Rastignac the Devil

Rastignac the Devil

In a post-apocalyptic future, remnants of humanity struggle for survival under a despotic regime in a new world called L'Bawpfey. The story follows Jean-Jacques Rastignac, a leader of the Legal Underground, who is imprisoned for advocating violence against the oppressive status quo. He dreams of escaping to the stars aboard six ancient spaceships that once carried his ancestors to this planet. Rastignac's imprisonment is a result of his radical ideas, which challenge the societal norms enforced by the Skins—biological devices that control emotions and thoughts, ensuring compliance among the populace. The Skins are integral to the peace maintained between three intelligent species: Humans, Ssassarors, and Amphibs. The latter two have their own customs and governance, but tensions rise as the Amphibs, particularly the Amphib-changeling Lusine, begin to exert influence over the Humans. Rastignac's friend, Mapfarity, a giant Ssassaror, orchestrates a daring rescue, freeing Rastignac from his cell. Together with Archambaud, a member of the Egg-stealers Guild, they plot to overthrow the oppressive regime. Their plan involves using a special wine that temporarily disables the Skins, allowing the oppressed to rebel against their rulers. As chaos erupts during a coronation ceremony, Rastignac and his allies seize the opportunity to attack. They aim to destroy the Master Skin, which controls the Skins of the populace, and liberate the Humans from their mental shackles. However, their plans are complicated by Lusine's betrayal, leading to the death of an Earthwoman who holds the key to operating a spaceship. In the aftermath, Rastignac grapples with his desire to escape to the stars versus the responsibility he feels to lead his people in the fight against oppression. He ultimately decides to stay and confront the challenges of his world, realizing that true freedom requires action and sacrifice. The narrative explores themes of identity, power, and the struggle for autonomy in a society bound by control and conformity.

By Philip José Farmer · First published 1991 · Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Adventure · 12 chapters · 26,054 words

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Enslaved by a triangular powered despotism -- one lone man sets his sights to the Six Bright Stars and eventual freedom of his world.

_After the Apocalyptic War, the decimated remnants of the French huddled in the Loire Valley were gradually squeezed between two new and growing nations. The Colossus to the north was unfriendly and obviously intended to absorb the little New France. The Colossus to the south was friendly and offered to take the weak state into its confederation of republics as a full partner._

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Rastignac the Devil is listed on Textopian as a novel by Philip José Farmer, dated 1991 CE.

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Satire · Social Commentary · French Revolution · Philosophy · Morality · Ethics · Psychology · Sociology · Politics · Power Dynamics · Class Struggle · Identity Crisis

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