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<blockquote>''"The head of the Guild of Gondoliers, the one who wears the golden mask."''<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_Gonfaloniere|Ask about the Gonfaloniere|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>''"The head of the Guild of Gondoliers, the one who wears the golden mask."''<ref name=":0">{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_Gonfaloniere|Ask about the Gonfaloniere|Fallen London|}}</ref></blockquote>
[[File:Maskguild.png|alt=A silver half-mask.|thumb|A [[The Guild of Gondoliers|Guildmember]]'s mask.]]
[[File:Maskguild.png|alt=A silver half-mask.|thumb|A [[The Guild of Gondoliers|Guildmember]]'s mask.]]
The Gonfaloniere is the leader of the [[Guild of Gondoliers]], who ply the waters of [[Jericho Locks]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_Gonfaloniere|Ask about the Gonfaloniere|Fallen London|}} ''"The head of the Guild of Gondoliers [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Jericho_Locks:_The_Lockside|Jericho Locks: The Lockside|Fallen London|}} ''"Jericho Locks is home to its Guild of Gondoliers [...]"''</ref> The title is traditionally selected and challenged for<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A [...] monograph details the choosing of the Gonfaloniere by boat-race, and [...] the challenge to that position, [...] a new boat-race. [...]"''</ref> via a boat race to [[Hell]] and back.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_Gonfaloniere|Ask about the Gonfaloniere|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] only one way of becoming Gonfalionere. [...] a boat race. [...] fast on the waters [...] all the way to Hell – and back."''</ref> If challenged, a defeated Gonfaloniere would be condemned to Hell, while the victor would claim their title.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"Should he lose, his very person will be forfeit to Hell. [...] Should you win, my title is yours."''</ref> This practice became much less common over time, after a string of brief reigns.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A [...] monograph details the choosing of the Gonfaloniere by boat-race, and [...] the challenge to that position, [...] a new boat-race. [...] practice [...] has all but died out in recent years, following [...] short reigns."''</ref>
The Gonfaloniere is the leader of the [[Guild of Gondoliers]] who ply the waters of [[Jericho Locks]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_Gonfaloniere|Ask about the Gonfaloniere|Fallen London|}} ''"The head of the Guild of Gondoliers [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Jericho_Locks:_The_Lockside|Jericho Locks: The Lockside|Fallen London|}} ''"Jericho Locks is home to its Guild of Gondoliers [...]"''</ref> The title is traditionally selected and challenged for<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A [...] monograph details the choosing of the Gonfaloniere by boat-race, and [...] the challenge to that position, [...] a new boat-race. [...]"''</ref> via a boat race to [[Hell]] and back.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_Gonfaloniere|Ask about the Gonfaloniere|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] only one way of becoming Gonfalionere. [...] a boat race. [...] fast on the waters [...] all the way to Hell – and back."''</ref> If challenged, a defeated Gonfaloniere would be condemned to Hell, while the victor would claim their title.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"Should he lose, his very person will be forfeit to Hell. [...] Should you win, my title is yours."''</ref> This practice became much less common recently after a string of short-lived terms.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A [...] monograph details the choosing of the Gonfaloniere by boat-race, and [...] the challenge to that position, [...] a new boat-race. [...] practice [...] has all but died out in recent years, following [...] short reigns."''</ref>


At least one Gonfaloniere was known to be a prolific explorer of Jericho's canals, but their spotty leadership led to frequent challenges.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A [...] tome [...] explores the early Gonfaloniere whose wanderings [...] extended the network around Jericho, [...] whose absences [...] misguided leadership encouraged challenges [...] with zealous frequency."''</ref> Gonfalonieres typically retire in their old age, but extraordinarily, the current one has held his position for the last fifty years.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Gonfaloniere [...] He has captained these waterways for fifty years [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_Gonfaloniere|Ask about the Gonfaloniere|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Been in his place for a long time [...] They usually retire. [...] this one's like a limpet.""''</ref>
At least one Gonfaloniere was known to be a prolific explorer of Jericho's canals, but their spotty leadership led to frequent challenges.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"A [...] tome [...] explores the early Gonfaloniere whose wanderings [...] extended the network around Jericho, [...] whose absences [...] misguided leadership encouraged challenges [...] with zealous frequency."''</ref> Gonfaloniere typically retire after a while, but the current one held the position for fifty years,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Gonfaloniere [...] He has captained these waterways for fifty years [...]"''</ref> an abnormally long time.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Ask_about_the_Gonfaloniere|Ask about the Gonfaloniere|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Been in his place for a long time [...] They usually retire. [...] this one's like a limpet.""''</ref>


== Appearance and Personality ==
== Appearance and Personality ==
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<blockquote>''"He spoke to the Lotus Pool, and the Pool answered. Blood for water."''<ref name = "librarian"/></blockquote>
<blockquote>''"He spoke to the Lotus Pool, and the Pool answered. Blood for water."''<ref name = "librarian"/></blockquote>
[[File:Sere priestess.png|alt=A woman's shadow overlooking a poisoned river.|thumb|[[The Poisoned Priestess]]]]
[[File:Sere priestess.png|alt=A woman's shadow overlooking a poisoned river.|thumb|[[The Poisoned Priestess]]]]
Before the current Gonfaloniere assumed his role, he was a senior member of the [[Guild of Gondoliers]] who was renowned for his aptitude. He was an obvious candidate for leadership, but he knew the risks if his skill waned with age. Thus, he ventured far and wide for a way to secure his title forever,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] The husband was the most skilled bargeman [...] the time for his title was no doubt upon him. [...] he knew the cost of the title [...] the price owed to Hell when it was lost. When time withered him [...] skill curdled into complacency. [...] challenged him for his crown. [...] So he searched, [...] his journeys came to many forgotten and forbidden places."''</ref> and found his answer in the Lotus Pool of the [[Sere Palace]] and its inhabitant, the [[Poisoned Priestess]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] he found the answer [...] "He spoke to the Lotus Pool, and the Pool answered. [...] The Poisoned Priestess. [...]"''</ref> The Priestess offered to replace his blood with the canal's waters to make him unbeatable, but this was too high a price,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Blood for water. If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race [...] "The price was too rich for his blood. [...]"''</ref> so he manipulated the Priestess into allowing a stand-in.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Poisoned Priestess [...] he could read men well, [...] I was an open book. [...] I allowed a substitution."''</ref>
Before the current Gonfaloniere assumed his role, he was a member of the [[Guild of Gondoliers]] and renowned for his aptitude. He was an obvious candidate for leadership, but he knew the risks if his skill rusted over time. Thus, he ventured far and wide for a way to secure his title forever,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] The husband was the most skilled bargeman [...] the time for his title was no doubt upon him. [...] he knew the cost of the title [...] the price owed to Hell when it was lost. When time withered him [...] skill curdled into complacency. [...] challenged him for his crown. [...] So he searched, [...] his journeys came to many forgotten and forbidden places."''</ref> and found his answer in the Lotus Pool of the [[Sere Palace]] and its inhabitant, the [[Poisoned Priestess]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] he found the answer [...] "He spoke to the Lotus Pool, and the Pool answered. [...] The Poisoned Priestess. [...]"''</ref> The Priestess offered to replace his blood with the canal's waters to become unbeatable, but this was too high a price,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Blood for water. If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race [...] "The price was too rich for his blood. [...]"''</ref> so he manipulated the Priestess into allowing a stand-in.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Poisoned Priestess [...] he could read men well, [...] I was an open book. [...] I allowed a substitution."''</ref>
[[File:Swanbride.png|alt=A woman with pale green skin wearing a swan mask.|thumb|[[The Swan Bride]]]]
[[File:Swanbride.png|alt=A woman with pale green skin wearing a swan mask.|thumb|[[The Swan Bride]]]]
This proxy was his betrothed, the [[Swan Bride]], whom he brought down to the [[Neath]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride was indeed a bride, destined to be married to a senior ranking Gondolier. [...] the Swan Bride says. [...] I remember the sea. Green and the [...] streets running down [...] And then dark stairs, a spiral. [...] he did not marry me. The pool did, or something in it. [...]"''</ref> The Priestess wed the couple,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride steps closer, [...] "You married me to him," [...] The Priestess nods."''</ref> then replaced the Bride's blood with the canal's waters,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"[...] Blood for water. If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race [...] I allowed a substitution."''</ref> infusing a sample of this ichor into the Gonfaloniere to grant him his wish.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] In his blood, poison runs: a poison drawn from you. [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Without her, he is no longer safe from Hell. [...]"''</ref> For her part, the Swan Bride retained only fragmentary memories of what happened to her,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] I remember him, my almost husband, but I can't remember her face."''</ref> and was condemned to wander Jericho alone.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"There was no provision in the arrangement to prevent my prodigy from returning, [...]"''</ref> Meanwhile, her husband spun up a cover story<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] "Too much time in the waters. [...] prolonged contact has altered the pigmentation." [...] My physician thinks she bears some relationship to the Drownies. [...]"''</ref> and forbade the Guild from interacting with her,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Canals|Our Lady of the Canals|Fallen London|}} ''"The Gonfaloniere [...] forbids contact with her [...]"''</ref> ensuring she would remain a hated outcast for as long as he ruled.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"'[...] Why is there a monster in the marginalia of the manuscript?' [...] 'Because he reminds us who we are by showing us what we should not be.'"''</ref>
This proxy was his betrothed, the [[Swan Bride]], whom he brought down to the [[Neath]].<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride was indeed a bride, destined to be married to a senior ranking Gondolier. [...] the Swan Bride says. [...] I remember the sea. Green and the [...] streets running down [...] And then dark stairs, a spiral. [...] he did not marry me. The pool did, or something in it. [...]"''</ref> The Priestess wed the couple,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"The Swan Bride steps closer, [...] "You married me to him," [...] The Priestess nods."''</ref> then replaced the Bride's blood with the canal's waters,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}}''"[...] Blood for water. If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race [...] I allowed a substitution."''</ref> infusing a sample of this ichor into the Gonfaloniere to grant him his wish.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] In his blood, poison runs: a poison drawn from you. [...]"''</ref><ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] Without her, he is no longer safe from Hell. [...]"''</ref> For her part, the Swan Bride retained only fragmentary memories of what happened to her,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] I remember him, my almost husband, but I can't remember her face."''</ref> and was condemned to wander Jericho alone.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"There was no provision in the arrangement to prevent my prodigy from returning, [...]"''</ref> Meanwhile, her husband spun up a cover story<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"[...] "Too much time in the waters. [...] prolonged contact has altered the pigmentation." [...] My physician thinks she bears some relationship to the Drownies. [...]"''</ref> and forbade the Guild from interacting with her,<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Canals|Our Lady of the Canals|Fallen London|}} ''"The Gonfaloniere [...] forbids contact with her [...]"''</ref> ensuring she would remain a hated outcast for as long as he ruled.<ref>{{Citation|https://fallenlondon.wiki/wiki/The_Poisoner%27s_Library|The Poisoner's Library|Fallen London|}} ''"'[...] Why is there a monster in the marginalia of the manuscript?' [...] 'Because he reminds us who we are by showing us what we should not be.'"''</ref>
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