Gearatica

Technically and rather loosely associated with the University of Auckland engineering department, Gearatica is a steampunk pirate airship port collaboratively constructed by a network of student clubs. 'Governed' by an elected committee that manages what is added to the port, Gearatica is frequently expanded and improved upon.

History

Originally made by a few computer inclined club members and funded by sausage sizzles and quiz nights, Gears was the online HQ of the Antipodean Bronze student club, at the time consisting of a single airship drifting in a cloudy void. While designed as a online meeting space and hangout, it rapidly developed a second function as a good place to work on homework and projects that could be done without face to face contact.

As members started inviting guests other student groups became interested and started contributing ideas. Several months later a discussion was held to rough out the details of the soon to be expanded and recently rechristened Gearatica.

Organisation

The committee consists of one representative from each of the clubs that has a major share in the server, one from the pool of alumni of all the clubs, and one from those professors considered members. Their main role is to approve of new building suggestions, new clubs that wish to join or associate, and keeping the server costs covered.

Locations

The primary social hub is the large pirate airship that began Gears; it makes a three hour circuit out and around the port before docking again. Small da Vinci corkscrew fliers act as a shuttle service at other times.

The port itself is a near maze of buildings, smoke stacks, water boilers and clockwork. Many of the buildings are simple shells but others are meeting rooms, libraries of class notes, and similar areas that have been suggested. The patchwork and collaborative nature of the server makes for a highly detailed and chaotic surroundings.

Function

As well as meeting friends and hanging out, Gearatica has received unofficial support from the University of Auckland. Several professors have been known to run revision sessions and it has even been used as a central location to talk with overseas research associates.

Characters

• Sara Aru'ak, committee representative for the Scibot student club until her entrapment.