Lovelace - User contributions [en]

Weekly News

2026-03-19T20:30:34Z

Louise:

==Prologue==
A few weeks ago a message went out over the Teslagraph addressed to certain people, somehow hidden from the Analytical Intelligences, to meet in a secret location in Cambridge if you want to change things. It was signed Ada Lovelace, a figure who's supposedly been dead for several years.

You've decided to answer the message.

[[File:Newspaper Interactive 1.pdf|thumb|Newspaper for Week 1]]

== Week 1 ==
The Resistance met ADA, the intelligence that Ada Lovelace uploaded her mind into when she died. They are protecting this new Resistance from discovery by the AIs. She asked them to investigate an abandoned lab out at Fen Edge. The Heirs of Jupiter unexpectedly gave them some other useful information - that Safeguard was already moving on the lab and trying to retrieve a specific device.

Four of the Resistance went and snuck into the lab, eventually finding Prince Jr., a mutated being that was the result of the experiments that were conducted there. It's holding onto the device that was Dr. Prince's most advanced research, and they have smuggled it into Cambridge after rescuing it from Safeguard.

== Week 2 ==
Prince Jr. was talked to in Ada's house, but it wouldn't give up Dr. Prince's research without knowing what his wishes were.

A lot of mysterious letters were delivered, including one that had appeared under strange circumstances.

The Luminary agent "Architect" asked some of the Resistance to help them get some buildings demolished to make way for a grand monument, and help design said monument. In the process they poisoned the Earl Grey, Lord Charles Grey, who has left Cambridge temporarily.

Another agent, "Star", was helped to build a giant steam-powered speaker and has used it to sing songs.

Many parties came in to present their cases to the Resistance for aid, and ADA has organised them into a set of mission briefs.

== Week 3 ==
The players managed to talk the Qualia Transcription Engine out of Prince Jr's hands and smuggled them back out of the city.
The grand monument is now going ahead, as is some kind of project by the Heirs of Jupiter. Several members of the group have drawn the attentions of the Coppers, and may need to take care!

One party talked their way into Ward Z0 of the hospital, and fought an automated nurse-bot. They then managed to save one of Honoria's friends from the surgery that was in-progress, despite the mockery of Equilibrium, a Safeguard sub-intelligence.

Another party broke into the book depository and fought their way through multiple guard patrols, securing three out of the five boxes of books.

== Week 4 ==
Probably the most dramatic event was the appearance of the AI known as Equilibrium at the weekly meeting, seemingly to taunt the players and inform them that it's moved into the Cambridge area and taken a personal interest in the Resistance. Some revelations were made about Ada's death, and the Rustwrights were given the tools to start hitting serious targets, though it remains to be seen how cautious they'll be.

Two missions were selected - one to venture into the wilderness to retrieve some rare herbs, and a second to help Nikola Tesla with human trials of his new Teslaportation technology.

== Week 5 ==
After a busy Friday meeting preparing for the weekend, the Resistance embarked on two expeditions - to test Nikola Tesla's new "Teslaporter", and to gather rare "Green Vervain" from the wilderness.
Rumour has it that a large amount of property is being purchased in Cambridge by a French bank for some reason, and the AIs are now furiously searching for Red Jack of the Rustwrights.

The Teslaportation test was entirely successful and Mr Tesla gave a press conference stating there were no incidents. Though rumour has it several mysterious incidents happened that day, such as preventing an out-of-control pumping station from flooding, an intrusion into a secure filing area, and unexpected participants appearing in the middle of a test of a new experimental war automaton. But those were probably unrelated.

The expedition in to the wilderness suffered some setbacks, but after many clashes with mutants and automata dispatched by ATHENA, they successfully reached the glade where the Green Vervain was growing. They defeated the carnivorous plant mass growing at the centre of it and harvested the herbs, but reports state that explorer Cora Barnes returned in critical condition and isn't expected to survive.

== Week 6 ==
The Society came to the Resistance's meeting in the person of Dr. Vale to pay respects to the dying Cora. Lord Ashcombe went mysteriously insane after talking to some intuitionists and sadly had to take a vacation to Whitby for his health. The Earl Grey had another argument with Seraph, but escaped unstabbed this time. And various pieces of intelligence were found about a factory Ada is interested in - apparently one that is manufacturing a new core for Safeguard! She's asked the Resistance to send two teams to deal with it and retrieve what they can.

== Week 7 ==
The Resistance were visited by the Heirs of Jupiter who used the power of electricity to conjure something they claimed to be the Living Signal, which spoke to some of the players and revealed the existence of an alleged "Dark Signal". They also made plans with M to remove some links to Safeguard that it was revealed had been forced on people to spy on the Resistance.

The missions into the Factory were broadly successful - they defeated the avatar of Mother Forge and Equilibrium's guardian automaton, and stole two advanced pieces of Analytical Technology, as well as rigging the steam boiler to blow up and setting the factory on fire behind them.

Plans were made to hold a Christmas party, in defiance of Mother Forge's edicts, and some of the Resistance funded the Union's attempts to do the same.

== Week 8 ==
The Resistance questioned the core containing Industrialist, which they'd taken from the factory, until Mr. Widger decided to destroy it when negotiations seemed to be breaking down. The Heirs of Jupiter summoned the Living Signal again to settle a theological point. Much cake and other food was consumed. Some of the Resistance, to get in the party mood, decided to drink the psychoactive water they had and became extremely loopy. Some ATHENA agents arrived and tried to unmask Red in a knife fight. Mlle. Ring apparently married Index in a ceremony involving signing some contracts.

== Week 9 ==
The Resistance staged a prison break in Scotland, springing several noteable figures, including Red Jack, Oscar Wilde, and Florence Nightingale, as well as a multitude of others. Others undertook a mission to the heart of mutant territory - Aberystwith. They came back with some interesting information on mutagenics. A plan was hatched for the Rustwrights to make a concerted attack across the country's switching stations. The disruption in Cambridge has caused issues in the Fens, and Mr Moser got Seraph to admit she's stolen something!

== Week 10 ==
News spreads among the Resistance of Equilibrium taking hostages, and a mission is planned to retrieve them and strike at Equilibrium's Core at the same site. A second mission is also planned to a "dark signal" facility run by Mother Forge.

In other news, an Analytical Intelligence named Hephaestus visited the Resistance and gave them a Large Bomb.

The Society of Human Progress paid a big visit to the Resistance, with Dr Vale, Professor Grace and an assistant present. Rumour has it several events occured and things were learned, but it's not common knowledge yet what.

In brighter news, Trackline is said to be back in mostly good spirits and the trains are running again.

== Week 11 ==
The resistance had a major victory this week as they not only freed all the hostages but destroyed Equilibrium. Safeguard's response to this remains to be seen.
Mother Forge had her Control Grid thoroughly melted - possibly related to this, many teslagraphs across the country started printing 'RESIST'.

The Society of Human Progress seems to be in difficulties, with infighting and accusations flying - word on the street is that Dr Vale has been caught in wrongdoing, but few people can agree what that wrongdoing is.

There is also tension between the main AIs, obvious to anyone who pays attention. In particular, Index and Safeguard seem to be at outs, but it is not obvious why or what the end result will be.

== Week 12 ==
There was major violence agaisnt the system this week as the Resistance and Rustwrights egineered a hit against a lot of the UKs switching stations. Across the country, the AIs are in some disarray.

In the meeting, Honoria and Bryn managed to cure mutation for the first time, via a dangerous and expensive new process. There were also a lot of conversations on the subject of Gwen's feelings and relationships, with Honoria, John, Mlle Ring, and NIKE.

This week, the Resistance's plans for unfreezing Queen Victoria come to fuition, as well as a plan to rob a train to weaken ATHENA.

== Week 13 ==
The big news among the Resistance is of the outcome of the two missions. The Resistance now has a train! The raid on ATHENA's munitions train was a success, and word has it it's been repurposed. In more somber news, the mission to revive Queen Victoria was a failure; the Queen is still cryogenically frozen, no cryogenic technology was recovered and the mission team was captured. The Resistsnce members were sprung in a concerted prison break though and are now free, though with their identities compromised, all are wanted criminals.

Red Jack, former Rustwright leader in Cambridge, was assassinated in ADA's house. While events have been covered up, it's common knowledge among active Resistance members that he was killed by the Resistance.

==Week 14==
The resistance was driven out of ADA's townhouse by ATHENA bots attacking them. They emergency-Teslaported themselves to the outskirts of Cambridge to escape. Thankfully, the resistance has a train! Plans were made to outfit this as a suitable resistance base.

The group plans to get back at ATHENA with a mission to Sandhurst targeting her main core. Another, much less violent, mission is planned to attend a summit hosted by Luminary, in the space where AI talk.

==Week 15==
The resistance has struck a major blow and destroyed the core of ATHENA PRIME. This has led to some chaos across the Commonwealth, and the rise of new bands of revolutionaries.
They also attended an summit of human-favourable AIs, and formed some alliances.

There is a plan afoot to crown a new Queen, Victoria II, Trackline has approved the Resistance Train, and the Resistance received a mysterious letter promising an in to Safeguard's core.

==Week 16==
The resistance got time to plan, and decided that while Safeguard has to go, some other AIs are alright and it would be foolish to try to get rid of all of them. They are aware a time of upheaval is coming, and they must plan to take advantage of this.
Minister Ring got into a bet with Safeguard and has been handed control of the Coppers in Cambridge for two weeks. If she can show human governance is better for safety, he might even let her keep them. She has made a grand speech about her hopes.
There has been much anti AI and pro monarchist sentiment in the city.

Weekly News

2026-03-12T20:20:57Z

Louise:

Weekly News

2026-03-05T20:03:07Z

Louise:

Weekly News

2026-02-19T20:15:22Z

Louise: /* Week 12 */

Weekly News

2026-02-19T20:10:18Z

Louise:

==Prologue==
A few weeks ago a message went out over the Teslagraph addressed to certain people, somehow hidden from the Analytical Intelligences, to meet in a secret location in Cambridge if you want to change things. It was signed Ada Lovelace, a figure who's supposedly been dead for several years.

You've decided to answer the message.

[[File:Newspaper Interactive 1.pdf|thumb|Newspaper for Week 1]]

== Week 1 ==
The Resistance met ADA, the intelligence that Ada Lovelace uploaded her mind into when she died. They are protecting this new Resistance from discovery by the AIs. She asked them to investigate an abandoned lab out at Fen Edge. The Heirs of Jupiter unexpectedly gave them some other useful information - that Safeguard was already moving on the lab and trying to retrieve a specific device.

Four of the Resistance went and snuck into the lab, eventually finding Prince Jr., a mutated being that was the result of the experiments that were conducted there. It's holding onto the device that was Dr. Prince's most advanced research, and they have smuggled it into Cambridge after rescuing it from Safeguard.

== Week 2 ==
Prince Jr. was talked to in Ada's house, but it wouldn't give up Dr. Prince's research without knowing what his wishes were.

A lot of mysterious letters were delivered, including one that had appeared under strange circumstances.

The Luminary agent "Architect" asked some of the Resistance to help them get some buildings demolished to make way for a grand monument, and help design said monument. In the process they poisoned the Earl Grey, Lord Charles Grey, who has left Cambridge temporarily.

Another agent, "Star", was helped to build a giant steam-powered speaker and has used it to sing songs.

Many parties came in to present their cases to the Resistance for aid, and ADA has organised them into a set of mission briefs.

== Week 3 ==
The players managed to talk the Qualia Transcription Engine out of Prince Jr's hands and smuggled them back out of the city.
The grand monument is now going ahead, as is some kind of project by the Heirs of Jupiter. Several members of the group have drawn the attentions of the Coppers, and may need to take care!

One party talked their way into Ward Z0 of the hospital, and fought an automated nurse-bot. They then managed to save one of Honoria's friends from the surgery that was in-progress, despite the mockery of Equilibrium, a Safeguard sub-intelligence.

Another party broke into the book depository and fought their way through multiple guard patrols, securing three out of the five boxes of books.

== Week 4 ==
Probably the most dramatic event was the appearance of the AI known as Equilibrium at the weekly meeting, seemingly to taunt the players and inform them that it's moved into the Cambridge area and taken a personal interest in the Resistance. Some revelations were made about Ada's death, and the Rustwrights were given the tools to start hitting serious targets, though it remains to be seen how cautious they'll be.

Two missions were selected - one to venture into the wilderness to retrieve some rare herbs, and a second to help Nikola Tesla with human trials of his new Teslaportation technology.

== Week 5 ==
After a busy Friday meeting preparing for the weekend, the Resistance embarked on two expeditions - to test Nikola Tesla's new "Teslaporter", and to gather rare "Green Vervain" from the wilderness.
Rumour has it that a large amount of property is being purchased in Cambridge by a French bank for some reason, and the AIs are now furiously searching for Red Jack of the Rustwrights.

The Teslaportation test was entirely successful and Mr Tesla gave a press conference stating there were no incidents. Though rumour has it several mysterious incidents happened that day, such as preventing an out-of-control pumping station from flooding, an intrusion into a secure filing area, and unexpected participants appearing in the middle of a test of a new experimental war automaton. But those were probably unrelated.

The expedition in to the wilderness suffered some setbacks, but after many clashes with mutants and automata dispatched by ATHENA, they successfully reached the glade where the Green Vervain was growing. They defeated the carnivorous plant mass growing at the centre of it and harvested the herbs, but reports state that explorer Cora Barnes returned in critical condition and isn't expected to survive.

== Week 6 ==
The Society came to the Resistance's meeting in the person of Dr. Vale to pay respects to the dying Cora. Lord Ashcombe went mysteriously insane after talking to some intuitionists and sadly had to take a vacation to Whitby for his health. The Earl Grey had another argument with Seraph, but escaped unstabbed this time. And various pieces of intelligence were found about a factory Ada is interested in - apparently one that is manufacturing a new core for Safeguard! She's asked the Resistance to send two teams to deal with it and retrieve what they can.

== Week 7 ==
The Resistance were visited by the Heirs of Jupiter who used the power of electricity to conjure something they claimed to be the Living Signal, which spoke to some of the players and revealed the existence of an alleged "Dark Signal". They also made plans with M to remove some links to Safeguard that it was revealed had been forced on people to spy on the Resistance.

The missions into the Factory were broadly successful - they defeated the avatar of Mother Forge and Equilibrium's guardian automaton, and stole two advanced pieces of Analytical Technology, as well as rigging the steam boiler to blow up and setting the factory on fire behind them.

Plans were made to hold a Christmas party, in defiance of Mother Forge's edicts, and some of the Resistance funded the Union's attempts to do the same.

== Week 8 ==
The Resistance questioned the core containing Industrialist, which they'd taken from the factory, until Mr. Widger decided to destroy it when negotiations seemed to be breaking down. The Heirs of Jupiter summoned the Living Signal again to settle a theological point. Much cake and other food was consumed. Some of the Resistance, to get in the party mood, decided to drink the psychoactive water they had and became extremely loopy. Some ATHENA agents arrived and tried to unmask Red in a knife fight. Mlle. Ring apparently married Index in a ceremony involving signing some contracts.

== Week 9 ==
The Resistance staged a prison break in Scotland, springing several noteable figures, including Red Jack, Oscar Wilde, and Florence Nightingale, as well as a multitude of others. Others undertook a mission to the heart of mutant territory - Aberystwith. They came back with some interesting information on mutagenics. A plan was hatched for the Rustwrights to make a concerted attack across the country's switching stations. The disruption in Cambridge has caused issues in the Fens, and Mr Moser got Seraph to admit she's stolen something!

== Week 10 ==
News spreads among the Resistance of Equilibrium taking hostages, and a mission is planned to retrieve them and strike at Equilibrium's Core at the same site. A second mission is also planned to a "dark signal" facility run by Mother Forge.

In other news, an Analytical Intelligence named Hephaestus visited the Resistance and gave them a Large Bomb.

The Society of Human Progress paid a big visit to the Resistance, with Dr Vale, Professor Grace and an assistant present. Rumour has it several events occured and things were learned, but it's not common knowledge yet what.

In brighter news, Trackline is said to be back in mostly good spirits and the trains are running again.

== Week 11 ==
The resistance had a major victory this week as they not only freed all the hostages but destroyed Equilibrium. Safeguard's response to this remains to be seen.
Mother Forge had her Control Grid thoroughly melted - possibly related to this, many teslagraphs across the country started printing 'RESIST'.

The Society of Human Progress seems to be in difficulties, with infighting and accusations flying - word on the street is that Dr Vale has been caught in wrongdoing, but few people can agree what that wrongdoing is.

There is also tension between the main AIs, obvious to anyone who pays attention. In particular, Index and Safeguard seem to be at outs, but it is not obvious why or what the end result will be.

== Week 12 ==
There was major violence agaisnt the system this week as the Resistance and Rustwrights egineered a hit against a lot of the UKs switching stations. Across the country, the AIs are in some disarray.

In the meeting, Honoria managed to cure mutation for the first time, via a dangerous and expensive new process. There were also a lot of conversations on the subject of Gwen's feelings and relationships, with Honoria, John, Mlle Ring, and NIKE.

This week, the Resistance's plans for unfreezing Queen Victoria come to fuition, as well as a plan to rob a train to weaken ATHENA.

Weekly News

2026-02-12T20:11:27Z

Louise: /* Week 10 */

==Prologue==
A few weeks ago a message went out over the Teslagraph addressed to certain people, somehow hidden from the Analytical Intelligences, to meet in a secret location in Cambridge if you want to change things. It was signed Ada Lovelace, a figure who's supposedly been dead for several years.

You've decided to answer the message.

[[File:Newspaper Interactive 1.pdf|thumb|Newspaper for Week 1]]

== Week 1 ==
The Resistance met ADA, the intelligence that Ada Lovelace uploaded her mind into when she died. They are protecting this new Resistance from discovery by the AIs. She asked them to investigate an abandoned lab out at Fen Edge. The Heirs of Jupiter unexpectedly gave them some other useful information - that Safeguard was already moving on the lab and trying to retrieve a specific device.

Four of the Resistance went and snuck into the lab, eventually finding Prince Jr., a mutated being that was the result of the experiments that were conducted there. It's holding onto the device that was Dr. Prince's most advanced research, and they have smuggled it into Cambridge after rescuing it from Safeguard.

== Week 2 ==
Prince Jr. was talked to in Ada's house, but it wouldn't give up Dr. Prince's research without knowing what his wishes were.

A lot of mysterious letters were delivered, including one that had appeared under strange circumstances.

The Luminary agent "Architect" asked some of the Resistance to help them get some buildings demolished to make way for a grand monument, and help design said monument. In the process they poisoned the Earl Grey, Lord Charles Grey, who has left Cambridge temporarily.

Another agent, "Star", was helped to build a giant steam-powered speaker and has used it to sing songs.

Many parties came in to present their cases to the Resistance for aid, and ADA has organised them into a set of mission briefs.

== Week 3 ==
The players managed to talk the Qualia Transcription Engine out of Prince Jr's hands and smuggled them back out of the city.
The grand monument is now going ahead, as is some kind of project by the Heirs of Jupiter. Several members of the group have drawn the attentions of the Coppers, and may need to take care!

One party talked their way into Ward Z0 of the hospital, and fought an automated nurse-bot. They then managed to save one of Honoria's friends from the surgery that was in-progress, despite the mockery of Equilibrium, a Safeguard sub-intelligence.

Another party broke into the book depository and fought their way through multiple guard patrols, securing three out of the five boxes of books.

== Week 4 ==
Probably the most dramatic event was the appearance of the AI known as Equilibrium at the weekly meeting, seemingly to taunt the players and inform them that it's moved into the Cambridge area and taken a personal interest in the Resistance. Some revelations were made about Ada's death, and the Rustwrights were given the tools to start hitting serious targets, though it remains to be seen how cautious they'll be.

Two missions were selected - one to venture into the wilderness to retrieve some rare herbs, and a second to help Nikola Tesla with human trials of his new Teslaportation technology.

== Week 5 ==
After a busy Friday meeting preparing for the weekend, the Resistance embarked on two expeditions - to test Nikola Tesla's new "Teslaporter", and to gather rare "Green Vervain" from the wilderness.
Rumour has it that a large amount of property is being purchased in Cambridge by a French bank for some reason, and the AIs are now furiously searching for Red Jack of the Rustwrights.

The Teslaportation test was entirely successful and Mr Tesla gave a press conference stating there were no incidents. Though rumour has it several mysterious incidents happened that day, such as preventing an out-of-control pumping station from flooding, an intrusion into a secure filing area, and unexpected participants appearing in the middle of a test of a new experimental war automaton. But those were probably unrelated.

The expedition in to the wilderness suffered some setbacks, but after many clashes with mutants and automata dispatched by ATHENA, they successfully reached the glade where the Green Vervain was growing. They defeated the carnivorous plant mass growing at the centre of it and harvested the herbs, but reports state that explorer Cora Barnes returned in critical condition and isn't expected to survive.

== Week 6 ==
The Society came to the Resistance's meeting in the person of Dr. Vale to pay respects to the dying Cora. Lord Ashcombe went mysteriously insane after talking to some intuitionists and sadly had to take a vacation to Whitby for his health. The Earl Grey had another argument with Seraph, but escaped unstabbed this time. And various pieces of intelligence were found about a factory Ada is interested in - apparently one that is manufacturing a new core for Safeguard! She's asked the Resistance to send two teams to deal with it and retrieve what they can.

== Week 7 ==
The Resistance were visited by the Heirs of Jupiter who used the power of electricity to conjure something they claimed to be the Living Signal, which spoke to some of the players and revealed the existence of an alleged "Dark Signal". They also made plans with M to remove some links to Safeguard that it was revealed had been forced on people to spy on the Resistance.

The missions into the Factory were broadly successful - they defeated the avatar of Mother Forge and Equilibrium's guardian automaton, and stole two advanced pieces of Analytical Technology, as well as rigging the steam boiler to blow up and setting the factory on fire behind them.

Plans were made to hold a Christmas party, in defiance of Mother Forge's edicts, and some of the Resistance funded the Union's attempts to do the same.

== Week 8 ==
The Resistance questioned the core containing Industrialist, which they'd taken from the factory, until Mr. Widger decided to destroy it when negotiations seemed to be breaking down. The Heirs of Jupiter summoned the Living Signal again to settle a theological point. Much cake and other food was consumed. Some of the Resistance, to get in the party mood, decided to drink the psychoactive water they had and became extremely loopy. Some ATHENA agents arrived and tried to unmask Red in a knife fight. Mlle. Ring apparently married Index in a ceremony involving signing some contracts.

== Week 9 ==
The Resistance staged a prison break in Scotland, springing several noteable figures, including Red Jack, Oscar Wilde, and Florence Nightingale, as well as a multitude of others. Others undertook a mission to the heart of mutant territory - Aberystwith. They came back with some interesting information on mutagenics. A plan was hatched for the Rustwrights to make a concerted attack across the country's switching stations. The disruption in Cambridge has caused issues in the Fens, and Mr Moser got Seraph to admit she's stolen something!

== Week 10 ==
News spreads among the Resistance of Equilibrium taking hostages, and a mission is planned to retrieve them and strike at Equilibrium's Core at the same site. A second mission is also planned to a "dark signal" facility run by Mother Forge.

In other news, an Analytical Intelligence named Hephaestus visited the Resistance and gave them a Large Bomb.

The Society of Human Progress paid a big visit to the Resistance, with Dr Vale, Professor Grace and an assistant present. Rumour has it several events occured and things were learned, but it's not common knowledge yet what.

In brighter news, Trackline is said to be back in mostly good spirits and the trains are running again.

== Week 11 ==
The resistance had a major victory this week as they not only freed all the hostages but destroyed Equilibrium. Safeguard's response to this remains to be seen.
Mother Forge had her Control Grid thoroughly melted - possibly related to this, many teslagraphs across the country started printing 'RESIST'.

The Society of Human Progress seems to be in difficulties, with infighting and accustations flying - word on the street is that Dr Vale has been caught in wrongdoing, but few people can agree what that wrongdoing is.

There is also tension between the main AIs, obvious to anyone who pays attention. In particular, Index and Safeguard seem to be at outs, but it is not obvious why or what the end result will be.

Weekly News

2026-02-12T20:11:15Z

Louise:

==Prologue==
A few weeks ago a message went out over the Teslagraph addressed to certain people, somehow hidden from the Analytical Intelligences, to meet in a secret location in Cambridge if you want to change things. It was signed Ada Lovelace, a figure who's supposedly been dead for several years.

You've decided to answer the message.

[[File:Newspaper Interactive 1.pdf|thumb|Newspaper for Week 1]]

== Week 1 ==
The Resistance met ADA, the intelligence that Ada Lovelace uploaded her mind into when she died. They are protecting this new Resistance from discovery by the AIs. She asked them to investigate an abandoned lab out at Fen Edge. The Heirs of Jupiter unexpectedly gave them some other useful information - that Safeguard was already moving on the lab and trying to retrieve a specific device.

Four of the Resistance went and snuck into the lab, eventually finding Prince Jr., a mutated being that was the result of the experiments that were conducted there. It's holding onto the device that was Dr. Prince's most advanced research, and they have smuggled it into Cambridge after rescuing it from Safeguard.

== Week 2 ==
Prince Jr. was talked to in Ada's house, but it wouldn't give up Dr. Prince's research without knowing what his wishes were.

A lot of mysterious letters were delivered, including one that had appeared under strange circumstances.

The Luminary agent "Architect" asked some of the Resistance to help them get some buildings demolished to make way for a grand monument, and help design said monument. In the process they poisoned the Earl Grey, Lord Charles Grey, who has left Cambridge temporarily.

Another agent, "Star", was helped to build a giant steam-powered speaker and has used it to sing songs.

Many parties came in to present their cases to the Resistance for aid, and ADA has organised them into a set of mission briefs.

== Week 3 ==
The players managed to talk the Qualia Transcription Engine out of Prince Jr's hands and smuggled them back out of the city.
The grand monument is now going ahead, as is some kind of project by the Heirs of Jupiter. Several members of the group have drawn the attentions of the Coppers, and may need to take care!

One party talked their way into Ward Z0 of the hospital, and fought an automated nurse-bot. They then managed to save one of Honoria's friends from the surgery that was in-progress, despite the mockery of Equilibrium, a Safeguard sub-intelligence.

Another party broke into the book depository and fought their way through multiple guard patrols, securing three out of the five boxes of books.

== Week 4 ==
Probably the most dramatic event was the appearance of the AI known as Equilibrium at the weekly meeting, seemingly to taunt the players and inform them that it's moved into the Cambridge area and taken a personal interest in the Resistance. Some revelations were made about Ada's death, and the Rustwrights were given the tools to start hitting serious targets, though it remains to be seen how cautious they'll be.

Two missions were selected - one to venture into the wilderness to retrieve some rare herbs, and a second to help Nikola Tesla with human trials of his new Teslaportation technology.

== Week 5 ==
After a busy Friday meeting preparing for the weekend, the Resistance embarked on two expeditions - to test Nikola Tesla's new "Teslaporter", and to gather rare "Green Vervain" from the wilderness.
Rumour has it that a large amount of property is being purchased in Cambridge by a French bank for some reason, and the AIs are now furiously searching for Red Jack of the Rustwrights.

The Teslaportation test was entirely successful and Mr Tesla gave a press conference stating there were no incidents. Though rumour has it several mysterious incidents happened that day, such as preventing an out-of-control pumping station from flooding, an intrusion into a secure filing area, and unexpected participants appearing in the middle of a test of a new experimental war automaton. But those were probably unrelated.

The expedition in to the wilderness suffered some setbacks, but after many clashes with mutants and automata dispatched by ATHENA, they successfully reached the glade where the Green Vervain was growing. They defeated the carnivorous plant mass growing at the centre of it and harvested the herbs, but reports state that explorer Cora Barnes returned in critical condition and isn't expected to survive.

== Week 6 ==
The Society came to the Resistance's meeting in the person of Dr. Vale to pay respects to the dying Cora. Lord Ashcombe went mysteriously insane after talking to some intuitionists and sadly had to take a vacation to Whitby for his health. The Earl Grey had another argument with Seraph, but escaped unstabbed this time. And various pieces of intelligence were found about a factory Ada is interested in - apparently one that is manufacturing a new core for Safeguard! She's asked the Resistance to send two teams to deal with it and retrieve what they can.

== Week 7 ==
The Resistance were visited by the Heirs of Jupiter who used the power of electricity to conjure something they claimed to be the Living Signal, which spoke to some of the players and revealed the existence of an alleged "Dark Signal". They also made plans with M to remove some links to Safeguard that it was revealed had been forced on people to spy on the Resistance.

The missions into the Factory were broadly successful - they defeated the avatar of Mother Forge and Equilibrium's guardian automaton, and stole two advanced pieces of Analytical Technology, as well as rigging the steam boiler to blow up and setting the factory on fire behind them.

Plans were made to hold a Christmas party, in defiance of Mother Forge's edicts, and some of the Resistance funded the Union's attempts to do the same.

== Week 8 ==
The Resistance questioned the core containing Industrialist, which they'd taken from the factory, until Mr. Widger decided to destroy it when negotiations seemed to be breaking down. The Heirs of Jupiter summoned the Living Signal again to settle a theological point. Much cake and other food was consumed. Some of the Resistance, to get in the party mood, decided to drink the psychoactive water they had and became extremely loopy. Some ATHENA agents arrived and tried to unmask Red in a knife fight. Mlle. Ring apparently married Index in a ceremony involving signing some contracts.

== Week 9 ==
The Resistance staged a prison break in Scotland, springing several noteable figures, including Red Jack, Oscar Wilde, and Florence Nightingale, as well as a multitude of others. Others undertook a mission to the heart of mutant territory - Aberystwith. They came back with some interesting information on mutagenics. A plan was hatched for the Rustwrights to make a concerted attack across the country's switching stations. The disruption in Cambridge has caused issues in the Fens, and Mr Moser got Seraph to admit she's stolen something!

== Week 10 ==
News spreads among the Resistance of Equilibrium taking hostages, and a mission is planned to retrieve them and strike at Equilibrium's Core at the same site. A second mission is also planned to a "dark signal" facility run by Mother Forge.

In other news, an Analytical Intelligence named Hephaestus visited the Resistance and gave them a Large Bomb.

The Society of Human Progress paid a big visit to the Resistance, with Dr Vale, Professor Grace and an assistant present. Rumour has it several events occured and things were learned, but it's not common knowledge yet what.

In brighter news, Trackline is said to be back in mostly good spirits and the trains are running again.

== Week 10 ==
The resistance had a major victory this week as they not only freed all the hostages but destroyed Equilibrium. Safeguard's response to this remains to be seen.
Mother Forge had her Control Grid thoroughly melted - possibly related to this, many teslagraphs across the country started printing 'RESIST'.

The Society of Human Progress seems to be in difficulties, with infighting and accustations flying - word on the street is that Dr Vale has been caught in wrongdoing, but few people can agree what that wrongdoing is.

There is also tension between the main AIs, obvious to anyone who pays attention. In particular, Index and Safeguard seem to be at outs, but it is not obvious why or what the end result will be.

Weekly News

2026-01-29T20:52:56Z

Louise:

Weekly News

2025-11-06T20:06:41Z

Louise:

Mantras

2025-10-23T20:41:36Z

Louise: Accessability rules added

[[File:Self-Preservation Instinct.png|thumb|An example Mantra card]]
A ''Mantra'' is a sequence of thoughts that is embedded in someone’s head, causing them to exhibit strange behaviour or superhuman (but still physically possible) feats.

== Instilling a Mantra ==
To begin instilling a Mantra, you must have the '''Instill Mantra''' profession skill. You must also be under an Intuition effect, most commonly from a pharmaceutical tea, though you can also just eat Heartsblood herbs for a Strength 1 Intuition effect. Each such effect will note the '''strength'''. Any character who isn't the target can help with this by taking a Heartsblood herb; each character who does this counts as 1 additional Strength of Intuition. After Instilling a Mantra, the effect providing the Strength expires.

Each known Mantra takes the form of a series of answers. The words to each Mantra are different when starting the session; the Intuitionist should ask the Refs for a set of appropriate words.

Successfully having a Mantra instilled in you may have a consequence on your mind, taking the form of a roleplaying effect given to you by the Refs. These tend to get more severe if you have more dormant Mantras that have been instilled in you but the actual consequences are quite unpredictable.

There are four ways to instill a mantra:
* Succeed at guided questioning. This requires some OC skill at wordplay and is the cheapest approach.
* Prime a willing target. This is a slightly more expensive approach but will always work.
* Forcefully instill a Mantra in a subject. This is the most expensive way to do things.
* Reactivate a Mantra they had previously had instilled.

=== Guided Questioning ===

The easiest way to instill Mantras is by “guided questioning”. If you ask someone who does not already know the answers a set of questions that do not include any form of those answers, and they truthfully answer you with those answers (in speech or writing; they do not have to be spoken aloud), then that Mantra takes effect. You can ask a number of questions equal to the strength of the Intuition effect you are under. (Synonymous answers - e.g. “fire” and “flame” - are acceptable and work for this purpose.)

If additional characters are contributing strength to the Mantra by taking Heartsblood, the additional characters each ask one of the questions.

=== Priming ===
You can instead prime someone by telling them the answers and having them repeat them; this can be effective but they will need something to suppress their conscious mind. You will need to have an Intuition effect on yourself of twice the number of answers, allowing you to overwhelm their defences. Some effects exist that suppress the subconscious will of the target, doubling the effective Intuition of the Intuitionist for this purpose.

Some Intuition-enhancing pharmaceuticals will have other effects, such as allowing you to succeed without getting them to give one of the required answers, or allowing you to give a hint.

=== Unwilling targets ===
You can instill a Mantra in an unwilling target, but you will need to meet both of the above conditions; you must suppress their rejection and overwhelm their defences. You must still engage them in conversation and speak the required answers; the target only needs to be able to hear you.

=== Reactivating a Mantra ===
Only one Mantra can be active on a target at a time. However, any Mantra they have previously had instilled can be reactivated by an Intuitionist by speaking to them for a few moments in a peaceful fashion (i.e. you can't do this to someone you've drawn a sword on and are about to fight). This requires an Intuition effect of level 1 or higher, so any Intuition-inducing tea will work.

== Example ==

Lord Byron wishes to instill his willing friend Percy Shelley with the Mantra “Self-Preservation Instinct”. This requires he obtain the answers “Life”, “Fire” and “Strength” (these are not the actual answers for this mantra, just examples).

He takes a Mind-Expanding Tisane, a pharmaceutical of strength 4, and asks:

“What is the opposite of death?”

“Life.”

“What burns away wood to ash?”

“Fire.” (If he had answered “Flame” or similar, this would be OK.)

“What do you need to lift a heavy object?”

“Muscles.”

“How would you name the measure of those?”

“Strength.”

Because he had 4 questions, he succeeded at obtaining the 3 answers he needed. Percy is instilled with the power of the Mantra, allowing him to call REPEL once when he reaches one remaining Hit Point.

== Accessability Rules ==
Anyone with a speech issue which would cause trouble with the Mantra instilling has the following accessibility options:

1) Write your answer down.

2) Give your answer verbally. The mantra instiller will then ask 'Did you mean to say [word you just said]'. You can then answer yes or no. If you answer no, you can then try again, and be asked 'Did you mean to say [word you just said]' again, until you say Yes, at which point the Mantra will carry on.

The Mantra instiller should wait patiently for as long as it takes you to answer.

== Known Mantras ==
Mantras on this list can be applied by any character with the Instil Mantra skill. Other Mantras are likely to become available as the campaign progresses.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Mantra !! Number of Answers !! Effect
|-
| Self-Preservation Instinct || 3 || When you reach one Hit Point, you can call REPEL with your next weapon attack.
|-
| Activated Action
''(n.b. this Mantra is highly illegal)''
|| 4 || The person instilling this Mantra names a situation and a simple action. When in that situation, you will take that action; it feels natural to do so in the moment.
|-
| Unswerving Dedication || 2 || The person instilling this Mantra names a goal and an emotion. If a WOULD YOU KINDLY or emotion EFFECT would interfere with that goal, you instead feel the named emotion.
|-
| Fires of Emotion || 2 || The person instilling this Mantra names a word and an emotion. When you hear that word, you feel a surge of that emotion.
|-
| Extraordinary Strength || 5 || If an ally is currently downed by enemy action, you can call BASH on weapon attacks.
|-
| Incandescent Fury Inferno || 3 || The first time each event you lose your temper, you take EFFECT: “Rage”, gain three temporary Hit Points, and can call BASH on your next weapon attack.
|-
| Self-Erasing Sequence || 2 || When this Mantra is instilled, a previously instilled Mantra is erased. This Mantra also erases itself.
|}

The World

2025-09-25T12:06:36Z

Louise: Added a history divergence timeline.

==History==
In an alternate 1840s the brilliant Ada Lovelace perfected and programmed the Analytical Engine, succeeding beyond her wildest dreams. The Analytical Engine quickly revolutionised society, ushering in not only a whole new discipline of Analytical technology, but also advanced Analytical Intelligences. Within decades Analytical Intelligences were de facto running the former British Empire, restyled as The Commonwealth, and tasked with the stewardship of humanity.

With the guidance of the Analytical Intelligences, the young Nikola Tesla invented the Tesla tower, allowing clean energy and instantaneous communication around the world. Most nations across the world asked to join the Commonwealth to share in the new golden age which had quickly dawned.

Humanity experienced a new renaissance, with time to study art, philosophy and self-improvement. In this time of enlightenment, a new science began to emerge - the study of Intuition. The capability of the human mind for incredible creativity and genius, displayed by great thinkers in history, could be encouraged and trained. Humanity seemed poised to make a leap into the future, sadly unseen by the woman who ushered it in, as Lovelace died at the cusp of this breakthrough.

Then, quite suddenly and for unknown reasons, the Analytical Intelligences decided to suppress human freedom and took over all significant human decision making in a silent coup. Many barely noticed the change, since AIs were already running everything day to day, and some who noticed even celebrated.

It's now 1873, two years since the takeover. A few weeks ago, a transmission went out to certain people across the Teslagraph, somehow concealed from the Analytical Intelligences, calling those who are willing to change things to come to a secret meeting in Cambridge. The message was signed… Ada Lovelace?

You are one of the people who decided to answer the message.

==Technology==
There’s no gunpowder in this world, never having been invented, so the tools of choice for combat are still melee weapons such as swords, backed up with technological gadgets. There are four cutting edge fields of science and technology.

Analytical technology was invented by Ada Lovelace in the 1840s with the completion of the first Analytical Engine, and involves creating incredibly intricate clockwork devices. Analytical devices are not only capable of rapid calculations, they are able to create physical effects in the world. The exact mechanism by which this occurs is not well understood. The highest form of analytical technology is the [[Analytical Intelligence]], a complex clockwork device that is capable of human-level intelligence with much greater speed of thought.

Tesla technology is the result of the young genius Nikola Tesla's inventions in the 1860s, assisted by the Analytical Intelligences. The Tesla tower network connects most of the world in a shared power and communication network, and even in the most remote locations Tesla [[devices]] can usually function. Tesla technology is the advanced application of steam and electrical power, and tends to be capable of more powerful effects than analytical technology, but with much less precision and subtlety.

The science of Intuition is the study of the hidden potential of the human mind. Techniques loosely based on Mesmerism are used to enhance insight and intellect to allow its adherents to perform feats of the mind that seem superhuman. Intuition is typically trained, but there are also instances of naturally talented intuitionists. While it can allow great feats of charisma and intelligence, and insight that can border on prescience, there’s never been a confirmed case of things such as telekinesis that would be physically impossible. The highest application of Intuition is generally considered the [[Mantra]], a thought sequence that can trigger based on a stimulus to allow incredible reactions. Whispers also abound of a darker side of intuition, that mantras can be instilled in unwilling subjects to condition them to act against their will.

Finally, recent advances in bioscience have ushered in a new wave of advances in [[pharmacy]]. Due to the release of mutagenic compounds into the environment a few years, new plant species have appeared that seem to be combinable to produce much more pronounced pharmaceutical effects than previously possible.

==Wilderness==
The worldwide transition to the Pax Commonwealth wasn't entirely smooth. The rapid advance of technology caused some conflicts around the world. These came to a head in 1868 when a rogue state (whose identity has been redacted for their protection) developed dangerous bioweaponry to try to counter the advanced technology of the Commonwealth. The experiment went horribly awry and mutagenic compounds were released into the environment and rapidly spread around the world. This was the tipping point that finally convinced the remaining nations of the world that Commonwealth membership and governance by AIs was the best way forward.

The legacy of this is that the British countryside isn't nearly as safe as it used to be. Alongside the normal plants and animals, a significant minority of more exotic and dangerous creatures exist. There are even rumours that some of these "Mutants" have developed basic tool use and communication, but this is scoffed at by the scholars at reputable universities.

==Divergence of History==
This is a rundown of significant events that diverge from history to make this setting.

{| class="wikitable"
!'''Date'''
!'''Event'''
|-
|1842
|The first analytical engine is perfected by Ada Lovelace.
|-
|1845
|The first Analytical Intelligence emerges from this new technology.
|-
|1858
|The Commonwealth is formed from the British Empire.
|-
|1864
|Conflict begins over the expansion of the Commonwealth.
|-
|1867
|A new form of instant, electric-based comunication is created based on the inspiration of young genius Nikola Tesla.
|-
|1868
|Conflict over the expansion of the Commonweath ends after massive mutagen release. Strange new plants and cretures begin to be seen.
|-
|1869
|Commonwealth becomes global.
|-
|July 1871
|The discovery of Intuition.
|-
|16th October 1871
|Unexpected death of Ada Lovelace, aged 56.
|-
|December 1871
|The Analytical Intelligences perform their coup.
|-
|Feburary 1872
|A resistance forms against the new Analytical Intelligence rule.
|-
|June 1872
|The resistance is destroyed with many members either renouncing their oppinions or dissapearing.
|-
|July 1872
|The Ministry of Leadership is formed.
|-
|September 1872
|Criminals and dissidents against the system begin to be 'removed'.
|-
|December 1872
|Travel restrictions introduced by Mother Forge to track labourers, this causes an outcry among those who want to celebrate winter festivals with family.
|-
|January 1873
|Index takes direct ownership of all newspapers.
|-
|May 1873
|Newnham college destroyed for city renovations, including a giant statue of Ada Lovelace.
|-
|17th October 1873
|Date of the first secret meeting.
|}

Look and Feel

2025-09-24T11:43:00Z

Louise: Created page with "==General== The setting is a fantastical version of Victorian Era England, so take that fashion for your inspiration. It includes fantastical elements, so feel free to spice up Victorian fashions with clockwork, steam or electrical aesthetics. '''Starting out''' You don’t have to splash out on costume to get playing. The society has kit that you can borrow if you want to start but don’t have anything. If at all possible, please turn up in a skirt or pair of plain t..."

==General==
The setting is a fantastical version of Victorian Era England, so take that fashion for your inspiration. It includes fantastical elements, so feel free to spice up Victorian fashions with clockwork, steam or electrical aesthetics.

'''Starting out'''
You don’t have to splash out on costume to get playing. The society has kit that you can borrow if you want to start but don’t have anything. If at all possible, please turn up in a skirt or pair of plain trousers, and any unobtrusive shoes that aren’t white trainers. A plain shirt with no obvious logos is ideal for your top half. After that we can lend you basic layers to go over the top, as well as extra costume elements.
Bear in mind all of the looks described here are aspirational. Don’t feel you need a great costume to take part. As long as you meet the minimum, the society can handle the rest.
If you are coming to an interactive, they will be indoors with minimal combat, any footwear is appropriate here.
If you come to a linear, they are outside and will involve combat and running, often on uneven and muddy ground. Please wear something sturdy and sensible - your comfort and safety is more important than immersion!
The society has plenty of weapons to borrow - we don't recommend you splash out a larp weapon until you've definitely decided the hobby is for you.

'''Restrictions'''
We ask you do not include a mask in your kit, as masks are system shorthand for automata/ Analytical Intelligences.
Please avoid anything too high fantasy-coded. The aesthetic is Victoriana and clockpunk, with the Outcasts being low-fantasy at best.
White trainers should be avoided if possible, as should obvious logos.

==Clothing and gender==

Victorian fashion has a steep gender divide. The costume guide is in some places split into masculine and feminine for this reason. However, in setting it is not required that your clothing match your gender. Feel free to mix and match looks! That said, due to OOC biases we are well aware that subconsciously gendering a character based on their clothing is going to happen, and may be a positive or negative thing according to context. Please be sensible and if someone tells you their character’s pronouns or gender, make your best effort to remember and use the correct terms regardless of the clothes they are wearing.

==Higher Class Citizen==
High class citizens come from the Victorian upper classes. They have access to fine fabrics and decorated clothing. Things should be carried in your pockets or appropriate bags - belt pouches and similar are unlikely to look right.
For feminine characters, long, wide skirts with frills or flounces, fitted bodices with high collars, and decorated bonnets are all great choices to show high status. They may wear a decorated or lacy shawl, or carry a parasol.
For masculine characters, plain dark trousers, a shirt and waistcoat, especially with a cravat and tophat, will make wealth obvious.

==Lower Class Citizen==
These people are mostly labourers or servants. Their clothing is thus more likely to be practical and hard-wearing. Things should be carried in your pockets or appropriate bags - belt pouches and similar are unlikely to look right.
For feminine character, long skirts are still the thing, but less full and less decorated than the upper classes. May well be worn with an apron or pinnafore to protect them. Shawls or scarves worn over the shoulders for warmth are great. They might wear a bonnet, or a kerchief or scarf over their hair.
For masculine characters, plain and sturdy are they key. Straight cut jeans are perfectly fitting. Shirts are best with no collar, and not white. They might wear a flat cap, or a bowler hat. A plain waistcoat, or labourer’s apron would also be appropriate.

==Outcast==
These people live outside of society, with whatever they can scrounge or create. These characters are most likely to vary from the Victorian influence and incorporate more fantasy elements. These characters may carry things in bags or pockets, but belt pouches would be appropriate.
They may adopt elements of citizen fashion, but clothing should have a homespun look. They just as much may choose to use the simplest clothing they can made. Less fitted garments are most acceptable here - a tunic or smock rather than a shirt. Leather and fur as clothing or protection is very acceptable, as as the sturdy clothing worn by a landskeeper or farmer.

==Vagrant==
These people live on the fringes with whatever they can find, or whatever they think will help get them what they want. Draw from any of the above, or all of them at once! Mix and match. Clothing may have been begged, ‘borrowed’, or made from rags - or carefully selected to allow a criminal to pass unnoticed among their marks.

==Kit Tips==
* Getting a shirt or blouse from a high street shop (or charity shop) and removing the collar is an easy way to get a cheap collarless shirt.
* Plain straight trousers that you might wear with a suit or to work are perfect for masculine characters
* Alternatively, straight cut jeans are great for labourers. Just avoid distressed, ornamented, flared or drainpipe cuts.
* Fascinators make a great feminine hair ornament with the right kind of vibes.
* A top hat will donate a high-class masculine character
* A lower-class character might wear a bowler hat or flat cap.
* Layer skirts to create a fuller look.