[OPEN] february catchall

[techmaturgy]

Who: Viktor and Friends
When: Early February
Where: Cadens, Nocwich
What: a little afterparty, Nocwich weekend, maybe some other stuff
Warnings: irresponsible cycling

i. the occasion

Despite various protestations and an insistence from Viktor that all of this should not be a big deal, a response to the Academy is sent, announcements are made, and invitations are distributed with the date and time. He maintains, until the very end, the possibility of renagation up until the hour of his award, but Viktor manages to attend, suitably cleaned up in a new suit that he most certainly did not choose for himself. The affair is formal and slightly stuffy, befitting of the Grand Academy, Aleksander Klinger’s usual dour demeanor providing contrast to both Viktor’s apparent discomfort and the small entourage of Summoned in attendance to show support.

The accolade does not kill him, but in the aftermath he doesn’t linger long. There is always more work to do, whether he is now in possession of a ceremonial degree or not, and Viktor is not the type to rest on his laurels, not when all of this has been more of a distraction from what he really wants to be doing, than anything else.

That, and there’s an afterparty to attend.

ii. the workshop

Viktor’s workshop is a familiar setting by now, especially to those who frequent the district of town lined with inventors' laboratories and machine shops. It can aptly be described as organized chaos. Viktor likes working on multiple projects at once, with pieces of clockwork mechanisms littering the worktables, and the walls are plastered with notes and schematics.

For those reasons, this is not a place conducive to gathering in ordinary circumstances, but Hilda and Jesper have done their best to correct that. Tonight, the more delicate projects have been stowed away, the plans carefully removed from the pinboards. The large bay door has been raised, and warm lights invite visitors in. The interior, too, has been decorated with strings of lights and garland, and at least one Hilda-Most-Certainly-Made-This banner that reads “CONGRATULATIONS VIKTOR” (he probably is doing his best not to acknowledge it).

If not for the decorations, the whole affair could be mistaken for one of the firm’s open houses, but instead of showing off current projects and innovations, an attempt at hospitality has been made, with drinks and snacks, an Academy-loaned gramophone piping soft music through the space. Mismatched furniture populates the room, clearly borrowed from other locations, offering comfortable—if no-frills—room to sit. Anything more, it seems, might be a little too much for the ostensible “host”, who despite his quiet gratefulness for the show of support, seems slightly overwhelmed.

Don’t worry about that. Make yourself at home.

iii. later

Once things loosen up a bit (once the requisite amount of alcohol is imbibed, to provide adequate social lubrication for certain involved parties), the gathering becomes livelier, with card and dice games, and possibly entertainment (to be continued). Viktor himself, now in a jacket that Hilda produced for him with the now-infamous decorative stud fastener, might be cajoled into demonstrating a few of his business’s offerings—all manner of tools and equipment for artisans and monster hunters, everything from a handheld gyroscopic laser cutter to night vision goggles that wick away moisture, to respirators for the desert.

There are slightly frivolous projects, too, like automatic appliances and magic-borne electricity dancing around in a faraday cage. The more alcohol involved, the more likely Viktor might be to show off (with some prodding) something…explosive.

And, of course, the automaton (complete with party hat and bowtie) is active, supplying refills and also fulfilling any requests for hi-fives and handshakes. Of everything that’s happening tonight, Viktor seems most pleased with this, and he can be caught sneaking glances at anyone who might be interacting with it—not unlike a proud parent.

iv. ooc stuff

feel free to use this log as a general mingle, otherwise open and closed starters of my own are in the comments. If you’d like something specific, just hit me up. I’m on plurk at whitticus and on discord also at whitticus.

Comments

workshop party

[techmaturgy]

i. earlier

[Viktor is not, in any capacity, built for any of this (might even allergic to it, really) though he does his very best to both weather the attention of the ceremony and appear appropriately gracious to his friends and fellow Summoned in attendance. He is grateful, underneath it all, even if he would much rather not have this happen at all. By the time everyone is back at the workshop, however, he makes a concerted effort to enjoy himself.

It’s possible that Hilda has given him some instruction, when it comes to playing host—as things get started, Viktor lingers by the entrance, spending at least some time greeting everyone who wanders in. He might not be one for a speech, and doesn’t interrupt the gathering which one, but he tries to get the sentiment across, at least individually.]

I would tell you to make yourself comfortable, but…Hilda’s in charge of that. [Even if he is, clearly, not suited for this, he does his best to be sincere.] Thank you for your support. I mean that.

ii. later

[As the night drags on, Viktor manages to relax (this may be, in part, thanks to the amount of alcohol present at said party). He lets others (including the automaton) take over ostensible hosting duties, and can be found, maybe, enjoying himself. A little bit.

There’s enough of interest in the workshop that no conversation falls into awkward silence, at least. He’d much rather any attention stay on his work and away from him, so any inquiries regarding the various projects are met with enthusiasm.]

Would you like to see how it works?

[This is, possibly, his version of a fun party activity, and it’s a welcome distraction from having eyes on him, though if it’s slightly unavoidable, considering. Even later, he might be found on one of the reclaimed sofas, looking about as pleased as he can be, given the nature of the gathering. Perhaps it's been a good night after all.]

iii. wildcard

[anything you want. please consider the main body/scene setting of the log to also be a prompt. thanks i love you bye]

i. earlier, and immediately wandering off....

[ancunin]

[ Astarion did not entirely believe that his particular needs would be accounted for tonight, and so he strides into the workshop with a bottle held by the neck - which he may have already started drinking from. It won't leave his sight, not with Hilda and Claude lurking about... ]

You do clean up well. [ he'll comment after Viktor gives his little thanks. Despite all the times he threatens to invade Viktor's space, Astarion is not a particularly tactile person. Tonight, however, he flicks a little dust off his employer's shoulder, giving it an awkward pat. ] Enjoy your night, darling.

[ He's going to find Alucard and bother him... ]

[techmaturgy]

[For all of their vast differences in personality, Viktor knows by now that Astarion is averse to casual touch in a way that's not so different from him. To have him reach out is unexpected. He's already operating at a level of discomfort several degrees above his baseline--when the unexpected shoulder pat comes through, he visibly tenses.

Viktor does, at least, understand that such a reaction is rude, even though he can't help but raise an eyebrow at the gesture. Perhaps they're both being a little more sincere than they might, usually. He offers a conciliatory nod, recognizing that the conversation won't linger beyond this point.]

Yes, you too--but not too much.

ii.

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard lingers as the party winds down. Someone needs to help clean up and see the last of the stragglers out. The dhampir is happy to provide the service, gathering plates up and handing them to the boetie wearing automaton. The metal friend is helping. Obviously.

He pauses in his duties though, when he finds Viktor. Leans against the nearest flat surface.]

You were right, you know. The bow tie really is a nice touch.

[techmaturgy]

They look nice in it, don't they?

[That's perhaps a joke, but now that the real ordeal is over and people are leaving and Viktor has a few drinks in him, he seems to have appropriately mellowed out. He might even be coming around to the fact that it's someone else's job to clean up, tonight.

The automaton's of course. And Viktor's not in a rush, seated on a couch instead, apparently taking it all in.]

I guess it wasn't so bad.

earlierish

[aquilus]

[Altaïr recognizes the signs of Hilda instruction, having been through it himself. Thankfully, he was not her target for this.]

I'd be lying if I said you didn't deserve the accolades. Even if you wouldn't prefer it.

[He gets it. Being the subject of this much attention would not have been his preference either.]

[techmaturgy]

I would very much not prefer it.

[But, it's a bit too late for that, which he references with a vague gesture to their surroundings. Somehow, he's weathering it, though of course Viktor will always look slightly out of place at a social function. Altaïr doesn't really strike him as someone who enjoys this kind of thing, either, so at the very least they can commiserate, at least a little.]

But I appreciate the sentiment. I appreciate you coming.

later wildcard

[theidlemaiden]

[ Throughout the evening Hilda can be found flitting from one end of the workshop to the other, keeping a keen eye on the man of the hour. She knows he doesn't have a problem excusing himself from social interactions, but she had meant what she said when she said that if he needed a different out that she'd be the one to swoop in to be that reason.

She's the epitome of co-hostess right until the end. When the last friend breezes out the door, she loops back around to Viktor, hands behind her back. ]

I have one last surprise for you for surviving the day. Think you can handle it?

later.

[wiedzminka]

[ Ciri attended the ceremony apart from the Cheer Squad™, keeping to the back and to herself; she just wanted to see Viktor get his accolade, and she was a little bit curious what sort of a deal the City would make of it. The whole affair is a bit awkward, and she doesn't envy Viktor having to be onstage. But he survives, and Ciri gives him her congratulations and a box of chocolates afterward at the party, proving her earlier threats empty.

During the get-together, she'll spend some time mingling, drinking, and interacting with Perry in delighted fascination. She may have him refill her cup... a lot.

When Viktor approaches, she's standing near the faraday cage, one hand raised in contemplation of giving it a quick poke. Surely Viktor wouldn't have something really dangerous in the middle of the room that any drunk idiot can stick their hand into? ]

i

[assembles]

[ Steve attended the ceremony along with the Cheer Squad™, though his job had mainly been to try to contain said cheering to appropriate moments, and make sure no cheer lasted too long, practically sensing the glares from the officials on stage (and Viktor himself). It's kind of a toss-up how well he managed, but he likes to think it would have been much worse if he hadn't been around.

Once the ceremony ends there's too much of a crowd to easily meet up with Viktor in the aftermath, and so they decide it's better to regroup with him back at the workshop for the afterparty. When Steve files in after the rest of the group, apparently having taken up the rear, he finds Viktor standing there to greet everyone and shoots him a crooked smile. ]

Well, you survived. Glad to see it. And congratulations.

[ Even if Viktor doesn't make much of the award or any of the accolades, the fact remains that he's accomplished great things while here. And that should be acknowledged by his friends, if nothing else. ]

earlier, just a quick thing~

[thedreamer]

Viktor!

[ His name is called out with an abundance of joy and enthusiasm, but the Doctor has been really trying his best (and not always succeeding) at learning and taking his cues from the new friends he's made, adjusting his demeanor to suit them when the occasion calls for it. He doesn't normally consider such things, he's unabashedly himself, loud and joyful and a bit much (maybe) (sometimes) but trapped as he's been now for months, he's started to consider that there may be times when, for the sake of others, they might appreciate him...toning it down a little.

Tonight is Viktor's night. He wants to celebrate him, not embarrass him.

So, while his name is called out at a higher decibel level, and the Doctor comes towards him with a bright grin and hand held out to shake his, he's — at least not shouting Viktor's name the way he might ordinarily. And when he's close enough, he adds — ]

I'm using my inside voice, see? Approximately sixty-five decibels, well within normal limits if slightly at the upper end of that range. Just for you. The man of the hour, well, the night. Well! Let's get ahead of ourselves and say the whole year. Congratulations, really.

Made you something. Open it later. Would've taken loads of pictures of you at the ceremony if I could have, but maybe this will do in a pinch. Now, the night is young, eh? Let's celebrate! [ The Doctor pulls a small, roughly 6x6 square of rolled up parchment from his pocket. It's not exactly an image of the ceremony itself, but it's a modest painting of Viktor with the automaton, showing it off onstage along with Hilda. For reference this is the caliber of his painting and would be the general color/shading. ]

nocwich

[techmaturgy]

i. oleuni square (ota)

[Viktor has business in Nocwich this month, which is convenient, because he certainly needs a distraction from his upcoming commendation. Here, exploring the marketplace and arguing with the merchants about the price of one raw material or another, he seems almost relieved.

Though he can easily be found shopping or even in a tea house working quietly (and perhaps seeking a reprieve from the current network announcement about his upcoming accolades), the reason Viktor is here is to make some deliveries. The technology is imperfect, given the fact that the items are meant for use in Thorne, and true to form he fiddles and tweaks until possibly the last second. He's found some space away from the bustle of the main square in order to fine-tune what seems to be...a bicycle.

The contraption is currently upside-down, wooden wheels to the sky, and Viktor is on a low stool next to it, adjusting one gear or another until everything is perfect. He struggles, briefly, with a particularly stubborn bolt, and lets out a grunt of exertion when it finally loosens. It's another moment before he realizes he has an observer (you, perhaps).]

Ah. Hi. [Don't mind him! He gestures, vaguely, to the ] Adjusting.]

ii. bicycle (for Kyle)

[This, he thinks, is what he’s looking forward to. The bicycle has been an interesting exercise—they have them in Piltover, of course, which means he’s more-or-less had the plans in the back of his mind, but executing it in such a way that will not raise alarm with the Crown has been an interesting challenge. He's not happy with the tires--there's no real replacement for inflatable rubber, after all--but he thinks he has a start, and the mages and Kyle's patron can finishing things to their liking.

He may have gotten a bit carried away. Instead of blueprints and a small model that demonstrates the gear system and steering and brakes, Viktor makes his way through the portal with a full-scale prototype, one he’s already taken for a few (perhaps inadvisable) test-drives. The thought of presenting a nearly-completed innovation to Kyle has him very excited, so much so that he's not really thinking about the practicality of presenting an entire bicycle in the middle of a political neutral zone.

He's just. He's bringing the whole thing into the bar. Through the door.]

[ushiri]

[ Hilda had helped him find the bakery earlier, so he's already waiting in the tavern at a far table, his back to the wall so he can see the door. Underneath the table his knee is bobbing, and he's worrying away with his nail at a piece of the paper bag from the top - inside are the anise cookies meant for 'payment'. He's second guessing now whether he should've brought actual payment for the blueprints. Viktor hadn't mentioned it when Kahlil first brought up the idea, and he hadn't said anything when they spoke more recently about it. He imagines Viktor could put together plans for a bike in his sleep, so he probably didn't need to spend much time on it...

Kahlil's paying for all the drinks either way.

Uncharacteristically distracted, his first indication that something is off is when he hears the doors open and all other sound in the tavern stops. There's not too many patrons here yet, it's still a little early, but the shift is noticeable enough that he goes tense for a split second -

Uh.

Viktor wheeling a bike into a bar is far from the strangest thing he's seen in his time here, but between his little burst of anxiety and surprise, he's stuck standing next to the table for a second squinting. ]

... what happened to blueprints? [ he finally asks, forgetting the bag of cookies at the table as he approaches, eyeing the full (working?) bicycle. They can uh, sit somewhere closer to the door so he doesn't have to wheel it through to the other side of the room - the bartender is giving Viktor a funny look and one or two of the other patrons are watching with open curiosity. ]

oleuni square

[diametrically]

[ The likelihood of Cassian running into one or two of the patrons he had stolen from when he had been on the Arcanis was rather likely considering how much of a scene he and Dion had made. Fortunately (or unfortunately), he'd found himself in similar "fancy seeing you here" scenarios in the past meaning he understood how to handle an awkward run-in. Being in a town of werewolves and vampires was really no worse than being in a town full of Moroff and Whipid. Not ideal when they weren't on your side, but he knows how to keep his head down.

Well. For the most part.

Regardless a little bad blood isn't enough to deter him from the going where he pleased. And frankly, he preferred to leave Thorne when given the chance. He doesn't know what to expect when he arrives that day, but it certainly isn't someone assembling something that could vaguely be a speeder bike if he squints.

...Which he is. ]

What is it supposed to be?

(dolly parton's christmas on) oleuni square

[ordinar]

[Wilhelm had meant to pop into the teashop and pop right back out with something warm to drink. Enchanted cups — they make sure you can't wander too far from the shop, but there are a few stalls he wants to peek at nearby. That gets put on hold, however, when he catches sight of the man tinkering with what appears to be a bicycle. A very strange bicycle, the kind that he imagines would have been ridden by...his brain fails to come up with a name, but someone printed in scratchy black and white inside a history book. But a bicycle nonetheless.

Anyway, it clicks at once that this must be the long-awaited bike Kyle was telling him about. He observes the man at work, shifting from foot to foot when he's addressed.]

Hi. Sorry for bothering you. Uh, you must be Kyle's friend...?

[He nods to the bike by way of filling in some blanks.]

for alucard @ the party

[ancunin]

[ Early in the evening Astarion's found himself a corner of the workshop to occupy alone with the bottle of bloodwine he brought from home. Now that he's here he realizes he's not entirely sure why he's here. Not for the company of most of these people, half of whom annoy him.

So he's just here for Viktor, then. Since he hasn't convinced anyone to turn up naked, he supposes he might as well keep on eye on the little sadists who planned this whole thing. ]

[cryptsleeper]

[Alucard's really just here to make sure everyone behaves. He's dressed a little bit up from his usual black trousers and way too deep v-neck, swapping the for lighter trousers and a black shirt that opens in the back instead.

Astarion's corner looks like it has a good overview of the room. Best for spotting shenanigans before they happen.]

You know, lurking in a corner is usually my job.

altaïr willingly at a party

[aquilus]

[This is not the first festive gathering that Altaïr has attended in the Free Cities, but usually he requires a productive reason to be there — pressure from the powers-that-be, an opportunity to gather information, simply taking the temperature of things. But this? He's happy to be here for a friend, more or less, even if he'd personally share Viktor's dislike of the spotlight.

He dresses reasonably fashionably, if not to the level of Hilda's recent specifications, and as one of Viktor's employees he makes a reasonably respectable showing. (He can explain some of the projects if asked, but not a majority.)

At some point he agrees to partake in the card games for however long anyone will put up with them.]

I believe you owe me after that hand.

[It turns out he has an incredible poker face.

ooc - any party-like starting premise is fine, doesn't have to be cards etc]

[bealufull]

[ Dressed as somberly as normal, Kaz mostly spends the evening stay to the shadows and watching others as they move throughout the party. Attending the party because obviously it was important to Jesper, but staying because of the gambling tables there. Perhaps it's paranoid but he can't help himself.

As he considers the room, he spies a familiar face and makes to come stand at his side. ]

I have to say, I prefer this to the mad, extravagant parties they keep expecting us to attend.

the afterparty

[assembles]

[ Steve attended the ceremony itself with a small group of other Summoned, and had done his best to make sure that Jesper, Claude, and Hilda didn't go too overboard with the cheering, with mixed results. Still, that's over now and now it's the fun part.

Unlike some of the other gatherings and larger get-togethers that Steve has attended while here, he appears to be pretty comfortable in this setting. It's a smaller group populated mainly by people he knows pretty well, and they're here for the purpose of celebrating a friend who's done a lot of good. He understands a lot of Viktor's unease, though he does seem to be in much better spirits now that they're in his workshop and drinks are flowing.

Steve can't help but smile to himself at the sight of the ostentatious banner Hilda made, but he quickly makes himself at home, grabbing a drink and some snacks and inspecting what the workshop has to offer. He's been here a number of times and knows how much work was put into making it a workable party space for the night. He checks out the gramophone first, a nostalgic smile touching on his face as he listens to the music.

He participates in the friendly games and seems surprisingly comfortable with the card ones in particular, then checks out a few of the inventions that are on display, and even spends some time chatting with the robot, testing what it's capable of and how much it can freely do. As if he's familiar with this sort of thing, even. ]

The hat and bowtie are a nice touch.


( ooc: Steve will generally be mingling about the space doing whatever, so feel free to wildcard! )

OPEN | workshop party

[wiedzminka]

[ After attending the ceremony in a much quieter fashion than the others (she stayed in the back and tried not to be noticed), Ciri shows up to give her congratulations and a small (chocolate) token to Viktor in person. Despite his grumbling, he does seem to be enjoying the party. And Ciri's happy to take the excuse to enjoy friendly company, distractions, and drink.

She can be found fascinated by Perry the automaton, asking it to perform small tasks (or bigger ones, seeing what it will or won't understand), and getting plenty of refills on whatever drink happens to be in her cup at the time. Throughout, she'll also join in some dice and card games, engaging in some friendly gambling to raise the stakes; she might also teach you how to play knucklebones, if the game isn't known to all parties. Viktor will be pleased to see she restrains herself from challenging anyone to makeshift knife throwing competitions, but she could be convinced into less destructive feats of booze-impaired coordination, like tossing coins into cups from afar.

At any point, if someone expresses interest in some invention that Viktor has happened to tell Ciri about, she'll enthusiastically recap what he told her (whether or not she does so entirely correctly is another story), and give hearty recommendations for the gear he's made, like the night goggles and respirators. And the blender. Sorry for embarrassing you, Viktor. You deserve it. ]

open | afterparty things

[bealufull]

[ Kaz knew he would be attending the party because Jesper was the one that did this to Viktor, and because he knew that connecting with others was good for whatever plans they had in this place. Seeing the tables set up for cards and dice, he knew he likely might be spending more time there than he preferred.

Not that he took a seat at either table.

While he keeps an eye on those tables, he shows much more interest later in the evening when Viktor's work is highlighted more. Kaz has been honing the magical gifts he's received that he hadn't thought about the technology from other worlds that could benefit him so well. If not for it being a party Jesper helped host, he's not sure he wouldn't be planning to free several of the items. Especially staring longingly at the night vision goggles and the laser cutter.

The automaton receives his attention as well. Leaning on his cane and giving it a long look before offering a gloved hand with the request for a shake. A brow arching and his look genuinely curious. ]

So what are your limits then? I suppose speech is asking a bit much.

(ooc: he'll be mingling about the party and trying not to just glare at people. He may also be like a kid in a candy store over some of the devices. He can't help himself around brilliant things.)

[techmaturgy]

[Once focus of the party turns to his work, Viktor seems much more comfortable at the gathering--he's able to answer questions, demonstrate what one device or another does, and, of course, has the added bonus of taking the attention off him as a person. The automaton is the thing he's most proud of, obviously, and to watch his friends interact with it is surprisingly fulfilling.]

They can't talk. Not yet.

[Yet, of course, indicating that Viktor has further plans for this. There's also the added layer that speech from such a thing might be strange and unusual to those he wants to work alongside the machine--they can't be afraid of it, so he has to take things increments.]

My first priority was the articulation system, and binding Hilda's spell to the chassis. It's not sentient, not really.

[In case Kaz was worried.]

wildcard at the workshop~ few days after the party if this works!

[thedreamer]

[ Once things have settled a bit from the excitement, the Doctor intends to make good on his promise to stop by and see Viktor's workshop in greater detail. He'd explored as much as he could at the party, but, well, it was a party and not the most opportune time to have much in the way of conversation or looking at his achievements and projects more in depth.

The Doctor is perhaps occasionally late when he doesn't mean to be. Back in a flash! I'll only be gone ten minutes! I'll see you tomorrow! are all familiar refrains, and then he's sometimes (unintentionally) quite delayed. But he arrives precisely when he means to (in his mind), and he's here now and though he tells himself he'll just pop in for a bit to grab a screwdriver from Viktor, chat him up, delight at a few projects and then be on his way, he will actually absolutely be here all day if Viktor doesn't shoo him away.

Armed with a small plate of very questionable pastries in his attempt to recreate Jammie Dodgers, the Doctor invites himself inside. In his usual excitable way, he calls out — ]

Viktor! I brought sweets!

[techmaturgy]

[Viktor gets back to work quickly after all the fanfare, wanting to put it behind him as expediently as possible. Still, he hasn't forgotten about the open invitation he extended to the Doctor--the party wasn't the most conducive setting for showing off his work, and he's interested in the other man's projects, as well. Cadens doesn't Summon many engineers, so he's always willing to capitalize on the appearance of someone with scientific knowledge.

Suffice to say, the intrusion is welcome, though way his eyebrows knit together indicate that he did not expect additional gifts in the form of pastries. He reacts similarly to being presented a painting--like he's not used to such gestures, and he isn't sure what to do about them.]

You'll have some too, I hope. [He's thinking, of course, of all of the cupcakes Hilda supplied at the party. Viktor gestures at the workspace, indicating that the Doctor can set them down.] Wherever there's room.

[It is, however, in short supply.]