"I wanted a reunion. I'll have one, one way or the other. That's something. One day, perhaps."[1]
The Cheery Man is the owner of the Medusa's Head, a tavern in Watchmaker's Hill, and the leader of one of London's criminal syndicates. Though he is ruthless even by the Fifth City's standards, he commands great loyalty among his thieves and cutthroats.[2] He oversees a lucrative sunlight smuggling operation[3] and trades with tomb-colonists, providing materials for the construction of their Grand Sanatorium. His dealings extend to the Fingerkings,[4] and he uses the services of one of their agents (implied to be Monsieur Pleat) for assassinations.[5]
He is often seen in expensive suits, though he wears them with visible discomfort.[6][7] His distinguishing features include a gold tooth[8] and a bald spot.[9] Years ago, an associate poisoned him with a low dose of Cantigaster venom, leaving him crippled[10] and depriving him of other faculties.[11] On rare occasions, he manages to walk with the aid of a cane.[12] A lifetime of crime has taken its toll, leaving him scarred, physically and emotionally, as he quietly longs for a sense of normalcy.[13]
The Cheery Man was once a married man, and co-ruled Spite and the bordering areas with his wife. However, in the establishment of their criminal empire, the Cheery Man and his wife made as many enemies as one might expect;[14] eventually, the Cheery Man's wife was killed in a surprise attack at Beatrice's, prompting a ruthless campaign of vengeance from the newfound widower.[14] His wife's last wish, which he fulfilled, was to be buried in a coffin filled with sunlight to ensure she did not end up in any state of undeath.[15]
The Last Constable
The Cheery Man and his wife had a daughter, who grew up to oppose her parents' line of work. Now called the Last Constable, she considers herself the only honest Special Constable in London. The Cheery Man retains some affection for his daughter, but he knows she aims to destroy him.[16]
↑His operations on the Docks, Fallen London"I've found a way to bring in sunlight. The trick's in the boxes. Paid off Mr Fires. But it's a long way down and sunlight doesn't last... so I thought, why not cut it with moonlight? Hard to tell the difference, down here. Has some funny effects, a'course, but I'm lookin' into that. Could be useful in its own right."
↑His contacts with the tomb-colonies, Fallen London"They're buildin' somethin' out there. Or, somethings. Amount of steel and marble, alongside the outgoing coffins. Anyhow, we put a few live ones in the coffins, every trip. Haha! They might be troublesome when they goes in, but they're quiet as mice by the time they comes out. And that's how the kings like it. The kings behind the scenes, if you know what I mean. And if you don't, well, enough said, eh? Enough said."
↑His operations around the Hill, Fallen London"I've found a pet conjurer. Funny little chap. French name, if I'm not mistaken. He's got friends behind the silver, […], little nip..." - he mimes a bite - "and you're dead as a dog in the dark. And not right in the head when you wake up. […]"
↑A Gentleman of Undisclosed Business, Fallen London"He tugs at his collar. Odd. His tailcoat is one of Dauncey's finest, and an impeccable fit. He avoids names. 'Just a man of business,' he says, a sharp Spite accent cutting through his careful vowels."
↑Drinks With The Cheery Man, Sunless Sea"I've got my crown," he touches the bald spot atop his head, "and I've got my sceptre!" He brandishes your white walking stick.
↑Blind Bruiser, Sunless Sea "My employer is a gentleman of considerable vitality and also humour. However, and as much as it pains me to say, he is not the man he was. "Years ago, an ingrate of no current importance poisoned him with Cantigaster venom, and he hasn't been right since. Can't walk, most days. I have made what may yet transpire to be a rash promise to restore him, and I am hereby solicitin' your assistance."
↑Hint that you might want to stay the night, Fallen London"You're out of luck, my friend.," he slurs. "Time was... but it's Cantigaster venom, y'see. Not even a drop. Half a drop. But I can't hardly stir from this chair. And I can't hardly stir, if you take my meaning. So off home with you. Sleep well."
↑A Gentleman of Undisclosed Business, Fallen London"The other walking-canes in the coffee-house are oiled mahogany and polished silver. His is oak, solid and scuffed; a stick made for leaning on, not twirling."
↑A Gentleman of Undisclosed Business, Fallen London "You ask how business has been. "Costly," he says. His smile falls away. "Look, after everything that's happened, I just need a piece of me that's not the job. A piece that drinks coffee and reads the Gazette and every once in a while goes to see a ____ing play like a normal ___ing person." He stands, leaning heavily on his cane, and extends an arm. "That any use to you?""
↑ 14.014.1Ask the Last Constable about her mother, Fallen London"The Last Constable walks over to the tomb, her fingers idly stroking the stone. "Don't get me wrong. Mother was every bit as bad as my father. Worse, sometimes." She turns to face you, silhouetted in the light. "Spite and beyond used to be part of the family empire. They ruled it together, and you don't do that without making enemies. One day, father and I went to meet her at Beatrice's. Were almost right there. But when we saw what was going on inside - even though she'd taken down a number of them - no, he didn't want to stop." She pauses. "And then it was just us two.""
↑Inquire after the tomb (Last Constable), Fallen London"She asked my father a favour. To prepare a coffin filled with sunlight for her, in case. That's why the tomb's sealed as it is. The light is utterly lethal. Father being as he is, never considered she'd actually ever need it. And so here we are. And there she lies."
