Viktor (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
techmaturgy) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
abraxaslogs2024-02-04 02:07 pm
techmaturgy) wrote in abraxaslogs2024-02-04 02:07 pm
Entry tags:
[OPEN] february catchall
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
ii. the workshop
iii. later
iv. ooc stuff
When: Early February
Where: Cadens, Nocwich
What: a little afterparty, Nocwich weekend, maybe some other stuff
Warnings: irresponsible cycling
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.
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.
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.
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 atwhitticus and on discord also at whitticus.
no subject
[If Alyx is familiar with more advanced bicycles, it's likely he'll take some interest in Viktor's diagrams. The blueprints in question are in a leather tube, the strap on the case implying that Viktor brought them here slung over his shoulder.
As for the bike itself, Viktor makes one last adjustment and stands off the little portable stool he's brought, stepping back in case Alyx would like to inspect it himself.]
I was happy to build the prototype myself. I'm just surprised Thorne was receptive to the idea.
no subject
I might have to since the creator won't be in Thorne if something breaks down.
[ When Viktor steps back, he gives a brief glance towards him ensuring that he hadn't read the silent invitation to look closer. When no other sign of stopping him comes he seats himself on the stool, examining the wheels. ]
That makes all of us. [ All of us being the couriers. ] Thanks for agreeing to it. It'll be better than walking - even without rubber for the wheels. Is this based on designs from your world?
no subject
[As they are with everything he builds. That said, if they ever felt inclined to drag it back to Nocwich, Viktor would certainly offer a free tuneup. He watches Alyx inspect the bike, clearly proud of his handiwork, even if it hadn’t been a particularly difficult build.
He’s still not a fan of the wheels, though. Instead of rubber, he’s fashioned a leather tire stretched over a wood frame, and perhaps with magic it will become a smoother ride. There’s that to hope for, at least.]
Something like it, yes. I tried to standardize the design as much as possible, so as not to burden Kyle with something too unfamiliar.
no subject
Someone with an interest in modernizing Thorne?
[ Cassian isn't really expecting much but who knows. Abraxas held all sorts and he wouldn't be surprised if there were visionaries or hopeful would-be ones that were chomping at the bit to have less of a reliance on magic. But for some reason he didn't think the crown would be so open to that idea. Things like change took time and change of hands so to speak.
At least he won't have to worry about offending the creator about the wheels. It's not like it's his fault that this world doesn't have rubber or repulsorlift technology. ]
How were yours different?
no subject
[Perhaps, the fewer people in Thorne who are frightened of technology supplanting magic could be convinced that the two systems are greater than the sum of their parts. In would certainly make his goals easier to achieve, if he could send his technology elsewhere without fear of an international incident. But it's likely too much to strive for.
The bike was a diversion, more than anything, but he's pleased with the results, given his constraints. The next version of it, for the Free Cities, will be more to his liking.]
Rubber tires, to start. [He's still a bit hung up on that.] This is a fairly standard design, but they came in a variety shapes and configurations. Some were motorized. I'd like to do that here, if possible.
[Just not for Thorne!!]
no subject
[ Secretly, Cassian hopes for it. Technology however can easily be a double-edged sword. Advancements in studies and technology and everything that came with those things could be used to hurt if given to the wrong people. An image of Bix barely held together by her iron will flashes through his mind. He's quick to shake it off the guilt and anger that usually accompanies it. Instead his lips quirk wryly as he casts a quick glance towards Viktor. ]
Although if word gets out it's from the...Doctor of Illumination, was it? Maybe your fans will petition the Crown for things that make their lives easier.
[ He had seen enough of the fuss and how much the man had disliked it. Cassian can't say he blames him. The spotlight had never been for him either. ]
If you want to make it hover, let me know. You wouldn't need rubber then. I can probably piece something together with the right tech. I've scrapped enough speeders before.
[ Take something apart enough times and you could learn how to put it back together. At least, that's how it had worked for Cassian. ]
no subject
[Viktor makes a displeased little noise at the use of the ridiculous title, waving Cassian off at the very mention of it. He shouldn't be surprised, given Jesper announced it all over the network, but it's not something he wants to indulge. The thought that he might have fans in Thorne of all places is almost as silly as what they're calling him in Cadens.
So he's quick to move on to the possibility of a hovering implement, if only to deflect.]
I'm not sure how you could accomplish such a thing in this place without magic, or...very powerful magnets.
[That said, maybe it's not impossible, if Alyx can give him some advice on the principles of it.]
Are you a mechanic?
no subject
His question is met with a beat of silence as he mulls over how they'd even go about creating anything remotely close to repulsorlift tech without the actual tech to do it. The conclusion he comes to makes him sigh a little. ]
You might have to use magic here. Magnets aren't too far but they'd have to be powerful. They push against the planet's gravity to produce thrust.
[ As for his questions about him being a mechanic... ]
No. Not really. I've just dabbled. [ But in that same breath he glances around for a wrench. He nods to the one near Viktor. ] Do you mind? You have a loose screw here.
no subject
[Viktor does not say that as if he's been insulted--just a statement of fact, so that Alyx knows he comes from a place where they have an understanding of gravity, and the force it takes to get something off the ground.
He isn't so proud, however, that he's not interested in what Alyx has to say on the matter. When he points out the loose screw, Viktor hands him his wrench. Be his guest--he'll judge him the entire time.]
Dabbled is fine. It should be enough to keep these in working order, if Thorne doesn't want to touch them.
[If the couriers are on their own, when it comes to maintenance.]
no subject
[ Cassian tosses back something that also isn't meant to offend. It's also just a matter of fact. This bike - as antiquated as it was to him - was physics in action. Just by looking at it he could understand how the pedals would propel the bike, and the gears of the chain would increase that peddling force.
If he knows he's being silently judged he doesn't seem to let on. He just gets to it, dutifully working tightening the loose bit back into place. ]
Thorne probably won't. So I might as well learn from the source now. [ Another fact. ] Is this supposed to be some kind of impromptu test?
no subject
[Viktor has blueprints in his head for all manner of innovation, from steam engines to airships, and the only thing that's really stopping him (besides time, of course), is the fact that he doesn't want to turbocharge the military. A bicycle is benign, and easy to execute. It had been a nice diversion.
He watches for a moment before deciding Alyx's technique is sufficient, then grabs another tool and starts to work on some other loosened bolt. The idea that this might be a test has his eyebrows raise in surprise.]
No, no. [He's not that judgmental.] It's just rare, to meet another one of us with technical knowledge. They don't summon many engineers.
[In that he sort of has the monopoly on it--him, and his handful of employees.]
no subject
[ Because as far as he's concerned the lack of technology is a bit of a tragedy which has far less to do with the fact that he's still lamenting over the fact that he's going to be riding a bike made of wood, leather and magic for its wheels.
There's a lilt to his voice at the thought of being called an engineer. Urianger had asked him the same thing upon his arrival. The answer he gave him then is still the same now. ]
I wouldn't call myself an engineer either. Just someone who dabbles. I never had formal schooling.
no subject
I never had formal schooling either. At least, not until I was a young man.
[And given the fact that Viktor appears to be in his thirties, perhaps Alyx can guess that it was maybe a college-type situation. Even then, his time at the Academy was mostly spent on the theoretical, so Viktor considers most of his mechanical engineering skills to be self-taught. He doesn't seem to care that Alyx doesn't consider himself an mechanic--even a little know-how is good enough for him.]
I imagine you'll be able to make sense of the blueprints. I tried to make them accessible.
[For all of the aforementioned reasons.]
no subject
News about Viktor's lack of formal training is met with a silent acknowledgement of innate skill. There were so many like that on Ferrix - scrappers turned engineers or mechanics or metalsmiths weren't uncommon. Sometimes they were all three. You did whatever you had to do, learn whatever you needed to make yourself a living. ]
I'll know who to ask if I have any questions.
[ He allows them to lapse a little into silence. There isn't a need to feel like he has to put on a pretence of chattiness, not when he gets the impression that the man prefers to let his work do the talking. Tightening the loose bolt doesn't take long, but another thought comes up and he can't help but ask - ]
Any other plans to make this go a little faster?
no subject
[With that settled, they get back to work for a few moments. Viktor cranes his neck a little to make sure that Alyx did not, in fact, screw something up. When he determines that everything is as it should be, he offers a shrug.]
Plenty of plans. Most would cause an international incident. Your mages will have to make up for the lack of technology.
[And rubber tires.]
no subject
[ Just because he's in Thorne doesn't mean he's one of them even though he's fairly certain that Viktor isn't mistaking him for one of them. ]
We'll just have to see how willing Istredd is to help.
[ That's who they'll turn to, if they have to turn to magic. Which is starting to sound like it may.
He hands the wrench back over to Viktor before pushing himself to his feet. The last thing he wants is to overstay his welcome. ]
If you need someone to talk shop with who isn't an expert - I hear the messaging system is useful for that.
no subject
[Viktor's tone of voice indicates he might not be the man's biggest fan--but he'll defer to him in matters such as these. Besides, he likes collaboration, especially across territories. This might be the start of another one.]
You can visit in the Horizon, too. I find it convenient for demonstrating proof of concept.
fin! 🎀
Cassian isn't expecting the invitation to the Horizon. His lips twitch, recalling the encouragement he'd gotten from some of the other Summoned about why it would be a good to visit the Horizon sooner rather than later. Apparently exchanging designs was also something to be added to the list. ]
Sure. I can show you what I mean by bikes too. Ones without wooden wheels.
[ He straightens, brushing off the dust from his robe before nothing to the bike they do have. ]
Thanks.