by C. Mahood
C. Mahood
The Cartographer’s Diary
C. Mahood
In association with PanicPress
2016 All rights owned by C Mahood
Cover & Illustrations by C.Mahood
Copyright © PanicPress & C.Mahood
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Table of Contents
Steampunk & Me
The Cartographers Diary
Steampunk & Me
The Word “Steampunk” was first spoken to me when talking to an old friend of mine during a game of D&D. My character was a Halfling, Neutral good, Rogue, and I had constructed a blunderbuss rifle from parts in my last raid. The GM looked at the drawing is had done in the little portrait box of my character sheet and said, “That’s a while steampunk looking hobbit there!” I was not sure what that meant but the punk attitude is something I have always prided myself on. And steam, a Victorian/Georgian visual with a sci-fi ultra modern tech plus a sprinkle of sci-fi and fantasy? I’m there! This was over 12 years ago and I am still discovering new elements to the Genre.
Now, to discuss some of my favourite games. The first ones that came to mind for me were the games in the Final Fantasy series. Namely FFVI, FFVII and FFIX. The idea of a floating boat with sails and balloons was such an amazing concept for me. It reminded me of “Treasure Planet” one of my favourite Disney animated movies. Again the sense of nautical adventure in a sci-fi setting suited me down to the ground. It was a place my imagination gravitated to. The idea of a crew, overcoming obstacles, bonding together, facing danger and excitement and being moulded into a hero, sometimes unwillingly, throughout the story. I surrounded myself in the genre before I really knew it was a genre. The visuals, settings and gadgets had me enthralled. To mention some more inspiration may aid in understanding my mind. The visuals in Alan Moore’s Graphic novel “The league of extraordinary gentlemen” was magnificent! I had a copy of it at high school and later bought the collection (part one and two) which inspired me to read some works of H.G Wells. I already had the visuals in my head of what was described in those books. I longed for a good new game or movie to come out to truly see what I had imagined. The Movie based on Alan Moore’s comics, stating Sean Connery, was woeful in my opinion. The closest I we got in film to the genre was Van Hellsing, staring Hugh Jackman or Sherlock Holmes, staring Robert Downey Jr. The latter being far superior to the former. For me however, The movie (And book) “Stardust” Featured a crew of a flying boat/ship. I instantly fell in love with the captain and characters, and based Captain Todd from this book on The character portrayed by Robert De Niro. The Anabelle was based on both “The Highwind” from FFVII and the “Prima Vista” from FFIX. More inspiration came from games such as Bioshock 1&2 and Bioshock:Infinate. Parts of this story are very inspired by a cross between “Rapture” meeting “20,000 leagues under the sea.”
Like most of my stories, I gave up looking for a book, movie or game that incorporated all of my favourite elements, so instead, wrote one that did.
I truly hope you enjoy this Novella, I absolutely loved writing it and am so proud of what it has become.
As this is my passion, I want to share it with you for free! All I ask in return is that you review on Goodreads and share with your friends, asking them to do the same.
Not much to ask really is it?
A simple rating and review for a year of my life? *Guilt Trip*
Once again, I REALLY hope you enjoy.
Many thanks,
C.Mahood
Dear Reader,
Please find enclosed a collection of Diary and Journal entries from the Crew of “The Anabelle” and many others, compiled by George Thomas. I have inserted a collection of his notes within these pages. They detail his findings of each dimension he visited. – B.Ironforn
The Cartographers Diary
Diary of George Thomas, Cartographer of IDLSSW
January 15th
Year of the Pidgeon
The Recently completed Inter-dimensional library for the study of similar worlds has commissioned me with the task of documenting both my experiences in these uncharted worlds, and to provide an adequate travel guide, of both endangerments and key points of interest. I shall record my findings in the format of written word, as it is easiest to mass produce in the growing, fine age of, his majesty’s royal printing press. I shall begin each journey through the newly, and fully functioning Inter dimensional ship terminal. Or for those users of the new-speak tongue, the ''Inter Term' or commonly refereed to by the more comedic of folk as the I.D.S.T.'
My main form of travel will obviously be the S-345 Triple rotor, single engine airship, but I will also, for my own vanity’s sake, and pure indulgence on my own curiosity, record the modes of transportation I use, regionally specific to the particular world I am on. I have been given a list of six discovered worlds, but I am led to believe that any further exploration or cartographic expeditions will be covered by a simple personal invoice on my return.
I am to believe that I was recommended for this trip by the most honourable Sir Andrew Bleakly. Minister of Modern sciences and owner of “Dime railway voyages.”
After working as his assistant in the cartography department, I was promoted to chief advisor in all forms of public interest and customer services for the company. Dealing with both the travel agents in the industry, helping to charter reasonably prices holiday destinations off world, but also dealing with the more elite and privileged members of the public. From everything from trade opportunities for bored and returned businessmen or to sharing my experience in currency conversion and where the best places for financial advice on each chartered world would be.
Although different and changing, this role became tedious in its own way. I became restless in the offices and I do believe that Sir Bleakly saw this in me. One morning he called me into his top floor office to discuss, “Company matters and the state of my employ here” As the memo read. On entering I was offered some of the finest brandy and a cigar from the, now closed off, failing dimension planet named “Earth” After lighting both rolls of finest tobacco from a region known as 'Cuba' Sir Bleakly charged into conversation in his usual steamboat manner. “The confines of these walls will limit your sir, To the forefront of new discoveries is where a man such as yourself belongs” He said. Before I had time to protest, enquire or even discus the matter I had finished my brandy, and been pushed out the door with a half smoked cigar and a commission of travel notice in my hand.
After that I walked back to my desk, saying nothing to the so-called “co-workers” those reprobates that wouldn’t give me the time of day, and always conveniently leaving my order of tea off the lunchtime list. I gathered my things into a briefcase I used for monthly reports, lifted my air plant from the side of my desk and left, not a word said. Tomorrow shall be used for initial stages of planning the first leg of my journey.
George Thomas,
January 16th,
Year of the Pigeon,
The tramlines were exceptionally full this morning. The three classes are very prominent in the city of Cogburn. None more obvious than the three car on the tramlines. Most noticeable from first appearance in the condition of the upholstery in the cars. The First class has 20 well sized, leather and fine silk cushioned chairs. Each aimed at the window away from the view of the fellow travellers. Those seated in the front car can not be expected to engage in conversation with strangers, after all one, can never truly know who one is talking to without formal introductions at social occasions. The front car also operates a trolley service. Everything from tea to little cakes and sandwiches with both meat and vegetables on the side are supplied to all travellers.
Third class is very different. The sheer number of travellers on this class is staggering. Whereas the first class car carries twenty people, the second class car carries about forty, the third class can carry up to one hundred people in the tram car. The seating is simple benches, three deep long ways in the car. Most people stand, but there is available room on the rear of the car for those to jump on and jump off.
The very obvious difference in the cars are, that the third class car stops just under a mile from the edge of the main station. Only the first and second class cars continue into the station.
I am in the fortunate situation to travel on the second class car to my departure point. Of course at the expense of Sir Bleakly.
George Thomas
January 17th
I have completed my plan of departure this morning, collected my relevant documentation and flight logs for the first leg of the journey. This evening I am to meet my crew, the captain and inspect the ship on which shall be my home for the foreseeable future. I am most interested in witnessing the use of the cloaking device. A new addition to all cartographer’s airships. This was due to the decree by lord mayor to ensure the preservation of uncharted worlds and to ensure they remain unspoiled, effectuated and untouched by persons of our dimension. To express my emotions as heightened with excitement would be an ill-use of many of the available adjectives in my forever growing vocabulary. (a vocabulary that was extended tremendously after a four-hour trip, travelling in third class.)
George Thomas
January 19th
The ship is wonderful, or should I say Zeppelin. Captain Todd cut me of mid-sentence when the word Airship was mentioned. This is a rigid body Zeppelin, none the less, she is a true beauty. A spectacle I have never appreciated truly before. The moment I stepped onto her deck I felt safe, and ready to explore for years to come. My cabin and quarters are small and humble, but much larger is size and depth than even the communal quarters occupied by the coal boys. The deck is a simple, enclosed two story boat. The top deck is the living quarters, canteen, and captain’s quarters. Not as startling as it sounds. There is one main corridor that has the canteen at the bow. A simple oval room with benches and a partition between the seating area and the kitchen. Even the use of the word kitchen is a stretch. A boiling pot and chopping board would be more apt. This is where the men of duty will be spending most of their time, when not sleeping I imagine. The Coal boys are not allowed on here as they have a compartment for themselves, above the floor and roved by the framework of the Zeppelin herself.
At the far end of the corridor towards the stern is the Captains quarters. I was not permitted to enter, few are, but I can only imagine the elaborate décor of maps, charts, inventory and stock ledgers and globes. I hope dearly that I may enter someday. Captain Todd however seems to be a hard egg to crack as they say. His demeanour is one of duty driven and task focused military man. Sharp enough to cut one’s self on to boot. I shall surely not cross this man, if I wish to return from this expedition.
The second floor is made up of two large compartments. The largest of the two is the bridge. To best describe the framework and layout of the bridge itself would be to liken it to that of an intricate pocket watch or clock. There are many cogs and wheels that turn leavers which in tern power pistons that generate speed to an end I am not entirely sure off. There are three main controllers to pilot the ship. A job spread thrice. There is a panel to the left with two pedals and a single control stick on a floor runner that controls the altitude. To the far right there is a similar looking control panel but this time the lever is on a groove running side to side for controlling pitch and pivot. The centre console is positioned in the middle, in front of a large window that curves itself around the entire bow of the cockpit. There is a small set of iron grid steps up to the main control. The wheel is more spherical than a standard ships wheel. It may control the rudder in the stern but the forward tilt of the globe like control can affect the speed. Directly behind, raised again on another platform is the captains seat. Beside him is a large screen, like a book but words appear on a glass front in a green font. Here the coordinates are entered for longitude, latitude and dimension. This is where I shall enter my plotted routes. I am most excited about tomorrow as it shall be the day of launch. In the rear of the captain’s deck there is a small door, inside that room is the small armoury. Several rifles, pistols and cutlass are lined in perfect uniformed order on the wall, bolted by a simple bar to keep them in place. There is only an eight-man crew, plus three coal boys but the arsenal is for that of a twenty strong warship. I hope that the use of these is not necessary. Besides I still have my grandfather’s sword. The blade is routinely sharpened by my family’s blacksmith. The family name is engraved on the hilt of the rapier. It may be a thin, twig like blade to most but with the training I had in fencing by both my grandfather and my father I feel confident I could pierce the most armoured opponent through the key points and joints that I would aim for. One of the crew, his name escapes me now, remarked on the “tooth pick” that I carried, with a laugh and a grunt. I quickly corrected his observation by slicing the neck strap of his apron and returning my blade to its scabbard before he had even noticed it left it. This was met with laughs and cheers by the rest of the crew. Even Captain Todd gave a slight smile behind his rather impressive, mutton chopped moustache.
The coal boys are constantly scouring around the bottom deck as the coal hangs from large weights underneath the deck. They carry bags on their backs through the cabin sometimes to the engine room.
The engine room is directly below the bridge. It is covered by reinforced glass so the captain can see the fuel levels and power of the engine as he pilots. The boys are not permitted to speak unless off shift. The job for them is dull but must be carried out by every boy hoping for a career in his majesties air force. I am not, or never pretend to be, a mechanical engineer, but I do believe that the coal is simply to power the rudder pistons and blowers that keep the Zeppelin inflated. The flight is caused by the Rumadium, better known as “Concussion Crystals.” A Discover by Mr Fredrick Livingstone over one hundred years ago. The entire structure of our world has been around the use of these crystals. The understanding of them is still limited and the general consensus for it is simply “Magic.” I tend to agree, where would we be without the crystals? In an Airship it is called the heart. Annabel’s heart is kept in the captain’s quarters.
I feel tomorrow will be a good day!
Captain Charles Todd
January 19th
Today I had the pleasure O meeting that slimy little spit fart Mr Thomas, oh that man will be getting on me goat in no time at all. Gota put up we him for gods know how long. He doesn’t even know the difference between airships and Zeppelins? This will be a long aul voyage, I can tell ye that fer nothing! He did tickle me whiskers when he showed that smart arse Biggs what for. Biggs made fun of his rapier, called it a toothpick of all things. I wouda said it too if I wernt trying to be all business like. Without even a blink on an eye, Mr Thomas had unsheathed, twanged Bigg's apron and returned it to its scabbard. Lightning fast I tell ye! The boy can quer move hey! Biggs was a bit scundard to say the least, but gaining a wee bit of respect on this bucket of bolts can go a long way.
George Thomas
January 20th
This morning I visited the post office and the department of air mail. I, as instructed by the family’s lawyer, I enclosed both a will and a land pass over document to my brother franklin. In the unlikely case that I am killed or do not return for any reason, the estate shall be pass over to his name in its e
ntirety. I am sure he will reluctantly accept. I also sent carrier pigeons to by cousin Beatrice, with a private, wax sealed letter for her good friend Emily. We only met once as a dance last winter solstice, but I felt that both our hearts began to beat at once. Her face shall be a constant reminder and magnet for my return.
I too the tram line for the last time in a long time to be this morning. There was a bit of a raucous on the third class carriage, I could not make much out over the shouting but I am lead to believe that the scuffle and fisticuffs were over the ownership of a newspaper of some sort. Such silly things people argue over. I truly believe honesty is the best policy, and brings resolve to all altercations.
One my arrival at the Zeppelin beautifully named “The Annabel” I was met by Captain Todd and his crew. It was the first time I was greeted with attention and salutes, in which I returned, although I feel I may not have done it properly, no matter, all aboard was called. The steam boys began to shovel, the pistons fired, the heart was engaged and the body inflated. The propellers underneath us started to whir, kicking up dust and sawdust into the air. We began to rise, there is no roof or celling on the main Ship port, for obvious reasons. Air ships tend to rise up before they pitch forward. Once we gained the correct altitude, the port below looked like a tiny cog, turning on a large world of grey and brown. The clouds were a thing white on this particular morning. The mist covered the windows as we rose, the air was fresh and cold, but got thinner as we acceded further. We reached the proper altitude before the captain gave the all clear signal. Men returned to sleeping quarters, the cook began to chop carrots and onions and I made my way to my quarters, where I am now. We have a week long journey before we arrive at the inter-dimensional port. A colossal floating platform, governed in art by both his majesty of Eingeliand and the Kaiser of Doitchloind.
