[open] november/december catchall

[techmaturgy]

Who: Viktor and special guests and you
When: throughout November/December
Where: Cadens, the Horizon, Nocwich
What: open stuff, closed stuff, whatever I WANT
Warnings: will add as things come up!

[open and closed starters in comments! If you want a custom starter or something specific, just hit me up. full horizon details are here for any and all wildcarding needs. For everything else, I’m on plurk at whitticus and on discord also at whitticus.]

Comments

cadens

[techmaturgy]

i. the workshop, but with a robot this time

[Viktor’s reputation may precede him—if any recent arrival asks about where to go if they want something built or fixed or improved, it’s likely that veteran Summoned will point them in his direction. You might hear of his exploits involving his business, his various innovations, the one time the government raided his lab to seize an illegal experiment, or the slightly ominous thing he’s currently working on. It hangs from the ceiling, suspended with chains, the chassis nearing completion and looking...well, not human, exactly, but bipedal.

Viktor's usual work trends towards the small and delicate. Finicky, even, the kind of detail one might expect from someone with steady hands and precise fingers. This is none of those things, and the inventor himself is perched on a stool next to the automaton, trading his usual pair of goggles for a full face mask, with thick leather apron and gloves for a welding job. The buzz of the welder disguises the noise of someone entering, but Viktor is not so absorbed in his work that he doesn't notice someone in his periphery. He sets down the tool, momentarily, and pushes the mask up his forehead.]

Here, put this on.

[Goggles, of course. All business--don't mind the dangling metal thing. Or do, because underneath everything, Viktor likes to show off.]

What can I help you with?

[A project, a commission, an idea. A napkin scribble, perhaps. Or maybe you’re just here to admire the automaton.]

ii. the academy

[When he’s not in the workshop, he spends time at Grand Academy of Science, auditing classes, grading papers, and conducting his own independent research. Observant individuals might guess that he is, perhaps, up to something once again.

Viktor, generally speaking, moves with purpose, and this is no exception—so good luck stopping him as he crosses the quad. You might be better off waiting until he's settled on a bench, pouring over various textbooks and notes.

Or, perhaps you corner him within the Academy itself, ducking out of a workspace. In here, he’s less likely to stop and talk, though of course that’s not indicative of anything shady going on. Everything’s all legitimate—nothing under the table happening at all, thanks.]

iii. the sarstina

[Viktor does not partake in the actual physical labor portion of the inn, for obvious reasons, but he does like the occasional construction project. He’s not so bold as to take charge, but he does have things to contribute, in the form of powered tools and elaborate pulley systems that, once rigged, help transport materials easily to the upper floors. He’s happy to give a primer to anyone who wants to pitch in, or offer a spotter if you’re inclined to use the rigging, hovering at a safe distance.]

Yes, just like that. Careful.

[In the evenings, when work has stopped, he lingers on the first floor, scribbling something in a notebook over a drink. He’s not the most sociable of individuals, but this is as good a time to approach him as any, without the distraction of work.]

workshop wildcard

[ancunin]

[ It is the next afternoon that Astarion arrives, probably having announced himself via written telepathy beforehand (Dearest Employer, I am on my way over now). So, if Viktor is otherwise already engaged with something, he will be lounging around waiting for him to finish.

Most likely, he is turning the pages of a fun little book he's found! Someone's written all sorts of little notes about the many Summoned who have come and gone... of the ones he recognizes Astarion finds himself disagreeing here and there. ]

Don't let me interrupt you. [ he'll idly call over without looking up whenever Viktor appears, leaning against a counter as he continues to flip pages.

He's curious but not necessarily excited for whatever these 'tests' are - his expectations have been set low. ]

[techmaturgy]

You aren't.

[Viktor pushes his way back into the workshop, eyebrow raised at how comfortable Astarion seems to be in his absence, but otherwise not pressed. He's got an armful of equipment, materials from the Academy that he has access to but otherwise doesn't keep in the workshop by virtue of not being a doctor. Still, his adventures into the medical realm means that he's fairly confident he'll be able to get Astarion on the right track, at least.

Depending on what he's after. Viktor is hiding what he knows, which is not necessarily a good feeling, but he doesn't really see a good way to bring it up. Astarion's asking for his help, though, so he imagines that his condition is going to come out sooner rather than later, and then it won't matter.

He eyes the book, briefly, letting out a little puff of exasperation (and exertion) as he slides what seems to be some kind of centrifuge device onto the worktable and produces a few more small fiddly things from his messenger bag. The microscope is something he keeps on hand, and Viktor moves to get it out of one of the cabinets.]

Where would you like to begin?

[ancunin]

[ As Viktor approaches Astarion closes the book and turns his attention on all the little thingamabobs and doodads produced in front of them. He gingerly spins the centrifuge as Viktor goes to get more supplies. ]

Well, it's my blood we mean to look at, soooo - [ he drags out the single syllable playfully ] - find me a blade and I'll do the honors.

[ He seems relaxed for someone who has no idea what any of this might entail or reveal about him, but then he's not been overly secretive about his 'condition'. It's less of an issue in a world where vampires are apparently allowed to walk the streets openly, without being chased off with torches and pitchforks. He's not even the only one able to walk in the sun, although both him and Alucard appear to be anomalies amongst the local population. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor fixes Astarion with a look--part confusion, part disbelief, as if he's not entirely certain that the plan is to simply slash him open and collect the blood. He shakes his head and gestures for Astarion to wait a moment, producing a few more things from a different cabinet. The small leather box seems delicate, and it's soon accompanied by a brown bottle, a glass container of cotton gauze, and a roll of silver tools.]

We don't want to contaminate the sample.

[He opens the little box to reveal glass syringes and fine needles, which he takes a moment to assemble before stepping away once more to wash his hands.]

Your arm, please.

[Viktor gestures for Astarion to roll up his sleeve and offer the inside of his elbow.]

rock em sock em robit time

[theidlemaiden]

[ It should come as no surprise to anyone, least of all Viktor, that Hilda has always been a proponent of fashion over function. So when he had first handed her a face mask almost identical to his, she had made a face of disgust, a huffed comment about how this was probably going to mess up her hair - before donning it much quicker than she would have done for anyone else.

The next time she arrives at the workshop, the face mask been decorated and painted a metallic pink but she wears it after that with only the (smallest) amount of complaints. It's this pink face mask with ridiculous little hearts and a cartoon wyvern painted on it that peers around at Viktor from the other side of the automaton. ]

So I weld this piece...here?

[ She doesn't want to do it incorrectly, but then again, it's also taken her several weeks of just handing him things, running tea, and watching as he works to get her to this point. ]

[techmaturgy]

[Look, as long as she's wearing proper protection, Viktor doesn't really care what color she paints it or what jewels she studs it with. It's unlikely that such decorations will cause a workplace accident, so he permits it for now.

The chassis is more-or-less complete. While Hilda welds on the finishing touches, Viktor concerns himself with inscribing arcana symbols into the metal joints. When she speaks up, he leans over to better see the location in question.]

Yes, just like that.

[Viktor's stool is on wheels, and he pushes himself to her side of the chassis, giving her space but staying close enough to jump in and assist if she needs it.]

I think we're almost finished, actually.

[With the building part. The next part will be trickier.]

[theidlemaiden]

[ Unlikely at least until she figures out how to make them light up. It shouldn't be that difficult either considering her enchantment practice on various gems and accessories she's been idling her time away with. Because what's more fun than a decorated welding mask? One that lights up in the dark naturally.

There are more important things now though. Like Viktor giving her the reassurance that she needs to weld the last joint in place. ]

Really?

[ With the mask still down her pleased grin is hidden from sight - but it still shines brightly through in the sound of her voice. Sparks fly harmlessly to the ground below as the piece is situated into place with her welder. Her voice rises to be heard above the noise. ]

That didn't feel like it took very long at all. Then again, I wasn't here to help you for a whole month.

[ She's not bitter towards that dragon at all. ]

the academy is for nerds

[aquilus]

[Most days, Altaïr expects to see Viktor in his own workspace if he sees him at all. It comes with working there part-time. Today isn't one of them, though — he's actually returning from one of the periodic public lectures and a post-lecture, lengthy conversation with the professor who had led it. A brilliant man, who'd been more than happy to loan several heavy tomes for Altaïr to read on his own time.

It's possible the professor was just trying to get him to stop peppering him with questions and leave. Regardless, his arms are rather full as he heads toward the campus exit, rounding a corner at just the right angle to spot a familiar face seated on a bench.]

Viktor. Good day to you.

[techmaturgy]

[It's in Viktor's awareness that Altaïr has some interest in the Academy, but this is the first time he's actually seen him there. Whether that's a function of all of the time he spends locked up in various workshops or laboratories, or simply the fact that he doesn't pay much attention to things outside of said workshops or laboratories is unclear.

He will, however, look up from his writings when addressed. Perhaps there's a moment of surprise, especially when he sees all of the books.]

What are those?

[No real greeting, just immediate curiosity about what kinds of books.]

[aquilus]

Books.

[He knows what Viktor is asking, of course, but he can't turn down the opportunity to answer precisely the question asked — though he quickly follows it up with actual knowledge.]

Written by one of the professors here. [He drops a name, assuming Viktor will know him by acquaintance at least.] I had quite a few questions after his last lecture. I think he was tired of answering them verbally.

workshop!!

[provenforce]

[ The not-quite-droid catches her attention immediately as she enters the workshop, though in general the entire place feels almost like a warm hug to her, things that are familiar hiding in a world of foreign things.

She takes the goggles without complaint, eyebrows furrowing briefly as she pulls them over her head. ]

I heard you’re the person to see for anyone tech-minded looking for work, I see that certainly was the case. Did you build this droid yourself?

[techmaturgy]

[Despite the fact that he's just handed over some eye protection, Viktor does seem to realize that it's slightly rude to carry on a conversation with a potential client while he continues welding. He places his tool down, then pushes his wheeled stool slightly away from the hanging chassis, pushing the mask up his forehead so he can get a better look at the person who has wandered in.]

I am, if you have the skills.

[A way to invite her to further elaborate on her experience. She clearly has an interest in what he's working on, which is a good sign.]

I had some help with the heavy lifting.

[provenforce]

[ Rey smiles slightly at the mention of skills, shrugging a shoulder as she leans in to examine the lifeless droid a little better.]

I grew up a scavenger. The only way to keep yourself fed was knowing what any piece of scrap could do and how much it would cost. What are you planning on doing for the motherboard, does anything here exist that could fashion something that small?

[ She’s still learning about what’s available here that just wasn’t in Thorne. It’s almost a culture shock, having grown accustomed to everything being done by magic only to come here where things are far more practical. ]

the horizon

[techmaturgy]

i. mind palace, etc

[When he visits the horizon, he can be found in his usual haunts. More often than not he’s in the lab, or even sitting in quiet contemplation at the overlook, and generally speaking he’s amenable to visitors. He will most certainly be working on some kind of project, and may even be happy to explain it, provided you ask nicely and do not mind involved conversations about applied mathematics or theoretical physics. Provided he is not also exploding things in here, which he does, sometimes. Watch your step.

Possibly his study is a little more welcoming to visitors (and less full of weird equipment test runs and explosions). This is clearly a personal space—there are books everywhere, and houseplants, and coffee, and even though he’s probably been here for like, an hour tops, every table and blackboard is filled with notes and schematics. You are welcome to take a look, but Viktor is quick to speak up from his workspace if you decide to peek at something he’d rather you didn’t.]

Do you mind? That’s proprietary.

ii. what’s this weird cave doing here

[If you’re particularly intrepid, exploring out of the laboratory and below the wall leads you into a rocky crevasse. Continue on and the path heads underground, into a cave entrance and grotto.

It’s slightly rarer to find Viktor here—you’re more likely to be ambushed by the creature-in-residence, instead, but in the event of such misfortune he is quick to intervene.]

Don’t worry, she’s harmless.

[The real Rio had always been docile, and thankfully, that’s carried over into his domain. He makes no apologies, however, for the amount of amphibious slime that may or may not be involved.]

i

[thedevilwhorose]

[Viktor maybe isn't expecting to find anyone at the overlook already when he gets to it. Lucifer looks awfully comfortable, wearing his Abraxan tunics (which would be unheard of to anyone that knows and regularly sees him in the Horizon).

It's night in Abraxas proper. He'd laid out and should be sleeping, but he was walking the Horizon instead. And a nice overlook like this? Of course he was going to fly up and roost for awhile. It gives a much different feel than Istredd's tower or Wanda's trees.

Lucifer glances up, not at all startled, to the newcomer, but only raises his brows as though he has all the right to be here.]

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor is not under the illusion that this place is private—it’s just that no one really knows about it, unless he invites them here, so he doesn’t necessarily expect visitors, let alone someone who seems to have made themselves comfortable. His cane, as usual, announces his presence, and though he doesn’t look surprised by the intrusion, it’s clear he’s unimpressed not only by the company but by the lack of acknowledgement.]

Are you looking for something?

[There’s a slight edge to his voice, an indication that he finds this unwelcome. Suspicion, maybe, because no one would come here without reason.]

[thedevilwhorose]

Revelation. [He grins, wide.

To him, it's funny. To Viktor--well, Viktor won't get it.] Sorry [he's not] is this your domain? I just appreciate heights, I didn't mean to cross any unseen lines.

nocwich (december)

[techmaturgy]

[Closed starters below.]

tw durge stuff

[durge]

( Haelva probably should have told Viktor what she looked like before agreeing to meet up, but as she's the only person in the tea shop missing an eye there's not many people she might be. Especially if someone's looking for her.

Off in her own corner, Haelva busies herself with waiting for Viktor by writing in the journal Astarion had given her. Or rather scratching the same thing over and over again, as if her hand has a mind of its own -- and it's far more relaxing and calming than it has any right to be, the jagged DEATH IN DROVES, BLOOD TO DROWN THE WORLD, KILL KILL KILL repeated. The more she writes the more she can feel herself wrestling control over the Urge; distracted from its desire to slaughter those around her. If Astarion had yet to return to the Free Cities she would have to thank him in person.

She finally puts the pen down when someone very clearly makes their way towards her, closing the journal with a soft noise as she gives the man a once over. If he is to be her best shot-- she gives him a small nod. )

Viktor, I assume?

[techmaturgy]

[Even though they're meeting in person for the first time, Viktor is fairly certain he has the right woman when he sees her. Besides the missing eye, she's very clearly a Summoned, based on her nonhuman appearance, so he approaches her table with confidence, despite his bearing.

Viktor is slight, thin in a way that perhaps once suggested illness but now implies a general lack of remembering to eat. He commands much less physical space than his activities on the network might suggest, leaning heavily on a crutch.]

Haelva. [He nods in response, inviting himself to sit. If he's at all alarmed by the things they spoke about (and he is, honestly), he doesn't show it, instead producing a notebook out of his bag.] I have some preliminary designs, for your prosthesis. We can talk about that first, or we can discuss...everything else.

[It seems best, to get right down to business.]

[durge]

( She appreciates the direct nature of his inquiry, and waves over a waiter to take their orders -- something black and bitter for herself, and whatever it is that Viktor wants. )

Let's start with the prosthesis. ( It's less likely to cause panic if anyone overhears. Let alone in the man himself. ) Astarion has been quite generous and helpful this weekend, so I'm in a better position to handle the Urge.

( He can tell it's capitalized. )

walks in late w starbucks and liquor

[stations]

( On a chilly weekend evening in Nocwich, one very unremarkable patron enters the tavern. Average height, late twenties, too skinny, with the sleepless and unhealthy look of a man chronically unwell. If the bags under his eyes and the missing finger on his left hand didn't give him away, his awkward and stilted gait probably would.

He has not, despite his consistent failures, given up on the effort of manifesting his own prosthetic leg. He'd like to say maybe he's even gotten a little better at it, considering about a week ago one of them would play the same refrains of The Star Spangled Banner any time he put too much pressure on it — and the one he's using now is, blessedly, silent.

It's also heavy, and not quite fitted right around the application site, so it's started rubbing him raw even through the sleeve he wears — a fact he'd really liked to have known a few hours ago, before he left the castle with it on. Too late for that.

Only once he's already inside does it occur to him he's never actually met Viktor before, and he doesn't actually know what the guy looks like outside of a descriptive overview by Kyle. With no small measure of uncertainty, he approaches a man at a nearby table within earshot that might technically fit the traits, but who very much is not Viktor. )

Um- hi. Are you- the guy? The leg guy?

( The vampire who is not the leg guy stares at him much like you'd imagine somebody would if a stranger walked up to them and asked them if they were the leg guy. )

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor notices the distinctive gait immediately and draws the conclusion that this is the guy who is here to see him about the leg. It would be kind, he thinks, to speak up quickly so that they can get down to business. It is much funnier if he doesn't.

So he doesn't. He lets this play out, at least for a moment, watching the exchange with some measure of curiosity until it becomes unbearable. Even then, Viktor doesn't announce himself. Instead, he clears his throat loudly and fixes Jack with a raised eyebrow, which stays raised for as long as it takes the other man to make his way over to the correct table.

To his credit, there's an empty seat and a menu waiting opposite him. Viktor has apparently ordered himself tea, but the implication is that he can wave down a server if Jack wants anything of his own to drink.]

An easy mistake to make.

[Chatting up a vampire, instead of him. Apparently.]

[stations]

( It definitely would have been kind to speak up quickly. Alas, Jack gets to spend a solid four minutes having a circular conversation with a stranger about a leg, and then vehemently insisting that he wasn't actually trying to see that guy's leg, no, please stop rolling up your pants.

When Viktor interjects, Jack's first reaction is: )

Oh, thank god.

( Followed by a speedy exit from a conversation with somebody he hopes he never sees again for the rest of his probably short life. )

I am so sorry about that. I'm not really good with names, or faces, or people, or social interactions, or just like... life in general, really.

( A server glides over pleasantly to take his order; he asks for all of the coffee, please, just all of it, as though it'll somehow help him bounce back from this first impression. )