open. castle thorne

[ushiri]

Who: Kyle & anyone in Thorne (+ a meeting with an NPC)
When: Post-Epulum. Bicycle shenanigans start before the storms hit Thorne. Ambrose chat occurs after.
Where: Castle Thorne courtyard, and town streets
What: Thorne is introduced to bicycles
Warnings: None yet!



[ Although the dust from the murder mystery at the Epulum has barely settled and is still fresh on Kahlil's mind, it just so happens to coincide with the completion of a small project he started pushing forward on two months ago.



The castle courtyard is now home to (2) bicycles. Though their use is primarily for Summoned couriers, others who may want to try them out aren't strictly discouraged. One model is a step-through design, the other a step-over. For anyone familiar with modern bicycles, you might be surprised (or alarmed) to see that while the frame is metal, the wheels are a combination of wood and leather. Further inspection will reveal they've been spelled with enchantments similar to the carriage wheels seen in Thorne, allowing the ride to be more smooth than it naturally ought to be. It's easy enough to find out that Istredd was responsible for this part, although the plans and at least one bicycle were allegedly assembled by a Summoned in the Free Cities.

There are attachments available, the step-through model has pegs on the back wheel for a second rider to stand, both have baskets on the front for packages, and a luggage rack behind the seat. They have little bells for alerting unexpecting pedestrians.

There's even a pair of training wheels that can be attached for anyone that thinks they might need them...

Please don't run anyone over, and try not to scare the horses too badly.

If you're looking for a lesson, Kahlil can be approached at the end of the day as he's checking them over. ]

( OOC: The bikes are officially available to couriers, but y'all are free to assume Kyle will give pretty much anyone permission to ride them around the courtyard as long as you don't plan on damaging or destroying them. These are the only bicycles in Thorne so assume some confusion and attention to be gained when riding in town. Horses are not particularly fond of them yet and may spook. )

Comments

[glaciare]

( Jill has never seen a bike before. In fairness to her, she's never seen horses before, either -- at least not ones that weren't giant with six legs who could masquerade as a man and duplicate himself. So: she's seen a very singular horse, and had presumed it a made up creature until arriving and finding them all over the place. She's much more comfortable riding on the back of what she can best describe to people who lack context as a very large chicken. Stable, with legs that don't look like that they could snap in half with one wrong move.

A bike is completely new, and she can't help but watch as Kyle teaches first the couriers and then anyone who wishes to learn how to ride. It's only when the excitement has passed that she approaches; pulled in on herself as if she's afraid of taking up too much space from around him, even in the courtyard. )

Pardon the intrusion but-- what did you call them again? A 'bicycle'?

[ushiri]

[ Jill is someone he knows from afar. That she's helped Wilhelm on the Conclave and is managing not to be driven crazy by Lucifer automatically bumps her up in esteem. When she approaches he nods to her question, giving a friendly smile. ]

That's right. Did you want to take one for a spin?

[ She seems uncertain, he can't tell yet if she's shy or if it's only the strangeness of the bicycle itself. ]

[glaciare]

( She nods, though still holds herself back. It's mostly the strangeness of the bike and her unwillingness to impose rather than shyness. )

I'm afraid I wouldn't know where to begin.

[ushiri]

It's easy enough to teach.

[ He takes a step back, allowing her space to approach and inspect it on her own. A kickstand is holding it up for now, but he has training wheels for anyone just starting out... ]

What are you used to using for transport?

[ Horses seems to be the answer for most people. ]

[glaciare]

Chocobos. I've heard there's one or two here, but if you've yet to encounter them, they're large birds. Well muscled -- far less likely to break a leg if they fell, and with a rather mean kick.

( Jill has met a total of one horse before arriving in Abraxas. It had six legs, and tended to take the form of a man. She does not like them. )

By all means, please tell me where to start.

( She gestures to the bike, though she is still examining -- careful not to touch. )