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.
"To prevent further tragedy, the nations of the Neath agreed that Nothing of Consequence lies beneath the zee, and that research into zubmarine exploration was to be abandoned."[1]
The Agreement About Nothing of Consequence, signed circa 1886 but circumvented by enterprising zailors almost immediately, is a treaty between London and the Khanate to ban all exploration of the Unterzee's depths as well as research and construction of zubmarines.[2]
The two powers had originally convened an embassy to make contact with the creatures called Flukes beneath the zee. Seeking to establish diplomatic relations, the Admiralty embarked on a project to transform their officers into a form better suited for interacting with the Flukes. However, none of the volunteers survived either the transformation process or their time at the embassy.[3]
On their final attempt, the Severe Bluejacket—Captain Harris—led the mission. When Khaganian zubmarines appeared nearby, he panicked, assuming hostile intent.[4] Acting on this fear, he ordered his crew to remove the Last Emissary from the torpedo tube meant for his delivery,[5] replace him with a torpedo, and fire upon the Khaganians. The Flukes, expecting a diplomatic envoy, were instead met with an explosion. Enraged by this unprovoked attack, they retaliated,[6] inflicting heavy casualties on the Admiralty.[7] This catastrophe led directly to the signing of the Agreement. The Admiralty enforces the treaty with lethal force.[8]The August Travel-Writer serves as its chief enforcer.[9]
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.[10]
↑The Season of Wrecks, Fallen London"Your nation called. You serve. You are the last of twelve volunteers. Five survived the amber infusion. Two survived to maturity. None have survived the embassy. None yet. A distant bell. The zubmarine dives. The Flukes await."
↑The Season of Wrecks, Fallen London"Lieutenant! There are four Khaganian vessels. They are manoeuvring to surround us, just as they did off the Carnelian Coast. If we do not fire first, we will not fire at all! And this—" he points at you, "is the last of them! Our last chance!"
↑The Season of Wrecks, Fallen London"Open it!" Captain Harris. "But Captain—" His son, the Lieutenant. The hatch opens; someone drags you out, cursing as your spines draw blood. Two crewmen wrestle a torpedo into your place. "—if we fire first—"
↑The Season of Wrecks, Fallen London"[...] The zubmarine shudders as a torpedo launches. Moments later, a shockwave rocks the vessel. [...] The Fluke-song changes. It is no longer curious; it is incensed. Their embassy has been profaned, and today they have learned that their domain is worth killing for. [...] Trespassers, they sing as they slay. Trespassers!"
↑Where You and I Must Go, Fallen London"'Lt R. F. Harris. During Lorn Embassy fired on a rival Khanate zubmarine. Ensuing conflict roused wrath of Flukes; resulted in all-hands loss of fourteen zubsurface vessels.'"
↑Drop off the August Travel-Writer, Sunless Sea"They are saying that the Leopard made underwater ships here, in violation of an Agreement with London," he whispers. "They say London's assassin has visited. You might want to slip away."
↑Where You and I Must Go , Fallen London"[...] Your Lieutenant Harris is now the man who enforces that Agreement. His methods are final, and intended to dissuade others engaged in zubmarine research. [...]"
↑Phase II: Retrieve a set of zonar schematics, Sunless Sea"Before the Agreement About Nothing of Consequence, London's Admiralty conducted their zubmarine research at Station III. The location of the Khanate's research base is unknown, but a number of its scientists relocated to Khan's Shadow. Perhaps one of those locations has information you could use."
