[Syliras Location] Mechanical Marvels

[Alistair deGrey]

Mechanical Marvels lies tucked away on the ground floor (also known as the third tier) of Stormhold Castle. The door itself lies at the end of one of the castle’s many hallways, and has a freestanding wooden sign outside that informs the reader of the shops title. Nailed to the wooden sign is a parchment with a note about invention requests. The store often times smells of freshly cut wood, or wood smoke from the forge. Though Alistair tries as much as possible to continually air the shop out. Floating into the store from the hallway are the sounds of various chatter and gossip from the Syliran castlegoers. While Alistair is working though, the clangor of metals and wood often distracts the ear from the outside noise. Upon entering Mechanical Marvels, one finds oneself in the display room. The 20 x 30 foot room serves to give people a small taste of the mechanical wonders that might spring from Alistair's finger tips. Though the center of the room remains open and lacks any free standing shelves, there are many tiers of wall mounted ledges to display goods. These are kept far from full, in fact they are rather sparse. A pair of clocks can always be found running though, to keep accurate time. As well, a few other simple inventions that the general populace might find accurate can be found. However, Alistair works mainly on a case by case basis, so there is little need to keep well stocked. Opposite the door can be found a tall counter which stretches across most of the back wall. The counter tops are smooth, white marble, while the fronts are polished glass to display smaller items. On the right hand wall of the counter, where it meets the wall, can be found a pair of windows. Each of these opens into the workshop. Behind the counter is a door that also opens into the workshop. A large silver structure dominates the left wall. from the front it appears to be a water feature. Scented water runs down a silver sheet to pool in a basin. The smell that the feature emits changes with the season, but it usually is of a plant or herb. Embedded in the center of the silver sheet is a golden mobius strip and book, the symbols of Eyris. Dripping from either side of the mechanism is yet more water, which falls onto a pair of bongos. This creates a slight rhythmic noise that accompanies the tickings of the two clocks. The workshop itself is where Alistair deGrey makes all of his machines. Found within are several long wooden counters, mainly along portions of the walls with the exception of an island in the center of the work space. Also in the workshop are cabinets brimming with many of the tools the proprietor requires for his line of work. Along the outer wall can be found a few long windows that let natural light flood the workshop, and to an extent the display room. Also along this wall is a door which led to a small outdoor space, and on the eastern wall a portal to the living quarters. The outdoor courtyard is small, but it houses an important function of Mechanical Marvels. Often the smell of wood smoke drifts into the shop from this area for the forge is housed here, though it is more often than not overpowered by the water feature's scent. In addition to the forge, whatever materials Alistair can safely store out here under a tarp may be found out here. On either side of the door to the living quarters can be found many of the raw materials used to craft machines at Mechanical Marvels. Most of the time these are ingots of metals or wood; however rarer materials can on occasion be found within the shops walls. The living quarters themselves are none too spacious, and are furnished with a bed, hearth, chair and desk. What space isn’t taken up by furniture or walking space is devoted to storing more materials to work with. On the desk are a score of glass articles in varying shapes and sizes. This is where the philtering occurs in Mechanical Marvels. Often times one could find a black pot boiling various substance. PricesPrices vary by project. See Requests RequestsRequests are accepted. Upon being given anything from a blueprint to a notion and it will be considered for creation. If, upon analysis, the project is impossible, the customer will be notified and the project abandoned. OOC NoteGiven the scientific and technological state of Mizahar, a vast majority of people have little training in either of the fields. Therefore, if your character has not confronted, heard, or better yet, had direct experience with the mechanism to be invented, it is invalid. For example, if you have never been to Sahova, or thoroughly researched the city and its past, you have no clue what sort of golems can be created. The notion of creating a replica of a human from metal is so completely beyond a majority of the populace that you require the proper exposure to even propose the notion. The same goes for things such as artificial organs, hot air balloons, gliders, astronomical clocks, arithometers, and other advanced or rare mechanisms.

[Karrin]

Karrin stopped in front of the shop. Swallowing, he checked the sign. This was the place alright. Nervously, he stepped up, and entered the shop. The owner didn't seem to be there, so he took the oppertunity to take a look at the shop. There were various items around the shop, from clocks to spyglasses, to lanterns to chests, all in a variety of materials.

Karrin ran through a list of his talents in his head. He needed this job, and didn't want to mess it up. He did glassblowing, woodwork, a bit of inventing, and knew his jewels pretty well. He could work with metal as well, but wasn't very good. He doubted there would be much demand for tattooing or Falcons, but he'd better mention Jan, his hawk.

[Kadurro]

The 35th of Winter, AV509

Kadurro saw someone enter the front door of Mechanical Marvels further down the street, and immediately quickened his pace. That's the one I heard was hiring! Carry me faster, feet!

He truly had no place in such a shop. He couldn't do anything that the Help Poster asked for; Kadurro truly regretted not learning how to be a decent carpenter back in his Hold, but his regret was soon behind him. Maybe the owner could use someone to keep the place tidy, or even someone to draw in customers, or...or something!

He had finally reached the entrance to the store, and he took a moment to catch his breath and recompose himself before opening the door. Inside was the man who had arrived before him, but he didn't look at him for more than a moment; his eyes were captivated by the mysterious devices all around him. Oh yes. If there's something that will help me with my dream, it's definitely in here. I must work in this establishment! he thought to himself, his eyes a mix of gold and emerald.

[Alistair deGrey]

OOC :

As well, I apologise for not having a shop description up yet but I am currently awaiting Gossamer to tell me what my place looks like other than a Courtyard, Smithy, and Workshop.

The courtyard where Karrin was browsing deGrey's wares exploded with a cacophony of noise emanating from the workshop. After several seconds the last of the metallic ringing quieted down and a man opened the door and emerged, holding a parchment. Alistair deGrey looked to be a new man now that he ran a store. Freshly shaven and with hair was trimmed to shoulder length, deGrey had not looked this gentlemanly in years. As well, he had also recently bathed and washed his clothing. deGrey rolled up his parchment, and his eyes began to examine the man in his store while he rolled up the parchment and tucked it into a pocket,

"Ah yes, a customer. Is there anything I might help you with? Or could it be you are seeking employment?", Alistair did not wait for a reply before holding up a finger, "One second if you will, there is something in my workshop I must attend to.".

deGrey took a step back into his workshop and slammed the door, within several seconds the sounds of his mild curses could be heard through in the courtyard where Karrin waited. Sounds of breaking wood ensued, and then the wheezing of bellows joined the orchestra. After a few more minutes Alistair opened the door and reentered the room, followed by the acrid smell of smoke. Soot now covered his face, and a slight sheen of sweat covered his brow and forearms.

"Yes, where were we. Oh, greetings", deGrey made a curt gesture of hello to the new customer that had walked in during his abesence. "Yes, well I suppose we can begin, how may I be of aid to you gentlemen?"

[Karrin]

Karrin turned as the man entered the shop. The man, presumably Master deGrey, greeted him, then rushed back into the shop. Despite himself, he grinned. Working under this man would certainly be interesting, if he kept rushing back and forth like that.. Glancing around, he saw another enter the shop. He smiled at the older man, giving him a quiet "Good Morning", before turning his attentions back to the shop keeper, who had just arrived back.

Looking up at deGrey, he spoke in a quiet voice. "Hello sir. I saw a poster outside that said you needed help. I can work with most things. I'm good at Carpentry and Glassblowing expecially. I can work with metal, but I'm not as good at that. I can also identify, cut, and set some small, common gems." He waited nervously for the verdict.

[Kadurro]

Kadurro cursed his luck. Just what I need, competent competition... But in moments he had come up with a plan of action. "I saw the same request as he, and I couldn't help but think that you may have some use for me here. You see," he said, looking at the soot-covered proprietor and the lean craftsman. "You do not need a second engineer, nor a second carpenter or glassblower. What you need is a way to ensure that people end up buying these, well, mechanical marvels." Kadurro chuckled at his own clever joke. "And that is precisely what I can do for you. While I'm no craftsman, you'll surely find no better man to draw in potential customers." He fixed a smile upon his face and held his breath. If business is already booming, then I'll have to resort to telling him about how I am a grandmaster of sweeping and dusting...

[Alistair deGrey]

Wiping some of the soot off of his face, deGrey looked from the salesman to the handyman. It would be useful to have an assistant for woodworking, as Alistair really did not care for that field. Just as useful would be somebody working the streets of Syliras to demonstrate his goods to the populace. deGrey ran his hands through his hair, depositing a majority of the soot he had collected from his face. "I do need an assistant, particularly for those fields. As well there is much to do in the streets of Syliras, particularly for a business such as this. However I will make demands for intelligence. First and foremost you both will be required to return this parchment to me with all inquiries answered," Alistair stepped through the doorway and began rummaging through a desk. Coming back the dirty proprietor had a pair of rolled up parchments clutched in his hands. He did not distribute them yet, but he held a look of upbeat anticipation.

deGrey began pacing as he continued his monologue, he picked up a metal hoop from what was soon to be a gyroscope off of a desk and began to twirl it between his fingers. "As well, I have a task for each of you. This competition I have devised will pit the two of you against each other in a test of creativity. Each of you will fashion a device of sorts. It is simple," Alistair set the ring down where he had acquired it and leaned against the desk. " You of course are allowed every resource in my workshop, ad I at your disposal as well; although you must be the director in the engineering process." deGrey walked to the two men, relinquishing to each a slightly stained parchment with the label, "Inquiries" on one side and "Design" on the other. "Finally, I will want a drawing of your machine on the back of your parchment." Alistair looked positively ecstatic to begin the competition, his eyes glancing over both of the soon to be combatants.

OOC Information :

In order to limit the clutter and spam in my main shop area, we will use the thread [Mechanical Marvels] A Matter of Thought, (located in Syliras) for the PvP and for finishing the hiring process. If you have a post regarding me hiring you, please post there

[Mechanical Marvels] A Matter of Thought

[Jaquise Emittere]

46th day of winter 509 AV

Jaq entered the room tentavley, taking special care not too hit anything as he opened the door. The last place he had visited had had a shelf near enough to the door that when Jaq barged in several particularly valuable and breakable items had fallen off. It had been the perfect que to exit, which Jaq had taken happily. He had heard some shouting and from the tone the words carried probably curses. It hadn't been common though so Jaq wasn't sure. He hadn't even been able to ask if the shopkeeper had been able to make what he needed. Of course the answer probably would have been no, considering Jaq had been laughed out of several buildings previous to that incident.

He had gotten lucky though. The bar he had stopped at to quench a, ahem, a thrist of sorts had several flyers hanging on a board in the back. Some were about bountys, some about job's looking for help. One flyer in aprticular had caught his eye. Mechanical Marvels. Among the skills this place was looking for was philtering. Which might mean they could make what he was looking for.

So here he was. The building itself wasn't exactly impressive, but a great variety of items hung along the walls. Jaq didn't see anyone in the room, so he walked slowly around the. Normally the metal in his boots made a sound when he walked but over the sound fo the room he could barely here it. Everything seemed to be ticking, or moving, or displaying some kind of mechanical function. Jaq's real eye glided over the clocks and chests and settled on what looked like a spyglass. Not wanting to break anything, he made sure not to touch but a great deal of the items looked interesting. A definite display of prowess in the mechanical field. However Jaq guessed most of the tiems were the cheapest version, or a store manage wouldn't display them so brazenly wihtout being their to supervise. One never knows if someone has sticky fingers.

It seemed like a nice neough building in one was interested ins uch oddities or devices. However he saw little evidence of any kind of alchemic work bing done. This was either going to be a place that can only fill one of his orders, or neither of them Jaq though as his real eye moved from the spyglass to an oddly designed clock. Perhaps this wasn't the right place to find what he needed. Still, he was here. Might as well ask. "Is the proprieter of this establishment here?"

[Alistair deGrey]

OOC :

Mechanical Marvels is a suite of rooms within Stormhold Castle, not holding it against you though because it wasn't clarified. However for future reference, it is indeed within Stormhold Castle (Third tier (Ground Floor) to be exact).

Smells of wood fire emanated from the workshop, it was faint because of the chimney, but still noticeable within the shop. A sharp clanging periodically resounded from the back. The courtyard was always a place of in-betweens for Mechanical Marvels, the gateway between the chaotic world in the third tier of Stormhold castle and the solace of his workshop. It constantly entrapped the sounds of the bustling populace from outside and the rhythmic sounds of deGrey's work. The courtyard, with such an cacophony of sounds, seemed rather quiet as the ticking began to die off. One by one the nine or so clocks and the two or three automatons Alistair kept running became silent.

Immediately after the metronome orchestra became silent, the clanging joined them. Boots could be heard approaching the portal to the courtyard, and then the proprietor came into view. "Ah! I do so apologise my good sir, your entrance did not reach my handicapped ears." deGrey glanced over the man, looking to ensure the man had tucked away none of his goods. This was a strange one, he reminded deGrey of himself a small while back. With the exception of the golden eye and entirely black attire. This man in black may be interesting, maybe, "Now, what might I call you my good sir? Ah, and another inquiry, if you will, what do you require of me and my shop? Surely there must be some way I may be of assistance." Alistair raised his eyebrows slightly, on second thought he was not entirely sure this man was in the habit of answering questions, and deGrey would much rather be working.

[Jaquise Emittere]

OOC :

Sorry about that. I shall amend the post, so as to not confuse others who post in this thread.

Careful not to knock anything over with his sword, Jaq turned to face the man who had spoken. For a moment Jaq couldn't help but wonder if the man standing before him was in fact the owner of the shop, or a thief trying to pull one over Jaq's good eye. With a shrug Jaq brushed the thought away. Thieves weren't ususally the type to sticck around for witnesses, and besides Jaq had seen the way the man had carefully made sure nothing was missing. The fact that this was someone who might answer his questions also gave Jaq another dilemna. What attitude to speak to the man with. His usual aloofness would be insulting to this man, who was obivously different from those other arrogant louts Jaq had gone to. He also seemed too serious for the charming Jaquisee that Jaq tended to save for bartenders and ladies. Perhaps the manner in which he dealt with those thinking of hiring him? It wouldn't involve a demonstration with his sword this time but it otherwise seemed to fit. Knowing which persona he was going to wear Jaq turned his attention back to the man before him, though his eye had never left. "I am searching for someone who can make or work with some rather odd ideas. My first question I suppose would be, can you confidently work with chemicals that would be considered dangerous or volitle? I'm not exactly sure what they would entail myself, but I've been turned down by a number of others to worried for their own saftey."