Departure

“I can smell the change in the air: not unlike autumn it’s a sudden crisp feel, a moment of clarity, the sharp realization before the haze of hibernation. The spin of the Spiral is reaching the last rounds before the transformation begins.”

“The trains are still awaiting for the last of the passengers and I should hurry, I do not want to get caught in that last twirl of no return. I used to, I think. Surely I did not leave the Spiral on my first shift? I wish I could remember the cycles before these last two, but that is the Spinner’s Nature: there is only the Spiral, and the Spiral is always Now.”

“I like traveling now, I like being able to remember beyond the immediate existence, I like being able to look forward further than the end of the current Dance. That said, I also like to be able to return home, for somewhere within the twists and turns and changes of the Spiral I came into being.”

“Sometimes I wonder if they are always the same, the people. If the Spiral changes only the surface, if the cores are the same, eternally dancing within its serpentine rise. I must compare, document, research. The next time.”

A Clockwork Spiral is turning its last spins and will vanish from our reality on October 1st at 6am SLT. Go catch its last moments before it fades for a year! I have had such fun with the return of the journalist and even more so: being able to see others get into the spirit of the Spiral, wander around, shapeshift accordingly and simply enjoy themselves.

Scene: A Clockwork Spiral

Body: Skin: Pink Fuel – Group Gift Peach September 2014 | Eyes: IKON – Horizon Eyes v2 Dark Turquoise | Hair: Exile – Dancing on my own | Hands: Slink

Outfit: Dress: DGD – Airship Princess* | Hat: Senzafine – Memento Mori Mini Top Hat Noir* | Glasses: Chaos, Panic & Disorder! – Ladies’ Pince-Nez | Other Accessories & Jewelry: Eclectica – Mechanika Belt Accessories, Dragonfly watch neckpiece, Dragonfly Ring*

Poses: Kirin – Florence Pose 1 | flowey – a twinge in your heart

The Clocktower of Creation

“Miss Anna, I cannot express how happy I am to finally be able to talk to one of you Prototypes, I have been hearing so much about you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. I have been designed to feel comfortable and pleased when interacting with humans in a socially acceptable and friendly manner.”

“Feel? I am somewhat surprised to hear you use the word, I hope I do not offend… I was not expecting a… woman that has been designed to speak of feelings.”

“Do not many of the humans also believe they were designed? How is that different?”

“…ah, yes. But um… see, they believe they were designed by… well, not by another human. Speaking of, do you think it is possible for me to speak with him?”

“Find Marie, ask her. She knows such things. Climb on the roof by nightfall, she prefers to do her calculations in the dark.”

“Miss Marie, a word, please?”

“Cuprosklodowskite.”

“…ah. Um. I meant… could I ask you a question?”

“Rhetorical and redundant.”

“…quite right, I already did. I would like to meet and talk with your Maker. How may I achieve this?”

“Put these on to adjust your human sight to see the Clocktower. To the south. Knock on the door. Goodbye.”

“May I just state that it is an honor to finally meet you… I am not even certain what to call you, I have heard so many names. The Prototypes call you Maker, the townsfolk whisper of the Architect, the Scientist and there are even other words floating around…”

“Names do not matter, Miss Journalist. Only my work does.”

“…very well. I can see you are doing just that, working. Is she… I mean… does that hurt?”

“Greta is not sentient yet. No, it does not hurt, she has not been created to feel pain. The others have preliminary nervous systems to aid in self-preservation, but Greta and her partner will not be needing those.”

“…and why is that?”

“Because they are created to aid the Gaze. Captain Lupine sent me a very special and specific request. I am responding in kind.”

“…I see. Actually, I see far from here… the whole of the Spiral. But until Marie gave me these goggles, I did not even know there was a clocktower here.”

“There is always a tower of observation, Miss Journalist. Always.”

A Clockwork Spiral has been visibly inhabited by the Prototypes from Fallen Gods Inc. this year. One can meet Anna, Marie, Oscar and Nikola almost any time one visits the area. They are available as complete avatars, but also sold separately as outfits and skins (Rust appliers in the Materica HUD in the main store). It felt only fitting to have a story of the steam diesel scientist behind them, so Alia Baroque graciously agreed to play the part that is his by right.

In addition to the Prototypes themselves, you can also find Greta’s seat and one of the lamps by 22769 ~ [bauwerk] from the Spiral. The steam arm on the Scientist is by ImmateriA and also available in the event.

Scene for Anna and Marie: A Clockwork Spiral

Clock Tower Scene: Pixel Mode – Clock Tower Sky Box | Volstead – Savoy Table & Vogue Lamp 001* | 22769 ~ [bauwerk] – Steam Powered Pouf & Industrial Floor Lamp* | ~Libertine~ Marquis Master Chair* | E&D Engineering – Thinker’s Work Table & Stool | Hat & Gearbuckle on Greta’s seat from Nikoka Hrdja avatar by Fallen Gods Inc.

Prototypes: Fallen Gods Inc. – Anna & Marie Complete Avatars, Greta’s skin with The Fatal Familial Insomniac head attachment by [ContraptioN]

The Scientist: ~v~ ImmateriA ~v~ Steamarm from Arcane Finery outfit, the rest of the look a part of the mystery.

Poses: {Imeka} – Reika-Pose 1 | Kirin – Athena Pose 2 | Diesel Works – Adam 7 | Sitting poses part of the furniture.

The Wrench Hand

“Miss Abigail, a moment of your time?”

“Abby. By Gear and Gadget, do I look like a nob? ‘m a wrench hand, you can drop the blasted misses.”

“Abby. I was just wondering what exactly it is that the… wrench hands do in the Spiral?”

“What does it look like we do? Pick daisies? We make sure the bloody thing doesn’t blow up while you folks prance about in the fancy dances. ‘n it ain’t easy sometimes, let me tell you.”

“Ah. At least I am extremely grateful for that, let me assure you. But isn’t that dreadfully dangerous? Isn’t there some more… mechanical labor for such tasks?”

“Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea how much the Prototypes cost to create? They’re delicate machinations, the gearwork alone- …I mean, humans are always expendable, doesn’t cost much to make one of us, huh? Add a few implants for ocular accuracy and heat exhaustion and you have a new wrench hand.”

“…and how do you feel about that?”

“How do I feel about that? ‘m bloody- …oh, good day, Gazer, good day… grateful and happy to be able to keep us safe, naturally. What else?”

A Clockwork Spiral continues spinning, completely safe and stable, honest. The outfit by The Little Bat, necklace by AZE Jewelry Designs, goggles by Goth1c0, monocle by Souzou Eien, back exhaustion pipes by ~SongBird~, eyes by !Chop Shop! and the poses with the various wrenches by {Rook} are all available there.

Scene: A Clockwork Spiral

Body: Skin: !Imabee – Petal Florentien & Eyeliner/Lipstick | Dirt Tattoo Layer: Miss Shippe’s Studio – Digging in the Dirt | Eyes: !Chop Shop! – Gearhead Brass | Hair: !lamb – DIY Haircut Ink | Hands: Slink | Dirty Hands & Nails Applier: Izzie’s 

Outfit: Top & Pants: The Little Bat – Steam Outlaw Red* | Boots: The Little Bat – Abby Boots* | Necklace: AZE Jewelry Designs – Impedimenta Gear Necklace Gold* | Monocle: Souzou Eien – Archivist’s Monocle* | Goggles: Goth1c0 – Jasper Steampunk Goggles | Bracers: The Forge – Steamer Bracers | Back Augment: ~SongBird~ Smoke Stacks Augment*

Poses with Wrench: {Rook} – Wrenched Set

 

The Flight of the Dragonfly

“Lady Anisoptera, you are one of the more upstanding citizens of the current Spiral, how would you describe-“

“Oh, you can call me Anise, titles are terribly tedious business. Or Lady Dragonfly if you absolutely must, it has a nicer ring to it.”

“I did notice that people referred to you as such when I was inquiring how to gain an audience with you. An intriguing nickname.”

“I think they just like to add a little mystique to me, makes amazingly amusing rumors even more scandalous, I guess. Not that there’s any truth to them. I have absolutely nothing to do with the Prototypes and I have met the Spark only once at a dinner party.”

“But it is however true that you hold a substantial amount of the Spiral’s wealth and influence in your very young hands and that none of it was inherited, correct?”

“Oh, you journalists, always exaggerating. I might know some people and own some property here and there, but it’s hardly substantial.”

“Nevertheless-“

“Nevertheless you should come and join the next party we’re holding, meet some people, see the situation from a larger perspective. You do know that there’s a club underground right beneath the Station, correct? They have delightful shindigs there several times a week. You should go. Much more interesting than having tea with me. Thank you so much for visiting! Remember: club underground, the Station. Good bye.”

There really is a club underneath the train station in A Clockwork Spiral: Club Gothika’s Mobile Unit functions according their regular schedule, make sure to tune in to the stream when visiting the event area and if you’re in luck timewise: go enjoy the diesel underground! The corset and skirt by :{MV}:, boots and collar by lassitude & ennui and the dragonfly and ladybug jewelry by Bliensen + MaiTai are all available in the Spiral. Same goes for Anise’s surroundings, which is a mix of Spiral furniture from 22769 ~ [bauwerk], Roawenwood and Spyralle.

Scene: House: Scarlet Creative – Neva Captain’s House | Wall Sconce: Spyralle – “Inspiration” Manhattan* | Table, Stool & Plant (first picture): Roawenwood – The Brigadier’s Table Set* | The Rest of the Furniture: 22769 ~ [bauwerk] – Grammophon, Around the World in One Day Rug, The Vintage Chesterfield, A Clockwork Side Table, Spine Light, Steam Powered Pouf*

Body: Skin: Pink Fuel – Doll v2 <Crystal> Pure blkbrow w eyeshadow soft black & thin gloss pink | Hair: Exile – Dream of Paradise | Eyes: IKON – Hope Eyes Leonine | Hands: Slink

Outfit: Corset & Skirt: :{MV}: – Libertine Corset & Skirt Copper | Boots: lassitude & ennui – Selene Boots black/brown* | Stockings: League – Ella Stockings Light Brown | Collar: lassitude & ennui – Wayfinder Choker Gold* | Jewelry: Bliensen + MaiTai – Aeropleustic Ladybug Earrings, Luminiferous Dragonfly Necklace, Ring, Hairpin*

Poses:  !bang – Carefree 1 | Part of the couch. | N/A

The Captain of the Gaze

“Captain Lupine, I’ve been told that you’re the one in charge of the Gaze, the local law enforcement unit. Is that correct?”

“Yes. You would be the recently arrived journalist, snooping around already.”

“Reporting, Captain. Reporting. Misinformation is a dreadful thing.”

“Granted. But so is rumor-mongering. You have five minutes. Speak.”

 “It seems to me that the Spiral is somewhat… distressed these days. In military fashion. What is going on?”

“That’s classified. The only thing you need to know is that the Gaze will keep all the law-abiding citizens of the Spiral safe.”

 “Ah. I couldn’t help but notice that little emphasis there. What about the …less law-abiding citizens?”

“There’s no such thing in the Spiral, Miss Journalist. No such thing. At least for long.”

 “…quite right, Captain. I see. However- …what’s that! The train is going off the rails, is there-“

“Your five minutes is up. You didn’t see a thing, citizen. If you did, you wish you hadn’t. Off you go, back to shopping, I have work to do.”

“My eyes! My old temporary blindness ailment has returned. Thank you for your time, Captain, I shall go now and write an article about um… knitting. Good day to you!”

A Clockwork Spiral continues turning and twisting and providing the visitors with both the surroundings and the creations to indulge in their own stories. Captain Lupine is wearing a coat by Senzafine, makeup by Pin Me Down, the eye implant, hand cannon and gun by Souzou Eien and the collar from the gacha of The Little Bat.

Scene: A Clockwork Spiral

Body: Skin: Glam Affair – Margot Petal 02 Black | Eyes: !Chop Shop! – The Wolf | Hair: !lamb – Whoop Dee Doo Ink | Hand: Slink | Makeup: Pin Me Down – Tili in black lips & eyes*

Outfit: Jacket: Senzafine – Echelon Jacket Navy Gold* | Pants: Yasum – Space Steam Leggings | Eye Implant, Hand Implant, Gun: Souzou Eien – Serpentine Optics, Hand Cannon, Plasma Distorter Pistol* | Collar: The Little Bat – Abigail Choker Eye-Yellow RARE*

Poses: Exposeur – Back to Black 2 | {Imeka} – Katie-Pose 1 | Kirin – Athena Pose 4

Returning to the Spiral

“It’s been a year since I joined Captain Gearsworth’s crew as they left the Spiral. A year of journeys, flight, adventure and experiences such that I could not reliably scribe them for the fear of scandalizing my audience to death.”

“One year and here I am again, stepping onto the Spiral. I knew I would find it changed for that is its nature: forever turning, forever shifting, forever spiralling from one reality into another, changing its inhabitants with it. Therefore also the great airship dock was gone, replaced by a train station. Most curious.”

“It took a turn of the Spiral for the new knowledge to catch up with me, a turn to grow accustomed to the existence of planes in the air, to understand the tense near-military touches within the town. This was not a relaxed scallywag cycle, one might have to defend oneself here from more than drunk pirates.” 

“Good thing that I had picked up if not a sword, then at least a cane on my travels. Now to apply my favourite weapon of them all: pen. It’s time to get to work.”

A Clockwork Spiral has just opened its station for all the guests to visit. Come enjoy the mix of steampunk, dieselpunk and dark Victoriana with the Cursed gothic twist from now to October 1st! The outfit by Roawenwood, accessories by Eclectica and the poses with the cane by {Rook} are all available in the Spiral. I modified the necklace by Eclectica to turn it into a brooch. The hair by Exile is from the current round of The Arcade.

Scene: A Clockwork Spiral

Body: Skin: Pink Fuel – Group Gift <Peach> September 2014 | Eyes: IKON – Horizon Eyes v2 Dark Turquoise | Hands: Slink | Nails: Atomic Faery – Faerycog Nails* | Hair: Exile – Dancing on My Own 1 Blacks

Outfit: Blouse, Skirt & Boots: Roawenwood – Emmaline Blouse & Skirt, Majesty Boots* | Jewelry: Eclectica – Mechanika Belt Accessories, fob watch Rhinosecerous Beetle, watch neckpiece Dragonfly, Dragonfly Ring Irridescent Gold, Rinoscerous Beetle Ring Irridescent Gold, Antique Glasses half-rimmed | Hat: Senzafine – Memento Mori Mini Top Hat Noir

Poses with Cane: {Rook} – Gentlewoman’s Cane*

No News, No Shoes

When will the trade airship arrive? I’ve been waiting for days at the window and nothing. Just occasional wispy cloud passing by before the sunset. No news. No new groceries. Most importantly: no new shoes.

This is a state of emergency that can cause a lady to despair. My latest delight and joy in the form of boots has only five colours I haven’t worn yet! This is utter nonsense and I will make an official complaint to the Air Trade Companies.

This is beginning to be rather disconcerting. Surely nothing bad has happened? I know they hire only the best of squirrel crews, the ones that pass the No Nuts in the Mast test, but still…

How is one supposed to live without constant influx of new shoes, seriously?

The stunning materials-ready Duchess C. Influx dress by deviousMind and the jewelry by Bliensen + MaiTai are available in the current round of We Love Role-play. The house by Scarlet Creative is from Collabor88 and the multitude of boots by lassitude & ennui will be released in the upcoming Shoetopia, opening on November 15th.

Scene: House: Scarlet Creative for Scarlet Apple – Neva Captain House | Couch: . a i s l i n g . – Lady Sciarri | Table: . a i s l i n g . – Edward Table Sun | All the Boots: lassitude & ennui – Jolenta Boots*

Body: Skin: Essences – Song TDRF Lait Brunette | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Summer Wheat | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hair: Exile – Crazy in Love Sunset | Hands: Slink – Avatar Enhancement Hands Elegant1

Outfit: Dress: !dM deviousMind – Duchess C. Influx corsetDress/C Leather/Gold* | Necklace: Bliensen + MaiTai – Time Loop Necklace* | Earrings: Bliensen + MaiTai – Dewdrop Earrings Red Gold* 

Poses: N/A | Part of the couch. | Kirin – Burlesque Poses Cane Pose 5

Nuts in the Boom Room

“It’s your fault!” A high-pitched squirrel shriek wavered in the wind.

“How could I know humans disguise explosives as delicious nuts!” Exclaimed another voice.

“It said they were explosives! It even had a picture of a boom!” Third voice joined in.

“It was dark! …and …and I can’t read! I’m a squirrel!”

“SO ARE WE ALL!” The chorus sounded furious, if screechy small voices could be such.

“She’ll ground you for life once we… you know… hit the ground!”

“No more flying ships and adventures for you-uu!” The chittering sound managed to convey a very strong nyah-nyah tone.

“No more nuts either! Explosive or otherwise!”

“Serves you right, too!”

“Oh for Tesla’s sake: boys, just shut up for a moment.” The human voice sounded more amused than angry, although it attempted to stay stern. “We’re all alive. We’ll land somewhere, get a new ship, I’ll lock up the boom room and no one gets grounded. Although someone might have to be in the coffee delivery duty a few months extra.”

“But for now we’ll fly until we find a good landing spot. In the meanwhile: here, have a nut. A real one.”

The steampunk squirrels and human-sized goggles by Ohmai, boots by Beetlebones and the propeller by *MishMish* are available in Collabor88. The hair by Wasabi Pills is from FaMESHed and the dress by :{MV}: can be purchased in the current round of Genre that is open only few more days, so hurry!

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Lipgloss: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Clear Lipgloss | Hair: Wasabi Pills – Rene Mesh Hair Night Shadow | Hands: Slink – Avatar Enhancement Hands Casual

Outfit: Dress: :{MV}: – Gearhouse Corsetry Steampunk | Boots: Beetlebones – Fowler Laced-Up Boots Mud | Stockings: League – Ella Stockings Light Brown-Black Garter | Necklace: KOSH – Rapture Necklace | Armlet: KOSH – Rapture Upperarm Bracelet | Ring: KOSH – Auna Ring | Goggles: !Ohmai – Steampunk Squirrel Goggles Human Ver | Propeller: *MishMish* Propeller Copper

Squirrels: !Ohmai – Steampunk Squirrels

The Spiral Fades from View

“The ship has been repaired. I can see the crew testing the propellers, checking the engines, making sure the very last party people — still dancing — are escorted out. It seems Captain Gearsworth is ready to take her leave soon.”

“I find myself intrigued by the notion of simply stepping on the deck and feeling the world dropping behind as the ship takes flight to unknown destinations. Leave everything familiar and known behind.”

“Perhaps the good captain has room for a journalist in her crew. I could prove once and for all that the pen is mightier than the sword, if given a chance. Perhaps indeed.”

A Clockwork Spiral is winding to a halt: Sunday is the last official day, although it’s kept open through noon on Monday the 23rd, just to get the full five days in. It’s been five days full of wonderfully busy clockwork business, I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. I’m saying goodbye to the Spiral with this post, perhaps next year the Journalist will return as a member of Oflamingia’s crew. You can read more about the event here and catch the airship to the location here. The outfit by Senzafine and the top hat by {5&20} are available there. The skin by Essences is from The Dressing Room Fusion.

Scene: A Clockwork Spiral

Body: Skin: Essences – Amaterasu TDRF 02 brunette | Eyes: IKON – Horizon Eyes v2 Dark Turquoise XL | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hair: Elikatira – Breathe Black 05 | Hands: Slink – Avatar Enhancement Hands Elegant1

Outfit: Dress: Senzafine – Miette Crimson* | Hat: {5&20} – Geared Up Topper in Black* | Glasses: December – Glasses No. 65 (old hunt gift)

Poses: Exposeur – When You’re Smiling 4 | N/A

Correctional Clockwork

“For today’s interview we are approaching one of the famous Correctional Clockworks that keep the peace in the Spiral. Miss- …hm. Do you use titles at all, how should I address you?”

“Correctional Clockwork of Observation, Guidance and Parameter Control.”

“That’s quite a mouthful. Let’s talk about what you do: you are pretty much both the police and the military forces of the Spiral, correct?”

“Guard. Threats from the outside. Correct. Mistakes on the inside. Keep the Spiral turning. Fix malfunctions of the society.”

“Malfunctions such as…?”

“Disturbances in the flow of how things are scribed. Remove blocks. Keep gears turning.”

“Is it true that your dolphin companion has tesla beams installed to its eye sockets?”

“Dolphin has longer reach of correction.”

“Of course, of course. What about the rumour that you have red boots because it hides the blood when you um, stomp on these malfunctions?”

“The boots are red.”

“Quite right, quite right. Very red. I… shall go and …flow now. Let you… fly and observe things. Good day!”

It’s a good thing that nothing was burned in the last night’s party and the shopping continues and flows as normal today at A Clockwork Spiral! Read more about it here and catch the airship to the event here. The hat and mask by [ContraptioN], the top by Pale Empress, pants by Greymoon, hair by Discord Designs, cane by InSpired Designs, wings by Unrepentant and the steampowered dolphin (it doesn’t really have tesla beams in its eyes, alas) by Oceania Breedables are all available there.

Scene: A Clockwork Spiral

Body: Skin: Secret Shelf – The Watchmaker’s Wife Skin | Eyes: Pin Me Down – Aniara 5* | Hair: Discord Designs – Codie Corroded* 

Outfit: Top: Pale Empress – Catherine Black* | Pants: Greymoon – Clockwork Bootcut Jeans Black* | Boots: lassitude & ennui – Phoebe lace-up boots red/dark wood* | Hat & Mask: [ContraptioN]  The Heretic Hat & Mask* | Chest Strap: [ContraptioN] Heart’s Pace (old hunt gift) | Wings: Unrepentant – Steampunk Seraph Wings | Hands: Bad Juju – Villainness Hand & Handsaw (old hunt gift) | Cane: InSpired Designs – Clockwork Spiral Cane* | Dolphin: Oceania Breedables – Steampowered Dolphin*

Poses: N/A | Exposeur – Underwater 2 | Musa – Fantasy Pose 048