Adventures in Steampunk

Dorian's Parlor, Brimsteam, and The Good Captain's Creations!

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:55:00 +0000

Welcome once again friends and crew! You must forgive me my dalliances in sharing news of the æthyr but suddenly the Good Captain's services have been in rather high demand.

I was contacted by the proprietor of Brimsteam to create many a steampunk machine and monstrosity for his group of adventurers on a monthly basis! What a splendid idea, to capitalize on the the Good Captain's loyal army of admirers and well-wishers to draw people to his Adventurers Club...Steampunk Adventurers Club...Adventures in Steampunk! Haha, I bet you did not see that connection before!

To be a bit more clear, Brimsteam is a group of people who gather monthly to live out adventures in a steampunk world of mad machines, merciless monsters, and mischievous mechanics. It is great fun using latex swords and nerf style weapons as well as sharp wits and cunning intelligences to be the heroes of the day! And if I didn't mention, the Good Captain will be creating a continuous stream of devilishly clever contraptions to challenge, reward, and intrigue those daring adventurers who join us. It truly is exciting and exhilarating, and also a wonderful opportunity to get out and do something fun with other steampunks!

You can join the fun that is Brimsteam at Dorian's Parlor, in Philadelphia, PA. Dorian's Parlor is a monthly gathering of steampunk ladies, gentleman, and villains who assemble to share common interests in music, fashion, poetry and storytelling, and other refined and most civilized interests. Soon they will be hunting down clues to lost technology amongst scraps of ancient texts...but I fear I may have said too much!

If you are in the Philadelphia area, or even if you're not but have access to a reliable airship, do try to attend Dorian's Parlor and Brimsteam. It will expand your horizons and you'll have the opportunity to meet the Good Captain as well as see him amazing inventions and contraptions!

Steampunk Medals of Honor

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:41:00 +0000

Well my stalwart little cogs, I'm sure you won't believe this but without all of you the good captain would never be able to live this gentlemanly life of leisure to which he's become so inclined. I know, hard to believe all your toiling in the boiler rooms and gear boxes is truly necessary to the finer workings of the Anomaly Obscura Engine but it's true. I need you, and more than that I wish to honor you.

Come now, chin up and dry those tears of joy. The ceremony is about to begin!

First, to my most loyal crew of mechanics, mech boys, boiler monkeys, and gear heads. To you I present the brass asterisk, symbolic of the special mark I have to place next to your achievements for that little "you-know-what" installed on the "you-know-what." If you know what I mean. If not, clearly you don't work in the engine rooms and should really know better than to pry into a gentleman's business. Really now.

Next up, for all my crew who keep the Anomaly Obscura Engine flying high and proud, the navigators, communicators, cogitators, and explicators I present to you the highest honor I can bestow (mainly because the lower shelves were all too full to store them) - the Obscura Medal of Honor! Behold the word Veneratio emblazoned on the ribbon beneath the skull. That's Latin for Honor, what you bring my ship by your loyal service!

Finally, to the fearless marines, the pilots, and the spanner wielding wild man still lurking in the lower decks somewhere I award you with the Golden Prop Medal. This represents your bravery in rushing to the front lines of any engagement so that your dashing captain can retreat without being noticed by the enemy! Also, for that incident in Constantinople last month. Yes, yes, that's the one. Cheers!

Congratulations my dear crew. Keep up the good work. Right oh, for King and Country!

Incidentally, should anyone else wish to be presented with one (or all) of these medals of honor they merely need visit the Steamtech store where they are all available in 3 different finishes.

Now, take the rest of the night off and celebrate! You've earned it. Remember, bright and early we set off for Bombay and it's a rough trip with a hangover so don't overdue it. Hah, like anyone working for me, the good captain, would ever overdo it!

*whistles innocently on his way back to the captain's quarters*

Top 10 Steampunk Movies - Updated!

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:32:00 +0000

Hello and Cheers to my beloved crew and friends! I thought today we would do something a bit different. As you all may know, I am a man constantly striving to move forward. To take it to the next level, as the guttersnipes would say. But today we'll be moving backwards! I know, you didn't even know the Anomaly Obscura Engine could go backwards. See, already it's becoming a remarkable day, no?

It was in the way back of April of 2009 when I posted the first Top 10 Steampunk Movies list and it turned into the most commented on article here (Link to original post). Furthermore, that post is still very popular receiving hundreds of views each week. Well, it has always been my most humble opinion that a gentleman should be well versed in current events and topical subjects, and for that reason I have created the Top 10 Steampunk Movies - 2011 Update!

Looking at the list two years later I found it quite shocking how many movies had fallen off the list. I do love a good brawl and it seems there has been quite a ferocious one raging amongst the voters at the Internet Movie Database, where this list was gathered. Let's get to it then!

Top 10 Steampunk Movies - Updated!

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

This swash-buckling tale follows the quest of Captain Jack Sparrow, a savvy pirate, and Will Turner, a resourceful blacksmith, as they search for Elizabeth Swann. Elizabeth, the daughter of the governor and the love of Will's life, has been kidnapped by the feared Captain Barbossa. Little do they know, but the fierce and clever Barbossa has been cursed. He, along with his large crew, are under an ancient curse, doomed for eternity to neither live, nor die. That is, unless a blood sacrifice is made.

2. The Prestige (2006)

In the end of the Nineteenth Century, in London, Robert Angier, his beloved wife Julia McCullough and Alfred Borden are friends and assistants of a magician. When Julia accidentally dies during a performance, Robert blames Alfred for her death and they become enemies. Both become famous and rival magicians, sabotaging the performance of the other on the stage. When Alfred performs a successful trick, Robert becomes obsessed trying to disclose the secret of his competitor with tragic consequences.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Once again we're plunged into the world of sword fights and "savvy" pirates. Captain Jack Sparrow is reminded he owes a debt to Davy Jones, who captains the flying Dutchman, a ghostly ship, with a crew from hell. Facing the "locker" Jack must find the heart of Davy Jones but to save himself he must get the help of quick-witted Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan. If that's not complicated enough, Will and Elizabeth are sentenced to hang, unless will can get Lord Cutler Beckett Jack's compass, Will is forced to join another crazy adventure with Jack.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)

After Elizabeth, Will, and Captain Barbossa rescue Captain Jack Sparrow from the the land of the dead, they must face their foes, Davy Jones and Lord Cutler Beckett. Beckett, now with control of Jones' heart, forms a dark alliance with him in order to rule the seas and wipe out the last of the Pirates. Now, Jack, Barbossa, Will, Elizabeth, Tia Dalma, and crew must call the Pirate Lords from the four corners of the globe to gathering. The Pirate Lords want to release the goddess Calypso, Davy Jones's damned lover, from the trap they sent her to out of fear, in which the Pirate Lords must combine the 9 pieces that bound her by ritual to undo it and release her in hopes that she will help them fight. With this, all pirates will stand together and will make their final stand for freedom against Beckett, Jones, Norrington, the Flying Dutchman, and the entire East India Trading Company.

5. Spirited Away (2001)

Chihiro and her family are on their way to their new house in the suburbs when her father decides to take a shortcut along a lonely-looking dirt road. After getting out of the car and walking along a path for a while, they discover an open-air restaurant filled with food but with no workers or customers present. Mom and Dad don't hesitate to sit down and dig in, but Chihiro senses danger and refuses. As night falls, she is terrified to see the area fill with faceless spirits, but when she runs to find her parents, she discovers that they have been turned into pigs. She is found by a mysterious boy named Haku, who promises to help her. He gets her a job working in a nearby building, which turns out to be a bathhouse for the thousands of Japan's gods and spirits. Though the work is hard and the people strange, she does as well as she can. Her parents, however, are still waiting in the hotel's stockyard...

6. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

After the head of a Hessian horseman is stolen, the horseman returns from hell to take the heads of the people of Sleepy Hallow until its own is returned. Constable Ichabod Crane is called in to investigate three murders. Through his investigation he learns of the legend of the Headless Horseman, but he doesn't believe that the stories are true - until the horseman takes off the head of one of the elders right in front of his very eyes. Now he must race to find out the origins of the horseman in order to send him back to his grave for good. But the question remains...if the head was stolen once, how safe is it?

7. Sherlock Holmes (2009)

After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler.

8. The Illusionist (2006)

A young boy falls in love with a girl that is way above his social standards along with the art of magic. Although the parents forbid them of seeing each other they cannot be split apart. Until one day they were found together and the boy was sent off. He became a magician and traveled the world. She fell in love with another man, the Crown Prince. The two got engaged but the boy, Eisenheim, finally meets back up with the girl and uses his powers to free her from the royal house in Vienna.

9. Brazil (1985)

Sam Lowry is a harried technocrat in a futuristic society that is needlessly convoluted and inefficient. He dreams of a life where he can fly away from technology and overpowering bureaucracy, and spend eternity with the woman of his dreams. While trying to rectify the wrongful arrest of one Harry Buttle, Lowry meets the woman he is always chasing in his dreams, Jill Layton. Meanwhile, the bureaucracy has fingered him responsible for a rash of terrorist bombings, and both Sam and Jill's lives are put in danger.

10. Van Helsing (2004)

Van Helsing is in the world to rid all evil, even if not everyone agrees with him. The Vatican send the monster hunter and his ally, Carl to Transylvania. They have been sent to this land to stop the powerful Count Dracula. Whilst, here they join forces with a Gypsy Princess called Anna Valerious, who is determined to end an ancient curse on her family, by destroying the vampire. They just don't know how!

Once again I feel compelled to reissue my disclaimer regarding this above information: Please do remember that the good captain did not create this list. The list is based on voting at IMDB. With this in mind, please vent your frustrations in the confabulations where it can be easily ignored.

Now back to the gears you trundling coggies!

Steam Engines of Epic Proportions

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:19:00 +0000

Greetings once again my friends and loyal crew! So the other day I was visiting the fine Ladies and Chaps at Brass Goggles, when I stumbled upon a wonderful video offered up by Akumabito. It showed off a mighty 140 ton antique engine used for compressing natural gas. See for yourself, and when you're finished take note of the size of the smile stretched across your mug. That will be important later.

Some wonderful information from the procurer of this fine video:
This 600 hp Gas Engine at the Western Minnesota Steam Thresher's Reunion show in Rollag, MN runs every Labor Day Weekend. Built in 1914-15 by the Snow Holly Works Schenectady NY, it ran continuously for over fifty years compressing natural gas at National Fuel Gas Corporation's Roystone Station near Titusville, PA. This engine ran at full power 24/7 for over fifty years without a single mechanical failure. The engine still runs as good as new and not a single part has ever needed replacement.

The engine is 65 feet long and weighs 140 tons. It's foundation is up to 10 feet thick. It has four combustion chambers with a bore and stroke of 24" x 48" giving it a displacement of 86,856 cubic inches (1,423 Liters), produces 600 HP at 80 RPM. The flywheel is 18 feet in diameter and weighs 24 tons, and the crankshaft is 16 inches in diameter and weighs 12 tons.

Not to be outdone by those bloody yanks, Great Britain offered this engine up. The steam engine at Kempton!

This alleges to be the largest steam engine in England and from the looks of it, I'd take their word for it. This behemoth stands 62 feet tall from base to top and consumed up to 13 tons of coal a day. For a world more information on this do visit Kempton Steam, and now is a good time to take quick stock of the size of your smile if you forgot to pay attention to that.

Finally, be amused by the smallest steam engine! After viewing two of the largest I thought what a whimsical way to affect that smile even more, so behold:

Isn't it adorable. Imagine a tiny airship powered by this miniature motor lofting lazily by in your living room or workshop. It warms the heart. Now please take final note of the smile on your face, incredible how such engines can not only serve as the power plant for a small town but also make your cheeks hurt, isn't it. I know I can't help but smile broadly and think back to steamier days when I see engines such as these in action.

While you think back to steamier days enjoying the images of these engines roaring like they were meant to...go have a great weekend!

In Memorium

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Earlier this week I received some very sad news. Joseph M., the father of one of our dearest crew members, has shuffled off this mortal coil.

Rest in peace friend, and may airships held aloft on angel's breath carry you to the big adventure in the sky.

Till we meet again, safe travels sir.

Steampunk Cinematics for the Small Screen

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:23:00 +0000

Welcome once again my friends and lovely crew. It has been quite a week for the good captain, in fact I am still trying to catch my breath from the incredible adventures I have been undertaking since last we spoke. Explorations of the weird west, the dust bowl, the fallen kingdoms, and other lands that defy a simple teasing description. Fear not little coggies, for the good captain did not once forget about you and all the while I was out undertaking quests of startling magnitude I was ever vigilant for those who were capturing these tales in their moving picture machines. Yes, that's right...moving pictures of steampunk fantasy I have for you today. You don't mind if I try to clean the dirt out of my leather frock coat while I continue do you? It is so dreadfully difficult to get out of the stitching you know. Righto, then let's begin shall we.

A very steampunk web series that the good captain has recently discovered is entitled Riese: Kingdom Falling and it is produced by the Syfy Channel. The synopsis from the official website:
Riese: Kingdom Falling takes place in Eleysia, a dying kingdom where distrust and anxiety have clouded people's minds, causing a regression into primitive ways of thinking. Rituals and mythology have resurged, and the darker side of mankind has begun to reveal itself. Riese, a wanderer, travels across the decaying land with her wolf, Fenrir. Marked as a heretic by religious group The Sect and the new Empress, Riese must evade their assassins and discover their true intentions for Eleysia.

Riese is certainly aiming to hit the steampunk bulls eye as becomes quite evident in the first few minutes. With big names such Amanda Tapping of Stagate fame, this show could truly become a steampunk classic if they hire some writers for it! Oh, I'm being informed that they do in fact have writers for the show. I shall maintain my skepticism for the time being then. Anyway, they clearly have invested money into their wardrobes with some fantastic steampunk styles however the setting doesn't seem nearly steamy enough to explain why people like decorative gears and such so much. It feels like a western set in a forest populated by mechanics lacking machinery. My main complaint is the near constant narration of everything taking place on screen. The good captain is a smart man. I can clearly see that our heroine is sneaking into the warehouse. Does that really need to be pointed out explicitly via narration when it's taking place right in front of my eyes? Apparently so... I still recommend investigating this show for yourself. It certainly is steamy and may appeal more to your sensibilities and fear not, I am perhaps being quite critical of this because it hits so close to the mark (though my criticism of the narration will stand).

As a gift for you little gearheads, here is episode 1 for your viewing pleasure. If you feel compelled to continue on with the adventure head over to the website. They have a full 10 episodes available for you to watch. No need to thank me.

Next up, for your viewing pleasure Western X is a mysterious tale of a lone gunslinger in the weird west. This original web series debuted a few months back, and the first three episodes are already available for viewing. Here's a synopsis of the show from the website:
On the plains of a desert wasteland, a man known only as X is on the verge of death. Among a pile of dead bodies he awakens, with no memories of his past and hunted by an unknown enemy, he struggles to uncover the truth behind his identity; this is the beginning of his journey. Each episode uncovers some truth about who he is and sheds light on the strange world he finds himself in.

While not overtly steampunk, I've yet to see brass or goggles or anything steam powered, the overall setting and story certainly have that weird west feel to them which in itself makes it a close relative of steampunk, like a cousin twice removed perhaps. In truth, the story so far moves slowly but it can be expected from a tale of mystery such as this. The director seems to have a fondness for closeups of people looking about, nervously, bewildered, or just menacingly which appeared to the good captain as more a way to fill out the episodes as opposed to adding much to the story. Regardless, this has a good feel and can easily make the jump from weird west to proper western steampunk quite easily. Do check it out, and then pray to your heathen gods they really steam it up as the show continues.

Perhaps the most promising steampunk movie is just that, a short film entitled Nickel Children.

Winner of 8 awards already, Nickel Children is a dark tale which makes home in the dark and soot covered corners of steampunk - child slavery. From the website:
In an alternate 19th Century, dust bowl Kansas, a young boy witnesses his parent’s murder, and is forced to survive in an underground child fighting ring. Only the wealthiest are invited to attend these secret communities to bet on the children for their own amusement. However, one among them, is determined to find her abducted son ... whatever the cost.

Regrettably I cannot provide a link to a full version of the film as it is still touring the various film and niche conventions gathering up all those awards, however the good captain's tip will hopefully put this movie on your augurs so you that you might keep an eye out for it in the future. I highly recommend that you do, and to further entice you here is the teaser trailer.

Looks quite intriguing does it not. Also quite serious, so to lift the mood the good captain has brought you the Wandering Legion to brighten things up in the aftermath. Quite goofy and often silly, the Wandering Legion brings the lighter of steampunk, or as they call it the Brass Sickness, to the Masses. This is by no means professional quality like the above moving pictures, but it's steampunks being steamy and for that they should be supported. Here is, while not their most recent skit, my personal favorite starring the Wandering Legion and the lovely lasses of Steampunk Postal!

To ensure that the spirits of my good crew are sufficiently light (so as not to weigh down the Anomaly Obscura Engine) I will leave you off with some musical chicanery that you may enjoy while working. First, a proper gentleman who voluntarily elected to debase himself and turn, my mind recoils at the thought, entertainer. While distasteful for a gentleman to lower himself to such levels, I must confess he has quite a penchant for rhymes so without further ado, two songs (two for Tuesday!) from Professor Elemental!

Cup of Brown Joy

Fighting Trousers

I do hope you enjoy the many eyefuls of steampunk images moving across your mind right now, but sadly it's time for you to put down that cup of brown joy and return to work, lest I am forced to put on my fighting trousers. There's a good gear. Pip pip.

Steampunk Fiction Reviews and Imperial Delight

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:24:00 +0000

While taking a break from my lately excessive amounts of time spent in the workshop I decided what the good captain could really use was a bit of mental exercise to balance the physical I've been performing as of late. Calibrating the Anomaly Obscura Engine I set into the æthyr and did encounter a most amazing resource, created by a gentleman of such character. The site upon which I did land was none other than The Steampunk Scholar by Mike Perschon. This place of his is well named, as this gentleman truly is a scholar, and that's not just praise! Mr. Perschon is faculty at Grant MacEwan University as well as continuing his own education at the University of Alberta in the doctoral program so highly spoken of there. See now, a true scholar despite his obvious Canadian leanings, which we'll not be holding against the good man.

His writings at the Steampunk Scholar are perhaps the best resource in all the æthyr for those looking for steampunk fiction. In a most educated and erudite fashion there does he examine, review and recommend the very best of the tales of love, romance, adventure and perhaps other darker stories from the time we all love so dearly. I was quite impressed upon digging deeper to see the amount and quality of the content, and truthfully I had no idea that such a plethora of steampunk writing even existed! Naturally, with February being the month of romance that has been his focus as of late, with the most lustful tales taking the fore for those of you interested in such. I assure you, this had no impact on the impression the site left with the good captain...no, none at all. Irregardless, anyone interested in reading wonderful tales of the steampunk variety would be well served by visiting the scholar for advice on where to begin or where to head next. I know I will be!

Another incredible site I've just recently discovered is the intrepid Steampunk Empire! This is your essential one stop shop for all things steampunk, boasting thousands of members, tens of thousands of steampunk images, nearly a thousand videos, and a forum brimming forth with the wisdom of all manner of man, woman, and creature. I cannot even begin to explain the world and wealth of information to be found there. It is a place one must simply explore on their own to realize the full breath and scope of what is contained within. One thing I feel compelled to point out is the wonderful calendar of steampunk events as well as the groups to be found there. Looking for something steamy to do? Check the calendar! Looking for others in your area to paint the town red with? Join a group! That alone is worth a visit for, no? Not to mention the site has a most appealing ambiance that seems to encourage one to pour out a measured snifter of cognac, light up a pipe and sit back with a good book, perhaps one recommended by a a certain scholar.

Before you do however, there's a squeak in the samophlange that needs oiling and phlogiston detector is detecting only it's own malfunction. There's time for all that later, so for now back to work with you. I've a book to read while you do.

Weaponized Steampunk Wonders...Guns and Rifles for Personal Defense

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:28:00 +0000

The good captain is not one to resort to weapons often, much preferring a sharp wit and dash of heroics to escape harrowing situations when at all possible, but there are times when violence is a wholly appropriate and even necessary strategy. My preferred example is of course, being beset upon by the horrors of the night - the myriad specters, wraiths, lycanthropes and other most uncivilized beasties. Trust your captain, when you're staring down the gullet of a angry nether beast you'll realize how much you'd rather have a sword than a pen, regardless of folksy logic regarding their comparative strengths.

As I know how some, alright most, of my beloved crew are quite fond of firearms despite the unsettling noise and ungentlemanly odors often associated with them, I'll not keep you waiting in suspense any longer. Without further ado, here are some of the good captain's favorite firearms from the steampunk worlds of the æthyr. As beautiful and tempting as most of these artistic expressions of pure unadultered violence are, please refrain from firing your own weapons in the air as an expression of approval. Unless of course you see sky pirates, or a nether beast.

First, we have a most exquisite pistol made from an airsoft gun. This just oozes steampunk style while still being well grounded in antique appeal. This is most certainly the type of gun the good captain would wield should he ever resort to such things. I do believe I would need a larger scope however...

...much like this absolutely gorgeous repeating steampunk rifle. Indeed if you look carefully you'll notice the cylinder similar to the pistol above allowing for quite speedy firing. If you happen to look very closely you might also see "Coot" Williams in the background. (Hint: He's holding the rifle!). A quick word of condolences to the family of Winthrop Chesterfield, the brave soul who captured this image. Truly, Coot holding this rifle is the last thing most people see.

Next for your studied eye, behold the power and majesty of this six barreled hand cannon of a pistol. With the ability to fire each barrel individually or all six at once, even those most unsavory creatures of the night would think twice before advancing on a dashing captain holding this aloft. This gun has the added benefit of being quite heavy and capable of being used as a bludgeon should your shaking hand miss with those meticulously crafted silver bullets in the face of such untold horror.

Finally, a personal favorite. The æthyr rifle! This inverse oscillating magnetic transducing rifle fires specially crafted rounds that not only serve to create large holes in your target, but it also injects the unfortunate victim with a paralyzing agent while simultaneously delivering an electrical discharge powerful enough to knock a buzzard off a dung cart. This is pure steampunk art as expressed through sheer destructive power, and that is something we can all appreciate!

For those more astute crew members, you are quite correct in your observation that I indeed prefer more historic looking firearms as opposed to the myriad ray guns many of my compatriots fancy. I have had more than a few close calls that shouldn't have been close at all, simply due to the esoteric mechanisms of such guns deciding it was too humid to work, or after a quick volley they were due a few minutes off. Hmm, that sounds like some of my crew... speaking of which, you should get back to the boilers and try not to shoot your eye out. Those goggles on your hat are for more than looking good! Although they do look quite good, are they new?

(If anyone has information as to the proper credits for any of these weapons or images I would love to add them here, however in the good captain's voyage through the æthyr I could find no such information. If you know who or where any of these come from please leave a comment so I can properly credit the talented gunsmiths who brought these to our eyes. I would be greatly in your debt. Perhaps not greatly, but I would appreciate it nonetheless)

The Steampunk Notes of Hieronymous Lord Black, Now With Musical Accompaniment

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:10:00 +0000

Greetings and salutations, dear friends and crew. It has been a most interesting and productive week in the workshop of the Anomaly Obscura Engine as the good captain, that would be me, Renquist Von Reik, has stumbled upon a most unusual notebook. Indeed, it has through a series of fortuitious and serendipitous events that I've come upon the personal notes of one Hieronymous Lord Black, a steampunk genius of alternative and esoteric scientific theories and formula that when written would surely have branded the man a heretic or worse - mad! Well, fear not beloved crew for the good captain fears no such labels (as they've already been associated with my person in the past) and thusly, I have endeavored to recreate some of his designs. I know what you're thinking, oh valorous and dashing captain my captain, you've not shown one whit of talent in any field before, why try your hand at it now? Well, to that I say poppycock! Do you forget who design and built the Anomaly Obscura Engine? What, Da Vinci? Well yes, it is based upon certain cryptic drawings and notes of his but it was I who brought it all together was it not? Now please, be settled and continue on. Perhaps after a spot of tea.

As I was saying, the good captain has begun to work on Hieronymous Lord Black's steam powered top hat. A simply ingenious device that monitors the weather, regulates the wearer's temperature, and scans the æthyr via spectromographic wavelengths for apparitions and specters that might wish harm upon the wearer. Allegedly, with some simple modifications alluded to by Lord Black this top hat can also protect the wearer from said specters but it remained untested in his lifetime. Needless to say your fearless captain fully intends to implement said modification as to protect his person from otherworldly harm, which incidentally, I feel is the worst kind of harm of all! This worldly harm can be most unpleasant, but otherworldly harm is unpleasant and quite unsporting to boot, seeing as to the lack of warning or protections available to the common coggie.

I have already assembled the top hat itself out of fine 3oz leather, and it looks quite dashing if I don't say so myself. I am currently putting the finishing touches on it while simultaneously preparing the copper and brass piping that such a design requires. Soon I shall start the boiler, attach the precautionary valves, and fine tune the spectromographer and we shall see if Lord Black's design does indeed work. I know you shall all be praying tonight before you sleep for the good captain's safety and rugged good looks (since a hat does sit dangerously close to a face after all) and if not perhaps you should, you can use some good karma my dear gearjockey. Prepare to witness firsthand several daguerreotypes I am preparing on the matter.

In the meantime, I have not returned from a weeks adventure with naught but a dusty old journal of some one-and-a-half-witted-steampunk-genius! No my friends, after digging through the æthyric archives I have also returned with images of a most amazing musical device created by one Moritz Wolpert. Behold the Etched Brass Modular Analog Synth!

The brass etchings were all drawn out by hand and etched with a master craftsman's attention to detail. The knobs were all hand turned on a rudimentary lathe and attached with great care and a modicum of brandy as who among us would not celebrate such an amazing creation! Especially upon hearing that it took dear Wolpert two years to complete. It should be noted this is fully functioning and not merely for your aesthetic approval. It was at the wondrous Make site that I did stumble across this, if you wish to investigate further.

I have additionally a teaser for those of you asking yourselves, with this new found threat of otherworldly harm being performed upon me I wonder what amazing weapons the good captain uses in his elegant defense. Well, soon you shall wonder no more!

Finally, my favorite cog in the crew (a rotating affectation determined by a strict criteria of who has bestowed more gifts upon me) sent me a lovely and quite entertaining book entitled Doctor Grordbort's Contrapulatronic Dingus Directory (Catalogue Edition) Imagine a tongue in cheek Sears Roebuck catalog written for steampunks. Do check it out, as it will help you pass the time waiting for more news of the good captain's derring-do. Until then read on, dream of the many steamy wonders hidden out in our vast world, and don't forget to get back to the gears!

A Most Fantabulous Combi-Tool

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:48:00 +0000

My beloved crew, have I a most remarkable new tool to show you! From the ingenious mind at Mental Design comes an all-in-wonder tool to make the good Captain's life of leisure that much more leisurely. In truth it was designed and presented to Queen Victoria, whom I was having a spot of tea with at the time, but so amazed were my eyes that I preceded to make an offer to the inventor which he could not refuse. Her Royal Majesty, not to be outdone, upped my offer and instantly a bidding war broke out. Of course the good Captain prevailed much to the Queen's dismay, but rest assured by the time I departed the palace the following morning I was extended an open invitation to return whenever I should choose to. What's that? Oh, back to the point you say. Most appropriate actually.

Now my little cogs, what I have here for your viewing pleasure is obstensibly an instrument of writing and thusly name The Metapen, but hidden away amongst the many pumps and valves are knife, fork and spoon, a lighter, usb stick, watch, lamp, screwdriver, pipe, toothbrush, shaving blade, nail clipper, and two extra mines. It seems impossible yes, but it is true! This nearly miraculous marvel of engineering is constructed of brass and copper, steel, wood, and leather. Why the only thing it's missing is a fine piece of scrimshawed bone laid upon the handle.

One might think such a tool with all it's many uses must surely be a monstrosity of welds and cumbersome to such delicate aristocratic hands as the good Captain's, but I assure you not only is it most pleasing to the eyes so finely designed is it, it can also be quickly drawn to intimidate would be card sharks at the baccarat table, hooligans in the dark alleys of London's seedier sections, or any less mechanically minded individuals as it's form is that of a small derringer style firearm! Another selling point if anyone asks me, and of course they always do. Feast your eyes but do not touch, I still haven't located those two extra mines...

That is all I have for you this week precious little cog-wheels, now get back to the gears before I unleash my pen upon you. After all, the pen is mightier than the sword, and in this case, the Metapen is most probably mightier than even the gun!

Belated Holidays Wishes

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:25:00 +0000

Merry Christmas and a most Wonderful New Year to all family, friends, and yes even you my little cogheads. You'll have to forgive the tardiness of my holiday cheers, but I'm sure you understand the unexpected craziness that can occur this time of year. Especially when entertaining as many guests as the good captain did, including a most pleasant gentleman (captured in quite the stoic looking pose to the left) whose steam powered reindeer sleigh experienced unexpected troubles leading to a midnight mayday and heroic mid-air rescue in quite the powerful North Atlantic snow storm over Greenland by yours truly. Fear not, the steam powered reindeer and sleigh, including he told me roughly one year's worth of marvelous steam powered toys he was delivering to all his nieces and nephews - and he must have some family judging by the amount of gifts in his sack - were all safely accounted for and easily repaired by the stalwart crew of the Anomaly Obscura Engine. Oh, before I forget Captain Claus asked that I extend his wishes of a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight as well.

A most interesting chap with a collection of most interesting toys he carried. Adorable little steam powered contraptions of countless shapes, sizes, and styles which he happily informed me were the product of his mechano-elf machinites at Yesteryear Toys. He showed me a artist's sketch of his happy pack of little mechanical manservants and I marveled, "Steam powered toys building steam powered toys? BRILLIANT, SIR!" I'm sure you would agree, not only because you always do (which I do find quite endearing) but after seeing for yourself how could you not? Let's start with Captain Claus's little helpers.

Aren't they splendid! Imagine having a crew comprised of such marvelous little mechanics, dutifully obeying orders without complaint, no need for food and no more having to hide the brandy. What? No, no my dear little crew I would never replace you! No need to get defensive, I was merely daydreaming and muttering aloud. Truly, I'd never entertain such a notion!

Now for some of the beautiful toys they can produce. A wonderful classic Puffin design, and a double piston Sterling Engine polished and oh so pretty. A most remarkable man, that Captain Claus and his mechano-elf toy builders!

Once again, from all of the cast and crew of the Anomaly Obscura Engine, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!

New Design to Accompany New Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:07:00 +0000

What? Who's there? Oh my, you are still here? Didn't you hear the announcements over a year ago? The Anomaly Obscura Engine was shut down, disassembled even, and transported far away to a new land. How did you manage to stay with it? Oh, you were packaged with the gold temporal transductors. Interesting.

Well dear coghead, today the engine runs again! The Captain is settled in this brave new world, with a roof over my head but still lacking a suitable patron, I have begun my own tinkering and tittering about and some early prototypes are in the works as we speak! Soon, I believe will come an appropriate time to unveil the marvelous machinations of the mad Captain Renquist von Reik! As a teaser however, I will indicate the directions of my schemes. Following a similar vein as a close friend, Dr. V. Frankenstein (who is doing groundbreaking work with biological elecrorevivication) I have spent nearly a year gaining a deep scientific understanding of anatomy and skeletal structures in order to developed enhanced ways to utilize such effects for the betterment of one dashing Captain's life. It is truly inspiring how useful one's skull can be after the rest has shuffled off this mortal coil, eh? Why no, I generally do not find such uplifting notions morbid.

Well, time is short and there is much to do my little gearweevil. I have much to take care of myself, and seeing as you've been boxed and stored with the Anomaly Obscura Engine for nearly a year it would seem you have quite a bit of work to catch up on as well. Back to the cogs with you!

Rumors of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Greetings again friend and loyal crew! It has been a while since we've spoken, I know. Yes, yes, I've missed you all a great deal too. Alas, times have been a bit rough in the workshop this year. No no, the Anomaly Obscura Engine is still running fine unlike last time you were all forced to go on without me. This time it is a little different...

Regrettably, and through no fault or actions of my own, the funding for my wonderful adventures has been withdrawn! In other words, the recession hit the good captain right in the wallet. Now, you might think to yourself, "Self, how would not having a job effect someone whose job it was to be a man of leisure, adventuring as he wills." Well, one has to work hard at not working and when things go awry it forces one to work for real. In this case, looking for a wealthy benefactor has thus far been unsuccessful so I am in the midst of a new adventure...moving to a new state of the union! Once settled there, I shall set out on a new adventure called self employment.

That's right! Having put aside the search for a new benefactor I shall become my own. I am currently planning, once settled in said new state, to begin sculpting again and then resin casting a great many of them and attempting to sell them in order to get back to adventuring proper! So my little cog-goblins, hold fast for a few more months and I shall return. Until then, keep the good captain in your prayers as I need all the help I can get. I shall truly endeavor to keep you all abreast of the situation as it develops at least in a weekly manner(provided it develops in an adventurous and steamy way) and with god's grace next year I shall have wonderful trinkets and treasures from my adventures to offer up as well!

Till next time, chin up and keep your spanner handy!

Steampunk Transformers and Pac-"not-so-gentle"Man

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Well it's been a most adventurous few days I must say. A quick jaunt through the æthyr with some good friends resulting in hours of dodging large steam powered machine/men, avoiding the ghosts lured hither by a not so gentlemanly gentleman, and helping thwart conspiratorial plots against with crown with one Detective Holmes and his man, Watson.

Our first escapade involved the previously mentioned machine/men. Not exactly men made of machines, but rather men made of machines that could turn into machines and then back into men...made of machines. I bit confusing I daresay, but watching them stretched the limits of what is possible despite it being there, clearly possible. Perhaps an image or two would be easier to comprehend. A picture is worth a thousand words after all, and I have four pictures at the ready so that is a good four thousand words, which I rarely have time to put together at one time anyway, so here they are. Feel free to leave a thousand words but please no more than four thousand in the comments should you feel so obliged.

Steampunk Transformers!
Bumblebee~

Shockwave~

Starscream~

Perhaps I need to plan some major upgrades to the Anomaly Obscura Engine, but the last thing I need is my machine standing up and heading off to the theatre while I have important adventures to partake in!

Following my encounters with these remarkable transformers, as I've come to refer to them, I was quickly whisked into another adventure by one Sherklock Holmes. Evil was conspiring to plague all of England to which I could have none of, being quite a fan of fish and chips. We set off to thwart said plan with spectacular success and the tale was so full of derring do and rife with adventure I understand a talking film is being made of the tale! I was privy to a sneak peak of the film and could not help but notice the distinct lack of one good captain's role in it however. That Sherklock always was quite the glory hound but can you imagine the cheek! Leaving out the good captain! Regardless, I will still offer you all a peak at it as well but you must promise to imagine a dashing captain starring alongside Mr. Holmes and Watson, who would be more accurately described as supporting actors in the tale.

Finally, the true deeds of the Pac-GentleMan are revealed at last! I always knew him to be a true rapscallion at heart but at last the real man comes out for the world to see!

The real Pac-Man!

Well, after all this I need a stiff drink and a soft couch. While I go lie down and relive feats of glory you could be doing something productive, now off with you.

World of Steampunk? Steampunk of Warcraft?

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:11:00 +0000

The other day the good captain paid an unannounced visit to a dear friend and caught them in the middle of a most time consuming pursuit. Said friend was elbows deep in a video game. Perhaps you might have even heard of it, it's called World of Warcraft. Now I was aware of this game seeing as how as captain and gentleman I must be up to date on all scientific, avionic, social and cultural trends lest I fall into the most horrible of categories...the uninteresting! Back to the tale however, as I understood it the game was set in a fantasy world with orcs and elves and other mystical creatures fighting each other for glory and profit. Imagine my shock when I discovered steampunk wonders in this world flying high in the skies and even tooling along down streets in fantasy cities!

So shocked was I that I demanded to know names, places, times and other pertinent facts so that I might share them with my crew. Inspiration for new designs perhaps, or forewarning of what lurks in the æthyr that we must be prepared for! Choose any of the bountiful reasons, but most importantly, they are stunning! And they're from a video game! I did mention that yes? A video game that ostensibly has no steampunk influences, I mean elves riding motorcycles? Who ever imagined such a thing!

I declared my profound admiration for such wonderful pixelated steampunk in the game and humbly requested images of my friend. What? No, not literally images of my friend but I requested of my friend images...have you been drinking yet today? Anyway, he enthusiastically complied with the condition that I get the names right, and so now for your appreciate, World of Warcraft Steampunk!

First, the mighty airship of the Alliance - The Skybreaker!

The fearsome airship of the Horde - Ogrim's Hammer!

A Mechano-Hog, steampunk motorcycle from World of Warcraft!

A Mechano-hog with sidecar!

Again, simply stunning! I am still shocked that a game set in a fantasy world would include such indelible steampunk icons as airships and even have motorcycles with such obvious steampunk influence. I do believe I would actually be quite fond of owning one of the Mechano-hogs myself, though the good captain is not much for sidecars...they slow me down around corners too much and I do so love fast cornering!

Sillof's Stunning Steampunk Action Figures

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:46:00 +0000

It does seem that I've been posting a fair bit of toys and action figures lately, but today I show you the cream of the crop, a true king among men when it comes to sculpting action figures. The mighty Sillof has created entire lines of one of a kind steampunk action figures that are just simply stunning. I'd even dare call them works of art! Pulling from our favorite childhood inspirations he has delved into the realms of Star Wars, Justice League, Dune, and even more.

Steampunk Star Wars (Steam Wars)~

Steampunk Avengers ~

Steampunk Justice League ~

These truly are the most incredible action figures to come out of the steampunk genre yet, and if you haven't seen Sillof's website you truly should. This is just a small sampling of all the wonderous toys he has created there. Most endearing to the good captain's heart, he has a collection of figures from Terry Gilliam movies! If I wasn't so refined,I might actually be swooning right now.

Vampire Hunting and Steampunk Cthulhu

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:59:00 +0000

The good captain is most fortunate to have been invited to a live action Call of Cthulhu game taking place this weekend in the "Greater New York Area." I've had more than my fair share of encounters with Lovecraftian terrors in the æthyr to know one must always be prepared for such things, and so as I assembled my various kits for detecting and fighting such horrors I decided to fire up the Anomaly Obscura Engine and see what additional instrument and tools were out there to aid me.

Now I've shared a great deal of steampunk wonders designed for dealing with various supernatural entities before, in fact the good captain holds a special place in his heart for such alternate scientific devices, but a recent article I just saw caught my eye featuring an actual vampire hunting kit from the early 1800s. Truly, some forward thinking scientist thought best to be prepared for the inevitable encounter with the nosferatu and his carefully collected tools were recently sold at auction for an unbelievable $15,000! It warms the captain's heart knowing such value is still placed on personal security against the night terrors.

Behold~

The kit comes complete with stakes, mirrors, a gun with silver bullets (because as we all know, where there's vampires there is undoubtedly werewolves as well!), crosses, a bible, holy water, candles, and even garlic - though I doubt the garlic is truly original to the set - and it is all contained neatly in an American walnut case with a cross carved on top. Surely at only $15,000 this was a true value! If nothing else the sheer beauty of this collection of vampire thwarting conveniences should have some value as a conversation starter if left conspicuously left lying around one's workshop.

"Why yes Virginia, that is a vampire hunting kit, how kind of you to notice. Just a little something I brought back with me after my fateful expedition to an ancient and forgotten Peruvian temple we thought had long been abandoned..."

For those who believe $15,000 for a little peace of mind might be steep, here is another lovely vampire hunting kit also from the 19th century, though a bit later than the first.

This one is was a veritable steal at auction, going for a paltry $12,000. And if a gentleman isn't willing to spend $12,000 to ensure the safety of his family's eternal souls, then how could he dare be considered a gentleman!

Needless to say, the good captain will show up to face all manner of monsters, but vampires in particular should beware. In addition to a fearsome collection of tools designed for their destruction, his goggles have a built in spectroccilascope to facilitate their identification and classification prior to their dispatching!

Surely friends and family will have nothing to fear from such creatures of the night. The good captain is, after all, a gentleman!

Steampunk Medicinal Art for the Sick

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:11:00 +0000

I bring unfortunately news, the good captain is not feeling up to his normal self these last few days. A wicked combination of atmospheric changes coupled with what appear to be some poisoned food has left him wanting for better days. Fear not though, for the best in modern medical treatments have been proscribed and already I'm feeling the turnabout in my condition take place.Over the last couple of days a veritable parade of doctors and medical experts have passed by the good captain's bedside proposing their very own diagnosis, remedies, and homemade medicines. I have a natural distrust of someone who is more curious of getting to know me on the inside in a literal way, over the more figurative, but perhaps that is just me. Regardless, I eyed these quacks up with suspicion and at each opportunity attempted to sneak a glance at their medical journals, manuals, and textbooks for an idea of what they truly thought and how! The resulting images come from these very sneak peaks, and while terrifying in medical application, at least to a sick captain, they are oddly interesting in an artistic way.

First was a page from a manual on heart conditions. This struck me as a fearsome image and leaves me wondering exactly how such a quack could possible diagnose any symptoms aside from a scraped knee as anything other than a problem of the heart! At least it is a very interesting image to look at, perhaps in a butcher shop.

Heart by BellaGodiva on Polyvore.com

The next image was from a doctor specializing in the brain. Now it seemed unlikely to me that my sickness stemmed from a disease of the brain as I was still coherent enough to realize this doctor was crazier than a sack of weasels, however the images in his medical journal seemed to indicate that craziness was a prerequisite for this field of science.

my brain is damaged by ғяєαky™[away] on Polyvore.com

The final picture I managed to acquire was from the personal journal of a skeletal expert. Clearly my headache must certainly be caused by a shrinking skull putting pressure on my brain, obviously! I'm starting to think all doctors are lunatics and in this skeletal expert's particular case, a bit deviant as well. After all, there seems to be a surprising amount of woman wrapped around some of those skeletons wouldn't you say.

MEDICINE by meliloto on Polyvore.com

Now while my caring crew gets back to work I think I shall burrow into my blankets and attempt the best cure I know of for an ailment such as mine, sleep! Pip pip cheerio and all that.

Harumph!

Civil War Steampunk

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:37:00 +0000

Starting my day off with various news and tales from around the world I stumbled upon an interesting story at the not very steampunk site called CNN that truly captured my imagination before my delectable java brew had even set in! The article is 7 Civil War stories your teacher never told you and while I had honestly known no less than five and one quarter of them, the three quarters of the one tale I'd not heard saw me crank up the Anomaly Obscura Engine and set off for an early morning jaunt into the æthyr for more information.

Here's the abbreviated tale from CNN:

The Union used hot air balloons and submarines
The balloons, directed by aeronaut Thaddeus Lowe, were used to spot enemy soldiers and coordinate Federal troop movements. During his first battlefield flight, at First Bull Run, Lowe landed behind Confederate lines, but he was rescued.
The Union Army Balloon Corps got no respect from military officials, and Lowe resigned when he was assigned to serve, at a lower pay grade, under the director of the Army Corps of Engineers.
In all, the balloonists were active for a little under two years.
In contrast, the paddle-powered Alligator submarine saw exactly zero days of combat (which is why it can't officially be called the U.S.S. Alligator).
It suffered from some early testing setbacks, but after some speed-boosting tweaks, it was dispatched for Port Royal, South Carolina, with an eye towards aiding in the sack of Charleston. It was to be towed south by the U.S.S. Sumpter, but it had to be cut loose off of North Carolina on April 2, 1863, when bad weather struck.
Divers and historians are still looking for the Alligator today.

Did you know Aeronauts served in the Civil War!? Aeronaut was their actual rank in fact. The good captain was shocked! Shocked I tell you. And of course, being the gentleman that he is, our captain has returned from the æthyr with more to share than just this, for he has found dagguerotypes as those daring Aeronauts and their amazing balloons in action!

Thaddeus Lowe in the Federal observation balloon Intrepid

The Union Army Balloon Intrepid being inflated from the gas generators for the Battle of Fair Oaks

Finally, an illustration of the submarine Alligator courtesy of the Philadelphia Independence Seaport Museum, as to the best of my investigative knowledge no known images of it exist.

Simply fascinating is it not. To think, during the Civil War the orders could have conceivable been issued, "Aeronauts, man your airships and get to the skies!"

My heart flutters at the very thought....

Steampunk Action Figures! Where were these when I was young?

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:39:00 +0000

This morning, a cold and rainy one, I decided to brave the weather and take the Anomaly Obscura Engine on a wee test run through the æthyr just to keep on eye on various elements and ensure all the new gears get a good grind on when nothing extraordinary happened. That's right, the engine performed as well as I could hope and the æthyr was all quiet despite the weather. Something was surely amiss!

Returning to my workshop to give the old girl a once over, I discovered something most unusual! There was a distinct ticking noise coming from a part of the engine that should not normally be ticking. Bravely ordering a nameless crew member to investigate, she returned from a dark corner of the cogs with this little fellow, happily ticking away as if counting down to some terribly explosive event. It seems I had picked up a stowaway during my not as uneventful as I'd first thought trip.

After some quick screwdriver work stopped the ever more annoying ticking, I proceeded to search around and promptly discovered several more small yet adorable automatons that had hitched a ride back with me from the æthyr. Normally the good captain does not abide stowaways, but their steampunk cuteness was too much to bear and now they adorn my favorite work table, happily helping me visualize various situations with a bit more clarity (read - the good captain still enjoys some quality time with his toys!)

Here's a glimpse of the other mysterious passengers I picked up this morning. I'm sure you'll understand why I couldn't bring myself to return them to whence they came and instead adopted them as sort of workshop mascots if you will.

Adorable are they not! If you want to see these and more visit PopGive and feast your eyes.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some...work...I need to tend to in the workshop.

The New Steampunk Exclamation? Damnation!

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:40:00 +0000

It might not be a true steampunk exclamation yet, but after what the good captain shall unveil before you today it might very well be! Behold ~ Damnation!

No no, I'm not trying to start a controversy using such colorful language in proper company. It's a new video game coming out that is styled in the ever-so-wonderful imaginary era of steampunk. In truth, the good captain does not know what the game is about but the trailer is very interesting and has a wonderfully realized airship that is most pleasing to the eyes. But please don't take my word for it, see for yourself. Afterward I have a surprise for you, but first...

Should you feel so inclined to go out and purchase this game you could easily imagine yourself as the daring and handsome captain, traipsing through one of his many adventures should the actual storyline fail to live up to your obviously sophisticated taste in quality adventures. That, or imagine the main villain is the good captain who you might actual best by the end of the tale. I know, it's nigh impossible to see our dear captain as a villain but it is a fantasy after all!

What's that? Oh, right you are old bean! The surprise I mentioned! As a promotion for the game, artist Jake Hildebrandt created a steampunk computer which is truly one of the most beautiful I've seen. I suggest you take a deep breath before proceeding and those with heart conditions should put on their goggles now.

Now here is where the true surprise comes in, as part of the game's promotion they are giving this computer away! That's right, this beautiful steampunk pc can be yours just by showing the fine folks at Destructoid your love of steampunk! See here for more information, and best of luck to those daring enough to enter!

The Good Captain has Returned!

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:08:00 +0000

Greetings and welcome back on board! I know how trying the last few weeks have been without the steady hand of the good captain to guide through the chaos that is the æthyr, but after the catastrophic mishaps that had recently taken place, I had no choice but to cancel all amazing adventures in light of the depth and complexity of the necessary repairs. Fortunately, all such calamities are behind us and naught but adventure awaits those daring die-hards ready to set sail!

As you are still here reading, I find you must be a die-hard. In fact, you look familiar...didn't you serve in the engine room previously? No matter! I invite you all to come along as I attempt to find a new hat to replace the one which was so unceremoniously sucked into the grinding hat-eating gears of the engine assembly in the midst of our little disaster recently. Fear not, the torn and dirtied material formerly considered, at least in the technical sense, to be my hat was offered proper services and a formal burial so no weary spirits shall haunt us on this little outing. Naturally the good captain can guarantee this provided it doesn't happen and if it does, it was a non-binding guarantee. You might want to bring a spectro-scope to be certain.

The first hat I was considering not only covers your head but it has the added benefit of informing those you might be confabulating with of the time they were so honored as to speak with you, which I'm sure they would greatly appreciate.

Also note the mesh covered hole on the side. This allows the hour and half-hour chimes to be heard clearly by all and not be muffled up under your hat. Another great courtesy to your conversationalist partners. Indeed, if one word could sum up this hat it would be courtesy! And truly, have you ever seen a more courteous hat? Of course not! It's proud creator, Sassygeek, is a veritable fountain of courtesy spilling forth I dare say.

This next hat I am considering would have been wonderfully helpful during the Trials and Tribulations of May, as they've come to be known amongst the crew.

During the very heights of mayhem that ensued the good captain was running full steam ahead, and as any engineer worth his cogs knows it's best not to stand in front of anything running at full steam, sometimes not even to the side! This hat, complete with those gauges and gears would have been a convenient indicator to the crew that to good captain is about to boil over and perhaps that request for some shore leave might best wait for another day. This is truly an commendable example of form and function, for which SteamPunk Creator should be lauded.

Quite a difficult decision to make, so while I ponder this for a while why don't you get back to the gears! Lord knows there's still a lot of clean up that needs to be done before the Anomaly Obscura Engine is back to her old self again.

Disaster aboard the Anomaly Obscura Engine

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 14:12:00 +0000

Greetings friends, I bring somber news and a short tale today of the disaster aboard the Anomaly Obscura Engine that did occur some three weeks ago. Apparently non-Newtonian liquids should never substitute for water in a steam engine as their pressure compounds significantly faster and Anomaly Obscura Engines are quite explodable!

In layman's terms, my motherboard died thus preventing me from anything of use recently. It is safe to rejoice however, as it seems the Anomaly Obscura Engine has been patching up and pounded back into shape at least roughly enough to allow me to share wonderful news and tales of adventure with my loyal crew and adoring fans.

For now there's still work I must tend to before the Anomaly Obscura Engine is fully æthyr ready, so for a change of pace why don't you all sit back and relax while I get into the gears and try to work this out.

Proper Automobile Design

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:03:00 +0000

I had just finished ogling the magnificence of the most impressive Steam Runabout from the Neverwas Haul shown yesterday when I saw this steampunk contraption go racing past my window. Without delay I cranked up the Anomaly Obscura Engine and gave chase, finally catching up with the most stunning steampunk automobile I have ever laid my eyes upon!

Named the Cummins Steampunk RatRod and created by Swanee3, a Deviant Artist is ever there was one, this is the new bar to which all other autos will be measured, and once you see the image of it I'm sure you'll not only be jealous of the lucky owner, but also agree that the bar has been raised quite high. So high in fact, I'm not sure anything but a airship will be able to pass over it!

Please, follow the below æthyric link and prepare your eyes for what awaits! Warning - you might want to put your goggles on first!

Cummins Steampunk RatRod

As a note, I generally prefer to show the images to my lovely crew directly, but in this instance the artist requested that no one do so without express written permission and despite the decidedly piratical streak the good captain harbors, the incredible beauty of this simply forces me to abide by their wishes. In all honesty, it is worth the time to investigate. In fact, I so believe this to be true I will even give you the rest of the day off so you cannot use work as your excuse for having no time to do so! I know, I know, record this day in your calendars as it does not happen often!

Are you still here? Go already, for steam's sake!

Burning Man Steampunkery

noreply@blogger.com (Renquist Von Reik) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:47:00 +0000

I regret to say, the good captain has not been having the best of days today. A bit under the weather to begin with, and with fortune apparently distracted by other pursuits, I realized early on that things would simply not be going my way today. Harumph, I say!

How better to bring some whimsical and creative cheer to myself than search through the æthyr for inspiring images of the steampunk kind from the wholly inspired Burning Man festival! These pictures help reignite the missing spark and put a little fire back in my boiler.

This is the Kinetic Steam Works Case Traction Engine Hortense, not only a beautiful machine but also a beautiful image of it running full steam!

Next we have a most unusual contraption from the Department of Spontaneous Combustion, where incidentally the good captain interned shortly after his apprenticeship to Prof. Cogsburn back in the good old days of his youth.

Here is a picture of the legendary Neverwas Haul, perhaps the most beautiful picture I've seen of this incredible one of kind never to be repeated wonder!

And last but not least, the Steam Runabout of the Neverwas Haul, for when you just need to make a quick trip into town and don't want to bring the entire crew with you. Ah, how I can relate to the need for one of these, let me tell you!

(all images by Tristan Savatier of www.playa-dust.com, in case you can't read watermarks without your goggles!)