Fallen London, the long-running text-based RPG from Failbetter Games, has evolved into an unexpected showcase for narrative talent from across the gaming industry. Writers who have contributed to acclaimed titles such as Baldur's Gate 3, Stellaris, and Dishonored are finding a creative outlet in the game's "Exceptional Stories"—self-contained, monthly narrative arcs that allow for ambitious and often peculiar storytelling.
These stories are distinct from Fallen London's overarching main quests, which can take months or years to complete. Exceptional Stories, available to subscribers, offer bite-sized adventures that often introduce new characters and explore unique themes. This structure has led to a diverse range of narratives, reflecting the individual styles and interests of freelance contributors.
Notable contributors include Baudelaire Welch, known for their work on Baldur's Gate 3's Dark Urge storyline. Welch's Fallen London story, "The Goblin Poet," delves into a sinister cult and their obsessive pursuit of an immortal queen, exploring themes of conditional adoration and artistic fanaticism. Another contributor, Giada Zavarise, a designer for Paradox games, penned "Tired of London," which follows an ingénue's escape to the Tomb-Colonies, culminating in a dramatic, ship-sinking finale.
Nessa Cannon, a writer for Borderlands 4, contributed "Old, New, Drowned & Blue," a love story set within the deep-sea court of the Fathomking. Hazel Monforton, who has written for Dishonored and Destiny, introduced "The Prince of All Rats," featuring a romanceable, three-headed rodent—a character concept unlikely to appear in larger AAA titles.
The platform also attracts established figures from PC gaming's history. Jim Rossignol, known for his early PC Gamer reviews and work on "Sir, You Are Being Hunted," has penned stories exploring themes of dark whimsy, including a malevolent building and an aesthetic movement that treats illness as art. He also wrote "The Poetry of God," a narrative featuring a disabled academic navigating dangerous sigils and political intrigue.
These Exceptional Stories demonstrate how Fallen London provides a unique space for writers to experiment with narrative, character, and theme. The game's flexible, text-driven format allows these creators to produce work that is both deeply personal and broadly appealing, resulting in stories that are described as exceptional in both their unusual nature and their quality.