achieve their full potential, and happily gamble it all away again. His is the spirit of carnival, borne aloft on the winds of change."
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Choose a Target: Feducci's Campaign "Feducci's campaign manager [is] a very Indulgent Devil […] "Feducci has helped us in the past […] When we felled all thrones, he was in the vanguard. I think he rather misses such grand sport.""
  42. ↑ Feducci's Campaign 1, Fallen London "Feducci's dusty offices are a chaos […]: All Could Rise, Most Shan't. Equality in Death, Liberty in License.' […] notes in various other handwriting suggests many hours spent […] trying to put these principles into policy, with little success."
  43. ↑ Feducci's Campaign 1, Fallen London "Feducci's bookkeeping is haphazard at best [...] Donations have been refused, but 'bets' are gleefully accepted. Most have been placed on risky but profitable ventures [...] Several particularly large bets, however, have been placed on speculative trading. In particular, on trade deals between the Presbyterate and London. In each and every case, Feducci has seen a substantial return on his investment."
  44. ↑ 1895: The Victor is Announced!, Fallen London ""Darling voters," Jenny begins, flashing a smile as bright as her rosary, "You have elected my successor. I shan't keep you in suspense. I wish him all the luck in the world." Feducci steps forward, offering the crowd a regal wave. Thundering roars of approval hail his victory, met equally by explosive jeers. Feducci stands above them all, laughing."
  45. ↑ Election 1895: A Winner Announced!, Failbetter Games "Feducci claims victory with nearly half the vote!"
  46. ↑ Read about Feducci's campaign, Fallen London "'The bandaged gentleman is the clear front runner. [...] through a bureaucratic loophole, Feducci has already moved himself into a spare apartment in Blythenhale Manor before the end of Sinning Jenny's term. The candidate and current Mayor reportedly exchanged heated words [...] after which the Mayor threw a very loud and exceedingly late party underneath his rooms..'"
  47. ↑ The Mayor of London (Sinning Jenny), Fallen London "Sinning Jenny has installed herself in a disused mansion in Blythehale. The house is alive with visitors at all hours. Poets, artists, musicians, and and the occasional nun can be found in attendance. […] All Londoners are invited."
  48. ↑ The Mayor of London (Feducci), Fallen London "Feducci has thoroughly […] redesigned Blythenhale. […] Gambling tables are liberally spread […]. The floorboards are demarcated with chalk, setting the boundaries for duellists. Eager Londoners gather to wager their goods and lives. You've been invited."
  49. ↑ Trade Feducci's Favour for a Commemorative Certificate, Fallen London "He pulls out a readily prepared certificate […] Then, with a flourish, he scrawls something. He hands the certificate over: "I presume you'll hang this prominently." His titles have no more force than nicknames. Maybe this is for the best […]"
  50. ↑ Trade Feducci's Favour for a reduction in your Criminal Record, Fallen London ""Easily done. Paperwork has a habit of getting lost when people are suitably motivated." He whispers to a servant, who dashes from the room."
  51. ↑ Fight before the Mayor, Fallen London "'Well done. If only passing legislation could be done with such efficiency,' [...]"
  52. ↑ Protest against the Mayor (Feducci), Fallen London "The protesters stand outside the Mayoral Manor. A platoon of Feducci's supporters, armed with swords and rifles, face them: the Constables simply watch from the sidelines, there only to intervene in case of homicidal disagreement."
  53. ↑ 1896: The Victor is Announced!, Fallen London "[…] as his last act as Mayor, Feducci had the mayoral residence exploded."
  54. ↑ Persuade Feducci, Fallen London ""I believe," says Feducci in a rusty voice, "that we can do without my distinguished successor-but-one." It is popular in London to say that Virginia accomplished more than any mayor since Sinning Jenny herself, and Feducci holds a grudge."
  55. ↑ The Empty Chair, Fallen London "Some people shout at the chair; […] sit on it; others kick it. One woman sits on the chair and weeps for a good hour […] "The beauty of it […] is that it can represent whoever or whatever you want it to. My policies, Feducci's, Feducci himself. […]""
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 The Wedding Announcement, Fallen London "The urchins are on every corner this morning, hawking a special printing of every major newspaper. […] 'ROYAL WEDDING ANNOUNCED!' 'FEDUCCI TO MARRY PRINCESS!' It is something to make the heart swell[…]: the first Royal Wedding since London fell!"
  57. ↑ Gossip about the Mayor, Fallen London "The Custodial Chef smiles slyly. "I've heard the Mayor's gotten a new paramour. Not got much time for governing, these days."
  58. ↑ The Marriage of Feducci (Story), Fallen London "The crowd parts at your command. You unlock the door, slip in, and lock it behind you. The Bandaged Baron turns around in surprise; only now, he's unbandaged. Good god! He wraps his head with whatever silk he has to hand. "You've seen nothing!" he cries. But you've seen everything: his youth! His beauty! Why, he's as handsome as the statue of any demi-god, he's not some mummy from the grave!"
  59. ↑ The Marriage of Feducci (Story), Fallen London "Feducci and the Captivating Princess, married and delighted, sit side by side. They do not disguise their affection. He leans into her; she plays with the trailing ends of his bandages. They share private jokes, intimate whispers, and thundering laughs. They even make good sport of the flora that comes alive out of their bouquet, and tries to make a run down the table. The Princess has a d__n good hand with her knives. Little wonder he loves her so."
  60. ↑ The Marriage of Feducci (Story), Fallen London, "It is an evening that shall change the destiny of London and the Elder Continent. What happens now is beyond your control; but if London ever marches into those southern lands, or if the south retaliates and invades London, perhaps you shall think to yourself -- it is on my account that this has come to pass."
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