Ask about his heart's desire

From Fallen London Wiki
A player-created Guide is available for this content: Evolution (Guide)
A player-created Guide is available for this content: Menace Locations (Guide)

How are the above links here?

Heart2.png
Spoiler warning!
This page contains details about Fallen London Actions.

From: Ambition: The Boatman at Work


Why did he play in the Marvellous?

Unlocked with The Griever's Advice


Success

An unpaid debt

[...]

At last, he answers in his creaking voice. "A replacement. I grow weary." His voice echoes in the hollowness of his skull. "My desire was granted, but difficult to arrange. An appropriate substitute did not exist; therefore one had to be born." [...]

[...]

Description summary:
The last paragraph varies depending on whether the player has completed Evolution.

Ending of EvolutionFinal Paragraph
Not finished"They should be of age now. And yet." The Boatman's gaze is briefly reflected in the water, dark empty sockets lost in the darkness. "Perhaps there has been a complication." His voice cracks [...] He turns back to the oar. There is always farther to go.
800 - The Hierophant"But you already know this. You have met the man. He is still youthful, but youth is no ward against death." [...] "When he dies, he will sit where I sit. He will row." His voice cracks, a splinter of melancholic menace. He turns back to the oar. [...]
900 - The Wheel of Fortune"But you already know this. You have met the reckless man. He will ruin the Schedule when he replaces me." [...] "I should not have played the Marvellous. The Masters make scorpion-bargains, never without a sting." [...] He turns back to the oar. [...]
1000 - The Hanged Man"But you already know this. You have met the man. The Masters braided the Threads of Fate to shape his Destiny." [...] "And yet, after these many years, now they say he is unfit. They will have to make other arrangements." [...] He turns back to the oar. [...]

[Find the rest of the story at https://www.fallenlondon.com]