The Royal Society

"The words 'Nullius in Verba' are written across the stonework above the great bronzewood doors. Her Renewed Majesty has granted these grounds to the finest minds in Albion to work here. Their purview is to invent, to hypothesise, to discover, and – most crucially – to watch the stars.'"

When London ascended into the High Wilderness, so did its greatest minds. Still known as the Royal Society, they've taken up residence within the desolate wasteland of Albion.

Mansions of stone and glass rise from lush verdant gardens, and familiar mist streams in from hidden vents. The only thing breaking this peace is the distant whirring of machines from below.

Aerie House

The Royal Society, as it always has been, is a home for London's greatest scientists, researchers and inventors. Its Mellifluous President offers rewards to those who are willing to aid it in its scientific progress by donating curious finds. But has anyone ever wondered, amid the charming speeches and endless banquets, wondered where all those things go? Did anyone other than the Mellifluous President see the Celestial Exhibition? Many wonders enter the Royal Society, but very few come out...

Nell's Tower

"The Ministry has stamped permits for this particular usage up to the next century"

If the Society was a crown, then Nell's tower would be its jewel: a vast observatory dome that towers over the rooftops, with a steel telescope piercing its walls and staring up into the sky. Of course, this is where astronomers observe the stars and their behavior... but mostly only one particular star. For some reason, the Ministry makes everyone go through paperwork hell to turn the telescope even the slightest but. Is it because the Clockwork Sun is so important, or because they discourage new discoveries? Regardless, don't look for too long. The false star's light is dangerous, even from so far away.

The Rochester Club

Once, London's high society enjoyed yachting. But now that they've found their way to the skies, with a distinct lack of bodies of water present, they've found a new hobby: train racing. There's less of a barrier to entry these days; anyone with a powerful enough engine might be able to join in the fun. But not much else has changed: the comfy armchairs, cozy fire, plentiful brandy, and eager members still remain.

But why do this at the Royal Society of all places? It feels like a distraction of some sort...

Portsmouth House

The mechanical heart of the Society, where progress doesn't stop even for a second. Armies of engineers led by Energetic Mechanic and Inscribed Tinkerer use this as their workshop to develop and produce the most innovative contraptions. Machines straight from fantasies, mechanisms with self-awareness and even law-furnaces - but only a lucky few get to see them, let alone use them. There's also a munitions factory; it's off-limits, but at least the products of that are for sale.