Walery - Learning to Fly

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The Artificer's Hall rests slightly off the ground, supported on all sides by eight strong,

if nonfunctional legs. The entire Hall is carved from an ancient automation of a giant arachnid. While

at one time--many eons past--it may have been functional, today it is a hollowed-out shell of its

former self, with rooms made for professors' offices and class rooms. The Hall itself may be accessed

by a stairway that leads up, and up...and up through one of its many legs.
Once inside, its appearance is anything but a mechanical spider's guts. With ceilings of

polished stone and artifice-metal, the Hall possesses the same, ominous acoustics as any grand

cathedral. Twisting, jointed arches of metal reflect its true form--as a great, massive structure

hosted within an arachnid's mechanical belly. Everything is dark and metallic, with 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 the outside world. Yet, the energy

seems almost gobber-chaotic.

The centre of the building is a great octagon, with eight, great halls leading away from its

core. Decorating its core are stained glass windows. They add to the almost holy ambiance. Instead of

leading to the outside world, each shadowbox displays life-sized figures enact scenes from Alexandria's

past from the Artificer's perspective. They display feats of Building, Achievement, and

Experimentation. Towards the north is one depicting 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 complex includes 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.
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Walery A pretty average-looking human. With a death ray. 0s 1m
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Zalara's Hoverbike(#1013aeZ)
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Sunken Workshops (D) Out (O)
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Stirling

Despite standing 6 foot tall, Stirling is of a compact, thick limbed and powerful build. His chest and

shoulders are broad and he stands with a ram rod straight posture that can only come from years of

military drilling. He has a thick lantern jaw with protruding canines, a rounded nose and a deep set,

dark left eye. His other eye is made of chrome, glass and steel, wrapping part of the way around his

head, halfway to his ear and features a large round red lens with a single red glowing dot in the

center. His skin tone is a light blue at the center of his face that fades to grey and eventually black

to the ends of his extremities. His dark hair is severe, cut short and usually covered by an olive

green cloth cap with a short bill.

Across his chest he wears what can be best described as a thick chrome breastplate. On the back there

is what appears to be a rounded blister furnace, a grilled box at the bottom glowing with a faint blue

fire light. Several pipes come out of it and cross over his shoulders and under each arm to a thick

casing in the front which features a large mechanical socket that glows with the same blue light. A

single chrome exhaust stack rises from the furnace, straight up to the height of the top of his head,

which leaks a thin trail of smoke. Flanking the furnace are a pair of steel pinions, looking like the

base of some kind of wings.

His upper limbs are bare save for a large symbol of Serriel tattoo'd on one bicep and what can only be

best described as a pinup of Serriel as a hobgoblin in full armor on the other side. His hands are

encased in titanic chrome and silver gauntlets that go all the way to his elbows and each ends in a

pair of thick metal coated cables that trail to the furnace on his back. Each gauntlet has a palm the

size of a dinner plate with fully articulated fingers to match. A thick strap of polished steel is

mounted across each the knuckles, one engraved with 'Tact' and the other with 'Grace. The parts that

cover his forearm feature a line of blue gems along the outside that glow blue along with a number of

odd slots and ports across the inside of the forearm.

Across his waist is a thick belt with a variety of pockets and pouches, some holding syringes, large

thumb sized shells or other odd gizmos. His pants are an olive green, tucked into the black boot on his

left foot and ending at the knee on his right leg. His entire right leg, like his eye, is an armored

machine of mithril and steel plates with brass gears appearing at the joints and ending in a steel foot

similar to his other boot. The artificial limb whirs quietly as he moves, small gemstone up the side of

the calf section glow with a familiar blue light, giving away that not merely mechanical but an

artifice limb.

Besides the gauntlets he wields a meter long mat black firearm. The dark casing ending in 4 barrels,

fed by a pair of thick drums ahead of the over sized trigger guard, large enough for his gauntlets. A

long rack of colored thumb-size shells adorns the side of the firearm, above a large slide wrapped

across the bottom. The stock has 3 large coiled springs painted black and a slot for loading shells is

featured above each drum. The word 'Diplomacy' is painted on the side in blocky white letters and an

arrow pointing towards the barrel end.

Walery

Mick Walery is an Acanian human standing 5'9", with an average build and average looks, and who is,

overall, pretty average-looking. Medium-brown hair, dark eyes, clean-shaven, he could be anyone in a

crowd. A closer look will see some wiry toughness in his build, though, and a mania in his eyes that

speaks of ancient things man was not meant to know. He wears a conservative dark-green tunic under a

brown waist-length coat, and a mail shirt over that. His coat collar overhangs the neck of the mail

shirt, and seems to have a simple pin on the collar. His pants are heavy, and match the shade of the

coat, with a heavy black leather belt that has several pouches, with an inch-thick cross strap over his

left shoulder. His boots are brown leather, and are knee-high, with fancy stitching. His death ray,

when idle, is slung across his chest from a strap around his neck and one shoulder. The death ray looks

a bit like a thunderbelcher, but with jeweled silver fittings and a complex sight on top, with a

polished wood stock. What looks like a rectangular box of some unknown gray material is worn like a

backpack. It has several small yellow and red gems set in a row, and woven metal cables connect it to

his death ray. He wears a thunderbelcher on its own strap over his shoulder.

The workshops of the artificer's hall ring with the sound of creation, hammers, tools... crafting of

all varieties. Stirling has his own workshop, one organized with Blarite effeciency and order. At the

center of the back wall is the large chrome armor Stirling wears, cables snaking to titanfists that lie

in stands of their own. The Arvek for his part seems to be working with a collection of crystals

scattered across a work bench, files carefully laid as Stirling attempts to form them in different

shapes and changes facets, all his attention bent on the task.

Walery has come to Stirling's lab looking somewhat respectable and raps at the door to request entry.

Upon admission, he enters and greets the senior artificer with a bland "Hello." He seems distracted,

and by more than the usual rubbernecking of students at the senior artificers' labs. "Good afternoon,

sir," he begins. "I had a few questions, and a crafting request, if you've got the time available," he

begins. "I'll start with the crafting request, I suppose, since it's simplest."

Stirling looks up from his work, the artificer red lense of Stirling's eye looking at Walery for a few

uncomfortable seconds. "Crafting? I can certainly do that, I can empower any weapon or armor you have

if you wish. What is your name?" he gestures to another stool where Walery can sit.

Walery remains standing, he always feels that's a bit more respectful. "I'm Mick Walery, sir. We met

some months ago and ... you gave me some good advice at the time." He pauses, hesitates. "Well, my

mentor's programs were cancelled, and he decided to depart the Academy. I'm trying to keep up some of

the principal ideas, but ..." He nods about the crafting, but, "Just weapons and armor?" he asks. "What

about rings? Only, I think before I complete my flight modifications to my titan armor, I should get a

Ring of Feather Fall," he explains.

Stirling eyes Walery a bit closer. "Hrm, there does seem something familiar about you. In case I do not

craft rings, I believe... the wizards Cesran or Mikilos are ones you need to seek for that. However I

am interested to hear more about your flight systems." he turns to give Walery his full attention. "A

ring of featherfall is a prudent safety measure though, I can tell you from personal experience that

falling at terminal velocity is not something pleasant."

Walery hrms at the mention that you don't do that. "I ... had some ideas in that direction, myself, so

perhaps I will pursue them, myself. It is an interesting concept. Though I have two ideas. One is a

collapsable autogyro that deploys when you fall, and you autorotate to the ground. The other is more

basic: a parachute. But I think the autogyro is a more elegant solution." Only sidetracked a bit, then.

Stirling furrows his brow with thought. "Thats really up to you, whichever you like better but it

sounds like both your options can fulfill your needs. I do like your autogyro idea though, seems...

like there is more room for improvement." he says pondering the ideas. "Although... I am not entirely

sure. Its not something I have full explored. You will have to share with me what you find." he says

with a grin.

Walery nods about the autogyro idea. "It's more interesting for me, also. The parachute seems quite

plain. Though sometimes the KISS principle, Keep It Simple, Stupid, is the best way to go. I try to

keep that in mind when I'm building, to keep from trying to over-engineer a project." Life has so many

options! "I will let you know what I come up with, either way," he agrees.

Stirling handwobbles "Simple is good but you also have to consider all your requirements though, be

ready for posibilities and consider the reliability. I think your down the right track though. Do you

do any of your work here? I wouldn't mind seeing more of your work, I am sure I can pick up a tip or

two. I don't think I have ever met another artificer who didn't do things their own way in some

fashion."

Walery hehs, and explains, "I actually do most of my work in my armory. I bought a place in the Market

District recently, and I craft armor for warriors and paladins, and such. But you're quite welcome to

stop by any time. As to the flying, I've worked out some interesting reactions that produce thrust

quite readily. In conjunction with a set of modest wings, mainly for control, I think it would be quite

effective."

Stirling nods "I will have to drop by and see it, your designs as well if you will let me. Also if

there are any contraption blueprints I can provide I am happy to share them with a fellow artificer.

Control will be paramount" he continues, "Taking flight requires a lot of power and you have to make

sure your always on control." he adds sternly.

Walery nods about dropping by. "Any time you like," he agrees. "I do have some interesting plans. My

old mentor left some drawings with me. Not finished plans, but ideas and outlines, and I'm working on

fleshing them out. Control is paramount, just as you say. So part of it will involve a gyro-stabilized

thrusting mechanism. But built into a boot, so I can swing my legs to maneuver if I need to."

Stirling raises his one good eyebrow "In boots... like flying footware? That would be... hrm. The

precision and small work required would difficult." he continues to think on the idea. "Perhaps... no

that wouldn't work well shrunk down... perhaps some kind of mana-crystal relay to tranfer power? Or

power cabling to a backpack mounted power unit?"

Walery says, "Well, I had planned to power the boot from a backpack unit. The power requirement to

stabilize the rig would be high, but it's only needed for a long as your titan armor is running. And it

would give you a feel more like you're standing on something rather than hanging from your backpack,

which I think would be distracting at best."

Stirling nods "Makes sense, run it off your armor when its at full power. My flight unit works the same

although it mostly runs on an overwhelming power principle. The control units are complex but it mostly

works due to my armor's high power output. However with boots..." he looks over at his own armor as if

considering the idea.

Walery hrms about the overwheling power. "Unfortunately, I'm not sure my armor can handle as much power

as yours. It's designed for agility over power, and so agility is more of a thing, I think. Another

reason to put the thruster in the boot. If I want to maneuver, I can cut thrust, twist around, and

thrust in a new direction. At least that's my thinking."

Stirling nods "I see and thats likely better for that configuration. I tend to resort to raw power than

anything too finessy but that is as much as result of what I personally prefer. Although that comes

with its own challenges.

Walery nods gravely. "I think I'd burn through fuel too fast at that level of thrust," he admits. "I

burn through fast enough as it is. It's barely got enough fuel as it is. Though I'm sort of thinking

that the autogyro might also be useful for the flight portion, not just energency landings

Stirling nods "That is what I like about the idea, it has possibilities for flight and not just soft

landings. Hard to say though, you really can't say for sure until you try it." he says with a shrug.

"So is there anything else I can help you with?"

Walery shakes his head about anything further. "No, mainly I just wanted someone to crosscheck my work

before I start hammering plates and forging things. If I could leave some papers with you, you could

read the background when you were free?"

Stirling nods "No problem, I will gladly do so. I always look forward to see what others are working on

and it often inspires my own ideas. By all means." he offers with a slight smile, not something he does

often.

Walery will take a farly stout notebook from the satchel at his waist, and lay it on a table nearby.

"Thank you for stopping to talk with me. If you ever need anything, feel free to ask. And if any of

your associates need armor forged, plate, adamantine, mithral, I can give good rates." With a bow, he

will depart.

Stirling raises a hand "Good luck and keep safe, if I need anything I will know where to find you." he

says as he takes up the notebook.

(Scene fades)

-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-(* A03: Colosseum District *)--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-

The earth trembled where the Champion once trod. Legend by some states that His strength was

so mighty that He naturally clove in two, creating the twin gods of Angoron and Kor. Other legends tell

other tales, too, and the tour guides are quick to spin them, while at the same describing the history

of the Colosseum, a tribute to both gods as well as the glorious and competitive spirit of all

creatures and even Alexandria, Herself.

The structure stands imposingly massive, a great stage crafted from a time when the oruch and

khazad worked in tandem. It displays perfectly the contrasts and strengths of each culture in its

carved stonework, from the oruch's tribal frenzy to the khazadi strength and solidarity.

Vendors, shops, surround the arena, and turn this into a place of commerce. At any time, a

number of Warriors, Heralds of Angoron or Kor may be seen, offering advice and the wisdom of the Twins.

For all its serious, it is a place of laughter as well. Tarien's taverns and trickery makes its home

here, and the too-proud warrior may quickly find him or herself on the opposite end of a banana peel or

practical joke.

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Acedia An ebon-skinned Goblin in leather armor. 1m 4m
Verna Petite humanoid in bulky gray robes and cloak. 1m 2h
Walery A pretty average-looking human. With a death ray. 0s 2h
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Fire Lodge (FL) Colosseum (CM) von IronBrew's (IB)
East (E) South (S)
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Verna

With slight stature less than human but more than Lucht, initial assessments of this figure are

often dismissive. Grey robes and cloak seem volumous though they are not large, and obscure most

detailed features. Only the cloak, hem of robes, and, occassionally, black boot tips are visible. The

only visible adornment is a gilded triangular pendant bearing the image of a scale.

When the hood is lowered, much more is apparent, though the monochrome nature doesn't change.

Alabaster hair is cropped quite short, kept off the neck in the rear and above wispy white brows in the

front. Both stand out against a dusky complexion a shade somewhere between the robe and boots. Slender

bone structure suggests sildanyari influence or femininity, possibly both, though the pale grey eyes

lack the exotic almond .

Aside from the usual tome, the volumous robes have acquired a new constant accessory: a coppery

spheroid the size of a melon bearing a large amber "eye." It typically hovers over (or rests upon) one

shoulder or the other, to either side of her hood. The perfect position for scrutinizing whatever she

may be studying or doing.
Carrying:
Arbiter GH-057