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Post by Zdena Kilvorion on May 15, 2011 21:35:40 GMT -5
Outside, Zdena found herself once more in the familiar presence of her machines. Although, they all looked a little different thanks to her new perspective. Even the carriage seemed bigger. Effie glowed just a bet brighter as the door to the carriage swung open and her floating armor deposited itself inside.
That matter settled, Zdena turned her attention back to the Clock-Guard as Angelina voiced her readiness. She gave one last examination of each metal soldier, before she was satisfied enough to begin.
Zdena walked half way between her creations and Angelina and offered a slight bow of her head, "These are the prototype Clock-Guard. They are the future of RRI's line of Brass Men. Once a mere proof of concept, designed to carry out menial tasks, the Clock-Guard are larger and combat ready. To begin, I shall have them move in formation."
No sooner did she conclude her opening remarks than Effie glowed and a series of clicks resounded from the artificial soldiers. Then they began to move, in lock step, each movement of their legs perfectly synchronized.
They moved forward, before turning around the large metal carriage. Their movement carried the small squad back behind the inventor. "A simple task carried without problem. Next I shall adjust their routine, remotely. Keep in mind that a less cumbersome device shall be used in commercial models."
The Clock-Guard marched once more. As they rounded the carriage for a second time, Effie glowed again. The Guard halted abruptly and pivoted to face away from the carriage. They moved into a straight line and raised their shields in a defensive position.
"This defensive maneuver is especially useful, in the event of an attack on a convoy. On the more treacherous roads, in particular it will repel thieves and bandits. However, without any said thieves in our current vicinity, I will be unable to properly demonstrate their offensive prowess."
Zdena summoned the Guard back to her side. They stood directly behind the half-elf at the ready, but remained motionless once more. "While I would rather enter them into live combat, I could provide illusionary enemies for them to fight. However, these battle scenarios would pale in comparison to live test. And would only prove that they are effective against fake enemies. Alternatively, I was about to lead them on a patrol around the surrounding area, before your arrival. If you have pressing business, you may depart. If you wish to accompany, you may do so as well."
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Post by DeaeExMachina on May 16, 2011 19:18:20 GMT -5
The machines started to move and she got bored rather quickly. They might have been the epitome of science at the time but to her they held no more of her interest than a man. Though she had to admit, the defensive position for most of them did catch her eye, so she made a mental note of it and filed it away into her memory. Clapping as she watched the end of their march, she stood up and went to hug the girl wanting to congratulate her on her success.
"Most wonderful!" She exclaimed hugging the little girl while spinning her around. "Of course I shall accompany you on your patrol of these areas, though not too far away from the house, right?" She smiled carrying carrying her to the carriage. Climbing in after her she took the little orange pumpkin globe from Zdena and frowned inspecting it. "Why do you keep talking to this thing? Is it your imaginary friend?" Angelina teased tossing it up and down into the air. "No matter. I'm sure your Clock-Guards have more surprises in store, right? Right, then let's get going!"
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Post by Zdena Kilvorion on May 16, 2011 21:10:32 GMT -5
Zdena was lifted and spun with ease. Again her size was proving to be something of an impediment. At least as far as she was concerned. Angelina appeared to be enjoying it rather immensely. She was carried and put into her steam carriage. No sooner than the Countess had entered than she found Effie plucked right from her grasp.
"Imaginary friend?" she tilted her head, "Do not be ridiculous. That is an Artificial Familiar. It is how I am able to creat and manipulate metals. And as it control magnetic frequencies, it is able to exert considerable physical control over certain metals. That was how I was able control the Clock-Guard...and the carriage."
She watched as Angelina tossed it up in the air. It only made one return trip to the time traveler's hands before it was snatched right out of the hair. A hat was one thing...but Zdena would not permit tampering with one of her more valuable inventions...especially when it was being regarded as a mere toy. That was how accidents could occur.
"I am afraid it will only respond to me. So I shall need to hold onto it, if we wish to move at all." Zdena explained. The girl's face remained neutral. If she was annoyed, at all, it never once showed. The fact of the matter was, the carriage and the Clock-Guard would remain idle while Angelina held on to Effie. And Zdena needed to see if she could find a live target for her latest creations.
Effie glowed once more and with a belch of steam from the carriage's engine, it lurched forward. Outside the Clock Guard moved in formation, with two rows of three on either side.
"And yes." she turned to look at Angelina, "They do hold many surprises."
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Post by DeaeExMachina on May 17, 2011 20:25:53 GMT -5
She smiled gently and put Zdena's hat on top of her own head. “Alright then.” Angelina smiled not minding too much that she just took the sphere back. “Well at least we're moving right?”
She stood back with her back leaning against the seat. She had to admit, for an old steam engine carriage, it was rather comfortable. “So, this sphere you're holding... I can see that this is one of the most important of your inventions. Kind of felt a certain power fueling what little magic I have.” She shrugged putting her finger on Ephie again. “Yup, felt it again.” She grinned wrapping her arm around her small companion. “So mind telling what it is?” Angelina said moving in rather close to Zdena, invading whatever was left of her personal space, that is until the carriage lurched to a stop sending her back to her side of the bench. “Guess they found something huh?”
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Post by Zdena Kilvorion on May 17, 2011 22:13:18 GMT -5
Finally, Zdena had her personal effects restored. Although she did have to readjust her hat once it was returned to her head. That was going to be slightly cumbersome.
"Yes." was the simple reply as to Effie's importance. And then a request for further information. The curiosity was understandable. "Effie is...complicated. Forging such a device took considerable time and resources. Luckily I had sufficient access to both. As, I said, it is an Artificial Familiar. It functions much in the same way most familiars operate. Offering advice and assisting in magical spells. In this case, it is restricted to illusions, probably due to my lack of magical talent."
As she spoke, Angelina was moving in and taking over Zdena's space. The inventor continued, without missing a beat until the carriage came to a halt. The Countess was pitched forward, while Zdena remained in her own seat.
"Perhaps." she nodded in agreement, "Now a proper test may be conducted."
The doors swung open and she hopped down. The source of the hold up was, indeed, an ogre. And he was a nasty looking brute with a giant club. The ogre trudged along the road heading in their direction. With a glow, Effie sent the Clock Guard in a defensive position in front of the carriage.
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Post by DeaeExMachina on May 20, 2011 22:55:28 GMT -5
Angelina, after gathering herself from that rather rude stop, moved to where Zdena was sitting before. Sitting there she watched as the automatons put themselves in front of the carriage, brandishing their shields. Truth be told, when she compared the giant's club to these clockwork soldiers, she couldn't help but imagine the giant breaking them all in one giant smash. Her hand moved to her pocket-watch, ready to stop the destruction of these rather fragile looking robots.
Still she had to show that she was supportive of her new inventions, "Go for it! Zdena, show that ogre who's boss!" The Countess cheered on cupping her hands around her mouth, gesturing around wildly, the pocket-watch dropping from her hand.
Her hands let go of the pocket-watch but just as quickly as it was dropped during her excitement, she grabbed onto it again. The little girl stood way too close to the monster, and it didn't seem like she would be able to take a swing of that club. Especially in her new diminutive form. Ready to stop what may be her death. It didn't hurt to worry too much... Right?
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Post by Zdena Kilvorion on May 20, 2011 23:26:14 GMT -5
While it most certainly appeared that it would take but one swing to scatter the Clocl Guard, Zdena had them spaced out. The ogre may get two or three, but it wouldn't have to pick it's targets. The large and imposing figure took a mighty swing and the first two flew back. The third held up surprisingly well. It's shield withstood the impact and it's feet dug up the dirt road as it was pushed back.
The inventor sent the remaining Guard into action while the other two climbed back up. Before long the ogre was surrounded and multiple blades were stabbing and cutting. The ogre fell to one knee as the assault continued. Not to give up, easily, it continued to knock the Clock Guard back.
The metal soldiers proved to be tougher than they appeared. But this was also due to their numbers, as well. Against a single opponent, Zdena noted, they excelled. When it came to one-on-one, they didn't stand up quite as well. Especially when against something like an ogre.
Not to mention how easy it was for them to get knocked around. They would need to be bigger. The skirmish came to an end when one of the Clock Vuard leapt on to the ogre's back and drove it's blade into the creature's neck.
The mechanical troops regrouped and returned to Zdena's side. Their shields and armor were dented and dinged and splattered with blood. Some were in such a state that a limb or two was locked and unable to move.
"That was acceptable. Improvements will be needed." she evaluated, before turning to Angelina, "There is still much work to be done. Countess, what do you make of them?"
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Post by DeaeExMachina on May 28, 2011 20:21:18 GMT -5
She couldn't help but laugh at the state these soldiers were in, dropping down from the carriage she walked up to a Clock Guard and put her pocket-watch against its head. "Rewind." She whispered and a flash of light engulfed them. When the light subsided, the broken machine looked good as new. "You must make them more resistant to physical attacks." She said patting the thing on the head.
"Anyways, what else can I say? Reinforce the material you make them out of. If you're making them this size, at least refine their movements so they're much faster. Or you could make them bigger, give greater strength." She added putting her finger under lip, thinking about it. "I guess the next best thing is to develop marksmen clock guards."
The Countess walked towards Zdena and put her hand on her shoulder-bending down to do so. "If you make these with the goal to kill humans then I'll give them a passing mark, otherwise they are rather useless against giants and flying creatures."
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Post by Zdena Kilvorion on May 28, 2011 20:52:58 GMT -5
Zdena watched as Angelina repaired the machine in a blink of an eye. It was an impressive device, that curious pocket watch was. She was dealing with someone who commanded a great many powers, most of which seemed to revolve around time. Zdena inspected the repaired machine and found it in perfect working condition.
"How impressive." she said, mostly to herself as Angelina put a hand on her shoulder.
"Yes. In the field they didn't prove as effective. Originally, the Brass Men were little more than servants. A transition to combat will take some time." she still had to incline her head slightly to look at Angelina, "But, their numbers proved effective. I should be able to make variants on the design to improve their overall performance. Larger variants for brute force and augmented variants to improve speed and mobility."
Angelina had given Zdena a lot to think about. Effie glowed softly and a book materialized beside the two. Notes were transcribed to a blank page before it closed and disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared.
"Thank you. Your input is very helpful." she gave a nod of her head, "The Clock Guard may make for good marksmen. But, I have other long range armaments that are in the early planning stages. It is still worth consideration."
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Post by DeaeExMachina on Jun 9, 2011 21:31:40 GMT -5
“They are rather advanced for servants.” She smiled and put her watch on a Clock Guard. “Wonder what they'd look like with more upgrades.” Angelina asked herself as she closed her eyes. When she had reopened them she pocketed the watch and gave a slight shake of her head. “You're going to give up on this design soon. The series will be discontinued... At least this robot will never move on past its recent innovations.” The countess concluded with a small shake of her head. She started to walk away from the robot and back towards the carriage.
“Maybe you should a few defenses to this carriage.” she mused as she walked up to it. “I think this is a rather nice invention, quite comfortable and convenient.” Then her gaze dropped down to Effie. “Though your avatar is a much more special. How did you make it?”
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Post by Zdena Kilvorion on Jun 9, 2011 23:29:37 GMT -5
"Mechanized servants will always have a place on our production line." Zdena said, "The improvements made here can still be utilized in our existing and planned models. Integrating their improvements to our Brass Men line should prove very useful. I'm sure collectors will hang on to outdated models. People can be so curiously sentimental like that."
She paused for a moment as she thought over what Angelina had said, once more. "If you are referencing these specific models, I doubt I shall do much more with them. They served their purpose and will be most likely be auctioned off or reused for parts."
The conversation switched towards the carriage before landing on Effie. She stared down at her glowing orange pumpkin, a moment before looking back up at the Countess. Not even the sitting President of RRI knew the details and specifications of Effie. Despite everyone's best efforts, Zdena remained tight lipped on the matter.
"It was a...complicated process." she said before the organizing the Clock-Guard back to their previous state, packed away in large trunks and strapped down atop the carriage, "Effie's design has not been perfected. I am afraid I am unable to share the specifications until I have perfected them. It was only through a process of very careful calcation and even an element of luck that I was able to bring this level of success."
The door to the carriage popped open and Zdena stood by, allowing Angelina to entire first.
"Shall we return to your home?"
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Post by DeaeExMachina on Jun 29, 2011 20:26:19 GMT -5
The Countess nodded it did make sense, and she really didn't see the point of keeping old models besides the need to archive ideas. "Well that sounds fine but maybe make them more humanoid? I believe the market for humanoids should be bigger just a machine of parts and gears no matter how amazing it looks." she said thinking for a bit. "Perhaps maids? I'm sure that with enough Clock Guards slaves would one day cease to be used." Angelina thought about this for a while longer. "Yes. It is definitely a possible future for this world." Glad that the whole thing was set her eyes wandered to the orange pumpkin once more.
"You know? Even in my time it's rather rare to see such a powerful artifact." she said praising the little orange pumpkin. "I'm guessing you would be against selling such a marvelous invention right?" Angelina asked shaking her head. "It's a shame though. I would've given quite a few things to get my hands on it. But I suppose you are right, back to the house we go."
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Post by Zdena Kilvorion on Jun 29, 2011 21:18:50 GMT -5
Making the machines appear more humanoid? There was an interesting notion. It appealed to a more aesthetic taste than Zdena typically geared her inventions towards. And with the new designs, there were probably be a minimal cost in performance. Perhaps it was time to update the appearance of her mechanized servants. It certainly seemed like a good way of having the world outside of Volisov accept the machines.
"I believe you are correct." she said, "I should be able to produce a functioning prototype very soon. This should be most interesting."
When the conversation returned to Effie, the young inventor gave nod of her head, "Yes. It would be impractical to sell it. It would seem that I am the only one compatible with Effie. Others have attempted to use it, but have been unable to. Addittionally, I have stored some very important data inside it. Until universal use and transmission of information between devices can be attained, I will maintain ownership."
The carriage turned about and carried it's passengers back in the direction of the peculiar house. As impressed as Angelina was with Effie, Zdena was equally impressed with that house. She was looking forward to studying it further. As they grew closer to their destination, Zdena looked up at Angelina.
"You must have traveled quite extensively. What other artifacts have you come across?"
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Post by DeaeExMachina on Jun 29, 2011 22:15:32 GMT -5
"Right. With the newly human-like design there shall be many different uses. From maids to nannies and even if they are life-like enough, sexual partners." Angelina said smiling mischievously. "Lets work on this project together! I'm sure we'll be able to make something happen. Create a new line of products that shall benefit royalty and commoners alike. For the infertile it'll be like having the son or daughter they could never have." Nodding at her statement she continued on. "Because of this new influx of laborers, slavery will be abolished in this city and with your original Clock Guards the army could be expanded as well."
The Countess stopped to take a breath and placed her hand on Effie. Truth be told this thing interested her the most. "I must ask you what you used to create such a marvelous invention. Are you sure your discovery of it was not an accident? It happens you know, and most of the time it is nigh impossible to replicate." She said trying to be as gentle as possible in saying that she did not believe the young inventor possessed the skills necessary to actually intentionally produce it.
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Post by Zdena Kilvorion on Jun 30, 2011 16:34:00 GMT -5
Zdena paused and thought the offer over. Clearly, it would be advantageous. After all, the Countess had already an impressive technical resume and she had a different way of thinking. She made up her mind and nodded her head in confirmation, "Agreed. We shall produce a few functional prototypes."
She couldn't imagine how her machines could be sexualized. It seemed almost preposterous, especially with how they most often appeared. Even if they were made to look a little more humanoid, they would still be cold hunks of metal wrapped around a series of gears.
But, people were odd. She still didn't understand the majority of them.
Her glance returned to the orange orb. Angelina's hands were now resting atop the device and she was very gently informing her of her doubts. "There were more elements of luck than I typically operate with." she said, "But I hold no doubts that I will eventually reproduce the results in a more efficient manner. There is nothing that proper research can uncover."
Zdena's voice remained calm and measured. These were typical reactions and concerns. Back home she was met with less pleasant criticism. But, Zdena never cared much for those criticisms. She had her work and that was all that was important. Yet, at the same time, she did not want unnecessary concerns on the part of Angelina.
"A project such as this holds many variables and will take a considerable amount of time. As to what has been used in it's creation, the design materials are mostly common enough. At it's core, it is a bit trickier to describe in words. The process behind it, I modified a few spells and specifications from some research materials left over from my parents' experiments. The original experiment was side tracked. It was more of a hobby, than an official development. With my position at RRI, I can assure that the proper resources are utilized."
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