Editing Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion (Guide)

{{GuideFor|Pages = Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion#Making Use of Bats#Connected: Shroud#Connected: Glass#The Heights of Chicanery#Bats and Cats#Making Use of Cats}}{{Audience|EarlyPoSI}}
Guide to progressing {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion}}, both part of and a continuation of the {{IL|A Name Whispered in Darkness}} storyline.

== Level 0: The Heights of Chicanery ==
[[File:Flit.png|right]]
The Wars of Illusion story begins in {{IL|The Flit}} at {{IL|A Name Whispered in Darkness}} 6 in the storylet [[The Heights of Chicanery]]. There is a secret world beyond what you've already discovered about The Flit, and to uncover it, you start with what worked before: following couriers and finding out what they know.

Increasing {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion}} to 2 requires successes on particular options from [[The Heights of Chicanery]], some of which require certain levels of {{IL|Seeking...}} or/ and {{IL|Investigating...}} to access.

You can use the options in [[The Tricks of the Courier's Trade]] to build {{IL|Investigating...}} and [[Shadowing Couriers]] to build {{IL|Seeking...}}. (Alternatively, if you have other sources for these, you can use those storylets to build them up and then spend them here.)

Several of the following options give {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} on a rare success (+1 CP, except for Dropping the Eaves, which awards +2 CP).

{{:Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion (Guide)/Investigating Table}}

{{:Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion (Guide)/Seeking Table}}

{|class="article-table mw-collapsible"
|+'''Cashing In'''
!width="20%"|Storylet
!Option
!width="8%"|Req.
!width="10%"|Challenge
!width="11%"|Success
!width="18%"|Rare Success
!width="11%"|Failure
|-
|rowspan=5|[[The Heights of Chicanery]]
|[[Raid a Message-Drop]]
|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|5}}
|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|3}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=|+270}}|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|reset}}}}
|{{TableList|
{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=|+270}}|
{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|reset}}|
{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=|+1 CP (up to 8)}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|-5 CP}}|{{IL|Suspicion|Appearance=|+1 CP}}}}
|-
|[[More than just Messages]]
|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|5}}
|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|3}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Piece of Rostygold|Appearance=|+540}}|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|reset}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Foxfire Candle Stub|Appearance=|+540}}|{{IL|Relic of the Second City|Appearance=|+10}}|{{IL|Reprehensible Lizard|Appearance=|+1}}|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|reset}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|-5 CP}}}}
|-
|[[Encounters in the Smoke]]
|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|5}}
|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|3}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Jade Fragment|Appearance=|+540}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|reset}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Appalling Secret|Appearance=|+20}}|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=|+200}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|reset}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|-5 CP}}}}
|-
|[[Intercept a Message]]
|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|5}}
|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|3}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=|+270}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|reset}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=|+270}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|reset}}|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=|+1 CP (up to 8)}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|-5 CP}}|{{IL|Suspicion|Appearance=|+1 CP}}}}
|-
|[[Dropping the Eaves]]
|{{TableList|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|5}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|5}}}}
|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=|85}}
|{{TableList|
{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=|+536}}|
{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|reset}}|
{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|reset}}}}
|{{TableList|
{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=|+540}}|
{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|reset}}|
{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|reset}}|
{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=|+2 CP (up to 8)}}}}
|{{TableList|
{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|-5 CP}}|
{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|-5 CP}}|
{{IL|Suspicion|Appearance=|+1 CP}}}}
|-
|}

==Level 2: Wars of Illusion==
[[File:Mirrordark.png|right]]
Once you've gotten {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} to level 2 (a total of 3 CP worth of rare successes), a new option appears under [[The Heights of Chicanery]] titled [[Making Your Name: Wars of Illusion]]. This redirects to the main Flit storylet [[Wars of Illusion]]. 

Selecting the only option here ([[What is going on?]]) sets {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} to 6.

==Level 6: Bats and Cats==
{{ActivitySummary
|Activity=Making Use of Bats and Cats
|Length=Limited
|Starting Actions=0
|Progress Actions=5
|Ending Actions=1
|Progress Details=Raise {{IL|Making Use of Cats}} or {{IL|Making Use of Bats}} to 5, possibly together with {{IL|Seeking...}} and {{IL|Investigating...}}
|Output Items=*{{IL|Cryptic Clue}}
*{{IL|Piece of Rostygold}}
|Boost Items=*''{{IL|Reprehensible Lizard}}''
|Raw EPA = 0.76
|Input Items=*{{IL|Sulky Bat}}
*{{IL|Piece of Rostygold}}
}}
You now realize that the bats and cats of The Flit know something about the Wars of Illusion. A new storylet appears in {{IL|The Flit}} titled [[Bats and Cats]].

To progress from here and unlock the Bats and Cats option [[What is going on with these people? 1|What is going on with these people?]], you need to raise '''all of these qualities''' to 5: {{IL|Making Use of Bats}}, {{IL|Making Use of Cats}}, {{IL|Investigating...}}, and {{IL|Seeking...}}

As before, you can also raise {{IL|Investigating...}} and {{IL|Seeking...}} elsewhere and apply it here. You can also spend your {{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=Bats}} and {{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=Cats}} qualities in the rewards storylets. Note, however, that all these actions '''reset those progress qualities''' on success, meaning you'll have to build them up again to satisfy the above requirements for unlocking [[What is going on with these people? 1|What is going on with these people?]] 

{{clear}}
===Making Use of Bats===
{|class="article-table"
|+'''Making Use of Bats Gain'''
!width="20%"|Storylet
!Option
!width="8%"|Req.
!width="10%"|Challenge
!width="11%"|Success
!width="11%"|Failure
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Bats...]]
|[[Try intercepting some bats]]
|{{IL|Reprehensible Lizard}}
|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=|85}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|+2 CP}}|{{IL|Sulky Bat|Appearance=| 1 x }}}}
|{{IL|Suspicion|Appearance=|+1 CP}}
|-
|[[Train some bats of your own]]
|{{IL|Sulky Bat| 10 x }}
|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=|90}}
|{{TableList|
{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|+3 CP}}|
{{IL|Sulky Bat|Appearance=| -1 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|-1 CP}}|{{IL|Suspicion|Appearance=|+1 CP}}|
{{IL|Sulky Bat|Appearance=| -2 x }}}}
|-
|}

You can combine {{IL|Seeking...}} with {{IL|Making Use of Bats}} for skill check successes.
{|class="article-table"
|+'''Making Use of Bats Rewards'''
!width="20%"|Storylet
!Option
!width="8%"|Req.
!width="10%"|Challenge
!width="11%"|Success
!width="18%"|Rare Success
!width="11%"|Failure
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Making Use of Bats (storylet)|Making Use of Bats]]
|[[Intercept a bat on its way to the Palace]]
|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|5}}
|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|3}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 270 x }}}}
|
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|-5 CP}}|{{IL|Suspicion|Appearance=|+1 CP}}}}
|-
|[[Track a bat heading towards Veilgarden]]
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|5}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|5}}}}
|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=|82}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 540 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 540 x }}|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=|+3 CP}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|-5 CP}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|-5 CP}}}}
|-
|}

===Making Use of Cats===
{|class="article-table"
|+'''Making Use of Cats Gain'''
!width="20%"|Storylet
!Option
!width="8%"|Req.
!width="10%"|Challenge
!width="11%"|Success
!width="11%"|Failure
|-
|rowspan=3|[[Cats...]]
|[[Try to find out about their allegiances]]
|
|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=|90}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|+3 CP}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|-1 CP}}|{{IL|Suspicion|Appearance=|+1 CP}}}}
|-
|[[Make contacts among cat kind]]
|{{IL|Piece of Rostygold|Appearance=| 10 x }}
|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=|85}}
|{{TableList|
{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|+2 CP}}|
{{IL|Piece of Rostygold|Appearance=| -10 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Piece of Rostygold|Appearance=| -10 x }}|{{IL|Suspicion|Appearance=|+1 CP}}}}
|-
|[[See what your Starveling Cat knows]]
|{{IL|Starveling Cat}}
|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=|90}}
|{{TableList|
{{IL|Unaccountably Peckish|Appearance=| 3 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Unaccountably Peckish|Appearance=| 3 x }}|{{IL|Rat on a String|Appearance=| 10 x}}}}
|-
|}

You can combine {{IL|Investigating...}} with {{IL|Making Use of Cats}} for skill check successes.
{|class="article-table"
|+'''Making Use of Cats Rewards'''
!width="20%"|Storylet
!Option
!width="8%"|Req.
!width="10%"|Challenge
!width="11%"|Success
!width="18%"|Rare Success
!width="11%"|Failure
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Making Use of Cats (storylet)|Making Use of Cats]]
|[[Ask for help with a little sabotage]]
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|5}}|{{IL|Rat on a String|Appearance=| 3 x }}}}
|{{IL|making Use of Cats|Appearance=|3}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 140 x }}|{{IL|Piece of Rostygold|Appearance=| 260 x }}|{{IL|Rat on a String|Appearance=|-3 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 270 x }}|{{IL|Rat on a String|Appearance=|-3 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=|-5 CP}}|{{IL|Wounds|Appearance=|+1 CP}}|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=|+1 CP}}|{{IL|Rat on a String|Appearance=|-3 x}}}}
|-
|[[Follow up a tip-off]]
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|5}}|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|5}}}}
|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=|85}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 540 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|Reset}}|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 540 x }}|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=|+3 CP}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=|-5 CP}}|{{IL|Investigating...|Appearance=|-5 CP}}}}
|-
|}

Once you unlock [[What is Going on with These People?]] in the [[Bats and Cats]] storylet, you will be redirected to a storylet with the option [[Convoluted like a weasel]]. This is a {{IL|Shadowy}} 95 challenge; failure will subtract 5 CP of each of the tracking qualities, and success will set {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} to 9 and {{IL|A Name Whispered in Darkness}} to 7.

==Level 9: Make More Use of Bats and Cats==
[[File:Keyhole1.png|right]]
A storylet now appears in {{IL|The Flit}} called [[Make More Use of Bats. Or Cats.]] Here you can choose whether to work with the bats or the cats — though, as the game informs you, the choice isn't permanent at this point. (Ultimately, siding with the bats will align you with {{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=The Glass}} later in the story, while choosing the cats will align you with {{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=The Shroud}}.) 

Choosing bats sets {{IL|Making Use of Bats}} to 1, and choosing cats sets {{IL|Making Use of Cats}} to 1. Whichever you choose, {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} is set to 10.

==Level 10: Choosing a Side==
[[File:Bat.png|right|65x65px]]
Your choice also unlocks a new Flit storylet, either [[Working with the Bats]] or [[Working with the Cats]]. (You can unlock the other as well by raising its Making Use quality to 1 on the [[Bats and Cats]] storylet.) 
[[File:Blackcat.png|right|65x65px]]
When your {{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=Bats}} or {{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=Cats}} quality reaches 6, a new Flit storylet appears, either [[Gain the full trust of the bats]] or [[Cement your place with the cats]].

The following cards may also appear in your opportunity deck during this section of the story, and give {{IL|Cryptic Clue}}s and/or {{IL|Seeking...}} on success. Additionally, the option [[Anything but that]] on [[A Theosophistical Enquiry]] gives 2 CP of {{IL|Plagued by a Popular Song}}.


{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed article-table"
'''Theosophistical Society'''
!Card
!Req to Draw
!Choice
!Req
!Challenge
!Success
!Failure
|-
|rowspan=2|[[A Theosophistical Enquiry]]
|rowspan=2|{{TableList|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=}} 97|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-15}}
|[[Get involved with the Theosophistical Society]]
|
|
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} set to 1|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 20 x }}}}
|
|-
|[[Anything but that]]
|
|
|{{TableList|{{IL|Plagued by a Popular Song|Appearance=}} +2 CP}}
|
|-
|rowspan=2|[[A Theosophistical Discussion]]
|rowspan=2|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 1-4|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20}}
|[[Listen with an open mind]]
|
|
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} +2 CP|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 20 x }}}}
|
|-
|[[Remain sceptical]]
|
|
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} +1 CP|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 20 x }}}}
|
|-
|rowspan=2|[[A Theosophistical Debate]]
|rowspan=2|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 3-4|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20|In {{IL|Mahogany Hall|Appearance=}}}}
|[[Listen with an open mind]]
|
|
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} = 5|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 10 x }}}}
|
|-
|[[Reject the invitation 1|Reject the invitation]]
|
|
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} Reset|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 5 x }}}}
|
|-
|rowspan=3|[[A Philosophical Commission]]
|rowspan=3|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 5-8|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20}}
|[[Draw a satirical cartoon]]
|
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 104
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} +3 CP|{{IL|Jade Fragment|Appearance=| 104 x }}|{{IL|Connected: Benthic|Appearance=}} -10 CP}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} -1 CP|{{IL|Wounds|Appearance=}} +1 CP}}
|-
|[[Come prepared]]
|
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 108
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} +3 CP|{{IL|Shard of Glim|Appearance=| 108 x }}|{{IL|Connected: Benthic|Appearance=}} -20 CP}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} -1 CP}}
|-
|[[Intellectual indignation]]
|
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 110
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} -1 CP|{{IL|Shard of Glim|Appearance=| 50 x }}|{{IL|Connected: Benthic|Appearance=}} +15 CP}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} -1 CP|{{IL|Wounds|Appearance=}} +2 CP}}
|-
|rowspan=2|[[A Theosophistical Development]]
|rowspan=2|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 5-8|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20|In {{IL|Mahogany Hall|Appearance=}}}}
|[[Break up the fight]]
|
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 105
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} +3 CP|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 52 x }}|{{IL|Subtle|Appearance=}} +1 CP, Up to 5}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} -1 CP|{{IL|Wounds|Appearance=}} +1 CP}}
|-
|[[Encourage the fight]]
|
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 106
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} +3 CP|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 53 x }}|{{IL|Forceful|Appearance=}} +1 CP, Up to 5}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} -1 CP|{{IL|Suspicion|Appearance=}} +1 CP}}
|-
|rowspan=1|[[A Theosophistical Excursion]]
|rowspan=1|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 5-8|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20|In {{IL|Mahogany Hall|Appearance=}}}}
|[[Take the class to Watchmaker's Hill]]
|
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 108
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} +3 CP|{{IL|Cryptic Clue|Appearance=| 54 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} -1 CP}}
|-
|rowspan=1|[[A Theosophistical Séance]]
|rowspan=1|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 5-8|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20|In {{IL|Mahogany Hall|Appearance=}}}}
|[[Play a vital part]]
|
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 110
|{{TableList|{{IL|Shard of Glim|Appearance=| 55 x }}|{{IL|Silk Scrap|Appearance=| 55 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Scandal|Appearance=}} +2 CP}}
|-
|rowspan=2|[[A Theosophistical Decision]]
|rowspan=2|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 9|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20|In {{IL|Mahogany Hall|Appearance=}}}}
|[[There's definitely something in it]]
|
|
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} set to 12}}
|
|-
|[[It's nothing but a confidence trick]]
|
|
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} set to 10|{{IL|Appalling Secret|Appearance=| 10 x }}}}
|
|-
|rowspan=2|[[A Theosophistical Occasion]]
|rowspan=2|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 9|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20}}
|[[Speak on the Bazaar's Correspondence]]
| {{IL|A Scholar of the Correspondence|Appearance=}} 1
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 114
|{{TableList|{{IL|Shard of Glim|Appearance=| 80 x }}|{{IL|Nodule of Deep Amber|Appearance=| 80 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Nightmares|Appearance=}} +1 CP}}
|-
|[[Speak on Spiritualism]]
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=}} 1
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 112
|{{TableList|{{IL|Jade Fragment|Appearance=| 112 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Scandal|Appearance=}} +1 CP}}
|-
|rowspan=2|[[A Theosophistical Profit]]
|rowspan=2|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 10|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20|In {{IL|Mahogany Hall|Appearance=}}}}
|[[Expose the scam]]
|
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 110
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} Reset|{{IL|Nodule of Deep Amber|Appearance=| 110 x }}|{{IL|Steadfast|Appearance=}} +3 CP Up to 10|{{IL|Forceful|Appearance=}} +3 CP Up to 10}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} set to 8|{{IL|Wounds|Appearance=}} +1 CP}}
|-
|[[Get in on the scam]]
|
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 108
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} Reset|{{IL|Nodule of Deep Amber|Appearance=| 54 x }}|{{IL|Silk Scrap|Appearance=| 54 x}}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} set to 8}}
|-
|rowspan=3|[[A Theosophistical Profit]]
|rowspan=3|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} 11|{{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance=}} 10-20|In {{IL|Mahogany Hall|Appearance=}}}}
|[[Look for wealthy donors]]
| {{IL|Renown: Society|Appearnce=Renown}} 10
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 110
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} Reset|{{IL|Nodule of Deep Amber|Appearance=| 300 x }}|{{IL|Favours: Society|Appearance=}} +1}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Scandal|Appearance=}} +1 CP}}
|-
|[[Find some unconventional donors]]
|{{IL|Renown: Hell|Appearnce=Renown}} 10
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 114
|{{TableList|{{IL|Seeking...|Appearance=}} Reset|{{IL|Nevercold Brass Sliver|Appearance=| 310 x }}}}
|
|-
|[[Look for donors where you can]]
|{{IL|Renown: Hell|Appearnce=Renown}} 10
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 112
|{{TableList|{{IL|Nodule of Deep Amber|Appearance=| 112 x }}}}
|{{TableList|{{IL|Scandal|Appearance=}} +2 CP}}
|-
|}

When you're ready to progress, [[Gain the full trust of the bats]] or [[Cement your place with the cats]]. Both require {{IL|Shadowy}} 97 to be unlocked, and the challenge level is  {{IL|Shadowy}} 101 (but thankfully, you don't lose {{IL|Making Use of Bats|Appearance=Bats}} or {{IL|Making Use of Cats|Appearance=Cats}} CP on a failure).

On success, {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} is set to 15, and {{IL|Connected: Glass}} (if you chose bats) or {{IL|Connected: Shroud}} (if you chose cats) is set to 1.

==Level 15: Mahogany Hall==
[[File:Mahoganyhall.png|right]]
To continue the storyline, you need to unlock the [[Mahogany Hall (Gaining Access)|route to Mahogany Hall]], which will now appear in the Spite area of your map. ({{IL|Mahogany Hall}} can also be unlocked temporarily, or permanently for 5 {{FontFate}}, from the opportunity card [[The Ways of Mahogany Hall]].)

When you reach {{IL|Mahogany Hall}}, you will be welcomed to either [[The Wars of Illusion: welcome to the Glass|the Glass]] or [[The Wars of Illusion: welcome to the Shroud|the Shroud]], and once more get the chance to rethink your allegiance. If you choose to [[Playing both sides in the Wars of Illusion|play both sides]], your {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} will be reset to 9, and you can play through that part of the storyline again (note that this option results in +3 CP {{IL|Subtle}} (up to level 10) and is repeatable if you choose the same side again). If you choose to remain loyal to your side, {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} will be set to 20 and you can continue with the story from here.

See [[Tales of Mahogany Hall (Guide)]] for more information.

==Level 20: An Illusion or a Séance==
The following storylets are available in {{IL|Mahogany Hall}} with {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} 20 and certain levels of Connected:
{| class="article-table"
!Increasing {{IL|Connected: Shroud}}
!{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=Shroud}}
!{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=Glass}}
|-
|[[Hold your own séance?]] 
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|exactly 1}}
|
|-
|[[The mystic arts]]
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|2–5}}
|
|-
|[[Before the grand séance]]
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|6–14}}
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|exactly 0}}
|-
|[[Become a double agent for the Shroud]]
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|6–9}}
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|6–9}}
|-
|[[Watching the Grand Illusion]]
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|6–10}}
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|0–6}}
|-
|[[Sabotaging an illusion]]
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|11–14}}
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|6}}
|-
|[[Final preparations for the grand séance]]
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|15}}
|
|}
{| class="article-table"
!Increasing {{IL|Connected: Glass}}
!{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=Glass}}
!{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=Shroud}}
|-
|[[Star in your own illusion?]]
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|exactly 1}}
|
|-
|[[The magic of the theatre]]
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|2–5}}
|
|-
|[[Before the grand illusion]]
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|6–14}}
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|exactly 0}}
|-
|[[Become a double agent for the Glass]]
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|6–9}}
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|6–9}}
|-
|[[Sabotaging a séance]]
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|11–14}}
|{{IL|Connected: Shroud|Appearance=|6}}
|-
|[[Final preparations for the grand illusion]]
|{{IL|Connected: Glass|Appearance=|15}}
|
|}

Up to a point, you can continue playing both sides and raise both Connected qualities. However, to progress to the final stage of your performance, you have to choose one of the options in the associated ''Before the [performance], Become a double agent,'' or ''Sabotaging'' storylets that cements your alliance with your chosen faction and raises the associated Connected to 15. This will unlock the ''Final preparations'' storylet for your chosen side. That storylet will raise your Connected to 16 and set {{IL|Embroiled in the Wars of Illusion|Appearance = Embroiled}} to 25, unlocking a new storylet for the final performance.

== Level 25: The Performance ==
It's time to put on your big séance or illusion. In either case, it's a {{IL|Shadowy}} 113 challenge, and success raises your Connected to 20.
* [[The grand séance!]] (unlocked with {{IL|Connected: Shroud}} 16)
* [[The Most Daring Feat of Illusion and Escapology!]] (unlocked with {{IL|Connected: Glass}} 16)
''Note: Unlocking [[The Most Daring Feat of Illusion and Escapology!]] also requires {{IL|Day of the Week}} to be set at 6 (Saturday) via [[The weekly variety bill!]]''
[[Category:Guides]]