Messages

To Attendant Raizu al-Chahi
Emporium of Glamour, Ephia's Well


Esteemed Attendant,

Permit me first to extend my compliments - both as a client and as a fellow artisan - on the continued excellence and inventive boldness of the Emporium's latest seasonal displays. It is always a rare pleasure to see true artistry triumph over mere trend, and rarer still to see craftsmanship so consistently honored amidst silk and sequins.

I write today not in critique, but commission. A final addition is required to complete a particular ensemble of mine - one that has served both on runway and rostrum. The hat is of course immaculate, the suit exact. Yet, I find myself missing that most dignified companion of the modern gentleman, something to tie the image: a walking cane.

This shall not be a mere prop nor gaudy affectation. I require a piece that serves as both statement and instrument. Specifically: a cane of rich mahogany and brass construction, elegant in form yet built to the internal specifications of a wizard's staff - arcane channels, inlays for conductive attunement, a core that can bear enchantments without structural fatigue.

I believe such a piece falls squarely within the capabilities of Angelica Illydo's ateliers, whose works I hold in singular regard. Should this request fit within her current commissions, I would be most grateful for an estimate of cost, timeframe, and availability.

I am, as always, at the Emporium's disposal should measurements or consultation be required.


In precision and polish,
Cogsworth Clockhand
Clockmaker, Proprietor; Occasional Dabbler in Appliqué

Fabio,

It has been some time since we last spoke, yet recent events compel me to reach out.

A mistake was made with Arslan. That mistake was allowing Kha'esh to be the first through its gates during our initial campaign. A mistake that, by necessity, required correction - with this I agree... But the way it was handled - sloppy, costly, shortsighted - was reminiscent of how the League of White operates: without subtlety, brute force in place of strategy, knife in the back in place of hard work, populist rhetoric masking the lack of foresight.

I was there when we retook Arslan, I saw firsthand the chaos of urban warfare. I saw the empty treasury. The rumors blame Oswick's treachery, but we may never truly know. What we do know is this: our economy is in shambles. We produce nothing of exportable value beyond water. We rely entirely on imports, and our laughably caravaneer-adventurer-dependent trade structure is a glaring weakness. Kha'eshi trade is gone, that much is certain. Worse, with no leverage and a serious breach of trust, we should expect further economic isolation, price hikes, and dwindling investment.

And now, on top of this, we must subsidize a state. Of course, aid must be loaned to Arslan, not gifted. But can we afford even that? The League of White's policies have already gutted small businesses, stunted treasury growth, and on top we have no passive income sources - no international trade tariffs, no dividends. And now, any attempt at restructuring is further out of reach.

This, of course, is the backdrop. These are accomplished facts, and we cannot alter them. What we can challenge is leadership.

Legate Vellyn Lhyrian carries herself with great confidence. And yet, her policies resemble little more than indirect support of the League of White. This mess began with her insistence on appointing a Purple Prelate. She then rescinded her opposition to the Absolvers, endorsed dubious Augurs, and has yet to make good of her promise of turning the arena into a lucrative endeavor. Perhaps her judgment was shaken by the assassination of our promising Vizier, but the position of Legate is not a tool for personal vendetta, nor does it allow a luxury of faltering forward. And yet, aside from that vendetta, I see no other reason for her baffling decision to install Oswick - a White Leaguer and much rumored co-conspirator of Alexandria and Edmund - as magistrate. A decision that is seen as folly by all but herself. I expect a similar disaster with the ongoing stone quarry situation...

I am a businessman. Despite these difficult times, my company has grown - people need metalwork, need engineering. I have little competition, and none who can match me in quality. But Cogs Industries is young, and I am deeply concerned for the future.

Call this a note of protest, if you must. Perhaps you share my concerns. Perhaps others in the League do as well.

Legate Lhyrian must be brought to a collective hearing. She must not be allowed to deceive herself into believing she knows our League's path better than we all and any of us do. Our stance must be made clear, and her leadership must be formally challenged. My proposal is simple: she either commits, in writing, to upholding the League's interests - the true interests of Ephia's Well - or she is deemed unfit for the position. In which case, perhaps her own chosen Prelate would prove a more suitable replacement.

Cogsworth Clockhand, the Clockmaker

Yes, please. More furniture!

Is it just a worse negaitive energy burst at a higher circle atm?

Default ballista is barely useable with how heavy it is and how little damage it does, and catapult is almost unusable with how heavy and bulke ammo is.
They are still interesting piece to use to enrich the roleplay. To set them down it was enough to pass the engineering dc. Now it also requires a building roll.

Does it really adds anything by making complicated things even more complicated?

Beautiful. Remidns oe of Pathfinder's Summoner and his eidolon.

Experimental Protocol: Investigation of Bronze Beast Biomass, Orcan Bronze, and Potential Relations to Molten Berserker Physiology

Objective

This study aims to investigate the properties of the biomass of bronze beasts and, through similarity, molten berserkers, including the role of the molten bronze. The primary objectives are:

• To determine the possible progenitor origins of bronze beast flesh by testing its compatibility with various materials known to be linked to historical records of creatures exhibiting similar behavior.
• To analyze the properties of orcan bronze found within these creatures and molten berserkers, specifically to gain insight into its ability to remain in a molten state.

Participants
• Cogsworth Clockhand - Author of the experiment.
• Ramez Hour Sobhy - Observing expert.

Materials
• Three samples of bronze beast biomass
• Purple crystal
• Astral mass
• Orcan head (flesh sample)
• Ancient water
• Elemental fire source
• Surgical tools
• Soldering knife
• Evocative circle for heat channeling
• Geothermal orb replica
• Metallurgical testing setup
• Storage containers

Experimental Procedure

Part 1: Compatibility Testing

1. A sample of bronze beast biomass was placed on a non-heated section of the table.
2. The sample was unfurled, and three catalysts - purple crystal, astral mass, and orcan head - were positioned along different zones of the sample.
3. Ancient miraculous water was applied to the contact areas to facilitate potential reactions.

Observations:
• The flesh exhibited no significant reaction.
• A brief spark was noted, but no sustained effect was observed.
• Commentary: The flesh, despite its separation from a living host, does not exhibit any significant interaction with the tested catalysts.

4. To improve reaction conditions, the burnt outer layer of the sample was removed using a surgical tool. The inner, less-damaged areas were then exposed to the catalysts.
5. Further application of ancient water resulted in no additional reaction.

Commentary:
The purpose of this compatibility test was to determine the potential progenitors of the origin beast.
• Reaction with the purple crystal would indicate similarity with planar beasts.
• Reaction with astral mass would indicate similarity with astral life forms.
• Reaction with orcan flesh could indicate a colossi origin.

No insight was gained aside from one key observation: the flesh of the origin beast, while capable of surviving separation from the host, eventually ceases biological function. There is a limit to its separation. Testing on living specimens may yield further insights.

An additional question was raised: the sample was burnt and charred, demonstrating significantly lower heat resistance than observed in living beasts. Why?

Part 2: Thermal Response Testing

1. The interior of the sample was exposed, producing a strong odor. A gas mask was recommended for future experiments.
2. A soldering knife was heated and applied to the exposed internal tissue to assess the effect of direct thermal stimulation.

Observations:
• The bronze component became pliable.
• The organic tissue charred and degraded further.
• No regenerative or unusual reactions were observed, suggesting that the sample was no longer biologically active.

Commentary:
A new hypothesis emerges: given the beast's enormous size and its native habitat in the Scald, it may subsist on geothermal energy, absorbing heat while alive and converting it into biological energy, thereby gaining resistance to it.

No insight was gained from this test due to the sample's lack of activity.

Part 3: Geothermal Simulation

1. A second sample was placed on scald sands in a heated area of the prototyping table.
2. An evocative circle was used to channel elemental heat to the sample, mimicking geothermal conditions.
3. A geothermal orb replica was placed nearby, and temperature, flow, and capacitance readings were taken for comparison.

Observations:
• The bronze component heated similarly to the first test, while the organic matter continued to char.
• The material properties of the bronze were of particular interest.
• The bronze emitted a glow while being heated.

Part 4: Metallurgical Analysis

1. The heat flow was gradually increased to match geothermal conditions observed in the Scald.
2. The temperature at which the bronze changed states was monitored.

Observations:
• Unlike standard bronze, which transitions to a molten state, this material remained in a malleable, semi-solid phase despite continued heating.
• The bronze displayed significantly increased energy capacitance, suggesting metallurgical and/or ritualistic modification.
• The glow intensified to the point of being painful to observe, indicating a melting point within the upper range of known metallurgy.

Commentary:
This test aimed to determine if the molten state of the bronze within berserker and beast bodies is maintained through geothermal energy. Similar to geothermal spheres, where an internal molten core preserves energy, the bronze in these creatures may flow continuously to maintain heat.

While the sample results were not definitive, energy readings suggest a high likelihood that this mechanism is in effect.

Part 5: Acoustic Phenomenon

1. Heat was further increased to critical levels.
2. At peak temperature, an anomalous acoustic phenomenon was observed.

Observations:
• A loud, distorted klaxon-like sound was emitted.
• The sound resembled agonized screaming, suggesting a potential link to the original source of the material.
• The molten state of the sample was achieved after this event.

Commentary:
The sound seemed to travel from afar. This suggests that not only the flesh but the bronze itself may remain linked to its original smelting source, even when physically separated.

If the same auditory phenomenon occurs within living molten berserkers and beasts, it may contribute to their aggressive behavior.

Conclusion

• The bronze within these creatures exhibits unusual properties, retaining a semi-solid state at higher temperatures than standard bronze. Its melting point likely varies depending on external conditions. (Addendum: Or changes after initial achievement of melting)
• The biomass did not react to the tested catalysts, suggesting that its unique properties are not directly linked to planar, astral, or colossi origins. However, as the sample was biologically inactive, further testing is required.
• The observed acoustic phenomenon suggests that the bronze retains a connection to its original smelting source, which may have applications for divination. (Addendum: Or connection to the living organism it is attuned to)
• The hypothesis that molten berserkers and bronze beasts utilize geothermal energy to sustain their molten state is supported by experimental evidence. If correct, methods to disrupt this energy flow - such as an energy siphon - could be developed to weaken them or cause destabilization.


Professor C. Clockhand
Hziran 2th, IY 7789.

Protocol is verified.
Hziran 4th, IY 7789.
R.H.Sobhy

Ramez,

With this letter I include protocol of the experiment. As an observer - your verification is required for the sake of academic objectivity.

Cogsworth

___________________________________________

Experimental Protocol: Investigation of Bronze Beast Biomass, Orcan Bronze, and Potential Relations to Molten Berserker Physiology

Objective

This study aims to investigate the properties of the biomass of bronze beasts and, through similarity, molten berserkers, including the role of the molten bronze. The primary objectives are:

• To determine the possible progenitor origins of bronze beast flesh by testing its compatibility with various materials known to be linked to historical records of creatures exhibiting similar behavior.
• To analyze the properties of orcan bronze found within these creatures and molten berserkers, specifically to gain insight into its ability to remain in a molten state.

Participants
• Cogsworth Clockhand - Author of the experiment.
• Ramez Hour Sobhy - Observing expert.

Materials
• Three samples of bronze beast biomass
• Purple crystal
• Astral mass
• Orcan head (flesh sample)
• Ancient water
• Elemental fire source
• Surgical tools
• Soldering knife
• Evocative circle for heat channeling
• Geothermal orb replica
• Metallurgical testing setup
• Storage containers

Experimental Procedure

Part 1: Compatibility Testing

1. A sample of bronze beast biomass was placed on a non-heated section of the table.
2. The sample was unfurled, and three catalysts - purple crystal, astral mass, and orcan head - were positioned along different zones of the sample.
3. Ancient miraculous water was applied to the contact areas to facilitate potential reactions.

Observations:
• The flesh exhibited no significant reaction.
• A brief spark was noted, but no sustained effect was observed.
• Commentary: The flesh, despite its separation from a living host, does not exhibit any significant interaction with the tested catalysts.

4. To improve reaction conditions, the burnt outer layer of the sample was removed using a surgical tool. The inner, less-damaged areas were then exposed to the catalysts.
5. Further application of ancient water resulted in no additional reaction.

Commentary:
The purpose of this compatibility test was to determine the potential progenitors of the origin beast.
• Reaction with the purple crystal would indicate similarity with planar beasts.
• Reaction with astral mass would indicate similarity with astral life forms.
• Reaction with orcan flesh could indicate a colossi origin.

No insight was gained aside from one key observation: the flesh of the origin beast, while capable of surviving separation from the host, eventually ceases biological function. There is a limit to its separation. Testing on living specimens may yield further insights.

An additional question was raised: the sample was burnt and charred, demonstrating significantly lower heat resistance than observed in living beasts. Why?

Part 2: Thermal Response Testing

1. The interior of the sample was exposed, producing a strong odor. A gas mask was recommended for future experiments.
2. A soldering knife was heated and applied to the exposed internal tissue to assess the effect of direct thermal stimulation.

Observations:
• The bronze component became pliable.
• The organic tissue charred and degraded further.
• No regenerative or unusual reactions were observed, suggesting that the sample was no longer biologically active.

Commentary:
A new hypothesis emerges: given the beast's enormous size and its native habitat in the Scald, it may subsist on geothermal energy, absorbing heat while alive and converting it into biological energy, thereby gaining resistance to it.

No insight was gained from this test due to the sample's lack of activity.

Part 3: Geothermal Simulation

1. A second sample was placed on scald sands in a heated area of the prototyping table.
2. An evocative circle was used to channel elemental heat to the sample, mimicking geothermal conditions.
3. A geothermal orb replica was placed nearby, and temperature, flow, and capacitance readings were taken for comparison.

Observations:
• The bronze component heated similarly to the first test, while the organic matter continued to char.
• The material properties of the bronze were of particular interest.
• The bronze emitted a glow while being heated.

Part 4: Metallurgical Analysis

1. The heat flow was gradually increased to match geothermal conditions observed in the Scald.
2. The temperature at which the bronze changed states was monitored.

Observations:
• Unlike standard bronze, which transitions to a molten state, this material remained in a malleable, semi-solid phase despite continued heating.
• The bronze displayed significantly increased energy capacitance, suggesting metallurgical and/or ritualistic modification.
• The glow intensified to the point of being painful to observe, indicating a melting point within the upper range of known metallurgy.

Commentary:
This test aimed to determine if the molten state of the bronze within berserker and beast bodies is maintained through geothermal energy. Similar to geothermal spheres, where an internal molten core preserves energy, the bronze in these creatures may flow continuously to maintain heat.

While the sample results were not definitive, energy readings suggest a high likelihood that this mechanism is in effect.

Part 5: Acoustic Phenomenon

1. Heat was further increased to critical levels.
2. At peak temperature, an anomalous acoustic phenomenon was observed.

Observations:
• A loud, distorted klaxon-like sound was emitted.
• The sound resembled agonized screaming, suggesting a potential link to the original source of the material.
• The molten state of the sample was achieved after this event.

Commentary:
The sound seemed to travel from afar. This suggests that not only the flesh but the bronze itself may remain linked to its original smelting source, even when physically separated.

If the same auditory phenomenon occurs within living molten berserkers and beasts, it may contribute to their aggressive behavior.

Conclusion

• The bronze within these creatures exhibits unusual properties, retaining a semi-solid state at higher temperatures than standard bronze. Its melting point likely varies depending on external conditions.
• The biomass did not react to the tested catalysts, suggesting that its unique properties are not directly linked to planar, astral, or colossi origins. However, as the sample was biologically inactive, further testing is required.
• The observed acoustic phenomenon suggests that the bronze retains a connection to its original smelting source, which may have applications for divination.
• The hypothesis that molten berserkers and bronze beasts utilize geothermal energy to sustain their molten state is supported by experimental evidence. If correct, methods to disrupt this energy flow - such as an energy siphon - could be developed to weaken them or cause destabilization.

Future Directions

Project T.O.A.S.T. (Thermo-Oppressive Arcane Siphoning Technique)

The next phase of this research will focus on developing a prototype energy siphon capable of disrupting the molten state of berserkers and beasts. Possible delivery methods include arrows, bolts, grenades, or wands. If successful, T.O.A.S.T. units could be replicated for field deployment.

[EXPERT CONSULTATION AND PROFESSIONAL SECURITY AGREEMENT]

Legate,

If you truly intend to mend this breach fo trust and establish a working relationship, then consider this agreement I include with the letter.

Clockmaker Cogsworth Clockhand

Hide

EXPERT CONSULTATION AND PROFESSIONAL SECURITY AGREEMENT

Between Legate Vellyn Lhyrian and Cogsworth Clockhand, Arcane Engineer and Industrial Consultant

I. Purpose and Necessity

This document serves to formally establish the conditions under which Cogsworth Clockhand (hereafter "the Consultant") agrees to lend his expertise in matters of industrial pursuing, arcane engineering, analysis, logic, and further knowledge to Legate Vellyn Lhyrian (hereafter "the Principal"). This contract exists to prevent further ambiguity or oversight in the Consultant's professional standing and contributions.

II. Terms of Professional Engagement

1. Recognition of Expertise - The Consultant, while acting in the interest of this agreement, is to be referred to exclusively as an expert in all formal and informal settings pertaining to this collaboration. Any misrepresentation, intentional or otherwise, of his role or authority shall be considered a breach of professional courtesy.

2. Defined Obligations - The Consultant shall provide technical knowledge and advisory input within the agreed-upon parameters. Any requests beyond this scope must be submitted in writing, whereupon additional compensation or contractual amendments will be required. Assumptions of flexibility based on prior informal agreements shall not be entertained.

3. Compensation and Resources - The Consultant's remuneration shall be clearly established prior to commencement of each phase of work and included into each reached agreement. Promises of "future considerations" or vague assurances of later reward shall not constitute valid terms of payment. Furthermore, access to necessary facilities and materials, should these be available, is to be provided without unnecessary obfuscation or delay, and expenses required to do so will be compensated by the Principal.

4. Contractual Integrity - Any deviation from these terms requires formal renegotiation. Verbal agreements have proven unreliable. Thus, all commitments shall exist solely within the confines of this written document, and written agreements. The Consultant shall not be sidelined, reassigned, or otherwise diminished in role at the convenience of shifting priorities, in contradiction to written agreements.

5. Exit and Termination - Should either party determine that continued cooperation is unfeasible, dissolution of this agreement shall be conducted through formal, written notice with no fewer than ten (10) days lead time, allowing for proper closure of ongoing work. Sudden, unilateral severance of professional ties without due cause shall be noted as a breach of agreed terms and incur a debt of public acknowledgment of unprofessional conduct and public apology onto the Principal. Same rule of prior notification applies to Consultant with same consequence.

6. Obligations on termination - termination of agreement initiated by Principal without reaching an corresponding agreement does not free Principal from obligation of providing originally agreed upon compensation.

III. Authority and Permit Clause

1. Representation in Official Capacity - The Consultant, when acting within the scope of a planned or ongoing project under this agreement, shall be considered a direct representative of the Principal. Accordingly, instructions, directives, and decisions made by the Consultant in the execution of said project shall carry the same weight as if issued by the Principal themselves, subject to the agreed-upon and written project parameters.

2. Permit of Authority - To avoid unnecessary bureaucratic obstruction or questioning of the Consultant's position, the Principal shall provide a written permit confirming the Consultant's authority in all relevant matters. This permit shall explicitly state the Consultant's delegated powers, including but not limited to:

• Unrestricted access to necessary resources, materials, and facilities;
• The ability to coordinate with subordinate personnel without additional verification;
• The authority to make project-critical decisions in the absence of direct oversight.

3. Permit Enforcement and Validity - The issued permit shall be considered binding for the duration of the project unless formally revoked in writing. Any attempt to undermine or disregard the Consultant's authorized status without due process shall be treated as a breach of contract and incur a debt of public acknowledgment of unprofessional conduct and public apology onto the Principal.

4. Obstruction Clause - Any individual, entity, or bureaucratic mechanism that obstructs the Consultant's ability to perform their duties in direct opposition to the permit, shall be considered to be in direct violation of the Principal's mandate. It is therefore the responsibility of the Principal to ensure that all relevant parties recognize and adhere to the Consultant's granted authority.

IV. Final Provisions

Both parties acknowledge that this agreement exists due to previous miscommunications, and therefore agree to uphold its terms with the seriousness befitting professional engagements. By signing below, the Principal commits to the integrity and reliability expected of their station, while the Consultant commits to providing the expertise for which he was engaged - on terms that ensure his time and knowledge are given the respect they warrant.[/size]

[close]

Warmaster.

The name is Mehitabel.

Cogsworth Clockhand

I agree. Brown text loot is awesome, and more of it would've been awesome to see, especially for skills currently unused in this mechanics. Open lock, eigneering. Not sure if there is a spellcraft ones (popular skill, so it would likely need high DCs). And so on.

Best gnome I even knew. And this Gedwyr's comment on antique things makes an amazing explanation of her box addiction.

For real though, first character? This is amazing!

Best lizard handler this side of fence. And now, that she cannot get me, I can finally say - her hands weren't that long.

I still think furniture must be hard to destroy, so you'll need to commit to the action, it must be interruptable in some way, and work one piece at a time.

Intent of suggestion is to make it more fun for shelgarners. Can you elaborate how would it make things harder for people?