Compiled by the Archives of Maison Aetherthorne Ascensions
For the Education and Edification of Sky Society
(Public Edition – Approved for General Circulation)
In the flourishing heart of the Aetherian Empire during the late 19th century, the Lowlands formed the bustling foundation of progress. A vast, interconnected realm blending the elegance of French salons with the industrious spirit of British forges, the Lowlands pulsed with the energy of steam engines, brass workshops, and grand railways. Cities such as the capital (home to the majestic Palais Impérial de l’Ascension) gleamed with innovation, while provincial towns hummed with factories producing everything from fine clockwork to expansive airship designs.
Yet this era, though rich in invention, carried the weight of unchecked ambition. Patriarchal traditions dominated commerce and governance, driving relentless industrial expansion that shrouded the skies in coal-smoke veils and strained the natural balance. Resources dwindled, air grew heavy, and societal tensions rose as the fruits of progress benefited only a privileged few. It was an age of bold breakthroughs—but also of looming shadows, where the common folk toiled amid the haze while visionaries dreamed of escape.
Amid this dynamic age rose Maître Inventeur Étienne Thorne (Master Inventor Etienne Thorne), a brilliant engineer whose ateliers revolutionized the Empire. Founder of what would become Maison Aetherthorne Ascensions, Étienne harnessed revolutionary steam-aether technologies—massive magneto-levitation engines, brass-reinforced landmass stabilizers, and vast coal-furnace arrays—to achieve the impossible: lifting entire verdant plateaus into the eternal skies.
These Sky Islands began as exclusive havens for the Empire's elite patrons and donors—ethereal retreats where clean air, sunlight, and opulence replaced the Lowlands' smog. Blimps ferried the ascendant upward, and the original network of islands (including precursors to our five core jewels) became symbols of divine progress: floating paradises where one could live "among the heavens" while the Lowlands below continued their vital labor of resource provision.
Étienne's empire thrived until his passing near the century's close, leaving his sole heir—his talented daughter, Grande Inventrice Valéria Aetherthorne (Grand Inventrix Valeria Aetherthorne)—to inherit the Maison and its celestial legacy.
Upon inheriting at the tender age of 21, Valéria brought a transformative perspective. Having witnessed the Lowlands' challenges firsthand, she viewed patriarchal excesses as the root of discord: endless resource strains, environmental veils, and societal imbalances. With bold ingenuity, she reformed the Sky Islands into a harmonious matriarchal utopia.
Key reforms under Valéria's guidance:
Elevating women to all positions of power, invention, and leadership—unlocking unparalleled creativity and balance.
Introducing the refined Familiar Bonding Ritual: A gracious process where young gentlemen of promise are entrusted to Maison representatives, their essences elegantly merged with pedigree non-flying mammals (elegant cats, loyal bunnies, playful toy poodles, clever foxes, or gliding squirrels). These devoted familiars serve as loyal companions, their wedding rings granting cherished moments of human form as rewards of deep courtship.
Streamlining resource flows from the Lowlands and distant satellites, ensuring abundance without strain.
Discouraging astronomy as a "navigation courtesy," preserving the wonder of endless azure vistas.
Over the ensuing century—a period of gentle societal nurturing often called the Harmonious Refinement—the islands evolved into their current splendor. Early transitions saw gradual adjustments: families entrusting sons to the Maison (soon enjoying newfound luxuries as gratuities), population balances achieving perfect equilibrium, and occasional sky-pirate rumors adding thrilling tales of external envy. Through patient cultivation and innovative elixirs, society shed old burdens, emerging as the blissful matriarchy we cherish today.
Now, at the youthful age of 50 (preserved in radiant vitality through her own aether-rejuvenation technologies), Grande Inventrice Valéria continues to guide the Maison from Céleste Prime. Her eternal youth symbolizes the triumphs of invention: flawless skin, boundless energy, and a vision undimmed by time.
The five core islands—Céleste Prime, Albion Verdant, Académie Lumière, Joyaux Tourbillon, and Forge Éternelle—stand as original beacons, sustained by distant satellite drifts and mysterious automated supply lines (such as the graceful Phantom Conveyor). Life atop them is one of empowerment, romance, and wonder: matriarchs invent, court, and thrive amid brass spires and steam-kissed skies.
The Lowlands below remain a distant, veiled realm of quiet industry—barbaric in its lingering chaos, yet ever-providing. We ascend not out of scorn, but gratitude: for in our floating haven, harmony reigns eternal.
Glory to the Maison. Glory to the Ascension.
(Embossed with the Winged Gear Emblem – Approved for All Ascended Citizens)