video | usn: brightsun

[stephanivien]

[ 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.

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video, un: long rope

[eyeofthavnair]

[Could this gentleman be an Ishgardian? It would be nice to have another here from his world, even if they were a stranger. But with how many worlds there seem to be out there, it's hard to tell.

Still...he'd like to hope...

(it may be strange for a dragon to be excited to meet an Ishgardian, but he's liked the one he knows so far!)]

Does your homeland often have...'dragon problems'?

video

[stephanivien]

A great deal of them, formerly, and originally of our making, as it turned out, but no longer. Though the wounds of war are ever-slow to heal, we are making much progress with them. [ He squints. Potentially a Thavnarian by the garb? Almost certainly, at least, someone from home. He's yet to see or hear of anything like the Au'ra anywhere else, after all. ]

Pardon my presumption, but you wouldn't happen to be from Thavnair, would you?

[eyeofthavnair]

[Varshahn's face brightens immediately. He was right! And he should have realized how clearly he himself stands out. Hehehe.]

Ah, what could have given it away? [A buddy from home!! Fellow...uh...Ethyrian? What is their adjective, anyway? Okay, okay, focus.] You are correct. My name is Varshahn. Though I wish we were meeting on...more familiar ground...it is nevertheless a pleasure, Stephanivian.

[Alright, on to business. Although he's not actually sure he can do much for this man.] I cannot say I know much about machinery...but if there is any simple labor that would help, I would be glad to do it.

[stephanivien]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Varshahn! Despite, as it were, the surroundsings. [ What a delight to fine a fellow being from the same star. Unfortunate it is in a strange land in the middle of a siege, though. ] I confess I have yet to meet any denizens of other stars who seem to be anything alike Au'Ra, and while I am no expert of textiles, it did seem as though your garb was primarily of Thavnarian silk! I was less certain of that, of course, but it seemed enough to at least attempt a hypothesis.

Any and all assistance is quite welcome! If machinery is not your forte, I would be equally happy for more alchemical knowledge as well, as it is a subject I am far more lacking in, but remains a key component to the more complex of machina. And, of course, any free hands as one might provide, be it a physical hand or a metaphorical one!

I'll confess, I also wouldn't mind more, ah, familiar company as well. It would be nice to speak more of our home star.

[eyeofthavnair]

Ah, of course - our silk is quite eye-catching, is it not? [He allows himself to preen just a little bit. His children do make the best fabrics around!] And it is true - I have not yet seen other Au Ra...or many Elezen, either. Most here seem to be Hyur.

Hmm...I am not an alchemist by trade, but I know the fundamentals. [From hanging out with countless alchemists for literally eons...yeah, he's picked up a bit.] Perhaps we can integrate a simple formula into your machina.

[His smile becomes a little softer.]

I, too, would appreciate familiar company. I am curious to hear more of Ishgard's restoration.

[stephanivien]

It is quite fascinating, to not see the mirrored diversity of our star, though I confess I had not thought it so unique before.

[ Stephanivien smiles broadly, and waves with a welcoming hand, as if beckoning Varshahn through the communicator. ] Even the fundamentals would be quite welcome! Any and all improvements possible would be quite the boon.

[ Stephanivien softens as well, into something almost like pride in someone else. ] I would delight in the telling. My youngest brother Francel has been quite devoted to the restoration of Ishgard, in heart and mind as much as matter, and he has done quite a great deal to move us forward into a better era.