The Bishop of Southwark

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"He hammers on your door. "Hurry up in there! It's all pagans and turnips out here! And it's cold.""[1]

The Bishop of Southwark is a powerful figure within London's Anglican Church. He is known for his boisterous character, short temper, and love of wrestling.

The Battle-Bishop[edit | edit source]

"Show me your worth, sinner!"[2]

Reginald Birtwhistle[3] grew up in poverty in London, as the youngest of seven children and the only surviving son.[4] His mother was a devout Christian who clung to her faith for solace in hardship, and Reginald found his own calling through her devotion.[4] She was ecstatic when he decided to become a priest, though his father disapproved.[5] Reginald attended an unnamed university,[6] where he joined the Young Stags[7] before devoting himself to a religious career. At seminary he was a combative presence, preferring to settle petty grudges openly and with his fists;[8] he excelled despite this, and was appointed Canon of Southwark.[9] At the time of the Fall, he worked at St Albans Protomartyr[10] (probably a renamed Southwark Cathedral, as the real cathedral of St Albans Protomartyr is located in Hertfordshire outside Greater London).

When London launched the Campaign of '68 and invaded Hell, Reginald decided to become a chaplain for the regiment in which his father had once served.[5] In 1870,[11] while on a scouting patrol near the front,[12] he stopped to pick an infernal rose — which suddenly combusted, permanently leaving a scar on his forearm. Reginald's screams of pain alerted nearby devils, and the entire troop was captured.[13] All of Reginald's comrades lost their souls, but the young chaplain was sent to row a brass trireme.[14] He went on a hunger strike while in captivity, refusing to eat the food of Hell to preserve his soul; in a state of hunger and delirium, he signed a contract allowing him to keep his soul and return to London. He is ashamed of this decision, and calls himself a craven for ensuring his own survival.[15] To this day, the Bishop has a deep-seated hatred of devils.[16][17]

When not busy sorting the affairs of the Church, disrupting the machinations of Hell, or debating the Bishop of St Fiacre's,[18] Reginald spends his time in the Labyrinth of Tigers. In the Fourth Coil, he conducts experiments on a Wings-of-Thunder Bat[19] in an attempt to breed a beast that can detect the presence of devils.[20] Someday, he would like to invade Hell once again, to take back what was lost the first time.[21]

Mayoral Campaign[edit | edit source]

"The Bishop stands, eyes blazing, denouncing the insidious infernal element within London from every pulpit that will have him. He has formed the Clematis League, a society of dauntless campaigners, to bring his cause to the streets. Opponents are labelling him divisive; supporters visionary."[22]

In 1894, the Bishop of Southwark ran for Mayor of London under the slogan "For God's sake!"[23] His primary motive was a zealous commitment to purging demonic elements from London, a cause that appealed to proponents of Christian morality.[16] He also collected, and intended to publish, an index of all those who had sold their souls, aiming to spread awareness of infernal corruption.[24]

However, many of his supporters were alienated when it came to light that part of his campaign was financed by devils, implied to be the Brimstone Convention (a faction still loyal to the deposed Grand Devils).[25] To add insult to injury, a public dispute arose over the possession of a memento: a poem etched on a framed picture of an Army captain[26] whom both the Bishop and the original poet had loved.[27] Despite his passionate efforts, the Bishop was soundly defeated by Sinning Jenny; this was a major blow to his confidence, but he remained an active figure in London's ecclesiastical and social spheres.[28]

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

"I measure myself against a friend. Michael. He would be much more than your equal."[29]

A Hellish rose

The Bishop has had a number of relationships with men over the years,[30] and has primarily spoken of his closest friend from his time at seminary, an Irishman[31][32] called Michael Flannery.[30][33] Michael was everything Reginald admired,[34] a fiery-eyed man[32] who could recite the Gospels by heart and outpace his friends on the rugby field.[35] Michael wanted to join London's Army after the Fall, but Reginald tried to dissuade him.[36] The two had always settled their arguments through wrestling,[37] but amidst the match of a lifetime,[38] Reginald was startled when Michael kissed him and confessed his love.[39] The young canon reacted with hostility,[40] deeply conflicted by the combination of his vows as a priest and his reciprocated love for Michael;[41] Michael did not take this well and left Southwark overnight[42] to enlist.[43] The memento that surfaced during Reginald's mayoral campaign decades later was probably a picture of Michael, as it depicted an army captain.[26] Life had other plans for Reginald, as he later followed Michael's lead and served in the Campaign of '68.[13] While Reginald originally surmised that Michael returned to the Surface, he was in fact captured by Hell and transformed into something akin to a devil.[44]

The Bishop also once courted a man named James, a former revolutionary[30] who now works at God's Editors at Saint Cyriac's College. James played a pivotal role in expanding Anglican theological teachings to embrace the concept of free love.[45]

After returning to London from captivity in Hell, the Bishop vowed that he would dedicate his second chance at life to protecting his fallen comrades' families.[46] One of the fallen men in the Bishop's patrol squad during the Campaign[47] left behind a son, now known as the Ardent Regulator,[48] whom the Bishop has been sponsoring anonymously over the years — much to the younger man's chagrin.[48][49]

The Bishop of Southwark dislikes the Bishop of St Fiacre's; alongside mere theological differences, Southwark is acutely aware of his counterpart's true nature, and holds a strong disdain for the latter Bishop's species.[50] He also has a long history with Virginia, frequently launching into impassioned tirades against the deviless whenever they cross paths[51] — much to her endless amusement.[52]

Historical & Cultural Inspirations[edit | edit source]

According to Failbetter Games' art director Paul Arendt, the Bishop of Southwark is inspired by English actor Oliver Reed,[53] an archetypal macho man known for his rowdy and alcohol-laden lifestyle. However, the Bishop's love of wrestling has more basis in the Muscular Christianity movement, which promoted the idea that physical strength, athleticism, and conventional masculinity were not only compatible with Christian life but were vital to cultivating moral character. Muscular Christianity arose in mid-19th-century England as a response to industrialization and urbanization, and sprang from the belief that the body is a divine gift entrusted to individuals for training and discipline. In accordance with this, physical prowess should be used to protect the weak, advance righteous causes, and fulfill one's duties to society and God.

Muscular Christian ideals were a key motivator for the founding of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in 1844, which now has branches worldwide. In part thanks to the spread of the YMCA, Muscular Christianity has shaped Protestant Christian culture globally, and its influence persists in society to this day. The founder of the modern-day Olympic Games was also an enthusiastic proponent of this movement.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ The Bishop of Southwark 1, Fallen London
  2. ↑ You did hear that right, Fallen London
  3. ↑ Reginald: The Census, Mask of the Rose "I am Reginald Birtwhistle, canon of Southwark."
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Reginald: The Census, Mask of the Rose "I grew up in a tenement. If you must know. I was the youngest of seven. The only boy. That lived, that is. The Church provided my mother's comfort and solace. She was overjoyed when I said I wanted to be a priest."
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Brass Grail (Story), Fallen London "I was newly ordained back then. The army was in dire need of chaplains for the campaign and so I accepted a commission. My father had never wanted his eldest in cloth, but he was pleased with me ministering to his old regiment."
  6. ↑ The Brass Grail (Story), Fallen London The Bishop grows sentimental. He speaks of the holiday feasts of his youth, the banquets at his college. When you leave into the dim drizzle, such times seem impossibly far away.
  7. ↑ The Brass Grail (Story), Fallen London "I don't mind embarrassing myself. Put on a funny hat and wave a thing on a stick around and sing? I got up to worse in the Stags. […]"
  8. ↑ Reginald: The Census, Mask of the Rose "Got into fights at seminary. Not one for sneering behind backs. If you've something to say, you can say it to me in the yard."
  9. ↑ Reginald: The Census, Mask of the Rose "Before, it was the seminary. Bit crowded. Lots of posh lads. But I was one of only three offered Southwark at the end of it. And now I am as you see me. A canon of the cathedral."
  10. ↑ Reginald: The Census, Mask of the Rose St Albans Protomartyr → Take the census with Reginald
  11. ↑ A remembrance in the garden, Fallen London "[…] "It was 1870. We were in Hell. The Heavy Brigade had just been routed - five of us hid in a field, among burning roses. […] We could have escaped. Should have escaped. But I plucked one of the roses , and - my scars evidence the rest. […]"
  12. ↑ The Brass Grail (Story), Fallen London "Few made it into Hell at all. I was in the vanguard. New orders that scouting patrols had to have a priest."
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 The Brass Grail (Story), Fallen London "I saw a rose that I thought Mi... it doesn't matter why, but I picked it. The d_____ thing burst into flames and seared my arm! If only I'd kept quiet! But I was weak and I cried out and gave us away. The whole troop was captured."
  14. ↑ The Brass Grail (Story), Fallen London "The rest of the men had their souls pulled out, but not me. They sent me to row in the galleys. And they made me sign a contract! What a fool! What a weakling!"
  15. ↑ The Brass Grail (Story), Fallen London "I was starved and half-mad when I signed their contract. I would not eat the food of Hell. All I knew at the time was that it would allow me to leave with my soul. That such a craven should rise to the mitre..."
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Learn more about the Bishop's platform, Fallen London "It's the devils. Can't have religion without the blighters, but that doesn't mean we should have to put up with them in our tea-shops and haberdasheries. [...] Conventional theology has its limits, and London lies outside of them, I know. But d__n it all: devils? Really?"
  17. ↑ Choosing a Target: The Bishop of Southwark's Campaign, Fallen London ""This is what he left behind. Why do you think he hates us so much?" the Devil asks."
  18. ↑ Broker peace between Bishops, Fallen London "It is not easy to convince Southwark to join St Fiacre's for tea."
  19. ↑ "Remind me, your Grace...", Fallen London "I've got a wings-of-thunder bat from the Elder Continent. [...] I have high hopes of breeding it to good purpose. [...]"
  20. ↑ Hound of Heaven, Fallen London "Gently glowing, the serpent has a nose for devils."
  21. ↑ Theological Husbandry, Fallen London "We have a plan. Pious sons of the Empire all, but I won't tell you any names. We're going to win where we lost back in '68. We're going to show them our mettle, once and for all. We're going to storm Hell, and I intend to be in the first rank."
  22. ↑ The Bishop of Southwark 4, Fallen London
  23. ↑ The Bishop of Southwark 4, Fallen London "The Bishop has thrown his mitre into the ring. Supported by his Clematis League of campaigners, entitled the Knights and Dames-Harbinger by the Bishop himself. His slogan is 'For God's Sake!'"
  24. ↑ The Bishop of Southwark's Campaign 1, Fallen London "Inside, there are records of soulless individuals – suspected and confirmed. The documents are written in a variety of handwriting, some detailed, some frantic, all attested. On the top of the pile is a plain white piece of paper, held down by an ivory paperweight. It contains one word: 'Publish'."
  25. ↑ The Bishop of Southwark's Campaign 1, Fallen London "A whiff of Brimstone" "The Bishop's records are assiduously kept [...] Diocese money evidently stretches to the most traditional accountants. Every penny is accounted for and matched by a donation to the Doubter's Hospice. But there are oddities [...] deacons where none exist in the Diocese record. Donations from non-existent parishioners. Several names recur employing the same combinations of letters. Rearranged, they match the names of regulars at Dante's. It seems several devils are funding the Bishop's campaign under false identities. Is this some kind of infernal joke?"
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Choosing a Target: The Bishop of Southwark's Campaign, Fallen London "He is holding a small portrait framed in bronze, depicting a handsome moustached captain of London's Army [...] A poem is engraved onto the frame. It is dedicated to the sitter, and compensates for quality with passion. "This is what he left behind. Why do you think he hates us so much?" the Devil asks. "Where is that poet now?""
  27. ↑ Choosing a Target: The Bishop of Southwark's Campaign, Fallen London "Southwark Cathedral is alight with frantic activity [...] They are frantically digging through piles of accounts, [...] aghast at the rumoured infernal interference. [...] A dissolute poet [...] is clinging to the Deacon's sleeve. [...] "Just listen!" the poet pleads. "They think I want money – and I do! But I want my verses back more. He's too haughty to see me now, but he and I both loved– Oh god! It's no use." Overcome, he scurries away."
  28. ↑ Speak to the Bishop of Southwark, Fallen London "Jenny's thunderous rival for the Mayorship. He took defeat hard, but he is here now, drinking port and shouting convivially."
  29. ↑ Reginald: Introduction, Mask of the Rose
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 The Brass Grail (Story), Fallen London "I never married. I've loved two... I've loved two men. […] Michael is probably still in Ireland, I think, or Rome. James... James is down here. Hell of a brain on the man, but he's given to extremes. Probably a bomb-thrower by now. We didn't part as friends."
  31. ↑ Breed the Somnolent Hyaena 6, Fallen London
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Breed the Rubbery Hound 2, Fallen London "You ever been to Ireland? Savage place, of course, but beautiful. I met someone there once. He had eyes like fires…"
  33. ↑ Reginald: The Census, Mask of the Rose "A shame my dear friend Michael Flannery is not here."
  34. ↑ Reginald: The Census, Mask of the Rose "My friend Michael, now he has to beat the ladies off with a stick. Metaphorically, of course. Too handsome for his own good. I'm glad he hasn't married though. A shame for a man to be tied down too early. There's pubs we've not visited in the city still. Adventures not yet had!"
  35. ↑ Reginald: The Request, Mask of the Rose "The terror of old Bermondsey. Hellion of the seminary. Could shoot a conker out of a nun's hand – and recite the Gospels, chapter and verse. He is better read than most ministers, despite his humble origins. His wit is sharp as a cheeseknife but he hasn't an ounce of cruelty in him. And unlike most bookworms, he's a devil on the pitch too."
  36. ↑ Reginald: The Census, Mask of the Rose "Michael had a foolish notion about joining a regiment in the early days. But of course that went down the drain when everything went to Hell in a handcart. My calling remains the church. I can't go running off to the army. Living in fear is no life. It was an idle notion. If we'd had more troops when London fell - Or they'd held up worth a damn... I'd have put more stock in the notion. Alas they didn't, and neither of us said any more about it."
  37. ↑ Reginald: The Letter, Mask of the Rose "We used it as a means for finding peace. To solve arguments impossible to conclude in words."
  38. ↑ Reginald: The Letter, Mask of the Rose "Nothing held back. Two priests on the mat. Not since Jacob tangled with the angel has such a contest been seen."
  39. ↑ Mr Pages: Reginald's Letter, Mask of the Rose "I wish I could eat the words I spoke. I wish my lips had never pressed against yours. I wish I could not see your expression again every time that I close my eyes before sleep."
  40. ↑ Reginald: The Letter, Mask of the Rose "He – it seems his affections were other than might be hoped. He'd carried a candle for me for some time, in fact. He is a handsome man. I can admit that. But, to accept such an offer — I was blunter than perhaps I ought to have been."
  41. ↑ Reginald: The Letter, Mask of the Rose "I am a man of the cloth. Unlike some, I take my vows with the utmost seriousness. Even if – Even if he were not male, though he was still Michael... It was not marriage. There was no sacrament. How could I take the communion in my mouth after him? God forgive me. It was not so simple as to say no."
  42. ↑ Reginald: The Letter, Mask of the Rose "He is a handsome man. I can admit that. But, to accept such an offer — I was blunter than perhaps I ought to have been. I resolved not to tell a soul. It did not seem worth losing a career over. Besides, he was still my friend. But in the morning, his bed was empty. No one knew where he'd gone."
  43. ↑ Mr Pages: Reginald's Letter, Mask of the Rose "I have gone to join the Queen's men. There are brave souls there, willing to defend London still. [...] I'm sorry for what came between us. I did not wish to hurt you. I wish I could eat the words I spoke. I wish my lips had never pressed against yours. I wish I could not see your expression again every time that I close my eyes before sleep. I will do my penance here. Do not look for me, Reginald. I sit at His right hand now."
  44. ↑ The Brass Grail, Fallen London "The devil pulls off his mask. "Was this effort to deny them worth it, Reginald? All Clarissa wanted was to get me into your seminary. Don't you want me any more?" An accent creeps into his voice, from the South end of Ireland. The Bishop drops his case. "Michael." The Bishop's former lover smiles and makes a slight bow. Michael says: "I haven't changed that much. We're more similar than you might think." The Bishop picks up a poker from the fireplace and then drops it. "No. We are finished, Michael. We are over. A hiss of steam escapes from Michael's eye as you and the Bishop turn away."
  45. ↑ The Brass Grail, Fallen London "Officially, of course, the Church doesn't approve. But I've always found a place in the clergy for men like me, as long as they're discreet. But now, everyone's hopping into bed with men and women and squid-heads and God alone knows what else while we're as chaste as church-mice. Someone at St Cyriac's has been expanding the theology. Paving the way [...] for a change in doctrine so that we should all be tumbling about with whoever we like. I should have realised it was James' doing!"
  46. ↑ The Laws of the Game, Fallen London "The Bishop's eyes lock on yours. They burn with zeal. "When I arrived back in London, I vowed to the Lord that I would devote my life to protecting those whom my comrades had left behind.""
  47. ↑ The Laws of the Game, Fallen London "He didn't make it back from the campaign. One day a letter arrived – his whole unit, barring a single survivor, had gone missing while out on patrol. There were no more details, no body."
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 The Laws of the Game, Fallen London "The single survivor of my father's squad I told you about? This is him," explains the Regulator. "For whatever sense of misplaced guilt he's carried back from there, he's interfered in my life ever since. Thanks to him I've been interred in beastly schools, forced into dreary jobs, and saddled with acquaintances and courtships I never asked for."
  49. ↑ The Laws of the Game, Fallen London "I know," the Bishop replies, "and I meant to keep that promise, truly. I know you won't believe me, but I didn't put you forward for the role just to help you. We wanted the same thing: I wanted football taken seriously, and so did you." You can see from the Regulator's face that they don't believe a word. "I also knew that if you had any idea that it came from me, you'd turn it down. So I kept my involvement hidden."
  50. ↑ The Brass Grail, Fallen London "You shrug. A bit of your lunch is still moving, so you throw it into the oily water. The Bishop continues. "That three-faced dog at St Fiacre's has had two of his own vile kind ordained. Exposing them would be a damaging scandal. But is doing that worth my own hide?""
  51. ↑ The Brass Grail, Fallen London "The Bishop takes a great lungful of air, and he's off. "Vile devil! Wretched succubus! You have flung darts at me and you may fling a thousand more! [...] I have performed your ridiculous tasks and it will take more than a temptress like you to stop me! Look to your brass towers and your goat soldiers! You will need them when...""
  52. ↑ Persuade Virginia, Fallen London ""Southwark is a blowhard and an enemy of Hell," […] "But he has elevated his hatred to a performance art. I've never been able to cause anyone quite so much distress simply by walking into a room. Please don't deprive me of that pleasure. […]"
  53. ↑ Paul Arendt - Art Director, on a Reddit AMA: "Brian is very much the inspiration for his Amused Lordship, yes. The Bishop of Southwark I see more as Oliver Reed"
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