While sorting Raphael out for a simple enchanting upon his armour, something she would do though much preferred making from scratch - from forge to finished product, Manon spoke of the task ahead - that of finding ore of mithril for the metallic longbow. She asked him to start the search and when time from the Foundry permitted so would she - this was a joint venture after all - he wanted the bow, she wanted the success of the masterwork. In the meantime, she would practice craft of a prototype of steel.
His suggestion of making part wood, part metal in order to give it adequate 'bend', she agreed to with reluctance preferring the craft to be all in metal to make it unique. At least for the steel prototype this made sense, being heavier and less malleable than mithril. At least she could refine the shape and the bonding metal to wood was a known process, if not exactly done for a bow shape.
In afterthought, back in the Foundry, watching some of the faction members at bellows and hot forge, she had new idea on the matter of finding the ore. There were the occasional weapons and armours about in the market made of it. If some could be found, acquired and smelted down, this may be another possibility for sourcing the mithril ore for the bow. She would mention it to Raphael and start enquiries amongst the market traders, carefully, in case they made to inflate their prices at the prospect of this custom.
There was a lot to be done. Being Believer of the Source, Manon revelled in the hard work. 'I work hard. I play hard. Just the latter is rarer.' She told Hildmor with a smirk as she signed his contract yet silently rued having missed out on one interrupted simple conversation with a comrade over a large glass of water.
Manon of the Source
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*sugarandspice
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Six of her special masterwork spears and staves from her own mold were completed and engraving to the shafts bearing her initial 'M' done. Not only that, she had managed to, soon after packaging her stock, fulfill the two sample orders with the two prominent merchants. Both had been amenable to her price increase from original quote. The discount on the bulk ores she ordered had not been forthcoming.
Now she had stock to hand of these metallic weapons, she could spend time on the longbow prototype.
However, a recent skirmish and crush in the Baatorian cave, sandwiched between two heavy orcs in a melee fight against a stream of dogai had her planning a new suit of armour. One that could be infused with electrical shock that would keep those orcs at suitable distance. Back to back, or arm to arm in a triangle of muscled combat was a necessary must at times against a wave of mutual enemy but she had not fallen so far as to give an orc one iota of encouragement to get up close and personal.
In the long run, a numbing shock of warning as preventative measure would be better than a sharp shocking stab of her power to fry their balls. They could still fight in harmony as comrade (perish her Commander ever getting wind of her having orc as battle comrade), keep respectable distance or face electrical shock treatment. Two difficult areas she could forsee would be firstly, how to get an even distribution of the energy about the metal plates to flow on the outside, and secondly, how to make the energy controllable to two levels of shock, one as a warning and deterrent, the other of a more deadly scale of power, to be able to turn on or off when needed.
She made a few notes to return to later:
Manon's Armour of Shocking Aura
Type: Full Plate.
Metal: Externally conductive. Options: Steel, Starmetal, Darksteel, Bloodsteel.
Special craft: Electrical shock pulse damage, two levels
Use: Selectable for close combat or times of melee crushing
As for her notice in the S.I.G.I.S., there had been 'some' interest from a few newcomers to the ranks of the Godsmen, none showed aptitude at this point for the apprenticeship, but she took on their training and put them to work at the forge, seeing how they handled themselves with the bellows, crucibles and other heavy tools, providing various weapon and armour molds and instructions as to how they could improve their knowledge by hard labour under her direction.
Now she had stock to hand of these metallic weapons, she could spend time on the longbow prototype.
However, a recent skirmish and crush in the Baatorian cave, sandwiched between two heavy orcs in a melee fight against a stream of dogai had her planning a new suit of armour. One that could be infused with electrical shock that would keep those orcs at suitable distance. Back to back, or arm to arm in a triangle of muscled combat was a necessary must at times against a wave of mutual enemy but she had not fallen so far as to give an orc one iota of encouragement to get up close and personal.
In the long run, a numbing shock of warning as preventative measure would be better than a sharp shocking stab of her power to fry their balls. They could still fight in harmony as comrade (perish her Commander ever getting wind of her having orc as battle comrade), keep respectable distance or face electrical shock treatment. Two difficult areas she could forsee would be firstly, how to get an even distribution of the energy about the metal plates to flow on the outside, and secondly, how to make the energy controllable to two levels of shock, one as a warning and deterrent, the other of a more deadly scale of power, to be able to turn on or off when needed.
She made a few notes to return to later:
Manon's Armour of Shocking Aura
Type: Full Plate.
Metal: Externally conductive. Options: Steel, Starmetal, Darksteel, Bloodsteel.
Special craft: Electrical shock pulse damage, two levels
Use: Selectable for close combat or times of melee crushing
As for her notice in the S.I.G.I.S., there had been 'some' interest from a few newcomers to the ranks of the Godsmen, none showed aptitude at this point for the apprenticeship, but she took on their training and put them to work at the forge, seeing how they handled themselves with the bellows, crucibles and other heavy tools, providing various weapon and armour molds and instructions as to how they could improve their knowledge by hard labour under her direction.
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*sugarandspice
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
wrote:During one exchange preceding her first foray to the Abyss under his guidance, Corwyn asked of Manon if she might be interested in providing education to the children of the Hive Ward, that he had seen her at work and believed her expertise could come in useful to teach the next generation how to stand up for themselves. And of course show the good will of the Godsmen.
After initial surprise in view of her social skills, or lack there of, Manon was in favour of all trying to make improvement to their lives, provided they worked hard to try and she offered to show a small group of them the rudimentaries of learning a craft, working as smith. The rest was up to them if they saw it as their vocation.
Corwyn was to make arrangements to gather a group of kids that were interested and bring them to the Great Foundry. Manon made it clear that she would not take any 'shirkers'. The group she would 'educate' had to 'want' to learn. She told him she was looking for an apprentice and, who knew, that out of the hive kids, she might see a talent and one with the proper vocation.
Coincidence and timely convenience. Manon smirked seeing the younglings turn up, some with parent in attendance for safty reasons for which she did gave permission knowing it sensible.wrote:He went to seek around the Hive, after the other lectures and ask the younglings of what they want to become when they grow old, listening carefully for hints and making sure he doesn't lead the children with his words, so as to find as many as possible that might be interested in learning the ropes in smithy. He rounds up as many as he can until he guides the children in usual manner as escort into the Great Foundry while making sure to schedual time with Manon.
Any parents that wants some kind of quarantee or wish to visit also, he'd ask for permission from Manon and explain that they aren't there to learn per say, but rather to just make sure their children are safe.
"Two of His minions can be killed with one bolt of lightning" she thought.
Not only did she further herself with her belief, faction and move her own 'special project' forward, she stayed in good stead with Corwyn, her first Abyssal guide, with this 'educational' assistance of labour at the forge.
She engaged the help of the new faction workers recently taken on, assigning the hive youths to work aside each with herself supervising and instructing 'on the job'.
Some she engaged in handling and humping the unsmelted ores from yard to Foundry store, learning to work the barrows and pulleys to strengthen their muscles. Another small team she had working the forge fires, feeding the flame and getting used to the furnace heat and command of the bellows.
To the next group, she handed out hammers and led by example here to show how to beat armour, fettle moldcastings of various weapons, demonstrating then putting the team to work on fresh metalwork, new production by her faction team. The final group of younglings she had 'educated' by being shown how to polish and refine, package and store the armaments in bulk.
Sessions were long and arduous. If she saw a group tiring she would push them a bit harder but if they looked like they would flagging with fatigue too much, she rotated the groups to the different tasks. Any who 'gave up' with this life-lesson she did not give second glance to. After giving curt nod and a 'Good Day' she would show these failing youths to the great Foundry wrought-iron gates by which they could leave.
By the end of the day's session (and she would have offered further 'sessions' the following week if so desired), each youngling that withstood the hard lessons would have learned the rudiments of the foundry process from source, forge maintenance, metal smelting, casting and smithing, a skill that would have set them up to progress to a future role as a smith's apprentice.
By the end of the day's session(s), despite the rigours of providing the instruction and having some 'downtime' of her own workers to supervise the hive youths, Manon would have gained an additional 20 percent advance to her schedule on her 'special project' with their assistance.
wrote:Corwyn would study lecture alongside the parents, curiously observing and measuring Manons methods, he'd also walk along the children at times to make sure they are alright in the harsh conditions, and explain to any expressed concerns that he'll have a conversation with Manon at the end of day. And indeed in the end of day he stayed behind to have a conversation with Manon...
"Manon... they are only children, you don't need to be too harsh on them. I understand that I might have made a mistake as you did mention you wanted only those that really wants to work. So if I think this will not work, there might not come another time. Unless you are willing to take it a bit easier on the children?"
"There is no point in coddling a child once it has left the mother's breast Corwyn, if they were so lucky to have one in the first place. I teach them a skill, one they can use and benefit from to better themselves. A stint in the Foundry toughens a body and soul to be able to face life's lessons. As hive dwellers they should already know that each day of life is a test - to survive, to succeed, to..." She paused from continuing the philosophical lesson, looking at Corwyn.
"But by all means, I will ease up, give more breaks for water, rotate the tasks more often, end the sessions earlier. It will just take longer for them to learn all they might need for this trade." She gave Corwyn a small smile and privately resigned herself to achieving a lesser percentage of progress to keep his goodwill.
She was good to her word after that, easing up on the rigors of the 'instruction', although she could do little to impact the harsh conditions of the Foundry heat and inherent dangers within the building other than the supervision she had set in place and that of the parents present. She would also implement any other suggestion Corwyn might propose for the welfare of his little hive kids while they were there.
"As you wish Corwyn. I am sure a few of them will find this opportunity here in the Foundry though there are plenty of places where good smith apprentice is needed, be it for cartwheel, armor, buckle or weapon. "wrote:Corwyn listened to her rant and a seeming frown grew to his face as he waited for her to continue. It seemed to only enforce her original belief that he had made a mistake. However when she halted and changed her mind, Corwyns expression seemed to soothen slightly and finally after consideration he inclined his head, though a clear hesitation was evident.
"The program continues then, and true learning will always take time Manon. The more you feed information to someone, the more they will forget, everyone needs time to process what they have learned. As Hive dwellers as you put it, they already know what a harsh life is... and it is the exact thing I want to change in their lives and future, opportunity for equal life.
Manon attempted to reassure Corwyn.
"As for these armaments..."
She pointed to the few newly filled crates that his hive kids had helped to complete, full of shields, armors and weaponry packed ready for shipment, the metals a mixture of steel, alchemical silver and cold iron, some imbued with electrical energies that she had applied.
"..they are to go to warriors like myself to a place in the Outlands"
Further conversation on this subject was interrupted as Manon was called to help out one of her faction workers having trouble with one of the pulleys attached to a large crucible. This did not prevent Corwyn from asking more on the matter at later time.
Manon secured the services of the chef goblin Cookie to supply the hive kids a meal of quality stew and bread for each of the daily sessions of practical education and industry that continued at the Foundry.
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*sugarandspice
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Basic Information:
Name: Manon
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Profession: Smith, metal worker, mastercrafter
Faction: Godsman, Believer of the Source
Appearance:
Her posture and bearing is straight and proud. The signs of regular physical training are present having a muscular physique. Her hair is tawny in color with a tendency to curl. If she takes off her helm, which is rare, her hair is drawn back efficiently out of the way.
Her age is hard to determine as her face is tanned and weathered by sun, her hands are calloused from weapon and work and her body has a wealth of battle scars adorning it - there is one particularly deep one to the right forearm - all are usually well covered by her armour. She has the experience, physique and manner of a woman in her prime.
She normally wears full plate armour, plated boot and crowning helm and carries a large shield and spear which crackles with charged energy awaiting release. There are no obvious symbols adorning either.
Personality:
On the surface, her manner is serious, cool and direct, speaking in short, clipped tones. She shows caution in her dealings with some races, clear distaste of others barely acknowledging them and does not seem adroit at social or people skills, coming across initially as abrupt.
In conversation, she is well spoken and intelligent, has strong beliefs in some aspects of her faith yet hesitant on others. She does not volunteer what that faith is or much of herself and past yet nor does she hide it. She is more open and forthcoming on aspects of her membership with the Godsmen faction.
She sets high standards for herself and expects the same of others she deals with. While patient in many things, she will not tolerate fools or freeloaders, laziness or people who shirk hardwork, duty or responsibility. She will lend her support however to any who are motivated to improve their own lives.
Faction IC Posts:
Manon of the Source
http://z13.invisionfree.com/nwn2planesc ... =4227&st=0
Set, the God of Nature, the Destroyer or Regenerator, Defender and Protector.
Set, the cold of winter, the simoom of the desert, the "wind that blasts".
Name: Manon
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Profession: Smith, metal worker, mastercrafter
Faction: Godsman, Believer of the Source
Appearance:
Her posture and bearing is straight and proud. The signs of regular physical training are present having a muscular physique. Her hair is tawny in color with a tendency to curl. If she takes off her helm, which is rare, her hair is drawn back efficiently out of the way.
Her age is hard to determine as her face is tanned and weathered by sun, her hands are calloused from weapon and work and her body has a wealth of battle scars adorning it - there is one particularly deep one to the right forearm - all are usually well covered by her armour. She has the experience, physique and manner of a woman in her prime.
She normally wears full plate armour, plated boot and crowning helm and carries a large shield and spear which crackles with charged energy awaiting release. There are no obvious symbols adorning either.
Personality:
On the surface, her manner is serious, cool and direct, speaking in short, clipped tones. She shows caution in her dealings with some races, clear distaste of others barely acknowledging them and does not seem adroit at social or people skills, coming across initially as abrupt.
In conversation, she is well spoken and intelligent, has strong beliefs in some aspects of her faith yet hesitant on others. She does not volunteer what that faith is or much of herself and past yet nor does she hide it. She is more open and forthcoming on aspects of her membership with the Godsmen faction.
She sets high standards for herself and expects the same of others she deals with. While patient in many things, she will not tolerate fools or freeloaders, laziness or people who shirk hardwork, duty or responsibility. She will lend her support however to any who are motivated to improve their own lives.
Faction IC Posts:
Manon of the Source
http://z13.invisionfree.com/nwn2planesc ... =4227&st=0
Set, the God of Nature, the Destroyer or Regenerator, Defender and Protector.
Set, the cold of winter, the simoom of the desert, the "wind that blasts".
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*Reptiller
- Posts: 205
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Today, afew men approached a Godsman inside the foundry, all well-armed. Their apparent leader, a leatherclad human ranger inclined his head to the Believer and spoke in a low tone:
"'ere to pick up th' stuff lady Manon left. Twenty boxes."
"'ere to pick up th' stuff lady Manon left. Twenty boxes."
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*sugarandspice
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The Godsman concerned went to fetch Manon who was working nearby. The collection was expected and had been confirmed the day before as being ready. Manon indicated the twenty crates, all bearing her mark and quietly asked the ranger to handle them well and securely to their destination. No mention was made of the destination. That too had been handled the day before. Manon assumed they already knew or would be told.Reptiller,Sep 18 2011 wrote: Today, afew men approached a Godsman inside the foundry, all well-armed. Their apparent leader, a leatherclad human ranger inclined his head to the Believer and spoke in a low tone:
"'ere to pick up th' stuff lady Manon left. Twenty boxes."
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*Reptiller
- Posts: 205
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
They would gather the crates and depart without any future words.
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*sugarandspice
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
The Steel Prototype Bow:-
She designed it to be smaller than a longbow as it would be heavier in weight. Its range unlikely to reach that of the longbow but not dissimilar in style to a composite of sap and horn. Her decided objective was to make it entirely out of metal rather than a mix of wood and metal. The recurve of limb would be less extreme, its shape more aligning to a composite but less 'open'. The bow would require someone with suitable strength to repeatedly pull back on the string.
This was a warbow. Plain and simple. But she would allow area for later decoration if that is what her tester desired of it. The main benefit she could see to this steel bow over traditional wood longbow was that with regular 'greasing' it could be stored and maintained for use directly in a battle engagement, taking less preparation than a traditional wooden affair.
For the mold, she made clay form around a wooden short bow, then after smelting down resilient sword steel, she applied natural smithing technique over the forge using the anvil to hammer the short bow, stretch the steel into form allowing a small grip and making the cross-section ovoid and thin. The overall shape when completed resembled the eyebrow of a lady, the shape of a gentle 'M'.
The strings she used were similar as that for a composite, thick and double-looped but made them with a cross-gartering and applied fine copper wire to serve the string loops.
Her initial testing proved the bow had potential range of only 150 to 200 yards. The power of the bow was a matter of hand, eye and "feel" and she hoped Raphael, being a more experienced bow wielder, would manage more consistently.
A lighter bow of mithril, would potentially have better range and could be crafted longer. They were still working on sourcing that ore.
(( One source for the idea: http://margo.student.utwente.nl/sagi/ar ... teel2.html, http://margo.student.utwente.nl/sagi/ar ... elbow.html ))
She designed it to be smaller than a longbow as it would be heavier in weight. Its range unlikely to reach that of the longbow but not dissimilar in style to a composite of sap and horn. Her decided objective was to make it entirely out of metal rather than a mix of wood and metal. The recurve of limb would be less extreme, its shape more aligning to a composite but less 'open'. The bow would require someone with suitable strength to repeatedly pull back on the string.
This was a warbow. Plain and simple. But she would allow area for later decoration if that is what her tester desired of it. The main benefit she could see to this steel bow over traditional wood longbow was that with regular 'greasing' it could be stored and maintained for use directly in a battle engagement, taking less preparation than a traditional wooden affair.
For the mold, she made clay form around a wooden short bow, then after smelting down resilient sword steel, she applied natural smithing technique over the forge using the anvil to hammer the short bow, stretch the steel into form allowing a small grip and making the cross-section ovoid and thin. The overall shape when completed resembled the eyebrow of a lady, the shape of a gentle 'M'.
The strings she used were similar as that for a composite, thick and double-looped but made them with a cross-gartering and applied fine copper wire to serve the string loops.
Her initial testing proved the bow had potential range of only 150 to 200 yards. The power of the bow was a matter of hand, eye and "feel" and she hoped Raphael, being a more experienced bow wielder, would manage more consistently.
A lighter bow of mithril, would potentially have better range and could be crafted longer. They were still working on sourcing that ore.
(( One source for the idea: http://margo.student.utwente.nl/sagi/ar ... teel2.html, http://margo.student.utwente.nl/sagi/ar ... elbow.html ))
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*Reptiller
- Posts: 205
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
Section 3 HQ, Rigus, one day ago...
"Aye, c'mander, we 'ave it 'ere. Th' man paid 'is music 'lready, so'll jus' be goin'. Dig?" - The tracker motioned to the boxes which his men contiuoned to produce from a portable hole until there were twenty of them on the floor...
"Aye, c'mander, we 'ave it 'ere. Th' man paid 'is music 'lready, so'll jus' be goin'. Dig?" - The tracker motioned to the boxes which his men contiuoned to produce from a portable hole until there were twenty of them on the floor...
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*sugarandspice
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am
A letter was sent out via secure channels.
wrote:Private & confidential
Commander Gorsh
Section 3 HQ, Rigus
Commander,
The preliminary task is progressing as ordered. The base will be now be receiving regular resupply of armaments and I have made contact with a key member of the Free League whose connections have proved invaluable.
Initial payment of the commission for the supply and establishment of secure trade route has been made and I request further funds for the remainder.
I will not fail again, Commander.
Comrade Manon