Messages

Looking for and paying nicely:

• Improved Arcanist Gloves, marked by a Scholar - five thousands dinari, marked by a Priest - three thousands dinari;
• Arcane Stone Ring or similar ring offering at least second circle, marked by a Scholar - five thousands dinari;
• Puzzler's Boots or similar arcane footwear, marked by a Scholar - two thousands and five hundred dinari;
• Crystal Necklace, marked by a Scholar - two thousands and five hundred dinari, by a Priest - one thousand and five hundred dinari;
• Buckler of Seers or other wizardry shield, marked by a Scholar or Priest - two thousands and five hundred dinari.
• Advanced engineering tools - case by case payment.

Looking for the following books:
"On the Ruin of Ys-Soyyoth"

Looking for services of a master hatter...

Dear Angelica.

I understand. Perhaps, world is not ready yet to see the Illydo Nuvo. Thank you for reaching back to me. Until the next show!

Cogsworth Clockhand

Dear Angelica,

Time truly flies, doesn't it? It feels like just yesterday when your wonderful emporium opened its doors, ushering in a new era of fashion. That day marked my own discovery of the liberating power of style, and I became a steadfast participant in your shows.

From that moment, I have been inseparable from my hat - no, from Buona Cilindro.  I wore it proudly, even commissioning a bespoke suit to complement its elegance. Over time, Cilindro has become more than an accessory - it has become a companion, a cornerstone of my identity, an irreplaceable cog in the grand mechanism of Cogsworth's clockwork.

And yet, I now find myself in a dilemma. I can no longer wear the suit that once harmonized so perfectly with my cherished hat. Despite this, I cannot bear the thought of parting with Cilindro. The mismatch between the two is a torment, and I feel that this may be the moment for transformation.

Angelica, I turn to you in this time of need. Is it within your artistry to help me? Would it be unthinkable for Buona Cilindro undergo a subtle evolution - a slight alteration, adorned with a blue ribbon? Or is there no limit to the ability of the grand fashionista?

With admiration,
Cogsworth Clockhand

Legs of the spheres are too thin, too short to bear the weight. They are conduits.
The sphere itself floats, levitates above the surface at exactly required height. Basic function require for its operation. An "idle" state of its ritual.
Usually holding such a mass in the air would be costly, inefficient. Does it utilize the principle of celestial gravitation?
Most importantly, if the molten core theory is right - could it harness it's own magnetic or semi-magnetic field? No, force of magnetism is too weak. This one would be closer to a forceform construct. A force field similar to that of advanced mage hands?

No one we will submit could stand a chance against current candidates of Purple and White. I am so sure in nonexistence of our chances I can as well safely nominate myself. Otherwise my full support to Zina.

Palatial Engineer,
Cogsworth Clockhand

[Geothermal Sphere Study: Measurement Device Development]

Geothermal Sphere Study: Measurement Device Development

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   Objective:
    Analyze the structural and operational basis of Geothermal Spheres to harness their potential for controlled temperature reduction without risking volatile energy release, through utilization of their enormous capacity for drawing of geothermal excess from the locale.

    Context and Rationale:
    The base mode of operation of the spheres is considered sufficient for achieving the desired thermal modulation, and it is reasonable to assume that their original creation incorporated multiple fail-safes to prevent going over capacity and to stabilize inflow and dissipation.
    However, our limited understanding and the extreme geothermal conditions present significant risks and potential strain on these devices. We lack ability to take prompt readings from the spheres in originally intended way. Modern measurement tools are necessary to monitor the rate of energy inflow, detect sudden spikes, and assess the remaining energy capacity to ensure the process remains stable and controllable/

    Mode of Operation:
    We will repurposing the emitter's design. By eschewing the original intended fuction of the frost-generation the device becomes more compact, allowing for a higher concentration of mage-silver to enhance measurement precision.
    The monitoring device consist of mage-silver sensor array embedded with the enhancements originally developed for the now-discarded cold emitter, combined with an alchemical-steel-based mirror orb's conversion process. This integration enables the device to react to slightest fluctiations of the heat produced by the sphere's surface during energy intake and dissipation.
    The device could be applied to the legs area of the sphere to monitor energy inflow directly, while, after calibration, readings of the heat output from the sphere's surface provide an indicator of the remaining energy capacity. With this dual-monitoring approach operators could promptly react to changes in sphere's behavior. Measurement device reduces risks and maintaining the integrity of the process.

    Speculation:
    The Spheres far surpass energy storage capabilities of most modern cores, prompting questions about principle behind their design. My leading theory suggests that secret of these seemingly stone constructions is the ability to store energy as a mass, altering the density of their core material.
    It is possible that the spheres achieve this by momentarily melting and reforming their internal composition, transitioning between denser and less dense states to accommodate varying levels of stored energy.
    So far this is the only explanation I have, that would explain how iti s possible for the sphere to manage immense energy loads safely, unless tampered with. A process unmatched by current technologies that rely on storing energy in it's original state, converted into alternative energy state, or by using catalytic reactions.
    Could it be... But if colossi method allows to utilize mass as energy, is it possible that Shade...

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[Geothermal Sphere Study]

 

Geothermal Sphere Study

 

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Objective:
  Analyze the structural and operational basis of Geothermal Spheres to harness their potential for controlled temperature reduction without risking volatile energy release, through utilization of their enormous capacity for drawing of geothermal excess from the locale.

Key Areas of Study:

    Marking Analysis:
    Catalog and decode the glyphs inscribed on the spheres to understand their role in energy absorption, retention, and release, possible associated functions. The markings likely act as an activation and regulation macro, inscribing parameters of perpetual ritual upon sufficient prepared vessel - a sphere, most durable three-dimensional shape. Sphere is a three-dimensional circle, most foundational ritualistic shape - it is reasonable to assume that activation of the glyphs is sequenced in a looped circular contour.
(see Liber Ritualium - Perpetual Rituals)

    Structural Components:
    The Sphere as a Capacitor:
    The sphere itself acts as an energy capacitor, capable of drawing in and storing vast amounts of geothermal energy until its maximum threshold is reached. Its shape allows for uniform energy distribution, minimizing stress points and maximizing containment efficiency.
    Legs as Conduits:
    The tripod-like legs (eight in total) are crucial for maintaining consistent ground contact and act as primary conduits for energy absorption. Their geometric arrangement forms a circle, enabling symmetrical contact with the ground. As energy flows, it behaves as a vector quantity, and this configuration allows for the redistribution of energy intake in response for any unevenness in inflow. This arrangement prevents energy imbalances that could destabilize the sphere during the absorption phase.

    Energy Absorption Cycle:
    Investigate the spheres capacity for drawing geothermal energy and the natural transition to the discharge phase. Separate study should focus on measurement of the rate of absorption and remaining of energy storage.

    Energy Discharge Cycle:
    The top of the sphere is notably devoid of markings and separated by a relief from the inscribed area, mirroring the bottom section where the legs are connected. This design suggests that the top serves as a discharge area, possibly functioning as an outlet for energy release. Since usual dissipation rate hrough the surface is clearly insufficient for the dissipation of at-capacity surplus, this must've been a failsafe introduced by the sphere's creator.
    Given the relief's function as a boundary, it is logical to hypothesize that energy dissipates in the form of a radiative emission or compressed venting to safely release an excess of stored energy during the discharge phase to as wide or far upward area as possible. This suggest spheres weren't always utilized underground... Further studies should investigate if this release involves visible energy phenomena or controlled bursts, and if such output could be adjusted by the regulation properties of the marked zone.

  Theoretical Speculation: Potential Applications by Creators
  The creators likely intended these devices not only for temperature regulation (daily absorption, nightly release), but also for more complex purposes. Potential purposes might've included geologic stabilization - reduction of entropy within locale's landmass to prevent seismic or even artificial disruptions (a failsafe).
  The discharge area at the sphere's top hints at a controlled release mechanism that could have been employed for energy redistribution, perhaps powering ancient infrastructure (too risky with the current artifice).
  The layout of the markings and their ritualistic encoding imply the spheres might have functioned as part of larger geomantic arrays, connecting nodes - wells of natural energy.
  Ash repelling phenomena. Result of the air flow due to convection, or property of a proto-shade..?[/size]

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To prevent the loss of notes and invaluable insights, similar to the unfortunate loss of the workshop, this tome has been compiled to store copies of the Clockhand's works. It includes studies, speculations, theories, inventions, blueprints, formulas, diagrams, lectures, descriptions, transcriptions, prescriptions, observations, research reports, experimental results, engineering schematics, recipes, enchantment protocols, correspondence, prototype evaluations, analyses, logs, and so on...

Legates. I work tirelessly for passing of the Scald, and prosperity of our city. At great personal expenses as well.
Howver, doing this for no recognition and recompense makes me feel disrespected and not valued. Fortunately I am not a man succumbing easily to feelings.
I eagerly await the grant. Hopefully before the end of elections.

Palatial Engineer,
Cogsworth Clockhand

I am doqn to my last dinars now, and await the funds.

However, for a few days I will cut the contacts and dedicate myself fully to work.

I hope this time will be enough to work out all the associated bureacracy.

Palatial Engineer,
Cogsworth Clockhand

Achaeus Komemnos. Your desire to help is appreciated. Helpers are my favorite kind of people, and I like helping them in return.

I will be brief. In the coming... let's estimate four - four days I will be working myself to the bone in near complete seclusion, ensuring cold emitter is working.

What I need to scale it up is in this list:
1) Silver in order of preferability:
1.1) Mage-silver refined by an alchemist from the alchemjcal metals;
1.2) Vanavoi alloy - weapons and armkr of Vanavi make;
1.3) Regular silver, preferably non-enchanced, be it rings, old dinars and such.

3) Catalysts of powerful cold affinity:
3.1) Items like gauntleta of old frost and elemental rings;
3.2) Objects of powerful cold alchemy;
3.3) A lot of sapphires.

Potebtially mithral, it is melding well with silver. Requires more testing...

Take this as an opportunity to show your abilities at organizing and driving people. Perhaps issue a challenge to your rivals? I don't care how, but every bit helps. And we need a lot of these bits.

Palatial Engineer,
Cogsworth Clockhand

List of recent expenses:

400 dinari - Drawing boards and supplies for appeasement of Tlonssiyan delegation;
600 dinari - Drawing boards and supplies for the calculations and blueprinting of the Snowball Project;
400 dinari - current supply of Mage-silver, alchemical steel, iron;
250 dinari - current supply of elemental frost catalysts;
from 2000 up to 4000 dinari depending on experimentation success - Further supply of mage-silver, including hiring an alchemist and securing a alchemical metals market have to offer;
from 2000 up to 4000 dinari depending on acquisition - Further supply of elemental frost catalysts;
2000 dinari - labor cost in lieu of wage.

I urge you to approve the Grant to expedite the Project Snowball process, as my personal funds cannot bear all the associated costs.

With respect
Palatial Engineer,
Cogswotth Clockhand

Evocative Kinetic Forceform Constructs: History, Mechanisms, Stabilization, and Applications

This paper presents a technical analysis of advanced Evocative Kinetic Forceform Constructs (EKFCs), exploring their mechanisms, applications, and the theoretical framework that governs their creation, stabilization, and manipulation.

Preamble

Prior to advancing to the theme of this publication I'd like to address a common misconception. The School of Evocation is often misunderstood, even by those who practice the arcane arts. Many mistake it as the "School of Destruction", associating it purely with offensive forces, volatile explosions and such. While evocation does wield considerable destructive potential, this is a reductive view. Evocation is, at its core, the school of energy creation and manipulation. The volatile nature of compressed energy simply lends itself to destructive applications as the most straightforward way of utilizing its capabilities. But the true breadth of this school is far more nuanced.

Introduction

In the realm of evocation, the Evocative Kinetic Forceform Construct represents a leap in arcane engineering similar to the advancement of clockwork mechanisms. As arcane scholars refine the principles of energy control, forceforms increase in complexity, evolving from simple manipulations to sophisticated, semi-autonomous forms. Over countless researches the forceforms were built upon layers of precise control, stability, and modulation. Just as each cog in a clock must work harmoniously to maintain time, the energies within forceforms must be meticulously calibrated to sustain their function without succumbing to the entropy inherent in a creation of pure energy lacking a physical anchor.
This publication explores the mechanisms behind EKFCs, unifying spells such as Mage Hand, Bigby's Hand Line, and Shelgarn's Line under a single scientific framework.

Definition

An Evocative Kinetic Forceform Construct is an arcane construct that channels pure energy into a physical form capable of interacting with the environment. This is achieved through an evocative field matrix, stabilized in a way of mentally-controlled unseen entity, utilized to apply kinetic energies to the target of indirect manipulation. In simpler terms, EKFC is harnessed to perform physical tasks such as lifting, moving, or striking objects. The construct does not require a physical anchor, which introduces the problem of entropy - lacking a physical anchor, energies within the inner components of a construct tend to bleed within the inner structure, causing the whole system to dissipate through the loss of integrity. Entropy manifests in the form of energy leakage, causing instability and degradation of the construct's structure, analogous to the decay of isolated systems in natural law. Each iteration of EKFC addresses this issue to varying degrees.

As already mentioned, the central component of EKFCs is an evocative field matrix that defines the construct's ability to exert kinetic force. The durability, precision, and power of the construct vary based on the complexity of the matrix, while lifespan depends on the methods used to reinforce the matrix, often utilizing abjurative barriers methodology to stabilize and extend the life of the construct.

Mage Hand: The Foundation of EKFC

The cantrip Mage Hand represents the most rudimentary form of an EKFC. It is a simple arcane construct derived from an evocative field matrix, forming a barely structured forceform that can manipulate small objects within a limited range. The lack of an abjurative component means the construct is highly susceptible to dissipation due to entropy, leading to its vanishingly short lifespan. Despite this, Mage Hand lays the groundwork for more complex EKFCs by demonstrating how energy can be shaped into a forceform for the kinetic application, allowing for interaction with the environment. However, its limited precision, lifetime, and inability to carry significant weight highlight the need for more advanced EKFC.

Bigby's Hand: Scripted EKFC

Bigby's Hand spells represent an application of EKFC centered around specific, predetermined actions. Each spell in this line generates a kinetic forceform designed for tasks requiring significant energy output, such as grappling, pushing, or striking. The EKFC are formed through an evocative field matrix that channels large amounts of kinetic force into a tightly scripted set of actions. This limited complexity allows for the creation of highly forceful, though transient, EKFC.

The duration of Bigby's Hand EKFC is inherently limited due to the absence of advanced abjurative stabilization. Once the pre-scripted action is completed, the forceform dissipates quickly, as the inner structure of the matrix cannot sustain itself for extended durations. This is intentional, as most of Bigby's Line is designed for immediate, high-impact interactions, not prolonged manipulation. Lacking the versatility for prolonged manipulation, this makes most efforts to extend their existence inefficient. This is in contrast to more stabilized EKFC that can recalibrate and maintain their integrity over time.

One exception within Bigby's line is Bigby's Interposing Hand, which incorporates the potential of abjurative application. Spell acts by stabilizing itself upon clasping a target, thereby increasing its duration as it functions as a temporary obstructive barrier. With sufficient knowledge of abjurative methods, practicing arcanists could modify the structure of said construct to extend its lifespan for twice the duration.

Shelgarn's Line: Precision and Longevity

Shelgarn's line of spells, by contrast, are designed to address the limitations of entropy within EKFCs by introducing advanced structures of abjurative barriers within the system from their inception. The evocative matrix in Shelgarn's EKFC is continuously reinforced, allowing for long-term stability and more precise control. This reinforcement mitigates the dissipation of energy that typically plagues unanchored forceforms. Application of the next circle baseline matrix to the spell allows the construct to operate for up to a full cycle of twenty four arcane hours.

This method requires a higher degree of preparedness from practicing arcanists, at the same time greatly exceeding the typical metamagical effect of Extend-optimization. In contrast, Shelgarn's line, due to its complexity, is not compatible with Extend-optimization - simply speaking these spells cannot be Extended. Any attempt to enhance the lifespan of the construct through metamagic would disrupt the matrix's structural integrity, resulting in failure making the spell impossible. At the moment of publication practitioners of arcane sciences have not found a way to apply Extend-optimization to the Shelgarn's Line. Empower-optimization is applicable through the compatibility of the spell structure, but does not yield any beneficial effect.

In addition, Shelgarn's EKFC incorporate an enchantment feedback system that enables a limited degree of self-sufficiency and decision-making. This system allows the construct to adjust its actions based on external stimuli and identify friend or foe, or receive mental order. This contrasts sharply with Bigby's line, which operates on a predetermined script.

Intense focus on the control through this feedback system would make it feel like a practicing arcanist is in possession of extra limbs. As such, controlling larger quantities of EKFCs is taxing, and would require a higher degree of expertise. Directing them to act as one will always be an issue. One advice I could give to aspiring Shelgarn-practitioners is utilize their own limbs to perform an action you expect from Shelgarn's EKFCs. This way, instead of mentally transmitting the sequence to each of the EKFC you could achieve subconscious control.

Through this framework, Shelgarn's EKFCs exhibit high dexterity and adaptability, enabling the manipulation of multiple objects such as weapons or tools with a high degree of precision. The combination of prolonged stability and kinetic versatility makes Shelgarn's EKFCs ideal for sustained use in both combat and utility applications.

Conclusion

The evolution of Evocative Kinetic Forceform Constructs reflects the increasing mastery of energy manipulation within the school of Evocation. EKFCs illustrate the versatility of evocation beyond mere volatile destruction. By incorporating abjurative stabilization, the future of EKFCs leads to even greater precision, durability, and complexity, potentially crossing the line of a single discipline and becoming a specialization by itself. Currently, this exploration highlights the potential of Evocation as a school not just of raw power, but of creation and control.
 
Potential future advancements include a perpetual ritual serving as an anchor allowing non-initiates of arcane sciences to command persistent Shelgarn-manipulated utility-EKFCs  within the area of the ritual. Alternative area of advancement is locomotion. Potential application of kinetic energy through persistent EKFC, in a wind-up manner, within a clockwork engine of sorts. Or through directly carrying an object in a manner similar to flying carpet.

Possibilities are countless as this particular area of applied arcanism deserves recognition and attention of the arcane scientific community all across the Disk.

Cogsworth Clockhand
Clockmaker and Evoker
Arcane Engineer
Graduate of Sandstone College
Palatial Engineer of Sublime Garden
Veteran of Arslan Battle

Agreed.

I like the idea.
Other things that might be worth considering - pity system, or breaking of blue hero items for prism scrap.
But suggestion in the first post sounds like if involves far less work than these, so I like it very much.