avalononline | [VIDEO] | UN: HAMMERTIME

[The broadcast begins with a shot of Darin's forge, full of various workspaces and call kinds of tools. The forge itself is burning brightly in the center of the work floor and in the back you can see a waterwheel turning and depositing water into a small channel that Darin uses to pump water throughout the forge and subsequently his home.]

[He wanders on screen and takes a seat, addressing the camera.]

So, I've been doing a lot of thinking. Shocking, I know, right? But hear me out.

I've been here for about six months and my forge has been in business for the last couple. But with all of the different ways to facilitate trade between Camelot and its neighbors, I'm a little surprised to find there isn't some sort of business or merchant guild. At least none that I've found.

Anyway, I'm doing pretty well for myself financially, what with all of the quests and my forge and I got to thinking. How many of you have business ideas that need investors? Got an idea for a shop? Maybe even a product? Let's workshop it!

If there's anything I've learned, it's that plenty of alliances can be formed through good business, and with the recent business with Celliwig and Arthur, maybe it would be good to start finding ways to extend as many olive branches as we can...

So, who's got a dream they want to try and make a reality?

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[Kratos missed Darin's stupid video because he was at work. At the café, not at a cool thing that requires stabbing things. Having just finished his shift at the café, when he shows up at the forge looking for Darin, it's without any of his stabbing equipment. In fact, he's dressed pretty casually compared to the last few times he and Darin had crossed paths. He also has a small box from the café with him, but that's not important.]

Excuse me, do you have a moment?

[Darin's more than a little surprised to see Kratos.]

Uh...yeah. What's up? What brings you here?

...I heard that you were the one that built Naoto his new arm. It's none of my business, but I wanted to show my gratitude.

[even if he's feeling super awkward about this, Kratos isn't letting it show. Motherfucker is as stony faced as ever, even while presenting Darin with that small box of pastries.]

Uuuh...why are you...showing me gratitude?

I didn't realize you were invested in his arm? ....I didn't even know you knew him.

I work for him.

[since standing around holding this box is starting to feel a little awkward, Kratos finds some clear surface to set it on before crossing his arms like the broody broodster that he is.]

He's a fine young man, with an impressive work ethic. When he first opened his café though, he was in a bit over his head. I didn't have much else going on, so I offered to give him a hand--

[just... Ignore the awkward throat clearing ahem]

I offered my assistance.

Edited 2021-08-19 15:41 (UTC)

You work in a café?

What, do you scowl at the bread until it rises or something?

[He says that with a laugh. He's joking. But Kratos probably doesn't think so or care for it because he's boring.]

Regardless, no thanks are needed. I'm glad to help the guy.

It's surprisingly effective.

[Look, he can have a sense of humor when he feels like it. He's just saying it with such a straight face that you just never fucking know man.]

I understand that, I just wanted you to know that I appreciate what you've done for him. I knew you were skilled, but I never would have guessed that a blacksmith would be capable of making such an intricate prosthetic.

... ... ...

I don't know if I'm freaked out more by your praise or the fact that you told a joke.

[Cool thanks Darin now you're making him feel self conscious about trying to act like a semi-normal human.

Not that he lets that show.]

...Anyway, I've said all that I came here to say. I should let you get back to work.

Hey, hold on.

Is that all you came to say?

It kinda sounded like you were interested in the prosthetic itself too.

[Look, he's gonna try and make small talk here.]

[He doesn't want to hold on, Darin, he wants to go. He pauses mid turn, though, because he also doesn't want to be a rude dick.]

I am interested. Do you have much experience with prosthetic limbs?

[Darin motions to a chair and small table for Kratos to take a seat and make himself comfortable.]

Not that complicated, no. I do have experience with metal prosthetics but I've never been able to animate them before. Mostly it was just a dummy arm or leg strapped to the person.

[Well okay, since Darin's being polite this time, Kratos will grab himself a seat.]

I see. Was the use of magic not common where you come from? I understand that Naoto's arm was designed to make use of his elemental magic.

That's...a complex question.

[Darin goes ahead and pours some tea for Kratos before taking a seat himself.]

Believe it or not, most people in my world were born with the ability to use magic. Children are tested at a young age to gain their mana affinity and from there, the guilds step in. Depending on your affinity and ability your schooling would be likely determined and, with any luck, it would be paid for.

Real true magic talent is often given the highest priority. Nobility's way of getting first dibs in a sense.

Oh and...before you ask, I had no elemental affinity. Neither me nor my twin. That's why I was kinda locked into a trade job.

[Wow shit tea??? Hot damn Darin you do have manners. Kratos thanks him with a simple nod, and then listens intently to Darin's explanation.]

I see. Where I come from, humans aren't typically able to use magic. That's something that only elves or those with significant traces of elven blood in their family can make use of. You being unable to do so wouldn't have struck me as odd.

[He has manners when it suits him. After all, Kratos did take a genuine interest in his work.]

Yeah well, back home, magic was one of the key factors behind the entire social caste system.

The point is, the people working in the mage guilds didn't work a lot with those of us in the trader guilds. Every now and then they'd approach us with 'special interest' projects but most of the time they kept their secrets while we did our thing.

Which, as a blacksmith, is a shame. We've figured out how to crystalize mana into gems that we've just begun using to advance our technology. I have a laundry list of things we could do with that kind of material. In fact, it was the basis for Naoto's prosthetic.

[The fact that he can have an intelligent conversation with this guy is kind of a shock, but also a pleasant surprise. He'd misjudged Darin, there was clearly more to the man that meets the eye.]

I understand why that would be frustrating, I've seen amazing things come about by combining magic with technology. At the same time though, I know how dangerous such a thing can be in the wrong hands. Have the mages of your world ever given a reason why they prefer not to collaborate with traders guilds, or is that just the way it is?

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hey bruh do you like ACTION cuz that's what I'm doin

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