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Post by tengen on Jan 17, 2014 5:29:59 GMT
She makes a mental note of the protections for later use before going next to Hans to give her own requests. "Well...."she pauses choosing her words carefully. "Its hard to say... Too bad there is not a way to insure that they hold true to only helping with this threat...." She says deep in thought before nonchalantly gives her own orders to he machine. "Let's see, I am in need of new armor protections and possible an improved blade for Azreal." she says continuing to give more exact arcane descriptions of her needs before wondering if this device could aid in her research as well.
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Post by kooshster on Jan 17, 2014 13:39:38 GMT
Psychlis pulls up a chair in front of the mirror and the strange display. Thankfully, his understanding of Ionian Greek pays dividends here and after depressing a few of the symbols, a series of images appear on the display, almost like a concept map that he'd used in the past to help organize his own personal library. "I think I have got something here," he tells the assembled party. "What do you want to know?"
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Post by Admin on Jan 17, 2014 18:53:24 GMT
The musket is melted as it is reformed into a similar weapon. Hans looks over the device, now a single shot rifle with a box of cartridges. "Approximately 5,000 gp worth of credits remaining. State other priorities," a voice says.
"I have no ideas about this strange place," Sven shrugs, and wanders back to the corner with his warband as they talk amongst themselves.
--
"Can assistance be provided?" A construct voice asks Alicia, seemingly reading her mind.
--
"Say, Psychlis, can you show a map of the other facilities?" the cleric asks.
A map of Scandinavia and northern Europe appears, a dozen dots sprinkled across seemingly at random. With the territory covered, it could easily encompass all of Scandinavia, parts of Denmark and the Holy Roman Empire, and a bit of Eastern Europe. Psychlis also notes there are some other things he could search for: the programming directives of the constructs, and see if he can view how long it will take Caldeus to assemble his communications device. If even a few of the facilities could come back online and mass produce constructs, their numbers would easily dwarf the number of soldiers in Europe and perhaps beyond. Their governing aspirations, or lack therefore of, would be unknown. Psychlis recalls from accounts that the First Dwarves never cared to intervene in surface dweller politics or governance, save when directly threatened. Psychlis also notes a command that gives him "remote scrying" for some parts of Europe.
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Post by jon on Jan 17, 2014 23:20:17 GMT
[sorry meant to address Caldeus]
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Post by Admin on Jan 18, 2014 21:11:24 GMT
"Each batch of constructs would be hardwired with a territorial range in which they operate," Caldeus' voice explains over an unseen communications device. "That is why they cannot easily leave this lab, without being specifically manufactured for it. And even when they are, they are assigned a patrol range, and a set of parameters governing the us and escalation of force. They start off with warnings, and escalate if threatened."
"As far as not being used against you, they can be programmed to not attack any individual or group under any circumstances. Powerful, powerful magic or technical tampering may overcome this, but such a construct would not fight at full capacity due to redundant safety mechanisms," Caldeus explained. "In addition, each batch will be optimized for a particular set of conflict parameters. The Republic of Newton involves these fire-weapons and firepower, but I am curious what kind of constructs you'd have sent to Byzantium, a crowded population center. Remote scrying indicates forming political and religious unrest there."
He stops for a moment, and then curses. "Blasted ferrovores are nesting in the manufacturing center again. I'll give you extra credits and artifacts to clear the damn things out."
[Knowledge (nature) roll=13]
As if in a moment of serendipity, Leath recalls an aberration that meets that description perfectly: the rust monster. Perhaps such creatures could be captured and used in Brandon's war or researched for alchemical substances, to turn the factory to dust? He also recalls a rare and powreful druid spell that would be perfect: Ironwood, which turns wood artifacts, weapons, and armor into something as potent and strong as modern steel. He doesn't know the spell, but Brandon might, or at least be able to help him find someone who can cast it.
---
Psychlis is also aware of rust monsters, but has other realizations. He realizes that the remote scrying feature on the machine could likely allow him to spy almost anywhere in Europe without magical protection and warding, and perhaps beyond. Still, the concern of bringing an army of machines into Byzantium as religious and political tensions rise is a thought worth considering, unless they can be made sneaky. If the rust monsters don't trash the factory, first.
---
"A magical greatsword will cost 2100 credits, and enchanted leather armor will cost 1500 credits. Alternatively, amulets of natural armor are 2000 credits apiece," the system tells Alicia. "Current balance is 10000 credits for new user."
[UMD roll=11]
Alicia realizes the machine will also accept gp, roughly equivalently to credits. It will manufacture things with minor enchantments, but major enchantments will cost more. The machine itself seems able to optimize what it fabricates for each person. Also, some exotic materials may be available, but at higher cost.
[Current fabrication settings will manufacture +1 enchantments on weapons and gear, but higher enchantments cost more. Class based suggestions for gear may also be included.]
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Post by jon on Jan 19, 2014 9:00:37 GMT
Hans nods as Caldeus talks, "Hmm.. it sounds like these machines will be of great help then... Possibly you are correct though, they may lack a certain subtlety that we will need in Byzantium..." Hans begins loading his new weapon as soon as credits are mentioned. "Show us to these creatures, I'm sure we can clear out the nest for you in no time." Hans grins, wondering why Caldeus doesnt just use his constructs to clear out the ferrovores, but decides not to ask in case the bounty is rescinded.
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Post by tengen on Jan 19, 2014 17:28:01 GMT
"We might as well aid them with their problem....." she says in an almost lazefaire way as she over what she wants "Then I wish for a simple longsword, a heavy shield, the enchanted armor you mentioned for myself and a large enchanted greatsword..." She pauses again in thought before continueing. "In my travels I've heard a powerful material that when forged into a blade could cut through anything,star Steel I believe is a name for it. If you can and it doesnt put me over my limit It would be much apreciated to make Azreals sword out of it."
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Post by Admin on Jan 20, 2014 0:52:34 GMT
"The only constructs and dominated subjects are covered with steel plating," Caldeus explains. "In the time it would take to manufacture new ones, the ferrovores would destroy Assembly Bay 3. If any of your equipment is destroyed, I'll provide replacements." -- The heavy shield, enchanted armor, and longsword are formed within the manufacturing chamber, molten metal and material assembled by a magical machine. Interestingly, the leather armor seems made of some kind of synthetic surface that is soft yet tough. The armor appears as a single shirt and pants with pockets, elastic and comfortable. The enchanted greatsword, however, is not made. "Error, unfamiliar with star steel material," it states. "Please state replacement, or standard steel will be utilized." [Available special materials here: www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/special-materials ] --- "Tell me, Leath," Brandon pulls a weapon from his pack. It is a wooden scimitar, but with an edge that seems abnormally sharp. "Have you ever heard how our order made weapons and armor in the old days? We could manufacture weapons, armor, and even constructs while mortal races struggled with bronze and iron, with a wonderful spell known as Ironwood. Not even rust monsters can degrade them." He hands the weapon to Leath. He senses a slight enchantment. Leath wonders if a tree was chopped down only for lumber, but realizes even the druids have was of acquiring wood for use. They sometimes would cut down trees to create fire breaks, or clearing dead branches and trees. Before civilization arose, druidic magic was the first type of theurgy mastered. He could see why. [Leath gets a +1 ironwood scimitar, equivalent to steel but also immune to rust.]
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Post by tengen on Jan 20, 2014 7:16:05 GMT
Alicia stumbles with the name for a second before coming up witht he proper name for it. "Apologies..."she says but stops, mentally kicking herself for saying that to...to whatever this thing is. "Proper term is adamantine"
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Post by Admin on Jan 20, 2014 8:20:11 GMT
"Parameters accepted," the machine says as it begins its assembly. Adamantine forms and dances in a liquid state within the machine, suspended by unseen magic. "Four thousand credits remaining. Credits can be exchanged for gold coins at a one to one basis."
Azreal takes the weapon in hand, which has a grip that seems like it was custom-fitted for him. The enchanted greatsword seems ready to cleave anything that stands before him.
"By the One Eyed God, quite a weapon your companion has!" Sven exclaims. "Can you work that infernal device to make arms to my warband? Oh, the sagas will sing of this day!"
One of his soldiers approaches him. "Sven, I believe the dwarf from earlier has granted that privilege all who assisted in battle," he salutes. "The device itself seems able to assist us, and the dwarf promised glory if we helped it slay some beasts."
"Hmm," the Norseman says. "I wish to see what this machine is capable of. Does any among you seek honor in this battle?"
A tall, blond woman raises her hand first. In her hands is a massive greatsword, although it is slightly shorter than Azreal's blade.
"Very well, Vigdis," Sven says. "But we have another to consider. Does the wizard require our assistance?"
He turns to Psychlis. "Wizard, will you need our assistance in slaying the fowl creatures, or would you have us remain here to protect this hall, should our host prove treacherous?"
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Post by henwen88 on Jan 20, 2014 16:00:54 GMT
Leath thanks Brandon for the weapon, and speaks low in his ear while the others are preoccupied with the machine. "These 'ferrovores' Caldeus spoke of--I have heard of creatures called rust monsters, which must be the same creature by a different name. Does it seem right to you that we should slay these creatures, who are merely surviving by the means Nature has available to them, for the benefit of this 'factory'? You realize, don't you, the threat these machines pose to the natural world?" He pauses. "Perhaps we could find a way to bring these rust monsters under our control, keep them from feeding on the mechanisms here, and so spare their lives. And then perhaps, when these wars are all over, we might use them to consume these factories and whatever constructs may be left from them, and so rid the earth of the danger they present."
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Post by Admin on Jan 20, 2014 21:18:27 GMT
"Clever," Brandon says. "But it is not these dwarven factories I am concerned with. They are full of strange mechanisms and curiosities, yes, but the dwarf is barely able to run this place even with his machines helping him. This culture of dwarves cared little with the world beyond their tunnels. Even if he produces an army of constructs, they will be scrapped and disassembled once they have fulfilled their purpose. The First Dwarves were adept at reusing materials, after all. They are unnatural, but the dwarven machines do not harm nature as nearly as much as the clunky inventions of greedy men."
Brandon pauses for a moment. "But the abomination factory in my land is what I am truly concerned with," he says. "If we could unleash the rust monsters in that factory, it would destroy the enemy's entire production center, cease the production of chemical and alchemical weapons, disable their artillery, and give my side the advantage we'd need to finish them."
He walks up to the fabrication machine, and makes a request. "Can you build anything in wood?"
"Affirmative," the fabricator's voice replies. "Lumber reserves acquired from pruning deadwood and tree growth in Terrariums."
"Build a wooden cage," Brandon said. "Or the components of one."
"What are you thinking?" Jiao asks.
"These ferrovores, these rust monsters, are just what I need to end the civil war in my homeland. If we can capture them alive, I will handsomely reward all of you," he shouts over the speakers. "Caldeus, I want to capture these creatures, so they'll no longer trouble you. I am building wooden cages, which I will augment magically, so they can hold the rust monsters."
There is a slight delay. "Very well, but act quickly," Caldeus mutters. "The damned things are chewing on the wires, and now some guard constructs in the industrial sector are malfunctioning. This is not my day."
"Psychlis," Brandon says. "If your Viking friends could carry the cages towards the rust monster nest, I can lure them in. Of course, could the rest of you protect them?"
"Why do you want to leave these things alive?" Jiao asks.
"Because I believe they're the key to ending the war in my homeland, and bringing us closer to another orb," he replies. "Would you be willing to help?"
"Sure. I've got less lethal rounds in my shotgun," Jiao says. "That'll knock out any that are too troublesome. Also, I can heal any wounds, but we'll also have to deal with the rogue constructs."
"Or let the rust monsters dine on them," Brandon says. "But I will pay you 1000 gp for each rust monster you capture. I'll pay triple if you capture the queen alive."
"This sounds crazy and foolhardy," Sven asks Psychlis. "What say you?"
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Post by jon on Jan 21, 2014 18:33:51 GMT
"I am in agreement with Sven, if these creatures are as troublesome as they are made out to be. I don't know why would you wish such abominations on your homeland, Brandon, but if we can subdue the beasts I will help."
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Post by kooshster on Jan 22, 2014 16:28:15 GMT
Psychlis mulls it over. "Sven," he says, "Brandon's plan has merit. If you would be so kind as to help him move the wooden cages into position, we can settle the business with these rust monsters to secure this facility. With Caledus the only First Dwarf available, we can't allow any of these valuable facilities to fall into the wrong hands. We need to secure this one first, which means containing those rust monsters. After that, we can work to bring the other facilities online. With their production centers, we can build constructs that can protect those facilities while building our new construct army."
Psychlis turns back to the scrying machine and enters in a series of keys, calling up his home empire of Byzantium. Focusing on Constantinople, he wants to get a feel for what's going on in the city. The more they know about what's going on, the better idea they'll have of what sort of constructs will be able to have the biggest impact on promoting stability there.
Recalling that he had yet to request his own new equipment from the device, he thinks things over. He's still new to this adventuring bit, and protection of the self comes first. "Err, machine, provide me with gear optimized to protect me. If you can upgrade my crossbow or provide me a telekenetic weapon, I'd appreciate that as well."
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Post by Admin on Jan 22, 2014 21:38:40 GMT
"The druid wants the creatures for his homeland," Sven says in agreement. "So I see no problem in capturing them for him."
"There are worse abominations in my homeland than a few rust monsters," Brandon replies to Hans. "But assist me, merchant, and you'll have a trading partner and supplier like no other."
---
The fabrication machine outputs a set of enchanted braces, which emit a protective magical force field. An improved crossbow, enchanted dagger, and set of bolts is also present nearby. [Psychlis receives bracers of armor +3 (increase AC +3), a +1 returning dagger (returns if thrown), and set of bolts for his weapon.]
As he collects his prizes, the screen displays the city of Constantinople for all. It zooms in from above, as if following a bird circling high above the ground. The walls around the city are seen as Hagia Sophia is pictured. The view loops around the tremendous stadium, the hippodrome, as a man stands in front of the bleachers. Psychlis cannot focus on him, but he notes the man's physical features. He has high cheekbones, short brown hair, and a Latin nose. Whatever he is speaking, the crowds love him and cheer.
Outside of Hagia Sophia, the view stops, but Psychlis is able to detect a conversation. Two men, undoubtedly Orthodox priests, talk amongst themselves as they head towards the building.
"Have you heard of the gathering in the Hippodrome today?" The first asks.
"Are the Blues and Greens at it again? Last thing this city needs is more chaos."
"No, the cult gathering," the first says. "The Neoclassicals, they call themselves. Some syncreatic cult claiming Jesus was the brother of Hercules, and Zeus and the Father were one."
"And what of the Emperor's guards? Are they content to let this heresy spread?"
"The Emperor's been cautious as of late, given their popular support, even to some of his soldiers and guards," the first says. "He's aware of our tensions with the Latin Church, and believes we may have to leave them. So, these popular heresies may be codified or co-opted if he needs domestic support."
"Clever, even if he risks his own soul and others," the second says. "But then there is that other cult."
"Yes, the New Hedonists," the first shudders. "Their leader almost murdered a man in public, and it is a surprise he has not been jailed. He's been in hiding since the last riot, but it's only a matter of time until they resurface."
"If those stories about the goats are true-" the second shudders. "The Neoclassicals may be misguided fools, but the New Hedonists are truly damned."
Psychlis zooms out, as he has heard enough. If he returns to Constantinople, constructs able to handle crowds lethally and non-lethally would be useful. Likewise, small scout ones, perhaps able to blend in as birds or rodents, may be useful for intelligence gathering. If he must deal with the cults, he realizes finding out about their leaders is a good idea. Perhaps the Varangian Guards or his own order may be able to help him.
--
Alicia notices what the machine is capable of, and her own research bubbles to her mind. This would be a perfect chance to try it out.
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