The Adamantine Forge (Open Mingle)

[emet_sulk]

Who: All volunteers for magitech engine development
Status: Open mingle
Where: A workshop/warehouse in Eltrut
What: We're gonna build some tools and machines!
Warnings: None unless something explodes

(Related to July's MANTA board posting.)

The warehouse that Emet-Selch has leased for the purpose of magitech development sits on the fringes of Eltrut's port settlement. Its location close to the wilderness perhaps makes it a little vulnerable to random intrusions by native wildlife, but the old mage has accounted for this by erecting a simple barrier. It was the cheapest and largest place he could afford for the coming months, okay.

The inside is about as bare bones as it can get. It'll be up to the volunteers to populate it with their designs, their work, their tools of trade. Emet-Selch can be approached with requests for easily obtainable materials, but he's not made out of a bottomless pit of money. Everyone will have to work together to see this project to its end. Accordingly, there are several ways that people can contribute:

1. Crafting Tools and Materials

Before they can even think of building a ship's engine, first they'll need specialist tools for their engineers. Whilst there are of course NPC blacksmiths and other artisans willing to help, maybe a few Riftfarers would also like to lend their expertise?

Besides the tools expected of such an endeavour, they'll need conductors, metal alloys, and various other small components. Secondary crafts made from raw materials, essentially.

2. Building Machinery

Building the parts by hand is certainly doable but it will take a much longer time. Easier and faster to automate some of the process! There are a lot of moving parts which go into a functional engine and they'll all need to be as precise as possible.

Of course, there are many steps in the evolution of technology. The main goal for now is to build smaller-scale machines. If those participating want to take the chance to work on their own little projects, well, any progress is still progress, right?

Examples: Lifts, presses, electrical appliances, and other mechanical devices.

3. Workspace Outfitting

Finally, there's the workshop itself. Originally intended as a space to store a ship's cargo, there is not much to say about it besides that it's large and empty and has a small, ship's launch ramp outside (currently vacant). As work on the tools and machinery come together, there will eventually be a need to install amenities to facilitate later work.

Examples: Forges, power generators, mechanical workbenches and the like.

---

Outside of all this, people are welcome to come and go as needed or contribute in other ways. Whilst Emet-Selch hopes that things go smoothly, real life is, of course, never so simple or easy...

(Aka. This is an open mingle log! Everyone is free to make up whatever they're working on. While I would prefer that the warehouse doesn't get blown up or something, please feel free to contact me if you want your character to meddle in some way. I'm sure we can work something out!)

Comments

[telepathicignorance]

Tinkering

(What's most needed, they think, is tools and materials. But they're not really all that knowledgeable about gathering or forging, and they only have so much money to give to this endeavor.

So for now they're working on figuring out power and generators instead. Even with people working together to gather resources and sharing technological expertise from dozens of worlds, it's going to take a while to sort out the best solutions for this world's problems. The native magic can probably be used to make up for the lack of easy access to things like coal and crude oil, but how best to harness it is something that currently eludes them.

There are also more typical renewable energy sources to consider...

They don't have anything particularly usable just yet, but they've got a little table and chair they've brought in and it's littered with various small test generators using various different methods of creating small amounts of electricity, which they can test by hooking up to a little device with a strip of material that glows when current is run through it.

Right now they're observing their newest creation, a little wind driven thing, with a thoughtful frown. It's nice, but they doubt that it's scalable.)

Asking about Materials

(Well, one thing about their messing around is it's giving them a better idea of what they're going to need to build proper, full sized generators and the devices to go with them, and what sorts of tools are likely to be the most useful.

They've actually got a list, complete with overly simplistic and childlike illustrations of what they mean. They're not the best artist.)

Think we'd be able to get any of these?

(They hold up the list with its names, descriptions, and illustrations of questionable value. Well, they're thorough at least?)

Materials

[emet_sulk]

[ Emet-Selch frowns at the list in thought. The...drawings certainly don't help but at least there are names and descriptions...? ]

What are you trying to make, exactly?

[telepathicignorance]

I've been testing prototypes for generators. There are a few models which seem promising for scaling up and using to power this place, but they're gonna need stuff we don't have on hand.

(At least, not in the necessary quantities.)

[emet_sulk]

I see.

[ He falls silent for a little while, mentally tallying up current costs with anticipated costs and so on. ]

...If you're confident, then I see no reason why we can't source these.

[ His finger roams down the list, pausing at some for Sidestep to see. All the common items. ]

These we can combine into a mass order. The rest I would ask that you source and arrange for the purchase of. You may tell the merchants that I will reimburse them.

[ Here, he gives the other a stern look. ]

Keep to the list, aye? If you realise you forgot something, let me know as soon as possible.

[telepathicignorance]

Alright.

(It's a good plan, they think. Making a bulk order makes sense for the common stuff, which will likely be needed for a lot more than just the generators.

They look thoughtful.)

It's not my area of expertise, but you might also want to have someone look into the possibility of using elemental crystals as a power source. Their availability means they might work better as a long term power source than wood burning, water, or wind.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

-ARRIVAL-
[When the call went out for able-bodied engineers and smiths, Darin couldn't resist. This is the kind of work he dreams of, after all. And surely this team would want the help of a Master Smith, right? He might not be too well-versed in magic and magitech, but he's determined to learn.]

[He looks around the leased warehouse, mind already racing with the potential and possibilities.]

Gods, I'd kill to have a space like this of my own...!

-WORKSPACE OUTFITTING-
[If there's one thing Darin knows, it's proper workflow and space management. You can't expect to work properly if your space is a mismanaged mess! Darin might not be on the team in any official capacity, but that's not gonna stop him from helping get things situated.]

[He's standing in front of a drafting board with the warehouse layout displayed in front of him.]

Okay, first thing's first. You're going to want the forge itself in a centralized location. A place where you can set up individual workstations around it so people don't gave to queue up and get in each other's way. We want efficiency and we need organization. Everyone's got their own way of doing things and it's important we accommodate for that while having some cohesion in workflow.

Now...how many workbenches do you think we'll need?

Workspace Outfitting

[emet_sulk]

[ Emet-Selch, having decided to trust the volunteers and their expertise in deciding how they want the warehouse to be furnished, ponders Darin's draft. His opinion is far from the most important as he won't be doing any of the actual crafting itself, but someone has to manage the people coming in and out of the place. ]

A workspace will be needed for those working with delicate parts. Another for those working on the power source. I imagine the majority of the forge's work will involve producing fixtures, aye? But we will also need a separate production line for pipes and the like - so, another workspace for those to be put together. Hmm... You may need more than one forge.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin starts to walk the perimeter of the warehouse.]

Traditionally, a lot of the pieces for things like this would be made off-site so we're going to have to improvise a bit here.

[He stops and looks up around the higher walls of the warehouse.]

What if you maximized the space a bit? Two forges in the center with stations to smelt, forge, and temper the metal. That's for the larger pieces.

[He points to the perimeter of the building, up along the inner walls.]

You put in large catwalks and platforms along the walls for the construction and assembly of the smaller parts and tools. Catwalks span the warehouse always leaving enough clearance for the chimneys of the forges.

[emet_sulk]

A compromise can be made. Small, easily mass-produced items can be outsourced to the local forges whilst we focus on custom pieces here.

[ He strolls along behind the blacksmith as they outline their vision for the warehouse and follows their gaze upwards. ]

You suggest installing an entire second floor then? That would be quite a feat - not to mention expensive. It would have to be done before anything else as well.

[ He's not dismissing the idea outright though. It would give them more room. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

You'll want to be careful and vet whoever you're outsourcing these things to. Not that I don't trust local forges but if it were me, I'd want to spend some time talking over with the forgemasters exactly what it is they'd be a party to so there's no miscommunications. I've encountered my fair share of smiths that place profits over anything else.

[Darin places his hands and turns to Emet, prepared to make his case.]

Expensive, yeah but considering the return on investment I'd say it's a solid tradeoff. Like you said, we compromise— have local forges work on the mass-produced items while the second floor is constructed and fitted. Once that's done, we move production in-house and even offer local smithies the opportunity to work on the project here. Any smith worth their hammer will jump at the opportunity to say they worked on something groundbreaking for the experience and clout. Having your name attached to a project like this means more contracts down the line.

It fosters good business too. Smiths from different forges working together foster stronger partnerships and community. If we're really serious about making this engine for everyone's use, then everyone should have a hand in its construction, yeah?

[He grins, satisfied.]

Though, I keep saying 'we.' You haven't really put me on the project so this is just me running my mouth.

Izuku Midoriya 🥦 My Hero Academia | Paladin

[fullgauntlet]

[🥦 1. crafting tools and materials.]

[While Izuku isn't a blacksmith or crafty in any sort of way Izuku is still here to try and help Emet-Selch get his project up and running. He thinks that working together to create a workshop to build proper ship engines could be revolutionary to this world. It seems so commonplace in his home world but spending months here on wind-powered ships has opened his eyes.

Izuku can be found here doing the best that he can melting metal and creating tools, conductors and alloys that will be used later in creating a ship's engine. And he thinks that’s amazing!]

I’ll admit, I've never made anything like this before. But if there's any way that I can help with this I want to do it. I feel like this is what it means to be a paladin, ne?

[But not just paladins, of course. Anyone can help as he tinkers carefully with the heated metals. He’s mostly working by Emet-Selch’s instruction and guidance. But he can always use more help!]

[🥦3. workspace outfitting.]

[Besides helping with making and creating components Izuku can also be found lifting. This boy has immeasurable strength even if it might not look like it at a glance.

Izuku is currently holding an incredibly large piece of metal over his head as he helps lift it for the forge being built. There are sparks of green energy around his hands and long black tendrils of energy, like whips, help him hold it up.]

There...! A little more and... I'll have it secured, I think!!

[Watch out! Don't get bumped into by Izuku's work or help him get the metal piece attached!!]

[🥦 wildcard.]

[if you have something else feel free to drop it down here!]

Workspace outfitting

[emet_sulk]

...You know, when you said you could lift extremely heavy items, I didn't quite believe you.

[ He watches Izuku carefully manoeuvre the large piece of metal into place. Emet-Selch is certainly capable of helping in such a regard, but with work underway he finds his attention all too easily distracted by organisational matters. Better to stay out of the way and let others do the physical work. ]

[fullgauntlet]

[Not to worry Izuku is more than happy to help out with the physical work. He carefully places the heavy component in its place with a loud clack.]

There...! This part is finished!

[Izuku turns to the man and nods.]

I know I don't always look like I can do it. But don't worry, I'm happy to.

[Beause this project is amazing.]

[emet_sulk]

Hmm, well, as long as you don't go accusing me of exploiting your labour later.

[ He smirks a little, indicating that he means it as a joke. Then turns his eyes upwards. ]

I suppose we'll have to start thinking about how to open the ceiling for the forge soon.

[ A precise opening will have to be made for any smoke to escape. They'll need other sources of ventilation for the heat too. ]

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku chuckles a bit sheepishly. He knows he's been gullible about the things Emet-Selch has said before but he gets it now!]

No, I don't mind if this is the case. What you're doing here is something amazing and important, Emet-Selch-san. I want to see it through.

[He might not be an engineer or someone who knows how all of this works but Izuku is more than willing to try and help. He wants to see it happen.]

As for the ceiling... Maybe some sort of hatch?

[ closed to emet-selch ]

[ramuhs]

[He had heard about this from Mid, and with...Mid...being uh. Stuck in a bubble??? Right now??? (his head is still spinning about this) Cid has come to take a look in her stead while also a bit curious. In many ways he wants to help (so very interested), but he's already getting ragged on for doing too many things, not to mention he's not sure what he'd be able to contribute that others from more advanced worlds can't—unless working with more rudimentary materials would actually be a boon here.

In any case, Cid will be looking around with keen interest, admiration, and fascination at the work being done in this warehouse before finding the man he was looking for.]

Emet-Selch! Looks like you have quite the operation running here.

I MISSED THE NOTIF I'M SO SORRY

[emet_sulk]

[ He turns when he hears a familiar voice. Upon seeing who it is, he breaks out in a small, pleased smile. ]

'Tis still only a small operation, [ he says demurely. ] I was hoping you would come.

[ Indeed, the turnout isn't quite as imoressive as he had been hoping for, but it's early days yet. ]

bolincry.gif

[ramuhs]

Did you now?

[He can't help but be a little surprised at that.]

[emet_sulk]

Aye. This sort of thing seemed like it would be of interest to you.

[ Call it a private joke, maybe. He is, of course, not going to explain exactly why he expected/hoped Cid would show up.

Turning back to the warehouse at large, he makes a sweeping gesture. It's-- well, it's mostly empty space right now. But there are stacks of construction material here and there so something is clearly happening. ]

Regardless, welcome to our humble little workshop. The current plan is to build a forge in the centre and various workstations surrounding it. Did you intend to join in or simply have a look around?

[ramuhs]

[Well he's not wrong, and Cid will be oblivious of the private joke, instead just chuckling before looking out the warehouse. Empty it may be, but he can see the vision of what it could become so there's an appreciative and understanding shine in his eyes as he looks it over before he glances at Emet-Selch and...hesitates a bit, rubbing the scruff of his beard and licks his lower lip.]

I admit, it interests me greatly. While perhaps not as advanced as the kind of engine you're planning, I've helped design one in my world—a first of its kind—as well as designed a few ships, including the one that would be able to handle said engine.

[He looks back over the warehouse, that interest still so clearly there.]

However, I've been told I've been doing a bit too much as of late, and I have other responsibilities that require my attention. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to put enough focus as much as a project like this deserves.

[And that is said with rueful regret, perhaps a bit of disappointment as well. It's very obvious he still wants to be a part of this soooo baaaaad.]

But my daughter, Mid—she helped me with that engine I spoke of, and she's a genius in her own right. She can carry for the both of us.

[There's a new spark in his eyes, a shine found in any parent proud of their child.]

I don't care if it's last month. He's still doing it in August. [Closed to Emet-selch]

[scooba]

[After everything that happened, all Freminet wanted to do was figure out how to distract himself. Between doing various quests, he thought he should work on that engine his Father gave him. Of course, he doesn't quite know how to fix it but if that is what Arlecchino wants, then he will do it.

Here, he'll be at the workshop just...tinkering away somehow.]

[emet_sulk]

[ Emet-Selch doesn't necessarily spend all his time at the workshop now that it's up and running but he still drops by to work on his own little projects or to see what others are working on. As such, Freminet may sense someone looming over his shoulder at some point. ]

Hello, boy. What's that you're working on?

[scooba]

[It was then that Freminet found himself jumping in surprise. He was so engrossed with his work, he didn't even realize that there was someone nearby!]

O-Oh, it's nothing special. I...I was trying to see if I can fix an engine core...

[He said before looking at his work. So far, it seemed that it seen better days but Freminet was trying...!]

[emet_sulk]

[ He shifts his gaze to the engine core and watches for a little while. It seems Freminet may be...struggling? ]

When you say 'core', is it a power source or more like the part responsible for making the rest of it function?

[scooba]

The part responsible for making the rest function....

[Or at least, he thinks so. The he looked at it, the more he wasn't too sure what he was doing. This certainly was very different compared to what he was used to doing back home...]