Of Flight & Fancy

Another few months of unbearable silence followed by sudden inspiration and a rush to finish projects and get them out. Would you have it any other way? I hope the answer is yes, but hope you can live with no. I actually have two products for today, both with the usual mix of style, flair, and fashionable lateness. I won't bore you with details except to say as ever, I'm proud to finally be able to release these to all of you.

~ * ~

The Autogenica Institute Briefing

As you are all well aware, the Autogenica Institute is the modern presence of a foundation begun by Professor Allen in the early 20th Century. His disappearance at some point during those hundred years, along with the loss of much of his work has always been regarded as a mystery. Still, the occasional archive record or unearthed research paper do manage to find their way back to us; it is one such record we are happy to reveal today.

After the creation of U-NA, Professor Allen felt drawn to further expanding upon the technology it offered. The idea of bending light to form objects within our three dimensional space excited him. So he took to task of trying to develop the technology into something usable. Sadly he never managed to get very far. He was only ever able to create a faceless shape with the help of a laboratory's worth of inventory and machinery. It became a spectacle, but little else.

Thankfully we have managed to find schematics of the technology involved, both for the original technology of U-NA and the prototype model, dubbed LucIA for LUCent Interactive Automaton. The journals we have managed to recover along with them have him compare the process to shadowboxes and hand puppets along the wall. We've managed to rebuild the early version of Lucia, and with the help of modern technology and advances Professor Allen could only dream of at the time we've refined her projector down to a portable spine. Her core personality has also been upgraded and we're happy to say she has so far been a complete success.

We hope that the project will show you the benefit of the Autogenica Institute, and why we continue the work we do. There is much in the past left to learn, things that can benefit us now. Like Lucia.

Excerpt from Professor Allen's Journal

I never met another man quite like Jules; a thinker and a wordsmith whom always had his head in the clouds. Conversations with him were a delight and always inspiring. It was hardly a difficult choice to honor him with my latest creation, a framework that can be strapped to your back and allow flight towards the highest reaches of our Earth. Jules' Fantastical Flying Framework, I only wish he could be here to see the things he's wrought and the ideas he had come to life.

~ * ~

Released for your enjoyment and perusal at Autogenic Alchemy @ Autogenica Noctem, Twilight Tears. A culmination of much and hopefully the beginning of more. There may even be something special to give back to the community soon, a certain prototype that might be made available. Make sure to check back for news on that.

U-NA: Unas Novitas Automaton

It's been a long time coming in more ways than one. U-NA was originally created for a Contest at the Museum of Robots far too long ago, nothing but a fun bit of design with a basic story behind her. There she languished in my inventory as a project I always meant to turn into more but never got around to doing. I'm terribly proud to finally be able to say I have. No long intro for this one needed, it's been a long time coming.

~ * ~

Professor Allen's Journal

Days turned into weeks and weeks became months; so much time spent, but not lost. Reconstructing the missing part of the gear and restoring it became an obsession well worth the time. No matter what else happened during those months, it made little difference in the end. The only thing that matters is that it was finished, completed; and so it was.

I could hardly believe my eyes as the construct began to take form and shape. It all seemed so simple in retrospect that I wondered how no one had thought of it before. Other parts I realized had been, recognizing them from the work of myself and others in the field. I felt almost ashamed, as if I was looking at the answers to a quiz that I hadn't studied for. I felt somehow unworthy of it all, but still savored every drop of knowledge it gave me.

And so it is, completed and finished. I feel fulfilled and yet somehow incomplete. All the time I worked on it and now, I'm done, I'm finished. I scarcely know what to do now. It'll pass, already I feel the knowledge settling down and inspiring my future works. Yet I wonder how long I can continue down this path, of building and construction. I feel the world has passed us inventors by, instead finding art in other places than in the world of science. Perhaps I should turn my eye to fashion...

~ * ~

Released for your enjoyment and perusal at Autogenica Noctem @ Twilight Tears. A culmination of much and hopefully the beginning of more.

The Coin-Operated Boy

It's not easy being a Scientist, you have experiments to run, universes to create, probabilities to collapse. Mucking about with the time space stream causes a lot of problems, you see. Sometimes you just forget what day it is, or month, or year...or epoch. This is why we have our faithful Chrono-witch, helping us out when we accidentally destroy the timeline. In summary, this post is nearing a Month late, for those of you with Linear Time Views, so I'm sorry. I do hope none of you have ceased to exist due to the glitches in time.

~ * ~

Throughout history, there has been no force nor emotion as praised, glorified, feared, and revolted as much as one. Love, that eternal bind between souls, that exerts itself upon us in so many varied ways. The love of siblings, of family, of friends, and of lovers. Love, no matter the number, is a worthy if not oft reviled emotion. So what of those with none?

Even at the beginning, I knew I had done grievous wrong to one of my most cherished creations. Though the Tinies were built, each in a pair at least, my first creation was not. She was designed and built to stand alone, through two iterations even. A clockwork consort eagerly awaiting the arms of you the customer, left by herself otherwise.

No, I say, no more shall I let such travesty stand, no more shall I let her while her life away waiting for the next pair of lips, or tender embrace. Though she will and always has been designed for such amour, I shall not let her remain alone. With such in mind I built in rapt fury, molding and reshaping the iron at my hands, engraving the metal with nerves of golden brass.

I created, as I do, another...

Cecil, the Clockwork Casanova. Lover, Brother, Friend, he is what he must be, or whatever the imagination craves. Love is, after all, a multi-faceted gem upon the spectrum of emotions, and I am not one to bind it into one narrow category or possibility. What is important, is that CiCi is no longer alone, and hopefully, with his introduction into the world, there will be others who too are not alone. Who find in him what they need for their heart.

Be well out there, and remember that love is many things, and that the future heralds a time when no one will truly be alone. There is, however, no reason that time cannot be now, with a CiCi, or a Cecil, at your side.

~ * ~

I bid you farewell now. Consider this a belated Anniversary Gift. One year of service that I've hoped you've all enjoyed. Also consider it a not so timely blush of that Holiday of February that I dare not name. In the end, whether one has someone or not, Love is something to be celebrated, not on any one day, but every day one has loved ones to do so. Time is shorter then you know it; trust me, I've seen it.

Adventure!

Never let anyone say Adventure is easy to come by! This is an announcement long in the making and we apologize for the delay. The Chrono Witch managed to fix the Time Distortion only by jumping Autogenic Labs ahead a month or two. We'll be catching up with events while you see what we've been up too!

~ * ~

Attention readers, this just in off the news wire: Explosions, Chases, Exploration, and DANGER! Why yes it's Adventure! at every turn here at Autogenic. There's nothing quite like it to get the pulse racing and clockwork hearts ticking. And you'd be hard pressed to find more of it then you'll get with Autogenic's latest pair of creations. From high-flying antics, to underwater ruins, we have it all, and you can have it too.

Corsair McCloud, master of the skies, and accomplished Aeronaught. No stranger to danger, he's seen the whole world from the cockpit of his favorite plane, the Maelstrom. Action and adventure follow him as his most faithful of allies, always sure to appear right when he least expects it. Straight from the Pulp Novels that came out of the Turn of the Century this is one Iron Tiny with nerves of steel! Sure to keep everyone riveted to the edge of their seats with his next high flying adventure!

Cordelia Marise compliments our flyboy with her deep sea dives and explorations of a world long forgotten. She's seen her fair share of danger and excitement, coming across such horrible beasts as the Killer Clownfish, and the Black Seahorse of the Chessire Reefs. She has also had her share of wonderment and awe from the beauty of it, all documented in her bestselling book "The Unbelievable Underwater Creature Compendium". She's one girl who proves that you don't need an empty space in your head to have real adventure!

These two are most assuredly the start of new tales that will be weaved over time, each new adventure adding to the tapestry of their life! You'll thrill at their talents, you'll gasp at their generosity, you'll swoon at their secrets. The adventure of a lifetime is ready, and remember Corsair's motto: "Seek Adventure, Before it Seeks You!"

~ * ~

...did what? Oh, welcome back! I was just finishing catching up with what we've missed here at Autogenic. I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got a Perky Sidekick to fill in. So let me just leave you with my usual guarantee that these Tinies are as always Mix& Matchable with their brothers and sisters, and that if I do say so myself, they both come with the most amusing stories I've yet written for the Iron Tiny line. If I get support, I might think about making more tales about the two. As always, enjoy and remember friends, ADVENTURE NEVER WAITS!

Thank you,
Fawkes Allen
Primventor

Music in the Air

Warning, due to possible interference in the Time Stream, this post may not be posted when it says it was posted. We have the best Chrono Witch on the case and hope to have it fixed soon. Till then, enjoy the announcement.

~ * ~

Music, the eternal sound that resonates through out human civilization. From the cradle of Mesopotamia, to the skies of Arcadia, music is something that has been, and always will be created, listened too, and adored. It is the binding beauty of community, and the wondrous rapture of life. It changes, it adapts, it evolves, but it remains, and now it has done so again. Two new Iron Tinies have been brought forth to the world, to entertain and excite.

Crescendo della Tempo, the Male of the pair, is better known around the lab as the Maestro. Built with the potential for greatness, he was made to learn music from scratch, in the hope he'd be more then a music box. With the hope that his music would have emotion, heart, and flaws. He was a masterpiece, and with time came greatness indeed. Conducting his symphonies at Theatres across the known world.

Carmen de la Muse, the Female of the pair, is a bit different. Where Crescendo was content to stay at home Carmen had spirit! She learned the movement of dance and the enjoyment of song, and with that left to make her name in the world. She went from England to Europa, from Shanghai to India. She went across the world, seeing every stage, and capturing every heart. She occasionally finds her way back home, to where her family is waiting for her, but she never stays.

With these two done, Autogenic Alchemy feels it has done its service to the world of music. As such, it is happy to offer two wonderful Automatons that each understand the soul of lyrical passion, and hopes that you'll enjoy them both as well. With talent, and with time, you could have the next Maestro, and with patience, and grace, you could see the birth of a new star for the stage.

As always, the release of these two Iron Tinies also marks the release of their Plushie versions. Just as adorable as the full size models, they'll be sure to entertain well and make a wonderful gift.

~ * ~

I dearly hope you'll enjoy both of these new creations. I've tried my best to capture music where I can into their design. I also hope you'll enjoy the possibilities they offer for Clockwerk & Penny, both having outfits that are usable for the earlier two Tinies. Either way, enjoy and we'll hope to have the interference in the time stream fixed by the next announcement.

Thank you,
Fawkes Allen
Primventor

Introducing Iron Tinies

Evening Autogenica readers, this is the announcement we here at Autogenic Alchemy have been waiting to give. No point me going on about it here, so read on and enjoy.

~ * ~

As we march on into the new century we find ourselves with new needs and desires that touch upon the ageless quests of civilization. Information comes at us from all sides, and no longer do we have the time to learn it all, nor can we, short of cloning or time paradox, truly do it all even if we did learn. And so, the Renaissance Man has become, if not an impossibility, an improbability. Yet, technology can once more become our savior in this regard, with ways to learn quicker, or spread yourself over many tasks at once.

Autogenic however, offers a simpler solution for those not willing to subject themselves to the bleeding edge of science. We offer a solution used in Autogenic's Labs, Shop, and the personal homes of our designers in order to experience and accomplish much in the sadly shortened time frame mortal life offers us. Today, we proudly announce and offer the latest in modern clockwork and steam technology, the Iron Tinies.


Clockwerk & Penny are the first in a line of Iron Tiny creations, each designed with abilities that range from the every day to the fantastic, letting them help you with whatever you may need. A quirky personality and the ability to mix and match their parts lets you truly take these clockwork characters and make them your own for whatever task you have for them!

The possibilities become endless when you own one of our Iron Tinies, let Penny write out that story that's been trapped in your head, or perhaps let Clockwork meet and greet your guests, or, if you're particularly brave, let him help on your inventions. Either way, with one of Autogenic's Iron Tinies, the world is at your fingertips within a time frame that still lets you enjoy afternoon tea.

'Priceless Plushie'

In celebration and recognition of the release of our Iron Tinies, Autogenic is also releasing a slightly updated version of the crowd favorite Clockwerk Plushie for sale under the 'Priceless' system. The only difference will be that Clockwerk's Version will not refund 1L payments. The Iron Plush version of Clockwerk will be sold along with the rest of the line of Iron Plushies, but be the only one sold under Priceless. Each will come equipped with the same ability to let you speak through them from the original, along with a holding animation thankfully provided by Pandora Wrigglesworth.

You can as always, find these wonderful creations at our store Autogenic Alchemy, and we hope to see you there soon.

~ * ~

I hope you all enjoy the release, we've been looking forward to these for a while now, and I'm happy to finally be able to announce them. You'll be able to find the Tinies in the brand new Victorian Display Tube Vendor, and the plushies will be around it in tiny Eggs. Comments are open for those of you who want to offer them. As always, thank you all and enjoy.

Thank you,
Fawkes Allen
Primventor

So Very Busy With the Things You Never See

It has been quite some time since we've updated, hasn't it?

Well, soon we'll have more. Our talented primventor has been busily manufacturing more in the Iron Plushie line--so soon Clockwerk Clickerclack will have a companion, and both are also being fashioned into wearable tiny avatars.

There may be even more in the works, soon, so...watch this space!

Astonished and Delighted, and Quite Some Small Bit Stunned

This morning, whilst Mr. Allen perusing the Aether for proper Victorian/Steampunk fonts, he came across a mention of Dr. Fabre's blog. Not thinking it had any connection to the grid we know and love, he clicked it, and lo and behold...our little piece of Penzance is currently the second entry in his blog.

Oh, my. We are...flabbergasted. And amazed? And might I even say awed.

Thank you, Dr. Fabre! We'll do our best to live up (or, in my case, sideways) to your kind words!

Catnip Clockwork Arrives at Autogenic!

It was supposed to be something to keep her occupied.

Fawkes Allen sighed, shaking his head, looking at the distinct nibble marks on his latest creation. He was a Scientist, a Primventor, there was much he could do on his own, but as everyone should know, Mad Science needs the Audience, the Assistant.

And so far, he was stuck with Emi, who was capable enough, when she didn't flutter off to shop for hair, or took up his lab space, cackling over creating clockwork fruit, or secreted herself off in the attic, growing her own eyes--

He sighed again. He knew exactly where his gas chromatograph had gone. And now this.

He went upstairs, through her oddly staggered system of teleporters, and found more prototype mice in their home.



"Emi," he started, sighing, and then stopped, blinking down. His assistant was curled up on the wooden floor nearly around one of the clockwork mice, giggling rather maniacally. She was tossing one of the prototypes into the air, batting at it, and letting it fall to the ground. She was...more than slightly on the emerald side.

"Why..." he started, and then stopped. It was always tricky asking shapeshifters why they looked the way they looked. Finally he decided just to ask.

"Why are you--green?"

She shrugged a little, eyes bright. "Too much copper, I think."

"Too much--what?" He dropped to kneel beside her, and only then noticed the one she was mostly obscuring with her knee. This one had more than nibble marks on the metal. This one was...missing...gears.

"Emi! You didn't!"



"They smelled like catnip! And they wouldn't stop racing around!"

He looked at the other early prototypes of the clockwork mouse, shaking his head once more. They weren't racing now. In fact, the wheels spun on all of them, but they didn't so much move across the floor anymore.

"What did you do?" he asked patiently.

"I caught them," she said, giggling. She tossed the one into the air again. "They're ever so much fun to play with...they squeak like real mice!"



Catnip Clockwork the Mouse!

~--*--~

Catnip Clockwork is a fully working clockwork mouse. With moving parts and gears. Sadly, he's not the smartest mouse, and though the wheels are turning, he isn't really getting anywhere. Do not despair however! Equipped with a pouch of Catnip inside, when wound up he becomes a wonderful plaything for cats and catpeople alike! Don't miss out on owning your very own Catnip Clockwork the Mouse! He's cute, he's cuddly, he may eat all your cheese.

Thanks,
Fawkes Allen

~--*--~

Contact Fawkes Allen, Premiere Primventor with questions or suggestions.

Come see him.



Catnip retails for L$200 and is a fully working clockwork rodent, capable of being wound up and wound down. Comes with his own supply of catnip and a small variety of squeaking noses. He is made of--

Fawkes Allen stops transcribing when Emi races across the storefront. What on earth is it now, he thinks, and takes off after here.

"You get away from my GRAPEFRUIT!" she yells.



"Emi..."

"He's going to eat it! I know! GET AWAY from that bowl!"

He strokes her hair, shaking his head again. Did other Mad Scientists have these problems?

"You need to make him some clockwork cheese..." Emi mutters.

"No," he says. Then he grins.

"Have another?" He steps back as she squeals and pounces on top of the table, the distinctive neko ears and tail restoring as she captures the clockwork mid-shift.

He coughs slightly into the transcription device.

We'll keep some safe from her. They are out now at Autogenic.

Clockwork Citrus? Why Yes!

Finally, there's a working clockwork orange on the grid!



What?

In point of fact, there are currently three--from left to right in the picture above, you see our Clockwork Blood Orange, our original Clockwork Orange, and our new Clockwork Grapefruit.

They all tick, they are windable, and they retail for 25 Linden apiece. :)

Come see them.