Christmas (Guide)/Item Comparison

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Ladybonessmall.png Early MYN Content and Onwards
Item Comparisons
Seasonal
Feast of the Rose
Whitsun
Estival
Fruits of the Zee
Hallowmas
Christmas
Perennial
Exceptional Stories and Misc Fate Content
Mr Chimes' Lost & Found

Christmas is a bit unusual among Fallen London's festivals, as there is not really any one central activity for the festival, but rather several smaller activities which are all linked thematically. However, each of these has their own rewards.

A Note on Opportunity Costs[edit]

Christmas activities are time-limited and some of them will only occur a certain number of times, so this table should help a bit to ease your planning for the season. This table doesn't include all of the Christmas activities, merely the ones which reward unique items.

Activity Occurrences Cost Notes
Advent Calendar December 1-25 Free Occasional unique items in addition to other goodies. Unique items from previous years cycle out at FBG's whims but are often available for a few years in a row, so for your convenience I'll be noting what year an item was introduced and when it last appeared in the calendar.
Putting the Pieces Together: the Taste of Lacre Gain Unusual Pail of So-Called Snow in December with SNOWBOUND!, among others, and spend in January. Technically possible to gain it in January as well but not without planning. Free Can buy five-card lodgings at a significant discount and unique A Remote Address lodgings as well in A Sundered Sea. Doing this comes highly recommended if you don't yet have one or the other.
Incarnadine Fur Robe Accept certain assistance when SNOWBOUND!, giving up that week's Unusual Pail of So-Called Snow 30 FATE apiece Unique gifts from the various Masters, limited to yearly Snowbounds (and, technically, an evergreen albeit more expensive option during the Nadir story). You have to get these in order from each Master, so, for example, if you want Weasel-Infested Velocipede from Mr Spices, you have to get Luxury's Lap first.
Frosted Debenture Accept a Housecall from Penstock when Exploring the Festive Season or be gifted one from a friend 30 FATE apiece Unique items found inside the Bazaar's Vaults. These, unlike their Incarnadine Fur Robe predecessor, can be obtained throughout the season without waiting for SNOWBOUND!
Experiencing Strange Times: Twelve Days of Mr Sacks December 25 - January 5 8-12 FATE Only one investigation per year. Investigating with the Widow, the Docks, Benthic, Revolutionaries or Urchins gives an item worth E 312.50, all others give equipment.
'MR TREATS' RATWORK EMPORIUM!' December 13-25 12 FATE Buy unique (and potentially problematic) items from a "Master". Each purchase will unlock a small story that plays out over the festive period, culminating in the reward of the item.

Items Sorted by Stats[edit]

Note that these tables follow the following format: strict BIS is bold, shared BIS is italic.

Best In Slot[edit]

These items are the strict best in slot for one or more stats.

Item Slot Acquisition Stats Notes
A Complete Set of Preserved Internal Organs Home Comfort (SMEN) First (only) Incarnadine Fur Robe "gift" from Mr Eaten If you ever want to be peckish for some reason, this is your go-to item. Note that the process of getting it is, ah, unpleasant[1]. And certainly more trouble than going out of your way to get the single point of Peckish you might want to have in order to Translate the alphabet of hungers, which is the only sensible reason to want Peckish at all.

Also, this doesn't lock on obtaining it, so you can get multiple sets. May I suggest seven?
Almost-Obedient Amber Automaton Transport 'MR TREATS' RATWORK EMPORIUM!' for 12 FATE None.
Mark of Disdain Weapon Advent Calendar, introduced in 2023 and last seen in 2023 Only Weapon that increases the build-up of Wounds (useful particularly during Hallowmas).

Equivalent Dangerous Weapon is the Ratwork Derringer available from the Echo Bazaar and Rat Market, or the Sturdy Pick periodically available from the Waswood. Outclassed by various more Dangerous Weapons including the Infernal Sharpshooter's Rifle that can be bought from the Echo Bazaar or constructed in the University Laboratory.
The Rose Giveth Its Verses to Devils and Also to You Affiliation Investigate Mr Sacks with Devils Offers one point of Dangerous over the freely-available The Crew of the HMS Ramillies.
The Undying Respect of the Order of the Blackened Hoof Affiliation Investigate Mr Sacks with Tomb-Colonists The only peer Suspicion affiliation are the RETIRED A Preserver of London and the freely available A Silent Nod of Acknowledgement from Mr Hearts. Peer Red Science affiliation in Lowell's Locks & Cages, and peer BDR affiliations include Membership of God's Editors and An Initiate into the Perfumer's Arts.
Thoroughly Cowed Pony Transport First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Veils Can be upgraded to the mechanically equivalent Gradually Recuperating Pony at a certain point during Ambition: Bag a Legend!. The next-best Shadowy transport is Khatun-class Electric Launch from SUMMER. There are currently no non-seasonal, non-FATE Shadowy transports.
Velvet-Covered Aviary Home Comfort Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Veils None.
Weasel-Infested Velocipede Transport Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Spices Provides two points of Watchful over Weeping Litter-Cyst from FRUITS OF THE ZEE.
Wind-Bitten Reins Transport Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Cups None.
Winking Gemstone Ring Adornment Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Stones None.
Vitiating Mantle Clothing An option through Frosted Debenture Strict best in slot for Bizarre, Shapeling Arts and the best option for Shadowy if one cannot obtain Tatterskin Shawl
Sapphir'd Funeral Barge Transport An option through Frosted Debenture Strict best in slot for Inerrant, Shared best in slot for A Player of Chess with Khatun-class Electric Launch

Situational Best in Slot[edit]

For a subset of players, these items are the best available options for their slot. This may be because the alternatives are only available at other festivals, are only obtainable with certain Ambitions, cost FATE, etc.

Item Slot Acquisition Stats Notes
Diatomist's Array Home Comfort Advent Calendar, introduced in 2021 and last seen in 2022 Equivalent to Cloud-filled Sphere from SUMMER.
Perennial Scholar Companion Investigate Mr Sacks with Bohemians Equivalent Respectable is available at Whitsun, Unquenchable Firebird. The only two better companions for BDR, Ubergoat and Bifurcated Owl, both involve spending FATE and significant grinds.
Pugilist's Hello Gloves Advent Calendar, first seen 2021, last seen 2023 Equivalent BDR gloves available during FRUITS OF THE ZEE, Keelgraspers and Sun-Seared Silken Gloves.
Vial of Cantigaster Venom Weapon Honest Butcher's Tool from Hearts' Game is an equivalent for Toxicology. Feducci's Lance (Replica) from HALLOWMAS is quite a bit more Dangerous.
Your Perpetually Festive Rubbery Friend Companion Investigate Mr Sacks with a Rubbery Man Equivalent Bizarre is available at both WHITSUN and HALLOWMAS: Rubbery Dragon, Stormy-Eyed Scoundrel, and Winged Creature of Considerable Speed. The only two better companions for BDR, Ubergoat and Bifurcated Owl, both involve spending FATE and significant grinds.
Commander's Oneironautical Helm Hat Advent Calendar, introduced 2021, last seen 2021. Possibly RETIRED. Shared with The Gant Moth from HALLOWMAS.
Sapphir'd Funeral Barge Transport An option through Frosted Debenture Strict best in slot for Inerrant, Shared best in slot for A Player of Chess with Khatun-class Electric Launch
Murgatroyd's Patented Fungal Christmas 'Tree' Home Comfort Advent Calender, introduced 2024 Shared best in slot for reducing Nightmares build-up. Due to equivalent Nightmares reduction item being Amber Ambassador's Seal which is no longer obtainable.

Perennial Peer Items[edit]

These items have peer items freely available at all times of year, though they may be difficult to acquire or require completion of a lengthy storyline.

Item Slot Acquisition Stats Notes
Completely Unassuming Palaeontological Accessory Boots Advent Calendar, introduced in 2020 and last seen in 2022 Peer items are Pair of Masterwork Dancing Slippers from Bazaar, and multiple event and world quality or faction items (or FATE, or combination items).
The Butcher's Friend Home Comfort Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Hearts Free alternative available during Evolution, Naturalist's Map. Many options for BDR, Portable Lamp-Post from the Unsanctioned Relicker being likely the easiest to acquire.

Early-Game Utility[edit]

These items are strictly outclassed for endgame players, but may be useful options for those who do not yet have access to a more lategame alternative.

Item Slot Acquisition Stats Notes
A Bedraggled, Forlorn Fox Companion Investigate Mr Sacks with rats Outclassed by The Minister of State Affairs and of course eventually the Goats.
Apian Coronet Hat Advent Calendar, introduced in 2022 and last seen in 2023 The Persuasive boost is nice, but Dangerous hats are actually fairly rare and this is equally good as all the Bazaar-buyable ones and the Shattered Mask available through Evolution. Eventually the 'Surplus' Captain's Hat in the Khanate surpasses it, and both are beaten by Epicurean War-Helm from SUMMER.
Extraordinary Drinks Cabinet Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Wines Equivalent to A Gazebo! from SUMMER, eventually outclassed by Beatific Stone and Serpent-Headed Oneiropompic Stave.
Gant Bowler of Fiduciary Responsibility Hat Advent Calendar, introduced in 2022 and last seen in 2023 A solid option for Watchful Hat, eventually outclassed by Bazaar items like Tub of Gloam-Foam.
Meticulously Altered Stocking Boots Advent Calendar, usually on Christmas Eve, every year since 2013. Watchful boots are fairly rare and mostly tied to other world events like WHITSUN and FRUITS OF THE ZEE. The (shared) best-in-slot item is the Revolutionaries Renown 25 item Language of Laces or Pilgrim's Sandals from SUMMER.
Mr Mirrors' Most Heartfelt Reflection Home Comfort Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Mirrors Outclassed by the various Oneiropompic Staves. Poor Mr Mirrors can't catch a break.
Plate of Scandalously Buttered Scones Weapon Advent Calendar, first seen 2019 and last seen 2023 Okay earlygame Persuasive, but eventually outclassed by Bejewelled Cane.
Terrifying Weathercock Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Iron Eventually outclassed by Gleaming Buttons and Tiger-Furred Oneiropompic Stave.
The Iron Correspondents Affiliation Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Iron Better Affiliations are available quickly after becomeing A Person of Some Importance -, but earlygame players may not have access to any at all.
White Glim Telescope Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Pages Strictly inferior to Diatomist's Array, if that's available from the Advent Calendar, and if not it's also inferior to Cloud-filled Sphere from SUMMER.
An Ornate and Hefty Gothic Cross Gloves Advent Calendar, introduced 2019 and last seen 2021. Possibly RETIRED. Nice for earlygame BDR in the gloves slot, though you'll eventually want Pair of Lenguals anyway.
Clandestine Candle Weapon Advent Calendar, introduced 2019 and last seen 2023. One point better than the various MYN books, which counts for something, though eventually it'll be surpassed by Set of Intricate Kifers.
Lightfingers' Folly Home Comfort Advent Calendar, introduced 2019 and last seen 2021. Possibly RETIRED Lackluster in both of its stats, but earlygame players might not have access to any Home Comforts at all. Also, while it may be worse statistically than the gifts from the various Masters in the tier below, it's also free, whereas those cost a hefty chunk of FATE.
Virginia's Spare Pillbox Hat Hat Advent Calendar, introduced 2019 and last seen 2020. Possibly RETIRED The Persuasive boost is nice, but Dangerous hats are actually fairly rare and this is equally good as all the Bazaar-buyable ones and the Shattered Mask available through Evolution. Eventually the 'Surplus' Captain's Hat in the Khanate surpasses it, and both are beaten by Epicurean War-Helm from SUMMER.

No Stats[edit]

These items are difficult to recommend based on stats, even for earlygame players

Item Slot Acquisition Stats Notes
Dark-Carapaced Crustacean Companion Success when feeding either a Talkative Rattus Faber or a Malevolent Monkey a An Unusual Pail of So-Called Snow The BDR is nice, but Blemmigan Tourist gives two points of it and is available as soon as you finish the tutorials in The Dubiously Shrewd Rat's Guide to Fallen London.

Note these are both luck challenges, and not ones in your favour. If you have done the FATE story The Empress' Shadow, a more reliable source of this companion is available at Sinning Jenny's Finishing School during WHITSUN.
Fraught Research Assistant Companion 10 FATE under Explore the Festive Season Less Watchful than the Blemmigan Tourist, which says a lot about the quality of graduate students these days. The Tourist is available once you've finished the tutorials in The Dubiously Shrewd Rat's Guide to Fallen London.
Noman Companion Spent Taste of Lacre and items in A Sundered Sea, scaling with how long it's been available Despite how it looks like a fairly solid earlygame choice, the Noman is a temporary companion whose lifespan is measured in weeks unless given significant preparation. Don't get it for the stats.
A Replica of the House of Chimes, Awash with Snow Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Chimes Equivalent to the easily-obtained Unopened Bottle of Broken Giant 1899 'Century Label'.
Probably a Coincidence Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Fires
Ray-Drenched Correspondence Paperweight Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Stones
A Brass-Framed Dark Mirror Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Mirrors Early and midgame Shadowy home comforts are a bit harder to come by, so these seem useful at first glance, but if you're after Shadowy you probably already want the Thoroughly Cowed Pony from Mr Veils, and his second gift, the Velvet-Covered Aviary, is strictly better than any of these. Even if you don't want the pony, wait a couple weeks and just grab the superior Set of Martyr's Bones from FEAST OF THE ROSE.
A Maudlin Gift from the Heavens Home Comfort Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Pages
The Khan's Tea Set Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Cups
A Semi-Autonomous Scrutinising Machine Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Hearts Equivalent to Clay Effigy. If the Diatomist's Array is available from the Advent Calendar, these are all strictly outclassed. Even if it isn't, they're still outclassed by Mr Pages' first gift, the White Glim Telescope.
Amaranthine Coil, Sealed in a Jar Home Comfort Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Apples
You're Not Quite Sure What Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Sacks
Beggar's Crown Home Comfort Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Wines Equivalent to Formidable Basalt Gymnasium. If you want a Dangerous Home Comfort from Christmas, get Mr Iron's first gift, Terrifying Weathercock, instead.
Luxury's Lap Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Spices
Mostly Stuffed Bound Shark Home Comfort First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Apples

Items Sorted by Use[edit]

Efficient Repeatable[edit]

These items unlock repeatable options that are much better than their evergreen alternatives.

Item Acquisition Unlocks Notes
Fraught Research Assistant 10 FATE under Explore the Festive Season An improved option on The Fleet of Truth when Zailing and an option on a card in the Laboratory that requires having four assistants, only available with FATE lab upgrades. That option generates a large amount of research and clears your hand. The Zailing option is eventually outclassed by the Piracy ones on that card, but the Laboratory option is good forever.
The Iron Correspondents Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Iron Equipping it adds a card to the deck in London Card lets you gain Favours: The Great Game.
The Rose Giveth Its Verses to Devils and Also to You Investigate Mr Sacks with Devils The Evenlode option lets you increase both difficulty and rewards for the case. Being identified with the Terpsichoreans has various text changes as well in appropriate spots.

Efficient Single-Use[edit]

These items unlock a one-time option that saves the player significant resources compared to the free alternatives.

Item Acquisition Unlocks Notes
Noman Spend Taste of Lacre and items in A Sundered Sea, scaling with how long it's been available (SMEN) Sacrifice your Noman If you're Seeking the Name, the Noman is easily the most accessible option for St Cerise's Candle. And using it for St Arthur's Candle, while possible, is a bit of a waste considering how much more annoying all the other Cerise options are to get. Then again, if you're Seeking the Name, you're probably too far gone to care about things like "opportunity cost".
Vial of Cantigaster Venom Skip a heist during the Last Constable and Cheery Man story Saves somewhere around 10-15 actions, depending on your playstyle.

Niche Repeatable[edit]

These items unlock repeatable options that are either equivalent to or outclassed by their evergreen alternatives.

Item Acquisition Unlocks Notes
A Replica of the House of Chimes, Awash with Snow First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Chimes Shake your Miniature House of Chimes on a card in Adulterine Castle You will likely not spend a lot of time drawing cards in Adulterine Castle
Noman Spend Taste of Lacre and items in A Sundered Sea, scaling with how long it's been available The London card and the Helicon text are interesting, but not mechanically noteworthy. Having it take your place when you die is a bit of a waste, though it could be useful if you die at zee as it'll prevent you from being taken to the Fathomking's Court.

Getting a Noman to survive to FEAST OF THE ROSE and, eventually WHITSUN[2], is something of a vanity sport among bored endgame players.
Vial of Cantigaster Venom Use it to gain both Research and Wounds on Lab projects with Toxicological Focus. This option is slightly more efficient than the others on that card, although the Wounds likely even it out. Several one-time story research projects have Toxicological Focus, along with the repeatable Study the properties of Attar, which is one of the cheaper ways to raise Kataleptic Toxicology that doesn't require social actions.
Your Perpetually Festive Rubbery Friend Investigate Mr Sacks with a Rubbery Man Bring him with you to Helicon House Grants 1 x Fitting In

Niche Single-Use[edit]

These items unlock a one-time option that is either equivalent to or outclassed by the evergreen alternatives.

Item Acquisition Unlocks Notes
A Bedraggled, Forlorn Fox Investigate Mr Sacks with the rats Appoint a Bedraggled, Forlorn Fox as Church Mouse in Burrow-infra-Mump See A Church in the Wild (Guide) for details.
Dark-Carapaced Crustacean Success when feeding either a Talkative Rattus Faber or a Malevolent Monkey a An Unusual Pail of So-Called Snow Gain 25 Piscine Research during a one-time project in your Laboratory You can also spend non-seasonal fishy items like Live Specimen or Deep-zee Catch for progress, in addition to other seasonal fish.

Note these are both luck challenges, and not ones in your favour. If you have done the FATE story The Empress' Shadow, a more reliable source of this companion is available at Sinning Jenny's Finishing School during WHITSUN
Mostly Stuffed Bound Shark First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Apples Gain 25 Piscine Research during a one-time project in your Laboratory You can also spend non-seasonal fishy items like Live Specimen or Deep-zee Catch for progress, in addition to other seasonal fish.
The Rose Giveth Its Verses to Devils and Also to You Investigate Mr Sacks with Devils An option for translating Hillchanger Tower during The Efficient Commissioner's Tale Can also check agianst Watchful and A Scholar of the Correspondence instead.
Thoroughly Cowed Pony First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Veils During Ambition: Bag a Legend!, Rely on your pony's secrecy and upgrade it to Gradually Recuperating Pony Saves you E 12.50 in materials and does wonders for the poor thing's mental health.

No Uses[edit]

These items do not unlock any additional actions.

Item Acquisition
A Brass-Framed Dark Mirror First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Mirrors
A Complete Set of Preserved Internal Organs (SMEN) First (only) Incarnadine Fur Robe "gift" from Mr Eaten
A Maudlin Gift from the Heavens First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Pages
A Semi-Autonomous Scrutinising Machine First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Hearts
Almost-Obedient Amber Automaton 'MR TREATS' RATWORK EMPORIUM!', introduced in 2023
Amaranthine Coil, Sealed in a Jar Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Apples
Apian Coronet Advent Calendar, introduced in 2022 and last seen in 2023
Beggar's Crown Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Wines
Clandestine Candle Advent Calendar, introduced 2019 and last seen 2023
Diatomist's Array Advent Calendar, introduced in 2021 and last seen in 2022
Extraordinary Drinks Cabinet First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Wines
Gant Bowler of Fiduciary Responsibility Advent Calendar, introduced in 2022 and last seen in 2023
Luxury's Lap First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Spices
Mark of Disdain Advent Calendar, introduced in 2023 and last seen in 2023
Meticulously Altered Stocking Advent Calendar, usually on Christmas Eve, every year since 2013
Mr Mirrors' Most Heartfelt Reflection Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Mirrors
Perennial Scholar Investigate Mr Sacks with Bohemians
Probably a Coincidence First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Fires
Pugilist's Hello Advent Calendar, first seen 2021, last seen 2023
Ray-Drenched Correspondence Paperweight First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Stones
Terrifying Weathercock First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Iron
The Butcher's Friend Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Hearts
The Khan's Tea Set First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Cups
The Undying Respect of the Order of the Blackened Hoof Investigate Mr Sacks with Tomb-Colonists
Velvet-Covered Aviary Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Veils
White Glim Telescope First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Pages
Wind-Bitten Reins Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Cups
Winking Gemstone Ring Second Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Stones
You're Not Quite Sure What First Incarnadine Fur Robe gift from Mr Chimes
An Ornate and Hefty Gothic Cross Advent Calendar, introduced 2019 and last seen 2021; possibly RETIRED
Commander's Oneironautical Helm Advent Calendar, introduced 2021, last seen 2021; possibly RETIRED
Lightfingers' Folly Advent Calendar, introduced 2019 and last seen 2021; possibly RETIRED
Virginia's Spare Pillbox Hat Advent Calendar, introduced 2019 and last seen 2020; possibly RETIRED
  1. ↑ As in, "sets every menace to 8 and subtracts 7 levels of all your stats" unpleasant. Hope you didn't have things you wanted to do in London!
  2. ↑ Note that due to the way the numbers work out, getting a Noman to survive much beyond Whitsun is mathematically impossible, so it is advised to instead commit yourself to one of this game's many more attainable insanities.
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