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A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 8:46 pm
by Xerah
Research is what you do when you don’t know what to do. ~ Lissa Whitehorn

Today I would call a success—at least on the personal side. I spent it almost entirely in my makeshift workshop in one of the local inns. I was able to create the proper pieces for my newest creation, an Acid Combustion Ejector, or as I like to call it, A.C.E., as it is my proverbial ‘ace up the sleeve’ (N.B. remember to mention that around people to they can enjoy the cleverness of it as well). I have made one of these in the past, so it was simple an exercise in mostly memory (since the plans were too damaged to review) except for the combustion chamber. This was the part the Professor designed.

Typically in the workshop, we’ve produced acid from pyrite (common name: Fool’s Gold) by mixing it with water. It would take some time, but if I use the weave to speed this up, I believe I can cause a cascading intensifying reaction. This will release iron by-products so the chamber will need to be cleaned during regular intervals and the pyrite replaced. With the chamber designed and appearing functional, I set off for a field test.

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On a nearby boat, one of the captain was having issue with rather aggressive rats. I found one of these rats, directed the weave into the chamber and grinned like a fool waiting for the liquid to spray out. And waited. And waited. It was clear it was not going to work. I had to resort to my wrench to deal with the vermin biting at my feet.

Clearly, there is something amiss. What, I don’t know. But I shall figure it out. At least the acid didn’t explode on my clothing.

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 11:33 pm
by Xerah
“If you are not willing to risk the usual you will have to settle for the ordinary.” ~ Professor Donthito

Thanks to personal ingenuity, I was able to solve the problem with my A.C.E. Let me explain. In order to start the reaction to acid, air is one of the require ingredients. We usually make this acid in a big container in the lab, but it is not sealed–so I didn’t even consider that a sealed chamber would prevent the cascading reaction! Luckily, after enough searching around (um, it may have been in the trash) I found the components to makes an air intake fadoozler noozles. Once I added the noozle the device worked perfectly!

I took it back down into the sewers for the second field test and I was met with great success! Thus far, field tests have been excellent. I haven’t yet burnt my hand and the device has worked flawlessly. With enough pressure, I have been able to dispense the acid over 30 yards with a moderate level of accuracy and precision. I will need to keep a careful watch on corrosion in the explosion chamber and be careful not to overpressurize, both of which could lead to catastrophic results.

Furthermore, I expanded on the use of the acid into fire based reaction. By starting the reaction with the dust of a fire agate, I was able to start a similar process but this time with an explosion of flames. I have noticed that the pressure seems to be higher with the flame version, but the reaction can last far longer.

On another note…
I have recently been working on rebuilding another device, my personal automated shield source (or P.A.S.S. for short). I’ve seen how other magic users have been able to similar effect using a spell called ‘shield’, so this is my attempt to recreate it.

As the plans original were too damaged to use, I had to start from the beginning. The inner workings were again designed by the Professor, so I wasn’t sure how he got it to work. Someone suggested (or maybe it was me?) two opposite gnomeascopes which could be rotated at high speeds.

As my supply of iron was running slow, I opted to construct the chamber out of an alternative form of quartz (aventurine) and surround the chamber with copper rings. I was initially nervous about how long the containment chamber will hold up to long term use and I was right to worry. Instead of containing the weave energy inside the chamber, it was able to infinitely refract on the polished surface of the copper. As the bi-product begun to escape from containment, it caused an intense light disruption a very small area (approximately 1m radius sphere) effectively rendering me invisible to the naked eye. I’ve changed the name of the device to Light Alternating Zeroing Yield (or L.A.Z.Y. for short) for lack of a better name.

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At least, that’s the theory on how it works. More field tests are pending.

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 10:23 pm
by Xerah
“Regardless if they admit it or not, Faerûn demands invention and innovation to succeed.” ~ Professor Donothito

Now that I’ve got myself settled on the island, I’ve been able to spend a bit more time perfecting my A.C.E. device. There are plenty of nearby mines that have allowed me to find the raw materials for constructing parts and the city has more than one public forge available for free use.

Taking the plans of the original device, I’ve updated the components into more robust pieces that can withstand the general wear and tear of prolonged use (N.B. although there is still potential for over-pressurization so make sure to check the chamber before any foray into danger). The most important change is to store the energy delivery system and the pressure release internally so that it can’t be set off by mistake.

The other major change was to realize that I could do more than just create acid inside the chamber. With a few tweaks, I’ve been able to create a variety elemental explosions with no noticeable drop performance. I was so focused on re-creating what was previously built, that I forgot to open my mind to allow the innovation in. I'm sure that Gond would be proud of my realization even if he was initially disappointed.

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On another note, I’ve taken to exploring a bit of the frontier to try to find any signs of the Professor. Thus far, I’ve not seen any trace, but I’ll keep my hopes high. One interesting bit has been the much talked about Arcane Tower. I’m strongly considering applying for membership and seeking out a new mentor. It would be irresponsible of me to ignore the rest of my studies purely to concentrate find the professor. And who knows? Maybe this is all a test to see if I’ll find my own way. For all I know, he could be in the underdark somewhere setting the world on fire inside his ‘invulnerable’ steamsuit.

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2017 8:28 pm
by Xerah
Necessity is the mother of all innovation ~ Professor Donothito

I’ve just got back from being accepted in the Arcane Tower by a very nice mage named Erin. There were a number of really tough questions I had to answer, but I did so with flying colors and have been granted the rank of apprentice. I don’t yet have an official master to train under, but I’ll be keeping my eye out if someone is looking.

One subject that Miss Erin discussed with me was the theory of tapping directly into the raw magical energy of the weave. As I’ve been progressing through the circles of spell strength, I’ve found it more and more difficult to produce larger amounts of energy. I’m hoping to ask her if she could help me become more proficient with this (Maybe she would take me on as an apprentice?). If she’s talking about what I think she’s talking about, I’ll certainly be held back in my studies until I can solve these higher level equations.

Speaking of which, I’ve jotted down some notes that I recall from two gnomish theorists Entritro and Rathanitonah on instantaneous transport. At the moment, I’ve built make-shift device (N.B. plans pending) that is able to bring planar animal creatures through for a limited time but I wonder if it can be expanded on to work for myself. It’s something that should work, in theory (N.B. I say that a lot) but I’m not certain what I’d need to develop to hold the right amount of negative flux energy to allow a large enough fold to exist. One theory suggested that if you miniaturize yourself small enough, you should be able to limit the amount of material required to hold the negative flux, but I don’t know if anyone would risk being sent to the void should the fold collapse too early (or the miniaturization end in mid-transport).

Food for thought anyway.

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It seems like I’m starting to find my place on this Island.

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2017 9:50 pm
by Xerah
“An amazing invention Professor, but who would ever use one?” ~ Lissa Whitehorn

The Arcane Tower is quite a remarkable place. It is filled with all sorts of information that will take me ages to get through. I’ll admit, that a lot of it is well beyond my understanding and even my ability. Perhaps on day soon I may be able to decipher some concepts for use in my devices, but I’ll take that one step at a time. The Professor always said that if you try to do too many steps at once, you’ll find yourself tripping. And I don’t like to fall!

Speaking of the Professor, I’ve haven’t had any luck at all in locating him. There must be someone in charge of divination at the Tower who I could ask if they could look into trying scry for him. I know he was always extremely paranoid (I still have no idea why), so he may have his non-detection device on him. But it can’t hurt to try!

I’ve started putting more work into G.E.A.R.S. including a miniaturized sonic generator. It’s had some good success in mining and even driving away hostile creatures. Since I’ve got it functional release version 1.0, I think I’ll set it aside for a while until the next major innovation.

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Much more work to do, but I’m looking forward to making progress!

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 9:04 pm
by Xerah
“Impossible ideas are only seen as foolish until they are not.” – Professor Nadul, no, not THE Nadul

Things have been, well, rather chaotic recently to say the least. I’ve been having difficulty in remembering vast parts of my days. Often times I found myself waking up in the Tower or the Embassy within Cordor and not recalling how I got there or what I was doing. And when I looked in my Log Book? I have no idea what I was thinking…

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Frankly, I don’t know if I’ll ever learn what it means. There doesn’t seem to be much of a pattern with the various symbols.

This is likely a side effect of my new ability to better tap into the raw magic of the weave. I’ve already noticed that my devices are functioning better when I use this energy but it does appear to carry a good deal of risk (N.B. well, low risk. I’ve calculated approximately a 4.7% chance with a standard deviation of 1.6%). The only major issue I had thus far was when I was trying to enchant my clothing and a mishap disintegrated it. Luckily, someone was willing to give me a new set (even if it was too big) so I could avoid the embarrassment of running to get a new set.

In other news, I’ve officially updated my name to Lissa Donothito Nadul Wilgrim Caselle Whitehorn. I’m fairly certain that Magus Erin does not know of the gnomish tradition to take on names of their Masters, so I should make sure she is aware. I probably should have done that before I made things official but it honestly slipped my mind at the time.

And in other, other news, I’m made some connections within the gnome settlement called the Great Grotto. I never considered that I’d be able to find so many gnomes in one place on the island, but it will certainly be an easier experience to be around like-minded kin. The Magister in charge of the settlement is known as Terto. He seems to be a rather nice man (even if he claims the opposite) and the other gnomes such as Killian, Sir Dylo, and Sir Torlarnd are very likable as well.

Magister Terto did list out a number of rules that I would need to follow, but they are all fairly reasonable. I do hope my interests with the Tower and with the Grotto won’t collide but I shall cross that bridge should it ever come to that. He also gave me the title of ‘Advisor of Obscure Magic’ which probably sounds much fancier that it truly is. It will be a lot of work to keep up with Magus Erin’s teachings, my new position within the Grotto, and my personal projects (crafting and study primarily) but I believe I am up for the challenge.

I’m finding this Island far more welcoming that I thought I would!

PS: Find Saphira Blackstone for questions about wild magic from a gnomish perspective.

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 3:56 am
by Xerah
Tell someone and they forget. Teach someone and they remember. Involve someone, now, that is when they really learn. ~ Professor Donothito

I think my mind is finally starting to come to terms with tapping into the raw weave energies. Some of the haze and clouds are finally starting to fade away and I’ve gotten back to work.

I’ve finally completed the release candidate for something new that I’ve been working on called S.T.E.E.L. It seems to work better than I expected and I am even able to use the device to the same effect on others (if they allow it of course).

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This week, I attended Magus Erin’s lecture on Astrolabe. The whole thing was quite interesting and I’m glad that I could learn a bit more about it as things were a bit confusing and unnerving the first time I was there. A field trip was planned to visit it again, but I got too nervous and made up an excuse about going. Argh! I need to deal with my fears better.

I’ve also been tasked a field assignment to go study Golag Mor (I believe that was the name). Magus Erin wants me to study the constructs that are located there as well a strange ‘humming’ device located deep inside. I do quite like her teaching style of sink or swim. All of my previous mentors always said “Do this just like this and don’t do it any other way.” I mean, I do understand that their way is the best way to do it now but at least this way I can make my own decisions and mistakes. The trip will take some preparations (I don’t think I’m quite ready for the dangers), but luckily a gnome friend known as Killian has already agreed to take me there (even before I was asked to go!).

Speaking of gnomes, I’ve been asked to review the security of the Grotto and give any input to Sir Torland. I’m not sure how much help I can be yet, but I’ll for sure have a look and see what I can do. When I was there last, I just missed an attack by slavers from deep within the Underdark so everyone is a bit nervous. There’s got to be something that I can contribute!

Now that I’m busy again, I thought it would be prudent to summarize all my devices so that a traditional mage can understand the specific types of weave energies that I am drawing from. I’ve cross referenced each device with the traditional spell name for ease of understanding.
  • A.C.E. (Arcane Combustion Ejector)
    Ball Lightning
    Flame hands
    Acid Arrow
    Scintillating sphere
    Lesser missile storm
    L.A.Z.Y. (Light Alternating Zeroing Yield)
    (Improved) Invisibility
    Invisibility sphere
    Shield
    Ghost Visage
    S.T.E.E.L. (Stable Transmuted Elemental Electrum Lining)
    Stoneskin
    Mage Armor
    Protection from elements
    P.I.T. (Personal Instantaneous Transport)
    Summon Creature
    Work in progress theory: Teleportation
    S.H.I.F.T (Sudden Hollow Identical Facsimile Transformation)
    Polymorph Self (not a viable release candidate yet)
    M.U.T.A.T.E. (Magical Universal Transient Altering Targeted Energy)
    Haste, Slow
    Bull’s Strength, Endurance, Cat’s Grace, etc.
    G.E.A.R.S. (Generic Exploration Airborne Reconnaissance Sentry)
    Similar to a wizard’s familiar
Well, that's it for now!

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Mon May 01, 2017 10:21 pm
by Xerah
Things have been very difficult. Very difficult.

When I first got here, everything seemed great (well, once I got over the shock of being separated from the professor). The members of the Tower were all very friendly and helpful. The Gnomes in the Grotto were very friendly (even if they all didn’t have exactly the same sense of humor as us surface gnomes). And the earthkin in Bendir are extremely inviting and friendly.

But now I’m questioning everything. This issue with Buppi has caused two of my groups to clash. The Tower sides with him, and the Mayor moves against him. I planned for a meet up between the two to try to help smooth things over but that seems to have blown up. They believe that she came there with preconceived notations and only desired to provoke him into a reaction rather than her coming with an open mind. It sounds hard to believe. Granted, I don’t know Mayor Sweetlight as well as others, but she seemed extremely caring and considerate of others. Maybe that’s just the burden a leader has to bear—to know when the difficult decision has to be made for the greater safety of others.

It almost sounds as if Buppi doesn’t want to accept responsibility. When I heard two people I respect siding with Buppi, I don’t know what to think. And that they suggest an assault the Mayor? I have to hope that wasn’t necessarily something they were going to do—only something they said to make Buppi feel better.

Who do I side with? Do I need to side with Bendir? What about the Tower? Were they really serious about attacking the Mayor? Can I stay out of it and just provide assistance to both sides?

Questions.

Questions.

Questions.

Maybe my mind isn’t made out to handle these kinds of politics.

These distractions have prevented me from making any kind of significant progress on a new device. I’ve been repairing a cryptographic array that was found being held a group of pirates outside of Warftown (it’s one of the ones we brought from Lantan). I have the initial plans for a device to utilize the array, it’s just a matter of collecting some isomorphic low-density prycherus to use as a source and begin field tests.

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P.S. On top of the issue with Buppi, the Grotto has been in leadership turmoil, but it does seem to have been sorted. I have a lot to learn about what exactly is going on down there.

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Mon May 08, 2017 5:46 pm
by Xerah
“The march of invention has shown Toril powers of which a century ago the boldest imagination could not have dreamt.” ~ Professor Nadul

I’ve recently tossed myself back into my work and that seems to have let me keep a clear mind. It’s hard to keep up with all these politics and relationships when you just want to work.

So, moving on to my current projects!

Magus Erin has requested my help with her new project called the Soul Forge (n.b. seems a bit of a strange name for a device so interesting, maybe I can suggest something that sounds grander such as Regenerating Experimental Spirit Tool (with) Organism Rejuvenation Extender, or R.E.S.T.O.R.E. for short!). Her most pressing need is the design of a device that can hold the charge from her newly designed “Geldee coils”. I’ve built a prototype called a Surgical Hydraulic Osculation Capacitor Kit (or S.H.O.C.K. for short) which does work in my limited testing but may require additional tinkering with the larger scale that Magus Erin requires (possibly just replacing the copper components with gold). Once the charge is built up large enough, a simple mechanical lever can be used to connect the nodes to the rest of the system and deliver the energy she requires.

In addition to the S.H.O.C.K. device, Magus Erin requires a bunch of processed ore. This will give me the perfect chance field test my S.H.I.F.T. device. I’ve conducted a complete scan of a creature known as an umber hulk, and its bulky mass should allow me the extra strength I need to transport the ore from Bendir to the Tower.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Tue May 23, 2017 7:07 pm
by Xerah
"The Source is possibilities without manifest into reality... wild magic is the source where it does manifest into a reality” - Saphira Blackstone

My academic focus has recently been on finishing my Magus thesis for the Arcane Tower (titled Generation and Storage of Electrical Energy). While I’ve already graduated, I still needed to finish my dissertation so I can truly feel I received the entire experience. As of today, I’ve constructed a small scale version of my newest device (V.O.L.T.) and just need to put the finishing touches on the book to submit to Master Elwood for approval.

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As I reflect back on why I originally came to this island, it is hard to believe I am where I am today. Never in a million years did I imagine helping to run a settlement here, nor did I expect that I’d enroll in a school and graduate. In my mind, I was going to content working with the Professor for another ten years. I’m eternally happy that Erin was able to look at me with fresh eyes and know that I didn’t need that kind of time as an apprentice.

These days, it seems that I’m constantly having to deal with helping Bendir. We have issues with Underdarker raids, potential danger to our crops from the ill-conceived and poorly researched summoning of the negative elemental, and having to dabble in politics with other settlements. While I fully embrace putting as much as I can into Bendir, it’s still quite the adjustment for someone who only a number of months ago was focusing on keeping the glassware clean in the Professor’s lab. But, I suppose that’s what growing up is all about.

While I haven’t had much time for personal device construction, I have been able to make some tweaks to the A.C.E. I’ve found that if I lower the charge of the device but increase the potential, I’m able to cause a different physical reaction rather than the traditional shock. This change can incapacitate a target or disorient them enough that they don’t seem to realize who are their friends and foes. It’s certainly something that I plan on exploring more in-depth when I get a few free moments.

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Tue May 30, 2017 6:54 pm
by Xerah
“Every experience, every action, is a lesson that we must learn and continue to learn from. We must never stop achieving for higher” ~ Esteemed Amadeo Pneuma

Wharftown is perhaps one of the best examples I’ve personally seen of someone’s hubris. When I came to them with an offer to agree to help each other, I was met with skepticism. A firm ‘not my problem’ in much more words. I had to backpedal. Perhaps it was also an error of my hubris that I hope they’d wish to work together. Obviously, they knew they were in a position of strength compared to Bendir’s. But now? Oh, have the tides shifted. It’s ironic how they didn’t wish to directly aid us, but after a series of poor decisions, they ended up doing exactly that.

Bendir hasn’t seen a raid in weeks.

The whole thing makes me think back to Pneuma’s quote. What lesson should I learn from this? Try to be open to helping other people because you never know when things can change. I like to think I already knew that, but it's a good reminder none the less.

Shifting gears.

I’ve begun production on mass producing for the newly registered enterprise, The Lucky Bellows Inc., which will produce a mixture of the arcane and artifice devices. My first contraption, called a Miniaturized Elemental Lightning Tool (or M.E.L.T. for short) can be very helpful in opening locks.

More to follow.

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PS: I’ve attached my limitation of liability disclaimer here for future reference.
It is understood and agreed that the creator’s (Lucky Bellows Inc.) liability to the user for all claims arising out of usage of this device, will be limited to include no compensation for direct damages to property or person. In no event will the creator be liable for indirect or consequential damages including without limitation loss of use or loss of profits. The user accepts any and all liability pertaining to the usage of this device.

Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2017 10:58 pm
by Xerah
“Because we are who we choose to be” -Archmage Jacob Swift

I’ve been thinking about that quote from Archmage Swift a lot in the past few months. Who do I choose to be? For a most of my life, I chose to be the simple lab assistant: clean this, get that, and repair those. I was never someone of purpose—only someone in the background whose job it was to not be seen.

Now?

I am a Magus of the Arcane Tower.

I am the Minster of Obscure Magic for the Ministry of Gnomen Affairs.

I am Master of not one, but two apprentices.

I am the Alderkin of the Arcane for Bendir in addition to countless other tasks that require doing.

Often I wonder if focusing on all of these means that I never complete any of them to an adequate degree. Though, I suppose I should take comfort that I must be doing more than an adequate job if people like Alex are trying to push me into leadership in Bendir.

With the ongoing war between Cordor and Wharftown appearing to be coming to a conclusion by the end of the month, things are only going to get harder than easier. The refugee camp has been mostly quiet and well behaved but I think they will begin to push our resources to the max. But I’ll be there when it happens.

The Grotto needs my help. Bendir needs my help. Wharftown refugees need my help. My apprentice needs my help.

So, who am I? I am now someone who does whatever needs to be done.

Plans pending:
  • M.I.N.D. (Mental Independent Neural Drone)
  • S.E.E. (Synthetic Ethereal Eyes)
  • P.A.I.N. (Parasitic Arcane Infection Nullifier)
  • Portal Reversal Focusing Device
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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 7:39 pm
by Xerah
“Welcomed in the Grotto or not, I refuse to turn my back on my kin” ~ Lissa Whitehorn

With the help of my apprentice, Angelica, and a gnome by the name of Swoozie, I’ve finished the device that is designed to protect the Grotto from kobold assaults. Somehow, they’ve been able to avoid the natural internal wards of the portal, thus my focus on a solution changed focus to the external.

Keeping that in mind, I’ll present my newest device, called S.C.A.N. (refer to Appendix A.13). In layman’s terms, it will reactivate the portal after use if a creature coming through is not permitted entry. With some final touches by Terto (including transport) and Angelica plus Swoozie (for the brine mixture), I can hand off the maintenance of the device to Swoozie. I am unsure how long the eyes will stay persevered through constant use but the parties involved understand the design flaw and will work to keep a fresh supply. Theoretically, a planar creature such as a rakshasa would provide the most durable sample, however, one was not located within the construction timeline.

Focus now shifts to a project that I’ve been commissioned for (‘hypothetically’) through Master Elwood—a replacement mechanical arm. I have no idea whom it would be for, but it is an interesting project, certainly.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:11 pm
by Xerah
“There is no innovation or creativity without failure” – Lissa Whitehorn

After meeting with Chancellor Ortega and seeing the state of her injury, I can only assume that Master Elwood (should I be calling him Vice-Chancellor now?) was asking for the arm to be for her. None the less, I will move forward on the project.

As fortune would have it, Lyle gave me back the Functioning Ichor Liquid Transfusion Extrusion Repeater glove device (or F.I.L.T.E.R. for short). The process has seemed to have cleansed his blood and allowed him to continue using the weave during the healing process, so I’d have to consider it a success. In theory, the device should have functioned as I designed it (which it did) but due to time constraints, there was limited testing. But, a success, none the less. The design for this device is included as Appendix A-14.

My plan now is to use that device as a basis for a complete artificial limb. The difficult part will be the integrating the mechanical parts with the biological, which (technically) I haven’t done on a living host. We may need to seek some outside help (i.e. medical) to assist with the procedure.

Most of the materials will be simple enough:
  • Ten pounds of Steel (iron could be used, but steel is obviously superior; mithril or adamantine are superior to steel but may be cost prohibitive)
  • Five pounds of copper (or gold) for internal wiring
  • Draconic Blood (to help insure the infusion of metal and flesh)
  • Five pounds of glass (general components)
  • One pound of voidglass (to line the inside of the device to be a mental focus to control the arm)
Master Elwood’s divination abilities will be required to insure a proper integration of the void glass to a specific host, but the most difficult part will be obtaining the voidglass.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:09 pm
by Xerah
“In a time of destruction, create something.” ~ Danactar, High Artificer of Gond, said during a particularly difficult time with raids by pirates

Wharftown is no more.

We’ve taken what refugees we can in Bendir and Greyhammer with the goal that we find somewhere to integrate them after the winter.

Changing gears to something else, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the time I heard High Artificer Danactar lecture back in Illul. The city was under pirate attacks for a short while and he encouraged everyone who could not help directly to go out and create. So, that is what I’ve been doing with my free time—as limited as it may be.

One of my newer devices (M.I.N.D; Mental Independent Neural Drone) is included as Appendix A.15. I specifically developed this one for Sir Dylo after the Unseelie attacks on Bendir, but I’ve since offered mass production for any Hawk’in that requires it. I’ve also developed a more powerful version, but unfortunately, it requires my focus to maintain. A second device was developed to allow seeing through any arcane concealment (S.E.E.; Synthetic Ethereal Eyes) which is common with the Unseelie as well (plans pending!).

I’ve also been slowly working on the mechanical arm. Recently, a new Tower apprentice by the name of Ciar was able to obtain a painting by the Eldermage Manobi depicting exactly that. I’ll likely see what I can borrow from this design to apply to mine.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 11:24 pm
by Xerah
“The oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” ~ Unknown Sage


What am I most afraid of? The fear of making a mistake. In my younger days, that meant I was content in someone else’s workshop doing someone else’s work. Why? Because only my master would know of my mistakes.

All of that changed when I came to Arelith and found myself at the Arcane Tower. Erin didn’t let me be that person in the background, only working on someone else’s stuff—she forced me to move forward to find my own way in this life.

But even now, on the eve of powering on the S.C.A.N. device to help protect the Grotto, I think back to that person I was and now who I’ve become.

It's a good reminder that I still hold some of that same fear.


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Appendix A.16

Preface:

Recently, Bendir was attacked by an extremely large green dragon. I was unable to save everyone, but it got me thinking if there was some way I could move faster. A lot of the mages on the isle use a spell called haste, so I’ve developed a device that can function similarly called Temporal Unfixed Refractive Based Oscillator (or T.U.R.B.O. for short). During the testing of the device, I found that I could keep increasing the setting dial which in turn, increases the density of dextromite decay that is taken into the modified S.H.O.C.K. device, which in turn, increased my speed well beyond the normal limits of a haste spell.

Interestingly enough, there did not seem to be an upper limit of this speed (although, there is a maximum amount that the dextromite can decay) but I’d theorize that going too fast will cause an increase in the aging process of the user. I am creating some for commercial purposes, but I will ensure there are safeties in place to limit the speed one can go.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2017 9:49 pm
by Xerah
The recent news of the island is…

Banites.

Hooray¹.


Footnotes:

¹ - For anyone reading this in the future, please note that my hooray comment was, in fact, sarcasm.


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Appendix A.17

Preface:

Here is the previously described S.E.E. device based off of the design for S.C.A.N. It’s already come in quite handy and thus far seems to sell very well.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2017 7:50 pm
by Xerah
With the election being over and taking up my new role as Mayor, I’m finding even less time to work on my personal projects, but I’ve finally closed the loop on one personal project—a device called I.R.O.N.—which is a proof of concept module to fuse both steam power and clockwork. My hope is to develop these into larger sized devices (of which, I’ve slowly been creating the exoskeletons for) which will not require an imprisoned elemental.

In addition to that, I’ve been requested to look into destabilizing the portal that is present within Benwick. That will be quite a project and something I’ll likely need to consult with the Tower. My initial thoughts suggest the best luck will be found by destabilizing it on the other side, but I’ll have to begin the analysis in the months to come.

Another attacked occurred within Bendir, and I know I am personally done with this occurring. People have been content in ignoring the orders of the Hawk’in to remove their personal disputes from our village for long enough that we will now take more drastic measures to ensure the safety of our citizens.

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Appendix A.18

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 6:12 pm
by Xerah
The further along I get into the mayorship, the more I am becoming interested in learning about cloning.



I kid!

Well, I guess only partly.

Though, I’d probably just try to convert myself into a golem instead. Can you do that? I don’t know.

I wouldn’t have to sleep, so it’s an extra eight (well, four if I’m being honest) hours of time to do stuff. At least then, I wouldn’t have to worry about annoying myself.

Is that a thing?

Can you annoy yourself?

Probably¹.

Footnotes:
¹ – Consult with Jadoth about this.


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Appendix A.19

With the issues of these infernal urns appearing in random locations around the isle, I’ve created a new device that is designed to attempt to collect information in potential areas that these will appear. It is unknown if it is a devil personally doing this, or simply by use of a portal. The current theory is that these are appearing near gravesites and we’ve left a number of them in the forest and swamps east of Bendir.

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Appendix A.20

I’ve finally finished the written plans and engineering drawing for my steam plant system known as E.N.G.I.N.E. This will greatly help with the building of larger projects which can both use the steam input and/or the pneumatic work potential.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 6:36 pm
by Xerah
“Because we are who we choose to be” -Archmage Jacob Swift

Again, I restate the quote from Archmage Swift. Who do I choose to be? Do I act on what I feel was a gross injustice? Or do I continue to walk the egg shell path of appeasement?

I’m quickly getting tired of sore feet.

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Appendix A.21

I recently came across a device known as a ‘brainmate’. It is illithid in origin and generally thought to be used to refocus their minds when far away from their Elder Brain. Using an extremely limited amount of the internal liquid, I’ve found that it can help a user refocus to their surroundings. I will begin producing some of these for general sale.

In addition to that use, I’ve found that adding additional liquid to the device will allow a stronger version than that, which does require adequate arcane focus. I’ll personally be using the 2.0 version of the device rather than making it available for mass production. The effect produced is similar to that of what traditional arcanists have called premonition.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2017 6:41 pm
by Xerah
“Hope fills the holes of my frustration in my heart.” ~ Unknown

Who would have guessed a logical enforcement of rules would cause such a stir? And I even heard that people saying that I don’t respect traditions and customs? That is hypocrisy of the highest order. (N.B. I cannot be sure they were speaking of me, but the likelihood is with an approximate confidence of 92%)

Everything I do gets looked at by some as a slight against the hin of the Dale when all I am doing is trying to make things even and fair—regardless of race. The vocal minority seems stuck in the past and still sees anyone but hin as their guests.

Bendir is an Earthkin settlement now; it has been for years.

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Appendix A.22

Alex’s recent complaints of the rain gave me cause to turn back to an older device I was working on but never quite finished. Based on old rotational theories by Bocken Sparktoggle the Third, I’ve expanded the theory to incorporate the use of latent weave energies. Really, it is a simple device with the main purpose only to stay dry, but at least it is one less annoyance that one has to deal with. I’ve added U.M.B.R.E.L.L.A to the list of devices available for purchase.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2017 7:35 pm
by Xerah
“Secrecy, being an instrument of conspiracy, ought never to be the system of a regular government.” ~ Unknown priest of Tyr

Lies, lies, lies.

Everything is a mess these days in Bendir. A few of the hin operate with an air of secrecy spreading lies and untruths to create strife among the citizens. Honestly, I should not be surprised with such actions given the history the Elders have had with consorting with the followers of Bane. And the more things progress, the more likely it seems that the Thane is complicit in these conspiracies. Regardless of their unhanded tactics and lies, I refuse to stoop to their level.

Honestly, it was never something I expected. My goal was to help Bendir, not get caught up in this mess and now having to walk on eggshells around the village. I have half a mind not even to run in the next election, but I can’t just let them easily win.

Especially with the threat that they may end up inviting the Banites back in.

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Appendix A.24

I’ve started to branch out my focus in the past few days and have worked on a new set of weapons. The design below is my first attempt at it.

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 7:14 pm
by Xerah
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go." ~ Famous Waterdhavian author

I’ve completed the design for the requested update to the F.I.L.T.E.R. device and just require to obtain the necessary raw materials. As an artificer, I often find myself questioning what my devices will be used for. Where does one draw the line? Do I have a moral requirement to not innovate if I think something could potentially be dangerous? What if it is just dangerous to one person who accepts these risks? The answers to those questions are complex at best.

Does a blacksmith ask himself the same questions? I’d guess very rarely.

Thus, in pushing forth my exploration of innovation, I’ve created what could very well be one of the more dangerous objects I’ve made—at least to the user.

I’ve combined the designs from F.I.L.T.E.R. (for blood cycling) and E.N.G.I.N.E. (for additional power generation) into a singular device. As one of the by-products of F.I.L.T.E.R. is a liquid which can be turned into compressible gas (when heated, of course) the two designed could easily be linked together.

The process of a complete reversal to a non-natural blood source will not be easy, nor will it be painless. I’d theorize that the body will attempt to reject the input when supply exceeds 27% (but it could be much earlier). Only through continued use will the user adapt to these changes (and that is not even a certainty). In addition, I find it highly unlikely that the body could force an evolution to produce the new blood, though I would not discount it and thus, the user would ultimately be dependant on external supplies. All that being said, the potential to unlock power not seen before is, hypothetically speaking, limitless.

Personally, I’d find the risk too great to use for myself. I cannot make that decision for everyone.

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Appendix A.25

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 11:38 pm
by Xerah
Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them. ~ Unknown Bard

With the upcoming thirtieth anniversary of Greyhammer, I’ve been thinking about how things came to be. How did Greyhammer become what it is today, or for that matter, Bendir? So much has happened in the past but there is poor documentation on the history. Which led me to another direction in researching memories.

I’ve often seen diviners scrying into a crystal ball and I wondered if that were possible for people’s memories—at least when it comes to surficial ones (i.e. called active memories, ref. Wrekur 1370)—to produce something similar. One of the things I’ve found when exploring electrical theory is that it typically consists of two inputs: a magnitude (the ability to do physical damage) and a potential (the ability to do mental damage). Through a process of trial and error of the past number of months, I’ve been able to calibrate those inputs to allow the projection of mental images (rather than scryed images) and have designed a device to allow one to better share those memories with others.

Which, is rather perfect for an anniversary gift.

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Appendix A.26

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Re: A Tinkerer's Trademarked Treatise of Transmutation

Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2017 7:44 pm
by Xerah
Our experiences offer us lessons; what’s important is that we learn from them. ~ Runemaster Garmr

It has been a troubling past month.

While we were able to hold off the drow attacks, I was one of the ones that fell during the battle. When I awoke, I was staring into the eyes of myself, well, rather, a double of myself that I’ve come to learn is a spriggan. She first appeared to me in the Grotto while I was in prayer to Garl and told me that everyone would die if I didn’t submit to Urdlen.

Obviously, I refused and this was the result.

While Terto’s and Dara’s bodies lay before me, I was forced into a choice. One into slavery and one into torture. How could I make that choice? I was able to break a portal lens close enough to Dara to send her back and forced her to agree to leave Terto behind if I went willingly.

The next thing I knew, I was staring at that corrupted altar of Urdlen at a place I’ve seen before—the Craigs. As I stood in front of that foul thing, I didn’t feel I had any other option other than to convert. How would it really change me? But, before I could answer that question, Erin and a large force broke into the Grotto and got me out.

Now? When I sleep, I still see the image in the blood. “Give her back.”

As you can imagine, I don’t often sleep.

When I got back, I found out that my double has been causing trouble and almost resulted in the death of Shanna by the Hawk’in under ‘my’ orders. And because of that, I couldn’t, in good conscience, remain in command of Bendir. Yes, it didn’t happen that time, but what about the next, or the one after that. At least this way, it’s me that’s in the most danger rather than everyone else.


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Appendix A.27

After resigning as the Mayor of Bendir, I’ve been able to refocus myself elsewhere and it’s given me a bit of time to work on other projects. One of which, was something to deal with the rats in the Nomad that were plaguing Pinkie and Katie. It was a nice way to distract myself for a day and not think how troubled everything else is. Makes me almost feel normal, if only for a few moments.

After testing, I’ve found that the device is sufficient to incapacitate rats if they pass within two feet of the device, so I’ll need to make a number of them to ensure that the Nomad is sufficiently covered.

Um, don't ask how many times I shocked myself.

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