"Involved with the parlour magic of Spiritualists and clairvoyantes."[1]
The Shroud is a secret organisation of parlour spiritualists, fortune-tellers, and mediums that operate out of Mahogany Hall.[2] Their symbol is a crystal ball.[3]
Backed by the cats of London, they serve as a counterweight to their Fingerking-controlled rivals, the Glass,[4] in the ongoing Wars of Illusion. The cats safeguard the Shroud’s secret routes through Parabola, hidden within the mirrors of Mahogany Hall.[5] They also provide costumes and props essential to the Shroud's spectral displays.[6]
The Shroud specializes in sabotaging the Glass,[7] frequently disrupting their rivals' performances by unraveling illusions and exposing deceptions.[8] However, they face a constant struggle, operating at a disadvantage in both funding and security.[9]
Within the Shroud, séances are intricate productions blending special effects with finely honed psychological techniques.[10] These performances claim to commune with the dead, channel messages from the Surface, and reveal uncanny truths.[11] The organization is managed in part by a rat who oversees tools, personnel, and procedural instructions for each trick.[12]
New recruits must design and perform their own séances, proving their worth by drawing in clients through charm and showmanship.[13] Members regularly share techniques and assist one another in refining their craft.[14]
In the 19th century, Londoners exhibited a keen interest in diverse forms of divination. Practices such as crystal gazing, palmistry, and tarot card reading were not only popular entertainment at social gatherings, but also deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the time. These activities ranged from lighthearted parlor games to serious consultations with professional fortune-tellers. The allure of uncovering one's destiny or seeking guidance from the supernatural led many to explore these mystical arts as part of the spiritualist movement.
The era witnessed the rise of notable mediums and spiritualists who captivated the public's imagination. Figures like Florence Cook gained fame for conducting séances and claiming to materialize spirits, such as the renowned "Katie King." These mediums often performed in dimly lit rooms, using various techniques to convince attendees of their connection to the spirit world. The author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, better known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, was one of the most famous proponents of spiritualist practices.
↑Join the Cats in support of the Shroud, Fallen London"Mahogany Hall has long been the heart of a battle between the Glass and the Shroud. Accompany the cats in their business, and see how they battle back the influence of the Fingerkings."
↑Join the Cats in support of the Shroud, Fallen London"The cats weave back and forth between London and Parabola [...] you certainly do come out in a séance-room, hung in black crepe. A stronghold of the Shroud. A framed portrait of Madame Petrovsky, famed Theosophist, hangs by the door."
↑A cat visits, Fallen London"Well. That's a little insulting. The cats are worried that you don't have all the right accoutrements. On your doorstep is a bundle of silk scarves and costume jewellery. Who do they think you are, Madame Shoshana?"
↑Sabotaging an illusion, Fallen London"It is a Saturday night. You are backstage at Mahogany Hall. Henry Peppercorn is about to unveil a new illusion, one that's been months in the making. […] He's due on stage shortly, and you'll be ready to ruin his act."
↑Sabotage tonight's show Fallen London"The magician relies on a Fingerking. [...] Pounce on it behind the mirror, when it is distracted, and it offers no contest. The illusion fails [...]. Tonight, he will sever his association with the Glass, and in the morning befriend the Shroud – or take up the profession of accounting. [...] The cats are even more than usually smug as you stalk back across the rooftops of London."
↑The Magician's Dream, Fallen London"As you know, we cannot compete with the compensation and protection that the Glass offers you. If you were to work with us against your former colleagues, we could not guarantee the safety of you or your sister. All we can offer is the knowledge that you would be contributing – if only slightly – towards righting perhaps the Neath's greatest wrong."
↑The grand séance!, Fallen London"You are ready to take the role of medium. You have a spirit cabinet full of trickery. You have urchin assistants. You have an audience of dyspeptic types, gloomily awaiting messages from the Surface. Light the candles and begin."
↑A theft of trust, Fallen London"These people believe you can bring them messages from the Surface. They believe you can manipulate natural science to do so. Elemental forces, magnetic fields, spirits manifesting in ectoplasm. And what you actually have are cheap, mechanical tricks."
↑A well-stocked spirit cabinet, Fallen London"The rat that handles this sort of thing for the Shroud is confident he's thought of everything. Trap-doors for urchin helpers, outlets for phosphorescent substances - it's all there. He gives you an extremely thorough lesson in how to work it all […]"
↑Hold your own séance?, Fallen London"If you want to be influential in the Shroud, you will need to design a séance yourself. Preferably one that the upper classes will patronise."
↑Design your own séance, Fallen London"You have taken the first steps towards becoming a recognised medium. Many of the Shroud will be delighted to teach you their secrets in exchange for your help with their acts."
