NEATH! A Fallen London Musical | Mask of the Rose Song!

MASK OF THE ROSE IS AVAILABLE NOW!
On Steam: bit.ly/MotRSteampendium
On GOG: bit.ly/MotRStupendiGOG
On Switch (US eShop): bit.ly/MotRSwitchpendium
In February 1862, with no warning at all, the great city of London fell through the surface of the Earth.
This was meant to be a year of progress and industry. The great exposition. Trams. A new sewer system. Instead, London and her citizens find themselves in a cave, forced to adapt to this perplexing new circumstance as both the boundaries of reality and the tight grip of Victorian societal convention begin to fade into the shadows that now seem to watch without eyes.
Six months on from the fall, London has extinguished her fires and buried her dead, but there are still many mysteries to be answered… Who committed the first murder in this new world? And why does their victim seem so cheerful? Who are the cryptic Masters of the Bazaar who have taken control of the city? And why are they so interested in the affairs of people’s hearts? Where did all the street signs go? Did your hat just say something?
All of these secrets and more are there to be discovered. And maybe you can find love along the way?
-
So, I may have gotten carried away and written enough lyrics for 3 songs...
Failbetter were very gracious in letting me create my own characters for this project, to better explore the world and ideas of Fallen London without being tied to (and risking spoiling) the stories of the characters you’ll meet in Mask of the Rose. With the exception of Mr Pages, you won’t meet any of my characters in this video in-game. They were all written for this song to show as many facets of Fallen London as I could. We have low, middle and upper class and with each we touch on the new laws, freedoms and struggles and the new mysteries of the world beneath. Characters looking for love, looking for intimacy and just looking for companionship, a direct correlation with your options in Mask of the Rose’s relationships.
Fallen London, freed from those Victorian societal norms, has always been a diverse, inclusive and unapologetically queer world. And as a queer creator myself it was so important to make sure that was properly represented here, especially at this newly explored early point in the timeline, as the city comes to terms with what it means to have that freedom of self-expression. So, Cassie was created specifically to fill this role and explore these themes. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a little nerve-racking playing a femme presenting, character here on the channel for the first time, but as a genderfluid person myself, it felt natural and meant so much to me to get that opportunity. I hope you enjoy her as much as I enjoyed playing her.
This project has been one of the most fun things I have ever had the chance to work on and a real career highlight for me. I want to thank everyone in the credits below from the bottom of my heart for working so hard on this. Everyone gave it their all and I couldn’t have done it without you!
#fallenlondon #maskoftherose #sunlesssea #ad
Check out the full Stupendium originals playlist for all of my original songs!
STUPENDIUM ORIGINALS:
• STUPENDIUM ORIGINALS
THE STUPENDIUM ON SPOTIFY:
bit.ly/Stupendify
THE STUPENDIUM ON iTUNES:
bit.ly/StupendiTunes
Crew:
Video by The Stupendium and Lizzy CJ
Director of Photography: Paul Marke - www.paulmarke.com/
Costume design: Benedict Marshall - @LawlessMarshall
Production runner: Olaf Wein
Makeup artist and additional costuming: Rude Velvet - / rudevelvet
3D animation by Xoriak: / xoriakofficial
Music:
Lyrics and vocals by The Stupendium
Additional crowd vocals by @Freeced @little_flecks and Lizzy CJ
Mixed and mastered by @OxygenBeats
Stock Media provided by francesco_giovannangelo / LimitedMusic / Sounder_Music / Pond5
Performers:
Benedict Marshall
Christina Rayner
Hannah Flynn - / itshannahflynn
Stargirl - linktr.ee/stargirlkyu
Lizzy CJ
Luca Masella - / luca_masella_actor
Olaf Wein - / bassedolaf
Ty Nicholls - / tynicholls_performer
Thumbnail character artwork by Kaerru: / kaerruu
Filmed on location at The George Tavern, London.
The Fallen London universe is the property of Failbetter Games
-----
The Stupendium on Patreon!
/ thestupendium
Official Stupendium Merchandise!
stupendiumstore.com/
Official Stupendium discord server!
/ discord
Drop me a tweet? @TheStupendium
The Stupendium is a musician, animator and content creator, creating weird, wonderful and usually incredibly nerdy songs and animations. Join them on their journey to obscure, niche internet stardom! They have some pretty decent videos, wonderful facial hair and a great sense of discomfort describing themselves in the third person.

[@TheStupendium]

You can also sample the delicious world of Fallen London for free in the original text based browser game. Here's a welcome gift for you from Failbetter: fallenlondon.com/a/HelloStupendiousFriend LYRICS: INTRO: READ ALL ABOUT IT! Biscuit rations to increase by decree of the Masters! Missing baby found in spider’s web! Well hello there, friend! That shiny badge tells me you're here with the Ministry of Accounting and Recounting? Taking the census? Well you've picked a spot alright! There's no shortage of colourful characters here in the Neath and they all pass through here at the Singing Mandrake. Let old Harry Teller show you about. There’s a fellow up top by name of Robert Rackett. But these days everyone calls him Honest Bob. He can talk for England. I should say you pay him a visit... VERSE 1: HONEST BOB Nice to meet you, guvna’, what you want to know? Trying to keep a track of numbers now we’re dumped here down below? Fine, come take a look you’ll see - I’m an open book to read Something took the city then this city really took to me I’m not a crook or thief - I just do what I got to do Bloke’s still got to eat - Beef is more than a bob or two In a ditch and out the picture, London’s withering in walls which are Far too steep a pitch to climb but steep just makes the tealeaf richer See it did you? Oh, it takes me back. Day like any other then became the Day of Wrath As the monuments were toppled and the cobbles writhed and jostled And the skies above were gobbled by a raging plague of bats Stuck down in the Neath Drowning in disease Air sticks to your teeth It’s thick and viscous with the whispers in the breeze Tried to earn an honest bob But a bob is just a Robert And a Robert’s just a robber to a tee Wasn’t much, but used to run a comfy shop One half fell down the hole, the till’s still sitting up the top Now the Masters are in charge, it’s rather dark the things they’ve barred But every market turns to black as soon as all the lights are off Portobello sort of fellow shifting stock down Shaftsbury Avenue Most coppers came a cropper so they stopped the ‘let’s be having you’ Random that they’ve banned them but I have accrued a map or two And since they took the signs the maps ain’t half collecting value Counting off the days to die, it’s a solitary life Can’t help thinking maybe I should cop myself a wife An Eliza, Nellie, Nancy, here to hold me tight at night A lady’s tastes is fancy but still coal is twice the price Oh wouldn’t it be lovely to find a counterpart? ‘Cause I’d do anything to put love’s fire in the hearth I can cook and I can clean but Neath be damned a man can dream Sell my soul but I won’t ever fence my heart CHORUS 1: Nothing left but crumbs down here in London Do what must be done to make ends meet Run in with the blunt end of a truncheon Closest thing I’ve had to love in weeks Doesn’t mean a thing whose heights were wuthering Dumped down in the guttering, nouveau-riche Who you was before London went tumbling Doesn’t matter squat to who you’ll be NARRATION 2: Now this here is one Miss Cassi Haversham... Life of the party and pulls a darned sight more than pints. Anybody who didn’t lose everything lost something during the fall. But I should say they might have found a good deal more than they left behind... VERSE 2: CASSIE HAVERSHAM Way up on the surface, chap by name of Clyde Clerking for a firm of vermin purely to provide For a wife who never liked him, every day was made to hide The other person, soft but certain, that resided deep inside Some may cast an eye but darling why should I? Be the prim and proper office boy for every passer-by? I give us a year, maybe two, if we’re lucky then a few But the former me embraced the chance to die Clyde can take a backseat, Cassi’s turn to drive Who can say on any day who gets the reins? Enjoy the ride! Now when it comes to who I am I wear the trousers (or I don’t) Oh, darlin’ won’t you see that London’s at its best de-gentrified? I gave love a go, nothing short of woe What’s the sense repeating empty feelings stuck below? The high and mighty in the sky might find me Wildly improprietous but in a hole well how are they gonna’ know? Done with companionship, hassle it brings Don’t need the baggage that’s strapped to a ring I’ll take the packages, lay off the strings ‘Cause when they aren’t attached it’s my favourite thing There are devils in the streets What’s an extra in the sheets? Either way you’ll be beneath, so take a fling There’s a sorry looking pantry and the kitchen’s on the brink And I’m worried that they’ll catch the taste of river in the drinks Not a sausage from Her Maj’, it’s like the riddle of the Sphynx Why she’s holed up in her palace as her kingdom ever sinks? Hard to pay the rent at all when plagued by the nonsensical Daily an acquaintance twixt strange and the unmentionables Who can blame a dame in situations unconventional? Basement full of tentacles but waiting on a gent to call Or lady friend or several to get me through the nights To place me on a pedestal and set to seeing me right It pays to be quite flexible and truly, who am I? To cater to convention and eschew these new delights? If you came for documenting, tick whatever box you like You’ve got Pages full of questions but I left my lot behind They’re praying for ascension but this bird ain’t keen to flight It’s a shame it took descent into the depths to see the light CHORUS 2: Nothing much for fun down here in London Trot along the Thames, admire the views Stumble in and pass our evenings drunken Till the day the pubs run out of booze Sorry that we’re out of grouse for Luncheon Suckle on your husk of crusted bread Hunger does a number down in London Watch you’ll get a darker taste instead Alright, alright, settle down you horrible lot! Settle down! Incorrigible the lot of ya! (Continued in replies!)

[@TheStupendium]

LYRICS PART 2: NARRATION 3: See that gentleman in the corner..? Yeah, The fancy sort? That is a Mister Byron Brimstone. Comes by on occasion, just watches folk, nary a word. But I’d wager your Ministry getup might just get his attention... Go and see if he’ll indulge you… VERSE 3: BYRON BRIMSTONE How quaint it is, are you the one they’ve sent to take a name? I’d say it if I could, but I might set the place aflame Metaphorically of course, you see I’ve rather gained a fame From Claridges's to Harrods , well, their charred, decayed remains I’m a landed man of standing known in every club still standing From the Abbey to the Strand you’ll find my calendar demanding I’m a wit of high precision and my manners are enchanting As befitting my position as a real and human man-thing. Tell me friend, have you heard the call to peep behind the veil? Tell me friend, do you hear the shadows sing? Tell me friend, do you think one day the demons might prevail? Tell me friend, do you believe in such a thing? I’m an academic sport, quite despite my fine rapport See, my friend you’re not the only one compiling a report Whilst the others at my station may not share my fascination Rest assured my occupation is the normal mortal sort You’re a fascinating species (of which I am too of course) Blessed with soul so thick and treacly I could easily have it corked In the ceaseless stream of freakery the underneath has wrought It’s not beast, the deep or bleak, but speak of love you seem to squawk Are your eyes not newly opened to this paradise you’ve found? This dark, arcane arcadia encaved beneath the ground? Where death as but a wheel within a wheel, spins ever-round Upon a mortal coil - a spring the likes of we have never wound? You’re a cast of fools and bastards so disastrously inclined Though far more entertaining than the vast lot of my kind So feeble, weak and plebian, and yet you pique the mind Companions are beneath me, or perhaps they’re ill-defined? You know the higher folds can tire, observing from above? Chance your wholesome little doldrum might just serve a spot of buzz? When it comes to baring souls I tend to keep things bottled up But perchance it may be droll to take a stroll amongst the rough Go on, toddle on… I’ll be seeing you… BRIDGE: Every worried soul in this sorry hole Lost, forgotten and with all tomorrows stole Dead and buried but the dead are very much aware of it and hell, they’ve paid a horrid toll How’d we come to be? Down here underneath? Doubt we’ll ever feel the sun upon our cheeks Never see another summer but we’ve one another Lust or comfort, love or some relief Someone to hold me tightly Someone to treat me rightly Someone to come shun the ennui and the boredom With one to hold me closely Nights mightn’t be so lonely Stranded helpless in the dark and reaching for them London town laid to rest underground But yet still deeper down are we Falling, falling, falling, falling VERSE 4: MR PAGES See them scurry as the rat within the maze Puzzulary and yet how they fascitate! Insignifiportant if cacophocordant Hunting for a heart to cherisffectionate Could they only see serendestiny Death and broken and dreams, hellish chemistries Their apocacylsm spawns a clockanism Requessary beyond their fathometry Every infatutation Each glance of gladoration Toothsome cogs upon our grand enmachinations Each soul impassionated Hearts stole or lacerated Each tale impaled by the quill tip to the Pages As the ink bleeds how I drink these Narratary little sips of histories Every skipped beat now to drip feed Something buried deep in enigmystery All ends. Swords. Pens. Foretent. Phenomonition. Court then Torment Love’s bent Definition Cold and unprepared, wholly unawares Chronologging their enhidden love affairs They’re a currency more potiont underneath And darker yet beyond that missing sun of theirs CHORUS 3: When you’ve had to live your life in London You feel right at home with skies of grey Ever since the something took us under Well, a sky of stone looks quite the same Happens that your city’s stuck and sunken Nothing to be done, so step in time Maybe what you’ll find in Fallen London Might be more than what you left behind Ever now the sun’s in down in London Up’s a bunch of nothing, night and day Wonder what it was deep down here slumbering Till it came to take those skies away Stuck with some involuntary spelunking And you’ll find the hole’s too deep to climb But if you should rise from Fallen London, Maybe think of all you’ll leave behind Right, that’s it! That’s it everyone, last orders! You reprobates, last orders! Come on, I gotta get me’ beauty sleep! OUTRO NARRATION: There you have it my friend, I should say you’ll have filled a fair few forms tonight and no mistake! The sun ought to be out soon. Not that we’ll see the likes of it down here. Me? Oh, there’s nought remarkable about Harry Teller worth noting down. Besides, I’ve been dead for a week. I feel alright now though. Whatcha, trah! READ ALL ABOUT IT! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Biscuit rations to increase by decree of the Masters! Baby found in spider’s web!

[@ngjinsiangashtonmeridianss4846]

yessir

[@JakeTheSnake.]

hi

[@timothybelleci3554]

Holy crap I actually started this game yesterday.

[@controlbrains]

AAAEGEGFG

[@Vaelgresh8]

Stupes is so genderfluid they can shave their facial hair for Cassie's verse and grow it back in time for Byron's. I aspire to one day have that kind of 'stache control.

[@jessedicaprio376]

I'm new here and faceblind as hell and it took this comment for me to realize both those characters were played by the same person!

[@cpt.briggsy5144]

@@jessedicaprio376 it took me a few rewatches to realise it was the same person too :P

[@CommunicationsOfficer535]

stupes can retract their mustache in order to do so

[@TheMaxMaxTheMax]

@@jessedicaprio376 oh my god same, I thought all three were different people.

[@jackknifed796]

i mean they couldve just filmed cassie's verse last

[@failbettergames]

A musical shall not be postponed indefinitely. Thank you Stupes, from the bottom of our hearts, for making this incredible thing. There's no one that could have done it better justice. 🧡

[@h3lblad3]

All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.

[@granthuebner9716]

@@h3lblad3 Oh no, we have already summoned the seekers.

[@Turbo_1701]

[@riskdream]

​@@granthuebner9716Look, we're just hungry for good songs. So, so very hungry. Unaccountably so.

[@HalcyonProtocol]

The Magnus Archives read copy for you guys in their early seasons. Ben Meredith reading those adverts is seared into my memory forever. Cheers.

[@Horltum]

"As fitting my position as a real human man-thing" has major "Nice day to be young and made of skin, isn't it?" energy, and I'm here for it.

[@alixoctopus4993]

A really good reference you have here sir. It makes me laugh, a human emotion

[@hircenedaelen]

@@alixoctopus4993 I don't know the reference, what is it?

[@q4zthegreat668]

@@hircenedaelen that'd be "two trenchcoats in a kid"

[@hircenedaelen]

@@q4zthegreat668 holy hell

[@ytdude2935]

“How do you do fellow humans. Are you enjoying having skin today” Energy

[@TheWahdude]

I can just imagine Cassie's response when the man from the ministry enquires as to what gender box to tick ..... 'My dear sir, there are individuals roaming the streets of Fallen London at this very moment with the faces of squid! Squid! Do you ask them their gender? And yet you waste our time asking me trifling and impertinent questions about mine? It is my own business, sir, and I bid you good day.'

[@blakksheep736]

Great reference.

[@fish_and-chips]

Yeah he’s obviously gonna tick the male section. Doesn’t matter how much makeup hair extensions you wear, still gonna be a guy.

[@amadeosendiulo2137]

@@fish_and-chips Cope.

[@fish_and-chips]

@@amadeosendiulo2137everything you do, no matter how much makeup you wear, or what kind of dress you put on, or how many documents you tick “F” on, your blood is male, your bones are male, your skin is male, even your sweat is male.

[@unhackerthelaziestbastardo6083]

@@fish_and-chipsCope and seethe.

[@corvidcall1025]

Really I can't imagine a better and more authentic representation of Fallen London than "here's a bunch of Fallen London OCs I made up" this was so delightful Stupes!! Absolutely wonderful 💖

[@SorowFame]

“Meet my OCs” is a song genre I’m just finding I want more of.

[@failbettergames]

We lightly discourage alts but I make no apology for waiving that... guideline for Stupes.

[@xalrath]

Byron being an extremely junior attache to the Brass Embassy who has 'gone native' rules

[@kitwhitfield7169]

Stupes has always been a brilliant and hilarious character writer - it’s fantastic to see that talent taking flight!

[@jamestown8398]

They all fit the setting like a glove.

[@lcpostrano9292]

"Tried to earn an honest bob, but a Bob is just a Robert, and a Robert's just a robber to a tee" is a fantastic line and sounds exactly like the kind of dialogue you would find in Fallen London. You've captured the atmosphere so well!! Edit: You killed it as Cassie!! For some reason she reminds me a lot of Madame Thenardier from Les Mis, with all the flair and drama on top Edit 2: "Bryon Brimstone", real subtle. The camp and punnery here is delightfully perfect for Fallen London

[@MrMaradok]

I’ll give ya five crates of souls for that Bottled Atmosphere - It’ll make getting from London to New Winchester much faster!

[@theenchantress1296]

Funny thing, i was thinking of Les Mis with this song too😅 i love this song so much

[@evagarcia865]

I don’t get the “byron brimstone” is it a pun?

[@Dinosaurs847]

@@evagarcia865 It kinda sounds like "Fire and Brimstone" which usually refers to hell. so yea, kinda.

[@VasianKB]

Sorry, I'm not a native speaker, and while you mentioned it- can you explain that line? Because it kind of makes sense, but i don't really understand it

[@AudreyKey9653]

Everyone: Cassie is such an inspiration! A beautiful accomplishment Stupes, so brave! Cassie: *Stumbling around drunk, hollering at her patrons, happily falling into piles of women every night and generally being the best bartending mom*

[@JadeTheHobo]

Cassie is truly an example of women's wrongs

[@cobalt_bold]

Cassie should be my mom

[@santiagobarreraruiz7280]

@@JadeTheHobo she really is the queen of queer rigths and wrongs :3

[@GCWeber]

She is a hot mess and frankly that just makes her even more of an icon

[@irishmanfromengland25]

yes. exactly.

[@Phobiaph0bic]

Quite literally shouted “IS THAT STUPES?!” when Cassie came out. You look GORGEOUS (and/or handsome/stunning, whichever compliment is your favorite) in that costume! Absolutely incredible music as always, and I’m never going to get over how perfectly you played Cassie.

[@stormflyer6574]

There is always some witchcraft in the stupes costumes, they are always amazing

[@crabofthewoods]

I DIDNT EVEN REALIZE???? WAIT HAYUIGHJREKIG

[@slartybartfast]

Ikr! They looked amazing!

[@JaxonChildress-qi3dw]

laughing/wezzing at this

[@RudeVelvet]

Darling this is ICONIC. It was such a pleasure to put you into some 'Neath Realness Drag

[@TheStupendium]

I was so happy to finally get a chance to work with you after we talked about it so long ago! That 'right project' finally came along and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!

[@andrecarpenter2432]

You both did wonderful

[@Cami-Cat]

TWELVE MINUTES??? INSANE! You have truly outdone yourself on this one! This is absolutely stellar!! EVERYONE DID GREAT IM SCREAMING

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you so much, Cami! :D

[@seanmontgomery3997]

I didn't even notice the length until seeing this while scrolling through the comments after it was over...

[@polybius-jy5rc]

10-11 minutes rothly is a better description of its length but its still the longest song i'v ever listened to besting chonny jash's (yes that's there name) dead man's sea shanty i think which is 7 minutes long.

[@polybius-jy5rc]

actually 10 is the best description

[@taegamerth2044]

I DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE IT WAS 12 MINUTES!

[@failbettergames]

Six months later and I'm still floored by this! The efforts you went to just shine and shine. CG models? Costume? 3d prints? Custom drinks bottles? Tentacle VFX? Still blows my mind. Big love and happy new year from team FBG!

[@TheStupendium]

This project was a joy to work on with you! Happy new year, guys!

[@esoopthederp7672]

@@TheStupendiumwe need a railway shanty! You’d be such a great Furnace or Cornelius

[@opheliarosewood7847]

​@@esoopthederp7672 I'd kill to see stupes cosplay furnace n Cornelius

[@esoopthederp7672]

@@opheliarosewood7847 yo Ophelia! Recognize that name from the discord I think

[@SuperHGB]

​@esoopthederqp7672 Maybe sung by a member of the union out there laying track for most of the lines

[@moonwalker6938]

Such a performance! You've gained 1 x Favours: Bohemians You've gained 1 x Favours: Hell You've gained 1 x Favours: Rubbery Men You've gained 1 x Hellish Hymn You've gained 2 x Confident Smile Scandall is increasing... Nightmares is increasing… Making Waves is increasing…

[@clockworkEsper]

Thankfully this one hasn't resulted in being run out to the Tomb Colonies

[@lilkobold9455]

What a shame that would be right?

[@phrog6033]

I was wondering what the rubbery men had to do with this until I remembered the "basement full of tentacles"...

[@opinionatedfoxl8369]

wth

[@lilkobold9455]

What?

[@SuperPerry1000]

I'm absolutely flabbergasted with the Cassie persona. You can barely tell. And as someone enamoured with the Fallen London lore, this was SUCH a treat.

[@KWBR1123]

Barely tell what?

[@iPlayGamesX]

@@KWBR1123 That its just cosplay.

[@KWBR1123]

Ooooohhhhhh

[@BobSmith-cg2ek]

I've watched a couple reaction videos of this, and a lot of them can't even tell it's Stupes playing Cassie, the cosplay is THAT good. I'm not convinced Stupes isn't a shapeshifter, personally.

[@Kvindevognen]

I kept wandering who it was as well, for one simple reason. This is the ONLY time I have ever seen the Stupendium without a mustache and sideburns. Though I suppose those last ones are hidden under the wig.

[@A_Wild_Kez]

"Besides, I've been dead for a week." Understandable, have a nice day. Unbelievably incredible work once again Stupes, truly remarkable!

[@jacobsheehan5775]

No law is Supreme in the neath

[@AmadeyAzalin]

I'd say, he took his time. Last time i ivestigated murder i got to interrogate victim, like, half a day later

[@Sotergarm]

@@AmadeyAzalin There are some of us who are better at chess than others .

[@AmadeyAzalin]

@@Sotergarm sure, if you are bad at not-dying, that's second best thing

[@guypguy]

He feels alright now though

[@valdonchev7296]

"All ends/Swords, Pens" is such a powerful line: concise, pleasant rhyme, and most importantly taking elements from an established saying gives it a nice symbolic weight.

[@icetide9411]

I like how the "I've been dead for a week" thing was actually subtlety hinted. On the Cult's(?) notes he's described as "posthumorous," a mix between humourous and posthumous. The latter, meaning something for someone already dead. Very nifty little detail.

[@Valtharr]

They're not quite a cult. They're the Masters of the Echo Bazaar, and basically the de-facto rulers of Fallen London. Each of them is in charge of a particular category of traded goods, as indicated by their individual names. The one singing was Mr. Pages, the Master of anything related to words and writing.

[@suitov]

Such things are not permanent in the Neath. One gets better; reliably, yet not unchanged.

[@lol_1313]

As well as his lines around 7:50, where he talks about the dead

[@alastor6673]

0:23 I don’t know if anyone ever talks about it, but the insignia they make based on their logo combined with whatever the song is about always seems to scratch an itch I didn’t know I had 😅

[@SpectralArchivist]

It really does. I think it's _because_ it always matches the song- makes it feel more personal when it's not just the same thing stuck in front of every song.

[@clockworkEsper]

You can't fool me, Mr. Pages! I know that's you at the end there! Nobody else beats the English language to death like that! But for real, god this is such an incredible tribute to Fallen London, truly the product of a Stupendous Songwriter. Fantastic work, I'm going to listen to this on loop for nights and nights

[@Magistrixification]

This is what happens when Mr Pages samples Mr Spices private stash.

[@satans_advocate1644]

@@MagistrixificationMr. Pages on drugs wouldn’t be comprehensifical in the slightest

[@Cosmosdestructor]

My favorite part is when Byron stopped pretending to be human and just straight up admitted that his kind wound the mortal coil, therefore starting the cycle of life and death. “Upon a mortal coil, a spring the likes of which we have never wound” is him saying that The Neath has a mortal coil completely separate from his kind, one that his kind didn’t wind.

[@xalrath]

it is... unclear how much of that is Byron being full of shit. It's the annoying thing about devils. They lie. Quite a lot. And irritatingly well. Leading scholarship on devilkind, brutally won, is clear on precisely one thing: they find the stories the Church tells about them hilarious.

[@Cosmosdestructor]

Whoever responded, try again. KZbin’s hiding it.

[@xalrath]

@@Cosmosdestructor how annoying! it is... unclear how much of that is Byron being full of it. It's the annoying thing about devils. They lie. Quite a lot. And irritatingly well. Leading scholarship on devilkind, brutally won, is clear on precisely two things: they find the stories the Church tells about them hilarious, and they like roses.

[@Hazel_Hyena]

I love it, but I can't think of any devil-lore in the game that supports it. Wouldn't that be more of a judgement call from up above?

[@FaultlineSurfer]

After listening to this an indeterminate amount of times I've gotta say Byron's segment is my favorite. Just the idea of this Devil becoming absolutely *fascinated* with the walking disasters that are the Fallen is delightful.

[@santiagocastro6333]

When evil is all you've seen around, quaintness and comedy probably make you raise an eyebrow

[@SuperHGB]

​​@@santiagocastro6333London is probably more evil then hell

[@xalrath]

​@SuperHGB London declared war on Hell shortly after arrival. It went very, very badly. It takes effort to be worse than London. The things that call themselves devils because they think it's funny have put forward several efforts in their time.

[@danbull]

i have to say, this was pretty neath

[@TheStupendium]

Theank you! That meanths a lot to meath!

[@rackracket8482]

Oh British people

[@flared9921]

I zee what you did their

[@ravstallings2030]

Come on behave these kind of jokes are beneath you......get it

[@cat-cat...]

hi dan! great work on the warden wrap mmmmm... wrap *homer noises*

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

This isn't the whole musical, obviously; this is just the opening number, "Down here in London", introducing the viewer to the setting and characters. After this come two and a half hours (plus interval) of thrills, passion, comedy and absolutely showstopping musical numbers that detail the story of Robert falling for Cassie, of Byron toying with their lives and love by offering them a dark pact, and of even darker forces moving behind the scenes until the ultimately sympathetic demon decides to betray his infernal masters to let the humans have their happiness. Give this man a Tony's!

[@runeanonymous9760]

Set all of this during Britain’s attempt to conquer Hell, maybe

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

@@runeanonymous9760 wait, is that an actual thing in Fallen London lore?

[@runeanonymous9760]

@@HaganeNoGijutsushi yeah. They tried, they failed, and had to let Hell build a embassy and a train

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

@@runeanonymous9760 reasonable terms, honestly. Could have gone worse.

[@dakotaredd1742]

I’d pay bank to see this musical made

[@marcusc9931]

My favourite part is when you sing together with yourself in four different voices.

[@lagsaur]

I had a chance to prescreen the full musical! I thought it was unorthodox to reveal Mr. Eaten's name before the intermission and then murder the audience, but the way they brought us all back for the second half was absolutely marvelous.

[@genericname2747]

It was also unorthodox to spoil the ending(s) for Seeking Mr Eatens Name and then drown the world in darkness while bats flooded the sky, but this song was good enough that I don't mind.

[@teo5339]

Mr Eaten? There is no Mr Eaten. I advise you stop your search immediately.

[@genericname2747]

@@teo5339 Unus Annus

[@TriangleChloros]

They kind of had to do it in the first half, I reckon. These things shall not be postoponed indefinitely.

[@asperRader]

Hey, it's fine, it served a flair that can be very nicely undone by the Law and a hefty supply of irrigo. And who knows, with all the misfortune, maybe someone remembered. Who knowzz?

[@rabbavar3794]

Make. Broadway. Musicals. This man should not be confined to KZbin, this is truly some next level stuff.

[@Pizzaetertje]

It would definitely be better to just stay on KZbin, it’s way easier to watch it this way

[@mmgmagic]

With all-time favourite lyrics such as "Tried to earn an honest bob, but a Bob is just a Robert, and Robert's just a robber to a tee", I wouldn't be surprised if the Great Fire of London in 1666 was caused by Stupendium's fire lyricwriting! Genuinely amazing work, and now one of my favourite musicals of all time!

[@aactualhuman3704]

I love how unsubtle Byron is. My dude's name is basically just "Fire and Brimstone" and I absolutely adore the line "as befitting my position as a Real human man-thing". I just love everything about this character lol

[@FaultlineSurfer]

Just a regular human name for a regular human man wearing his regular human skin that msot definitely belongs to him

[@xalrath]

​@nelsonrubio5858 in fairness, he is absolutely enjoying the Hell out of the period before the locals have the slightest idea of what his deal is. there have only been four times like this before! for g_ds sake, he's wearing a g_dd_mned bee pin!

[@opheliarosewood7847]

Tbf the devil's in FL aren't the most subtle either lol

[@mister_bomb7777]

I just realised that "Every market turns to *Black* as soon as *all the lights are off* " has some implied liberationist views.

[@elizabethsakura]

I'm sorry but Cassi's little "Woo" snatches my soul every time 😂

[@blakksheep736]

😏

[@JaxonChildress-qi3dw]

lol

[@jadechandler9088]

This feels like a excuse to show off your fallen London OCS and im all for it, amazing work stupes!

[@Menchii_bug]

Some amazing details I noticed! - Mr. Brimstone has a bee-shaped pin. This man truly doesn’t know how to be subtle, does he? - The bottles are labeled “Muttshroom” - There’s a lot of Failbetter Games merch featured here, such as the Fallen London cards or the map - The frame that Bob is holding is labeled “Mrs. Frambley’s Fine Framery” at the top with “Est 1842, Framers to Her Majesty” written at the bottom - The newspaper tells us that the day is Sunday, the 17th of August 1862. - I can see at least 3 distinct pairs of hands dragging Carrie behind the door in that one shot, and they’re probably the 3 ladies from the previous scene - “Pages” is capitalized at 5:11, which is a very small thing that I really enjoy - At about 6:15 you can see Correspondence sigils burning into the walls. - The correspondence pin on Byron’s tie translates to “The Improbable Collusion of Two Unrelated Perils,” according to the FL wiki. - Pages’ segment is chock-full of small details, such as how the name of the Census-Taker is Stewart Pendium. - The Ray-Drenched Correspondence Paperweight! Although, oddly, this one seems to be completed. In-game, the sigils stop before they reach the bottom, because inscribing a magic language on a magic rock is not a good idea. - two copies of Macaulay’s History of England are on the desk. Seems the Masters have been doing their research. Kind Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table sits next to it. - Apparently Byron fell in love with Carrie. Perhaps it’s the other way around, but that’s unlikely. - There are lots of cool cards here: the Jack of Rats, Bats, Cats, and Hats, as well as the Ace of Bats when the camera pans over. - Robert “Honest Bob” Racket’s census page: (How many people live in this establishmentation?) […]formal lodger of the Sin[ging Mandrake] in Veilgarden. A tenant of C[arrie] Havisham and fellow proprie[tor…] was unavailable for comment. (Is anyone in this establishment enamourificated or empassionated?) “I should like to find myself […] and a heart with which to share […] no such fortune in such endeavors.” - Byron Brimstone’s Census Page; his is heavily obscured by his photo and the ink bottle, and I couldn’t assume so much about this one: (How many people live in this establishmentation?) “[…] do not count in s[…] embers as […] end.” (Is anyone in this establishment enamourificated or empassionated?) “[…] and desires around here; but wh[…] they of yours? (How might one define their occupatory pursuits?) “Our duties pertain to planes beyond your limited understanding.” - Cassie’s census page is essentially unreadable behind the badge and the other papers, sadly. - There are about 20 or so pairs of eyes in the dark, including Mr. Pages himself. I’m sure there’s only 11 Masters - and that’s just a fought estimate, not really counting some of the weird ones like Mr. C______ or Mr. Sacks, or even Mr. Tubes in the outro (I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s just Pages upgraded to a more modern name)- but some of the eyes are too small to be Masters anyways. Perhaps just ordinary bats? - The line “Hunger does a number down in London” seems reminiscent of a certain peckishness linked with a certain number and a certain name… I’m not sure the Seeking reference was entirely intentional, but it’s still worth mentioning. Please, point out any others I missed so I can add them to the list!

[@TheStupendium]

Fantastic observations! Thanks for listing them, I love when folks notice and appreciate the fine details, they are my favourite part of any project! - There were no canon in-universe drinks that would have made sense in a pub, lots of powerful magical drinks in FL but no established brands of regular beers/wines. So I created a couple of my own 'Muttshroom Ale' and 'Gannet & Gibbus' wine. - You're the first to notice the details on the picture frame, I had fun making fake little brands for this video! - The two copies of 'Macaulay’s History of England' are actually volumes 1 & 2 of a series, though that part of the spine is obscured. In the foreground is also a book on Florence Nightingale. - All of the census forms were fully filled out as I wasn't sure what would/wouldn't be seen when I was making them. Several of them make reference for a 'Clyde Haversham' who was 'unavailable for comment' as the census taker wasn't aware that Clyde and Cassie are the same person. - The map wasn't merch, I had it custom printed and then weathered it myself. We were sent an official map to use but the paper stock was too modern and shiny looking so we didn't use it. - I liked the idea that Byron had a brief secret tryst with Cassie that he'd be too proud to ever admit so I put that string there for the eagle eyed. - 'I do not count in such pedestrian numbers as you could possible hope to comprehend' (from memory, might not be word for word) - The paperweight having too many sigils is an oversight on my part, the only refence image I had was very small so I was mostly improvising

[@FaultlineSurfer]

Well, Byron keeps sneaking Red Honey into the place throughout his *entire* segment lol

[@Menchii_bug]

@@TheStupendium Aaah, thanks for the reply! Details like this are what make your work some of the best on KZbin. The characters you’ve made and your portrayal of the setting is just the sweetest honey for my silly FL-addicted brain! It’s astounding, the amount of effort and love put into this video (a sentiment that has been so repeated within this comment section that the idea might be heavily diluted by now) …anyhow, what are the chances that these characters end up in one of Failbetter’s games? Personally, I would really enjoy being able to meet Cassie or Byron at the feast of the rose next year…

[@Menchii_bug]

@@FaultlineSurfer I wonder how many drunken patrons mistook his bottles for one of their own, and then took a hearty swig without realizing what was actually inside…

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you so much! You'd have to ask Failbetter about that! I'd love them to appear in game but it's not something we've discussed! If enough people ask them though... :P

[@dreyas783]

Fan theory! Each character is a stat from Sunless Sea. Bob = VEILS (peddles stolen goods, stays hidden away) Cassie = IRON (confident, strong willpower, adapts well) Byron = MIRRORS (curious, "academic sort", "wit of high precision") Mr. Pages = PAGES (most experienced, thinks they know all the Secrets) Harry = HEARTS (friendly, socially involved, endured pain)

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

In terms of the original Fallen London, Bob is Shadows, Cassie is Persuasion, Brimstone is Watchfulness, which I guess leaves Mr. Pages to be Dangerous, which... fair enough.

[@mewziikal8331]

@@HaganeNoGijutsushiwouldn't Brimstone be dangerous and Pages watchful ?

[@maxdragon5043]

@@HaganeNoGijutsushi Harry feels like the Watchful one to me. He's the one that seems to know everyone in the Singing Mandrake after all. And yeah, Brimstone is definitely dangerous mewziika8331

[@leafionlover5230]

​@@maxdragon5043Personally I'd leave pages as dangerous and have brimstone as shadowy instead due to the brass embassy devils' habits of getting involved in spycraft and the like

[@Dotexclamationmark]

Y'know I usually leave shorter comments because I often do ramble. But by the Holy bells of York this was brilliant!!!! Like wow. You've always had a skill of wildy weaving together wistfully wonderful word play but this has taken it to a whole new level. The utter character in the song is palpable with each of the main singers emitting such personality I'm surprised I didn't sudden doth an appropriate suit from its vacancy! You all, ALL should be proud of this! The set, costumes, actors, music and world are so rich! The effort is positively dripping of this masterpiece like water from stalactites and that pun was very much intended and im sad its the only one I can think of! Genuine pleasure to listen to and that won't change for the subsequent 40 viewings this week alone!

[@GeneralBumpkis]

Embrace the ramble, my friend! I’m the same way. I know that in a lot of places and situations it’s not often appreciated, but I think you’re safe here. Ramble on 😂

[@thewizardcat9934]

Born too late to explore the world, and too soon to explore the space. But just in time to listen to Stupendium musical genius with their awesome songs!

[@twichay1889]

Stupes uses they/them these days :)

[@thewizardcat9934]

@@twichay1889 Oh nice to hear, so my his should be "their" for example? I am not a native english speaker so I have some doubts regarding things like this :b

[@oliviatilleman8055]

@@thewizardcat9934 yes

[@universal_stupidity]

@@thewizardcat9934 yep exactly, and pronouns can be confusing since every language does them a bit differently

[@thewizardcat9934]

@@oliviatilleman8055 alr, fixed :b

[@psycless]

i rlly wish the “stuck down in the Neath, drowning in disease” bit was the hook bc it’s so damn good

[@ilaydaakmehmet7707]

Agreed! 1:58 - 2:10 has me in a vise grip.

[@forcicri93]

Yes, but I feel like the actual hook works better (not to say the "stuck down in the Neath" one was bad, I adore it. It just feels much less of a hook and more of a line)

[@alexissmith7005]

8:23 should have been the hook imo

[@natedefrees5862]

The Masters verse was my absolutely my favorite. 'All ends, swords, pens, foretent phenominition court then torment love's bent definition.' Oh, the lyrical mastery is so good!

[@segevstormlord3713]

Are "the masters" the same kind of things that Byron is? Or, rather, is Byron their kind, or is he a different sort of supernatural thingie? He doesn't share their not-quite-right words, which are a very amusing way to portray their inhumanity. It's not the same, but it reminds me of the Board from Control and their [multiple choice/varied ways/triplicate documentation] wording.

[@josiahwatson4546]

@@segevstormlord3713 This requires a bit of knowledge from Failbetter's games, but Byron is a Devil (Explaining the lines about souls). The Masters are their own mysterious creatures who are almost always covered by robes. Only one of the Masters (the one in Mask of the Rose) speaks in almost-nonsensical phrases, the others speak semi-normally, and one of them is mute. Since all of Failbetter's games are mostly text-based, they often have creative textual quirks for different characters/areas.

[@vylbird8014]

@@segevstormlord3713 Byron is a Devil. Hell is not far from Fallen London. Upon discovering this immediately after falling, London - being a city of good god-fearing Christians - immediately declared war upon Hell. A war in which they had their asses most solidly kicked, being yet inexperienced in the ways of the 'Neath and entirely unprepared. The war ended in a most humiliating peace agreement for London - among many concessions they were required to permit demons to live in the city and even a legalised (though highly regulated) trade in souls. Thus Byron's presence within the city. Demons are not at all welcome in London, but that doesn't stop them setting up home there: The social life is infinitely better than back home, and there are business opportunities. So many desperate people who might part with a soul.

[@h_chase1974]

@@segevstormlord3713 spoilers for fallen London. Byron is a devil that comes from hell. Hell is involved because london tried to invade it, and got their asses whooped. The masters are bat-like creatures called the curators that usually serve the Judgments (the stars) except in this case they rebelled because the Bazaar (a giant space crab) fell in love with the sun (and had a child which is a mountain) but the sun doesn't love him anymore and the masters have the period of seven stolen cities to curate love stories to get the sun back in love with the Bazaar. I think I am correct on the broad strokes, but not sure of the more minute details.

[@sabinasabino141]

​@@segevstormlord371340 years ago, London was stolen by Bats.

[@CephaVa]

I’m a trans girl, and my parents are finally letting me get the clothes I want and are finally coming to terms with things, seeing you pull off that outfit so perfectly makes me super excited to get to dress how I want! Another perfect song!

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you so much, friend! I hope you have fun picking your new wardrobe! You're gonna rock it!

[@CephaVa]

@@TheStupendium tysm! I will!

[@daniellesmusicaladventures9700]

You're gonna look so cool! Congratulations!!

[@CephaVa]

@@daniellesmusicaladventures9700 Tysm! 💜

[@themasteronhigh1665]

Pulling for you girlll. Let's gooo. You'll look amazingggg

[@anlak1318]

I love how after the first unlikely cyphers, everyone was like: "oh shit, a 9-minute video, we won't see anything close to this for a long time". And Stupendium took it personally.

[@user-wh2nt5ce5r]

When they all sing together you can see Byron over act his part like he's mocking them while they are genuine truly an ingenius piece :)

[@TheStupendium]

I wouldn't say he is mocking but he *is* a drama queen and over-acting. :)

[@d.shazzbaa]

I've been listening to this since yesterday and I still haven't gotten over Cassie. I've calmed down enough about Cassie to properly enjoy the rest of the song (I particularly adore Byron's Totally Not Suspicious Human Lyrics), but gosh... I don't even know if I can express how exciting it is to see you get to play a character like her, and how well it suited you!! Unbelievably delighted

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you so much!

[@theyofmanynames]

Whoa, Shazz?! What a surprise to encounter you in the wild! Or... I guess not, seeing how you got me into Stupes in the first place...

[@illegalmemedealer3549]

A video where the Stupendium plays a lovable thief, a character who gives me gender envy, AND an evil eccentric in a suit?! It’s the holy trinity!

[@elfilin-to6dh]

and also... whatever the creepy hooded guy is

[@illegalmemedealer3549]

@@elfilin-to6dh bold to assume that one isn’t the gender envy one

[@idrisciar5566]

​@@elfilin-to6dh bat's. It's all bat's. Lol.

[@mewziikal8331]

@@idrisciar5566bats is the best gender. (Fr tho i feel the same abt Cassie XD)

[@ReshiTheFurry]

@@elfilin-to6dh Ah you mean one of Masters of the Bazaar, Mr. Pages in particular~

[@retroguy6062]

This is a complete musical, I can't express all the delight that trembles my fingertips and steals my breath. Such a picturesque work that I was dizzy from the realization. The Stupendium has created something that is no longer comprehensible to me and I have not seen before. Yes, the words that I say are loud, but such a hard work deserves her attention. How many details, how many little things, what kind of melody plays with you, luring you into this small world, and the lyrics will not let you go. It's incredible!

[@possumorb4008]

The fact you played all these characters by yourself (exept the backround characters) just shows your talent

[@Osma777]

I forgot to mention this, but during the "tell me friend" (or is it fiend) section, Stups shows their mastery of being evil. That slight smirk, almost as if they are hiding fangs, and the quick little smile they cant help but show when they talk about "the demons might prevail". Awesome acting

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

Stupes in this song embodies the three genders: Man, Woman, and Totally Not A Demon. That said, Brimstone doesn't seem deeply evil to me, more the typical demon intrigued and amused by humanity that has come to love it... within their capacity to do so. Like Crowley from Good Omens.

[@KWBR1123]

@@HaganeNoGijutsushiI love Good Omens, and that is the perfect descriptor for Byron, thank you sir, ma’am or good day

[@xalrath]

​@KWBR1123 the Devils of Fallen London are clear on one thing and one thing alone they find being called devils by Londoners ~hilarious~ also they like roses

[@xalrath]

also, please tell Byron if you have seen a flicker of green light while he asks his questions. There is something Hell wants to know London has not engaged in diplomatic relations with. If the green light is present, well. It isn't, right

[@segevstormlord3713]

@@xalrath Not knowing what the green signifies, I just have to comment that it seemed to my unfamiliar-with-Fallen-London perceptions that Byron actively seemed worried during the green questions sequence.

[@aliceg3184]

This gave me CHILLS. As a veteran player of Fallen London and Failbetter's other games, I've never seen the setting brought to life in such a vibrant, spectacular way. My Exceptional Hat is off to you! (Good timing, too--it was getting hungry.)

[@bulletflight]

Don't let the hat near the blemmigans. The mushrooms are too cute.

[@skem9622]

A true ballad of greatness! Ive loved Fallen London for ages and now my favourite musician makes a song about it!

[@LancetheGallade-fs2yn]

Oh man, Fallen London brings me _back._ I remember playing it, like, way back in middle school, and I just _adored_ all the secrets and lore hidden in the tiniest corners and random events. I still remember one of the confessions during Hallowmas, where an Urchin tells you that she keeps going back to this old, abandoned kid's room and playing with the dollhouse in there. Or the little informational blurbs that would appear to the right of the game, that tell you about the "stone pigs" underneath the Bazaar, or The Starveling Cat poems, or the tiny creatures frozen inside the Neath's snow. The worldbuilding, the little bits and pieces of character motives, everything just feels so... alive. All that is to say that I think you really knocked it out of the park with this one, Stupes. I hope you continue to make songs for this world, because it's so, so fascinating. I'd love to see a rap about an explorer, chronicling their journey to the disparate, crazy locations of the Neath: The Tomb-Colonies, Elder Continent, Parabola, Hell itself... Or maybe a Sunless Skies song, to match Dan Bull's Sunless Seas rap? Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will be great. Take care, and remember: _All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well._

[@chantolove]

im so glad everyone seems to agree with me that "phenomenition" is the best harmonic moment not just in the song but in your catalog

[@Quizzique]

STUPES!!! You killed it as Cassie! Near unrecognizable in that role! This entire project was OOZING with passion, and I enjoyed every second of it! In fact, I might try to check out this game sometime, you've officially sold me interest! Keep on keeping on, your work never ceases to amaze!

[@lelanternoscope3691]

Check out this universe it's really cool ! You have text-based games like Fallen London and Mask of the Rose, and sailing/trading/spacing/lovecrafting around with underground boats and space trains in Sunless Sea and Sunless Skies.

[@goblincrimes8524]

WAS IT REALLY STUPES PLAYING CASSIE?? oh my god that's insane, the talent they have is so great that i'm convinced if they were to disguise themselves as a family member i would be fooled for a solid month

[@samuelesanfilippo222]

so it was him, damn i was staring for some solid minuted questioning my sanity and eyes

[@NWolfsson]

@@goblincrimes8524 I was also going "Wait, who-?" until the combo of wrist shape+purple polish+tattoo hit em x)

[@Heebie-Deebies]

Was not expecting that level of drag from Stupendium but I'm certainly not complaining, what an absolute slay

[@jaradsmethers3601]

the more I listen to this song the more I love it, the different vocabularies the characters have cassie has some amazing lines my favourite being "won't you see london's at it's best de-gentrified" and it's multiple meanings. mister byron brimstone with his "real and human manthing" really captures that hello fellow hooman vibe also cassie shortly followed by that line is perfect. mr pages that entire section is just spectacular just bending english to your will. "I've been dead for a week" well that's a phrase you hear very often

[@hshgf3410]

I swear the algorithm buried this video. The production value is insane and the lyrics only get better with every re-listen. And yet it's not broken 500,000 views after 2 months. Personally, i think this is some of your best work, and it's a bit frustrating that it didn't get the exposure it deserved.

[@BerrylProd]

Oh my. Not just a single song but a whole musical for fallen London ? And quite a tailored one for this sunless city ! Marvellous, really, and mereley a week after the game's out. Indeed, props to Failbetter for sponsoring this. Money well spent for a small indie studio. Also, Mr Tubes at the end, as small as it is, was just perfect♥ Edit : the loquacious musician ? Excellent description, that should be the new description of this channel XD

[@godfrey_approves]

I will be honest with you, I have never even HEARD of Fallen London before, but this looks so interesting I may have to check it out! And OMG YOU DID A MUSICAL SONG!!!! I will be honest with you, Stupes, you've been an inspiration to me. I want to be able to make videos like this someday, and it warms my heart to see how far you've come over the years. Yours, Godfrey (they/them) 💛

[@404cheeseburgernotfound5]

same

[@redwitch95]

It's such a great setting! If you're not into visual novels, the web game (called Fallen London) or the other video games (Sunless Seas and Sunless Skies) are a great jumping in point.

[@godfrey_approves]

@@redwitch95 Oh, I LOVE visual novels! Where do I find this story??

[@sarahannah10]

I remember playing it when I was at college, a good 15 years ago. I'm so happy its still going and growing!

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

​@@godfrey_approvesoriginal game is called Fallen London, it's online and free. Sunless Seas and Sunless Skies are two roguelikes in which you command a ship in this setting and do missions and stuff, with plenty of writing of course. And now the new VN Mask of the Rose is coming out.

[@quirkyqwerty2840]

Ah, yes, the song that got me into Fallen London. What a wonderful thing to see passing by while I'm waiting on the slow boat.

[@TrinityBloodFan02]

Failbetter absolutely got their money's worth and then some when they sponsored you; I almost screamed in delight when I saw the thumbnail, because I just knew you'd be able to pull off the absolute weirdness of Fallen London and its universe. I loved all the characters you showed off (Cassie was awesome!), Robert, one of Hells many demons and soul sellers, and sneaking in some of the more secret lore in the lyrics! I was just geeking out the whole freaking time, you absolutely nailed this! 100/10 my delicious friend, this is exactly what I needed as a pick me up!

[@gren8te319]

1:55 seemed like it'd be the chorus and we'd spend the whole 12 minute video with bob. it's just that fire

[@notyetimnot406]

the rest of this song is good too but i'd pay good money for a version that's just bob.

[@woooooooooooooooooooooooo]

​@@notyetimnot406everyone loves bob

[@Sotergarm]

I've not felt intimidated by a Master in a very long time indeed . . . Bravo! A stupendous show, as expected coming from you.

[@Fangria]

He was so cool

[@TheZigzagman]

Yeah. Once you've had one for dinner the menace starts to fade.

[@veselinnedkov643]

Stupes. You SHAVED for a video. Now that's dedication! Hats off!

[@thatCbean]

I am obsessed with everything about this song! The lines, the outfits, your insane transformation for Cassie... and everything else. Just amazing

[@thedarkduchess7556]

I LOVED THIS WHOLE SONG SO MUCH, YOU DID SUCH AN AMAZING JOB!!!! Side note, I never expected Stupes to look THAT good as Cassie. I didnt even realize it was them until the last verse, such a massive transformation. 10/10 we love to see it

[@namvutranngoc6945]

Stupes is the ultimate gender

[@alastor6673]

@@namvutranngoc6945 Lmao true

[@Loooore3483]

Ohohohohohoho!! Another delightful showcase of your eloquence! It is unfortunately very late on my side, and the words escape my comprehension. At least I can admire those gorgeous costumes and, as always, the astounding visuals. In simpler terms, I'm loving it! And 12 minutes?! Have you lost your mind? ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Loooore3483]

Oh! Right. I forgot to mention the most important thing. The music!. It's great, and I will humm it for the nex week... Or four

[@alexissmith7005]

Idk why, but “London town laid to rest underground” is my favorite line in the song. A masterpiece, as always.

[@therosegardenthorn2215]

I love all the characters in the game, but oh what I would do to get a DLC that adds these characters! They all have stories that I have become enamored with and want to explore! Well done, Stupendium!

[@ChestersonJack]

I’ve been saying that exact thing! Since I last left a comment two weeks ago, I have bought the game and played through multiple times (currently on my third), finding new secrets every time! I’d DIE for a DLC where we can find all these characters.

[@Insomniatic_Snorlax]

My god, Stupes just never has a bad song, ever since I started watching them I have been surprised and impressed each and every time. Soon Their name will be heard all over the world, their talent for making amazing music and the dedication they have to make each song a work of art is something that a whole lot of people will never forget once they tune into Stupes' ever growing catalog of modern day marvels. Bravo you beautiful artist you! You will be someone who stands the test of time I am sure!

[@_Woody_]

Oh, hello there, delicious friend. Nobody truly expects a Sunless Musical, am I correct? But in the end, it was as clear as the wisdom of Stone, Storm and Salt under the watchful gaze of the judgements. But please, come and enjoy yourself at the Bazaar, she is truly lovely today. Just be sure, that you won't be as well and all should be fine.

[@cameronmcallister7606]

THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN THE SUN TH

[@TheKingEd1tor]

7:15 it took me many rewatches to finally see this beautiful detail of the shadow being cast behind Byron. stupendium never disappoints :)

[@segevstormlord3713]

I have tried watching that part repeatedly and I just see it getting dim behind him as the light focuses in dramatically. What am I missing?

[@TelevisionNTheatre]

​@@segevstormlord3713 IT'S AROUND 7:19/7:20! LIKE, RIGHT BEHIND MR. BRIMSTONE. YOU CAN JUST BARELY SEE RED EYES TOO FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE IT PANS AWAY, HOWEVER I DO NOT KNOW IF YA HAVE SEEN SUCH ALREADY BY NOW, AS IT HAS BEEN WEEKS!

[@TheKingEd1tor]

​@@segevstormlord3713The shadow behind Byron is reminiscent of the creature (i do not know what it is called) seen in full at 9:28

[@TelevisionNTheatre]

​@@TheKingEd1tor I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'RE AWARE OF THIS ALREADY, BUT GENERALLY IT'S THE MASTERS OF THE BAZAAR! (But this one in particular is _Mr Pages.)_ Spoilers [for what it is], Space alien bats.

[@TheKingEd1tor]

@@TelevisionNTheatre I'm aware now! Thank you.

[@razzigyrl]

The unholy raptor screech of overwhelming joy I just inflicted on my walls. 🤩💖 I've loved Fallen London since the days when flash games on Facebook were the primary thing to do there. This is glorious, but I don't know if that counts as a tradeable whispered secret. 💖

[@nathanalbanese1472]

The Cassie costume/cosplay is so amazing! It took me the entire verse to figure out Stupes was playing her 🧡

[@FearMyPaintBrush]

Holy shit!!!!! This was one of the most incredible videos experiences I’ve seen from you so far!!! Your outfit as you played Cassie looked AMAZING, the INCREDIBLE glowing eyes, the way you subtly changed your voice for each character, you’ve once again insnared me with your able to storytell through music, well freaking done Stupes!!!! I sense I’ll be playing a new game soon….

[@sunnysilva-vo]

I would LOVE to see this on a theater stage, I have a feeling it would be an amazing show!!! Also, you played Cassie wonderfully! I'm really glad the studio gave you the artistic freedom to play around with the characters, the settings and the song because this is an amazing musical right here! 🤩🤩🤩

[@Ghouleh3133]

I was really enjoying it. Then the Mr. Pages section began, and I realized there were things in this life I needed more than *air*. Thank you. Stupendium. You are the most delicious of friends.

[@Siegmernes]

This was all I could have ever wished for and more. It is entirely comprehensible for people who never heard of Fallen London and yet it is a pure love letter to it, sprinkled with incredibly deep cuts (don't think you could slip "whilst the others *at* my station" past me.) It brilliantly shows the unfamiliarity of your Londoner OCs with the neath in details such as their expectation that they would die, as well as the sly knowledge of Byron and Mr Pages (whose part was shakespearean in its neologism by the way) I cannot even imagine how many hours this project must have taken and I am incredibly happy to see it! My wrists hurt from happy autistic flapping which is the highest praise I can possibly give. Thank you and all who worked on this masterpiece! Edit: I am on my fourth relisten and just now got the "The former me embraced the chance to die" and I feel quite dense for having missed it the first 3 times. I reiterate my amazement at this piece. Edit: It appears that you lose the "Creator Heart" when you edit a comment. Woe is me. :(

[@xalrath]

Byron is wearing a g_dd_mned bee pin. The Embassy is going to have Words with him. The room may not be fit for service afterwads.

[@cthulhufhtagn2483]

I've been a fan of Sunless Skies for years, and with Mask of the Rose out I'm starting to get more into the Fallen London universe. And _MY GOD._ I never thought I'd see the day that a fan song - much less a fan song by _the Stupendium_ - got made about one of my favorite video game settings of all time. And an absolute _bop_ of one as well!!! My _goodness!!!_

[@Zippsterman]

Hey potential Stupes sponsors - this video got me to buy the game, like most all Stupendium songs about a game I didn't already own. Keep up the sponsorships!

[@idrisciar5566]

I've been playing Fallen London for probably 6 or 7 years or more now. So seeing you post this was like a brick to the face. Totally unexpected but a lovely surprise!! I never expected my niche interests to collide like this!! You put in so many lore references like always and it's amazing. I love your work so much ❤❤❤ I raise my glass of prisoners honey to you Delicious Friend!!!

[@Patches2212]

By the wisdom of Stone, Storm and Salt, that was a mighty fine song! Every aspect is just oozing with talent, and each character feels both like I've just met them and have known them forever, and feels right at home in the Fallen London world. But seriously, the part sung by the Masters of the city was by far one of my favourite forms of lyricism I've ever had the pleasure to listen to. You somehow managed to capture the unique, mysterious (and creepy) nature of the Masters with words that don't exist but still somehow make sense, all in an eerie and sinister waltz. Truly a world-class act. (And now I really want a full blown musical production of Fallen London because heck this was amazing)

[@kaichristian4131]

fr! this song makes me hunger for more. fallen london songs

[@PhoenixMichaelis]

Fallen London, my old friend! It's been a hot minute since I've played, but it's a treat to see people (re)discovering it. I had no idea a whole new game based around it had been released; thankfully there's plenty of references from the original browser game to spot! From the Masters of the Bazaar to the banned maps and street signs, from the Singing Mandrake to the Brass Embassy, this song is as full of nods to Fallen London as there are False-Stars in the ceiling of the Neath. It's awesome to see games like this get the attention they deserve, and it's a ton of fun to see peoples' interpretations of them in song. Excellent job as always, Stupes, and have a wonderful day... delicious (or, should I say, stupendous?) friend.

[@michealknight1354]

So the little posters with the Page-mauled descriptions of each character are just great. Harry Teller - Posthumorous Honest Bob - Maudliniquitous Byron Brimstone - Pridesolated Cassi Haversham - Promiscivious Made better because they're spot on descriportmanteaus.

[@ruffedgrouse2711]

What words is maudliniquitous made up of?

[@michealknight1354]

@@ruffedgrouse2711 - Maudlin, and Iniquitious. Essentially: he's sappy and shady.

[@Whitecroc]

Descripmanteaus!

[@chrisdacombe1777]

I thought Cassie's was Promiscivious? (Promiscuous and lascivious, I assume.)

[@michealknight1354]

Yeah, think you nailed it. Editing.

[@owenzhang8553]

Cassie has to be one of my favorite characters you have ever created/sang as. The entire story behind her transformation and so forth has to be one of the most true and well done I have seen in short form fiction

[@CamelsREvil]

I've found an exploit for farming actions in Fallen London-- it seems you get one back every time you listen to this song! Phenomenal work as always ;)

[@Zippsterman]

There's some Shakespeare level invention of new words that are immediately understandable at 8:33

[@xalrath]

Mr. Pages has taken a fondness to the english language. His fellow Masters find it incredibly annoying.

[@Zippsterman]

@@xalrath After playing Mask of the Rose - I love Mr. Pages. He's my favorite Master for sure

[@xalrath]

@Zippsterman there was a fallen london event over the summer featuring an attack on London. at the conclusion of a herculean effort to get someone, anyone to help out, just as the final attack was launched, three of the Masters announced 'yeah sure fine we'll help out, it would be inconvenient for some of us if london was wiped off the map right now' Irons, Fires, and Pages decided they were willing to fight. Fires enjoyed carving a bloody swathe through the ranks of the enemy. Irons was methodological and precise. Pages looked like it was just observing, but oddly any enemies that it approached tended to find the laws of aerodynamics no longer operating in their favor.

[@Zippsterman]

@xalrath I saw all the discussion on the subreddit, looked really cool. Don't have time at the moment to play myself I love Pages just screwing with physics

[@NoOne-us9os]

@@xalrath i’m gonna need a bit more context there

[@gibbings5534]

So glad this is what introduced me to this world, couldnt ask for anything better

[@AAAAAA-nw1tx]

I'd never even heard of Fallen London before, but this is still now my favorite thing you've made! This is amazing! So well-made! So much obvious love and effort!

[@TheZigzagman]

You should play. It's hands down the best mobile game around and it's free.

[@lilkobold9455]

please check it out it's a really cool text based browser game.

[@K4RN4GE911]

You ever do, just be wary of whispering wells.

[@lilkobold9455]

Yea for your own safety and well being I recommend staying away from those

[@jerrywoods9958]

Same

[@theenchantress1296]

I can’t even describe how amazing this is. You have nearly unmatchable talent!! Every song you do outdoes the last one and is unique in every way possible. I have never been so happy to listen to music on repeat. One of the first i listened to was Art of Darkness and in about half a year i listened to it over 100 times. And that was only on KZbin. I don’t even know how many times i actually listened to it. And every song you do afterwards is my new favorite and i just can’t stop listening to it. ❤❤❤ Great job!!!🎉🎉 And the fact this is 12 MINUTES??!! It doesn’t feel like that when I’m listening but my brain just exploded when i saw that.

[@shadowpieee2322]

I struggle to write hi to people and these mfs are writing entire fucking soliloquies to describe their favourite music

[@alex.raviolis8578]

10:10 I think I need them to make a full "drunk mode" song, I don't know why that sounded that good😭

[@FluffyPrincess888]

Ssstuck with sum invuluntry spellunkin andjoul finda hole's too deep tuh climb..

[@jacksonlee6760]

Nobody: Stups: Literally makes a musical song of the same level as Broadway plays just for the appreciation of fans! Its kinda obvious that number of views here on KZbin really don't have anything to do with how good a video is.

[@_chishika_]

Just finished my final a level exam, you’ve unironically had a massive impact in me doing as well as I have. i have a playlist of 28 of my favourite songs, including this one, (the first one I heard from you was the Fallout 76 song), and it’s been so therapeutic having it in the background, obviously this isn’t me saying I’ve definitely smashed it but hopefully i get the grades i need, but i know for a fact without your music I’d not have done as well. So this is to say thank you so much for all the help during my exam season as well as just in general over the years! Hope you continue being amazing as you always are!

[@nightwatch3889]

Stupendium I have no words for this, I just can't describe the sheer joy your work fills me with. The pure, unadulterated, creativity and art of it, so much heart and visible work put into it. Not to even mention the combining of so many mediums into what can only be described as a hybrid of movie, video game, musical, poetry, stageplay, and more I don't even have the words for. All by one guy most of the time. You're the epitome of human creativity and artistry, which is to me the most sacred defining feature of humanity as a whole. So I thank you for these absolute masterpieces 😄

[@haileygalliher6366]

OMG! Stupes this is just perfection! You always know how to mix the silly, mysterious, and spooky things all together making so many masterpieces! I know I don't usually go on discord but went on it and seen your announcement that it would come out today and I was definitely excited! Thank you for all these amazing videos Stupes! They really do mean a lot since recently I am dealing with scoliosis and the doctor said it was bad and needed surgery, still don't know when surgery date is but on Monday, I'll have to get an MRI and get put to sleep since it will take them awhile to see what they will do and observe it, it will be the first time I'll be dealing with all that, watching this video really does make me smile and I really appreciate it! Let's just hope meh first ever surgery will turn out good ounce they set the date for that lol

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you so much, friend! I wish you all the best with your recovery!

[@cyberbearbonjour]

I really Hope it's nothing too Bad, Good Luck, it's unfortunatly the only thing i Can Say to you and i'm really sorry for that

[@haileygalliher6366]

OMG HI STUPES! And yes thanks both for wishing me good luck, I never even thought I would get surgery but guess I am for da first time!

[@haileygalliher6366]

@@polybius-jy5rc Thx!

[@goodhuman_person619]

9 days ago I had no idea what fallen london was. Today, I find myself constantly on the website waiting for my actions to refresh, and when I'm not doing that I'm either playing sunless sea, which I'm already up to 22 hours on despite getting it just 4 days ago, or watching this amazing incredible wondrous video you've made. Seriously, this might be the greatest thing I've ever seen. First of all, its just generally a perfect depiction of fallen london in every single aspect. Then beyond that, the characters are amazing. I find I especially like Cassie as a trans person myself, and when I realised you were playing her and what her story was I was ecstatic, but even as cool as she is I still find it tough to say if she's my favourite of the three because Honest Bob and Byron Brimstone are also perfectly amazing in their own equally endearing ways. I cannot stress enough how perfect this is and how much I enjoy it, not to mention that its TWELVE MINUTES LONG and manages to maintain that perfection the whole time. So honestly thank you, both for introducing me to world which I may have never discovered otherwise and also for making content that is so clearly a wonderful love letter to the source material, both here and in all of your other videos!

[@ThePsychicExtremist]

Hope you continue enjoying yourself! I remember finding the early part of the game quite grindy at times, in case you aren't aware of this the wiki offers free codes in the 'Active Access Codes' sections that give you free actions and other goodies

[@goodhuman_person619]

@@ThePsychicExtremist that is quite helpful information, thank you! I have turned to the wiki a few times now to see how to deal with the grindier bits, but had not yet stumbled across that part so thanks for letting me know!

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you so much, friend! I'm glad you're enjoying the song, the universe and the games! :D

[@annak1042]

Welcome, delicious friend! If you ever find yourself in need of a patron in Fallen London, please feel free to send a calling card to "Miletta". She will happily treat you to dinner at Dante's Inferno, tutor you in the art of warfare, aid in avoiding the attentions of the constabulary, and more.

[@krofgninut5984]

Welcome to the neath!

[@StreahProductions]

Well.. look who obsfucated and fell deepth into the Neith.. I am glad to see Fallen London get a song, my tasty friend.. I've been off and in the town a few times a year, and we love seeing more show up! ^^ The diddy was wonderful as well, and you portrificated our fair town very lovely like. Oh.. and thank you for the black tar drink, my friend.

[@StupendiumsMostRadicalFan]

I’m speechless. This is by far one of the greatest things I have ever watched. The amount of details with the characters, props, editing- where do I even start?! You played Cassie so well!! Representation in a cool song with a cool video… what more can ya’ ask for?? I know I said I was speechless but now I can’t stop talking about how wonderful this is, truly. Girl.. you’re incredible. 🧡🧡

[@MikuJess]

Only Stupes' wordsmithery could hold a candle to Failbetter's writing! Absolutely brilliant. Cassie needs to give me some makeup tips, too.

[@mrapple2544]

This is the song that enchanted me the most to this day, thanks Stupendium for making such a masterpiece! Love to see Fallen London getting some attention!

[@SanguivorousRevenant]

I'm a simple man: listened to the entire piece, and then I sent it to all my fellow Neathfiends! This was amazing, I've been a huge fan of both your work and Fallen London for a long time, so to have two favourites come together in a medley of macabre whimsy has just made a tough week better! As a gay transman, I always deeply appreciated this setting allowed for folks to explore themes of identity in a fun way right out of the box from Fallen London to Sunless Sea and Suless Skies - now to Mask of the Rose amidst the dark of the Neath. As always, another masterpiece!

[@gameprose4293]

The Fallen London and all of their spin off games are so good. This song is perfect for the setting.

[@ceejay8841]

i just want to say that, the world is really difficult to deal with sometimes. It can be harder to make something creative in that climate again, but every time i see one of your works it reinvigorates that i CAN make something, i can grow as a creator and that your dedication to what you do makes me smile damn near on the daily, you are hands down one of my favorite artists and you inspire me pretty much constantly ^^ thank you for doing what you do!

[@Binkyouka]

I've been watching this more then once a day for four days now, and only now have I realized singing is all one person. Just... whoah.