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a Lacie's Box Discord Roleplay
"Hey there, Fledgling! You must be new here. That's great!
We're always welcoming new folks. Allow us to show you around.
Or, you could wander on your own, but that won't be nearly as fun for us!"
♤ Morgan ♧
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The Aviary
The Aviary
Hovering at around 30,000 feet above the European continent is the peak of 19th-century technological artistry and the crucible of architectural excellence: The Aviary. Venerating the Nightingale as its protective deity and overseen by members of The Watch, it was conceived with the intent to offer sanctuary for those deemed as outcasts by the British society. The entire structure consists of four floating "islands," or "Wings," which were built on natural land masses situated atop caves of Adaite (ah • dite); a glowing violet rock that was discovered to exhibit heightened properties of magnetic levitation. Currently, The Aviary is home to approximately 30,000 individuals—an estimate that has recently halted in its expansion.
Following its ascent in the Spring of 1880, citizens of The Aviary, called Fledglings, were initially permitted to travel to and from The World Below, or simply, The Below, by way of skyboats and skyships; steam-powered flying vehicles fashioned like hybrids of sea vessels, airplanes, and hot-air balloons. The intent was that The Aviary would be a peaceful place of respite—one where its people could come and go as they pleased.
However, after an extortion of the city's peacekeeping creed by its oppressors from The Below, heralding attempts at citywide annexation, the various means of accessing The Aviary were eventually kept to a minimum until only one remained. This skyship, called The Sparrow, would be used to ferry those that desired a new life in The Aviary. It would dock at a big-top at the beach for one week, each month, bringing to The Below the wonders of Anguissola's circus spectacle, and then bringing back to The Aviary a number of new Fledglings. Such aerial contraptions are well-known among the people in The Below, with many curious folk documenting and remarking on the genius of their inventors.
Due to the critical altitude that The Aviary is situated at, finding a method to adapt to it was crucial. The solution was derived in the form of a serum which was to be administered directly into the bloodstream prior to ascent. It was developed in 1878 by biochemist and entomology enthusiast, Dr. Basilton Yarrow-Magpie, and coined "Beetlejuice" by neurochemist and rejected comedian, Dr. Sebastien Magpie.
This liquid was harvested from insects, called Midas beetles, conveniently found in the Adaite caves or in forests within their proximity. They had the ability to genetically modify the cells of living organisms, granting them immunity to nearly any common ailment. It seemed that each beetle only yielded sparse amounts of the serum, imposing the need to harvest or possibly breed these insects en masse in order to create multiple usable doses. Furthermore, it was rumored that the Beetlejuice was still undergoing development upon its distribution to the would-be Fledglings, so their side effects did not manifest until weeks, months, and even years after The Aviary's ascension. What was interesting was that only humans appeared to manifest peculiar traits due to the serum, as animals were not observed to exhibit any abnormal behaviors after receiving the dosage, and had adapted outstandingly to the escalated environment.
Respectable Origins
Respectable Origins
The Aviary was the remarkable creation of Aretas-Donatello "Ada" Anguissola. The son of a politician, he was an inventor, visionary, and a prodigy of the arts and sciences who was well-received by the common folk for his beliefs in liberalism and spiritual devotion towards furthering social equity. Though he was generally respected for his philanthropy, the affluent crowd regarded him as an eccentric with a penchant for proposing unorthodox approaches to problems when simpler solutions were otherwise available.
Of these was his fascination with prosthetics which was initially regarded as peculiar, but then became his catalyst for earning a pioneering role in the medicinal field. His successful innovation of adapting the articulation used in constructing mechanical wooden puppets for use with creating artificial human limbs yielded more flexible appendages with greater mobility.
One of the grander demonstrations of this breakthrough came in the form of a specialized prosthesis for "Lottie," a young orphaned girl whom he had been caring for since he rescued her from a trafficking ring in 1870. She had been born without legs, yet, with his innovation, she was not only able to walk, but also run and, most importantly to her, dance.
His research would then go on to assist in the development of less cumbersome organ transplants and flawless skin grafting procedures, as in anaplastology.
Anguissola did not consider himself to be a public figure. But he was wealthy and charismatic and able to network with a web of exceedingly brilliant individuals over the years. He met them all—doctors, scientists, lawyers, politicians—during his countless travels within and out of the region. Each one shared in his personal advocacy. As he was mute, he was familiar with the feeling of being unheard. And so, he sought to cultivate a community that would be receptive of others instead of dismissive. He grew even more inspired to execute his vision after a visit to America where he witnessed the spectacle that was The Greatest Show on Earth, in the same year he took Lottie under his wing.
The initial reception to the conception of his own circus troupe was expectedly lackluster. With it, came critique of Anguissola's true intents that goaded pejoratives slandering his lack of an ethical foresight. In addition, were those that jeered, mocked, and violently ambushed the performers merely for their disfigurements.
Indeed, Anguissola had come to understand the questionable nature of these shows despite their potential to offer a place that essentially wanted the "unwanted." So, in response, he decided to tackle the matter from an alternative perspective: an opportunistic one. To those who desired it under his wing, he offered transformation. These came in the form of new legs, new arms, new faces, and, eventually, new lives.
Soon, Anguissola's Aviary became a monumental demonstration of scientific breakthrough that was almost magical to behold. Acrobats were once beggars with no feet and fire-breathers were once near-death folk with no hands. The most spectacular achievement? The successful separation of Spanish twins Morgana and Mazeltov Faustina who had been joined at the hip since birth. Indebted to Anguissola, the two later pursued him and his circus and became its iconic ringleader duo.
From here, Anguissola's ambitions only heightened. The affirmation he received from his allies encouraged him to strive for much more in the realm of granting them true sanctuary. And though his political campaign was unsuccessful in promoting such, it also proved to him that these people would never truly be acknowledged in a society such as this.
Enlisting the help of renowned engineer, Abe Suntree, in 1872, Anguissola began conceptualizing his most radical invention to-date: a city they could call their own, floating high above the world that refused to call them anything at all.
Nightingale
The Nightingale
The Nightingale was initially a fleeting concept conceived by The Aviary's Fledglings as an analogical figurehead for their maiden ascent. They believed that, like a nightingale, they were small, yet [their songs] were powerful and beautiful. But, as time passed, and they felt further forsaken by The Below, they began to refine their interpretation of the Nightingale until it evolved into a common deity that they began to revere within The Aviary.
At present, the Nightingale bears the resemblance of the Winged Victory of Samothrace with an attention to detail comparable to the sculpted works of Michelangelo. This is apt, considering that the Samothrace commemorated triumph and dignity. Figureheads of the Nightingale are scattered throughout The Aviary, but the most prominent depiction of them towers over the entire city from The Nest at a colossal height of nearly one hundred feet.
In this monument, the Nightingale is shown to be cradling a swaddling of golden cloth bearing a child with a face obscured by the Nightingale's massive gilded wings when viewed from angles not above. The craftsmen commissioned to sculpt the figure did so in such a way that the wings would always form a protective barrier around the child, whether in rain or snow. As such, the swaddling remains the most pristine element of the statue. And for this, the Fledglings are convinced of the divine presence of their city's protector, whose identity is touted as a mystery.
In solidarity with this belief is the characterization of the Nightingale themselves. Though they maintain a feminine physique in their Grecian gown, they are shown as headless, forever leaving ambiguity in the wake of their true persona. Speculative inferences on the matter within The Aviary posit that the Nightingale is a depiction of the Rebis—the magnum opus of alchemical practice. It entailed the manifestation of a being, both male and female, who was inconceivably perfect because of their duality, in a way that rendered them magnificent and powerful enough to rival even God.
The Nest & The Watch
The Nest & The Watch
The Nest in the North Wing is the proverbial heart of The Aviary as it houses a majority of establishments that are crucial to its seamless operation. Found around here are learning institutions, the main church with its convent and monastery, the primary healthcare center, the grand library, and, most importantly, the city hall. Inspired by the Quirinale Palace in Rome, The Nest is as much of a core structure to The Aviary as it is a glowing masterpiece conceived by the artisans and carpenters who labored with devotion to the Nightingale on its design.
Countless events are typically held in this establishment and make use of its lavish rooms, ornately decorated and filled with dynamic and almost lifelike golden statues. The luxury gardens are also filled with elegant figures sculpted from marble stone and host a number of outdoor occasions. Yet, The Nest is not only a place for citywide business. It is also the home of the governing body, The Nightingale's Watch.
Commonly acknowledged as The Watch, this is a congregation composed of three individuals who act on behalf of the Nightingale as their Eyes, Throat, and Feet in the supervision of proceedings that contribute to the positive development of The Aviary. Those selected to fulfil the following positions are trusted by the public and regarded to be prime examples of the citizen standard within the city. These positions are defined as such:
THE EYES. The Eyes, as their name suggests, oversees matters of surveillance within and around the city, They do this by leading groups of Owls. Owls are typically younger folk who can be identified by a gliding cape fashioned from the plume of a brown barn owl, a suede newsboy cap, and brass goggles tailored to match their namesake. The cape allows them to move with unmatched stealth through the air and on the ground, while the tinted lenses grant them a periphery that is farther and wider than the naked eye.
Among many other curiosities in an Owl's personal ransel are a logbook and pen for record keeping about the city, further likening their appearance to that of jaunty school children. On occasion, they can act as escorts for important people, or offer travelling company to those that request it since they know the city like the back of their hand.
An Owl's primary task is to report all citywide engagements to the Eyes. In the case of hostile conflict among the Fledglings, they are advised to remain as observers or as reminders to keep the peace. They are not permitted to intervene. If such a need arises, they must instead call on their designated Vulture to resolve the situation. They can do this by sounding off a special melody on a tin whistle that must always be in their possession.
Currently serving as the Nightingale's Eyes is a sprightly, young boy named Lio, who can often be seen cavorting around town with his retainer, Nardo.
THE THROAT. The Throat manages The Aviary's judicial and secular proceedings, ensuring that they align with the city's mission and vision. As they are tasked with preserving both church and state, they orchestrate the Larks whom are split into two designations; the preaching folk, in garments of white feathers, and the teaching folk, in garments of gray. The former are compassionate and can be found reciting hymns in the churches around the Aviary, empathizing in hospital wards, or offering good counsel in community gatherings. The latter are diligent, doing clerical work within The Nest, administrating in libraries and offices, or teaching in homes and learning institutions.
Regardless of their most immediate responsibility, the Larks are typically the most well-versed with the city's history and are able to answer nearly any inquiry about The Aviary.
Currently serving as the Nightingale's Throat is a regal, equanimous man who now goes by the name of Donatello, or "Don" for short. Existing companions may recognize him as "Ada".
THE FEET. Finally, The Feet of The Nightingale is the city's main security detail. They lead Vultures, whom are a meticulously-curated organization of people committed to enforcing the regulations issued by the Throat. Like Owls, Vultures watch; but unlike them, they are permitted to act. But not without the authority of their designated Owl, with whom they share a relationship similar to that of a ward and guardian.
As The Aviary's guiding principles are inherently pacifist, a law is in effect that prohibits the ownership or possession of firearms and other weaponry within the city. Vultures, in this case, are trusted with an alternative disciplinary instrument termed "Midas," referencing the mythological tale of Phrygia ruler, King Midas and the Golden Touch likely due to the cosmetic abnormality that manifests as a side effect. In addition to granting them heightened senses and physical fortitude, Midas bestows Vultures with rapid regenerative abilities, enabling them to recover from a plethora of somatic injuries at the expense of having their veins and nails be imbued with gold over time.
As these effects can be counterproductive during midnight patrols, a Vulture's uniform is likened to a suit fashioned from pitch-black plume, complete with a mask and gloves to distance their daily identity from their on-duty one.
The public comprehends these abilities as a blessing from their deity—the Nightingale's Mercy, in other words—that allows Vultures to most effectively protect and preserve The Aviary and what it stands for.
Currently serving as the Nightingale's Feet is an enigmatic young woman who once went by the name "Lottie" but now only responds to Raphael, or "Hael," as she prefers to be called.
Mercy & Memories
Mercy & Memories
As magic is inherently non-existent in this world, experiences deemed incomprehensible by hard science are commonly attributed to alchemy.
One existing bafflement is the endeavor of fully fathoming the influence of Beetlejuice on human beings. Mentioned prior was the surfacing of side effects in the months succeeding the administration of this serum. What was intended to immunize people from disease or illness, including the ever-present threat of death-by-extreme-altitude, appeared to be reacting strongly to their DNA calibration. From these mutations, emerged a myriad of mystical abilities, each one unique in their presentation.
Current records note that these powers can range from subtle to ostentatious, consequentially rendering the user either harmless or extremely destructive to society.
The first major incident occurred in the Autumn of 1880; a dairy farmer in the South Wing observed sparks flying from his fingertips each time he snapped them. Upon experimenting with this talent on bits of tinder, he was able to produce a steady flame. Unfortunately, he soon learned that he was not only able to conjure fire, but was also able to become fire. His combustion incinerated most of the grazing fields along with his body, and slaughtered a fair number of livestock among other casualties, resulting in a near-recession of food supplies in The Aviary come Wintertime.
This event instigated the need to impose strict methods of observation and intervention among the Fledglings in order to ensure their safety above all else. Teams of scientists, led by Dr. Magpie and Dr. Yarrow-Magpie, researched extensively to find a solution for managing this perplexing development. In the following year, they were able to construct the most probable explanation, regardless of how unorthodox it seemed. They deduced that these abilities were resurgences of energy from traumatic memories, amplified by the Beetlejuice concoction. Ergo, by eliminating these memories, it would be possible to effectively subdue their mutational effects in the long-term.
The specific methods for doing so, on the other hand, were less exciting to behold, as there was yet a reliable way to selectively obliterate these memories. Early attempts employed the use of memory impairment drugs such as midazolam which worked as catalysts for suppressing traumatic experiences. But continuously calibrating and re-calibrating the dosages proved to be inefficient, given that these measurements most often differed among people. In addition, the drug was only a temporary solution and entitled regular maintenance, which, in turn, required the personal discipline to adhere to a medicinal timetable.
Unsurprisingly, the number of individuals who shirked this responsibility began to grow, as many perceived their extraordinary abilities as talents they could learn to hone instead of hate. But in 1883, it became crucial to exercise any means necessary to establish a surefire way of addressing them; a second major incident had occurred within an opera house in the West Wing by a woman whose neglected mutation contorted her physique into that of a giant, feral, flesh-starved arachnid.
Around this time, Anguissola's ward, Charlotte "Lottie" Sparrow, was a practicing alchemist who had been investigating the protoscientific implications of Beetlejuice itself. As it was familiar territory, she offered to assist in the scientists' endeavor, much to the skepticism of the core duo. The first willing participant of this experiment was a close acquaintance of Sparrow who had then been a respected, high-ranking officer of the Vultures, Jillian Swan. The trio's collaborative efforts were admittedly a success and Sparrow quickly earned the respect of Dr. Yarrow-Magpie.
Dr. Magpie, however, remained incredulous of the procedure's practicality as it proposed the complete extraction of traumatic energy from the body via venipuncture, then distilling it into a liquid for further examination. While otherwise painless, there was still one pressing concern: Sparrow's alchemical approach appeared to be too effective in that excessive extraction rendered volunteers unable to recover any of their memories from their time in The Below.
When this tendency was observed, the instinctual impulse was to cease all operations of the process. Sparrow persisted by asserting that this was a positive development at its core, and the public agreed in unison with her and Swan. Eventually, it was being equated to the blessing of being granted a new life or being "reborn" into The Aviary with a new spirit watched over by a new god. People even began opting to go by different names entirely, with the more extreme cases insisting on taking on new faces, as well.
After several favorable outcomes, Dr. Magpie was soon irrevocably convinced of the benefits of the alchemical extractions. In fact, he had grown so mesmerized with the unbridled potential of its properties that he committed to studying it himself alongside Sparrow and Dr. Yarrow-Magpie. Like the Beetlejuice, he even gave it its name—Mercy, likely to acknowledge the irony of being "merciful" by taking away the thing that plagued Fledglings the most.
The research surrounding Mercy was kept mostly secret until they could fully perceive it, to avoid stirring ill opinions of the public on those that were extracted from. Naturally, it began to have the opposite effect as scholars sought to define it for themselves. As several theories were concocted over the years, the people's perceptions also began to shift.
The dominant understanding had been juxtaposed entirely, as it now asserted that Mercy was not a revolutionary advancement in protoscience. Rather, it was a protective miracle from the Nightingale, who granted only the most loyal devotees powers with which to ensure the city's safety.
For instance, Vultures were bestowed the Midas Mercy to help them impose order on behalf of the Nightingale. Other examples of prolific, "Merciful" figures are Abbot Veneziano, or "Vincent," of the Monarch Monastery and Abbess Juno of the Canary Convent; the former being Merciful with "Horus," and the latter, with "Juno." Typically, those who are Merciful do not hide their powers, as exhibiting them are grounds for immense respect among the common folk, given that being Merciful suggests one is fully in-control of something that was once considered a catastrophic affinity.
It was later observed that Fledglings born in The Aviary were capable of harnessing such powers—the full capacity of which has yet to be discovered. In an attempt to keep them safe while also monitoring their physiology while in their youth, the Peafowl Home was established in The Nest in 1887. Treated as a communal care facility for The Aviary's offspring, it is managed by Lady Josephine, a sensitive and taciturn, yet poised young woman who cares for these children as if they were her own.
The following is a list of Mercies that have been successfully fathomed by Dr. Magpie, now simply Dr. Sebastien, and Dr. Yarrow-Magpie, now Dr. Basil, in the time leading up to the year 1900. It seemed the running naming convention followed that of mythological leaders and deities.
ANUBIS, Hael's Mercy. The Merciful may petrify the organic bodies of organisms by infusing their blood with saliva. Once petrified in full, the bodies are pronounced dead.
ECHO, Don's Mercy. The Merciful may project their voice through inanimate objects in contact with their fingers. The Merciful also possesses an exceedingly wide range of vocal tone, allowing for flawless mimicry of existing sounds.
HORUS, Abbot Vincent's Mercy. The Merciful may impose their will over a single living being by leveling with their gaze. Orders issued are absolute and are impossible to dismiss until the projected request is fulfilled.
JUNO, Abbess Juno's Mercy. The Merciful may assume the form of an intangible being made of pure light. Immersing one's body in this light accelerates recovery from most types of bleeding injuries.
MIDAS, Jill's Mercy. The Merciful may be blessed with heightened senses and physical aptitude. The Merciful may also accelerate their body's healing process at the expense of having their epidermal abrasions be laden with gold.
MOROZKO, Dr. Basil's Mercy. The Merciful may imbue their breath with the frigidity of the Northern winds, which will bite at the skin of those present, eventually shrouding them in layers of frost.
PROMETHEUS, Dr. Sebastien's Mercy. The Merciful may conjure flame from the heat emanating from their body; the temperature of which is significantly affected by their level of aggression during an instance.
PYTHIA, Lio's Mercy. The Merciful may obtain silent visions of the entirety of a living being's life by placing fingertips on their skin. The Merciful may also use this ability to proxy sight through another's eyes in the present.
SHOUXING, Shrimp's Mercy. The Merciful may be blessed with high tolerance to disease, poisons, and other toxic compounds. However, they are not immune to physical injuries.
Wings & Landmarks
Wings & Landmarks
The entirety of The Aviary is composed of four floating islands colloquially known as, "Wings." These are: The North Wing, East Wing, West Wing, and South Wing; each of which functions as an irreplaceable contributor to the positive development of the city. Though the architectural landscape of each Wing can differ slightly depending on the district's purpose, the urban scaffolds are generally familiar to Fledglings as these draw inspiration from The Below with buildings fashioned like those found in England during the Victorian Era.
As The Aviary is quite vast and may be difficult to navigate, especially for newly-indoctrinated Fledglings, one begins by familiarizing themselves with the more well-known locations in The Aviary, or the identifiable landmarks and city sectors which are usually highlighted on each of the city's maps.
Found below is a showcase of maps. Clicking on the largest image will reveal details about that map and its landmarks.
The Fledgling Life
Fledglings are the city's law-abiding citizens who pledge their devotion to the Nightingale on each Sunday of the week in order to honor them as the protective deity of The Aviary. Each Fledgling was once a citizen of The Below who willingly chose to ascend to the floating city to start anew. While the exact reasons may have differed, it is clear that these individuals no longer felt that their lives were worthwhile—to the point that the promise of forgetting all their hardship in The Below was perceived as a miracle, if not a blessing.
The Aviary sought to be a sanctuary for the outcasts of The Below, and has since upheld its reputation of being accepting of just about anyone. As such, Fledglings are diverse in race and background, rendering the city a proverbial melting pot of rich culture. Unconditional inclusion into the flock is overtly demonstrated by the fact that Fledglings possess no exclusive surnames, for each one is acknowledged as an equal member of one great family under the Nightingale.
The Fledgling Li(f)e
Everyone, from the children to the elderly, plays an important role in the city, and finds meaningful work to cater to in their day-to-day. The ills of corporate greed are hardly a burden in this city given the strong importance it places on agricultural and artisanal contributions. In fact, farmhands and laborers are among the most affluent of the flock, given that their work is of the utmost importance to keeping The Aviary independent of The World Below. And, if any disputes occur, Fledglings know to trust in the Vultures to resolve them in a timely fashion.
Truly, this was a place one could call "home."
The Story So Far
The Story So Far
Great Britain, 1900.
You are plugging through a mundane life in a mundane world and have been seeking for much more out of what you already have—which is either some, little, or none at all. Or perhaps, you have everything, yet you cannot seem to find fulfillment in the role you are in. Or maybe...there's something that's happened to you that was such a travesty, that you would do anything to simply forget it.
Whatever the case, it is clear you will never find your solace here. Maybe because of your face or your race? Your sex or your sexuality? Your past, or even your present?
You're in luck, though; Anguissola's Aviary is in town today.
Down by the docks, thousands of city folk are eager to witness the circus' grandest spectacle yet. After all, they've been anticipating its return from its sudden, year-long hiatus.
Certainly, even the skyship was larger and more luxurious, it seems. You watch as the hull of "The Swan" pierces through the clouds and descends like a holy dove, seraphic in its stride upon the waters. A whimsical crew is aboard, and they wave at the crowds from the deck and masts while big, booming music rings out in the air.
When they finally alight, the festivity ensues. Amidst the clamor, your gaze locks onto two sets of eyes—heterochromatic in nature—green and brown. Somehow, you recognize them; Morgan and Mazzie's. A flyer that the ringleader duo handed to you just last year was in your pocket.
And now, it was in Mazzie's hands. You're not sure how that happened.
Morgan speaks first. Or, you think he does. You still haven't been able to tell them apart.
"Well now," he whistles in amusement, peering over Mazzie's shoulder to look over the flyer and then at you with a rascally grin. "Have you decided what you'll do?"
"Yes, have you?" Mazzie parrots him, nodding her head. "It's a big commitment."
Morgan nods as well. "A very big one."
"Very, very big."
It seems to be one of the rare times they agree on something.
"But, if you're absolutely sure,"
"Then we won't stop you."
Mazzie fiddles with the paper in her fingers and with a flourish, the flyer turns into a right and proper contract. Morgan plucks a pen from inside his hat and offers it to you.
"After all," they both say,
"What have you got to lose?"
♤ ♧ ♢ ♡
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