Editing Hallowmas (Guide)/Item Comparison

{{Audience|EarlyMYN|Evergreen=yes}}{{Item Comparison}}{{Template:Hallowmas}}
{{GuideNeedsWork|Need to add 2024 comparions and items. (Some - but not all - are mentioned only in the "Best In Slot" table.)}}
This is to help players determine how to spend their {{FontFate}} and Confessions during Hallowmas.

== A Note about Rankings ==
The nature of Hallowmas as a festival is that only some items are available for free any given year. It also has the largest inventory of any of the festivals. These two combined make it especially difficult to rank items, as Hallowmas equipment will often outclass other Hallowmas equipment, but it's likely neither will be free at the same time.

For the sake of my {{IL|Nightmares}} and yours, I'm making the assumption that you're paying {{FontFate}} for these companions for ease of making comparisons. This does result in fairly crowded "low tiers", but as a rule of thumb, you can consider any equipment that's free one tier higher than it normally is.

Several Hallowmas companions can also be married; for simplicity's sake, these are given their own section.

== Items Sorted by Stats ==
Note that these tables follow the following format: strict BIS is '''bold''', shared BIS is ''italic'', and stats which are neither will be in regular case.

=== Best In Slot ===
These items are the strict best in slot for one or more stats.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Slot !! Acquisition !! Stats !! Notes
|-
{{ICStatsRow|The Ephebe, Manifold|Spend 30 {{FontFate}} to make {{IL|The Infant}} permanent, in years where {{IL|Wounds}} can be submitted to the Fool's Apostate.|Shared BIS for BDR with several other items, of which the {{IL|Anonymous White Mask, Zee-Stained and Mildewy}} is the most accessible, from the Sacroboscan Calendar.<br /><br />The only peer {{IL|Shapeling Arts}} item is its temporary counterpart.}}
{{ICStatsRow|The Gant Moth|Spend 30 {{FontFate}} to make {{IL|The Moth}} permanent, in years where {{IL|Nightmares}} can be submitted to the Fool's Apostate.|Shared BIS for BDR with several other items, of which the {{IL|Anonymous White Mask, Zee-Stained and Mildewy}} is the most accessible, from the Sacroboscan Calendar.<br /><br />The only peer {{IL|Glasswork}} items are its temporary counterpart and the possibly-{{FontRetired}}, Advent Calendar-exclusive {{IL|Commander's Oneironautical Helm}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Private Debating Lessons with the Jovial Contrarian|40 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item)|Offers ten(!) points of {{IL|Persuasive}} over the freely-available {{IL|Unexploded Mine}}. Several other +2 BDR weapons, the most accessible of which is likely {{IL|Iron Republic Journal}}.<br /><br />The {{IL|Golden Spiked Rosary}} is one of the few better BDR weapons, only available during {{FontRose}}. The other two are exclusive to {{IL|Ambition: Bag a Legend!}} and {{FontSMEN}}.<br /><br />Arguably the funniest item in the game.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Feducci's Lance (Replica)|40 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item)|Offers nine(!) points of Dangerous over the freely-available {{IL|Honest Butcher's Tool}}, and eight(!) points over the [[Examine its contents 18|technically-free-but-only-for-Hellworm-owners]] {{IL|Vial of Cantigaster Venom}}. Several other +2 BDR weapons, the most accessible of which is likely {{IL|Iron Republic Journal}}.<br /><br />The {{IL|Golden Spiked Rosary}} is one of the few better BDR weapons, only available during {{FontRose}}. The other two are exclusive to {{IL|Ambition: Bag a Legend!}} and {{FontSMEN}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|An Empire of Hands on Deck|Upgrade {{IL|Malevolent Monkey}}|Currently the only {{IL|Monstrous Anatomy}} crew}}
{{ICStatsRow|Memorious Goldfish|Upgrade {{IL|Cheerful Goldfish}}|Currently the only {{IL|Inerrant}} companion and unlocks [[Interpret the movements of your goldfish|a profitable option]] in the Cave of the Nadir}}
{{ICStatsRow|Most Presentable Company|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} crew {{IL|Rabble of Revellers}}|The only Respectable crew. Shared BIS for BDR with a freely-available {{IL|A Selection of Criminals, Scoundrels, Villains, and Ne'er-do-Wells|Appearance=A Selection of Criminals}}}}
{{ICStatsRow|Rabble of Revellers|Available for free during Hallowmas 2024|Currently the only Persuasive crew}}
{{ICStatsRow|Shabti-Box|Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|An Antediluvian Ushabti}}|Currently the only Watchful luggage. Several peer {{IL|Insubstantial}} items, including a freely-available {{IL|Slick Suitcase}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Staunch Comrades|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} crew {{IL|Rabble of Revellers}}|Currently the only Neathproofed and Wounds-reducing crew}}
{{ICStatsRow|Deathless Chieftain|Upgrade {{IL|Rattus Faber Bandit-Chief}}|Peer {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology}} item is the {{FontFate}}-locked {{IL|July}}. Several +1 KT companions are available at other festivals, during end-game, or for {{FontFate}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Admiralty Order of Distinguished Merit|Upgrade {{IL|Overworked Commodore}}, only available with {{FontFate}}|Only {{IL|Zeefaring}} adornment currently available.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Palette of Revealing Pigments|Upgrade {{IL|Diptych Painter}} from {{FontRose}} or pay {{FontFate}}|Only {{IL|Chthonosophy}} weapon currently available, and unlocks an [[Paint new routes upon maps of the library|option]] in [[The Stacks (Guide)|The Stacks]].}}
{{ICStatsRow|Celebrated Weasel|Upgrade {{IL|Lucky Weasel}} or spend 10 {{FontFate}}|This is the only item in the game that increases gain for {{IL|Plagued by a Popular Song}}! How fun! Though if your stats are high, there are {{IL|Weasel of Woe|Appearance=other weasels}} that might be more useful to you.<br /><br />There is, of course, no good reason why you should ever want more Plagued by a Popular Song. But perhaps you want to detonate 400,000 weasels at once for an art project.}}
{{ICStatsRow|The Scuttering Palace Guard|Upgrade {{IL|Scuttering Squad}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Individually, these stats are tied for best-in-slot for with multiple other companions, but being able to have multiple BIS at once can be useful in situations where outfits are locked, such as [[Hearts' Game (Guide)]]}}
{{ICStatsRow|Ursine Honey Connoisseur|Upgrade {{IL|Honey-Mazed Bear}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Other companions, including its base item, give +1 {{IL|Glasswork}}. Peer BIS is also a {{FontHallowmas}} companion, {{IL|Silver-Eyed Scoundrel}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|The Pirate-Poet, Inscribed Anew|Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|The Pirate-Poet}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Other companions, including {{IL|Almost-Tame Blue Prophet}}, give +1 {{IL|Zeefaring}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Relict Catapult|Upgrade {{IL|Grubby Urchin}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|This is not BIS in either stat, but only just. Useful in situations where outfits are locked, such as [[Hearts' Game (Guide)]]}}
{{ICStatsRow|Prescient Automatist|Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Genre Painter}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|There are better companions for both Mithridacy and Glasswork, though notably not all at once. There is not currently any situation where you would need both {{IL|Mithridacy}} and {{IL|Glasswork}} in one outfit, though that could change with new content.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Recalcitrant Sculptress|Upgrade {{IL|Misplaced Ring}} or pay 30 {{FontFate}}|There are better companions for all the stats she provides, though notably not all at once. There is not currently any situation where you would need both {{IL|Monstrous Anatomy}} and {{IL|Artisan of the Red Science}} in one outfit, though that could change with new content.<br /><br />Other +3 BDR companions available at various festivals, and the only +4 BDR companions are {{IL|Übergoat}} and {{IL|Bifurcated Owl}}, which involve both {{FontFate}} and significant grinds.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Feline Pariah|Upgrade {{FontFruits}} companion {{IL|Inquisitive Lamp-cat}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Several +1 {{IL|Monstrous Anatomy}} companions are available at other festivals.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Efficient Plenipotentiary|Upgrade {{IL|Efficient Commissioner}} from {{FontRose}} (for 50 {{FontFate}}(!)) or pay 30 {{FontFate}}|Several +1 {{IL|A Player of Chess}} companions are available at other festivals. Individually, the highway stats are tied for best-in-slot for with multiple other companions, but being able to have multiple BIS at once can be useful in situations where outfits are locked, such as [[Hearts' Game (Guide)]]}}
{{ICStatsRow|The Eagle, Ascendant|Upgrade Hallowmas companion {{IL|The Precocious Engineer (Companion)|Apperance=The Precocious Engineer}} or pay 30 {{FontFate}}|Similar companion available for 12 x {{IL|Memory of a Tale}}, {{IL|Illuminating Futurist}}. Oddly, the Engineer themself was a companion from a previous Hallowmas as well, making them currently the only companion with sequential upgrades over multiple years.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Clay Corroborator|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|Acerbic Clay Man}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Currently the only Supsicion-mitigating companion}}
{{ICStatsRow|Gravel-Voiced Gossip|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|Acerbic Clay Man}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Currently the only Scandal-reducing companion}}
{{ICStatsRow|Silver-Eyed Scoundrel|Upgrade {{IL|Starry-Eyed Scoundrel}} or pay 30 {{FontFate}}|Other companions give +1 {{IL|Glasswork}}. Peer BIS is also a {{FontHallowmas}} companion, {{IL|Ursine Honey Connoisseur}}.}}
|}

=== Situational Best in Slot ===
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 {{FontFate}}, etc.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Slot !! Acquisition !! Stats !! Notes
|-
{{ICStatsRow|The Violant Demon|Spend 30 {{FontFate}} to make {{IL|The Demon}} permanent, in years where {{IL|Scandal}} can be submitted to the Fool's Apostate.|Shared BIS for BDR with several other items, of which the {{IL|Anonymous White Mask, Zee-Stained and Mildewy}} is the most accessible, from the Sacroboscan Calendar.<br /><br />Peer Artisan of the Red Science items are {{IL|A Dream of Truth-Strangling}} for {{IL|Ambition: Heart's Desire!}} players, or {{IL|The Forsaken Crown of a Grand Devil}} from {{FontFruits}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|The Cosmogone Crown|Spend 30 {{FontFate}} to make {{IL|The Crown}} permanent, in years where {{IL|Suspicion}} can be submitted to the Fool's Apostate.|Shared BIS for BDR with several other items, of which the {{IL|Anonymous White Mask, Zee-Stained and Mildewy}} is the most accessible, from the Sacroboscan Calendar.<br /><br />Peer Mithridacy items include {{IL|Diogenes}} from the {{FontFate}} story {{IL|The Mushroom's Dream}} and {{IL|Tuneful Hat}} from {{FontWhitsun}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Midnight Matriarch of the Menagerie of Roses|Upgrade {{IL|Midnight Matriarch}} or pay 25 {{FontFate}}|This is the best {{IL|Watchful}} companion in the game that isn't an {{IL|Overgoat}} or {{IL|Übergoat}}.<br /><br />Does '''not''' trigger the undesirable [[Like rats and cats]] card.}}
{{ICStatsRow|The Scuttering Scoundrels|Upgrade {{IL|Scuttering Squad}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Boosts the same stats as {{IL|Efficient Plenipotentiary}}, so is strictly worse than her, but is available without completing {{IL|The Efficient Commissioner's Tale}} and paying {{FontFate}}.<br /><br />Does '''not''' trigger the undesirable [[Like rats and cats]] card.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Roseate Antagonist|Upgrade {{IL|Countess of Thorns}} from {{FontRose}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Better {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology}} companion is {{IL|July}}, available for {{IL|Memory of a Tale|12 x}}. Another non-BIS Toxicology companion, {{IL|Transfixing Squirrel}}, available for free from {{FontWhitsun}}.<br /><br />Other +3 BDR companions available at various festivals, and the only +4 BDR companions are {{IL|Übergoat}} and {{IL|Bifurcated Owl}}, which involve both {{FontFate}} and significant grinds.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Regretful Sceptic|Upgrade {{IL|Dashing Debunker}}, available with certain choices from the {{FontFate}} story {{IL|Noises from Upstairs}}, or pay 30 {{FontFate}}|Mechanically inferior to his competition for {{IL|A Player of Chess}} BIS, the {{IL|Efficient Plenipotentiary}}, but is available without completing {{IL|The Efficient Commissioner's Tale}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Winged Creature of Considerable Speed|Upgrade {{IL|Storm-bird}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Other +3 BDR companions available at various festivals, and the only +4 BDR companions are {{IL|Übergoat}} and {{IL|Bifurcated Owl}}, which involve both {{FontFate}} and significant grinds.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Portable Fingerking Moot|Upgrade {{IL|Forty-Nine-Voiced Warbler}} or pay 30 {{FontFate}}|Shared BIS for {{IL|Mithridacy}} with {{IL|Bohemian Sculptress}} from {{FontRose}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Liquid Debutante|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|Rubbery Newcomer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Other {{IL|Shapeling Arts}} +1 companions available at {{FontHallowmas}} and {{FontWhitsun}}. Note that a +2 Shapeling Arts companion is available at {{FontRose}}, {{IL|The Abbot-Commander}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Squirming Reprobate|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|Rubbery Newcomer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other companions, including the {{IL|Feline Pariah}} and {{IL|Recalcitrant Sculptress}} available at this festival, but is easier to acquire since it doesn't require having a {{FontFruits}} companion or access to the Upper River.}}
{{ICStatsRow|The Captivating Princess' Third-Best Tiara|Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Incognito Princess}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Peer item is only available during {{FontSummer}}, {{IL|Fourth City Eyeball}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Stormy-Eyed Scoundrel|Upgrade {{IL|Starry-Eyed Scoundrel}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Other +3 BDR companions available at various festivals, and the only +4 BDR companions are {{IL|Übergoat}} and {{IL|Bifurcated Owl}}, which involve both {{FontFate}} and significant grinds.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Epistemological Mapmaker|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|Weary Wayfinder}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by {{IL|Prescient Automatist}} and {{IL|Portable Fingerking Moot}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Navigator-Elect of the Sea of Spines|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|Weary Wayfinder}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Other {{IL|Shapeling Arts}} +1 companions available at {{FontHallowmas}} and {{FontWhitsun}}. Note that a +2 Shapeling Arts companion is available at {{FontRose}}, {{IL|The Abbot-Commander}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Verity of the Savage Lily|Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Verity}}|Peer Dangerous with {{IL|The Minister of War}}, peer {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology}} is {{IL|Transfixing Squirrel}} from {{FontWhitsun}}, though {{IL|Roseate Antagonist}} from this festival gives more Dreaded. See also the companions in the higher tiers which give +10 to multiple stats.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Vial of Cantigaster Venom|{{TableList|[[Assist the Duchess (12 FATE)|Investigate Mr Sacks with the Duchess]] during {{FontChristmas}}|[[Attend a lecture on 'spiritual hygiene' (7 FATE)|Attend a lecture on 'spiritual hygeine']] during {{FontHallowmas}}|Technically also freely available, but only to Hellworm owners.}}|{{IL|Honest Butcher's Tool}} from Hearts' Game is an equivalent for Toxicology. {{IL|Feducci's Lance (Replica)}} from {{FontHallowmas}} is quite a bit more Dangerous.}}
|}

=== Perennial Peer Items ===
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.


{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Slot !! Acquisition !! Stats !! Notes
|-
{{ICStatsRow|A Very Lenient Judge|Upgrade {{IL|Unassuming Judge}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Equivalent perennial items include {{IL|The Minister of Culture}} for {{IL|Persuasive}}. See also the companions in the higher tiers which give +10 to multiple stats.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Buccaneering Palaeontologist|Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Debonair Palaeontologist}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Equivalent perennial items include {{IL|The Minister of War}}. See also the companions in the higher tiers which give +10 to multiple stats. <br /><br />This companion can also be married, see below.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Rodentine Panegyrist|Upgrade {{IL|Metaphysically Educated Rattus Faber}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Equivalent perennial items include {{IL|The Minister of Culture}} for {{IL|Persuasive}}. See also the companions in the higher tiers which give +10 to multiple stats}}
|}

=== Early-Game Utility ===
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.


{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Slot !! Acquisition !! Stats !! Notes
|-
{{ICStatsRow|A Member of the Order of Those Who Will Not Be Caught Red-Handed|Submit {{IL|Nightmares}} more than any other Menace to the Fool's Apostate, and receive this when the festival ends.|Better Affiliations are available quickly after becoming a {{IL|A Person of Some Importance -}}, but early-game players may not have access to any at all. Matched by {{IL|Newspaper}} and eventually surpassed by {{IL|Seven of St Eligius' Very Own Beard Hairs}} and the {{IL|Renown: The Great Game}} 40 item, {{IL|The Great Game (Affiliation)}}}}
{{ICStatsRow|A Seat at the Bishop's Table|Submit {{IL|Scandal}} more than any other Menace to the Fool's Apostate, and receive this when the festival ends.|Better Affiliations are available quickly after becoming a {{IL|A Person of Some Importance -}}, but early-game players may not have access to any at all. Outclassed by {{IL|A Salon}} and {{IL|Membership of God's Editors}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Inducted into the Inverted Stalactite Society|Submit {{IL|Wounds}} more than any other Menace to the Fool's Apostate, and receive this when the festival ends.|Dangerous Affiliations are a bit more difficult to come by, so this one lasts a bit longer than its competition. Eventually outclassed by {{IL|The Crew of the HMS Ramillies}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|A Member of the Crew of the St Elmo|Submit {{IL|Suspicion}} more than any other Menace to the Fool's Apostate, and receive this when the festival ends.|Better Affiliations are available quickly after becoming a {{IL|A Person of Some Importance -}}, but early-game players may not have access to any at all. Outclassed by {{IL|Gang of Hoodlums}} and {{IL|Lowell's Locks & Cages}}.}}
|}

=== No Stats ===
These items are difficult to recommend based on stats, even for earlygame players. 

Note that if they are free, many of these are actually quite good in the earlygame and should be considered part of that tier, but if paying {{FontFate}}, you should instead choose one of the options above which give +10 in multiple stats.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Slot !! Acquisition !! Stats !! Notes
|-
{{ICStatsRow|Haunted Goldfish|Upgrade {{IL|Cheerful Goldfish}} or pay 10 {{FontFate}}|Many +2 BDR options available, the easiest being {{IL|Unfinished Hat}} from a story in Polythreme. +3 BDR is available from this very festival and +4 with {{FontFate}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Weeping Doll|Upgrade the {{FontFate}}-companion {{IL|Watchful Doll}} or pay 10 {{FontFate}}|Many +2 BDR options available, the easiest being {{IL|Unfinished Hat}} from a story in Polythreme. +3 BDR is available from this very festival and +4 with {{FontFate}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Rubbery Campanologist|Upgrade {{IL|Rubbery Bellringer}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Many +2 BDR options available, the easiest being {{IL|Unfinished Hat}} from a story in Polythreme. +3 BDR is available from this very festival and +4 with {{FontFate}}.<br /><br />Persuasive stat is decent for early and midgame but eventually outclassed by {{IL|The Minister of Culture}}}}
{{ICStatsRow|Extravagantly-Titled Tigress|Upgrade {{IL|Bengal Tigress}} or pay 25 {{FontFate}}|Many +2 BDR options available, the easiest being {{IL|Unfinished Hat}} from a story in Polythreme. +3 BDR is available from this very festival and +4 with {{FontFate}}.<br /><br />Dangerous and Persuasive stats are decent for early and midgame but eventually outclassed by {{IL|The Minister of Culture}} and {{IL|The Minister of War}}}}
{{ICStatsRow|Rubbery Herald|Upgrade {{IL|Rubbery Bellringer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by its own alternate, the {{IL|Rubbery Campanologist}}, who is 5 {{FontFate}} cheaper to boot.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Well-Scrubbed Urchin|Upgrade {{IL|Grubby Urchin}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Strictly worse than the free {{IL|Blemmigan Tourist}}.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Skullduggerous Urchin|Upgrade {{IL|Grubby Urchin}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Pious Henchman|Upgrade {{IL|Devious Henchman}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Faustian Henchman|Upgrade {{IL|Devious Henchman}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Esoteric Accomplice|Upgrade {{IL|Alluring Accomplice}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Fabulous Accomplice|Upgrade {{IL|Alluring Accomplice}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.<br /><br />This companion is also marriageable, see below for details.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Utterly Livid Bat|Upgrade {{IL|Sulky Bat}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Sister Lydia, At Peace With Herself|Upgrade {{IL|Sister Lydia}} from {{FontRose}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Minacious Union-Rat|Upgrade {{IL|Working Rat}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Illuminated Rat|Upgrade {{IL|Working Rat}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Meticulous Henchman|Upgrade {{IL|Ruthless Henchman}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Suave Henchman|Upgrade {{IL|Ruthless Henchman}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Pernicious Primate|Upgrade {{IL|Malevolent Monkey}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Murderous Monkey|Upgrade {{IL|Malevolent Monkey}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Protective Mandrake|Upgrade {{IL|Deshrieked Mandrake}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Just outclassed in general.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Senatorial Spider|Upgrade {{IL|Fairly Tame Sorrow-Spider}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|An Assuming Judge|Upgrade {{IL|Unassuming Judge}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}}|Many +2 BDR options available, the easiest being {{IL|Unfinished Hat}} from a story in Polythreme. +3 BDR is available from this very festival and +4 with {{FontFate}}.<br /><br />Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|August Feline|Upgrade {{IL|Wretched Mog}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Princeling of the Wakeful Court|Upgrade {{IL|Wretched Mog}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Spider of Silken Marvels|Upgrade {{IL|Fairly Tame Sorrow-Spider}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Iconoclastic Cryptanalyst|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}}-only companion {{IL|Sedulous Cryptanalyst}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Morally and Physically Flexible Rubbery Cat|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}}-only companion {{IL|Rubbery Feline}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items}}
{{ICStatsRow|Ex-Privateer Illuminator|Upgrade {{IL|Ex-Privateer Charter Clerk}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.<br /><br />This companion can also be married, see below.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Only-Semi-Retired Privateer Charter Clerk|Upgrade {{IL|Ex-Privateer Charter Clerk}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.<br /><br />This companion can also be married, see below.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Nimble-fingered Intelligencer|Upgrade {{IL|The Chap on the Corner}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.<br /><br />This companion can also be married, see below.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Consummate Wallflower|Upgrade {{IL|The Chap on the Corner}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.<br /><br />This companion can also be married, see below.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Dutiful Orphan|Upgrade {{IL|Winsome Dispossessed Orphan}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Unforgiving Urchin|Upgrade {{IL|Winsome Dispossessed Orphan}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Melancholy Monkey|Upgrade {{IL|Malevolent Monkey}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Condolent Monkey|Upgrade {{IL|Malevolent Monkey}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|A Venomous Caricaturist|Pay 20 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item)|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items}}
{{ICStatsRow|An Enfranchised Anchoress|Pay 30 {{FontFate}} at {{FontHallowmas}} (former {{FontElection}} item)<br /><br />Also available in Burrow-infra-Mump year-round for only 20 {{FontFate}}.|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items}}
{{ICStatsRow|A Redoubtable Dame-Harbinger|Pay 30 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item)|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|A Reactionary Tomb-Colonist|Pay 30 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item)|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Cryptographic Chiropteran|Upgrade {{IL|Sulky Bat}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Nocturnal Tracklayer|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}}-only companion {{IL|Untried Tracklayer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Tough Tracklayer|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}}-only companion {{IL|Untried Tracklayer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Obstinate Tracklayer|Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}}-only companion {{IL|Untried Tracklayer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Rubbery Yes-Man|Upgrade {{IL|Rubbery Bellringer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items}}
{{ICStatsRow|Formerly Talkative Bearer of the Sausage About Which Nobody Complains|Upgrade {{IL|Talkative Rattus Faber}} with a {{IL|Sausage About Which No One Complains}}, or pay 20 {{FontFate}}. You monster.|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items.}}
{{ICStatsRow|Reptilian Darling of the Beau Monde|Upgrade {{IL|Reprehensible Lizard}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items}}
{{ICStatsRow|Monastic Diatomist|Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Cloistered Diatomist}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items}}
{{ICStatsRow|Ermine Assassin|Upgrade {{IL|Araby Fighting-Weasel}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|Outclassed by other {{FontHallowmas}} items}}
|}

== Items Sorted by Use ==
=== Efficient Repeatable ===
These items unlock repeatable options that are much better than their evergreen alternatives.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Acquisition !! Unlocks !! Notes
|-
| {{IL|A Member of the Order of Those Who Will Not Be Caught Red-Handed}} || Submit {{IL|Nightmares}} more than any other Menace to the Fool's Apostate, and receive this when the festival ends. || Equipping it allows you to draw {{IL|A Shrouded Soiree with the Order of Those Who Will Not Be Caught Red-Handed}} in London, and unlocks [[Attend a Shrouded Soirée from the Wrong Side of the Mirror|an easter egg]] in [[The Dome of Scales, Adorned with Rubies]]. || Opportunity card allows you to generate {{IL|Favours: Bohemian}}.
|-
| {{IL|Inducted into the Inverted Stalactite Society}} || Submit {{IL|Wounds}} more than any other Menace to the Fool's Apostate, and receive this when the festival ends. || Equipping it allows you to draw {{IL|Meetings of the Initiates of the Society of the Inverted Stalactite}} in London. || Opportunity card allows you to generate {{IL|Favours: Rubbery Men}}.
|-
| {{IL|A Seat at the Bishop's Table}} || Submit {{IL|Scandal}} more than any other Menace to the Fool's Apostate, and receive this when the festival ends. || Equipping it allows you to draw {{IL|A Seat at the Bishop's Table}} in London. || Opportunity card allows you to generate {{IL|Favours: The Church}}.<br /><br /> A mechanically similar affiliation, {{IL|Cross of Southwark}}, is available from playing the {{FontFate}} story {{IL|The Brass Grail (Story)|Appearance=The Brass Grail}}.
|-
| {{IL|A Member of the Crew of the St Elmo}} || Submit {{IL|Suspicion}} more than any other Menace to the Fool's Apostate, and receive this when the festival ends. || Equipping it allows you to draw {{IL|Drink with the Crew of the St Elmo}} in London. || Opportunity card allows you to generate {{IL|Favours: Criminals}}.<br /><br />A mechanically similar affiliation, {{IL|The Thief-Oath of Tristram Bagley}}, is available for those who make certain choices during {{IL|Ambition: Heart's Desire!}}.
|-
| {{IL|Memorious Goldfish}} || Upgrade {{IL|Cheerful Goldfish}} || Unlocks a profitable [[Interpret the movements of your goldfish|option]] in the [[Cave of the Nadir (Guide)|Cave of the Nadir]]. || Doubles the reward to {{e}}25 from the base option on the card.<br><br>You need to pass an {{IL|Irrigo}}-boosted Watchful check, so be sure to collect enough Irrigo to easily pass the check before playing the card.
|-
| {{IL|Most Presentable Company}} || Upgrade {{IL|Rabble of Revellers}} || Unlocks an [[Remind them of their right and proper duty|option]] on a {{IL|Troubled Waters}} card. || Saves {{e}}5 versus the card's alternative, as well as adding half {{IL|Zailing Speed}} worth of progress, which might save an action [[Zailing (Guide)|Zailing]].
|-
| {{IL|Staunch Comrades}} || Upgrade {{IL|Rabble of Revellers}} || Unlocks an [[Gather your crew and engage in a proper dust-up|option]] on a [[Row, row, row|card]] in {{IL|Shepherd's Wash}}. || Gives a slighty more profitable outcome when brawling with monks, as well as adding half {{IL|Zailing Speed}} worth of progress, which might save an action [[Zailing (Guide)|Zailing]].<br><br>You still need to pass the same {{IL|Dangerous}} check as the alternative, but this option is easier as your Dangerous is boosted by your {{IL|Neathproofed}} level.
|-
| {{IL|A Very Lenient Judge}} || Upgrade {{IL|Unassuming Judge}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece. || {{TableList|Various options on [[Respectable Passengers]] in the Upper River|Having both of the Hallowmas upgrades and the base item unlocks [[Snoop on a legal argument]].|Niche use for [[Contrive an exchange of judges]] while [[Barristering at Evenlode (Guide)|Barristering at Evenlode]]}} || Snooping on the argument is a cheap way to train {{IL|Mithridacy}} on a fairly common card. The barristering option lowers the prestige of a case, reducing difficulty reducing rewards.
|-
| {{IL|Assuming Judge}} || Upgrade {{IL|Unassuming Judge}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece. || {{TableList|Various options on [[Respectable Passengers]] in the Upper River. |Having both of the Hallowmas upgrades and the base item unlocks [[Snoop on a legal argument]].|Option for [[Bring on the most rigorous judge]] while [[Barristering at Evenlode (Guide)|Barristering at Evenlode]]}} || Snooping on the argument is a cheap way to train {{IL|Mithridacy}} on a fairly common card. The barristering option increases prestige of a case, increasing difficulty and rewards.
|-
| {{IL|Buccaneering Palaeontologist}} || Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Debonair Palaeontologist}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || {{TableList|[[Ask the Debonair Palaeontologist]] when gathering Rumours for Palaeontological Editions of the Newspaper|[[Introduce her to a friend|Have her chat with the Carpenter's Granddaughter]] on her card}} || The option for Palaeontological Editions is shared with her base form, but is quite powerful, as it gives an extra {{IL|Survey of the Neath's Bones|13 x}} and {{IL|Fin Bones, Collected|3 x}} for each completed Palaeontological Edition.<br /><br />This companion can also be married, see below.
|-
| {{IL|Rubbery Yes-Man}} || Upgrade {{IL|Rubbery Bellringer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || Can [[Invite the Rubbery Yes-Man to the Board|serve on the Board]] of the Great Hellbound Railway. || He is highly useful as he loves to say yes to almost every proposal which doesn't negatively affect {{IL|Board Against Rubbery Interests|Appearance=Rubbery Interests}}. The only regular board action this affects is [[Vote the Tentacled Entrepreneur off the Board|removing the Tentacled Entrepreneur]].
|-
| {{IL|The Pirate-Poet, Inscribed Anew}} || Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|The Pirate-Poet}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || {{TableList|[[Chronicle the history of Gaider's Mourn|Unlocks a monograph option]] in Moulin|[[Enlist qualified assistance (The Pirate-Poet, Inscribed Anew)|Help with research]] in the Jericho Library|[[Ask the Pirate-Poet to keep her company (Inscribed Anew)|One time option]] to advance {{IL|Ambition: Light Fingers!}}}} || The monograph option is shared with her base form, and can also be unlocked by playing {{IL|My Kingdom for a Pig}}. The Light Fingers option is also shared with the base form, and is a one-time savings of {{e}}575.00.
|-
|{{IL|Recalcitrant Sculptress}} || Upgrade {{IL|Misplaced Ring}} or pay 30 {{FontFate}} || [[Enlist expert assistance]] in the Jericho Library || The Jericho Library is fairly niche, however, it's notable that '''failing''' her option gives a {{IL|Live Specimen}}, which can otherwise be fairly annoying to obtain. The check is difficult to fail with endgame stats, but there are [[Weasel of Woe|ways around that]].
|-
| {{IL|Clay Corroborator}} || Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|Acerbic Clay Man}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|| [[Employ the services of the Clay Corroborator|An option]] on The Law's Long Arm that costs {{e}}1 and reduces Suspicion by 7 CP. || Does not affect and is not affected by {{IL|Counting the Days}}, and is significantly better than [[Official incompetence]]. In terms of the other options, this is more than twice as effective as [[Lay a false trail]], and as effective on average as [[Unleash Baseborn & Fowlingpiece]] and [[Make sure nobody is telling tales]], though those options require specific levels of {{IL|Counting the Days|Apperance=CtD}} and either {{IL|Infernal Contract|10 x}} or the right {{IL|Closest To -}}, respectively. {{IL|Infernal Contract}} are hard to come by and throwing your weight around in the underworld also gives 1 CP of {{IL|Wounds}}, so this option is likely overall the best.<br /><br />Note also that 7 CP of Suspicion reduction is 1 CP more than you get from [[Dupe a friend into covering for you]]. This is certainly a better CP per echo ratio than sending {{IL|Name Written in Gant}} and doesn't require knowing a Licentiate, albeit it is card based and the letter also reduces 6 CP of Scandal.
|-
| {{IL|Gravel-Voiced Gossip}} || Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|Acerbic Clay Man}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}|| [[Engage in moral rectitude with the Gravel-Voiced Gossip|An option]] on [[An Afternoon of Good Deeds?]] that reduces Scandal by 7 CP and gives {{IL|Incendiary Gossip|2 x}}. || Does not affect and is not affected by {{IL|Counting the Days}}. Strictly better than any of the other (free) options on that card, and a better EPA to boot unless you really want the Favours from {{IL|Counting the Days|Appearance=CtD}}.<br /><br />Note also that 7 CP of Suspicion reduction is 1 CP more than you get from [[Use someone as your dupe]]. This is also a larger Scandal reduction than sending {{IL|Name Written in Gant}} and doesn't require knowing a Licentiate, albeit it is card based and the letter also reduces 6 CP of Suspicion.
|-
| {{IL|Ermine Assassin}} || Upgrade {{IL|Araby Fighting-Weasel}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}|| [[Attend with your Ermine Assassin]] on [[City Vices: a tournament of weasels!]] || Valuing {{IL|Someone is Coming}} CP at {{e}}2 when cashing out with [[Raw material]], this gives a fairly respectable 5.5 EPA on an otherwise terrible card. That jumps to 5.8 EPA if you redeem with [[A bag of jangling coins]] and you're willing to occasionally trek to {{IL|Irem}} to redeem the Justificandes either at [[Of the Pillars]] or [[The Futures Market]] and trade the result in the Rat-Market.<br /><br />This card can also be avoided entirely with {{IL|A Remote Address}}.
|}

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

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Acquisition !! Unlocks !! Notes
|-
| {{IL|Pious Henchman}} || Upgrade {{IL|Devious Henchman}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}, either at Hallowmas or in Burrow-infra-Mump || One of several options for [[Appointing a Parish Clerk]] in Burrow-infra-Mump || All the options for Parish Clerk are seasonal companions. See [[A Church in the Wild (Guide)]] for more details.
|-
| {{IL|An Enfranchised Anchoress}} || Pay 30 {{FontFate}} at {{FontHallowmas}} (former {{FontElection}} item)<br /><br />Also available in Burrow-infra-Mump year-round for only 20 {{FontFate}}. || Can be used to progress {{IL|Parabolan Defences}} in [[Invite the Anchoress to help defend your Parabolan Base-Camp|your Base-Camp]], a one-time savings of {{e}}687.50.<br /><br />One of several options for [[Appointing a Parish Clerk]] in Burrow-infra-Mump||All the options for Parish Clerk are seasonal companions. See [[A Church in the Wild (Guide)]] for more details.
|-
| {{IL|Roseate Antagonist}} || Upgrade {{IL|Countess of Thorns}} from {{FontRose}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}} || Can be used to progress {{IL|Parabolan Defences}} in [[Invite the Countess of Thorns to help defend your Parabolan Base-Camp|your Base-Camp]], a one-time savings of {{e}}687.50 || None.
|-
| {{IL|Vial of Cantigaster Venom}} || {{TableList|[[Assist the Duchess (12 FATE)|Investigate Mr Sacks with the Duchess]] during {{FontChristmas}}|[[Attend a lecture on 'spiritual hygiene' (7 FATE)|Attend a lecture on 'spiritual hygeine']] during {{FontHallowmas}}|Technically also freely available, but only to Hellworm owners.}} || [[You have your own|Skip a heist during the Last Constable and Cheery Man story]] || Saves somewhere around 10-15 actions, depending on your playstyle.

|}

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

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Acquisition !! Unlocks !! Notes
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|The Violant Demon}}|{{IL|The Ephebe, Manifold}}|{{IL|The Gant Moth}}|{{IL|The Cosmogone Crown}}}} || Pay 30 {{FontFate}} during years where the relevant Menace can be submitted || Lets you access the relevant Masques during {{FontHallowmas}} without needing to get the free version. || There's nothing preventing you from also grabbing a free mask if you have the permanent one.
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Rubbery Campanologist}}|{{IL|Rubbery Herald}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Rubbery Bellringer}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}} for the Campanologist, 20 {{FontFate}} for the Herald || With '''both''' companions, unlocks a unique option in [[The South Parlour]] of Helicon House that gives 3 {{IL|Fitting in at Helicon House|Appearance=Fitting In}}.||Several other options that give +3 Fitting In, the most accessible of which requires {{IL|Rubbery Euphonium}}. 
|-
| {{IL|Palette of Revealing Pigments}} || Upgrade {{IL|Diptych Painter}}, from {{FontRose}} or pay 10 {{FontFate}} || Unlocks an [[Paint new routes upon maps of the library|option]] on a [[A Map Room|card]] in [[The Stacks (Guide)|The Stacks]]. || Has the same reward as the card's other option for maps of the library, but you don't need to pass a {{IL|Watchful}} check.
|-
| {{IL|Shabti-Box}} || Upgrade {{IL|An Antediluvian Ushabti}} || Allows you to [[Bait the ushabti]] when hunting in [[Parabolan Hunting (Guide)|Parabola]]. || Saves a few actions should you need to hunt down Ushabti.
|-
| {{IL|Esoteric Accomplice}} || Upgrade {{IL|Alluring Accomplice}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || Gain +5 {{IL|Investigating...}} when brought as as a companion to Helicon House || Investigating has very finite uses in the endgame, and if you need a large amount, it's better to just use [[Oneiropomp (Guide)|Oneiropompery]]
|-
| {{IL|Fabulous Accomplice}} || Upgrade {{IL|Alluring Accomplice}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || Gain +5 {{IL|Fascinating...}} when brought as as a companion to Helicon House|| Fascinating can eventually be cashed out with [[Attract a companion for the rest of the evening]].<br /><br />This companion is also marriageable; see below for details. 
|-
| {{IL|Minacious Union-Rat}} || Upgrade {{IL|Working Rat}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || [[Introduce her to your Minacious Union-Rat|Introduce him to Furnace Ancona]] || Just a text-only easter egg. Doesn't even cost an action!
|-
| {{IL|Morally and Physically Flexible Rubbery Cat}} || Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}}-only companion {{IL|Rubbery Feline}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || Can be used to gain {{IL|Casing...}} in Helicon House.<br /><br />Both the upgrade and base item can be introduced separately for [[A Cub's Education (Guide)]] || The Rubbery Casing grind was once a fairly good way to earn scrip, but there are now better options even for players without a very advanced Railway.
|-
| {{IL|A Venomous Caricaturist}} || Pay 20 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item) || [[Inspire her to imagine His Amused Lordship as more himself than ever|An option]] when shaping dreams for the Sculptress (see [[Oneiropomp (Guide)]] || Economically equivalent to the free options, but can be a decent midgame source {{IL|An Identity Uncovered!}} and {{IL|Venom-Ruby}}
|-
| {{IL|Ursine Honey Connoisseur}} || Upgrade {{IL|Honey-Mazed Bear}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}} || With {{IL|Honey-Mazed Bear}} and {{IL|A Gazebo!}} from {{FontSummer}}, [[Design a bear show on the Theme of the Surface Navy]] in Ealing Gardens || The card is bad and you will generally want to avoid Ealing's cluttered deck anyway.
|-
| {{IL|Regretful Sceptic}} || Upgrade {{IL|Dashing Debunker}}, available with certain choices from the {{FontFate}} story {{IL|Noises from Upstairs}}, or pay 30 {{FontFate}} || [[Invite a Regretful Sceptic to test some handcuffs]] on [[Lowell's Locks and Cages (Card)]] || The option is not that good, and you likely don't want to draw the card anyway. Mechanically identical to the option provided by the base form.
|-
|{{IL|Portable Fingerking Moot}} || Upgrade {{IL|Forty-Nine-Voiced Warbler}} or pay 30 {{FontFate}} || [[Set your Fingerking Moot on the Jovial Contrarian|Give the Jovial Contrarian a worthy debating partner]] in the Railway Board || The Contrarian's vote is not difficult to obtain anyway, but this can be helpful in situations where some board members automatically cast their votes, such as {{IL|The Viscountess' Vote|Appearance=The Viscountess}} when you [[Propose you deploy your train in the Parabolan War]].
|-
|{{IL|The Stormy-Eyed Scoundrel}} || Upgrade {{IL|Starry-Eyed Scoundrel}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || [[The Stormy-Eyed Scoundrel|Bring him with you]] to Helicon House || Provides no special benefits whatsoever when invited to Helicon, though he does have his own unique text variants.
|-
|{{IL|The Prescient Automatist}} || Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Genre Painter}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || [[The Prescient Automatist|Bring him with you]] to Helicon House || Gives +1 {{IL|Fitting in at Helicon House}}.
|-
| {{IL|Vial of Cantigaster Venom}} || {{TableList|[[Assist the Duchess (12 FATE)|Investigate Mr Sacks with the Duchess]] during {{FontChristmas}}|[[Attend a lecture on 'spiritual hygiene' (7 FATE)|Attend a lecture on 'spiritual hygeine']] during {{FontHallowmas}}|Technically also freely available, but only to Hellworm owners.}} || [[Use your Cantigaster Venom in the process of studying|Use it]] to gain both Research and Wounds on Lab projects with {{IL|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 {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology}} that doesn't require social actions.
|}

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

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Acquisition !! Unlocks !! Notes
|-
| {{IL|Haunted Goldfish}} || Upgrade {{IL|Cheerful Goldfish}} or 10 {{FontFate}} || Can be used to gain {{IL|Piscine Research}} during one non-repeatable lab experiment.||The option isn't as good as the other Airs-dependent ones. You can also spend non-seasonal fishy items like {{IL|Live Specimen}} or {{IL|Deep-zee Catch}} for progress, in addition to other seasonal fish.
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|August Feline}}|{{IL|Princeling of the Wakeful Court}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Wretched Mog}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece || Can all be introduced separately for [[A Cub's Education (Guide)]] || None.
|-
| {{IL|Midnight Matriarch of the Menagerie of Roses}} || Upgrade {{IL|Midnight Matriarch}} or 25 {{FontFate}} || {{TableList|Can be introduced in the Dome of Scales separately from its base form (see [[A Cub's Education (Guide)]]|[[Consult with your Midnight Matriarch|An option]] to gain research when finding a route to Parabola|During {{IL|Ambition: Light Fingers!}}, a [[Provide her with stories, old captain's logs, and a guardian (Menagerie of Roses)|terrible option]] that loses you the upgraded companion}}||Several of its uses are shared with the unupgraded version. Do not waste the Hallowmas companion on the Light Fingers option, use the Bazaar-buyable one instead.<br /><br />Does '''not''' trigger the undesirable [[Like rats and cats]] card.
|-
| {{IL|Feline Pariah}} || Upgrade {{FontFruits}} companion {{IL|Inquisitive Lamp-cat}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || Can be introduced for [[A Cub's Education (Guide)]] || None.
|-
| {{IL|Sister Lydia, At Peace With Herself}} || Upgrade {{IL|Sister Lydia}} from {{FontRose}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} || One of several options for [[Choosing a Lay Minister]] in Burrow-infra-Mump || Her base form is mechanically identical as far as Burrow is concerned, and also available during that part of the story for 15 {{FontFate}} regardless of the time of year. The other two options are both free and non-seasonal, though one does require {{IL|Renown: Bohemians}} 25. See [[A Church in the Wild (Guide)]] for more details.
|}

=== No Uses ===
These items do not unlock any additional actions.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Item !! Acquisition
|-
| {{IL|Private Debating Lessons with the Jovial Contrarian}} || 40 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item)
|-
| {{IL|Feducci's Lance (Replica)}} || 40 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item)
|-
| {{IL|Weeping Doll}} || Upgrade {{FontFate}} companion {{IL|Watchful Doll}} or 10 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{IL|Extravagantly-Titled Tigress}} || Upgrade {{IL|Bengal Tigress}} or 25 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Well-Scrubbed Urchin}}|{{IL|Skullduggerous Urchin}}|{{IL|Relict Catapult}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Grubby Urchin}} or 20 {{FontFate}} apiece
|-
| {{IL|Celebrated Weasel}} || Upgrade {{IL|Lucky Weasel}} or pay 10 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Utterly Livid Bat}}|{{IL|Cryptographic Chiropteran}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Sulky Bat}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}} for the Livid, 20 {{FontFate}} for the Cryptographic
|-
| {{IL|Illuminated Rat}} || Upgrade {{IL|Working Rat}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Faustian Henchman}}|{{IL|Meticulous Henchman}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Devious Henchman}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Pernicious Primate}}|{{IL|Murderous Monkey}}|{{IL|Melancholy Monkey}}|{{IL|Condolent Monkey}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Malevolent Monkey}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece, except for the Melancholy, which is 15 for some reason.
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Protective Mandrake}}|{{IL|Mandrake Who Sings Haunting Lamentations}}|{{IL|Very Well-Behaved Mandrake}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Deshrieked Mandrake}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Senatorial Spider}}|{{IL|Spider of Silken Marvels}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Fairly Tame Sorrow-Spider}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}} apiece
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|The Scuttering Palace Guard}}|{{IL|The Scuttering Scoundrels}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Scuttering Squad}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece.<br /><br />These do '''not''' trigger the undesirable [[Like rats and cats]] card.
|-
| {{IL|Iconoclastic Cryptanalyst}} || Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}}-only companion {{IL|Sedulous Cryptanalyst}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Ex-Privateer Illuminator}}|{{IL|Only-Semi-Retired Privateer Charter Clerk}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Ex-Privateer Charter Clerk}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}} apiece<br /><br />Both of these companions can also be married, see below.
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Nimble-fingered Intelligencer}}|{{IL|Consummate Wallflower}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|The Chap on the Corner}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece<br /><br />Both of these companions can laso be married, see below.
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Dutiful Orphan}}|{{IL|Unforgiving Urchin}}}} || Upgrade {{IL|Winsome Dispossessed Orphan}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}} apiece.
|-
| {{IL|A Redoubtable Dame-Harbinger}} || Pay 30 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item)
|-
| {{IL|A Reactionary Tomb-Colonist}} || Pay 30 {{FontFate}} (former {{FontElection}} item)
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Nocturnal Tracklayer}}|{{IL|Tough Tracklayer}}|{{IL|Obstinate Tracklayer}}}} || Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}}-only companion {{IL|Untried Tracklayer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece.
|-
| {{IL|Formerly Talkative Bearer of the Sausage About Which Nobody Complains}} || Upgrade {{IL|Talkative Rattus Faber}} with a {{IL|Sausage About Which No One Complains}}, or pay 20 {{FontFate}}. You monster.
|-
| {{IL|Winged Creature of Considerable Speed}} || Upgrade {{IL|Storm-bird}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}.
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Liquid Debutante}}|{{IL|Squirming Reprobate}}}} || Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}}-only companion {{IL|Rubbery Newcomer}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}} apiece.
|-
| {{IL|The Captivating Princess' Third-Best Tiara}} || Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Incognito Princess}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{IL|Rodentine Panegyrist}} || Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Metaphysically Educated Rattus Faber}} or pay 15 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{TableList|{{IL|Epistemological Mapmaker}}|{{IL|Navigator-Elect of the Sea of Spines}}}} || Upgrade {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|Weary Wayfinder}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{IL|Reptilian Darling of the Beau Monde}} || Upgrade {{IL|Reprehensible Lizard}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{IL|Monastic Diatomist}} || Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Cloistered Diatomist}} or pay 20 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{IL|Efficient Plenipotentiary}} || Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Efficient Commissioner}} or pay 30 {{FontFate}}
|-
| {{IL|The Eagle, Ascendant}} || Upgrade previous {{FontHallowmas}} companion {{IL|The Precocious Engineer (Companion)|Apperance=The Precocious Engineer}}
|-
| {{IL|Silver-Eyed Scoundrel}} || Upgrade {{IL|Starry-Eyed Scoundrel}}
|-
| {{IL|Verity of the Savage Lily}} || Upgrade {{FontRose}} companion {{IL|Verity}}
|}

== Hallowmas Spouses ==
Several Hallowmas companions can be married, and the final quest upgrades to these are often quite powerful. As each player can only have one Spouse<ref>That is, one item equipped in the Spouse slot. That may or may not represent multiple individuals. And, for that matter, might not represent a Spouse at all, but instead a close platonic companion. It's quite straightforward, really. Even if that's the only type of straight it is.</ref>, most of these options are not of interest to most players, and so are discussed here instead.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Hallowmas Companion !! Upgrade Path !! Final Upgrade Stats !! Opportunity Card !! Helicon House Bonus
|-
| {{IL|Fabulous Accomplice}} || {{TableList|First upgrade: {{IL|Platonic Partner in Crime}}|Second upgrade: {{IL|Platonic Eminence Grise}}}} || {{Item Effects|Platonic Eminence Grise|bis_strict=bold|bis_shared=italic}} || None. || +2 {{IL|Casing...}}.
|-
| {{IL|Ex-Privateer Illuminator}} || {{IL|Joyful Illuminator}} || {{Item Effects|Joyful Illuminator|bis_strict=bold|bis_shared=italic}} || [[Share in Your Wife's Passions]], which can be played for a large boost of {{IL|Inspired...}}. || 1 x {{IL|Fitting in at Helicon House|Appearance=Fitting In}} 
|-
| {{IL|Only-Semi-Retired Privateer Charter Clerk}} || {{IL|Joyful Charter Clerk}} || {{Item Effects|Joyful Charter Clerk|bis_strict=bold|bis_shared=italic}} || [[Down by the Docks with your Wife]], which lets you gain {{IL|Favours: The Docks}}. || 1 x {{IL|Fitting in at Helicon House|Appearance=Fitting In}}
|-
| {{IL|Nimble-fingered Intelligencer}} || {{IL|Flexible Intelligencer}} || {{Item Effects|Flexible Intelligencer|bis_strict=bold|bis_shared=italic}} || [[Indulge the Flexible Intelligencer]], which can be played for [[Great Game]] items || 1 x {{IL|Fitting in at Helicon House|Appearance=Fitting In}}
|-
| {{IL|Consummate Wallflower}} || {{IL|Blooming Wallflower}} || {{Item Effects|Blooming Wallflower|bis_strict=bold|bis_shared=italic}} || [[An Evening with your Beloved]], which can be played for 1 x {{IL|Favours: Society}} || 1 x {{IL|Fitting in at Helicon House|Appearance=Fitting In}}.
|-
| {{IL|Buccaneering Palaeontologist}} || {{IL|Soothing Palaeontologist}} || {{Item Effects|Soothing Palaeontologist|bis_strict=bold|bis_shared=italic}} || [[Spend an Evening with the Soothing Palaeontologist]], which can be played for several bones || 1 x {{IL|Fitting in at Helicon House|Appearance=Fitting In}}.
|}

[[Category:Events]]