"The Regretful Soldier is usually weeping and often drunk. His lodgings in Watchmaker's Hill were a coaching inn until a tree fell through the roof, and the breeze whistles eerily through the rag-stuffed cracks in the windows. He's a useful ally in a fight, though."[1]
The Regretful Soldier is a veteran of the ill-fated Campaign of ’68, when London made the disastrous attempt to invade Hell. Once a proud cavalryman, he is now a scarred old man with mutton chop whiskers, weighed down by regret and loss.[2]
In 1869, seven years after the Fall of London, the British Cavalry was tasked with mapping the vast underground world of the Neath. The Soldier’s wife, Agnes, begged him not to go, but his loyalty to the Empire outweighed his love.[3] As they explored, the British discovered strange rubbery creatures, infernal entities, and—most importantly—lands beyond London’s borders. True to imperial ambition, they sought to expand their dominion, even daring to conquer Hell itself.[4]
The Devils, learning of the British plans, struck first. They invaded through the Forgotten Quarter, and the Soldier was among the forces defending the city.[5] The battle was brutal, fought among the ruins of an older stolen civilization. When the order came, his cavalry unit charged into the mist—straight into horrors that shattered the minds of men. The charge was a catastrophe. The Soldier and what remained of the Empress’ cavalry were captured.[6]
He became a prisoner of war, shackled to an oar on one of Hell's slave ships, helmed by a certain bandaged gentleman,[7] rowing endlessly on a dark river.[8] The Devils demanded a ransom from the Empress: one soul for each soldier. Until then, they would row.[9] After an eternity of torment, the soldier’s ransom was paid.[10] But it was not the Empress who saved him—it was Agnes. She had given up her soul to buy his freedom. When he returned home, he found her changed, a shell of what she once was. Though he still loves her, she can only love him in her own hollow way.[11]
Discharged in disgrace,[12] haunted by memories of war, the Soldier now lives in a meager cottage on the outskirts of the city[13] with the soulless Agnes. He drowns his sorrows in drink, rat-killing, and brawling, spending most nights in the pub, challenging anyone foolish enough to cross him.[14] Alcohol numbs the pain—the memories of the Campaign, Hell’s trireme, and Agnes’ sacrifice—but never erases it.
He longs to return to his glory days[15] and is still a skilled fencer.[16] In addition to his combat skills, the war with Hell has also given him experience as a field medic.[17] At times, he boasts of improbable exploits from his past.[18]
↑He's not alone, Fallen London"A scarred old brute with mutton-chop whiskers tells a rambling story of ambush and swamp warfare. His face brightens with recognition when he sees you."
↑Caught Up in a Soldier's Heartbreaking Tale, Fallen London"In '69, once the city had settled and the dashed bats had cleared off, we in the Cavalry were detailed to map out the Neath. Agnes didn't want me to go, of course. Begged me to resign my Commission. I loved her, but I loved my country too. Traitor or not, I had sworn to serve the Empress."
↑Caught Up in a Soldier's Heartbreaking Tale, Fallen London"Soon we came across the rubbery chaps, devils and so on, and learned that there were lands beyond London's borders. [...] So we mounted up, loaded the pistols and set out to conquer Hell for Her Majesty..."
↑Caught Up in a Soldier's Heartbreaking Tale, Fallen London"[...] When the bugler sounded the charge I felt my insides turn to liquid, I don't mind telling you. We lowered our lances and spurred into the fog. [...] The voices on either side of us... eyes in the mist... Led us deep into the marshes [...] The last thing I saw was a face..."
↑Choose a Target: Feducci's Campaign, Fallen London"Most of the leaflets are utterly soaked, but you can make out a few fragments. 'Testimony of the Regretful Soldier...denouncing the hated slaver...Feducci aboard Hell's triremes.'"
↑Caught Up in a Soldier's Heartbreaking Tale, Fallen London"When I awoke, I was in a boat on a dark river. [...] It was a great shining brass-clad trireme, and I was chained to an oar, along with the ragged remnants of the Empress' cavalry. [...] At the helm was a fellow with a bandaged face."
↑Caught Up in a Soldier's Heartbreaking Tale, Fallen London"A Devil in a velvet suit sauntered up to me. 'Ah, you're awake,' he said. 'So glad you could join our little cruise. You'll be our guest until the Traitor Empress agrees to pay a ransom. One soul for each of you. Until then, you row.' And he pointed to the North."
↑Caught Up in a Soldier's Heartbreaking Tale, Fallen London"I seemed to row for an eternity on that accursed boat. Always thirsty, always aching, never allowed to rest for a second. And then one day my ransom was paid, and I awoke in my own bed."
↑Caught Up in a Soldier's Heartbreaking Tale, Fallen London"Agnes was waiting for me," he says at last. "I gazed into her empty eyes, and the happiest day of my life turned into the saddest. Agnes had given her soul to buy me back, you see. I still love her, of course. And she loves me. In her own way..."
↑Talk him down, Fallen London"The old soldier recognises a new friend […] He leans on you […] and tells you of his misfortunes: being cashiered out of his regiment long ago, losing his fortune, this business with his wife. He blearily invites you to visit him at Watchmaker's Hill […]"
↑Visit your acquaintance, the Regretful Soldier, Fallen London"The Regretful Soldier is usually weeping and often drunk. His lodgings in Watchmaker's Hill were a coaching inn until a tree fell through the roof, and the breeze whistles eerily through the rag-stuffed cracks in the windows. He's a useful ally in a fight, though."
↑Ask for help with a fight, Fallen London"The Regretful Soldier wishes nothing more than to revisit his glory days. He will surely help you in fighting your battles. He might need a little Dutch courage to get him going, though."
↑Goad him into a fight, Fallen London"He won't teach you fencing, but if you get him good and drunk he'll fight you. He's a master: you'll probably learn something if you live."
↑He's not alone, Fallen London"The stories get more outrageous with every turn. You're pretty certain the Soldier never beat a gorilla at mumblety-peg […] What foolhardy daredevil would attempt such a thing? But you learn by listening. It's a pleasant, if hair-raising, evening."
