Editing The Royal Society

{{Sky Location |title1=The Royal Society |image1=Royal_Society.png |caption1=''Nullius in Verba''. Art from Sunless Skies. |region=[[Albion]] |allegiance=[[New London]] |music=[https://soundcloud.com/user-494952164-692477239/reach-inner Verdant Reach] }}''"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]].

'''UNDER CONSTRUCTION'''

''"Irrigators spray out plumes of misty water, preserving this oasis in the heart of the dusty Ormswold."''

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.

The Royal Society, as it always has been, is a home for London's greatest scientists, researchers and inventors. They are situated in a space-mansion called '''Airy House'''. The Mellifluous President offers rewards to those who are willing to aid it in its scientific progress by donating curious finds to the '''Celestial Exhibition'''. Some of the exhibits, however, are only available to those with "appropriate qualifications." As grandiose as the Celestial Exhibition sounds, it seems that only the Mellifluous President is excited about it...

Despite being located in a dusty and dreary patch of sky, the Airy House was built atop a lush and verdant garden. The Society had to grow it themselves, using seeds from the Reach and giant sprinklers to stamp their mark in the High Wilderness. Unfortunately, the garden was eventually abandoned in favor of more interesting ventures, and its barely-tamed vegetation has run wild and become hazardous to traverse.

''"The Ministry has stamped permits for this [[The Clockwork Sun|particular usage]] up to the next century"''

''"I know what the Bursar's up to. Distracting us from the fact that London's got us pointing the telescope at a dead corner of the sky. 'A matter of national security' they said. Got the wrong coordinates if you ask me. Anyway, until they say we can move it, our studies are on hold."''

 

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 [[The Clockwork Sun|particular star]]. For some reason, the Ministry makes everyone go through paperwork hell to turn the telescope even the slightest bit. 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.

''"A cosy country house bolted onto the side of the Societ's glass houses and overgrown lawns, this is the meeting place of the infamous Rochester Racing 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...

''"The workshops under the Airy are known collectively as Portsmouth House. The glass and brick factories are staffed by harassed inventors and engineers, working constantly to produce the next advancement in adventuring equipment."''

 

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 the workshops 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.

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