abraxaslogs | [open] july catchall

Entry tags:

[open] july catchall

Who: Viktor and special guests and you
When: throughout July & August
Where: Cadens, the Horizon, Nocwich
What: ah oh no we were indirectly responsible for bombing the castle
Warnings: war crimes

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I find practical learning easier, and it's a really good way to supplement academic methods - it's almost like putting yourself to the test. I haven't spent a lot of time consistently in a classroom.

[ when the books are hard to read and a regular classroom can feel so restraining, hands on learning is a great bonus. she's a big fan. ]

[ she squints at the temple, adjusting the roof at the back. ]

A few months, before it was closed off when shit hit the fan again. [ she wrinkles her nose. ] But I did smaller scale things at my summer camp before that too.

We seem to come from...tumultuous places.

[He'd be hard-pressed to think of Summoned who did not escape some kind of life-interrupting event. Viktor won't ask her to elaborate if she doesn't want to, but he hopes this makes it clear that he understands everything from the unconventional schooling to the practical experience to unfortunate disruptions.]

It's a shame you're not in Cadens. [He assumes, anyway.] I have a workshop there. We're...decidedly lacking in real engineering talent.

[ despite herself, she lets out a snort. ] You can say that again.

[ satisfied with her model, she finishes it up and lets it sit on the table between them, not quite sure what to do with it now, but she supposes she can face that task when the time comes. ]

[ her expression shifts into a sort of apologetic grimace. ] I'm in Thorne. It's all very studious there but apparently they threw a fit about bikes, so it's hard to think of them as welcoming towards innovation. I don't know a lot about Cadens.

Oh, I know about the bicycles. I built them.

[Well, he built one, and then handed over the blueprints so Kyle's eccentric patron could fund construction of the other. He admits that it's pleasing to him, hearing about the use of his invention in a place that must chafe at the sight of it, and he brightens a little.]

Apparently rubber is too advanced a material for your mages. That's why the wheels are, eh, like that.

[Wood. With enchantments. Maybe it works--Viktor still doubts it's very comfortable.]

[ there's a pause, where recognition suddenly flashes across her face and her expression brightens. ]

Oh! You're the Viktor who made the bikes! Wilhelm introduced me and told me all about them. I should probably thank you - I've had fun riding them, even with their quirks.

[ she makes a face. ] Like that super advanced absolutely terrifying rubber. We joked about showing them cars and really creating some abject horror.

You've ridden them? [Viktor seems to visibly brighten at this.] If you have any notes, let me know. I'm not sure what improvements I can make from Nocwich, but I am happy to provide solutions.

[Even if his number one recommendation is inflatable rubber tires. But he does know that having the bikes at all is a victory in itself.]

I'm working on a motorized version. [Not an automobile, but perhaps a stepping stone.] For Cadens, of course. I've been lucky not to cause an international incident, thus far.

[Except for the recent bombing of the castle. But, well, not something he's going to mention.]

[ she nods her affirmation. ] A few times now. I know they're part of the couriers' work, but they've been a good break from some of the castle's monotony too. Next time I take one out, I'll think about what could be fixed, if anything. I might be able to make some tweaks myself, with guidance.

[ then, a little sarcastically: ] I suppose I could work on getting Thorne open to rubber for starters.

[ annabeth snorts. ] What, you don't want to send a motorcycle on some kind of worldwide test drive?

I would have sent more, if I could.

[Two seems woefully inadequate, both for the couriers and those who would like to use them recreationally. It does seem like she understands, though. The limitations that they're working with. If even rubber tires are too much...]

I think a motorized version would be grounds for my assassination by Thornean agents. If you want to look at the blueprints, though. See what you might be able to reproduce with magic...

[He shrugs!]

Two is better than none. [ she just can't go with more than one person at a time if she wants company, which isn't that big a deal. ]

I'm surprised they're not out here holding witchcraft trials. [ she really does not understand their reluctance when they seem to put so much pride in their academics! ]

You mean make one here, in the Horizon? I'm not very good with the reality magic yet. [ not very good, she says, as though she isn't picking it up fairly well overall. just because she can't do anything big and flashy yet... ]

I think they're only vaguely aware of my existence.

[Which is good, even if he knows he's at least somewhat on the radar, for being the one to find the location of the kidnapped Summoned. And he knows they're lucky to have the bicycles at all, so he'd rather not push it. Still, the thought of all the wasted potential in Thorne pains him, sometimes.]

We could practice in the Horizon, yes. As proof of concept.

[That's what it's most useful for, after all.]

Probably better to keep it that way given the bikes are already suspicious.

[ will she ever get over the rubber scandal tbh. ]

[ she perks up a little. ]

Sure. If you don't mind showing me the schematics - though my understanding might be rudimentary.

[Viktor is still not over the rubber scandal, so...likely not.]

That's why there is study. And practice.

[In order to deepen her understanding.]

I have time now, if you like.

[ she grins a little bit. ]

Good thing I'm already pretty good at those things.

[ she straightens a bit, then nods with interest. ]

Yeah. I've got time too. [ a beat. ] Thanks for offering. It'll be fun.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[open] july catchall

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

maybe handwave the engineering class and wrap soon?

yes that works for me!