Industrial steampunk, now with crunchy neko bits

June 9th, 2008 at 07:15pm Ryan Darragh

Before we start, you must first know that my friend Zazen always has the coolest toys imaginable. This is important information for you to know. So, the other day I was hanging out on my mile-high work platform (okay, it’s about 600 meters or so) when I heard a thump. This was quickly followed by a muttered “Oh dear.” A quick camera check showed that, as you may already have suspected, Zazen was indeed hovering just beneath the platform, where he had unwittingly bonked his head trying to fly up and see if that dot at altitude on the minimap might be me. It’s always nice to have the opportunity to catch up with Zazen–any excuse will do, really–and as I mentioned there’s the cool toy factor. This time my notice was irresistibly drawn to his boots, which were impressively constructed and animated with some really spiff effects. I had to know, so I asked. A landmark was immediately forthcoming. I went, I saw, I shopped. And here we are.

I shall spare you my endless agonies of indecision as I roamed around Steam Forge, admiring the various offerings and deciding what to take home. Suffice it to say that it wasn’t easy, I’ll be going back for more, and I hope you have just as much trouble as I did.

Ultimately I chose the “Badlands 4″ steampunk outfit (L$350) shown here. This creation by Destany Laval includes clothing-layer jacket, pants and gloves, plus flexi coat bottom and sculptie cuffs and collar. The fabric texture work creates the illusion of buckled and strapped leather over roughly woven, nubby cloth. The coat’s flexi bottom mostly covers the pants, but Destany hasn’t skimped on detailing there, and it’s still possible to catch a glimpse as the coat bottom flows with your movement.

Permissions are Modify / No Copy / Transfer. Clothing by Destany Laval is available at her store Unzipped, at Steam Forge (FairChang Lost Isle 25, 206, 31).

Now, make no mistake–I knew this ensemble was beautiful. I could leave with it and be a happy man. But I had come looking for boots, and I heard the Siren call of accessories. I wandered a bit more, to see what I might find.

I struck gold, so to speak, with the Steampunk Brass Glasses by Thomus Keen. These are simple, rather chunky square-lensed spectacles. Their solid brass construction feels like a perfect fit for “steampunk-era” fashions. L$50; Modify / Copy / No Transfer.

Then my eye was caught, quite literally, by something shiny. It was a big shiny display for steampunk neko accessories. Wait a minute, I thought–has someone brought together two of my favorite themed (life)styles? Are they two great tastes that taste great together? In a notecard included with his Steampunk Advanced Neko Set, Keen says, “I’ve been trying to spread the concept of ‘Steampunk Neko.’ I think it’s uniquely cool!” He could be onto something. The set includes mechanized twitchy ears and tail with turning gears and steam effects. You can toggle the ears on and off, control the steam effect, and choose from different color presets (Badlands, Rogue, Brass, Black and Silver) by touch menu or chat command. L$275; Modify / Copy / No Transfer.

You’re wondering about the boots. I know you are. I can’t blame you; after all, I talked them up enough. Now, these aren’t the same exact boots that Zazen had–his were black–but they’re similar in construction if not detailing, and they have the same scripted effects. These are Thomus Keen’s “Steampunk Badlands II” boots, and their leather-and-brass finish is such a great match for Destiny’s “Badlands 4″ that I couldn’t tear my eyes away until I had bought them. As on the steampunk neko ears, the detailed gears turn. The steam lift/acceleration and stabilizer jets (which I had noticed on Zazen’s boots) are activated automatically when flying, and they’re accompanied by an ominous low whoosh that suggests you might be safer if you keep well clear of the backwash. L$350; Modify / Copy / No Transfer.

Prim accessories by Thomus Keen are available at Steam Powered Nuts, at Steam Forge (FairChang Lost Isle 25, 206, 31). A wide variety of steampunk, post-apocalyptic, neko and other themed gear can be found in different shops aroun the Forge.

Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No

Notes: On Ryan: Uchi II skin by Disembodied Hand (Steam Powered Industries). "Mikichan" hair by Bryce Tully (Bryce Designs).

Entry Filed under: Accessories, Boots, Coats, Eyewear, Fantasy, Neko, Period, Steam Powered Nuts, Steampunk, Unzipped