"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, London's disastrous attempt to invade Hell. Once a proud cavalryman,[2] he now carries the weight of regret and loss alongside his physical scars.
When the forces of Hell invaded London through the Forgotten Quarter, preempting London's assault, the Regretful Soldier was among the forces defending the city.[3] His unit charged to its doom, and the remnants of the Empress’ cavalry were captured.[4] The Soldier was forced to work on one of Hell's slave ships (helmed by a certain bandaged gentleman[5]), rowing endlessly on a dark river.[6] After an eternity of torment, the Regretful Soldier's ransom was paid,[7] but it was not the Empress who saved him; it was Agnes, who had followed the devils' terms[8] and given up her soul to buy his freedom.[9] When the Soldier returned home, she was a shell of herself. He still loves Agnes, but she cannot reciprocate the way she once could.[9]
Though the Regretful Soldier is still a skilled fighter[10] and combat medic[11] who longs to return to his glory days,[12] he was ultimately dishonorably discharged.[13] He now lives in a meager cottage on the outskirts of the city[14] with the now-soulless Agnes.[9] He drowns his sorrows in boasts,[15] brawls, and booze,[16] although alcohol will never allow him to forget the pain.
↑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"[...] 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"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"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."
↑ 9.09.19.2Caught 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..."
↑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."
↑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."
↑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."
↑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."
