ayzrules

✢ Affairs of the Court ✢

@Congee id be willing to co gm if you can’t find anyone else :)

✢ Affairs of the Court ✢

@bloonewb@eclecticwitch not to be a party pooper, but I can't say that I support this idea. @Congee never gave anybody that sort of permission, and it isn't right for us to randomly take control of their RP

that being said, I don't control what you guys do, so do as you will

🎀 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻 . 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰 . 𝓚𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 . 𝓜𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼 . (a steampunk RP of petticoats, poison, and propriety)

@ayzrules

I had finished the car but before I saved my laptop had an update and I lost everything I added. ;( I will work on it before work tonight and after I get done work tomorrow morning....fml

@FallenTrinity

Oh noooooooooo :( I can't wait to see the completed characters!

🎀 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻 . 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰 . 𝓚𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 . 𝓜𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼 . (a steampunk RP of petticoats, poison, and propriety)

@buffykdh He looks good so far! I can't wait to see the completed CS <3

🎀 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻 . 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰 . 𝓚𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 . 𝓜𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼 . (a steampunk RP of petticoats, poison, and propriety)

R O W E N A

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---

Lady Rowena Henrietta Imperia-Airwright, the niece of the Lord Captain, Malcolm Imperia-Airwright, had never liked the Supreme Commander.

He was an irritating little brat, with a penchant for arresting people who, you know, broke the law. And when your family has made a fortune off of doing just that-well, it's quite frustrating, to say the least.

So she was more than surprised when Adrianna came to her for help.

Captain Adrianna Iphigenia Kingsford was Rowena's closest friend in finishing school. However, Adrianna was nothing if not a goody two-shoes, so it was understandable that Rowena and Adrianna fell out of contact after completing their education.

We're not all that different, though, Rowena mused to herself as she and her uncle walked up the long pathway to the entrance of the Supreme Commander's home.

Indeed, they were not. Though Adrianna applied the fine art of finishing others to honorable ("honorable" being a relative term) causes, while Rowena preferred to apply her education to, ah, less honorable causes, they were both, at the core, graduates of Madame Geraldine's Finishing School for Young Ladies of Quality.

And anyone who's anyone will tell you that Madame Geraldine's girls are dangerous, overtly or otherwise.

Perhaps that was why Adrianna came to Rowena. She knew that Rowena could be very useful, when it came to anything illegal.

So, would they be doing anything illegal during the impeding investigation? Most likely, if Adrianna decided to get Rowena involved. Though, Rowena thought, Adrianna will probably fight against doing anything illegal. Which is perfectly ridiculous. How does one expect to get something done without resorting to breaking the law?

Rowena remembered Adrianna's exact words-"I need your help, Rowena. Now, more than ever, I need your help."

Rowena's heart had softened at that. "Oh, very well, Adrianna," she'd replied breezily, making a vague gesture with one of her hands. "As long as the honorable Commander chooses not to grace us with his venerable presence, I see no reason to refuse."

The actual investigation itself would be tricky, though. Rowena didn't like dealing with what she didn't know, and she wasn't so much of a fool as to admit that she knew about Myalo. She knew what it was, yes, and what it could do...but how did one go about obtaining it? How did one go about storing it? How did one go about using it? These were questions for scientists, and Rowena was no scientist.

The inclusion of Institute graduates made Rowena nervous. Mad scientists were annoyingly unpredictable (as befitting the job description, of course, but still), and they were secretive and eccentric and sometimes completely immune to her charms, seeing as they were always focused on some crazy project or the other.

Rowena sighed to herself. She and her uncle had reached the main entrance, and she let herself be ushered towards the Supreme Commander. Lord Malcolm Imperia-Airwright, the Minister of the Merchant Guild, and Supreme Commander Phillip Osborne, the Minister of the Legionnaire Guild, were on rather...rocky terms, to say the least. But appearances must be maintained, and so the two shook hands and exchanged all the required pleasantries, even though both of their eyes remained wary and alert. Rowena herself curtsied exactly the way that she'd been taught to at Madame Geraldine's (while resisting the urge to launch her favorite dagger at the Supreme Commander), and she smiled sweetly at his daughter, the honorable Corporal Olivia Osborne.

Rowena watched as Olivia gave her a stiff smile in response. She could practically see the woman struggling not to let out some snappy, undoubtedly self-righteously indignant complaint about the mere existence of the Imperia-Airwrights.

Rowena made her usual rounds, dancing with the people she was expected to dance with, conversing with the people she was expected to converse with, smiling when she was supposed to smile, laughing when she was supposed to laugh. She spoke briefly to the Head Scholar ("Lady Zhang-Langridge, you look as lovely as always. I trust that you are doing well?"), the Surgeon General's cousin ("Oh, I am simply delighted to see you here!"), and Dr. Roderick Oswald, an instructor at the Polytechnique Institute of Arts and Sciences ("Calm down, Dr. Oswald, do. I can assure you that I've not ingested anything poisonous since the last time we encountered each other,") before seeking out the library.

The library was supposed to be where the young ladies and respectable gentlemen who'd accepted Adrianna's offer were supposed to convene, apparently. And as Adrianna's "second-in-command" (anyone who knew Rowena knew that she would always be wielding an equal amount of power, no matter what the situation. But sometimes, alternative facts had to be given in order to placate certain irritating commanders, whose first names were Phillip and last names were Osborne), Rowena would be watching, waiting, and observing...and flirting (in the case that any of the individuals proved to be of the male persuasion and unexpectedly adverse to revealing a couple of secrets), if she had to.

After all, hadn't Lady Kat (an instructor of music and creative arts, intelligence gathering, principles of deceit, fundamental espionage, and rudimentary seduction at Madame Geraldine's Finishing School for Young Ladies of Quality) repeatedly told her that "if you must flirt, flirt with danger"? And mad scientists and evil geniuses could be very dangerous indeed. They could positively kill somebody with some of the atrocious things that they wore in place of proper clothing!

The library was absolutely exquisite, even to a person who was not particularly interested in spending their life reading about obscure academic subjects (such as Rowena). The honorable Captain Kingsford was already there, a decorated book with an intricately designed cover in her hands. Rowena arched an eyebrow-she seemed to be genuinely engrossed in whatever the book was about.

Rowena went to find a seat at the other end of the library, as previously agreed upon, but when Adrianna heard Rowena enter, she stood up and walked over to her.

"Lady Imp-Rowena. I...er...well...thank you for agreeing to this."

Rowena mentally rolled her eyes. Adrianna was not very good at making small talk. "Perhaps you should lower your voice," she said pleasantly. "So as not to disturb the other guests who may be in the library as well."

Adrianna gave her a puzzled look, then realized what exactly Rowena was trying to say. "Oh. Don't worry; we're alone."

Rowena was still not assured. "Are we, indeed? Perhaps we should peruse the history section, then. I am told that it is rather hard to find. I do so hope that nobody is there right now."

Adrianna sighed. "I've checked countless times already, Rowena, all throughout the library. We went to the same school, you know. Really-we are quite alone. You don't have to talk in circles, though I do appreciate your...wariness."

Rowena shrugged, lowering her voice nevertheless. "Precautions, my dear captain. Precautions." She paused. "I've seen some of the other associated ladies and gentlemen already. Dr. Oswald from the Institute is here; I was not aware that he would be in attendance. Perhaps Lord Henderson-Kipps sent him? Anyway. I do believe that the rest of the people shall soon be amongst us. We are following the original plan, yes?"

"That is correct." Adrianna sighed again, and Rowena took the opportunity to assess her gown.

"Really, Adrianna," Rowena admonished in a lightly teasing voice. "What would Lady Kat say about-about that-" and here Rowena waved a hand in the general direction of Adrianna's ensemble-"at a ball? What color is that called? Tree-bark brown?" Rowena herself wore an evening gown of red silk brocaded with black rose, rubies glittering at her throat and around the slits in her mask. Her gloves were made of black satin, with tiny pearl buttons running down one side.

Rowena was more than certain that Adrianna was armed (the one thing the captain had gotten out of finishing school, it seemed like; always have a weapon of some sort on you. As well as a handkerchief), and Rowena was too. She had lemon juice in a perfume bottle and and a bladed fan; the fan's leaves were a fine crimson fabric but its ribs and guards were metal, the tips razor sharp. She also had a pretty little pistol with gilt metalwork and a mother-of-pearl handle in her reticule, and handkerchiefs and red doilies.

Rowena watched as Adrianna relaxed slightly, reassured by her playful humor. "Well, it is the Supreme Commander's ball, after all, to celebrate his daughter's birthday, no less. You've met Olivia, right? I thought that I should dress to the drabness of the occasion. Have I succeeded?"

Rowena laughed-a bright, twinkling laugh, like the glint of chandelier light skipping across delicate flutes of champagne-her eyes dancing with mirth. "You've more than succeeded, my dear."

And for a moment, it was like Rowena was back at finishing school again, when Adrianna was her best friend-nothing more, nothing less.

But all too soon, reality came back to both of them; they were grown women now, and they should have been at each other's throats, but they weren't because they had to save their city from black magic and the Minefield Triarchy and who knew what else, and the moment was broken and Adrianna cleared her throat and Rowena nodded and sailed across the room to take a seat in the corner, a random book about munitions spread across her lap (munitions, of all things-such an unladylike subject, especially for somebody like Rowena!) and they both ignored each other for the sake of the investigation and for the sake of their own consciences-because Adrianna didn't know if she could trust Rowena and Rowena didn't know if she could trust Adrianna and they weren't in finishing school anymore and things were just very, very complicated.

Rowena sighed. It was going to be a long, long night.

🎀 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻 . 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰 . 𝓚𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 . 𝓜𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼 . (a steampunk RP of petticoats, poison, and propriety)

IC is up!

🎀 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻 . 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰 . 𝓚𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 . 𝓜𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼 . (a steampunk RP of petticoats, poison, and propriety)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________



_{The Supreme Commander's (rather unimpressive) ballroom}

𝓣he most fashionable time of year is about to begin, and what better way to start it than at a masked ball hosted in the Supreme Commander's lavish home? Granted, Supreme Commander Phillip Osborne isn't well-known for his balls (he's more famous for, you know, keeping the city safe and other trivial matters like that), but it is sure to be great fun (if you are fond of drafty ballrooms and bland decor, that is). Captain Adrianna Kingsford will be there, too, tasked with a more secretive endeavor...rumor has it that she's been calling on some old classmates from Madame Geraldine's lately. But why?

𝓣hat, my friend, only time (and perhaps a bit of rudimentary inference-making, or maybe even reading the invitation, which provides a few details about the impeding investigation and respectfully requests the invitee to confirm their interst during the ball) will tell.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

"𝓣o the esteemed lord, lady, mister, miss, doctor, et. cetera:

𝓨ou are cordially invited to Supreme Commander Phillip Osborne's estate for a masquerade ball being held in honor of his daughter's twentieth birthday, to be hosted on the twenty-fifth of March, in the year eighteen-hundred and ninety-two.

𝓨ou have been invited because you have accepted an offer to work with some of the city's most talented individuals. We humbly request that you confirm your acceptance by attending the ball. The library should be of particular interest.

𝓢incerely,
𝓢upreme Commander Phillip Osborne, Minister of the Legionnaire Guild"

𝓣he invitation comes in a creamy envelope with a plain red seal. The return address is listed as the Supreme Commander's residence.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

𝓐s expected, the masquerade ball hosted at the Supreme Commander's estate is...not spectacular, to put it mildly. His daughter, the honorable Corporal Olivia Osborne, is rather unpopular amongst her subordinates for various reasons. She stands to the side, dressed in an austere royal blue gown, receiving the guests' words of congratulations with a tight-lipped smile.

𝓑eing the Minister of the Legionnaire Guild, Supreme Commander Osborne must try, of course. But the fact remains that he is more suited to directing an invasion than planning a ball, and so the musical accompaniment is mediocre, the food a tad bland, and the decorations almost nonexistent. A single sad crystal chandelier hangs over the ballroom, and despite the good Commander's best efforts, even a common street urchin would have been able to tell that this was the first time that the ballroom had been used in ten years.

𝓘f one was to exit the sorry excuse of a ballroom, the unfortunate soul would find that the parlor, drawing room, and card room all seemed to be just as dull as the ballroom. The library, however, was a different story.

𝓑eautifully polished rosewood doors opened up into a well-lit, comfortably furnished room filled with mahogany bookcases and plenty of plush velvet chairs. The place is a veritable labyrinth; indeed, both the Supreme Commander and his daughter are avid readers, and as such, Supreme Commander Osborne has a library that rivals the official library of the Scholar Guild itself. Ornate gas lamps are placed at every table, and handcrafted rugs are spread out along the gleaming floors. The books themselves are in wonderful condition, the covers decorated with intricate metal designs-the work of master Craftsmen.

𝓒aptain Adrianna Kingsford was seated on an innocuous settee near the entrance of the library, a half-empty glass of sherry in her hands and a half-eaten cheese pie on the side table. She was reading a decorated book; an antique, from 1854, titled "Dark Magic for the Curious Soul". For those who knew her, it was quite a strange choice of literature (Adrianna is known to prefer purely factual scientific and historical volumes), but the title is well hidden from view. The only thing that would give away the nature of the book is its ornate cover, which is embellished with swirling strands of bronze and silver in a way that causes the book to appear more decorative than, well, actually useful.

(𝓖raduates of the Polytechnique Institute of Arts and Science may remember from their history classes that decorated books were all the rage during the Wasteland Wars. It was quite fashionable to own one of them, as they provided (inaccurate and romanticized) information about "dark magic", accompanied with flowing calligraphy and exquisite illustrations.)

𝓣he night promises to be long, dull, and hopelessly boring. Perhaps a perusal of Supreme Commander Osborne's extensive library is in order?

🎀 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻 . 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰 . 𝓚𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 . 𝓜𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼 . (a steampunk RP of petticoats, poison, and propriety)

Hmmmm... Perhaps something along the lines of, because he is incredibly talented in design his name got brought to the attention of an alumnus, who taught him out and recommended him to take the aptitude tests to gain admission?

@Mr Rage

that works :) once you add that bit to the CS, feel free to move the two of them over! <3

🎀 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻 . 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰 . 𝓚𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 . 𝓜𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼 . (a steampunk RP of petticoats, poison, and propriety)

@Mr Rage both of them look good!

Did you have any idea on how Chester ended up at the Polytechnique Institute? They don't just accept anyone, and it's only in very select circles that its true nature is known :D

Other than that, I've nothing else to add unless @shylarah has got stuff :)

@Majoras End Loving her so far! <3

@Amethyst @DracarysBitch @Avanhelsing @FallenTrinity @KZOMBI3 @Scallop @Darth Shadow @Shadokat @buffykdh just fyi that IC is starting tomorrow (Sunday) night, EST. You don't have to have characters done by then, just letting ya know <3 If there's anything you need at all, feel free to lmk!!!!

🎀 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓻 . 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰 . 𝓚𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 . 𝓜𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓼 . (a steampunk RP of petticoats, poison, and propriety)

Okay, setting in a place holder here for my character concepts. Husband/Wife Duo, names yet to be decided. The Husband is of the Scholarly type, and the wife is of the crafting nature, though neither belong to the guilds. They met at a social etiquette and information gathering exercise held betwixt the two schools, they tell the story of it being love at first sight, but it was anything but... or perhaps it was everything but? There was passion and attraction, in ways that neither knew possible before that night. Nonono, you mustn't blush, they both retained their purities that night. After graduation they partnered up in an engineering and design firm, with her skill in the metallurgical arts and his famed mind for design, they pushed the limits of conventional materials for steam vessels and ventured into new, unknown alloys, their combined craft pushing at the edges of what is possible. At one point, the wife wanted to study automatons, but learning of their taboo status kept it at a cursory curiosity, and instead focused her intentions on her alloys and rare metals. While she can create anything designed, he can design anything. And while she is blunt and brisk, he is subtle and smooth. They are both, however, quite stubborn, and as star crossed lovers often do, they have promised each other that as long as they both have each other, they can overcome any obstacle, no matter how grand. They have adopted the motto, "We Outlast Those Who Endure."

Photodumps

@Mr Rage

I love it!!! Can't wait to see their CSes <3