eastbound | video | usn: brightsun

[ The video is a clear capture down in the forges, the device propped up on a worktable of some sort, with curled pieces of parchment and scattered writing sticks of charcoal scattered across the desk, though all details of plans are neatly swept out of view.

Instead, is centered a quite tall man with pointed ears, a hint of soot smeared across his cheek, while behind him lie large loam moldings, as well as a couple strangely shaped large metal components, nearly as tall as the man himself. ]

Greetings! My name is Stephanivien, and I am something of an inventor and maker of armaments by trade. With a gracious deal from King Deimar, I have begun the manufacture of several improvements to help those borne to the towers with defenses. However! There is only so much one man can do alone.

[ He moves closer to table, placing down both hands an leaning in towards the device. ]

Most immediately pressing, in this case, is the dragon problem facing the Southern Tower. Luckily enough, dealing with dragons in this manner is something I am unfortunately quite familiar with. I've been focusing on a modification of a previously existing design of mine, especially in light of the desire to capture over...[ He pauses, clearly searching for a way to say 'death', except the dragon is already dead. ] ...more permanent measures.

In light of such things I should like to request two forms of assistance! First, to any and all engineers, tinkerers, inventors or all else of the mechanical sort, I would be deeply appreciative of any willing extra hands and partners to brainstorm and build. You will, of course, be welcome to work on your own projects as well, utilizing the space, and as any worker of a manufactory, compensated for your efforts and time.

[ He pauses to sift through a sheaf of parchment just at the edge of view, before pulling out something that from the brief view appears to be something alike an employment contract. ]

Second! To any mages of skill, particularly those already among the towers: I am quite adept at the melding of machinery and magecraft, but there remain questions of both energy storage and also finer details in terms of how, exactly, we wish for this to operate. On the base level, it will be not dissimilar to a typical ballista, though augmented for the expectation of its target, but the design comes in more question with the desired bolt. My initial thoughts were something alike mechanical claw, with a requisite chain for attachment. However, I believe added magical character, as well as additional strength to both bolt and chain will be required if we take that tack as opposed to a more traditional harpoon.

[ He reaches up to pinch the bridge of his nose, briefly, smearing more soot across his face. ]

I'm quite well versed with the magic of my home, but not of that available to those here. Frankly, I will need to know what is possible for those of you who will end up manning the thing to sustain before I can get too deep into the manufacturing of it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Many other things! Methods for converting one's inherent aetheric—or, rather, magical—energies into electrical power, trackers to trace back remote signals, Automatons! The possibilities of invention are endless!

Yet, war is a familiar beast, with familiar demands, that I have a wellspring of experience in meeting. And what innocent lives I can save by improving the capabilities of their defenders, I have no qualms.

But! Little of that, if that is not your interest! There is much yet still to be made, and I am of deep curiosity to make it, so be welcomed for works towards other things as well.

I'm well aware that the arc of scientific innovation trends towards war, more often than not.

[It doesn't mean he has to accept it! Still, it's difficult to argue against weapons or defenses when they're in the situation they are.]

Tell me more about your work with magic.

I admit that having fresh come from an entirely too-long war just resolved only to find myself in another has had some impact on the habits.

[ One thousand years of war makes you.... practical about such things. And while Stephanivien is happy to make other things, the Skysteel Manufactory is an armaments producer first, by long-established history. ]

I am well-studied in aetherology, which could be best described as the science of magic, I suppose. How the energies work, how they can be manipulated, how they can be Aspected, and those Aspects play off each other, and the like. One of my proudest inventions in that vein is the aetherotransformer, which allows for a persons natural aetheric reserves to be converted to electrical energy, and thus further stored and used as a power supply.

Is there a particular problem you are seeking to solve? Or perhaps a puzzle to further understand?

No, no problem.

[At least, not when it comes to understanding what Stephanivien is talking about. In fact, it’s all very familiar, more than he’s made known. The mention of natural aetheric reserves used as energy is certainly intriguing, more than enough to pique his further interest.]

My work is similar to yours—the technological harnessing of naturally-occurring arcane forces.

Indeed, then I would be quite curious in your work as well! Perhaps there is some ability for us to further expand upon our own inventions in collaboration! There is little more enjoyable than a good debate on how to advance the current bounds of our technologies, and little more helpful than outside perspectives and knowledge!

[ He hunkers down more focused in front of the projecting device, clearly intrigued. ] Especially as, if I take your meaning correctly, your work so far has been more focused on the harnessing of those magical forces that are external, as opposed to the internal energies.

Surely, there must be a way we can combine both!

Yes. Natural-born users of the arcane are so rare as to be legends, where I’m from.

[And much of the information has been destroyed or otherwise hidden, in Piltover. Jayce was nearly exiled for the mere attempt to prove his theory true. And yes, yes, it would be in their best interests to work together. He can get to that in a moment.]

Are you a mage?

Fascinating. It is quite rare, though not unheard of, where I am from, to be unable to access one's internal reserves entirely, though skillful manipulations of the more ambient aetheric energies of the world does usually require some level of study.

[ Stephanivien ponders a moment to consider the question, in light of the information that has been provided. ]

In the more traditional sense, no, I am not, but only by matter of practice, and not capability. My focus—and personal use—of the arcane has been in their intermeshing with technologies only, as opposed to more direct manipulation to cast spells and the like. However, I would be capable of doing so with appropriate study.

Back home, it's the opposite. That's what my work attempted to do--provide everyone access to magical energies, regardless of the circumstances of one's birth.

[So, only natural he would be excited about meeting a mage. Or, at least, a magic-user.]

Were you not made to create armaments, what is it that interests you the most?

[ Garlemald is rebuilding, an inhospitable land further made more challenging a locale by her people's lack of access to aetherical shortcuts. The struggle of redeveloping a fuel-efficient heater comes to his mind, as their infrastructure had crumbled to ashes under the Telephoroi's doomsday desires. ]

That is truly extraordinary, and I would be deeply fascinated to know more of it.

[ It also, in a way, ties in with Stephanivien's answer to the man's follow-up question. Armaments have always been but a means to an end. ]

Would it be too grand to say the advancement of technology for the equality of my fellow man? [ He smiles, somewhat sheepish. It's a lofty goal, he knows, but he is devoted to it wholeheartedly. ] Even the armaments were to that end, though I am glad to focus now on better things. Airships! for instance! A more convenient form of transportation that should haev greater availability for all.

[ He stops a moment, to backtrack and explain. ]

Where I was from, your class and monetary means determined your ability to defend yourself, or to gain glory and respectability in society. The equippage and training required for such knightly martial prowess was of no little expense, and it left those did not have such means at the 'mercies' of those who did. A way to level the playing field was the least to offer.

But the war is over, and the sooner we can break down such class barriers the far better a society we will have built.

No, not too grand.

[It's similar to Viktor's own goals, though he's recently become more pessimistic about the arc of progress. The roadblocks he's encountered doesn't sway him from the ideal that science should materially improve people's lives, but it has been discouraging, recently. Even here, Stephanivien describes a world at war, where his real aspirations are stifled in favor of technology used for destruction.

The mention of airships is almost nostalgic, as does the mention of a striated society. He wishes he had an easier answer to those things.]

I would be interested in exchanging notes, once we're through this.

[ His smile softens further then, conspiratorial. ]

A fellow dreamer then, I see.

[ He steps back, grinning and claps his hands together in a summation. ]

As would I! Even when they butt together, more heads to contemplate the task at hand come together to brighter solutions. And what better task ahead than a better future?

Yes, something like that.

[Though it’s difficult to be optimistic, in a situation like this.]

If we survive this, let’s reconvene.

Indeed. I look forward to our future collaboration.

video | usn: brightsun

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