The Revolutionary Firebrand

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"Your revolutionary associates can't go five minutes without mentioning him – in uncharacteristically breathless tones. He's a passionate advocate of anarchy, and has a jawline that could cut glass."[1]

The Revolutionary Firebrand is a recent arrival in London.

The Rabble-Rouser[edit | edit source]

""Yes," he says. "Word of your deeds goes before you." He leans forward to grasp your hand. "But one day, we will see the fires burn low." What does he mean? Is that revolutionary rhetoric, or something more personal?"[2]

The Firebrand is disarmingly handsome and an open, ardent anarchist, but does not seem willing to return the attention he gets.[3] Managing to win even the slightest hint of his courtesy is a noteworthy social accomplishment.[4] In the company of fellow revolutionaries, however, he is willing to talk more freely: he favors forgiveness of debts and an end to slavery and indentured servitude, and is also a supporter of the Liberation of Night.[5] He's not all talk, however; his praxis includes subduing neddy men[6] and stealing papers from the Masters.[7]

The Firebrand demonstrates a sharp wit,[8] and is rather frugal since he aims to practice what he preaches in all walks of life.[9][10] Even when won over, he is reserved and discreet in his affection.[11]

The Firebrand started a new life in the Neath in an attempt to escape his wife, the Secular Missionary, whom he claims is manipulative and domineering.[12] However, each of them has knowledge the other lacks that leads to the same solution,[13] and the Firebrand would prefer to get it over with and end their relationship.[14] This solution is the Cave of the Nadir; the Firebrand is aware of its location[15] and highly knowledgeable of its properties, and believes it could be useful as a location hidden from the Bazaar's attention, where it might be safe to plot revolutionary activities.[16]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ The Revolutionary Firebrand, Fallen London
  2. ↑ Your deeds will speak for themselves, Fallen London
  3. ↑ The Revolutionary Firebrand, Fallen London "Your revolutionary associates can't go five minutes without mentioning him – in uncharacteristically breathless tones. He's a passionate advocate of anarchy, and has a jawline that could cut glass. He's also terribly reserved, and rarely seen on the social circuit. This is a rare opportunity to speak to him, and perhaps find out what it is that so endears him to the revolutionaries."
  4. ↑ Play him at his own game, Fallen London "You make eye contact through lowered lashes. At the very end of the evening, he approaches and helps you into your coat. He bows stiffly, and is gone. Suddenly, everyone wants to be your friend."
  5. ↑ Invite him to your lodgings, Fallen London "You hint that you were involved in burning down one of Mr Fires' warehouses last week. He believes you. He sits on the edge of the armchair and speaks excitedly of his own plans. He favours the forgiveness of debts; the emancipation of the indentured; and, curiously, the extinction of lights."
  6. ↑ Engineer an invitation to his lodgings, Fallen London "He ends up admitting to several revolutionary acts – just last week he pushed a neddy man into the Unterzee."
  7. ↑ Ask a Revolutionary to recommend you, Fallen London "He's noticeably warmer to you at your next meeting, and shows you some stolen papers. Are those really letters from Mr Fires himself?"
  8. ↑ Start an argument with him, Fallen London "Later, he unbends enough to make some wry observations about others present. His wit is as sharp – and as painful – as an oiled knife."
  9. ↑ Engineer an invitation to his lodgings, Fallen London "His lodgings are sparsely but elegantly furnished. A glass of warm gin sets the tone for the evening, and he produces some determinedly working-class biscuits."
  10. ↑ Dinner in Spite, Fallen London "The Doubt Street Scullery should be a good choice. Democratic, unpretentious, hearty."
  11. ↑ Allow him to play the hero, Fallen London "He is solicitous, in his reserved way. You promise to call on his aid should you need it. "And I may have need of you," he says, gravely. "Someone of your resource. Your passion. Though I would not have you risk yourself..." How charming he can be! And how discreet. Look, he's left a gift on the hall table, to save your blushes."
  12. ↑ 'I wanted to talk to you...', Fallen London "The Firebrand is as agitated as you've ever seen him. "I'm sorry. I'm not proud of my past. I only wanted to make a new life here below... devote myself to something finer. [...] Yes, she's my wife, but also... a she-wolf. A puppet-mistress. I fled her. She wants the knowledge I have. She doesn't care about me."
  13. ↑ 'I wanted to talk to you...', Fallen London "But I couldn't find the last piece of the puzzle. I'll need her help, too, to find the secret-of-secrets."
  14. ↑ The Missionary and the Firebrand, Fallen London ""Oh, stop!" he cries. "I know what you want. And you were right. I still don't know how to enter. But you'll never find it without me. If you can find a sponsor, I'll seek the place with you. And after that, let there be an end to it.""
  15. ↑ The Missionary and the Firebrand, Fallen London ""Oh, stop!" he cries. "I know what you want. And you were right. I still don't know how to enter. But you'll never find it without me.""
  16. ↑ 'What exactly is it you're looking for?', Fallen London ""The Nadir, it is called. The secret-of-secrets," the Firebrand says, suddenly earnest. "Mynsicht described it as a shield against Night's Courier – he meant the Bazaar, you know. Winstanley's patroness had visions of the place. It's been here a very long time. If I hadn't found—"
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