Station VIII

Beyond this point lie **spoilers** for *Fallen London*, *Sunless Sea*, or *Sunless Skies*. This may include **midgame** content. **Proceed with caution**.
You can find out more about our spoiler policy **here**.

### Notable Figures

The Blithesome Overseer

> *"Factory VIII is a monstrosity of brick and glass, its towering walls and high up windows lending it the air of a prison. The factory does not produce the foul coal stench of those in London, instead it emits bright clouds of pungent scents – which occasionally bring passers-by to tears."*
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The **Station for Factory VIII**, or **Station VIII**, is a chemical factory located in the Hinterlands. It is the fifth station of the Great Hellbound Railway, not the eighth as its name would imply. Confusing? The Hinterlands are generally that way.

## Brick and Glass

> *"Station VIII may not be a place to linger, unless you have a particular interest in industrial manufacturing."*
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Station VIII is home to **Factory VIII**, a facility within a massive brick building for the production of emotion-inducing substances. The factory's smokestacks spew colorful fumes, which cause emotional reactions in those exposed. In the factory's courtyard is a huge dirigible mast rigged with alarms; the Masters dock here to visit and check up on the factory. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, with only a single pub and scattered housing for workers.

The nature of Factory VIII's exports are kept secret. It ships products to London regularly, so the arrival of the Great Hellbound Railway was welcomed. However, this caused the factory's couriers to strike, fearing replacement.

## The Secrets of Factory VIII

Beyond this point lie **major spoilers** for *Fallen London*, *Sunless Sea*, or *Sunless Skies*. This may include **endgame** or **Fate-locked** content. **Proceed at your own risk**.
You can find out more about our spoiler policy **here**.

> *"The Overseer keeps his desk locked, but that presents little obstacle. You do almost miss the second concealed drawer, however, in which you find his diary. The entries are terse. Either he has a subscription to a cellar, or he meets Mr Wines on a monthly basis. 'Iron' appears once, several months ago. Yesterday, 'Fires' is crossed out."*
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> *"The room is cramped. There's space for a swivel seat before a brass console covered in buttons and levers. To the right of the console are several folders – filled with encryption keys and messaging protocols. The spines are marked with roman numerals: II, III, IV, V, VI, VII. The folders are chained to the desk; you cannot easily liberate them. The absence of Folder I suggests the rationale behind the security."*
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Factory VIII is managed by the **Blithesome Overseer**, a jovial but high-strung man who meets with the Masters regularly. His job involves documenting the viability of Factory VIII's products, as well as their potential markets; he even samples some himself. His private office is full of geography books and newspapers detailing world events, such as the ongoing women's suffrage movement. It is implied that Factory VIII's chemicals are being used to influence the politics of the Surface, and that the Masters are involved in this scheme.

A room within the factory marked "Communications" has a console for contacting recipients marked with Roman numerals I through VII, possibly the other numbered Stations. Curiously, the folder of codes for contacting "I" appears stolen, so the other folders are chained down. The room also has a periscope for viewing the Roof of the Neath, as well as London's farway skyline.

One of the rooms in Station VIII is boarded up and covered in warning signs. This room is much older than the rest of the factory; it may have been the first room built. Within is a desk heavily damaged by something resembling a "giant bird:" perhaps a Curator? A workbench nearby has a liquid suspended between two vibrating pieces of metal: feeling the metal's pulse induces the disturbingly specific feeling of tearing out someone's throat. Notes indicate this room was used to develop "purified vindictiveness," with limited success; whomever conducted these experiments considered consulting Mr Wines for improvements.

## Imports and Exports

> *"'How about this one?' Pinnock digs his nose into a pile of scraps. 'Interested in 'startled and overjoyed to have returned from death'? Getting rare, that is.'"*
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A door marked "Special Extracts" leads to a laboratory within Factory VIII. Here, scientists experiment to create extracts of emotion from items sourced by Pinnock, otherwise known as the Shivering Relicker's Rattus Faber. These objects carry sentimental ties to emotional events, such as a ribbon from a dress bought to celebrate achieving justice, or a trinket associated with experiencing Neathy phenomena for the first time. Some of the latter items have become rather rare, as decades have passed since the Fall of London.

The following are examples of Factory VIII's products:

* **Halcyonic Tonic** induces optimism and happiness. This sweet substance is a valuable commodity for powers of the Surface, who seek to placate their restless citizens.

* The name of **Crystallised Euphoria** suggests its effects. It can be extracted from the relief associated with a person's first return from death.

* **Oil of Companionship** has self-explanatory effects. It can be derived from the joy of hearing one's cat speak for the first time.

* **Salve of Righteousness** inspires strong confidence and joy. It can be derived from the vindication of one's faith, such as when witnessing devils for the first time.

* **Distillation of Retribution** is a mixture that can be derived from the feeling of achieving justice. It may be refined further into **Discriminating Aconite**, a poison that only kills those who "deserve" its effects. The label of every bottle of Aconite simply reads: *"You know what you did."*

## References

2. ↑ The Station for Factory VIII, or 'Station VIII', *Fallen London*
3. ↑ Boarding Again (Station VIII), *Fallen London*
4. ↑ The Station for Factory VIII, or 'Station VIII', *Fallen London* *"Factory VIII is a monstrosity of brick and glass, [...]"*
5. ↑ Collect the marked crate, *Fallen London* *"Piles of crates [...] ready to be loaded [...] to London."*
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Halcyonic Tonic, *Fallen London* *"A touch saccharine, but filled with joy and optimism."*
7. ↑ Watch the village grown around Factory VIII, *Fallen London* *"[...] he walked through a lilac-tinged mist [...] tears he wipes with his sleeve."*
8. ↑ Watch the village grown around Factory VIII, *Fallen London* *"[...] he walked through a yellow-tinged mist [...] his giggling; it soon passes."*
9. ↑ Conclude your tour with a trip to the factory yard, *Fallen London* *"Behind the factory is a [...] courtyard. [...] At its centre is a huge dirigible mast."*
10. ↑ Sneak into the courtyard, *Fallen London* *"[...] a dirigible couldn't land without [...] three alarms sounding [...]"*
11. ↑ Something is Landing, *Fallen London* *"[...] Someone has just arrived. [...] The [...] Master will remain in Station VIII for about a day; [...]"*
12. ↑ A Conversation with Mr Fires, *Fallen London* *"Mr Fires [...] has come to examine the operations at Factory VIII."*
13. ↑ Explore the immediate locale, *Fallen London* *"[...] factory workers live in a scattering of two up, two down houses [...] not a populous area."*
14. ↑ Follow the Overseer around the factory floor, *Fallen London* *"He weaves a circuitous path [...] careful to avoid showing you what goes in, or emerges at the far end."*
15. ↑ Accept an invitation to dine, *Fallen London* *"Being able to use your railway to send things to London – an inspired idea."*
16. ↑ Agree to help the Blithesome Overseer, *Fallen London* *"Our usual couriers refuse [...] afraid your railway will make them obsolete [...] have gone on strike. "*
17. ↑ Make your way to the Overseer's office, *Fallen London*
18. ↑ Enter the door marked 'Communications', *Fallen London*
19. ↑ Accept an invitation to dine, *Fallen London* *"You are brought into the factory [...] to the Blithesome Overseer's office."*
20. ↑ Accept an invitation to dine, *Fallen London* *"[...] "Being able to use your railway [...] an inspired idea. [...] Everyone's happy, eh?" He shoves the port in your direction. "Have another glass! [...] how good terms would you say you were on with the Masters?" His eye starts twitching."*
21. ↑ Make your way to the Overseer's office, *Fallen London* *"The Overseer [...] you find his diary. [...] he meets Mr Wines on a monthly basis. 'Iron' appears [...] several months ago. Yesterday, 'Fires' is crossed out. [...]"*
22. ↑ Make your way to the Overseer's office, *Fallen London* *"[...] product notes: Halcyonic Tonic – Market to those with sweet tooth. [...] Fillip of Effervescence – advise marketing to adventurers, [...] Loses potency when heated. Number 18 [...] Pleasing [...] if they can't vote, pointless. Counterproductive with wrong audience. [...]"*
23. ↑ Enter the mahogany door marked 'PRIVATE', *Fallen London* *"The second product the Overseer has tested personally."*
24. ↑ Enter the mahogany door marked 'PRIVATE', *Fallen London* *"It leads to an [...] office. [...] appears that the owner has an interest in Surface geography. From the books piled on his desk, his current focus is Argentina. [...] you discover a book stuffed with newspaper clippings. [...] an article on the rise of democracy and the probability that suffrage is likely to broaden. Written [...] across the top: Assume requires mass persuasion. See V's work? Jenny volunteered: success. Impact if unknowing? [...] The second product the Overseer has tested personally. [...] 'Only suitable to those not prone to [...] self-reflection. [...] thrill of easy discovery and public recognition will satisfy only briefly. Timing critical.'"*
25. ↑ Make your way to the Overseer's office, *Fallen London* *"Number 18 – Not convinced will serve W's interests. [...] if they can't vote, pointless."*
26. ↑ Enter the door marked 'Communications', *Fallen London* *"[...] a [...] seat before a [...] console covered in buttons and levers. [...] several folders – filled with encryption keys and messaging protocols. The spines are marked with [...] II, III, IV, V, VI, VII. [...] folders are chained to the desk; [...] The absence of Folder I suggests the rationale behind the security."*
27. ↑ Enter the door marked 'Communications', *Fallen London* *"[...] what looks like the base of a periscope. [...] giving a blurry view of the Neath roof. [...] through it, you can make out the shape of London's skyline."*
28. ↑ Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings, *Fallen London* *"[...] there are signs saying 'NO ENTRY', 'OUT OF USE', 'DANGEROUS' [...] put the planks back when you leave."*
29. ↑ Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings, *Fallen London* *"[...] the room looks older than the rest of the factory – perhaps the factory was built around it. [...] a hulking desk – the wood is clawed and gouged, as if it has endured the tantrum of a giant bird. Everything is covered in [...] dust."*
30. ↑ Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings, *Fallen London* *"The workbenches have been cleared, save one. [...] a thimble of [...] liquid [...] suspended in the air, between two metal prongs. The prongs vibrate [...] you touch one, [...] you feel [...] a throat tearing [...] between your jaws."*
31. ↑ Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings, *Fallen London* *"[...] faded notes. Purified vindictiveness. Exquisite! Success mitigated: [...] muted effect. "*
32. ↑ Prise away the boards blocking the door covered in warnings, *Fallen London* *"[...] Consult Wines?"*
33. ↑ Acquire an 'Obliviscere Mori', *Fallen London*
34. ↑ Enter the door marked 'Special Extracts', *Fallen London* *"The room is painted a cold white, and filled with [...] tables set up with scientific equipment."*
35. ↑ Enter the door marked 'Special Extracts', *Fallen London* *"Sentiment extraction [...] an experiment [...] you catch a whiff: [...] fills your stomach with anxious yearning, sets your pulse racing, brings a lump to your throat. [...]"*
36. ↑ Offer to collect materials to be experimented on, *Fallen London* *"[...] This will enable you to return to Pinnock in London. [...] will have a component [...] you can bring back here to experiment on."*
37. ↑ Acquire some 'Exhilaration from Achieving Justice', *Fallen London* *"[...] Pinnock is holding a [...] ribbon. [...] a woman was wearing it the day she [...] 'anded over a Jack to the constables. The very Jack that 'ad previously murdered 'er." [...] "She purchased a new dress in celebration. [...] she tore it on the way home. [...]"*
38. ↑ Acquire some 'Elation at Feline Oration', *Fallen London* *"[...] being excited to hear one talk is unusual, nowadays. This is decades old – but still good! [...] Pinnock holds up a [...] cross-stitch."*
39. ↑ Acquire an 'Obliviscere Mori', *Fallen London* *"[...] 'startled and overjoyed to have returned from death'? Getting rare, that is." [...] the owner took up chess after they came back from their first visit to the Boatman. An' lost the piece before they died again. [...] for the best [...] would have dulled the potency of the sentiment.""*
40. ↑ Make your way to the Overseer's office, *Fallen London* *"Halcyonic Tonic [...] Leave infusion process to agents on the surface?"*
41. ↑ Supply Halcyonic Tonic to a Surface Power, *Fallen London* *"Liquid joy is of interest to the powers of Old Europe, whose [...] populace is always in need of placating."*
42. ↑ Crystallised Euphoria, *Fallen London* *"Savage relief. Incomprehensible joy. "*
43. ↑ Extract concentrated sentiment from the Obliviscere Mori, *Fallen London* *"You've gained 1 x Crystallised Euphoria"*
44. ↑ Obliviscere Mori, *Fallen London* *"This is associated with a Londoner's first return from the Boatman."*
45. ↑ Oil of Companionship, *Fallen London* *"An [...] delight [...] caused by caring for another. An entire absence of loneliness."*
46. ↑ Extract concentrated sentiment from the Elation at Feline Oration, *Fallen London* *"You've gained 1 x Oil of Companionship"*
47. ↑ Acquire some 'Elation at Feline Oration', *Fallen London* *"[...] being excited to hear one talk is unusual, nowadays. This is decades old – but still good!""*
48. ↑ Salve of Righteousness, *Fallen London* *"[...] can cause roaring confidence, a furious joy."*
49. ↑ Extract concentrated sentiment from the Vindication of Faith, *Fallen London* *"You've gained 1 x Salve of Righteousness"*
50. ↑ Acquire some 'Vindication of Faith' , *Fallen London* *"[...] Pinnock is showing you [...] a King James Bible. [...] they must 'ave had this on them when they first met a devil. I'm gettin' joy at bein' right, satisfaction and proving a doubter wrong, [...]"*
51. ↑ Acquire some 'Exhilaration from Achieving Justice', *Fallen London* *"[...] a woman was wearing it the day she [...] 'anded over a Jack to the constables. The very Jack that 'ad previously murdered 'er." [...]"*
52. ↑ Extract concentrated sentiment from the Exhilaration from Achieving Justice, *Fallen London* *"You've gained 1 x Distillation of Retribution"*
53. ↑ Devise a single dose of specialist poison, *Fallen London* *"Discriminating Aconite [...]"*
54. ↑ Discriminating Aconite, *Fallen London* *"Lethal, but only to those who deserve it. The label of the bottle reads merely, 'You know what you did.'."*