A passably-organized scrapbook | Engines of Ascension

fen
Chesterfields

Morbo finds steampunk quaint

Posts: 56

A passably-organized scrapbook Mar 2, 2017 16:39:41 GMT -5

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Post by fen on Mar 2, 2017 16:39:41 GMT -5

Sitting in Allison's apartment somewhere is a weather-worn, leather book, most of its pages blank. The ones that aren't are covered in doodles, one-two sentence comments or reminders to self, or shopping lists. Newspaper clippings and fliers are sometimes glued to some of the pages, while letters and other correspondence are occasionally tucked away as well.

fen
Chesterfields

Morbo finds steampunk quaint

Posts: 56

A passably-organized scrapbook Mar 2, 2017 16:57:00 GMT -5

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Post by fen on Mar 2, 2017 16:57:00 GMT -5

Jammed between pages near the beginning of the book is a clipping from the Neermore Fen Bulletin, dated to Autumn, 1750

Tragic Fire Strikes Gunsmith's Workshop!
by Herald Fletcher Smith

The Caravan District was a scene of chaos in the late evening last last week as the workplace of Gregory Collingswood, resident gunsmith and arms dealer, was ravaged by fire. Collingswood's body was found in the rubble early the next morning. Neighbors had commented that they had seen nothing unusual, and that Collingswood had often worked late into the night.

Collingswood, a father of two, had spent years providing resupplying caravans going into the Cassian Wetlands Republic and points east. The blaze was contained before it could affect the neighboring stables and market stalls, with city officials stating that the weekly farmer's market will open on schedule. Local constables are still investigating, with gunpowder accident or kiln fire not being ruled out.

Collingswood's widow has stated that services will be announced soon. At least two local taverns have announced efforts to provide a relief fund for the family.

Last Edit: Mar 2, 2017 16:58:53 GMT -5 by fen

fen
Chesterfields

Morbo finds steampunk quaint

Posts: 56

A passably-organized scrapbook Mar 2, 2017 21:17:58 GMT -5

Quote

Post by fen on Mar 2, 2017 21:17:58 GMT -5

More towards the center of the scrapbook is a letter, dated within the past several months

Dearest sister,

You're a right bitch for going so long without writing.

Seriously, last you wrote you had signed onto caravan duty for a train bound to to the Free Three. I had to hear from Jeffrey Highcastle (you remember him? He grew up three houses down. He's in the freight business now too) that 'shit had gone down outside Tersona'. You couldn't have mentioned that in your last letter? That is so bloody like you.

In response to your last, three sentence letter (Maybe open with 'Hello sister!" rather than just 'Hey, I had a question' next time? Fuck), I managed to wrangle a copy of the old coroner report from you-know-when. Officially it was ruled an accident, though the coroner left some notes about some oddities. I'm not sure how any of this is going to help. It's been 15 years, Allie. What does any of this mean now? We both need to move on.

I enclosed the notes so you didn't think I was pulling your leg. I had to call in a lot of favors to get it, and you better get me some of that good Matagan wine next time you visit.

You're fucking welcome.
-Piper

PS - maybe consider writing mum sometime?

fen
Chesterfields

Morbo finds steampunk quaint

Posts: 56

A passably-organized scrapbook Mar 13, 2017 0:53:51 GMT -5

Quote

Post by fen on Mar 13, 2017 0:53:51 GMT -5

A more recent page contains a pair of clippings from the Neermore Fen Bulletin, dated Spring 1762

Deaths

Daniel Smith, Age 58, was found dead in his home last weekend. The corner has confirmed the cause of death to be heart attack. He is survived by his wife, three children, and eight grandchildren. Services will be held next month.

James Kelly, Age 32, son of local caravan network operator Hollis Kelly, was found dead in the fens outside Neermore. Kelly's body was found with a gunshot wound to the leg, covered with wounds and lacerations consistent with a boar attack. Constables suspect a tragic hunting accident, but have yet to close the case. Considering the Hollis Caravan Corporation's checkered past, there have been suggestions in some circles of more nefarious involvement. Unsurprisingly. There is no comment from Hollis Caravans regarding the incident.

Marcel Covington, Age 42, was found dead after falling off his roof while extremely intoxicated. The only comment from his wife was simply, "Sadly, you can't tell a dead person "I told you so."

Marriages

Terry Douglas, jeweler and proprieter of Douglas Jewelry, has married Jane Ramsey, formerly of Calidor. Douglas is on the record as saying that unlike his previous two marriages, this one will be 'the charm'.

Martha Davis, daughter of local innkeep Charles Davis, has married Adam Keating, owner of Keating's Stables of the Southbridge neighborhood. The wedding attendance was two hundred people.

Piper Collingswood, stable owner and daughter of late gunsmith Gregory Collingswood, has married Sebastian O'Toole of the Winding Trails Caravan Company during a small service was held at the local Cathedral. Piper's sister Allison, and Sebastian's brother Peter were in attendance.

Last Edit: Mar 20, 2017 0:47:19 GMT -5 by fen

fen
Chesterfields

Morbo finds steampunk quaint

Posts: 56

A passably-organized scrapbook Mar 20, 2017 0:47:02 GMT -5

Quote

Post by fen on Mar 20, 2017 0:47:02 GMT -5

A hand written note is slipped into one of the pages, accompanied by what looks like a shipping manifest dated to 1762.

A.C.,

You drive a hard bargain, but you did the job as asked. As I said, I won't ask any questions about how you got Fortier and Sons' people off of my back. I saw they put out an ad for new caravan help though. Funny that. Regardless you did my people a big favor, so thank you.

Enclosed is the manifest for the route you asked for. The goods will be loaded up in Hellwyle. As you see, it's mostly fancy goods from the Free Three - glass, wine, silk, that fancy shit. I didn't take you as the fancy cup sort, but it takes all sorts, right?

You ever been to Calidor? That's where his freight is going. Good luck getting in. I heard some rumor that the place has been on lockdown. Some kind of illness or something going through the wards.

Sam Kelly is the freight manager in the Calidor office. Punch his lights out for me. That asshole's been hiring people to attack our freight for years.

I'm giving you all this because you did me a favor, and promised you weren't after the goods. Tell anyone about this, and I will deny everything.

-F

Last Edit: Apr 17, 2017 21:27:25 GMT -5 by fen

fen
Chesterfields

Morbo finds steampunk quaint

Posts: 56

A passably-organized scrapbook Mar 20, 2017 1:23:31 GMT -5

Quote

Post by fen on Mar 20, 2017 1:23:31 GMT -5

A letter in fine, flowing handwriting.

November, 1764

Senora Collingswood

Many thanks for your report. I am deeply sorry that your caravan had to suffer such hardship. I was happy to see that you recovered nicely from your injuries.

Upon further investigation of the site we have came to the same conclusions as your witness report - an ambush of Senor Fonseca's caravan. Based on shell casings and the armor on bodies left behind at the scene, I agree with you that they seemed better armed and prepared than standard brigands. However, they had no identifying markers and none of them were associated with any known bands of mercenaries, criminals or other groups.

Senor Fonseca has sadly been less than helpful in helping us determine who might have done this. He was under the impression that all hands were lost, apparently unaware of your survival. Sadly, unless we have more information, I am aware that you may not be at liberty to discuss Senor Fonseca's business dealings, but trust me when I say you may be better off no longer being involved in Senor Fonseca's employ. As it stands, without more information there is little we can do to bring your attackers to justice.

We found some remnants of your missing effects. Alas, your rifle did not survive the fall. Disappointing, as my men saw the results of its handiwork.

Enclosed, as requested, are arrangements for your return back to Gineas. My men will ensure you reach your caravan safely. If you have any further information do let us know.

May your next trip to Tersona be less... eventful.

Captain Arteta,
Tersona Guard

Last Edit: Mar 20, 2017 1:41:24 GMT -5 by fen