Authored by Drake
Committing to the Odyssey
April 30, 2013
In near darkness, their circle of voices was gathered around the damaged crates. Erasmus introduced the tall shadow next to him as Edwin Llewellyn, the man that had saved him from living on the streets of London. The Chief Inspector continued by filling in the details of their escapade while he lit a nearby oil lamp. It illuminated the ring of amiable compatriots. Yin slipped off the apparatus over her eyes, squinting and blinking in the changed illumination. Erasmus continued his narrative with the convoluted set of stories that they had heard from their kidnappers, and the fact that they hadn’t believed any of it. He left out that he didn’t believe Edwin’s tale either, a fact that he planned to resolve the next time he could have a private conversation with his surrogate father. He finished with the detail that the Hawaiian named Keō was in restraints in one of the cabins. ...
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Sea Change
April 15, 2013
The mess hall was a fairly small and crowded room with a long table and benches with just enough space for walking single-file around it. These fixtures were fashioned of thick planks that had been smoothed by use. The table had been oiled some time in the recent past and washed down recently, but Erasmus didn’t think of it as clean in any real sense of the word. ...
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Very Observant
April 01, 2013
Erasmus looked up at the airship from which they had just disembarked. The hour and weather made it a black distended silhouette against an angry grey sky. It was tethered to the mooring post only by its nose, allowing it to be buffeted around like a weather vane in the vigorous wind. Erasmus knew that it was being abandoned, and that the flight crew, if they could be legitimately called that, was not leaving the craft properly sheltered. For good reason, he could not help but think that this was a living analogy for how these men would treat Edwin and him. It was a discomforting thought. ...
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Your Province?
March 19, 2013
Erasmus found himself squatting down in the darkness, in the back of the bridge, searching around with his hands to find the handle of the heavy door that separated him from his lifelong friend, Edwin Llewellyn. He needed to get back inside the room without his captors knowing that he might have overheard their villainous conversation. ...
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The Shaky Landing
March 04, 2013
Erasmus peered intently at the fashionably appointed Hawaiian man who had been so polite about kidnapping him and Edwin. He then turned to the well-dressed Edwin and thought about the story he’d told as to how he’d been brought here by force. The Chief Inspector felt that everyone on this craft was far more accepting of the situation than he was. ...
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Doc Synchronous, L.O.S.E.R. Leader
February 21, 2013
Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake of Scotland Yard has succeeded in tracking a most notorious collection of villains that have organized themselves into the League of Supremely Evil Revolutionaries (L.O.S.E.R.)! Their leader, Doc Synchronous, is the latest addition to Erasmus’ Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons.
There are numerous reports from published newspapers in the American colonies attesting that Doc Synchronous is a snake oil salesman, a charlatan, and a dealer of weapons. In the wilds of the Americas, these crimes may be taken lightly, but not in London! Our man from Scotland Yard is most concerned that this “Doctor” leads an international organization of villainy. Check out the details and photos of Doc Synchronous in his Logbook entry.
There are numerous reports from published newspapers in the American colonies attesting that Doc Synchronous is a snake oil salesman, a charlatan, and a dealer of weapons. In the wilds of the Americas, these crimes may be taken lightly, but not in London! Our man from Scotland Yard is most concerned that this “Doctor” leads an international organization of villainy. Check out the details and photos of Doc Synchronous in his Logbook entry.
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your steampunk character.
An Offer To Teach
February 19, 2013
Edwin Llewellyn took a sip of his brandy, savoring it. The Chief Inspector carefully watched the man who had been kind enough to provide him house and home while he was still in his teens. In doing so, he unintentionally began mimicking Edwin’s placid manner. This transformed Erasmus from anxious to calm within seconds.
Edwin lowered his glass and leaned toward Erasmus. “This brandy is exceptional, you should try it.” Edwin swirled the liqueur in his snifter without lowering his gaze. The fencing master knew, without looking, exactly how high the brandy was going up the side of the vessel, and he continued the libation’s spiral with a steady hand. ...
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Edwin lowered his glass and leaned toward Erasmus. “This brandy is exceptional, you should try it.” Edwin swirled the liqueur in his snifter without lowering his gaze. The fencing master knew, without looking, exactly how high the brandy was going up the side of the vessel, and he continued the libation’s spiral with a steady hand. ...
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Phineas Sinclair Joins the Logbook Crowd
February 16, 2013
Drake and McTrowell have known Phineas Sinclair for quite a while; frequenting the same steampunk conventions, Comic Con, concerts, museum shows, and the like. His latest activities with the L.O.S.E.R.S. has landed him in the Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons.
Phineas Sinclair is known for being an airship smuggler, Confederate sympathizer, villainous rights supporter, horse thief, train robber, and Cthulhu cultist. That’s quite a Victorian rap sheet! And, for the first time, Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake has illustrative evidence of a crime in progress. One of Scotland Yard’s men doesn’t take this lightly. Check out all of Phineas’ details, with a photo showing a train robbery in progress, in his Logbook entry.
Phineas Sinclair is known for being an airship smuggler, Confederate sympathizer, villainous rights supporter, horse thief, train robber, and Cthulhu cultist. That’s quite a Victorian rap sheet! And, for the first time, Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake has illustrative evidence of a crime in progress. One of Scotland Yard’s men doesn’t take this lightly. Check out all of Phineas’ details, with a photo showing a train robbery in progress, in his Logbook entry.
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your steampunk character.
Our 15th Logbook Entry
February 10, 2013
The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons continues to grow. Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake has added another couple that deserve close attention. Please don’t let their smiles fool you! Both of them, Oliver Von Bremen and Alva O'Dell, are known for their rampant gadgetry, conflagrations, and random transmogrifying magic. They are actually proud of this, and are willing to tell everyone about their exploits. More details can be obtained in their logbook entry.
Oliver Von Bremen and Alva O'Dell
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your steampunk character.
New Logbook Entries!
February 05, 2013
Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake’s Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons is gaining more suspects. We are now on our third page, and a more unsavory lot of untrustworthy miscreants would be hard to find.
Let’s ponder Gertrude (illustrated below), a cyborg of questionable allegiance. She’s an aethership concierge by occupation, and Erasmus has proof that her sideline is as a procurer of all things rare and precious. More details can be obtained on her logbook entry.
Let’s ponder Gertrude (illustrated below), a cyborg of questionable allegiance. She’s an aethership concierge by occupation, and Erasmus has proof that her sideline is as a procurer of all things rare and precious. More details can be obtained on her logbook entry.
Our other entry is Professor Ambrosius, an evil boy-genius aspiring to join the L.O.S.E.R.s. He is currently under the tutelage of Doc Synchronous, who is a charlatan and purveyor of remedies and medicines (of questionable efficacy). I ask you gentlefolk, what is this world coming to?! As with the rest of the mischief-making lot, the Chief Inspector has more details regarding the lad in his logbook entry.
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your steampunk character.
Care for a Brandy?
February 04, 2013
We have returned with the beginning of our 4th adventure story. Here is the first of our weekly episodes. As always we look forward to your comments and feedback.
Dr. Sparky McTrowell was beside herself with panic. Two men had just grabbed Edwin Llewellyn while he was an uninvited guest at the Slate-Howgill wedding breakfast reception, and escaped with their hostage via two ropes hanging from a passing airship. But that wasn’t her real concern; it was that her beloved Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake heroically followed the three, clinging to the end of one of the lines. Sparky glanced down at her newly acquired ring and thought of her brave beau that just disappeared over the rooftops. ...
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Dr. Sparky McTrowell was beside herself with panic. Two men had just grabbed Edwin Llewellyn while he was an uninvited guest at the Slate-Howgill wedding breakfast reception, and escaped with their hostage via two ropes hanging from a passing airship. But that wasn’t her real concern; it was that her beloved Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake heroically followed the three, clinging to the end of one of the lines. Sparky glanced down at her newly acquired ring and thought of her brave beau that just disappeared over the rooftops. ...
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Feels Like Home
December 16, 2012
Erasmus sat at his office desk, pen in hand, looking at the calendar that he kept in the front of his personal journal. He made a tiny jab of his pen towards each date as he counted. Quietly he said to himself, “…five, six, seven, …,” in tempo with each motion he made. “Today is Tuesday the 26th of August, so it is eight days until the Slate-Howsgill wedding on the 3rd of September. Let’s see, I will take my black jacket and top hat in for a cleaning on Thursday…”
Sergeant Tate Parseval’s face appeared in Erasmus’ door window, followed by a couple of light knocks. Erasmus signaled him in.
“G’ Morning, Chief Inspector. We’re having an ‘all hands on deck’ assembly, and I was hoping that you would have the time to attend. Shouldn’t be more than fifteen, maybe twenty, minutes.”
“Of course, of course. Be glad to.” Erasmus replaced his pen into its silver holder, and rose to join the sergeant. ...
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Sergeant Tate Parseval’s face appeared in Erasmus’ door window, followed by a couple of light knocks. Erasmus signaled him in.
“G’ Morning, Chief Inspector. We’re having an ‘all hands on deck’ assembly, and I was hoping that you would have the time to attend. Shouldn’t be more than fifteen, maybe twenty, minutes.”
“Of course, of course. Be glad to.” Erasmus replaced his pen into its silver holder, and rose to join the sergeant. ...
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Keep Quiet and Play Through
November 29, 2012
The scene at the Wallace’s country house would have been a bit comical if it hadn’t been so seriously important. Once Reginald was in wrist irons, he had a great deal of difficulty walking. Out of shackles, he still moved slowly, complete with huffing and puffing and under-his-breath muttering about his aching foot. He kept his arms out to his sides like a drunken steeple-jack, and he performed a hop-step rather than placing any more than the slightest weight on his gout-ridden, sock-covered appendage. His butler offered a cane, which Sergeant Fox examined for weapons, poisons, or tricks of any sort. It didn’t have any, but the sergeant was still hesitant to give even a wooden stick to their prisoner seeing that he could do some damage if he hit someone with it. It took a full ten minutes to even get Reginald to the front door.
J. B. lost his limited patience. Directed at no one in particular, he asked out loud, “May I just toss him over my shoulder? It would speed all of this up!” Reginald looked at him in horror at the possibility. ...
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J. B. lost his limited patience. Directed at no one in particular, he asked out loud, “May I just toss him over my shoulder? It would speed all of this up!” Reginald looked at him in horror at the possibility. ...
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Played
November 05, 2012
Erasmus woke with a start. He looked quickly around his flat over Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, feeling that yesterday had been long and other-worldly, and it was hard to believe he was back in the safety of his one-room home. Then he instinctively felt the bandages on his chest and hand, looked at the inverted marionette that was lying in the corner of the room. Yes, it had all happened. He anxiously grabbed his pocket watch to check the time.
He knew that he needed to get over to the London Airship Port as quickly as he could to aid in the ongoing mission. But first, he really needed to freshen up and furnish himself with a proper set of businesslike clothes. He knew that Sparky was performing the same drill at Dr. Pogue’s. He wondered if it was too competitive for him to want to get there first, as ungentlemanly a thought as that was. “Perhaps I should have placed a friendly bet with the good doctor,” he thought out loud. “On the other hand, we’ve already raced cabriolets though London. Maybe its too soon to repeat that legal transgression.” ...
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He knew that he needed to get over to the London Airship Port as quickly as he could to aid in the ongoing mission. But first, he really needed to freshen up and furnish himself with a proper set of businesslike clothes. He knew that Sparky was performing the same drill at Dr. Pogue’s. He wondered if it was too competitive for him to want to get there first, as ungentlemanly a thought as that was. “Perhaps I should have placed a friendly bet with the good doctor,” he thought out loud. “On the other hand, we’ve already raced cabriolets though London. Maybe its too soon to repeat that legal transgression.” ...
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Directly and Soberly
October 24, 2012
“My dear Sparky, please don’t leave me in suspense. I honestly cannot read Russian. I don’t even know the vowels from the consonants. This is a planning document for what activity? And what is the Rumyantsev?”
Sparky beamed and held the paper up as if it were a demonstration prop, going so far as to point at it with her other hand. Erasmus was sure that she thought her demeanor indicated she was about to impart some invaluable and singular knowledge unto the Chief Inspector, but he also detected a touch of “I know something you don’t.” He still found it endearing, but he was also sure that she wouldn’t have appreciated his take on her enthusiasm. She began her impromptu presentation. ...
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Sparky beamed and held the paper up as if it were a demonstration prop, going so far as to point at it with her other hand. Erasmus was sure that she thought her demeanor indicated she was about to impart some invaluable and singular knowledge unto the Chief Inspector, but he also detected a touch of “I know something you don’t.” He still found it endearing, but he was also sure that she wouldn’t have appreciated his take on her enthusiasm. She began her impromptu presentation. ...
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The Inverted Marionette
October 13, 2012
Dirt and debris were still raining down. The air was thick with smoke and atomized soot. The air was filled with the stench of gunpowder sulfur and burnt grass. It burned Erasmus’ throat to breathe as he ran across the yard, so he placed his handkerchief over his nose and mouth with his right hand as he kept his pistol at the ready out in front of him. Soldiers moaned in the unseeable distance. He moved toward the sound, stepping over the twisted chucks of metal that used to be operational automatons. Small orange flames licked outward from their broken interiors, issuing black, greasy smoke.
Once past the line of metal destruction, Erasmus saw the wounded on the field. ...
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Once past the line of metal destruction, Erasmus saw the wounded on the field. ...
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Swords to Plowshares
September 24, 2012
Sergeant J. B. Fox looked through the sights of his gun. As an expert marksman, he had the choice of aiming at his target’s torso, the recommended military target, or their head, the decisive shot for the kill, but with a lower probability of success. Monsieur Punaise was backlit by the sunlight coming in the expanse of the barn’s front door, and J. B. was aiming straight into the center of the lit halo of frizzy hair that defined the perimeter of Monsieur Punaise’s head.
“Shut them all down!” he barked emphatically.
Erasmus took a small step to improve his angle on the mad inventor. He carefully raised his pistol, hoping to keep his location concealed. While keeping his rifle pointed at Monsieur Punaise, Sergeant J. B. Fox flashed his eyes over to Erasmus. Whatever J. B. was thinking, he didn’t give it away. ...
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“Shut them all down!” he barked emphatically.
Erasmus took a small step to improve his angle on the mad inventor. He carefully raised his pistol, hoping to keep his location concealed. While keeping his rifle pointed at Monsieur Punaise, Sergeant J. B. Fox flashed his eyes over to Erasmus. Whatever J. B. was thinking, he didn’t give it away. ...
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Green Grass, Brown Well
September 09, 2012
The woods were cool and shady compared to the warmth of the open area near the barn. Despite the pleasant setting, a drip of sweat ran down Mr. Martin’s face as he toiled in his leather overalls. He was bent down over a Dragon’s Tooth, overseeing the tightening of a nut on a radial saw. Mr. Hedgely stood by and hovered a pencil above his clipboard, waiting to check off the verification of the last of the metal contraptions. As Mr. Martin labored, Mr. Hedgely let his mind wander, taking in the cool calmness of the woods as the nearby stream gurgled, and imagined a more serene life than that of their hectic and quirky business.
Mr. Martin twisted his head around and declared with confidence, “The assemblers did an absolutely wonderful job of putting these back together. I never thought it was possible. With the exception of a few loose nuts, they are as good as when they left the barn. Do you want to perform any additional testing? Cut down a few trees?”
Mr. Hedgely looked across the rows of Dragon’s Teeth stretching throughout the shaded grove. He had grown tired of testing and re-testing. “No, I don’t think that’s necessary.”...
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Mr. Martin twisted his head around and declared with confidence, “The assemblers did an absolutely wonderful job of putting these back together. I never thought it was possible. With the exception of a few loose nuts, they are as good as when they left the barn. Do you want to perform any additional testing? Cut down a few trees?”
Mr. Hedgely looked across the rows of Dragon’s Teeth stretching throughout the shaded grove. He had grown tired of testing and re-testing. “No, I don’t think that’s necessary.”...
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Milestones
August 16, 2012
A major milestone has been reached! Yesterday’s post was our 100th D&McT episode. Well, 100th “actual text” post, not counting the Airship Regatta Broadsheet, or any of our bloops on art or conventions, or announcements of new logbook entries. This has gone well past the “hey, let’s write an on-line story!” and into the “wait-a-minute, how many pages is this entire thing now?” We want to thank all of you readers that have given us feedback (interestingly, much more in face-to-face conversation than in our comment sections), and we also want to thank those of you who wait to receive our upcoming episodes with bated breath. Yeah, you know who you are.
But much like watching the odometer in your airship roll over to an interesting number, it’s a passing transition, a temporary fascination with digit-related repetition. We must continue on, telling the tales that must be told. Perils, in this case, in a postulated past.
How long, you might ask yourself, does it take to write 100 episodes? Well, we normally write an episode a week. By “normally” we mean that sometimes we just don’t always quite make it. Those pesky day jobs that pay the bills seem to get in the way periodically. So, the answer is that it took us 2 years, 1 month, 1 week, and 2 days. We started on July 5th, 2010 and finished yesterday. But that didn’t stop us from celebrating at the 2-year mark. Thanks to all our fan-friends who came out to help us celebrate by eating chocolate…yeah, we know, it’s a rough gig being our fans.
But much like watching the odometer in your airship roll over to an interesting number, it’s a passing transition, a temporary fascination with digit-related repetition. We must continue on, telling the tales that must be told. Perils, in this case, in a postulated past.
How long, you might ask yourself, does it take to write 100 episodes? Well, we normally write an episode a week. By “normally” we mean that sometimes we just don’t always quite make it. Those pesky day jobs that pay the bills seem to get in the way periodically. So, the answer is that it took us 2 years, 1 month, 1 week, and 2 days. We started on July 5th, 2010 and finished yesterday. But that didn’t stop us from celebrating at the 2-year mark. Thanks to all our fan-friends who came out to help us celebrate by eating chocolate…yeah, we know, it’s a rough gig being our fans.
D&McT + Fan-friends + Eclipse Chocolat!
Polished and Prepped
August 15, 2012
J. B. and Sparky got to the initial edge of the gangplank when two Royal Aerial Marines, in full regimental dress reds and carrying ceremonial spears marched across towards them. J. B. explained quietly to Sparky, “They are just formally escorting us aboard. Must maintain appearances, and all that.” Stopping just in front of them, both Marines performed a perfect turn, and lead them across the gangplank. Once onboard, the Marines retook their posts, and J. B. lead the way to the bridge.
Erasmus was already there, hunched over the charts for the Carlisle area, obviously determining his concept for what would make the correct aerial position for approach to the cottage and the barn. At the helm was a tall mustachioed Marine in full Aerial Pilot uniform. He was making a status request regarding aft engines through one of three gleaming brass voicepipes that were available to him.
J. B. and Sparky joined Erasmus. He pointed to the field on the far side of the stream from the barn, and stated, “I’ve been told that we have a full squad of sixteen Marines on board. I wanted to get a feeling for the best place to deploy. This is the best location for such a large craft, but then we’ll have the same issue of wading across the stream. Well, maybe we could deploy over here, behind the cottage …”
“Dr. McTrowell?” A young Marine stood at attention in the doorway. ...
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Erasmus was already there, hunched over the charts for the Carlisle area, obviously determining his concept for what would make the correct aerial position for approach to the cottage and the barn. At the helm was a tall mustachioed Marine in full Aerial Pilot uniform. He was making a status request regarding aft engines through one of three gleaming brass voicepipes that were available to him.
J. B. and Sparky joined Erasmus. He pointed to the field on the far side of the stream from the barn, and stated, “I’ve been told that we have a full squad of sixteen Marines on board. I wanted to get a feeling for the best place to deploy. This is the best location for such a large craft, but then we’ll have the same issue of wading across the stream. Well, maybe we could deploy over here, behind the cottage …”
“Dr. McTrowell?” A young Marine stood at attention in the doorway. ...
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For the Want of a Warm Pub
July 30, 2012
The unkempt brush on the far side of the stream was difficult to maneuver through, but it did provide exceptional coverage for hiding Sergeant Fox, Dr. McTrowell, and Chief Inspector Drake. After breaking through the thickest part of the greenery near the stream, the land opened to a field of tall grasses. The three gathered around. Not one of them mentioned the fact that they were now soaked from the waist down, nor that their armaments were now just additional weight to carry given their inferiority to the metal army amassed nearby.
J. B. slipped effortlessly into his commanding voice; a tad deeper and resonant, but always delivered with a piercing gaze. This time his eyes were fixed on Erasmus. “I’ve made my assessment of the situation, but I want to hear from you first.” Sparky temporarily held her tongue. Being left out of this initial conversation was not her style, and she did her best to wait for the conversation to come to her.
Erasmus’ response was immediate, his constable training showing through. ...
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J. B. slipped effortlessly into his commanding voice; a tad deeper and resonant, but always delivered with a piercing gaze. This time his eyes were fixed on Erasmus. “I’ve made my assessment of the situation, but I want to hear from you first.” Sparky temporarily held her tongue. Being left out of this initial conversation was not her style, and she did her best to wait for the conversation to come to her.
Erasmus’ response was immediate, his constable training showing through. ...
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A Late Visit to Scotland Yard
July 17, 2012
Mrs. Wallace turned to Mr. Littleton. Her eyes were tight and menacing, but somehow conveyed that it wasn’t Mr. Littleton who was vexing her. “Now that Mr. Wallace has left, I would like you to hand me his letter.” She held out her open hand, and wiggled her fingers with a “give it here” gesture. He hesitated with a false sense of propriety and loyalty. “Now, Mr. Littleton, … please.”
He sheepishly deposited the letter into the beckoning hand. “Thank you, my good man.” He imagined that she would rip it open right there in front of him, and be shocked at whatever contents it contained, but that waking nightmare didn’t occur. Instead, she made an unexpected request. “I would like for you to arrange a cab to take me to Scotland Yard.” ...
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He sheepishly deposited the letter into the beckoning hand. “Thank you, my good man.” He imagined that she would rip it open right there in front of him, and be shocked at whatever contents it contained, but that waking nightmare didn’t occur. Instead, she made an unexpected request. “I would like for you to arrange a cab to take me to Scotland Yard.” ...
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Secret Powers
July 06, 2012
Mr. Reginald Wallace looked uncharacteristically powerless as he entered the Western & Transatlantic Airship Lines’ London Terminal on crutches. He was unfamiliar with operating such supports and he labored with the timing and balance needed to make the confident-looking strides that one traditionally needs to run such a business. His gout-swollen foot was trussed up to prevent any possible chance that it would touch the floor, so as to prevent the incredible shooting pains that would cause.
Reginald made his way through the wide main corridor toward to the reception desk, where Mr. Littleton was working. Due to the racket the crutches were making on the floor and Mr. Wallace’s strained breathing, Mr. Littleton looked up from his books before the lame man had made it to the counter. Mr. Littleton jumped to his feet, clearly concerned for his employer’s welfare. “Mr. Wallace, how may I assist you?”
“Please retrieve my wife. I need to speak to her.” Mr. Wallace’s tone was uncharacteristically somber. ...
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Reginald made his way through the wide main corridor toward to the reception desk, where Mr. Littleton was working. Due to the racket the crutches were making on the floor and Mr. Wallace’s strained breathing, Mr. Littleton looked up from his books before the lame man had made it to the counter. Mr. Littleton jumped to his feet, clearly concerned for his employer’s welfare. “Mr. Wallace, how may I assist you?”
“Please retrieve my wife. I need to speak to her.” Mr. Wallace’s tone was uncharacteristically somber. ...
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Unwrapping the Scary Present
June 26, 2012
The entire group was there. Sparky and Erasmus had arrived at the Pogue residence just a few minutes before, and Yin had retrieved Edmond from a nearby pub where he had downed a quick noontime meal. The crate was in the middle of the laboratory floor, its top off, with a bit of the straw packing on the floor nearby. The four of them were standing around the crate, making a plan.
Dr. Pogue cocked his head slightly, and stated the obvious, “Let us avoid what happened last time.” Without looking at it, he held up the mechanical section of his left arm to emphasize his point. “May I suggest that we create a controlled environment where we can escape from if something goes awry.”
Yin offered, “We could use a winch to haul all of the parts up away from us quickly by attaching a line to each part.”
Edmond shook his head. “Too risky. This thing could climb, cut the winch lines, or worse, there may be multiple mechanical entities in here that would make it hard to corral them all.”
Yin continued, “We have the makings of a cage, left over from the work that you did on hardening the railings around Her Majesty’s garden. It wouldn’t take long to create an enclosure with a single exit.”
Sparky nodded approval. “I see. We could tie a line around whoever is working on the parts. To pull them to safety if needed. Once they are out of the cage, the door can be slammed shut and locked. That may be rather harsh, but it might save their life.” ...
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Dr. Pogue cocked his head slightly, and stated the obvious, “Let us avoid what happened last time.” Without looking at it, he held up the mechanical section of his left arm to emphasize his point. “May I suggest that we create a controlled environment where we can escape from if something goes awry.”
Yin offered, “We could use a winch to haul all of the parts up away from us quickly by attaching a line to each part.”
Edmond shook his head. “Too risky. This thing could climb, cut the winch lines, or worse, there may be multiple mechanical entities in here that would make it hard to corral them all.”
Yin continued, “We have the makings of a cage, left over from the work that you did on hardening the railings around Her Majesty’s garden. It wouldn’t take long to create an enclosure with a single exit.”
Sparky nodded approval. “I see. We could tie a line around whoever is working on the parts. To pull them to safety if needed. Once they are out of the cage, the door can be slammed shut and locked. That may be rather harsh, but it might save their life.” ...
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New Logbook Entry: Alastar Hyde!
June 11, 2012
Our little Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons is growing! I made the difficult decision to only have six intriguing and noteworthy persons per page in the Logbook, so we have now officially gone to a second page, which is here, with all of the appropriate links to allow you, our dear readers, to click through the pages, going back and forth, willy-nilly.
The latest entry is Alastar Hyde, another person photographed by Jerry Abuan at Gaslight Gathering 2. I have to mention (again) that Jerry is impressively omnipresent at almost all San Diego Steampunk events, snapping pictures. At Gaslight Gathering he took over 890 pictures! Well worth a look, I must say.
Alastar Hyde is a very interesting character, and definitely deserves to be in Chief Inspector Drake’s Logbook. The primary note regarding him is “Pleasant gentleman by day with a tendency towards sadistic pleasures after sunset.” Hmm.
The latest entry is Alastar Hyde, another person photographed by Jerry Abuan at Gaslight Gathering 2. I have to mention (again) that Jerry is impressively omnipresent at almost all San Diego Steampunk events, snapping pictures. At Gaslight Gathering he took over 890 pictures! Well worth a look, I must say.
Alastar Hyde is a very interesting character, and definitely deserves to be in Chief Inspector Drake’s Logbook. The primary note regarding him is “Pleasant gentleman by day with a tendency towards sadistic pleasures after sunset.” Hmm.
Additional notes in the margin indicate “Alastar has traveled throughout the world and time, experiencing many adventures. He spent a significant amount of time in the Middle East while he was waiting for authorities in London to lose interest in certain incidents of violence and mayhem which may have been associated with his presence. During that time he traveled with a band of wandering musicians and performers, learning the ways of the Bedouin.” This is followed by a hand-drawn arrow down to a rare photo taken in some god-forsaken desert, showing Alastar himself standing in the back row of a motley band.
Incredible bit of evidence! See for yourself!
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your character.
Bludyanne Joins the Logbook
June 01, 2012
Katherine and I, dressed as our alter egos of McTrowell and Drake, attended Gaslight Gathering 2 with friends and had a great time. It was held the 11th through the 13th of May, and for us, it was wedged firmly within a very hectic month, making it a welcome break from the usual daily grind.
Jerry Abuan was the photographer for the Gathering, and has posted an excellent collection of his pics on his website (over 890 images). He has created a truly amazing gallery from the event, and it shows off his great eye for what makes an interesting shot. For example, take a gander at this.
Jerry Abuan was the photographer for the Gathering, and has posted an excellent collection of his pics on his website (over 890 images). He has created a truly amazing gallery from the event, and it shows off his great eye for what makes an interesting shot. For example, take a gander at this.
Picture from Gaslight Gathering 2
We teamed up with Jerry and offered that we would add a Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons entry for anyone that wanted a web page for their steampunk character. Please welcome our first taker, Bludyanne.
Due to Jerry’s fine work, we have five photographs in Bludyanne’s web page, a few of which show off the finer details of her attire.
I’ll be adding more entries to the Logbook soon!
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your character.
The Frontier Medical Woman
May 14, 2012
The sitting room at Dr. Pogue’s residence was a comfy setting. The overstuffed chairs and couches made a neat ring around a wooden table. A score of fringed pillows had taken up residence on the sitting surfaces. The embroidered cloth on all of the furniture was of rich colors: burgundies, deep blues and teals, with intricate gold patterns. This splash of impressive decorum was a direct result of Esmeralda’s influence on Edmond’s furnishings.
The wooden table was thick and heavy, and didn’t quite fit the Victorian décor. It had been handed down through the Pogue lineage, and had originally been a worktable in the Scottish Crookston Castle located about five miles southwest of Glasgow. Edmond and Esmeralda had ancestors who had worked in the castle back in the first half of the eighteenth century. The lore surrounding the table was that one of the table legs was damaged in the bombardment of cannonballs from the famous cannon Mons Meg, when it was used to attack the castle in 1489. The table had been left unused in storage for two hundred and fifty years until it was repaired to a working state by Edmond’s great, great, great grandfather. Upon this table he performed many of his smaller workman’s tasks, including machinery repair, leather tooling, and toy construction. The table was passed down to his family upon his death, as one of many tokens of gratitude by the castle’s owner, William Graham, 2nd Duke of Montrose. ...
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The wooden table was thick and heavy, and didn’t quite fit the Victorian décor. It had been handed down through the Pogue lineage, and had originally been a worktable in the Scottish Crookston Castle located about five miles southwest of Glasgow. Edmond and Esmeralda had ancestors who had worked in the castle back in the first half of the eighteenth century. The lore surrounding the table was that one of the table legs was damaged in the bombardment of cannonballs from the famous cannon Mons Meg, when it was used to attack the castle in 1489. The table had been left unused in storage for two hundred and fifty years until it was repaired to a working state by Edmond’s great, great, great grandfather. Upon this table he performed many of his smaller workman’s tasks, including machinery repair, leather tooling, and toy construction. The table was passed down to his family upon his death, as one of many tokens of gratitude by the castle’s owner, William Graham, 2nd Duke of Montrose. ...
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Empty Hand
May 02, 2012
It was well past eleven o’clock when Sparky exited the Chapel Royal through a gauntlet of hardy handshakes and “so pleased to meet you” speeches. She was practically hoarse from using her lowest octave to croak out “just call me C. L.” and “so glad we finally met” and all of the associated social niceties that one exchanges with complete strangers.
Through all of the smiles and nods, her inner voice was reciting, “Why did I follow through with this insane idea? Becoming a knight? In a society that doesn’t permit women or foreigners? And on top of all that, displeasing a monarch that now wants favors?” As she hurriedly walked away to return to her aunt’s home, she thought back over the ritualistic protocols and formalities that she just went through for three hours: the wearing of vestments and accoutrements, the call and answer chanting, and the standing and kneeling. Was this really what she wanted? ...
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Through all of the smiles and nods, her inner voice was reciting, “Why did I follow through with this insane idea? Becoming a knight? In a society that doesn’t permit women or foreigners? And on top of all that, displeasing a monarch that now wants favors?” As she hurriedly walked away to return to her aunt’s home, she thought back over the ritualistic protocols and formalities that she just went through for three hours: the wearing of vestments and accoutrements, the call and answer chanting, and the standing and kneeling. Was this really what she wanted? ...
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Crossing Poultry
April 15, 2012
Standing alone in his flat, Erasmus was beside himself. He thought he had conveyed the proper level of concern to Sparky that she was edging into a dangerous area with her graph. He also remembered the warnings that he had received at the meeting about not revealing anything to anyone. But at what cost? He had to talk to her.
Erasmus realized that he didn’t even have a vest on. He grabbed one and slipped his arms into it as he scampered down the steps. He stopped at the bottom, looking out of the glass in the large doors to see if he might have caught her in time. ...
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Erasmus realized that he didn’t even have a vest on. He grabbed one and slipped his arms into it as he scampered down the steps. He stopped at the bottom, looking out of the glass in the large doors to see if he might have caught her in time. ...
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Steampunk Cufflinks
April 11, 2012
The Unexpected Visit
April 02, 2012
Mr. Haversham was a worrier. He had six houses that he rented, but his late mother’s old cottage held a special place in his heart, and he had hoped to have a young family rent it and be there for a spell. But it had stood empty for far too long, and he had to let it go to the odd gentleman that answered his ad in the local weekly, and his two friends. Despite the income and the handsome deposit, it just didn’t sit right with him. He knew that the three men would use the place for some temporary business work, probably commercial or industrial. Either way, it would tarnish the memories and reduce the quaintness of the place. Mr. Haversham’s worrying drove him to walk the two miles to the cottage to check in on the men and see that his fears were unwarranted. ...
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Fresh Blood
March 23, 2012
The day was dragging on and on. Erasmus was studying his twelfth case, going over the charges brought against suspected criminals, verifying the procedures that his inspectors and constables had applied, and looking over the list of evidence. His interest was not piqued by any of it. Except for the fact that out of all the cases he had looked at over the past three days, something was missing, but he would think about that later. The grandfather clock in the open floor area chimed quaintly for 2:30 in the afternoon. He looked out through the windows of his office and saw the bustle of the inspectors as they broke from busying themselves with the minutia of their jobs and got their afternoon tea. Erasmus sighed and wished he were outside on the streets getting real work done. Yes, yes, Dr. Pogue was right. He’d rather do anything than this boring fact checking, and would prefer chasing down some villain. ...
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The Three Tests
March 11, 2012
Erasmus and Sparky sat in Lord Ashleigh’s sitting room during the uncomfortably quiet minute after discussing the graph. Lord Ashleigh was unusually silent. The couple gave each other a knowing look, and Erasmus announced, “Well, I really must be going. I plan to meet with Dr. Pogue in the AM. Dr. McTrowell, it has been the loveliest of evenings. We must do this again some time.” ...
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One Thing Right
February 19, 2012
The main street of Clerkenwell enjoyed the steady illumination of a dozen or so gas lamps, which may have been fine to throw light on an evening stroll, but was a bit deficient for serious labor. In the darkness between two of the lamps, the sounds of a pair of men laboring with a heavy object could be heard. ...
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The Big Date
February 08, 2012
Sparky trotted up the steps to the front door of Jonathan Lord Ashleigh’s row house, and before she even reached for the knocker, Virat opened the door with both a smile and a bit of a bow. “Well, hello Virat!,” Sparky cheerfully exclaimed. Virat scooped her Gladstone bag out of her hand and proceeded to take it upstairs. Anu was standing in the sitting room with a tray of hot chai tea that she must have poured as soon as the cabriolet dropped Sparky off. ...
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Dancing in the Lab
January 24, 2012
The June midday sun shone on London’s district of Shadwell. The streets bustled with noontime errand runners and stocky cart-loading laborers. Erasmus sat uncomfortably in the hansom cab be hired to take him to see Dr. Pogue, and merely out of nervousness, glanced again at the address for Edmond in his logbook. This was his first visit to the doctor’s laboratory, and it seemed like a longer and bumpier ride than he had wished for. Then he plucked out his pocket watch and gave it a quick look. It had been four minutes since he last looked at it. Why did he dislike these carriage rides so much? Today’s theory was that having someone else steering the vehicle made him feel like he had lost some control over his life for the duration of the ride. But that was silly; he could redirect the driver at any moment. His fingers tapped the top of his cane. Only a few moments longer. ...
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Lady Amethyst and Her Gentleman Admirer
January 21, 2012
Last weekend, Drake and McTrowell made their way up to Long Beach, CA, and attended the Steampunk Symposium, which was held on the RMS Queen Mary. It was one of the most ambitious steampunk conventions they have taken part in. It lasting four days and was filled with presentations, movie shows, musical acts, magicians, dancers, fencing instruction, a blue-bearded pirate, a fabulous vendor room, and a raptor (birds) show. Sparky’s favorite band was there, Steam Powered Giraffe, and they rocked the house, as usual.
At the masquerade ball, the adventurous pair met up with Lady Amethyst and her mysterious gentleman admirer. They had a grand time, discussing past exploits and madcap heroic deeds. Lady Amethyst was kind enough to allow her image to be captured for inclusion into the Chief Inspector’s The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons. Luck would have it that the mysterious gentleman’s likeness was also recorded!
At the masquerade ball, the adventurous pair met up with Lady Amethyst and her mysterious gentleman admirer. They had a grand time, discussing past exploits and madcap heroic deeds. Lady Amethyst was kind enough to allow her image to be captured for inclusion into the Chief Inspector’s The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons. Luck would have it that the mysterious gentleman’s likeness was also recorded!
Lady Amethyst and Her Gentleman Admirer
Sparky was thrilled to meet the noted crypto-zoologist. “I’ve read all of her published works!,” Sparky declared, “how wonderful it was to meet her!” View the new Logbook entry to acquire the particulars that Erasmus gathered about this couple.
Want to add your character to the Logbook? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your character.
Just One More Thing
January 10, 2012
The warehouse was an old wooden structure nestled in between other old warehouses. Its wooden sides were once painted with some nondescript off-white color, but almost none of the pigment was left on the weathered walls. The boards had a tired patina of weathered wood exposed to sooty air. The two halves of the heavy double door in the front of the building sagged on their hinges just enough to prevent the doors from closing properly. In this eastern end of London there wasn't a great deal of activity, and from the triangle-shaped opening between the doors it was easy to hear the give-and-take of three angry men inside the warehouse. ...
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People of this Ilk
December 27, 2011
In the mid-day sun, the streets of Shadwell were busy with the comings and goings of the wives of the lascar, the South Asian seamen and fishermen who had populated the area. Their husbands were usually off working on cargo ships of the East Indian Company, so it appeared as if women were the only citizens of the London district. With the rarity of Asian women in London, it was common for a lascar to take a wife from the local area, even though they had been originally hired in Bengal, Assam, Gujarat, or Yemen. ...
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A Few Failed Experiments
December 14, 2011
Erasmus adjusted his gold and black cravat in the mirror and deftly pinned it in place to his starched white wing-tip collared shirt. He slipped on his black vest, buttoned it, and walked across his sizable room to complete his outfit with his black frock coat. The gas lamp near his doorway provided a steady yellowish light throughout the studio. Before donning his badge, he turned and looked about, wondering if Dr. McTrowell would find it homey, or empty and drab. ...
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The Impossible Challenge
November 28, 2011
Yin took Sarah by the hands, abruptly helped her to her feet, and practically lead her by the arm to her note-taking tools. Yin then guided Sarah to the stairs, up out of the tower, and out of the front door, all the while explaining the situation with Dr. Pogue.
“When we arrived at the hospital, most of the surgical staff was at a medical symposium. I put Dr. Pogue under immediate care of the nursing staff and went to Scotland Yard and asked Chief Inspector Drake for assistance. He recommended Dr. McTrowell, an excellent field surgeon. I was able to get to her residence and immediately acquire her assistance.” ...
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“When we arrived at the hospital, most of the surgical staff was at a medical symposium. I put Dr. Pogue under immediate care of the nursing staff and went to Scotland Yard and asked Chief Inspector Drake for assistance. He recommended Dr. McTrowell, an excellent field surgeon. I was able to get to her residence and immediately acquire her assistance.” ...
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Sheriff Jack Webster Added to the Logbook
November 22, 2011
One of the first people who volunteered to have their steampunk character be included in “The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons” was Dru Pagliassotti, the well-known author of An Agreement with Hell and Clockwork Heart (RT Book Reviews’ 2008 Winner: Best Small Press Contemporary Futuristic Novel, Named one of the 5 steampunk novels to read in Summer ’09). I met up with Dru while attending Gaslight Gathering, the San Diego steampunk convention, and was able to snap a photo of her character Sheriff Jack Webster. Since then, we’ve had a few email exchanges where Dru passed along a couple of more pictures for Jack’s web page. If you love great fiction, please consider picking up copies of Dru’s works. In the meantime, click on the link below and read about Sheriff Jack Webster!
Want to add your character? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your character.
Yet Another Logbook Entry: Dr. Edmond Pogue
November 21, 2011
When Katherine and I write the Adventures of Drake & McTrowell, we do what most writers do, we make stuff up. Every now and then, someone offers up a new character idea that’s too good to pass up. That was the case with the character Dr. Edmond Pogue, who was suggested to us by our good friend, fellow fencer, and steampunk enthusiast, Ed Pogue. Yeah, I know, we didn’t change the name very much to protect the innocent, but let’s be honest, there just weren’t any innocents around to protect.
Ed had a number of costumes for “Edmond,” but decided on this one for “The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons.” He also wore an overcoat, repurposed as a fancy lab coat, that was previously one of the costume pieces in the movie “Gangs of New York.” I guess its one of those odd little benefits of living in San Diego and being relatively close to Hollywood is that sometimes you find these things on sale.
As faithful readers know, Dr. Pogue is a critical part of the D&McT story line right now. Now, you no longer need to picture him in your head. Click on his link below and read all about him.
Ed had a number of costumes for “Edmond,” but decided on this one for “The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons.” He also wore an overcoat, repurposed as a fancy lab coat, that was previously one of the costume pieces in the movie “Gangs of New York.” I guess its one of those odd little benefits of living in San Diego and being relatively close to Hollywood is that sometimes you find these things on sale.
As faithful readers know, Dr. Pogue is a critical part of the D&McT story line right now. Now, you no longer need to picture him in your head. Click on his link below and read all about him.
Want to add your character? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your character.
The Mettle of Yin
November 14, 2011
The two figures at the bottom of the grey-white granite tower were busying themselves around two dark-brown worktables that had been pushed together. Dr. Edmond Pogue, the young scientist-for-hire, had his right arm buried up to the elbow inside on a tarnished oval brass chassis, trying to unfasten the internal components of a still-operational leg component on an Electric-Powered Automated Crawling Transport, or EPACT. His assistant, Sarah Slate, who had been in his employment for less than a week, stood nearby holding a clipboard and a Birmingham fountain pen, and cataloging the parts that Dr. Pogue removed in extreme detail, so that the contraption could be reconstructed. ...
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A New Entry to the Logbook: "Jonny B." Goode
November 06, 2011
We, Drake & McTrowell, attended the “Steampunk: History Beyond Imagination” exhibit at the Muzeo in Anaheim, CA, a few weeks ago. It was a great exhibit, showing a number of steampunk sculptures and artifacts. In fact, an entire room was exclusively Phil Foglio’s original hand drawings from Girl Genius! Great fun.
While there, we were spotted by Sky Marshal Jonathan Baines “Jonny B.” Goode. After an email exchange, Jonathan noticed that we offered to post steampunk characters’ pictures and details in “The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons.” He jumped at the chance. Take a gander at his entry.
While there, we were spotted by Sky Marshal Jonathan Baines “Jonny B.” Goode. After an email exchange, Jonathan noticed that we offered to post steampunk characters’ pictures and details in “The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons.” He jumped at the chance. Take a gander at his entry.
Want to add your character? Follow the directions on our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your character.
The Parisian Party
October 30, 2011
With a break in the narrative, Erasmus, Sparky, and Lord Ashleigh took a few seconds to stop and sip their port. Without warning but with perfect timing, the bedchamber door swung open and Virat appeared, a perfectly clean yellow scarf draped over his forearm. ...
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Steamcon III Swag!
October 12, 2011
We have a treat for those of you who will be at Steamcon III in Bellevue, WA, this week. If (when) you see us, approach us and identify us by name ("Hey, aren't you Drake & McTrowell?"), and we'll give you a nifty piece of swag: a D&McT pin or refrigerator magnet, your choice (while supplies last, and there aren't a lot, so don't be shy!). Not sure what we look like? Visit our Logbook page.
See you there!
Oh, yeah, one more thing. If you got to this site because you saw our ad in the Steamcon III newspaper, welcome! We have an on-going cyberserial story that we have been contributing to (pretty much) every week since July 2010. You can read the story from the beginning starting at this link. We have also been posting Drake & McTrowell related artwork. Just this week, we have also added a section of our web site for steampunks to submit a picture and description of your character. Details for submitting are located here.
Enjoy!
-- Drake & McTrowell
D&McT Artwork: Jake Rieman
October 11, 2011
Another artist that we visited at the Baltimore Comic Con this year (August 20, 2011) was Jake Rieman. Katherine loved his line work and use of color, so she commissioned a Drake & McTrowell piece. He took a very different approach, setting the pair of adventurers in a very steampunk 1850’s London.
We love the motion, and the way he captured the retro-futuristic aesthetic of steampunk in the transportation. Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake looks particularly natty with his red vest and tie. Looking at how good I look in gloves, I might have to get a pair for myself.
Back to Paris
October 10, 2011
Sparky read the letter from the Queen a couple more times, both to extract every possible meaning that the Queen may have placed in her words, and also to memorize the letter. She proceeded directly to the boiler room, and secretly deposited the letter into the glowing coals of the boiler fire. ...
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It is Finally Here! The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons!
October 09, 2011
Don't you just hate it when someone takes a picture of your steampunk character, and just tosses it up on the web without mention of the character's name, background, and description of all of the cool detailing you painstakingly added to your attire? It's about time you got credit for all that hard work. That's where “The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons” comes in.
Katherine and I have added a new section to the Drake & McTrowell website specifically for steampunks to submit pictures and details of their characters. I have added three of them so far:
Katherine and I have added a new section to the Drake & McTrowell website specifically for steampunks to submit pictures and details of their characters. I have added three of them so far:
Erasmus L. Drake
Dr. “Sparky” L. McTrowell
Mr. Jonathan Lord Ashleigh
For each character, there is a “thumbnail” picture in The Logbook of Intriguing and Noteworthy Persons, and an individual web page (see the links in the pictures above).
Want to add your character? Follow the directions at our Submitting and Terms of Use page. After it’s posted, your character will have its very own web page! A jolly good way to tell the world about your character.
D&McT Artwork: Mike Maihack
October 01, 2011
While Katherine and I were at the Baltimore Comic Con this year (August 20, 2011), we skirted around the crowded vendors hawking box after box of monthly comics, and headed straight for the artists’ alley. We had the chance to chat with a few of our ink & paint heros. Katherine spent some time with artist Mike Maihack, who is known for his beautiful watercolor work. Katherine commissioned a Drake & McTrowell illustration from him, and this is what he created. Check it out!
Incredible, huh?!? We keep catching ourselves staring at it and just saying, “Wow!” over and over.
Mike posted it online yesterday (September 30, 2011) at both his blog and at DeviantART.com. He also mentioned our cyberserial and included a link to DrakeAndMcTrowell.com. Well, Mike’s art draws quite a crowd, and with the click-through of the visitors from those two sites, we quadrupled the number of visitors to our site!
Oops. I just caught myself staring at it again. Wow! Just love the motion and how spot-on he got the shape and color of our outfits. Not to mention the steampunk background. Just amazing.
D&McT Artwork: Brandon Dayton
September 28, 2011
While attending the Alternative Press Expo (APE) back in October of 2010, which is held in beautiful San Francisco, CA, Katherine had the honor of commissioning a Drake & McTrowell sketch from Brandon Dayton (a wonderful artist, check out his art blog and 6 tips to get better at drawing).
She had some reference pictures, but actually ended up describing the characters more than anything. Brandon did a great job with the image, which we are proudly displaying in our Steampunk gallery.
She had some reference pictures, but actually ended up describing the characters more than anything. Brandon did a great job with the image, which we are proudly displaying in our Steampunk gallery.
The interesting part of the story is that Katherine fell in love with the idea of having the four button gloves that Brandon illustrated. Then she found a pair of red ones!
They go well with her McTrowell outfit (which has become “outfits,” as in more-than-one). So here is another case of life imitating art.
Meeting Farnsworth Again
August 30, 2010
Erasmus made his way through the crowd arriving at the nexus of the activity. There he found a man sprawled on the carpeted floor, clearly recovering from being knocked out cold. A red lump on his left cheek was starting to rise. The man’s eyes were just starting to adjust to focusing again. He raised his head. Erasmus extended a hand and bent over slightly in a formal gesture to help the man to his feet. ...
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To Munich!
September 26, 2011
Herr Axel Richter’s feet dangled, wishing to touch the floor. He was a slight, bookish man, with wisps of grey in his hair, and small round glasses. Björn Swenson, the Swedish airship captain, was pinning him against a support column, his two meaty fists clutching Herr Richter’s jacket lapels, the vest and shirt underneath, and a good bit of the man’s armpit skin. ...
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The Downhill Run
September 05, 2011
Erasmus, J.B., and Lord Ashleigh had been silently watching the final minutes of the regatta leg into Vaduz from the main hall. They saw the Iron Eagle’s nose retreat from the Burke & Hare’s final sprint, but when they heard the shouts of the crowd, they knew that they had taken the leg. ...
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Getting the Word Out at SteamCon III
August 23, 2011
We (Katherine and Dave) have been paying attention to the feedback that we’re getting from our loyal readers, and one of our consistent requests is that we add more to the Adventures of Drake & McTrowell website than just the running cyberserial story. So we’ll be adding some non-story Drake & McTrowell information. We also plan to have more pictures, illustrations, and the like; you know, visually interesting stuff.
So here we go with the first installment, just for you, dear reader.
Katherine and I will attending SteamCon III in Seattle, Washington, from October 14th through 16th. We will be there in full Drake & McTrowell regalia. We attended last year, and had a great time. One of the things that we enjoyed about it was that they had a daily newspaper for the convention that not only contained the events of the day, but also advertisements for the various steampunk vendors, authors, and web sites.
We decided this year to put in a 6x4 inch “ad” for our web site. The organizers just sent us an approval for our ad, so we wanted to share it with everyone.
We hope that it grabs the attention of a gagillion SteamCon attendees.
For those of you that attended last year’s SteamCon II, it was there that Dr. Sparky McTrowell and her crew won the Airship Regatta (as reported in the Seattle Times article)! The regatta was hosted by Girl Genius’s own Cheyenne Wright, the web comic’s colorist. Real fans of our cyberserial will jump with joy when they find out that the famous Seattle Times’ photo of Sparky piloting the balloon craft is on sale.
See you at the Con!!
The Valley Run
August 07, 2011
Like many of the non-crew, Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake had been watching the race from the common room that was the dining area just the evening before. At Krasnayarubashka’s outcry, he realized the race was over, and sprinted to the outside door leading to the catwalk. ...
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Pomp and Preparations
July 20, 2011
The first reaction to the announcement regarding the air winch cannons was stunned silence by the pilots at the table. If they didn’t understand Herr Zimmermann’s German, they apparently caught the gist of Willy Dampf’s English explanation. Suddenly, the table was all abuzz with pilots speaking in their native language to no one in general, and voicing how incredulous they were. ...
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The Marienplatz Confrontation
July 05, 2011
Erasmus pulled a chair up next to the lushly made bed that cocooned Sparky. Sparky needed to hear the rest of the story. Erasmus cleared his throat to begin the remainder of the tale, but word that Sparky had come to was making its way around the airship, and Erasmus would just have to wait. ...
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All In Good Time
June 26, 2011
The morning fog was lifting off the streets of London. Dew, which is beautiful as it settles over an English meadow, had a different effect on limestone city buildings: it made them slick to the touch and added a slight shine. Within minutes, the condensation formed rivulets on the stone walls, gathering the previous day’s soot as it trickled down in minute, running-mascara tears. ...
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Four Countries, Four Stories
June 12, 2011
A small stone building sat near the edge of a rocky cliff on the northern shore of Calais, France. The structure had an odd tower above it, topped with large parabolic dish fashioned from a collection of polished metal plates, pointed out across the English Channel. ...
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Look Down
May 25, 2011
The rest of the room faded away as Sparky concentrated on the perfectly wrapped package on the bed. She shook off the obvious guess as to who would have sent it. Perhaps, instead, it was a bon voyage package from Wallace, or a “good luck” gift from the crew for the regatta. But those were remote possibilities. ...
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Two Crates Marked FRAGILE
May 11, 2011
The interior of the lofty room was round, formed by carved grey-white granite block walls and floor. A wrought iron spiral staircase hugged the side of the room, linking the heavy door halfway up the tower to the floor below. Seven dark-brown tables formed a semi-circle, each one containing the gadgetry of an undertaking: chemistry apparatus on one, another with mechanical parts and tools, and so forth for each of the work surfaces. ...
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Curious to a Fault, in which Chief Inpector Drake is Introduced
July 19, 2010
The furniture wasn’t actually new. The desk showed signs of wear, and one of the drawers didn’t operate smoothly. The springs in the chair that allowed it to rock back a bit squeaked, and the wheels had seen better days. But for Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake, the office felt new. With his recently appointed title, and the office that went with it, Erasmus sat and looked out at the teams of constables, taking on the myriad of minor cases that had popped up today. But in the wake of the last major case, all of these were standard procedure, run of the mill crimes. The perpetrator was most likely known, in most cases already in lock up, and if protocol was followed properly, going to be tried and sentenced without incident. Three such cases had been turned over to the magistrate this morning. Scotland Yard was running in its usual efficient manner. ...
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The Lucid Dreams of Professor Farnsworth
August 02, 2010
Erasmus strode through the precinct with conviction, hoping to make daylight without disruption. He was not to be so fortunate. Having spied Erasmus’ appearance from his office and his beeline for the door, Sergeant Tate Parseval took it upon himself to see if he could intercept Erasmus and find out what would make the newly appointed chief inspector head out so early in the morning. This required the sergeant to make more haste than usual, shoving his chair back with an audible squeak, and making his way between the desks at a pace unusual for an office setting. ...
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The Enlightening Walk
August 16, 2010
Chief Inspector Drake was off on his usual fast pace. As is his tradition, he avoided the cabriolets, and any of the other wheeled conveyances, when simply walking through London was an option. He felt that the walk kept him sharp, and kept him tuned to the life on the London streets. This was one of the few philosophical points that he was quick to share with others. ...
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An Encounter with Ruffians
September 13, 2010
At the completion of the handshake, the tone in the room seemed lighter, and students went back to their tasks. Erasmus re-engaged the conversation with the red-headed student. “I appreciate your concern for my safety and composure. Whose acquaintance do I have the pleasure of making?” “I am Alistair Bennington Rutherford, son of Baron Rutherford of Oxford. I am the principle graduate student of Professor Farnsworth’s cadre.” “I wish that ...” Erasmus was interrupted by half a dozen or so scientists barging through the double doors, obviously reacting to the thunder clap that occurred less than a minute ago and the dust ejected out into the hall. ...
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A Tale for Sergeant Parseval
October 11, 2010
“Happy to see you, William. Fortuitous that you were here on Upper Gower Street,” Erasmus stated. “I really didn’t want to walk Professor Farnsworth all the way back down to Whitehall Place and have him in lock-up. All of his flailing around was unseemly. Much better to find out what he’s up to.”
“So what’s the old man’s game? What do you suspect?” the lad asked. ...
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“So what’s the old man’s game? What do you suspect?” the lad asked. ...
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The Three Dressmaker Dummies
October 25, 2010
London cooled as the sun disappeared behind city buildings, giving a soft orange glow to the rooftops in the west. The streets were crowded with the working and professional classes bustling off to whatever they did after the completion of their work day. For many, their destination was a simple apartment and a simple supper. Others were off to pubs and eateries, and for those with the means, private clubs. London took on an interesting mood during this transformation. ...
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Infant of a Nightmare
November 08, 2010
As it turns out, the gold statue that the Egyptian man had thought he had ownership of was on display at the Egyptian Court. Erasmus walked over and pondered it and its inscription. Despite the clamor of workman moving a statue of Ramses II, Erasmus felt the presence of a woman approaching him from behind. ...
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A Stout-Hearted Man
November 22, 2010
As he walked, Erasmus’ cane tapped out a cadence that bespoke his determination to get back to his flat. He thought back on his last five hours: organizing a team to seize the Professor Farnsworth’s electrical discharge device at the Egyptian Court, traveling with Farnsworth to the hospital, getting constables to volunteer to guard over him, scratching out the details of the day’s events on a commandeered hospital notebook, and requesting the Yard to find a scientist that could determine the nature and safety of the professor’s contraption for storage. Quite the ordeal. ...
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Colt Pocket 1849
December 06, 2010
Erasmus lifted the glass, and give it a sniff. Licorice, well, anise to be precise. Other unique aromatic spices came through, too, but not ones that he could discern. He then asked Alistair, “I understand why you’d want me to experience your elixir, but why the revolver?”
“Do you have any background in engineering or the hard sciences, Chief Inspector? Chemistry or physics?”
“No, not formally. I’ve learned this and that through my life, particularly in investigating cases where I’ve worked with experts. But certainly not university study.” ...
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“Do you have any background in engineering or the hard sciences, Chief Inspector? Chemistry or physics?”
“No, not formally. I’ve learned this and that through my life, particularly in investigating cases where I’ve worked with experts. But certainly not university study.” ...
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Limestone Plunderers
April 26, 2011
Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake switched to his commanding voice. “Follow me or all is lost!” His stride was demanding, headed for the western bridge that lead off Île de la Cité. Sparky and Lord Ashleigh were putting serious effort to stay a step behind the determined law enforcer. ...
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Mr. Woodhouse’s Replacement
April 13, 2011
After a few minutes in the shop, he had picked out a most magnificent necklace, with a wonderful display of colored gems surrounded by diamonds. His plan was simple: he would meet Gabrielle during his walk around Île de la Cité, he would make small talk, confess that he had temporarily gone along with her misunderstanding that he was a servant, produce the necklace, disclose that he was a viscount, and she would be swept off her feet at her good fortune. ...
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Dinner in Montmartre
March 28, 2011
The moonlight on the airship landing grounds was bright, enough so that no additional light was needed to make one's way around the tower to the Burke & Hare, whose cabin portholes leaked light into the night.
The couple walking up the structure were giddy with laughter, arms around each other's waists and helping hold each other up as they made the trek to the tower. The airship above threw an immense shadow across the field, due to the lowness of the moon. ...
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The couple walking up the structure were giddy with laughter, arms around each other's waists and helping hold each other up as they made the trek to the tower. The airship above threw an immense shadow across the field, due to the lowness of the moon. ...
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Landing in Paris
March 08, 2011
Glued to the door, Sparky and Erasmus stayed there for the duration of Mr. Wallace’s interruption. It’s seemed that Wallace’s jab at Sparky’s marital status was just a play to flush her out if she was within earshot. Sparky knew this, and wasn’t going to fall for it. Erasmus could read all of this on her relaxed reaction, and knew that she was not going to join Wallace in this bit of cat-and-mouse. ...
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A Pretty Face
February 21, 2011
Erasmus looked up from his note and glanced at Sparky’s identical note. “May I accompany you to Lord Ashleigh’s cabin?,” he asked Dr. McTrowell with a slight smile.
“I’d be delighted,” Sparky replied.
Erasmus retrieved his cane from the nearby wall where he had left it, and putting a well-mannered crook in his left arm, offered it to Sparky. She slid her right hand in, and they proceeded toward the main passageway, walking a bit slower than they would normally on their own, lingering in the moment. ...
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“I’d be delighted,” Sparky replied.
Erasmus retrieved his cane from the nearby wall where he had left it, and putting a well-mannered crook in his left arm, offered it to Sparky. She slid her right hand in, and they proceeded toward the main passageway, walking a bit slower than they would normally on their own, lingering in the moment. ...
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A Serious Knock
February 07, 2011
“You like?”
Scotland Yard’s Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake answered uncharacteristically with his mouth half full. “I like!”
The new French bakery had opened near Trafalgar Square, about midpoint in Erasmus’ morning walk from his apartment above the Olde Cheshire Cheese to 4 Whitehall Place. Erasmus was trying one of their freshly baked croissants, after the proprietor, Jacques, has dunked one end in an open jar of strawberry jam. Erasmus had only stopped by to see the new store, and see if he could get something reasonably small to eat on his commute. ...
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Scotland Yard’s Chief Inspector Erasmus Drake answered uncharacteristically with his mouth half full. “I like!”
The new French bakery had opened near Trafalgar Square, about midpoint in Erasmus’ morning walk from his apartment above the Olde Cheshire Cheese to 4 Whitehall Place. Erasmus was trying one of their freshly baked croissants, after the proprietor, Jacques, has dunked one end in an open jar of strawberry jam. Erasmus had only stopped by to see the new store, and see if he could get something reasonably small to eat on his commute. ...
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Airship Regatta Broadsheet
February 04, 2011
Curious as Drake? Adventuresome as McTrowell?
Calling all good Londoners!
Travel on the Burke & Hare to the Multinational Airship Regatta!
Transfer the image of the broadsheet below to your personal analytical engine by pursuing the link corresponding with the broadsheet image below. A Portable Document Formatted version of the broadsheet will be displayed or transferred, depending on your configuration.
Suitable for framing or posting in main thoroughfares. ...
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Quite the Gentleman
January 24, 2011
Catching women, that's my job this week, thought Erasmus. Sparky was fairly light in his arms, and fading in and out of consciousness. He placed her delicately on the operating table where she had just performed a life-saving operation. And what was that she said about death? It sounded like a quote, but not one that he was familiar with. ...
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Counterbalancing a Sarcophagus
January 08, 2011
Erasmus made his way through the morning fog toward Hyde Park, today’s copy of the Times in hand, mulling over yesterday’s excitements. Erasmus’ scan of the first few pages over his morning’s Earl Grey revealed the professor’s recapture didn’t get the lead article, but it was prominent enough to keep the good work of Scotland Yard in the minds of the readers. ...
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The Smell of Cocoa
January 05, 2011
Erasmus awoke with a start. Something just wasn’t right, and he had to figure out what it was. He decided that he would rush through his morning routine, which was not his usual. Early rising and being the first to work was not his style. It went against his natural tendencies and clashed with his philosophy. But this morning was different. And to make it worse, it was his gut that drove him forward, and so he needed to figure out the particulars of this instinctual response. ...
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Clockwork Puzzle
June 03, 2012
The hansom ride from the Great Exhibition back to Dr. Pogue’s residence went by quickly. During the trip, Sparky was excited and quite talkative about the positive reception she received regarding her mechanical surgeon’s assistant.
“Did you see their reaction when I used the outer arms to hold the forceps while making two simultaneous tool changes with the inner arms? I don’t think they were expecting the assistant to give the surgeon that many useful hands. And I think there were five different medical journal reporters there. This may get a great deal of attention in the press.” ...
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“Did you see their reaction when I used the outer arms to hold the forceps while making two simultaneous tool changes with the inner arms? I don’t think they were expecting the assistant to give the surgeon that many useful hands. And I think there were five different medical journal reporters there. This may get a great deal of attention in the press.” ...
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