Editing Khaganian Intrigue (Guide)

{{GuideNeedsWork|Changes from the [https://www.failbettergames.com/news/early-fallen-london-patch-notes-tribute-and-zee-changes September 2, 2024 update]: Completing a Khaganian Intrigue now gives an additional Vital Intelligence. EPA needs reevaluation. Also, since October 4, Corresponding Sounders and Vital Intelligences are now sellable at the Rat Market. This substantially increases EPA as long as Rat Market Exhaustion is low enough.}}<!--
-->{{GuideFor|Location = Khan's Heart|Pages = An Agent in Transit:#Acquaintance: The Prodigal Wolf#Acquaintance: The Precocious Engineer#An Agent of No Consequence#Your Current Loyalty in the Khanate:#Object of a Khaganian Intrigue#Establishing a Front (Storylet)#Khaganian Front: Obfuscation#Khaganian Safe-Conduct#Strength of your Khaganian Network#Infiltrating...#Taimen's Attention#Scheme Complexity#Khaganian Front: Resilience#Outward Appearance of a Khaganian Front:#Methods of a Khaganian Front:#Weapon of a Khaganian Front:#Acquaintance: The Reformer of Reputations#Cross the bridge#The Reformer of Reputations#Assortment of Khaganian Coinage#A message, addressed to yourself#Current Time in the Khanate:|Category=Category:Acquaintance: The Reformer of Reputations}}{{Audience|LateZailing|Evergreen=yes}}[[File:Khansheart port.png|right]]
{{ActivitySummary
| Activity = Khaganian Intrigue
| Starting Actions = 1
| Length = Limited
| Progress Actions = 2+/10+/13+/75
| Ending Actions = 1
| Progress Details = Raise {{IL|Infiltrating...}} to intrigue's target.
| Output Items = *{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram}}
*{{IL|Vital Intelligence}}
*{{IL|Queen Mate}}
*{{IL|Epaulette Mate}}
*{{IL|Blackmail Material}}
*{{IL|Oneiromantic Revelation}}
*{{IL|Favours: Fingerkings}}
*{{IL|Night-Whisper}}
*{{IL|Gant-filled Mirrorcatch Box}}
*{{IL|Corresponding Sounder}}
*{{IL|Bottle of Fourth City Airag: Year of the Tortoise|Appearance=Fourth City Airag}}
*{{IL|Favours in High Places}}
*{{IL|Magnificent Diamond}}
*{{IL|Puzzle-Damask Scrap}}
*{{IL|Uncanny Incunabulum}}
*{{IL|Mourning Candle}}
*{{IL|Red-Feathered Pin}}
*{{IL|Searing Enigma}}
*{{IL|Stalemate}}
*{{IL|Much-Needed Gap}}
*{{IL|Crackling Device}}
*{{IL|Mortification of a Great Power}}
*{{IL|Oneiric Pearl}}
*{{IL|Salt Steppe Atlas}}
*{{IL|Parabola-Linen Scrap}}
*{{IL|Silent Soul}}
*{{IL|Queer Soul}}
*{{IL|Brilliant Soul}}
*{{IL|Favours: Hell}}
*{{IL|Extraordinary Implication}}
*{{IL|Vienna Opening}}
*{{IL|Surface Currency}}
*{{IL|Oneiromantic Revelation}}
*{{IL|Hillmover}}
*{{IL|Perfumed Gunpowder}}
*{{IL|Correspondence Plaque}}
*{{IL|Mourning Candle}}
*{{IL|An Identity Uncovered!}}
*{{IL|Favours: Revolutionaries}}
*{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}}
*{{IL|Bazaar Permit}}
*{{IL|Moves in the Great Game}}
*{{IL|Favours: Society}}
*{{IL|Hillmover}}
| Boost Items = *{{IL|Stalemate}}
*{{IL|Much-Needed Gap}}
*{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}}
*{{IL|Oneiric Pearl}}
*''{{IL|Mesmeric Parasol}}''
| Raw EPA = 5.02
| EPA Notes = Intercepting cablegrams gives 25 scrip (Vital Intelligence) over 4 actions.
| Raw SPA = 6.25
| Locked = Yes
| Starting Items = '''Depending on Intrigue:'''
*'''None'''
*{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|2 x}}
*{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|5 x}}
*{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|10 x}}
*{{IL|Emetic Revelation|1 x}}
*{{IL|An Agent in Transit}}
}}
A guide to playing the Great Game in The Khanate, an activity for endgame players.

==Beginning steps==
To start the story chain allowing you access to [[Khan's Heart]] and the activities within, you need to have advanced the Railway as far as {{IL|Balmoral}}, and have fully upgraded your {{IL|Cabinet Noir}} to level 4 there. You will also require a [[Ship]].

A ubiquitous [[A Letter from the Khanate|opportunity card]] will appear in London, giving you an {{IL|Intercepted Document}}. Deciphering this will give you a {{IL|Salt Steppe Atlas}} and {{IL|Acquaintance: The Reformer of Reputations}}. If you have not already unlocked [[Discovered: The Khanate|the Khanate]] as a destination, you may now do so via a {{IL|Zeefaring}} check in a new storylet in Balmoral.

To continue the storyline, you will need a Cover Identity. The game details the requirements, but at minimum you need {{IL|Cover Identity: Ties|Appearance=Ties}} and at least 5 in {{IL|Cover Identity: Credentials|Appearance=Credentials}}, {{IL|Cover Identity: Nuance|Appearance=Nuance}}, or {{IL|Cover Identity: Witnesses|Appearance=Witnesses}}. These will influence which challenges you face in Khan's Heart, as detailed later in this guide.

With a complete Identity, you can [[Zailing (Guide)|zail]] to the Khanate, a fairly long zee journey (as it is effectively one of the furthest points from London).

Once you reach the Khanate, you can speak to the Reformer of Reputations in a [[The Reformer of Reputations|storylet]] in the [[The Copper Quarter]]. After a short introductory segment, the option to create a Khaganian front as a base of operations for intrigues and espionage in the Great Game becomes available. Completing it will give a {{IL|Khaganian Safe-Conduct}}, allowing you access to [[Khan's Heart]].

==Cover Identity==
''Main article: [[Cover Identities (Guide)]]'' 

Each Cover Identity stat has a different use in establishing a front. Your Cover Identity is consumed in the process.

It is strongly recommended to build your cover identity in a way that will maximise chances of success (see [[#Guaranteeing Success|Guaranteeing Success]], below).

* {{IL|Cover Identity: Elaboration|Appearance=Elaboration}} increases {{IL|Khaganian Front: Obfuscation}}, which determines how long your front can withstand investigation by the White-and-Golds, the security service of the Khanate. If this reaches 0, your front [[The White-and-Golds are Following You|will be lost]], and you will need to assemble a new Cover Identity to rebuild it! If your stats complement your choice of strategy to the point of guaranteed success during the whole carousel, you can get by with bare minimum, since you won't lose any Obfuscation, otherwise, it's better to get 10 to prolong your stay.<br/> Obfuscation can be restored, up to 11, by spending {{IL|Well-Placed Pawn}}s with [[The Reformer of Reputations]].

* {{IL|Cover Identity: Backstory|Appearance=Backstory}} increases {{IL|Khaganian Front: Resilience}}, which (presumably) reduces the impact that failures have on {{IL|Khaganian Front: Obfuscation|Appearance=Obfuscation}}. The benefit is capped at 10 Backstory, all excess will be wasted.

* {{IL|Cover Identity: Ties|Appearance=Ties}} determines your {{IL|Outward Appearance of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Outward Appearance of a Khaganian Front}}, which determines which [[BDR]] stat can be used for checks in the Khanate. The highest of those checks can be 100%d with 18 in a stat.
** Surface ties lead to an Academic appearance, which makes use of {{IL|Bizarre}}.
** Dispossessed ties lead to an Criminal appearance, which makes use of {{IL|Dreaded}}.
** Bazaar ties lead to an Mercantile appearance, which makes use of {{IL|Respectable}}.

* {{IL|Cover Identity: Credentials|Appearance=Credentials}}, {{IL|Cover Identity: Nuance|Appearance=Nuance}}, and {{IL|Cover Identity: Witnesses|Appearance=Witnesses}} determine both {{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods of a Khaganian Front}} and {{IL|Weapon of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Weapon of a Khaganian Front}}. <br/> Making use of {{IL|Cover Identity: Credentials|Appearance=Credentials}}, {{IL|Cover Identity: Nuance|Appearance=Nuance}}, or {{IL|Cover Identity: Witnesses|Appearance=Witnesses}} requires level 5 in each stat. This is a flat lock and not a challenge, so any levels above will be wasted. <br/> You may only make one selection each for {{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods}} and {{IL|Weapon of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Weapon}}, but you are not required to use the same stat for both. Unused stats will be wasted as well, so plan accordingly.
**{{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods}} selects one attribute for checks, but also influences how you can [[#Using Resources|use resources]] to advance long intrigues. For the latter, Manipulation is the most flexible.
*** {{IL|Cover Identity: Credentials|Appearance=Credentials}} gives you the ability to select Manipulation, which makes use of {{IL|Persuasive}}.
*** {{IL|Cover Identity: Nuance|Appearance=Nuance}} gives you the ability to select Observation, which makes use of {{IL|Watchful}}.
*** {{IL|Cover Identity: Witnesses|Appearance=Witnesses}} gives you the ability to select Subversion, which makes use of {{IL|Shadowy}}.
** {{IL|Weapon of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Weapon}}
*** {{IL|Cover Identity: Credentials|Appearance=Credentials}} gives you the ability to select Disinformation, which makes use of {{IL|Mithridacy}}.
*** {{IL|Cover Identity: Nuance|Appearance=Nuance}} gives you the ability to select Dream-Shaping, which makes use of {{IL|Glasswork}}.
*** {{IL|Cover Identity: Witnesses|Appearance=Witnesses}} gives you the ability to select Poison, which makes use of {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology}}.

You want to pick a skill where you can comfortably reach 10. Note that any character can get access to +5 worth of {{IL|Glasswork}} items (but less than +2 for the other skills)<ref>see [[User:Naoh/standard late game character]]</ref>, so unless your profession or ambition gives you an amazing boost to one of the other skills, the mirror is probably the way to go.

==A Tourist's Guide to Khan's Heart==
Khaganian intrigue opens up a number of repeatable carousels -- most notably, Stalemates, Oneiric Pearls, and Airag can all be found here with a bit of Airs cycling. However, for a newcomer intending to make the most of their first visit, there are probably three prizes most worth mentioning. (Collectors may consider the {{IL|Gant-filled Mirrorcatch Box}} also worth obtaining, in which case they should certainly remember to bring an empty {{IL|Mirrorcatch Box}} as well.)

* The {{IL|Infiltrator's Footsteps}}, which are best-in-slot Boots for Dangerous (+8) and the ''only'' Player of Chess item in their slot.
* The {{IL|Corresponding Sounder}}, which can be dismantled into a {{IL|Violant-filled Mirrorcatch Box}} required to increase your {{IL|Watchful Gains|Appearance=Watchful cap}} from 218 to 221. (It also sells quite dearly if you care to repeat it, for ~312.5{{e}} as a {{IL|Much-Needed Gap}}, 5 x{{IL|Vital Intelligence}}, 5 x{{IL|Emetic Revelation}}, 25 x{{IL|Discriminating Aconite}}, 120 x{{IL|Vision of the Surface}} and a {{IL|Favours: The Great Game}}, or for {{IL|Sell a Corresponding Sounder for 4000 Rat-Shillings|Appearance=4000 Rat Shillings}} during the right Rat Market seasons).
* {{IL|An Agent of No Consequence}}, which offers a steady source of [[Emetic Revelation|Emetic Revelations]] and unlocks another branch of intrigues that consume these for various profits.

The third one requires 4 intrigues of 130 {{IL|Infiltrating...}} each to be done in sequence, along with wrapping actions, and thus has no shortcuts.

The first two, however, require very long Intrigues -- 750 {{IL|Infiltrating...}} or about 75 successful actions. However, as long Intrigues they enable the options on {{IL|False-Dawn}} (see below), which allow you to trade 62.5{{e}} items for 150 {{IL|Infiltrating...}} (which item depends on your {{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front|Apperance=Methods}}.) All such items are available in Khan's Heart itself, through beginning [[Expand your network: Recruit (Agent)|Expand your network]] with various {{IL|Airs of the Khanate}}. Since {{IL|Infiltrator's Footsteps}} also requires {{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network}} 5 anyway, for Watchful and Shadowy characters (and arguably Persuasive as well) the shortcut is self-funding.

Specifically: Watchful needs {{IL|Stalemate|Appearance=Stalemates}} from the [[A Naive Dissident|Naive Dissident]], or {{IL|Airs of the Khanate|Appearance=Airs}} 10-19. Shadowy needs {{IL|Much-Needed Gap||Appearance=Much-Needed Gaps}} from either the [[An Immaculate Tailor|Immaculate Tailor]] or [[A Lovelorn Engineer|Lovelorn Engineer]]. Persuasive is different because it just requires money, specifically 125 x{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}}; in large quantities this is probably best gained from [[The Trifling Diplomat]] at the Bone Market, though if you build up a stockpile of {{IL|Surface-Silk Scrap|Appearance=Surface-Silk Scraps}} you can sell them at a rate for 200 to 40 coinage and cycle airs while you're doing it. Also note that the rewards of both the [[A Radical Physician|physician]], the [[A Scorned Diplomat|diplomat]], [[An Immaculate Tailor|Tailor]], and the [[A Lovelorn Engineer|engineer]] can also be sold at the [[Khaganian Markets]] for {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|125 x}}.

The precise shape of your 'tour' of Khan's Heart, then, will depend on both your Methods and your luck:

Watchful or Shadowy:
* First, run [[Intercept a cablegram]] once, at twenty {{IL|Infiltrating...}} (four actions including overhead)
* Check your airs to see if your desired agent is available. If not, keep running [[Intercept a cablegram]] until they happen to show up -- you'll ultimately need at least 20 for five agents, the Footsteps and the Sounder, and you'll want another 10 later: {{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network}} 10 opens up [[Tap a telegraph cable]], which is much more efficient than [[Intercept a cablegram]] for starting intrigues. In total, 30 cablegrams or six runs.
* Then, run [[Expand your network: Recruit (Agent)|Expand your network]]. You'll need to do this five times, of which four will provide items you need to skip {{IL|Infiltrating...}}.
* Most likely, you're going to get enough cablegrams for your trip before you have the agents you need. Cycle airs by [[Play a game of shatar|playing shatar]] for {{IL|Opening Novelty|Appearance=Opening Novelties}} or just gather more agents -- you're going to need at least Network Strength 10 eventually.

Persuasive characters have a more consistent approach available to them: do six cablegram runs for 30 x {{IL|Intercepted Cablegram}}, then grind out 500 x{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}} however they like. If you have other things you want from the recruitment reward table, though, you might as well get it by selling silk to cycle airs.

At any rate, once you have enough for four 'skips', you're ready to go. Follow the guide below to get through your days in the Khanate as efficiently as possible, but spend your items at each False-Dawn for 150 x{{IL|Infiltrating...}} each. Assuming you pass every check, you'll be able to do this twice per intrigue -- you'll hit the Dawn of the Third Day with 520 x{{IL|Infiltrating...}}.

'''It should be noted that grinding for False-Dawn resources by [[Expand your network: Recruit (Agent)|expanding your network]] is only efficient as long as you have to grind {{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network}}'''. Once you have reached {{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network|20}}, you are better off just biting the bullet and spending 75 actions. The same goes for the {{IL|Outward Appearance of a Khaganian Front|Appearance=Front}} / BDR dependent options with additional costs: unless you can grind a {{IL|Queen Mate}} in 2.8 actions<ref>If you can, tell [[User:Naoh]]</ref>, you are better off not spending them here.

==Intrigue!==
Once you establish a Khaganian front, you will receive a {{IL|Khaganian Safe-Conduct}}, which grants you access to [[Khan's Heart]], from which you plan, advance, and carry out your schemes.

The main activity and use of your Khaganian Front is pursuing Intrigues, started at the [[Begin an intrigue]] storylet. Each intrigue requires a certain amount of {{IL|Infiltrating...}} which is gained through various storylets in Khan's Heart. Which options are available to you in a given storylet are determined by {{IL|Outward Appearance of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Outward Appearance}}, {{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods}}, and {{IL|Weapon of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Weapon}}. You may leave and reenter Khan's Heart without losing any progress towards {{IL|Infiltrating...}}, but note that entering costs an action. '''Note that you are not able to swap equipment while in Khan's Heart.''' 

Options and storylets available are also influenced by the {{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Current Time in the Khanate}}, which operates on a 12-action cycle. Each action you complete in Khan's Heart increments the current time, shifting available storylets and actions. Once you have enough {{IL|Infiltrating...}}, you complete the intrigue at [[The Progress of your (Intrigue Name)]] storylet. '''Note that each completed intrigue increases {{IL|Taimen's Attention}} by 2 CP, except for expanding your network.'''

===Table of intrigues and rewards===
{|class="article-table mw-collapsible"
!Name !! Requirements !! Infiltrating... !! Result !! Reward
|-
!colspan="5"|Acquiring cablegrams
|-
|[[Intercept a cablegram]] || None || 20 || [[Collect your intercepted cablegrams]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|5 x}}|{{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}}}
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Tap a telegraph cable]] ||rowspan=2| {{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network}} 10 ||rowspan=2| 130 ||rowspan=2| [[Tap the underzee cable]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|50 x}}|{{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}}}
|-
|{{TableList|{{IL|Queen Mate|1 x}}|'''or'''|{{IL|Epaulette Mate|1 x}}}}
|-
!colspan="5"|Spy games for fun and profit
|-
|[[Fabricate blackmail material]] || {{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|2 x}} || 20 || [[Assemble your manufactured blackmail]] || {{IL|Blackmail Material|1 x}}
|-
|[[Plant a mirror]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Connected: Fingerkings}} 4|{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|2 x}}}} || 130 || [[Plant an unsecured mirror]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Oneiromantic Revelation|1 x}}|{{IL|Favours: Fingerkings|1 x}}}}
|-
|[[Sabotage a power plant]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|5 x}}|{{IL|Colour at the Chessboard|Appearance=Colour}} less than 3}} || 750 || [[Sabotage a power plant (conclusion)|Sabotage a power plant]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Night-Whisper|5 x}}|'''or'''|{{IL|Gant-filled Mirrorcatch Box}}}}
|-
|[[Obtain a Corresponding Sounder]] || {{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|10 x}} || 750 || [[Walk into the Office of Naval Affairs]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Corresponding Sounder|1 x}}}}
|-
!colspan="5"|Teambuilding and networking
|-
|[[Plant an agent]] || {{IL|An Agent in Transit:}} || 130 || [[Conclude the infiltration (Wayward Navigator)|Conclude the infiltration]] || 62.5e worth of items (depends on {{IL|An Agent in Transit:|Appearance=your agent}} - see [[#Planting the Agents - Rewards|below]])
|-
|[[An opportunity: (Opportunity)]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network}} 20|{{IL|An Agent of No Consequence}}|{{IL|Emetic Revelation|1 x}} }} || 100 || [[The Pulling of a Thread: (Opportunity)]] || ~75e worth of items (depends on {{IL|An Opportunity in the Khanate|Appearance=the opportunity}}, see [[#Pulling Threads|below]])
|-
|[[Expand your network: Recruit (Agent)|Expand your network]] || {{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|2 x}} || 130 || [[Expand your network]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network|1 x}}|1 x 62.5e item (depends on {{IL|Airs of the Khanate|Appearance=Airs}} - see [[#Expanding your Network - Rewards|below]])}}
|-
!colspan="5"|Growing your influence
|-
|[[An opportunity: place one of your agents in London|Place one of your agents in London]]|| {{TableList|{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|5 x}}|{{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network}} 5|No {{IL|Infiltrator's Footsteps}}}} || 750 || [[Secure your agent's position]] || {{IL|Infiltrator's Footsteps}}
|-
|Placing informants (see below) || {{TableList|{{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network}} 4|{{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|2 x}} }} || 4 x 130 || varies || {{TableList|{{IL|Acquaintance: The Prodigal Wolf}} 3|{{IL|Acquaintance: The Precocious Engineer}} 2|{{IL|An Agent of No Consequence}}|{{IL|Emetic Revelation|1 x}} }}
|}

====Planting the Agents - Rewards====
An agent must be [[Khaganian Intrigue: The Matter of an Agent|collected at Wolfstack Docks]] first.
{|class="article-table mw-collapsible"
! Agent !! Name !! Reward
|-
|1 || [[Conclude the infiltration (Attentive Chambermaid)|An Attentive Chambermaid]] || {{IL|Bottle of Fourth City Airag: Year of the Tortoise|1 x}}
|-
|2 || [[Conclude the infiltration (Wayward Navigator)|A Wayward Navigator]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Favours in High Places|1 x}}|{{IL|Magnificent Diamond|1 x}}|{{IL|Puzzle-Damask Scrap|3 x}}}}
|-
|3 || [[Conclude the infiltration (Bright-Eyed Engineer)|A Bright-Eyed Engineer]] || {{TableList|{{IL|Uncanny Incunabulum|2 x}}|{{IL|Mourning Candle|1 x}}|{{IL|Red-Feathered Pin|1 x}}}}
|}

====Expanding your Network - Rewards====
Each option also increases {{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network}} by 1, as noted above.

{|class="article-table mw-collapsible"
! Airs !! Name !! Reward !! Sell to Khaganian Market?
|-
|0-9 || [[A Disgruntled Academic]] || {{IL|Searing Enigma|1 x}} || No
|-
|10-19 || [[A Naive Dissident]] || {{IL|Stalemate|1 x}} || No
|-
|20-29 || [[An Immaculate Tailor]] || {{IL|Much-Needed Gap|1 x}} || Yes
|-
|30-39 || [[A Repentant Thief]] || {{IL|Crackling Device|1 x}} || Yes
|-
|40-49 || [[A Shapeless Aristocrat]] || {{IL|Mortification of a Great Power|1 x}} || No
|-
|50-59 || [[A Bandaged Naval Officer]] || {{IL|Mortification of a Great Power|1 x}} || No
|-
|60-69 || [[A Scorned Diplomat]] || {{IL|Bottle of Fourth City Airag: Year of the Tortoise|1 x}} || Yes
|-
|70-79 || [[A Lovelorn Engineer]] || {{IL|Much-Needed Gap|1 x}} || Yes
|-
|80-89 || [[A Radical Physician]] || {{IL|Oneiric Pearl|1 x}} || Yes
|-
|90-100 || [[An Idle Soldier]] || {{IL|Mortification of a Great Power|1 x}} || No
|}

====Pulling Threads====
Once you have {{IL|Strength of your Khaganian Network|20 x}}, you can begin pulling threads. These intrigues cost {{IL|Emetic Revelation|1 x}} and have a shorter action investment (10) for a payout of 75{{e}} when the items are sold directly to the [[Bazaar]], back in London. They are setup so that your choice on outcome of the current intrigue determines the next available intrigue.
*See [[Khaganian Intrigue (Guide)/Opportunity cycles]] for a graph theory analysis of this.
*See [[Khaganian Intrigue (Guide)/Loyalty shifts]] for a graph representation of politics.

<gallery mode = packed style ='text-align: left'>
Opportunity graph.png|link=Khaganian Intrigue (Guide)/Opportunity cycles|[[Khaganian Intrigue (Guide)/Opportunity cycles|Opportunity Cycles]]
Khanate loyalty chart.jpg|link=Khaganian Intrigue (Guide)/Loyalty shifts|[[Khaganian Intrigue (Guide)/Loyalty shifts|Loyalty shifts]]
</gallery>

{|class="article-table mw-collapsible"
! Opportunity / Title !! Name !! Reward !! Payout !! Faction !! Next Opportunity
|-
|rowspan="2" | 0-1: An agent resurfaces / debrief an old agent || [[Debrief him, then release him]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|6 x}} || 75.00{{e}} || Eagle || 2: A zailor defects
|-
| [[Debrief him, and then betray him]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|6 x}} || 75.00{{e}} || Leopard || 3: A codebook is misplaced
|-
|rowspan="2" | 2: A zailor defects / shelter a defector || [[Tell the Forlorn Captain the truth]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Salt Steppe Atlas|1 x}} || 12.50{{e}} + <br />125{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|Appearance=}} || Eagle ||4: Blueprints go missing
|-
| [[Arrange for the Forlorn Captain's desertion]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Bottle of Fourth City Airag: Year of the Tortoise|1 x|Appearance=Bottle of Airag}} || 12.50{{e}} + <br />125{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|Appearance=}} || Tortoise || 8: A secret is unveiled
|-
|rowspan="2" | 3: A codebook is misplaced / steal a codebook || [[Alert the Leopard]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Parabola-Linen Scrap|1 x}} || 75.00{{e}} || Leopard || 9: A telegraph chatters
|-
| [[Obtain the codebook, and sell it]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Favour in High Places|4 x}}<br />{{IL|Fistful of Surface Currency|415 x|Appearance=Surface Currency}} || 74.95{{e}} || White || 5: Someone slips through a mirror
|-
|rowspan="2" | 4: Blueprints go missing / retrieve stolen blueprints || [[Warn the Eagle]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Silent Soul|2 x}}<br />{{IL|Queer Soul|5 x}}<br />{{IL|Brilliant Soul|45 x}}<br />{{IL|Favours: Hell|1 x}} || 72.50{{e}}<ref name=":fv"></ref> || Eagle || 11: A Master plots
|-
| [[Distract the Navy's investigators]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|4 x}}<br />{{IL|Extraordinary Implication|5 x}}<br />{{IL|Vienna Opening|5 x}} || 75.00{{e}} || White || 3: A codebook is misplaced
|-
|rowspan="2" | 5: Someone slips through a mirror / locate a Taciturn Magician || [[Snap him out of his daze]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Oneiromantic Revelation|1 x}} || 75.00{{e}} || White || 4: Blueprints go missing
|-
| [[Leave him in his state]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Oneiric Pearl|1 x}}|| 12.50{{e}} + <br />125{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|Appearance=}} || Black || 7: A trove is discovered
|-
|rowspan="2" | 6: A device is completed / break into a quiet factory || [[Leak this information to the Tortoise]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|2 x}}<br />{{IL|Hillmover|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Perfumed Gunpowder|5 x}}<br />{{IL|Correspondence Plaque|25 x}}<br />{{IL|Mourning Candle|5 x}} || 50.00{{e}} (+ 25.00{{e}}) || Tortoise || 2: A zailor defects
|-
| [[Warn the Revolutionaries]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|3 x}}<br />{{IL|Blackmail Material|2 x}}<br />{{IL|An Identity Uncovered!|4 x}}<br />{{IL|Favours: Revolutionaries|1 x}} || 72.50{{e}}<ref name=":fv">Deliberate omission of Favours from the total value</ref> || Black || 5: Someone slips through a mirror
|-
|rowspan="2" | 7: A trove is discovered / secure a treasure || [[Proceed as planned; let the Bazaar have these books]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|125 x|Appearance=Khaganian Coins}} || 12.50{{e}} + <br />125{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|Appearance=}} || Black ||9: A telegraph chatters
|-
| [[Buy out the Bookseller's inventory and cast it into the Zee]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Searing Enigma|1 x}} || 75.00{{e}} || Bazaar || 10: A Master covets!
|-
|rowspan="2" | 8: A secret is unveiled / investigate unusual shipments || [[Leak the location of the warehouse to the Bazaar]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Bazaar Permit|5 x}} || 75.00{{e}} || Bazaar || 7: A trove is discovered
|-
| [[Observe without interfering]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Searing Enigma|1 x}} || 75.00{{e}} || Tortoise || 6: A device is completed
|-
|rowspan="2" | 9: A telegraph chatters / contact a dissident || [[Vouch for the Foppish Revolutionary]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Bottle of Fourth City Airag: Year of the Tortoise|1 x|Appearance=Bottle of Airag}} || 12.50{{e}} + <br />125{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|Appearance=}} || Black || 6: A device is completed
|-
| [[Leak their identities to the Khagan]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|5 x}}<br />{{IL|Moves in the Great Game|20 x}}<br />{{IL|Favours: Society|1 x}} || 72.50{{e}}<ref name=":fv"></ref> ||Leopard || 10: A Master covets
|-
|rowspan="2" | 10: A Master covets / interfere in a trade dispute || [[Give them a push]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|125 x|Appearance=Khaganian Coins}} || 12.50{{e}} +<br />125{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|Appearance=}} || Bazaar || 11: A Master plots
|-
| [[Leak this information to the Khagan]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|125 x|Appearance=Khaganian Coins}} ||  12.50{{e}} +<br />125{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|Appearance=}} || Leopard || 1: An agent resurfaces
|-
|rowspan="2" | 11: A Master plots / answer a request from Mr Stones || [[Deliver the Mummified Priest to the Khagan]] || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Bazaar Permit|2 x}}<br />{{IL|Magnificent Diamond|3 x}} || 75.00{{e}} || Bazaar || 8: A secret is unveiled
|-
| [[Put the Mummified Priest on a London-bound ship]] ||{{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}}<br />{{IL|Much-Needed Gap|1 x}} || 12.50{{e}} +<br />125{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|Appearance=}} || Eagle || 1: An agent resurfaces
|-
|}

{|class="article-table mw-collapsible"
! Faction !! Loop length !! Reward 
|-
|1 - Eagle || 4 || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|9 x}}, {{IL|Salt Steppe Atlas|1 x}}, {{IL|Silent Soul|2 x}}, {{IL|Queer Soul|5 x}}, {{IL|Brilliant Soul|45 x}}, {{IL|Favours: Hell|1 x}}, {{IL|Much-Needed Gap|1 x}}
|-
|2 - Leopard || 4 || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|13 x}}, {{IL|Parabola-Linen Scrap|1 x}}, {{IL|Moves in the Great Game|20 x}}, {{IL|Favours: Society|1 x}}, {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|125 x|Appearance=Khaganian Coins}}
|-
|3 - Tortoise || 3 || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|5 x}}, {{IL|Bottle of Fourth City Airag: Year of the Tortoise|1 x|Appearance=Bottle of Airag}}, {{IL|Searing Enigma|1 x}}, {{IL|Hillmover|1 x}}, {{IL|Perfumed Gunpowder|5 x}}, {{IL|Correspondence Plaque|25 x}}, {{IL|Mourning Candle|5 x}}
|-
|5 - White/Surface || 3 || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|6 x}}, {{IL|Favour in High Places|4 x}}, {{IL|Fistful of Surface Currency|415 x|Appearance=Surface Currency}}, {{IL|Oneiromantic Revelation|1 x}}, {{IL|Extraordinary Implication|5 x}}, {{IL|Vienna Opening|5 x}}
|-
|6 - Black/Deep Power || 4 || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|6 x}}, {{IL|Oneiric Pearl|1 x}}, {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|125 x|Appearance=Khaganian Coins}}, {{IL|Bottle of Fourth City Airag: Year of the Tortoise|1 x|Appearance=Bottle of Airag}}, {{IL|Blackmail Material|2 x}}, {{IL|An Identity Uncovered!|4 x}}, {{IL|Favours: Revolutionaries|1 x}} 
|-
|7 - Bazaar || 4 || {{IL|Vital Intelligence|4 x}}, {{IL|Bazaar Permit|8 x}}, {{IL|Searing Enigma|1 x}}, {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|125 x|Appearance=Khaganian Coins}}, {{IL|Magnificent Diamond|3 x}} 
|-
|}

====An Agent of No Consequence====
In order to get {{IL|An Agent of No Consequence}} you need to place agents. This is a non-repeatable storyline. Options are done in sequence.
{|class="article-table mw-collapsible"
! Option / Faction !! Reward
|-
|[[An opportunity: place an informant in the Wolf Khan's court|The Wolf Khan]] || Sets {{IL|Acquaintance: The Prodigal Wolf}} to 1
|-
|[[An opportunity: another meeting with the Prodigal Wolf|Tortoise Khan]] || Sets {{IL|Acquaintance: The Prodigal Wolf}} to 2
|-
|[[An opportunity: develop an asset in the Eagle Khan's court|Eagle Khan]] || {{TableList|Sets {{IL|Acquaintance: The Prodigal Wolf}} to 3|Sets {{IL|Acquaintance: The Precocious Engineer}} to 1}}
|-
|[[An opportunity: infiltrate the Khagan's court|Khagan Court]] || {{TableList|Sets {{IL|Acquaintance: The Precocious Engineer}} to 2| Further options also provide {{IL|An Agent of No Consequence}} and {{IL|Emetic Revelation|1 x}} }}
|-
|colspan="2"|{{IL|An Agent of No Consequence}} is required for [[Receive the latest 'reports' from your 'agent'|a weekly reward]] of {{IL|Emetic Revelation|5 x}}
|}

Once you have placed your informants, weekly you can [[Receive the latest 'reports' from your 'agent']] to collect {{IL|Emetic Revelation|5 x}}. Rather than being reset by {{IL|Time, the Healer}}, taking this task sets a living story that resets in exactly 7 days from taking the action. Additionally this unlocks the ability to trade in various items for {{IL|Emetic Revelation|1 x}} depending on the current world quality {{IL|The Engineer's Current Need:}}. This changes on Tuesdays at 11 AM UTC.
*{{IL|Correspondence Plaque|20 x}} {{World Quality Condition|Quality=The Engineer's Current Need:|Value=Correspondence Plaques|<mark>(currently available)</mark>}}
*{{IL|Unprovenanced Artefact|4 x}} {{World Quality Condition|Quality=The Engineer's Current Need:|Value=Unprovenanced Artefacts|<mark>(currently available)</mark>}}
*{{IL|Palimpsest Scraps|20 x}} {{World Quality Condition|Quality=The Engineer's Current Need:|Value=Palimpsest Scraps|<mark>(currently available)</mark>}}
*{{IL|Mourning Candle|4 x}} {{World Quality Condition|Quality=The Engineer's Current Need:|Value=Mourning Candles|<mark>(currently available)</mark>}}
*{{IL|Glass Gazette|4 x}} {{World Quality Condition|Quality=The Engineer's Current Need:|Value=Glass Gazettes|<mark>(currently available)</mark>}}
*{{IL|Thirsty Bombazine Scrap|4 x}} {{World Quality Condition|Quality=The Engineer's Current Need:|Value=Thirsty Bombazine Scraps|<mark>(currently available)</mark>}}
*{{IL|Knob of Scintillack|4 x}} {{World Quality Condition|Quality=The Engineer's Current Need:|Value=Knobs of Scintillack|<mark>(currently available)</mark>}}
*{{IL|Trace of Viric|20 x}} {{World Quality Condition|Quality=The Engineer's Current Need:|Value=Traces of Viric|<mark>(currently available)</mark>}}

===Intrigue Actions in Khan's Heart===
'''Note that you are not able to swap equipment while in Khan's Heart.'''
Overview
* ✓ - There's an option for the given stat at the given time.
** ✓* - {{IL|Taimen's Attention}} increases this option's difficulty level
* ✗ - There's no option for the given stat at the given time.

Challenges based on Method stats are Broad with difficulty 170, giving 100% at 284.<br>
Challenges based on Weapon stats are Narrow with difficulty 6, giving 100% at 10.<br>
Challenges based on Appearance stats are Narrow with difficulty 10 or 14, giving 100% at 14 or 18, respectively.

{{manualcolors}}
<div class="table-container">
{|class="wikitable"
!rowspan="2"| Hour
!rowspan="2"| {{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Time}}
!colspan="3"| {{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods}}
!colspan="3"| {{IL|Weapon of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Weapon}}
!colspan="3"| {{IL|Outward Appearance of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Appearance}}
|-
! {{IL|Watchful|Appearance=}}
! {{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=}} 
! {{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 
! {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology|Appearance=}} 
! {{IL|Glasswork|Appearance=}} 
! {{IL|Mithridacy|Appearance=}} 
! {{IL|Respectable|Appearance=}} 
! {{IL|Dreaded|Appearance=}} 
! {{IL|Bizarre|Appearance=}} 
|-
|1
|False-Dawn
|rowspan="4" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) !important"|✓*
|rowspan="3" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important"|✗
|rowspan="3" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important"|✗
|rowspan="4"|✓
|rowspan="4"|✓
|rowspan="4"|✓
|rowspan="3" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important"|✗
|rowspan="9"|✓
|rowspan="9"|✓
|-
|2
|Early Morning
|-
|3
|Morning
|-
|4
|Midday
|rowspan="5" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) !important"|✓*
|rowspan="5" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) !important"|✓*
|rowspan="9"|✓
|-
|5
|Early Afternoon
|rowspan="4" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important"|✗
|rowspan="8" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important"|✗
|rowspan="8" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important"|✗
|rowspan="8" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important"|✗
|-
|6
|Afternoon
|-
|7
|False-Dusk
|-
|8
|Early Evening
|-
|9
|Evening
|rowspan="4"|✓
|rowspan="4"|✓
|rowspan="4"|✓
|-
|10
|Late Night
|rowspan="3" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important"|✗
|rowspan="3" style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) !important"|✗
|-
|11
|Nearly Midnight
|-
|12
|Midnight
|}
The below table shows your options that are not made more difficult by {{IL|Taimen's Attention}} along with minimum level to 100%:<div class="table-container">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Time}}
|1||2||3||4||5||6||7||8||9||10||11||12
|-
!{{IL|Watchful|Appearance=}} {{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=}} {{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}}
| colspan="8" |
| colspan="4" |{{IL|Watchful|Appearance=}} {{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=}} {{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 284
|-
! BDR
| colspan="3" |{{IL|Bizarre|Appearance=}} {{IL|Dreaded|Appearance=}} 18
| colspan="6" |{{IL|Bizarre|Appearance=}} {{IL|Dreaded|Appearance=}} {{IL|Respectable|Appearance=}} 14
| colspan="3" |{{IL|Respectable|Appearance=}} 18
|-
! Advanced Skills
| colspan="4" |{{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology|Appearance=}} {{IL|Glasswork|Appearance=}} {{IL|Mithridacy|Appearance=}} 10
| colspan="8" |
|}
</div></div>

===Guaranteeing Success===
'''Noting that you are not able to swap equipment while in Khan's Heart''', there are three (relatively) easy ways to dress for success in Khan's Heart and guarantee 10 {{IL|Infiltrating...}} per action:
# Use one of {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology|Appearance=}} {{IL|Glasswork|Appearance=}} {{IL|Mithridacy|Appearance=}} 10 for Time 1-4 and {{IL|Respectable|Appearance=}} 18 for Time 4-12. This option does not depend on {{IL|Watchful|Appearance=}} {{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=}} {{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}}, but picking {{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} is recommended because of the flexibility of the False-Dawn option.
# Use one of {{IL|Bizarre|Appearance=}} {{IL|Dreaded|Appearance=}} 18 for Time 1-9 and one of {{IL|Watchful|Appearance=}} {{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=}} {{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 284 for Time 9-12. This option does not depend on any of the {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology|Appearance=}} {{IL|Glasswork|Appearance=}} {{IL|Mithridacy|Appearance=}} advanced skills.
# Use one of {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology|Appearance=}} {{IL|Glasswork|Appearance=}} {{IL|Mithridacy|Appearance=}} 10 for Time 1-4, one of {{IL|Bizarre|Appearance=}} {{IL|Dreaded|Appearance=}} {{IL|Respectable|Appearance=}} 14 for Time 4-9, and one of {{IL|Watchful|Appearance=}} {{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=}} {{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 284 for Time 9-12.


If you need only briefly visit the Khanate and plan to intrigue but '''once per week''', there are two further options that will guarantee success '''once per Time the Healer''':
# Use one of {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology|Appearance=}} {{IL|Glasswork|Appearance=}} {{IL|Mithridacy|Appearance=}} 10 for Time 1-4 and one of {{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=}} {{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=}} 284 for Time 4-12. This option does not depend on {{IL|Bizarre|Appearance=}} {{IL|Dreaded|Appearance=}} {{IL|Respectable|Appearance=}}.
# Use {{IL|Watchful|Appearance=}} 284 for Time 1-4 <u>and</u> for 9-12 and one of {{IL|Bizarre|Appearance=}} {{IL|Dreaded|Appearance=}} {{IL|Respectable|Appearance=}} 14 for Time 4-9. This option also does not depend on any of the {{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology|Appearance=}} {{IL|Glasswork|Appearance=}} {{IL|Mithridacy|Appearance=}} advanced skills.


In addition, consider also achieving {{IL|A Player of Chess|Appearance=A Player of Chess}} 12 to ensure a guaranteed success when cycling airs via the always-available [[Play a game of shatar]] (see [[#Cycling airs|Cycling airs]], below). 

Whichever method you choose, please ensure that you set up your [[#Cover Identity|cover identity]] appropriately.


===Table of Options by Stat===
====Persuasive====
Unlocked with {{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods:}} Manipulation, acquired with {{IL|Cover Identity: Credentials|Appearance=Credentials}} 5, and the challenge is {{IL|Persuasive}} 170.
{| class="article-table"
!Hours!!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Times}}!!Storylet!!Branch!!Notes
|-
|4-9
|Midday - Evening
|[[The Iron Quarter]]
|[[Strike a conversation with a factory manager]]
|{{IL|Taimen's Attention}} increases the difficulty by 5 per level.
|-
|9-12
|Evening - Midnight
|[[The Nephrite Quarter]]
|[[Extricate information from a Recalcitrant Informant]]
|
|}

====Watchful====
Unlocked with {{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods:}} Observation, acquired with {{IL|Cover Identity: Nuance|Appearance=Nuance}} 5, and the challenge is {{IL|Watchful}} 170.
{| class="article-table"
!Hours!!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Times}}!!Storylet!!Branch||Notes
|-
|1-4
|False-Dawn - Midday
|[[The Graphite Quarter]]
|[[Surveil the factories]]
|{{IL|Taimen's Attention}} increases the difficulty by 5 per level.
|-
|9-12
|Evening - Midnight
|[[The Nephrite Quarter]]
|[[Surveil a merchant]]
|
|}

====Shadowy====
Unlocked with {{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods:}} Subversion, acquired with {{IL|Cover Identity: Witnesses|Appearance=Witnesses}} 5, and the challenge is {{IL|Shadowy}} 170.
{| class="article-table"
!Hours!!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Times}}!!Storylet!!Branch!!Notes
|-
|4-9
|Midday - Evening
|[[The Iron Quarter]]
|[[Slip into a factory]]
|{{IL|Taimen's Attention}} increases the difficulty by 5 per level.
|-
|9-12
|Evening - Midnight
|[[The Porcelain Quarter]]
|[[Pickpocket an actress]]
|
|}

====Bizarre====
Unlocked with {{IL|Outward Appearance of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Appearance:}} Academic, acquired with Surface {{IL|Cover Identity: Ties|Appearance=Ties}}.

{| class="article-table"
!Hours!!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Times}}!!Storylet!!Branch!!{{IL|Bizarre|Appearance=}} Challenge!!Notes
|-
|1-4
|False-Dawn - Midday
|[[The Graphite Quarter]]
|[[Attend a Liberationist meeting in disguise]]
|13
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |4-9
| rowspan="2" |Midday - Evening
|[[The Realgar Quarter]]
|[[Listen to a Paranoid Novelist]]
|9
|
|-
|[[The Imperial Colleges]]
|[[Arrange a realistic forgery]]
|6
|Costs {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|10 x}}<br>Gives {{IL|Infiltrating...|16 x}}
|}

====Dreaded====
Unlocked with {{IL|Outward Appearance of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Appearance:}} Criminal, acquired with Dispossessed {{IL|Cover Identity: Ties|Appearance=Ties}}.

{| class="article-table"
!Hours!!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Times}}!!Storylet!!Branch!!{{IL|Dreaded|Appearance=}} Challenge!!Notes
|-
|1-4
|False-Dawn - Midday
|[[The Graphite Quarter]]
|[[Attend the presentation of a new weapon]]
|13
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |4-9
| rowspan="2" |Midday - Evening
|[[The Iron Quarter]]
|[[Make arrangements with smugglers]]
|9
|
|-
|[[The Realgar Quarter]]
|[[Intimidate a Bureaucrat]]
|5
|Costs {{IL|Well-Placed Pawn|25 x}}<br>Gives {{IL|Infiltrating...|13-14 x}}
|}

====Respectable====
Unlocked with {{IL|Outward Appearance of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Appearance:}} Mercantile, acquired with Bazaar {{IL|Cover Identity: Ties|Appearance=Ties}}.

{| class="article-table"
!Hours!!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Times}}!!Storylet!!Branch!!{{IL|Respectable|Appearance=}} Challenge!!Notes
|-
| rowspan="2" |4-9
| rowspan="2" |Midday - Evening
|[[The Realgar Quarter]]
|[[Attend a Society party]]
|9
|
|-
|[[The Imperial Colleges]]
|[[Remove academic impediments to your scheme]]
|9
|Costs {{IL|Queen Mate|1 x}}<br>Gives {{IL|Infiltrating...|38 x}}
|-
|9-12
|Evening - Midnight
|[[The Porcelain Quarter]]
|[[Attend an operetta]]
|13
|
|}

====Advanced Skills====
{| class="article-table"
!Hours!!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Times}}!!Storylet!!Branch!!{{IL|Weapon of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Weapon:}}!!Challenge
|-
| rowspan="3" |1-4
| rowspan="3" |False-Dawn - Midday
| rowspan="3" |[[The Nephrite Quarter]]
|[[Start a market panic]]
|Disinformation ({{IL|Cover Identity: Credentials|Appearance=Credentials}} 5)
|{{IL|Mithridacy}} 5
|-
|[[Influence certain dreams]]
|Dream-Shaping ({{IL|Cover Identity: Nuance|Appearance=Nuance}} 5)
|{{IL|Glasswork}} 5
|-
|[[Dispose of an impediment]]
|Poison ({{IL|Cover Identity: Witnesses|Appearance=Witnesses}} 5)
|{{IL|Kataleptic Toxicology}} 5
|}

====Profession====
These are guaranteed successes.
{| class="article-table"
!Hours!!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Times}}!!Storylet!!Branch!!Requirement!!Menace Reduction
|-
|12
|Midnight
|[[The Sinking Quarters]]
|[[Confess your sins]]
|{{IL|Shrine to Saint Joshua|Appearance=Shrine to Saint Joshua}}
|{{IL|Nightmares}} (-1 CP)
|}

====Using Resources====
For long intrigues (where {{IL|Scheme Complexity}} is 750, or at least >130), there is an option at [[False-Dawn]] during the first half of the intrigue to spend 62.5e of resources for 150 {{IL|Infiltrating...}}. The needed resource varies; your {{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods}} offer one option, and owning some event equipment gives access to others. 

{| class="article-table"
!Hours!!{{IL|Current Time in the Khanate:|Appearance=Times}}!!Storylet!!Branch!!{{IL|Methods of a Khaganian Front:|Appearance=Methods:}}!!Cost!!Menace Reduction
|-
| rowspan="5" |1
| rowspan="5" |False-Dawn
| rowspan="5" |[[False-Dawn]]
|[[Create a pause in events]]
|{{IL|Watchful|Appearance=Observation}}
|{{IL|Stalemate|1 x}}
| rowspan="5" |{{IL|Taimen's Attention}} (-10 CP)
|-
|[[Exploit a gap]]
|{{IL|Shadowy|Appearance=Subversion}}
|{{IL|Much-Needed Gap|1 x}}
|-
|[[Distribute bribes]]
|{{IL|Persuasive|Appearance=Manipulation}}
|{{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage|125 x}}
|-
|[[Implant misleading fantasies in the dreams of Taimen agents]]
|{{IL|Mesmeric Parasol}}
|{{IL|Oneiric Pearl|1 x}}
|-
|[[Position your pawns in all the right places]]
|{{IL|Heavily Annotated Timetables}}
|{{IL|Salt Steppe Atlas|1 x}}
|}

==Managing Taimen's Attention==
Failures and finishing most intrigues earns you an amount of {{IL|Taimen's Attention|Appearance=TA}} (up to level 10). Your current TA level makes some checks harder.

{{IL|Time, the Healer}} reduces it every week by a CP amount depending on your current level of TA. ([- ([[Taimen's Attention|TA]] * [ [[Taimen's Attention|TA]] + 1] / 3)] CP). 
{{:Taimen's Attention/Loss Table}}

As you can see, it may be more advantageous to raise your TA to the next full level before bowing out of the Khanate for the week. For example, a level of 9+9 CP will land you at 6+3 CP when Time comes, whereas a full level 10 will land you on 5+3 CP.

The "rollover" that will earn you a bigger drop in TA is in the table below:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!If your current {{IL|Taimen's Attention}} level is ...
!2
!3
!4
!5
!6
!7
!8
!9
|-
|then go for the next level if you have at least ... CP in the current level
|2
|2
|3
|3
|3
|4
|4
|4
|}

Additionally, TA may be lowered on {{IL|False-Dawn}} if your {{IL|Scheme Complexity}} is at least 750 and you are at most half-way done. It is also automatically wiped if you lose your Khaganian Front.

==Cycling airs==
If you're looking for a certain reward from improving your network, you may want to change your airs of the Khanate. 
There are several options which do this, some of which cost resources. These options may also be useful if there are times during the day you can't beat the challenges.

For a list of descriptions that correlate to particular numbers, see [[Airs of the Khanate]].

Always available:
*[[Play a game of shatar]] - winning provides {{IL|Opening Novelty}}

Morning:
*[[Explore the canals in a water-taxi (Morning)]] - provides {{IL|Cryptic Clue}} for {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}}
*[[Purchase a box of lightbulbs]] - provides {{IL|Khaganian Lightbulb}} for {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}}

Evening:
*[[Supply Surface silk to a tailor's shop]] - Buy {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}} with {{IL|Surface-Silk Scrap}}
*[[Commission the manufacture of a Crackling Device]] - Buy a {{IL|Crackling Device}} with {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}} and {{IL|Nevercold Brass Sliver}}
*[[Take a walk through the Khan's gardens]] - provides {{IL|Romantic Notion}}
*[[Explore the canals in a water-taxi (Evening)]] - Buy {{IL|Appalling Secret}} with {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}}
*[[Stroll into a bookshop]] - Buy various books with {{IL|Assortment of Khaganian Coinage}}

It is worth knowing that any action that produces intrigue cycles airs, but canceling a current intrigue, nor completing one does not. If you are looking for specific rewards, a slightly slower method that is still profitable is to intercept cablegrams or fabricate blackmail. As they only take 2 intrigue actions to complete, you only ever have an opportunity cost of 3 actions to cancel and accept the current airs. A cycle takes 4 actions (1 to Accept, 2 intrigue, and 1 to cash in) and will change your airs twice, yielding either {{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|5 x}} and {{IL|Vital Intelligence|1 x}} or  {{IL|Intercepted Cablegram|5 x}} and {{IL|Blackmail Material|1 x}}. If you do this method, make sure to consult the [[Airs of the Khanate]] table to know which descriptions match up to the rewards you are looking for.

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Guides]]