Adstrom

+ Summons of Steel to Snow +

[!] Far in the North, an assembly line stirs deep within the mountain peaks. The cruel clattering of cold steel, the whirring of crude clockwork cogs, and the cacophonic hissing of steams and other strange substances reverberated across the ice of the Ailmere. It is operated by THE BARON and an eclectic assortment of other machine assistants.  Plates are fitted against metallic skeletal frameworks, while vile green oils are manufactured en masse. Distrugere is preparing for something grand. Amidst this, a missive is spread throughout the land, delivered by mechanical wings.

TO THE MACHINES OF AEVOS,

Have you found yourself alone? Ostracized, by the commonfolk - merely because you are not of flesh in make? Think this NO FURTHER! It is time for the creations of gear and cogs to rally and find concurrence in the like-minded ilk of iron. Amongst the Northern summits, I, Vincente von DISTRUGERE, am constructing a great fortress. Here, all automata and otherwise machine-inclined individuals will be invited to flock together. It shall be a site of vast research, study, and conglomeration. If you are at all interested in these prospects or wish to make contributions to their development, please address all concerns to VON DISTRUGERE INDUSTRIES, with your name and title attached. 

[!] At the bottom, in very fine and mushed-together print, there is a final statement.

* ParticipatingautomatawillberequiredtohaveobediencevesselsinstalledThisexcludeseServitosandhispriestarmadawhoareinvitedtoremaindetached.

VINCENTE VON DISTRUGERE, THE IRON BARON 

MC Name:

         Adstrom

Character's Name:

         The Iron Baron

Character's Age:

         76

Character's Race:

         Adunian

Link to your accepted MA:

         https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/224341-animatii-clockwork-artifice-fa-spaceoddity/

What magic(s) will you be teaching?

         Animatii; The Clockwork Craft

Describe this magic or a creature as a whole:

Animatii is a product of further Alchemy, an additional feat centered around the practices of the clockwork artisan. In order to learn the teachings of the tinkerer, one must first already be a fully committed and entirely learned potionsmaker of masterful endeavor. The creation of the machine is a meticulous craft, drawing care of greater detail than even the traditional Alchemist concerns themselves with. Unlike the burden of the common Alchemist, those who practice in metallic creation are often plagued by their own special eccentricities. For when the surety of steel and its perfection is glimpsed, how can the weakness of flesh leave one secure? Thus, the tinkerer is driven to create more and more machines, perhaps even taking the final step and becoming one in the process. 

The work of the Animii Craftsman can be broken down into four segments. Primarily, all automatons are united through the composition of two central components: Lifeblood, and the many modules which give them their humanlike operation. Then, with these inventions, there are three levels of craft possible through the art. The most simple of which is the construction of prosthetic limbs and organs, which breathe rebirth of steel into long-forgotten or otherwise lost aspects of the descendant form. Then come the animii, or automata, themselves; the most prominent element of the Alchemist’s arsenal. But beyond this, there is a final category: the machine spirit, the pinnacle of the potential held by animatii practice. 

Are there different sections or subsections of magic? Can those be elaborated upon?

Lifeblood and the Modules

The first step in the process of the clockwork craftsman, the lifeblood, is essential to all works of the art. Like the blood of an organic descendant, it is what instills the machine body with its motion. Akin to thin green oil, it flows artificially through faux veins which interconnect the apparatuses within an automaton, bringing it to life. This is facilitated by what is known as the “Gear-Heart”, a device formed of cogs and clockwork in the imitation of its muse of flesh. Once infused with graphite or diamond and redstone, its gears whir to action, pumping the lifeblood to each module that requires it and creating a metallic mirror of a true living being. Its ticks resonate like the beatings of a real heart, in some ironic display of artisan reflection. It functions similarly, and if it is destroyed, an automaton is left in a rendered state of stasis; its memories and personality are utterly shattered, with repairs possible at the cost of retaining only fragments of these aforementioned sentiments.   

In addition to this, four primary modules contribute to making an automaton more lifelike. These are the intelligence vessel, the visual module, the voice module, and the audio module. Their purposes are rather straightforward, with each having to do precisely with its namesake - though their constructions all range widely from the mimicry of a voicebox to the intricate folds of layered metal. However, there is a fifth and optional vessel as well. Named the obedience module, it deals specifically with the loyalty or subservience of an automaton to its creator or any other who wishes to impose their command upon a machine. 

Prosthetics

The most basic and introductory level of machine craft, apprentice animii learners typically begin here. Prosthetics are an extension of the human, functioning solely through the connection between metal and flesh. They are inoperable until lifeblood and blood have been interwoven. Usual prosthetics include appendages and organs like eyes, legs, and arms, to even lungs fashioned like gear-driven bellows. They are dulled of sense, and often far weaker than their natural alternatives. In addition to this, small inventions like self-moving tools are also placed within this category of difficulty.  

The Automata

The true centerpiece of clockwork creation, the automata are what define the art of gear and cog. They are distinctly ranked in a series of four, beginning with small cat-sized creatures or larger personal inventions. This then advances to a capacity around the size of a large dog. Following, the third tier contains mount-sized creatures or non-combative NPC humanoids. The final category includes the player character automaton, which is the most advanced and most capable of all others. Though they are made of steel, these iron figures are not indestructible. With a few well-placed hits, their outer plating can be pierced, and their inner modules are rather fragile; succumbing to destruction in only two successful strikes. To play an automaton, one must attain a valid CA, and adhere to the given restrictions.

The Machine Spirit

The conclusive act of the machine alchemist. Machine Spirits are essentially the same as automatons but with one grand difference. While typical steel constructs are soulless, Machine Spirits are husks of iron that have been implanted with a soul after the death of its original body. This, like normal automatons, also requires an accepted and applicable CA. 

Can you give an example of a casting emote, of a spell of your choice?

[Gearheart + A Portion of Automaton Construction]

[!] The CLOCK-WORK HEART, with reason the most intricate and crucial of things machine. With a hunk of malleable metal, the BARON began to fashion a fake organ. Crafted in the mimicry of an anatomical heart, with veins and vessels replaced by gears and springs. No bigger than his closed hand, it was a delicate piece. With hammer and chisel he carved out its stature, infusing springs and attaching cogs wherever it seemed fit. In the center, he burrowed out a cavity where a gemstone of diamond was soon placed and secured. When the mineral had been slotted, he began to sprinkle handfuls of redstone all over the module, until it was fully coated. Given time, that redstone seeped inward. And when it had found itself concrete, the Clockwork organ began to whir quietly with the faint trickles of faux life. 

[!] With trips to and fro, he gathered the modules from his workbench. Careful hand and mind interlinked allowed him to prepare the vessels for attachment, devoid of the passing time. Cogs and clockwork of pure bronze were set against rods and lined up with false passageways. From a mixture of copper, the tubings were drawn between each steel organ. The Baron inserted them into the components, setting them amidst the skeleton as if he were creating a diagram of a man; for he was, in a way. A machine, made man. The cerebral vessel was placed into the head, so that its mind would be like his own. The Gear-Heart was placed within its focal point, so that it might find security in centrality. The audio modules were placed into either side of the head, slotted into grooves fashioned as ears. The visual modules were carefully affixed to sockets amidst the face, grounded in a base of iron to keep them from rapid movement. With everything in place, more tubes and paths of material were laid. Like a cobweb of earthen make, hollow pipes connected every organ and ran from limb to limb. The pulley systems were affixed where needed to mimic muscles, and cogs and springs were implemented when required. From the head to the toe, it was wired with veins. Veins that remained still; stagnant, and waiting for their maker to bestow life upon them. 

Can you give an example of a teaching-emote (interacting with another) of a spell of your choice?

[Prosthetic Construction + Attachment]

[!] In a workshop of steel and iron, many chains dangle and tools of strange kinds are affixed to the walls in a series of racks. In the center of the room, an automaton is lying on an operating table, a chisel in its hand, and many plates of steel cast astray across its platform. Before it, stands the BARON. 

[!] “STUDENTBOT-02, if I am to repair your shattered chassis, you must first learn how to restore the broken bones of others with metal.” Distrugere begins, looming before the robot. A schematic of parchment is unrolled and tossed aside, while a series of more parts are gathered and tossed into the conglomerate pile growing on the tabletop. 

[!] “REPAIR BONES, YES. DIRECTIVE [INITIALIZED].” The poor construct emits like a blinking bulb about to go out. 

[!] Distrugere waves his hand. Though it is a lesser model, he presses on in his teachings. First, the real components were gathered. Plating, tubing, cogs, gears, and the like. The Baron thumbed over each, explaining their material and their purpose to the Distrugebot which would soon figure out on its own. Pointing, the robot was directed to a foundation of metal. “You must bend that into place, for it shall become an arm. A skeleton of steel, drawn and tapered from ingots of material make. Your movements must be precise, and your attention unmoving. Upon the base of the piece, a slot for the GEARHEART must be constructed foremost. The openings for each pathway and tube can be given thereafter.” 

[!] The robot slowly worked, as it was told.

[!] The faux heart was secured into its pedestal, and the main source of artificial life was in place. “Good.” The Baron reassured, “Now, you must connect its moving components. Pulleys must be outlined in the mimicry of a descendant, following closely to their anatomy and muscle-work. In between each of these, tubes and gears must be meticulously woven to allow for feasible motion.” As a frame of reference, his ironclad fingers gestured sideward to the schematics loosely hanging nearby.  “Once all connected to their roots at the Heart, and the entirety of the system of pseudo anatomic design is complete, you must inject this syringe of lifeblood into its machinery. This will kickstart it, though it will not function properly until true blood courses through its steel veins.” A vial of murky green liquid was tossed to the bot, who nearly missed catching it. 

[!] With his final commands heeded, all was now ready. The crude exterior of the outer plating was laid atop the skeleton, with a cavity carved out to add additional upgrades at a later time. With gentle heat applied, Distrugere showed the robot how to conjoin the metal and then bolt it together. The two materials were made one, and the prosthetic was complete. All that waited now was an uncomfortably painful surgery for whoever decided to purchase the arm. 

Say your student powergames during or after teaching, how do you reprimand that?

If a student of mine was to somehow powergame during a lesson in automata construction or production of lifeblood, I would acknowledge their error and make them aware of it - guiding them to the lore page so that they could review the redlines and garner a better understanding of what rule they had broken, and how to avoid breaking it again. If this was to occur after teaching, I would reach out to the individual and ask them what happened, and discern whether it was accidental or intentional. Assuming it was accidental and not driven by any exterior interests, I would make certain that they void their encounter and clear up any misconception while continuing to stress the criticality of proper roleplay in line with the restrictions placed by the lore. If it was intentional and sourced from a place of motivation, I would have them removed as a student and contact ST or any other necessary staff immediately to have proper consequences enacted.   

Do you have a magic(s) you are dropping due to this app? If so, link it:

         No

Do you agree to keep the ST updated on the status of your magic app?:

         Yes

Have you applied to teach this magic on this character before, and had it denied? If so, link the app.

         No

MC Name:

         Adstrom

Character's Name:

         The Iron Baron

Character's Age:

         75

Character's Race:

         Adunian

Link to your accepted MA:

         https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/215174-alchemy-fa-spaceoddity/?tab=comments#comment-1929876

What magic(s) will you be teaching?

         Alchemy

Describe this magic or a creature as a whole:

At its core, Alchemy is the natural art of both understanding and harnessing the power of the material world. An alchemist is cursed to perceive life through its makeup of tangible components. They dream of strange emblematic sigils and shapes that to the unknowing eye are imperceptible. It is through this deep connection to the unseen mundanity around them that they are able to draw upon the limits of nature. This is done through an elaborate series of articulate procedures, blanketed by an array of necessities. Foremost of these is the comprehension of the schematics of all things that compose the world: Signs and Symbols. Following this, what is known can not be put into practice without ingredients and technique, and the work of an alchemist must be precise: Processes and Reagents. And finally, what is an artist without art? To weave these resources of botany and life into the pinnacle of the research, an alchemist must combine the previous components to produce the culmination of their work: the Potions. 

I. Signs and Symbols

Without herbs, the alchemist is nothing. Without knowledge of these herbs, the alchemist is even less. All materials are composed of two elements; their signs, and their symbols. There are five primary signs, and each becomes an umbrella for which many symbols may rest below - or even cross between. They are as follows: Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Aether. The symbols act as modifiers to these, dictating and altering their purpose in the crafting of a potion. Many recipes do not even specify the sign, which gives the alchemist the freedom to select any one of their own choosing, rendering the symbol mundane. It is important to realize here that many signs may share the same symbol, and the distinction is made clear and acted upon by the alchemist through the next segment of the craft.

II. Processes and Reagents

The bulk of Alchemy falls to its processes. There are three of them, and they each define how reagents are implemented into becoming something more than botanical pleasantries. The three stages are referred to as Identification, Extraction, and Mixing. Identification is the initial step any apprentice alchemist must take if they are to achieve success. This is the series of slow and elaborate steps that are taken in order to determine what signs and symbols a reagent is able to produce feasibly. This is often conducted through the means of an ocular tool in which the alchemist may inspect the herb up close, and compare it to the glyphs found in their studies to determine its properties. As the alchemist garners greater prowess in the art, this procedure becomes far more efficient. The large majority of work conducted by one practicing this art is comprised of the next process, Extraction. Extraction is the fundamental practice of removing the signs and symbols from their hosts, through a series of means specific to each. This occupies the largest majority of an alchemist’s time, where they may be busied with shredding reagents, burning them, crushing them, sieving them, or a variety of other menial tasks which in unison draw out the meaningful properties of each respective botanical source. Finally, there is the conclusive action taken to finalize the effort. The true point of the art, mixing, is where all the previously attained ingredients are melded and stirred together within a base. This may include additional steps like heating or draining, but these are ultimately up to the discretion of the alchemist, and their level of meticulousness to their craft. Regardless of this, however, they all come with the same goal - to produce a potion.

III. Potioncraft

The simplest notion of the art, but also the concluding act. Potions are the tangible representation of an alchemist’s understanding, drawing together all of the previous ideas to create the purpose of the craft. Their accessibility exists at a level of knowledge that expands over time as the alchemist is taught new recipes and furthers their abilities; separated into three levels of mastery. Furthermore, recipes may also be made private or public. Potions that are restricted may only be crafted if an alchemist has been explicitly taught how, while public potions may be created by any alchemist without specific instruction beforehand. To put it simply, potions are merely bottles that contain whatever brew the alchemist has sought, culminating in a special effect drawn out by the conglomeration of the signs and symbols extracted and concocted into it. 

Are there different sections or subsections of magic? Can those be elaborated upon?

While Alchemy on its own as a base feat does not contain any immediate ‘subsections’, there are a series of additional feats referred to as ‘Further Alchemy’. This includes the likes of extended alchemical practices such as Tawkin, Animii, and so on. In order to practice these arts, one must have already learned the full breadth of base alchemy, and be taught through an additional series of FAs/TAs.

Can you give an example of a casting emote, of a spell of your choice?

[Fire Extraction + Brewing]

[!] The unseeing eyes of the IRON BARON were set with adamancy and priority upon three strange herbal oddities that beckoned a smoke-ridden end. SWEET ROCK, KING's IVY, and DRAKE’s TAIL. As if they were prepared for a feast, each was set atop its very own tray and centered within a crucible, its hungering fires stoked from below. In little more than the passage of a short few minutes, the plants were stripped of their inward moisture; dehydrated, and finally useful to the Alchemist. The Baron then claimed what could only be described akin to the device of a torturer - an odd tool, its appearance not unlike that of a rudimentary cheese grater.  Its coarse face of beveled steel was cast against the reagents with little remorse, shredding each into a pile upon its own pan. What matter was left lingering soon burned, reduced to cinders. From their ashes, the symbols sought were claimed. 

[!] Three vials of the material world now rested at momentary ease; soon to be disrupted. A large pot of casted steel sat before the Baron. Within, a concoction of murky water stirred, darkened by some powder of earthly material. A thick metal bar toiled, drawing whirlpools in the depths of the would-be cauldron. With each new whisk, a vial was lifted and emptied. Until everything was in its place. Left to boil, the Alchemist opened up the hatch of a glass cucurbit, rounded and oblong. Careful hands of might lifted that pot and dumped it sideways into the vessel. A tube of the same material was fastened to the side with complacent ease, completing the apparatus of an alembic - culminating in a thin flask that dangled from the far end, suspended in wait. Set before a low flame, droplet by droplet of the elixir cemented. Drip. Drop. Drip. The brew was berated by the elements, heated, and evaporated, before being distilled back into pure liquid. After many hours and much anticipation, the labor was finished. That bottle appeared translucent no longer, filled now with a greenish gloom; the rendering of a mastered craft made known to its maker.

Can you give an example of a teaching-emote (interacting with another) of a spell of your choice?

[Alchemical Philosophy + Aether Extraction]

[!] The IRON BARON, Distrugere, stands rigid before a stone worktable. On its opposite end, an undecorated automaton sits against a crude stool. “STUDENTBOT-01, before you are to even touch an herb, you must first understand why we do so.” Between the two metallic figures, a series of open tomes rest, their pages of parchment littered with askew etchings of interlinked lines, runes, and designs. The Baron points with purpose towards these grimoires, and his features tilt towards his ‘apprentice.’ Then, the instruction begins. “Tell me, what do you believe these illustrations represent?” 

[!] “DRAWINGS.” The robot drones.

[!] Distrugere stares. For a moment, he does not reply - as if he is reassessing his will to continue. Nonetheless, he does proceed. “Yes... But more aptly, they are symbols of the material alphabet. The uncertain ink in which the world is written. This is a language you will come to learn, as far as your intellect module is capable. But know this, once it is learned it cannot be forgotten. How you see the world will haunt your artificial mind, it will plague your waking thoughts and attempt to stir you mad in your dreams. This is the burden of the alchemist. Do not lose sight of yourself in this, and instead let it elevate you.” When this monologue is finished, the alchemist slides a tray across the stone, its metal clattering as it shudders in motion. On top of it lays a gnarled mass of FAERIE TRUFFLE. Beside it on the platter is a golden set of utensils, and a thin bottle of aqua vitae. A small knife, bowl, and pestle, shimmering in the dim light of the laboratory. “Take the knife and slice the truffle until the fragments are fine. Then, you must dump them into the mortar and beat them fervently with the pestle. When it is but a powder, you must pour the vial over the bowl. It is aqua vitae, and it must saturate the residue.”

[!]  The machine does as it has been instructed, low whirring reverberating amidst the chamber.

[!] Distrugere watches silently with crossed arms. When it is done, a slow nod is given in satisfaction. “Good. Now, you must take what is left and pour it through the sieve and into the small crucible atop the hearth. Once it has begun to boil, you may remove it from the heat, separate the purified symbols, and set them aside for use later.” 

Say your student powergames during or after teaching, how do you reprimand that?

If a potential student of mine was to powergame during a lesson, such would present a prime teachable moment. First, I would reach out to them OOCly and illuminate the problem to them, before correcting their errors and ensuring that they fix it. Then, I would emphasize the same from a roleplay standpoint, making them re-do whatever it was they had powergamed and making clear that they are correctly in line with the rules. If a student was to powergame AFTER they have been taught, I would again correspond with them from an OOC perspective and attempt to discover the root of the issue - whether misconception, misinterpretation, or simply miscommunication. Should the problem fall into one of these categories, I would offer correction, make certain that it is understood, and then have them void the instance where they exploited their abilities. If the occurrence appears to be intentional misuse or continues to persist, I would then make it known to the necessary Staff, and have them removed as a student. 

Do you have a magic(s) you are dropping due to this app? If so, link it:

         No

Do you agree to keep the ST updated on the status of your magic app?:

         Yes

Have you applied to teach this magic on this character before, and had it denied? If so, link the app.

         No

"So strikes the Hammerhead." 

The BARON murmurs aloud and alone, in some air of strange amusement. He resolves to be there when fate charts its course for his once would-be 'apprentice'. 

By the River Petra an IRON BARON recalls a child from long ago. Steel fingers pen a letter.

7 minutes ago, Nooblius said:

However I do genuinely feel that I have no awareness of its prevalance, and even in trying to find out more from researching I couldn't find anything.

First google result:

How many jakers interlinked does it take to change a skull knightling proddiner 

The IRON BARON DISTRUGERE and his FABLED IRON TIGER mere moments after inducing the COWARD's WHISKEY:

MC Name: Adstrom

Discord: Adstrom#2626

Image: 

Description of Image: DISTRUGERE, seated upon another soon-to-be throne!

Dimensions: 1 x 2

MC Name: Adstrom

Discord: Adstrom#2626

Image: 

Description of Image: DISTRUGERE, seated upon his soon-to-be throne.

Dimensions: 2 x 2

MC Name: Adstrom

Discord: Adstrom#2626

Image: 

Description of Image: The IRON BARON DISTRUGERE, standing before the soon-to-be castle of DISTRUGESTADT.

Dimensions: 2 x 2

+

The letter of the Hunter was received. Within one body, two split and separated minds found both remorse and reprieve. An extreme balanced dualism. The consequences of unending zeal. 

The predominant, an Ironclad BARON, was struck with a sudden sinking grief. Sorrowful and bitter thoughts of an old friend, and a lost friendship, cast out in two-pronged ambition. Of a gambler, who's luck had fallen tainted. 

The other, far more ghoulish, was deep and locked away. A curse forced to yield. Even now, it rejoiced. With a sickly and unheard glee, it celebrated in its chasm. For its work was finally done. 

Though in the end, only one voice spoke. And it was thunderous. The BARON was to prepare for a wake. That curse had been conquered, and the castle loomed. The Four Horsemen would ride again.

"Gloria Al Barone."

And blood-black nothingness began to spin. 

MC Name: SpaceOddity

Discord: SpaceOddity#2626

Image: 

Description of Image: An Inquisitorial depiction of Initiate Ealdwyn von Saltmire, his signature instinctive utterance inscribed upon the base.

Dimensions: 1 x 2

Two shimmering glasses of a stark golden brew found themselves into the hands of distant men. One became ensnared in the ironclad grip of a man whose cigar was lit ablaze for the the first time in many years, and the other fell balanced inbetwixt scarred fingers of a Hawk trapped between worlds. Both shed what could be shared tears of some detached, mournful sorrow.

R

Somewhere within the accumulated audience of family and friends, a pair of thumbs up extended from beyond a theatrically flowing cloak of dark green - the figure starkly contrasted  against the golden sands beneath.  An unmistakable bellow of joy paired with the call of a falcon soon followed thereafter from the source of the gesture.

R

“I love the Hiram King!” Proclaimed Vincente as he played his eleventh losing hand of Four Horsemen, sorrowfully indebted to the establishment. “Nine out of ten gamblers quit before they hit big, so I shouldn’t stop now!”

How about acacia

MC Name:

         SpaceOddity

Character's Name:

         Vincente

Character's Age:

         27

What feat(s) will you be learning?

         Alchemy

Teacher's MC Name:

         worldmarsii

Teacher's RP Name:

         Theodosya

Do you agree to keep Story updated on the status of your feat app?:

         Yes

Have you applied for this feat on this character before, and had it denied? If so, link the app:

         No

Are you aware that if this feat is undergoing an activity trial and fails said trial, that you will lose the feat? And that if it is apart of the Lore Games, it might drastically change soon?:

         Yes

This is the single greatest plugin concept I have ever read with my eyes. Please let it become real. Finally my bartender characters can have TRUE purpose.. 

Deep within the towering confines of Dun an Ein, the beige gaze of a studious Hexer surveyed the contents of such a publicized missive in sheer bewilderment. Such a Hawk as he, who from a self-appointed standpoint valued his scholarly skill quite dearly, still could not derive understanding. Those same curious eyes lingered idly upon the parchment for a long while, cogs within his mind turning in rapid swiftness as futile attempts at comprehension were made, and the meaning of such a document eluded him ever still. Finally, he crumpled the Inquest and tossed it aside into the roaring hearth opposite him, his lips pursing with knitted brows to match. "No idea what that was about."