The Scoundrel’s Return to New Babbage

November 10th, 2009 at 10:20pm Ryan Darragh

It had been an age since he had seen New Babbage.  He couldn’t say for certain how long it had been since he had left, but after what had happened, it was to no one’s surprise that he had made himself more or less permanently scarce.  (He understood that the incident had come to be known as “The Coppercog Debacle,” but the less said about that, the better.)  Only an occasion of dire import could have induced him to return.  He supposed that the reading of one’s father’s last will and testament would qualify, no matter how estranged that father might have been.

Say what you would, the New Babbage trains certainly ran on time.  Clearly the same could not be said of the solicitor’s agents.  He had been advised to expect pickup by clockwork coach promptly upon his train’s arrival, but here he stood alone on the deserted platform.  He had never known a coach to break down or even run late, so he placed blame for the tardiness squarely on whatever lackey was responsible for the coach’s dispatch.  Never mind—the delay gave him a few quiet moments in which to peruse the New Babbage skyline for evidence of change (unless he was mistaken, but did believe there were more than a few new smokestacks belching soot into the sky), and to wonder at life’s many ironies.

He was a light traveler, and for this journey had carried just the clothes on his back and a few personal items stashed in a leather bag slung from his shoulder.  (Truth be told, he had no intention of stopping any longer than necessary, lest he encounter certain old acquaintances in whose debt he still stood.)  Most of his possessions were sturdy and functional rather than purely decorative.  His leather coat and pants, for example, had seen him across many a mile, and in and out of many a scrape.  He couldn’t imagine his rough-and-tumble existence without them.

He did have two things that even a fine and dandy gentleman could not fail to esteem.  His gracefully embellished top hat had once belonged to a friend, quite likely now a former friend, who had gambled unwisely more often than not and was no stranger to losing prized possessions in games of chance.  His powerful examination goggles, however, were the creation of none other than his distant father, now not so sadly deceased.  He had felt little if any guilt when he liberated them from his father’s private workroom, when he had paid what turned out his final visit.  Even the hazy but happy childhood memories of building his mechanical mouse with his father could not dispel the ashen taste of their angry farewells.  After all the intervening years, he still carried the mouse with him always—the clockwork creature had proved surprisingly adaptable to pursuits rather more nefarious than entertaining and keeping company with a lonely boy.

Ah, at last!—there was the coach.  He climbed aboard and settled himself for the creaky, hopefully brief ride to whatever lodgings had been arranged for him.  He hoped that they would be comfortable.  A light traveler he might be, but he liked a soft bed as much as the next man.  A good night’s sleep would do him well, as the next morning (and the solicitor’s office) would bring the news of how, and how much, his life would change.

= | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | =

My coat and pants are both by Jenne Dibou.  The Natural Leather Trenchcoat (L$500) is wonderfully textured, with subtle baked-in shadows that enhance realism out of all proportion to their visible effect.  The set includes sculpted cuffs and collar that integrate smoothly with the jacket-layer garment.  You also get sculpted short and flexi long coat tails, both belted, for two entirely consistent but very different looks.  A suggested shape is also included, if you want the coat to “just fit” without any adjustment.  I didn’t have any trouble resizing the moddable prim components to fit my avatar.  Jenne’s Leather Pants (L$100) have a rough but detailed leather texture.  Highly detailed prim side pockets are functional and fascinating in equal measure.  Many of Jenne’s clothing designs are intended for women, but there are a few for men, and some work equally well for both.

I’m also wearing Jenne’s extraordinarily detailed Vintage Examination Goggles (L$275).  These have a unique hand-crafted look, with several different metal textures, precise construction and graceful sculpts.  A resizer script is included for your ease in fitting.

The Clockwork Coach (L$600) that picks me up at the station is also Jenne’s creation.  It’s a wear-and-go vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about it disintegrating or getting left behind at sim border crossings.  A comfortable seated pose overrides the rather awkward default/system sit pose.  The coach’s spoked wheels spin, and creaky sound effects accompany you as you travel.

All available at JD Mechanical Toy Factory (SOL Solution Island 181, 23, 319).

The Cog Bag (L$150) is nicely detailed by creator Aki Schichiroji, with worn leather texture, leather-and-metal strap, and shiny cog accents.  It’s moddable for easy sizing up and down, but the relatively complex construction means that precise fitting via edit linked parts is a somewhat daunting task.  Available at Kitheres (Sylvan 62, 193, 2043).

Reghan Straaf’s Steamy Victorian – Steamsmith Top Hat (L$300) is just one of Reghan’s many intricate millinery creations.  The classic form is finished in what looks like rich suede embroidered with metallic threads, and the silhouette is embellished with but not overwhelmed by a gear mechanism and curlicues of shiny metal.  Gemstones glow with light of changing colors, and puffs of steam waft gently upward.  Available at Hatpins (Caledon Glengarry 213, 86, 23).

The Clockwork Mouse (L$250) was created not by father and young son but by Luciean Commodore.  Contrary to rumor, it is entirely unsuited to espionage, but it does ride comfortably and unobtrusively on your shoulder.  Tiny gears and bright winding key turn industriously, inside and out, and the tail is ever so slightly flexi.  Mysteriously powered and never needs winding.  Available at P. Irate & Co. (Port Babbage 80, 222, 107).

= | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | = | =

Hey, strangers!  Sorry to take so long getting back in the swing of things.  It’s interesting how nobody does any of my work for me when I’m out on vacation.  Getting caught up again is always a real challenge.  I know I promised you a review of Zanzo’s new “Narcissus” skin when I got back, but as you see I decided to do something else first.  Never fear, that skin review will be up next. 

Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copies: No | Friends list: No

Notes: On Ryan: "MSkin Natural Light" skin by Crushed Clarity (Atomic). "Ville" hair by Arcana Ceawlin (Astaroth). Lustrous Eyes by Brandy Rasmuson (Shine). Old Shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).

Entry Filed under: Accessories,Bags,Casual,Coats,Eyewear,Fantasy,Hatpins,Hats,Kitheres,Mechanical Toy Factory,P. Irate & Co.,Pants,Period,Roleplay,Steampunk,Victorian