The Folly of Lucy Tillencrest

Amidst what I perceive as “the grittiness” of Steam Wars’ iron and steel warrior machines and its (hopefully somewhat) realistic depiction of life and toil on board said steam rigs, Lucy Tillencrest stands as a shining beacon of eccentric behavior in the cause of imaginative genius. Not to diminish the nature of what I consider a vital character and role model, she is by her very being a strong contrast in a world dominated by mechanized steam warfare.

1. Everyone needs a hobby.

While the United States Steam Force of the late 1890s is itself considered an outlier, an almost rogue branch of the armed forces, and a great experiment, Lucy, whose father was instrumental in the development of the latter, represents the very free thinking that brought it into being. Indeed, she continues to contribute to its improvement with newer, faster and larger steam rigs, and, beyond that, the development of air power (for which she’s solely credited).

How she may reconcile such work with her own, more personal, projects is something of the mystery of her. It may not be too much of a leap to posit that her more eccentric inventions, be they practical of purpose, or utterly indulgent, provide a balance within her that justifies her military work. That it is indeed the more passionate outlet, of that there can be no doubt.

Lucy revels in her reputation as a (how should we say it?) talented kook. In fact, it may be fair to go so far as to say she actively nurtures it. Yet her outward demeanor is anything but frivolous. It’s a perfect example of what a “playing with a straight face” can accomplish. For, Lucy Tillencrest, whether in her expensive Victorian finery, or her admittedly super-cool custom steam aviator gear, has all the appearance of a calm no-nonsense professional. She can “get away with” a lot.

2. Lucy’s not the only one having fun.

And for me, as a creator, Lucy obviously provides a welcome outlet for the kind of steampunkery and baroque paraphernalia that is of, shall we say, the slightly more outrageous variety. Yet still credible enough (he added hopefully) to remain grounded within the parameters of this specific Steam Wars world I’ve created. It’s where I get to have a bit of additional fun, beyond the depth and specs and nomenclature of the hundreds of different fighting rigs.

Of course, they themselves require a suspension of disbelief to be sure. Let’s face it; they are manned fighting machines in the form of armored warriors. There is some effort, and considerable detail, required to make such creations convincing and believable.

Perhaps less so with Lucy’s brainchildren. In line with her perceived eccentricity, I give them the room to spread their imaginative wings a bit more. Thus, her strolling ambulodeon controlled by an organ keyboard (she’s partial to Bach), or her admittedly bizarre (yet commercially successful) window-washing machine the high hat lifter (featured in the upcoming graphic novel), or her variety of sleek airships (also featured).

Yet, fanciful as they are, it’s also important that their employment of steam power not defy physics. But that their uniqueness and personality still reflect a creator who revels in the popular perception that she’s “mad as a hatter.”

Indeed, she is. Just the way a fox is.