Silver Insanity

Precious, Valuable Madness
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 1:42 pm 
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Prismatic Pangolin

Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 8:50 pm
Posts: 2283
The aerial battleship Nonsuch is broad and (relatively) flat; the particularly mundane-minded might be reminded of a ping-pong paddle. It's not an exact comparison, of course; to get a decent model of the ship you'd need to shove the handle up until it reached about two thirds of the way along the paddle, and maybe layer in a few extra paddles, each cut down a bit - the main deck of the Nonsuch is actually divided into five tiers, each about a half-story apart.

Within each tier, though, the deck is flat. It's mostly covered with some kind of slightly spongy black plastic, though there are a large number of metal-plated circles (and other shapes) that mark where turrets (and other systems) would normally be mounted.

Four of the thirteen city-ships* are anchored in a rough semicircle around the Nonesuch's bow, and all are clearly visible from almost anywhere on the Nonsuch's deck.
On the far left is the Aerixoc (often referred to by the locals as "air-sock"). It's a conventional design, and one of the oldest airships still in operation. And, while it's still running perfectly well, it does show its age; various panels and plating are all clearly added at different times; none of its weapon systems match; welds and repairs cover its surface like some vast floating frankenstein monster.
On the middle left is the Karastigna, a gleaming edifice of chrome plating and decorative vines (and a remarkable contrast to the air-sock right next to it). It is up scale, and rich, and - by the standards of most people**, relatively expensive to do more than walk through it on your way to somewhere else.
On the middle right is Stormrider - a modern design, purpose-built as a pirate hunter. It carries only a vestigial greenhouse area in a small dome towards the aft, and is bristling with weapons - all carefully aimed straight up, or straight down, and tied down with complex safety interlocks to prevent their use during the Exhibition. Currently, it caters largely to the more militarily inclined sparks and tourists.
On the far right is the Elderberry Hills - a similar design to the air-sock, though more recently built and thus comparatively boring.

_____
* Only small town sized by the standards of most other civilized realms. But "small town ship" just doesn't have the same ring.

** Sparks are not most people, and, compared to the kinds of funds you can get just for promising not to accidentally blow up nearby towns, there's no practical difference in the prices of things on the Karastigna.


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:43 pm 
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Prismatic Pangolin

Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 8:50 pm
Posts: 2283
The deck has been divided into rows of squares fifteen feet on a side - yellow tape marks the boundaries of what will be walkways and aisles, while white tape delineates borders between one display and the next. Each square currently contains a small metal table, neatly folded, and a paper notice loosely taped to the table.

The notices on one particular area of the deck read as follows:

712B: Gregory Millins. Thermal-Photonic Generator. Optics.
714B: Theodore Equifals. Monster Summoning Circle. Magic (No, Seriously, You Neanderthals).
The notice in the next square appears to have been torn off, perhaps by high winds, perhaps by vandals hoping to disqualify a confused competitor.
718B: Gor Ironhands. Multi-Purpose Industrial And Combat Armored Body. Personal Enhancement.
720B: Francis of Samskra. A Simple Defense Device For The Home. Home Security.
722B: Elmek. Hyper-Velocity Kinetic Redirection System. Advanced Materials.

And, on the other side of the aisle:

398E: Thiglodean Doomwheedle. Multi-Purpose Spinning Disk. Advanced Rotational Systems.
400E: Rijax Corridious. Remote Control Pygmy Elephant. Mind Control Hats.
402E: Ahriman Kettlefang. Shadow Containment Device. Ethero-Optical Technologies.
And another missing notice - not even a torn scrap of paper here. The complimentary folding table is gone, too.
406E: Krystal. Hyper-Resonant Pipe Organ. Hyper-Resonant Pipe Organs.

A few people are wandering around the area; starting to set up projects, or merely trying to get an overview of the competition. Some guards are patrolling or standing watch, though they seem fairly relaxed; few enough projects are set up that the risk of random explosions is still minimal.


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 3:08 pm 
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Needs a Guide

Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 7:43 pm
Posts: 47
Right before the public judging week, Francis is present, deciding on the layout of his display. The setup occurs quickly, and he is assisted by a couple of clanks.

Upon approaching the area designated for Francis' project, instead of a table, a sign-shaped clank wheels over to you (at about human walking speed), reading:

Francis of Samskra
A Simple Defense Device For The Home
Home Security

If you pause to read it for long enough, it will offer you a flier detailing the project, a pair of aladdin-style lamps on ornate pedastals. The flier is mostly like an advertisement flier, but with a little more technical information than you would expect. A difference from the display version can be noted: the stand displayed is not included, however, a smaller, more practical stand is, and this one has rudimentary(slow) movement capabilities in addition to the rotations and pivots both can do.

In the center, sits a frail looking man on a flying carpet. He sits cross-legged, and appears to be sleeping. He wears a turban with a prominently displayed ruby a little above forehead level. At either side of him are the two lamps on their pedastals.

You can see an array of small clanks that, when a demonstration is given, simulate an 'attack' that is repelled by shots from the two lamps. Also, it appears that anyone that wants to can fire a (slow moving) fist-sized ball for a less choreographed demonstration for a single coin (probably to offset the cost of such a ball, or to delay the firing rate of such a machine). Though the project is nothing special, you at least have to give him points for a well-planned and exquisite demonstration.

When Francis is away, the ball launchers are still there, moved to the center and disabled, the lamps, pedastals and clanks are gone. The sign has an extra line reading "This booth is currently closed. Please come back later." Occasionally, times are listed when the demonstration will reopen, but not usually.

-------------------

Francis takes this time to note both the nearby projects and to locate any other interesting booths. Upon passing the summoning circle, he will slow the carpet, give a slight 'hmm..' and continue on his way. (He makes a note to try and discern when a demonstration will be given.) It is also clear that Elmek's display concerns him, as he pays close attention to it.


Last edited by Ubiquitous on Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:22 am, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 5:41 pm 
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Lunatic

Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2007 4:07 pm
Posts: 281
Theodore is switching between two aspects of setup. The first is attempting to get some kind of sign worked out. Initially he seems to have a complicated hologram, but that vanishes when he moves about 30 feet from it... Eventually, he'll be contemplating a sword hilt and the folding table.

When not setting up the sign (or taking a break from it,) he's grumbling and sketching notes in an arcane tome. (Or at least, what looks like an arcane tome. It even has astrological symbols on it.) Mumbling to himself about what's "too dangerous" and "too likely to cause a riot". Those passing-by who show at least some interest will be asked, "Any requests for summoning? I want to have the formulas worked out in advance."*
-----
*: Which has caused at least one passerby to balk screaming, "You were going to make it up DURING the demonstration?!" With varying degrees of disbelief, amusement and terror.


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:21 am 
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Needs a Guide

Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 7:43 pm
Posts: 47
To Theodore: "Im afraid my knowledge on such subjects is lacking. Though, my suggestion would be something only slightly larger than yourself and visually striking. I believe that would have the greatest possible effect with only minimal chance of a riot. I might be able to suggest a few Djinn from my homeland, but i wouldn't have an accurate enough description* of them to help you."

* - Francis is assuming that you can only summon something that actually exists. If not, he'll be happy to suggest a larger, fleshy version of his miniture 'attack' clanks. He'd even be able to, given adaquate time, produce a fairly detailed picture of one.


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:08 pm 
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Sane. VERY Sane.

Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 8:32 pm
Posts: 610
A short clank whirrs down the aisle on three wheels, coming to a rest equidistant between the two empty stalls on the aisle. Its head rotates 360 degrees before starting to oscillate back and forth. A large pair of antenna on its head vibrate in indecision. Finally, it stops looking around, uses one of its delicate right arms to open a hatch on its torso, and pulls out a piece of paper. It holds it up in front of the signs for 402E and 406E, before buzzing to the other side and comparing it to 714B and 718B. It hops in victory and starts tearing down the table in stall 716B.

A moment later, loud thuds are heard as a ten foot tall clank pushes a six foot square of granite on a cart. A man in an ill-fitting suit, puffy beard, and glasses walks beside it. "Gizmo? Did you find it?"

A loud buzz comes from the tri-wheeled clank.

"Good! This way, Tiny." The large clank, apparently called Tiny, pushes the cart down the aisle. As it comes closer it becomes apparent that the front is the only polished side, with the rest being jagged and irregular. There are various tubes and steam valves attached to it, with a large steam engine apparently powering whatever device this is via a series of gears, shafts, and hoses that all disappear into the rock.

Tiny begins very carefully removing the device from the cart as the spark starts adjusting various hoses, dials, and knobs. Gizmo assembles a small sign from the table, which reads:
  • 716B: Silas VonZinker.
    Lifting Wall (Mark I).
    Tulthin Mimetics.

    No magnets, please.


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PostPosted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:03 pm 
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Lunatic

Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2007 4:07 pm
Posts: 281
Theodore (assuming any time has passed) has broken out his notebook, and is asking Fracis a few questions pertaining to how to connect to Francis' home via gate and the time differential that's typical... He has a fairly largish map of realms, sorted into inexplicable equivalence classes, based on time fluctuations, and some form of topology that relates to "local weirdness".

The equations he's using add up... until you realize the symbols he's using aren't variables, but literal representations of the forces involved. He's got a basic sketch of a chalk circle that should summon a djinn... Again, assuming that anything works the way his equations say it will.

It seems to involve the channeling of basic elemental power, using focus and the mind as an amplifier with the circle as a focus for direction. The power source seems to be the chalk used as well as a small series of candles.

Theodore pauses as he completes the prototype... Regaining his awareness of the rest of the airship, he looks over at his new neighbor. "If you want, I can test this after we meet our neighbor."


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PostPosted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 12:30 pm 
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Needs a Guide

Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 7:43 pm
Posts: 47
Francis has scribbled a couple notes on a notepad on (his interpretation) of how sound Theodore's methods are. Those looking over his shoulder will see that he likely will not draw conclusions until he sees a demonstration.

Francis drifts over to the new display being set up. He glances at the sign, and chuckles. Pondering for a second, he adds, "You realize that some people here will take that last line as a challenge, right? Another very intriguing invention so close by, I think its either a very lucky or extremely unlucky day, depending how it turns out. Out of curiosity," quickly reading off the sign, "Silas, how does your wall compare to its more famous counterpart?"

Francis has turned the page of his notepad, for those that are curious.


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PostPosted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 10:55 am 
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Missing Some Marbles

Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:08 pm
Posts: 215
"TIRED WITH NO TIME TO SLEEP BEFORE YOU SETUP. DON'T SETUP WRONG COME TO ME FOR BOOST. BOTTLED LIGHTNING TO POWER EXPERIMENTS AS LONG AS YOU CAN PAY!!!!!"


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 4:18 pm 
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Sane. VERY Sane.

Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 8:32 pm
Posts: 610
Gizmo advances and buzzes unpleasantly when Francis suggests violating the sign's warning. Several antennae wave at both people approaching, and then he backs away slightly with a relived whistle.

Silas doesn't even look up from his tinkering. "It's based on designs from several sites around Tulthin. It lifts nearly identically, although I don't have the proper rock to conduct the field so nothing seems to stick. The lifting rate is unstable as the field builds and discharges. My calibrations have it to a minimum, but the root cause is probably the wrong impurities in the granite. There may also be an additional device in the original lifting wall that acts as a regulator, but they objected when I started..."

Finally he looks up and blinks. "Um. Who are you? Can I help you?"


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