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t is one hundred and seventy five years
since the Beatification, that blessed
time when the isles were uplifted and
placed in the great darkness. Despite
the ever widening divisions between the
thrones of Europe, it is agreed that the
lands were raised in order for the godly
to be brought closer to the Almighty.
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What
is less certain however, is why beasts
and birds were forbidden entry to the
uplifted isles. Theologians have argued
that such creatures are too base and unclean
to live so near to the Lord of Hosts,
yet this belief is thrown into confusion
by the presence of insects such as bees
and flies and those things which crawl
and creep through the soil.
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Whatever
may be the truth behind this great mystery,
at the time of the Beatification, it was
discovered that cunningly constructed
mechanicals had replaced the beasts of
the field and metal birds soared in the
unfamiliar vaulted skies. In those early
years, skilled craftsmen were instructed
in the working principles of these unusual
creatures by the special ambassadors.
Inside every mechanical, from the most
crudely fashioned tin fighting cockerel,
to the Queen's own Ladies of the Privy
Chamber, there are glass phials containing
a fluid named ichor.
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The
sophisticated models possess four vessels
of these different coloured "humours",
each one governing separate aspects of
function.
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The basic
fluid is the green which maintains balance
and motion. Vulgarly called "phlegm" it
is present in even the most rudimentary
creature.
Amber
ichor, also known as "yellow bile" controls
intent and obediency and must be in harmony
with "temper" the red fluid which instills
character.
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Last and
most precious of all is "black bile",
a precious elixir to be found in large
quantities only within the servitors of
the richest households. This costly liquid
imparts elementary thought to a mechanical
and is valued many times higher than gold.
When one of these creatures suffers an
injury or a piece of its intricate mechanism
needs replacing, it is despatched to a
workshop to undergo repairs.
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One
of the most reliable establishments
is located on a small isle in Suffolk
known as Malmes-Wutton. There, under
the watchful guidance of Master Edwin
Dritchly a learned Master of Motive
Science, three apprentices toil over
all manner of mechanical beasts.
"Suet" is
an example of a very basic mechanical.
The casing of this piglet is roughly
fashioned from a small keg and is of
a type commonly found on small farms.
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For
tradition's sake, piglets such as this
will be found in groups of three or four
and share their sty with a much larger
mechanical sow. Some observers have noted
with interest that over the years these
groupings will form strong bonds, just
like that of a family of real, living
beasts. Of course these creatures contain
only the basic ichors, no black bile is
wasted within their feeder pipes.
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The
wealthy members of society are wont
to display their riches by keeping more
sophisticated devices. Within the mansions
of the rich there are mannequins capable
of playing musical intruments and performing
mummers' plays. In the Royal household
Elizabeth, the Queen, owns many expensive
creations. The most lavish are kept
locked in her treasure house but others
are in daily usage. In her private bedchamber,
two jewelled Eliza's attend her whilst
five brass Besses care for her majesty's
countless costly gowns.
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More humble
in appearance, yet still fashioned to
resemble the Queen, are the twenty wooden
Tizzys whose duties include serving guests
at royal banquets.
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One of
the most unusual mannequins to dwell within
the uplifted isles is the secretary of
Doctor John Dee, the Royal Astrologer.
Known only as "Lantern" this peculiarly
shaped mechanical is made from copper
and serves as the old astrologer's secretary.
Yet there are many rumours concerning
this odd device, some believe that it
is really an imp of the devil summoned
by the Doctor to do his bidding and many
fear it.
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The
isles of Europe have often given rise
to outlandish looking mechanicals but
the most sinister creation is undoubtedly
the Torture Master.
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This frightful
abhorrence serves as a walking torture
chamber.
Agents working for Sir Francis Walsingham
report that this fiendish iron monstrosity
is capable of forty seven different torments
and the intention is that each of King
Philip of Spain's ambassadors will be
equipped with one.
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©
2016. Robin Jarvis. All rights reserved
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