Forging Commissions

[bearshermark]

I've gotten pretty good with forging, lately. I've made a few pieces that were well received and completed two requests, so I was thinking now that I have some supplies, that I'd take on a few commissions if anyone was interested. I specialize in bladed weapons mostly, but I'm also interested in experimenting in other areas like armor and such.

I will need a design to work off of, along with some details and what sort of spell you'd like imbued into the piece. We can talk about that if you aren't sure, but it needs to be decided on before I start to craft it.

For payment, I don't want to charge a lot because this is partly for my own practice, but I'll need enough to cover the cost of materials at least, so it will vary for each piece depending on rarity. I expect it will take me a few weeks to finish a piece between classes and other obligations, so I think I'll only accept two commissions to start with, then when one is complete, I can start the process for the next if I receive more than two requests.

So if you're interested, you can reply here and we can arrange a time to meet if you like. Or if you see me around, I'll be happy to talk to you in person.

~El

Comments

[perfectenn]

[A few hours later, a reply is written on a small note tacked just beside Eleven's advertisement, in neat, innocuous handwriting. Unsigned, because Tenn likes his anonymity.]

You say you'd like to experiment.

Would you be open to crafting something on a smaller scale? Like jewelry?

[bearshermark]

Yes. So far the smallest thing I've forged was a hair accessory, but I think it came out well enough. The metal wasn't perfectly smooth because my tools weren't ideal for the task, so there may be imperfections like that.

Switch to Action after this?

[perfectenn]

[Hm... a hairpiece is a good start. Either way, this is one instance when he'd prefer confidentiality to perfection.]

That's fine. I'll send you a message to discuss it further.

[And sure enough, a note written in the same handwriting magically arrives on Eleven's desk in his dorm later, with suggested times and directions to one of the lab rooms under Kedrigan Hall. A room Eleven has visited before. With suspicions confirmed by a signature over the name Tenn.]

Action

[bearshermark]

[It's not that he thinks it's a trap, but students have been losing things lately and he simply can't afford to have the sword of light taken from him again. Not to mention the ghost dragon was somewhere in that area last he'd heard. Anyway, most people were used to seeing him armed with a sword on campus by now.

He does recognize the room though, and glances around curiously for his friend.]

Tenn? Are you all right?

[perfectenn]

[ And Tenn is waiting, sitting at a cleared worktable with a sheaf of paper and a book before him. He looks up when the door opens, his gaze passing over Eleven's armaments (completely understandable after the package incident), and to his face with a relaxed smile. It isn't the same coming down here after the academy placed a ban on the lower caverns. But what are idols for if not putting people at ease? ]

Of course.

[ He stands up, colorful robes rustling. In his hands is a bundle, roughly the shape of a jar, wrapped and rewrapped in generous fabric to cover its’ contents; the faintest glow halos it nonetheless, and Tenn holds it with care. ]

Thank you for coming. I have a special forging request, if you are open to hearing it.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven glances from Tenn, to the bundle in his hands and eyes the curious light emanating from it, then back with a smile]

So it was you. I'd wondered. Of course I'm willing to help if I can.

[perfectenn]

[ He didn’t expect any less. Tenn places the bundled container on the worktable, freeing it gently from its' confines. The layers fall away from a pure light trapped within, sealed tightly with wax around the cork. When he angles the jar to one side, the glow slides like liquid against the glass. Tenn’s voice is calm as he explains. ]

This is True Water. It’s from the river under the academy. [A small frown.] I’d take you there, but it’s off limits now.

[ He tried to coax Goliath into bringing him recently, but the tortoise refused, so Tenn didn’t press. He motions to the book and copied notes on the table. ]

According to this book I discovered in the library, it enhances forging techniques. Have you heard of it?

[bearshermark]

It's beautiful. [He's instantly fascinated by it, marked hand drawn to the jar. His fingertips barely brush against the glass.]

True Water. [He blinks back to attention] I have heard of it, but I didn't know there was a river of it here underneath the Academy. I wish I could see it for myself.

[Eleven turns back to Tenn, now quite interested] What would you have me forge with this?

[perfectenn]

[ Back to a smile. ] When the ban is lifted, I'll be sure to offer.

[ Reaching into the sleeve of his robe, Tenn withdraws a bracelet with attached bells. This, too, should be familiar, as it was Tenn's focus when he cast the duplicate during Eleven's escape from the assassins. ]

Another like this, interwoven with a defensive spell that is timed to the chimes of the bells.

[ He hands over the bracelet for Eleven to examine. ]

I understand it's delicate. You may need new tools. I can supply the funds with my payment, of course.

[ He is not hurting for money. Let him treat you. ]

[bearshermark]

[Eleven carefully takes the bracelet and brings it up to examine its workmanship.]

I can probably make most of the tools I'll need.. [He turns the bells between his fingers. Delicate work- and timing to boot. That's something he hasn't tried yet. He glances up]

What sort of defensive spell?

[perfectenn]

[ Tenn brings a hand to his chin, studying the chiming bracelet in Eleven's hands. There are downsides to being a Fantastics wizard; when he's focusing his spells, it's hard to watch his surroundings. And there's no guarantee his illusions will always fool his opponents. ]

I would like a protective barrier around me while the bells are active in casting, preferably one that is invisible and won’t change my appearance. Something to negate both material and magical strikes would be ideal.

[ His gaze drifts to the jar. Even with this, he can’t be sure Eleven will be able to construct something that powerful. ]

I hope that forging in True Water will help in imbuing it with a strong spell. If not… being safeguarded against physical force is my first choice.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven's expression splits into a grin]

I know a pretty good warding spell. It doesn't last long, but it's effective in deflecting what you will it to. Maybe the Water will improve its longevity. It is vulnerable to a few counterspells, but short of Modifying yourself a shield..

[He lets the bells tinkle] But it will help if you aren't naming the spell as you would in traditional Thaumaturgy. If it's triggered instead by the bells.. It's more difficult to counter a spell if you don't know what it is exactly.

[perfectenn]

Exactly. [ Tenn returns a satisfied smile. ] I need a cover while I cast, something that will activate even if I'm distracted. It’s fine if it doesn’t last long.

[ He will have to consider what to do if he comes under heavy fire. Switch to Discovery, most likely, or perhaps an unnoticing spell. The more information he has, the better to plan in advance. And he trusts Eleven enough to ask frankly. ]

What could neutralize the ward? I presume Thaumaturgy has counterspells at the very least.

[bearshermark]

[He nods]

Shatter and crack are the counterspells I know of that can damage or break through it. I haven't been able to test it under sustained assault, either.

[perfectenn]

Hmm, we should run tests once it's complete. I'd like to know for certain. Provided we can experiment without damaging the bracelet, of course.

[ Tenn collects the book and pages of notes to stack neatly beside the True Water. Turning back to Eleven, he regards him with a self-assured smile. ]

Then you'll accept my request? I realize it's unusual, but you did say you wanted to try new things.

[bearshermark]

Of course. I'm partly doing this because I want to practice- and trying to make something like this will definitely be challenging for me.

[He sets the bracelet down, not sure if Tenn wants it back or if it's given as a model to work off of.]

We can practice the warding spell on its own, but I guess we won't know how much enhancement the True Water will give the bracelet..

[perfectenn]

Even the instructions in the book weren't precise on what to expect. The Water contributes to several factors, and its effects are in part up to the skill of the forger.

[ Tenn makes no motion to take back the bracelet, but he does pull something else from his robes: a small drawstring bag that is generously heavy and clinking with coins. ]

My preferred materials are listed in these documents, and I’ve copied down the technique outlined in the book. This should cover materials and the cost of your time. Let me know if you need anything else.

[bearshermark]

[And. He was partly doing this because forging was expensive, and thus practicing was expensive. Still, Eleven colored a bit just thinking about how many coins were being offered to him. He resolved to buy the best materials he could afford]

Thank you. I will do my best to craft it exactly to your specifications.

[Eleven gathered up the book and papers with a smile, rather eager to start looking at the designs and materials. He enjoyed thinking about the process just as much as actually forging the items themselves]

It'll probably take a few weeks. I've never made something like it, and I need to make the right tools. But it is my first commission, so it will take priority and I'll have it to you just as quickly as I can without sacrificing quality.

[perfectenn]

[ Tenn’s smile softens. Normally, he'd accept the professional reply without further comment, but it's clear from his friend’s expression that this is new (and intimidating). ]

Indeed, there's no need to rush. You're learning a new technique, after all. I trust you'll do an excellent job.

[ Robes swishing, he accompanies Eleven to the door, looking not a bit concerned. It's worth the cost to commission someone he trusts. ]

[bearshermark]

[He nods and lets himself be escorted to the door, then stops and turns toward Tenn]

I meant to tell you- I became a priest. ..Well, sort of. I'm an acolyte of Raida. But I wanted to thank you for helping me decide to try it.

[perfectenn]

[ Tenn pauses, hand reaching for the door. Right, they had that discussion here, too. It seems like a long time ago. He considers his words, studying Eleven in silence a moment before nodding. ]

I see. I’m glad you were able to make a decision you feel good about.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven nods]

It's brought me a good deal of solace. I don't know that you have any reason to stop by, but it's somewhere you can find me in the morning and evening hours if you need to.

[perfectenn]

[ Tenn’s hand comes to rest on the doorknob, perhaps a little tightly. How to explain that such places do not bring him solace… or it’s best if he doesn’t say anything. That was in another world, and he won’t drag it here. ]

If I need to send you a message, I will let my familiar know to check there. [ Tenn gives the door a push, holding it open for Eleven. ] I work in the city during the evenings, so please leave any notes for me in my dorm.

[bearshermark]

[Eleven steps through, turning to him with a smile]

I will. If you come up with any additions you'd like, feel free to do the same. I will be looking over the design and sourcing suitable materials and tools for the first week, so there's a bit of time if there's anything else you want to add in before I start on its design in earnest.

[nomoremistergneissguy]

If you need stuff like gemstones or small amounts of really rare metal...I can see what I can do for you. I'm not sure I actually want a commission yet, but I'll think about it?

-Cliff

[bearshermark]

Really? I'm interested. Gemstones are wonderful for both decoration for imbuing spells into. They're difficult to come across.

[nomoremistergneissguy]

Not so much for me. Though most everything I've ever found at home (and less often, here) has been semi-precious--sometimes the more expensive ones are further underground and a bit prohibitive. I don't really know mining techniques. At home I used my powers, and here my familiar helps me out. Still, I'm the guy who teaches gemcutting.


I think I might be in your Forging class too, but don't quote me on that one.

[bearshermark]

Tha sounds helpful. I can see how having a source for rarer materials would save time. What's your name?

[nomoremistergneissguy]

I'm Cliff Vitner. I'm the guy with the marble ball familiar. That's Rounder. He usually helps me get raw materials.

Though I swear I've never seen so much obsidian in a place where there don't seem to be any volcanoes...

[bearshermark]

Is there really? But I think we are in the same class. At least, I've seen your familiar before. I'm Eleven.

[nomoremistergneissguy]

Yeah, I've at least seen you, but I'm usually over in the jewelry section--swords aren't my thing. Though I ought to at least try blacksmithing a little. My sister's got this big honking two-hander at home that belonged to our dad...

I'm rambling though. But Rounder's not easy to miss. He's pretty unique!

What might you be interested in? I've got some stuff here, but I can always make some short jaunts elsewhere to try and find anything specific.

[bearshermark]

I could easily buy a bit of silver but if you know where to find a fine grade of it, I would be interested.

[nomoremistergneissguy]

How much do you need? A few grams? Enough to decorate the pommel of one of your blades? Give me an idea, here!

[Cliff's sure he can do it, he just wants to know how much he, or Rounder, will have to carry.]