Artifice

Tenebrae - Monday, March 24, 2014, 7:25 PM

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-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--<* A14: Artificer's Hall *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

Voices and footfalls echo from the high ceilings of polished stone and artifice-metal, lending the great Artificer's Hall the same ominous acoustics as any grand cathedral. Twisting, jointed arches of metal give the hall an almost arachnid quality, as if one has somehow inadvertently wandered into the belly of some massive mechanical beast. Everything is dark and metallic, seams barely visible where pieces have been welded together. The whole building pulses every so often with a hum of energy, powered by a kind of arcane force scarcely comprehended by those other than the artificers who work here.

Stained glass windows, adding to the almost holy ambiance, display massive shadowboxes. Within these iron boxes is not a view to the outside. Instead, life-sized figures enact scenes from Alexandria's past from the Artificer's perspective--showing feats of Building, Achievement, and Experimentation. One, set aside, is an altar to Reos, the Forge of the World. It depicts what is thought to be a snapshot of the tower at the center of the World Engine, the god's planar home.

The whole of the building is as some grand museum dedicated to the works of artifice. There are also numerous displays showing fragments of ancient works, replicas, and even some original devices and schematics crafted from as long ago as the Age of Kulthos to the modern day.

Beyond the hall lie a number of buildings, including a series of dormitories and construction rooms, where artificers compare notes, ideas, and puzzle over the grand works of history. These buildings spawn from the Central Hall in an almost arachnid fashion, connected by walkways of dark steel and overseen by golem guardians.

Zalara is in one of the workrooms that she rents out from the Artificer's Hall when she wants to work on a project that's too big for her family's shop. It is here that she built her hoverbike that sits inside the room since if she left it outside and alone it'd either be taken apart or she'd spend all her time explaining how it's done. For the moment the hoverbike sits on the floor not hovering as she's turned it off. There is a slight crackle of electricity coming from the chaise of the hoverbike evidence that the defensive system against thieves is still on and armed. Nothing lethal just a jolt to deter those that can't keep their hands to themselves. As for Zalara she's got the walls covered in drawings and designs as she's working on unlocking the power of flight.

Brianna makes her way into the Hall. She seems to be looking for something in particular but then the taller human lass is wearing what is obiviously artifice armor. She is humming a bit to herself and pauses as she goes by the workroom and spies Zalara and her hoverbike. She raises a brow.

Lorien seems to have been here for a while, and playing around with contraptions. He and a few buddies figured it'd be a great way to lighten the mood from recent activities by playing pranks. Which. You know how that tends towards. While outside Zalara's workroom, he fiddles with a contraption and there's the sound of an explosion as he and his buddies get slammed back by the artifice. They run off, as he shakes his fist at them, trying and regain his composure, "Ugh!"

Munch isn't much of an artificer, but he is artifice, so the golem's presence isn't all that uncommon in the Hall. Of course, neither are broken fingers from those who get just a little too curious and try to touch. Just now, the golem buzzes cheerfully to himself, looking over the contents of a small box. The sound of an explosion, while not uncommon around here, still gets a look of intrest.

Zalara hears a muffled explosion as the walls of the rooms are pretty thick to withstand artificers for obvious reason. Still Zalara's curiosity gets the better of her. She picks up her death ray and flicks the switch to cold before she head out into the hallway. She spots Lorien blasted up against the wall, "Trouble?" She asks as she looks around and she hmms, "You might want to try a small mana crystal next time."

Brianna does turn towards Lorien as well, "And wear more padding." she says and grins a bit. She shakes her head and smiles a little,

Lorien, bane of walls. It's not an effective title. A grunt comes from the youth as he brushes a bit of the residue away from his clothing and features, "Mana crystals, right," he says, and then moves about to stand, his fingers patting at a curious thunderbelcher rifle on his back. It's made with a matte-black casing, with silver sheen of metal, and also holds a symbol of Eluna. It's odd, as it seems like it is different from most pieces, "Well, least the gals okay," he adds, then notes Zalar, "Oh, it's you! And uh," he notices Brianna, "Uh, hi!"

Munch glances from Lorien to Zalara. "Doesn't a crystal make the explosion bigger?" When it actually explodes. The golem's experiences with artifice might be somewhat lopsided.

Vuk is here to do some of his own work! Designs related to his rifle no doubt..or rather to observe others designs, to affect them to his rifle. Of course Vuk doesn't look properly like Vuk, he's trying to be all not skittish as he meanders. Many of the works are beyond the scope of what he seeks, he's firmly tied to just trying to find some way to improve the penetration and yield of his rifle!

Zalara nods in agreement with Brianna, "Or that, probably both would be best." She looks over at Munch, "Well he did just explode and if he wants a smaller explosion which I'm assuming he does he'll need a smaller crystal." She looks around the blast air and hmms, "Probably want to reduce it by 3/4th's. You are lucky you didn't blow a hand off. Make sure you wear gloves next time." She says as she's got her gloves on.

Brianna nods her head, "Remember when I was working on my fists. Had to wear heavy gloves, almost blew my hands off more than once." she shakes her head and smiles. "Speaking of which." she says and then chuckles a bit.

Lorien nods, as he does have fingerless gloves, and then pats his side, considering, "So, how are you all doing?" he asks.

Munch nods to Zalara, and shrugs to Lorien. "Intact and functional, so all is well. Do need to replace a heart." Glancing around a moment, he turns to Zalara again. "Mind if I use your shop a minute? Just need some space I won't have to remove any curious fingers."

Zalara shakes her head, "Go ahead, everyone knows better then to go into my workroom without my permission. Just mind you don't touch the hoverbike."

Brianna nods and pulls out some tools and seems to be making some adjustments to the gauntlets of her armor. She is till paying a little attention to the others as she does it.

Vuk will stop by a pair of arguing artificers, they're arguing over a hand gun design, and he'll lightly clear his throat. "Excuse me! Do you think you could look at the design I have incorporating a higher pressure chamber for the purpose of allowing larger loads of powder?" He asks them.

Lorien nods about at those gathered with curiosity, and introduces himself with those that at least don't know much about him yet, "I'm Lorien Valiant," he greets with name.

Zalara ooohs softly as she sees the gauntlets, "Are those titan fists you have there? I've studied them, but my area of interest lies elsewhere, still it's nice to see a good pair of them."

Zalara looks around, "I'm Zalara Copperbottom, it's nice to meet you." She hears Vuk, "I think I can help you."

Munch waves absently as he steps into the lab. "Munch TerrorMaw." Peering around a moment, the golem hops up onto an empty bit of workbench near the door, seating himself on the edge and setting his box down.

Brianna nods her head and smiles, "Yes, one got damaged the last time I used it." she smiles a bit, "I just seem drawn to my armor more than anything else." she says and then adds, "Oh, I am Brianna." she offers as she works on the gauntlet and then nods, "There that should do it. Had to make adjustments so I don't damage it when I use it after using my universal enlarger."

Lorien nods softly, and then gives a wave, "Well, I should be on my way, take care," he says, and makes his way.

Vuk knows Zalara! Sort of, well, he's met her before! She's engaged to the man who wears bloody armor in town! Course, dealing with -arguing- artificers will get him no where, so he'll move to follow the voice of Zalara and holds up the plans. If people think Zippo's ideas are deranged, these are no better!

Zalara waves to Lorien, "See you later." She says as she looks at it, "I've made great improvements on my armor. Right now I'm researching adding wings to my armor." She smiles at Vuk, "What have you there Vuk? Those look like plans for a new gun."

Brianna nods her head a bit and smiles, "I think that is where I might get eventually." she says and then smiles a little and then since she is right there, looks over the plans as well, raising a brow.

Munch waves greeting to Vuk before the skin on his fingertips peels back, exposing mithril bone-claws. Carefully wedging the sharp tips under a few scales, the golem starts peeling off a bit of skin from over top his breastbone. Or where his breastbone would be, were he human. "Just watch your size ratio with wings. Bigger gives you lift, but they get in the way a lot." His own tiny little wings flutter a little.

Vuk does indeed have plans for a newish gun! Well, it's -sort- of new. "Well! I was thinking that by expanding the chamber that holds the powder for my long gun, I could increase the penetration! I haven't really figured out if it would improve upon the range..but a harder hitting rifle certainly wouldn't be amiss with talk of war..would it? I'm not sure if I should try to find Zippo or not to help..he might opt to make it explode for science."

Zalara smiles, "Well I'd be happy to help you with that if you want." She nods, "I'd love to continue to improve my armor." She isn't wearing her armor at the moment, but she does have the metal octagon shaped backpack on. She looks back to Munch, "I'm planning on making them retractable."

Brianna hmms and then nods to Vuk, "You would also have to reinforce the chamber, possible use a heavier metal for construction, otherwise it will explode from the increased pressure, due to the increased amount of powder." she nods her head a little and then smiles, "Retractable wings sounds cool."

Munch nods to Zalara, yanking open one side of his rib cage (not that he actually has ribs, but the terms are equivelant) on a hindged joint, exposing a few internal mechanisims. "Depending on how you go about it, likely end up with more overall mass. The retraction and ejection devices make the whole bit more complex." Turning focus to Vuk and his gun, the golem suggests "Look into directional vortex shedding. A good spiral can direct your force without needing quite so much reinforcement." The barbarian can use big words, he just typically chooses not to.

Vuk is hearing artificer terms that he -suspects- are how Zippo blows things up so often. "A ..vortex? That sounds rather dangerous for a glorified hunting rifle.." Not that his hunting rifle isn't already glorified with the delayed explosive rounds, and a device of his own design that accelerates the slugs and allows him to impart a discharge of energy. "I thought maybe I'd use a Mithral chamber! Or at least, recast the internal housing with mithral! But then I still need to determine the dimensions for a new powder load, and I'm hardly a metal smith!"

Zalara smiles, "Well I fit a whole suit of armor in my backpack. I'm sure I can get wings in here as well, although if they are made out of the right material powered by my own magical energy they should work just like my hoverbike works."

Zalara smiles, "Well if you give me the plans I'd be happy to look them over for you."

Munch mmms, carefully disconnecting a few hoses and pulling a small pump, or 'heart' out of his chest. One slightly dented and a little on the old fashion side. From the box, a fresh new pump is taken. Not a major upgrade, but every little bit helps. "'Vortex' is a spinny bit. The energy spinns around in a little ball, holding itself together, instaed of blowing outward. Mithral would likely work, but if you're looking strictly for structual support, likely better off with an adamantine alloy. Less material can give the same support without a big change in weight. Mithral works better for if you need to transmit energy along it."

Zalara nods, "Very true adamantine is very hard to break, some of my armor has been lined with it to protect me from damage even if I do get hit, which is very unlikely. You are looking very fearsome today is there any reason for it?"

Brianna nods as she thinks for a moment and then smiles, it is great to be in a group of artificers talking.

Vuk puffs his chest out when compliments are paid. "I'm going to be a Soldier and follow every one to the war! Some one has to keep every one fed and look after armor! Thats my job in this war! I don't think I'd do very well against Heth and their legions, but I'll make sure the kettle is always full for those who are!" Ahh Vuk, Pride of the Gobber Chefs there. "Oh..Adamantine? I suppose that would work too! I don't really want to try and mix more energy into a violatile mixture! I saw what -Zippo- did with barrels of powder once. He looked rather pained after that.."

Zalara looks down at Vuk and she gets a very sad look on her face, "I see. Well just be very careful out there it is very dangerous, especially for goblin." She turns to go back into her workroom, "If you'll excuse me for a moment I've got some cleaning up to do."

Munch blinks a few times at Vuk, and shrugs, before hooking a number of tubes and wires up to his new 'heart'. "I suppose that's important to most people." As someone who literally will eat anything, the concept of chefs is a bit odd to the golem.

Vuk cocks his head a bit when Zalara looks sad, it's alot like how he looks with out his ensemble to hide his features! "Oh don't worry Miss Zalara, I won't be near the battles I'm sure! I don't think any one will let me! To small, I couldn't see past their knees!" He says, pointing at Munch's knees to show how truthful it might very well be. "Why of course it is my good metal friend! A hearty meal can do wonders for the morale of a garrison my Pa said!"

Zalara finishes picking up and she rubs her eyes a little bit. "It's all right Vuk. I'm sure you won't get hurt. If you like I'll work on your gun for you to improve it when you are ready to have it improved." She says as she moves back out, "Taste is very important."

Munch shrugs. "If you can't see past their knees, go for the ankles. They'll fall eventually." Checking a few times his new heart is working properly, Munch closes up his chest cavity again, smoothing the skin back into place. The tear will seal up again swiftly enough.

Vuk waves cheerfully at Zalara as she goes to leave. "I'm sure I'll have the means to do soon enough and I'll leave it in your expert care!" He says in his some how cheerful tone before looking up at Munch. "I don't think I'm a good soldier though! I'm much to used to my carefree means!"

Zalara nods, "Well let me know when you do. Just be careful." She looks over to Munch, "Feeling better?"

Munch nods to Zalara, picking up the old pump, peering at it a moment, then popping it into his mouth and chewing. Ever see someone eat their own heart before? "Yeah, did what I came to do. So is all good, thanks." He shrugs to Vuk. "War has a way of changing people, even the carefree."

Brianna has been a bit distracted but comes back and looks at the others and smiles a bit, "Sorry about that, I get a bit distracted sometimes."

Vuk loses some of his nerve when Munch says that, because he's heard it before. "Well...I'm sure I won't need to be to close! It won't do any one any good if I can't cook for them!" He says and looks at his rifle for a moment before rolling up the plans. Best keep them safe!

Zalara smiles, 'It's all right sometimes you get an idea you just have to think about." She nods, "I hope not." She smiles at Munch, 'Good to hear."

Munch nods, and shrugs to Vuk. "Maybe you'll change into someone who enjoys combat. Hard to say."

Brianna smiles and chuckles a bit. "Yeah, it happens." she shakes her head a bit. She doesn't like that it does, but it just does.

Vuk is glad he has his goggles on when Munch says that! "I'll give a blackguard what for but I don't want to be a soldier! I'm an Adventurer! Destined to be known for his grand heroics like the Lord Jibbom!"

Munch shrugs again to Vuk. "Jibbom isn't exactly known for staying out of combat. Though he does tend to fly above the thick of it all. But so long as your actions suit you, guess is all good."