Fate - First Reply Surveying[Anirians]

[Amos]

Aniria - Somewhere Between Vel Luin and Vel Anir

Amos scribbled another line in his notebook, frowning slightly as he glanced down at the surrounding earth. His boot gently tapped against one of the boulders sticking out of the ground, the very same one he had leaned his walking stick against. "Might require explosives..."

He muttered to himself before a cough racked his throat and chest.

Hand immediately dropping the pencil that he had been clutching, letting it fall into the fold of his notebook as he suffered through the tax of his affliction. Eventually a breath managed to pull through the din, and his lungs calmed themselves as he pulled himself together. For a moment he simply stood there, recovering, then closed the notebook in his off-hand fully.

Quickly he snatched his walking stick, and pressing it into the soft earth began to hobble back towards the cart just a short distance away.

"Apologies." He told his escort with a smile. "Getting around is not as easy as it once was."

The young scientist said as he moved back towards their moving base of operations. After his work had been completed with Noel, and the Engine of his great machine had been finished, the next steps had needed to be taken. Unfortunately, Amos had quickly learned that the work he needed done couldn't simply be given to anyone else. Surveying where he would lay the track for his machine had proven to be exceptionally difficult, mostly because no one knew what he actually needed.

Even after he'd explained it a thousand times, everyone had seemed to simply not been able to grip it. A road was a road, but to the engineers of Vel Anir, apparently a road such as he desired was far too different from what they usually built. So in the end it had fallen to him, a cripple, and the escort that House Luana had managed to arrange for him.

Once again he had been grateful for their help, and even more grateful for the sorry sod that he was dragging around for two weeks. Knowing that he was essentially condemning them to look after what was very near an invalid. "I believe this is our half-way point though."

Amos said, smiling as he tried to encourage his companion.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

"I was quite surprised when I heard of this endeavor." Alistair Krixus admitted he road towards them from the closest road. Behind him were three of his own guards. He had only returned to the city recently, but when he heard of the project, and who was leading it, he had politely asked House Luana if he may go out and see the project and the man.

Not everyone knew who Amos was, but those who considered themselves scholars had at least heard of his work. And now this, developing transportation that would make a horse and wagon look like the ancients.

"Would magic not work better at removing such stones?"

A genuine question, as he knew some magics could make materials more difficult to work with in the latter stages. Alistair's glowing eyes trailed over the entire group as he took in each of them before largely focusing on Amos before his eyes finally dimmed.

Now he could see none of them, Amos nor any of his escorts were mages which meant Alistair had no way of seeing them without constantly using up his magical energy...Annoying.

Amos

 

[Amos]

Amos nearly jumped out of his skin as a new voice greeted him, having been so lost in his calculations that he'd hardly heard Alistair and his escort approach. His can almost fell to the floor before he managed to catch it from his near jump, the guard that has been originally assigned to him quickly catching his arm to help. ”Ah, tha k you Reg.”

The scientist said with a quick smile as he settled himself. Fingers quickly wrapping around his cane as he turned his attention to the newcomer.

”Yes!” He answered the man enthusiastically, always pleased when someone took a modicum of interest in one of the projects he was working on. Particularlu this one. ”It would be far easier, but unfortunately my benefactors can only do so much in that regard.”

Though House Luana and Banick were still powerful entities, the Dreadlord's were simply no longer under their purview. The Guard controlled where most of the active duty mages went, and the ones who had chosen reserves were often pointed towards other duties.

Jiya had told him it had been a minor miracle to pull away Noel from the Blackguard for as long as she had, and after that revelation Amos had decided to make do with what he had. ”But, explosives are fairly easy to manufacture.”

Particularly for him, though the reason for that was not one he would be sharing with…anyone. At least not until Vel Anir started seeing a purpose for things beyond war.

”Pardon for my rudeness, My Lord.” Amos said, remembering himself. ”I'm afraid I might not have made your acquaintence?”

The scientist said, trying to be as polite as possible. Having grown up in the Gutters of Vel Anir, the trappings of high society still tended to escape him. Especially where his work was concnerned. Enthusiasm often overtaking any semblance of manners.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Alistair nodded in understanding, seemingly looking off into the distance, not directly at any of them. He had not really thought about what Amos said, but he was right. The Republic did not like keeping the Dreadlords away from their city-conquering duties, which was an oversight in his own opinion.

However, the explosives continued to intrigue him, non-magical explosives were not the norm in Vel Anir. For that reason, he did not know of anywhere that ready manufactured them...maybe that was worth looking into.

"Forgive my manners, I am Lord Alistair Krixus and head of the Krixus Trading Company. I came out here because I am interested in your project...I hope it was not meant to be kept secret."

He had pulled some strings to learn about Amos' work along with his workings with Noel. The idea alone was enough to get him excited, but now...Amos was actually showing a proof of concept.

"In my own opinion, Vel Anir shows a lack of...innovation. So what little we have should be nurtured." He explained.

Amos

 

[Amos]

"Ah!" Amos said, some recognition flickering through his mind.

He did not know Alistair of course, but the Krixus Trading Company was known to him. Kaeden had some dealings with them, sourcing some of the materials that they used in their laboratory. Amos tended to stay away from that side of things, but he had seen the name more than once.

"No, no secret." Amos said, assuring the Dreadlord. "Though, perhaps not yet..."

He smiled. "Publicized."

There were many reasons that as of yet they had not distributed everything to the Public. It was a careful game in Vel Anir, balancing the needs of the people, the military, and the Houses. Jiya wanted what was best for the people, of that Amos was convinced, but the same could not be said for everyone who had power in their great nation.

"Many of my colleagues would disagree with you, Lord Krixus." Amos said with a laugh at his comments on innovations. "But I think you may be right."

A cough wracked his chest, his fingers clutching at his cane for a moment before he steadied himself. "I am more than happy to speak on my project."

He told the man. "I need all the support I can get."

 

[Alistair Krixus]

"Excellent, and if you don't mind me asking, who all currently supports you?"

Alistair valued innovation, and that was true, and Vel Anir would certainly be better for it. However, even moral endeavors could hold a small private incentive. If Amos' plans worked then all of Vel Anir would be far more interconnected. It would serve the Krixus Trading Company if it were one of the only trading groups that could use such transportation. Supplies that had previously taken weeks to arrive at their final destination would be there in days, and at a much cheaper price than any flying delivery system.

Motioning for one of his guards to take his horse. Al slid from his saddle and quickly took his can to help him traverse over to where Amos was standing.

"I will also admit that I am impressed from a scientific and business standpoint, but such matters can be discussed later."

Amos

 

[Amos]

It was only when Alistair picked up his own cane that the scientist noticed his own disability. Eyebrows rose for just a brief moment, not in shock or any sort of judgment, but for the fact that he had never heard of Lord Krixus.

A part of him felt a slight flicker of shame for being so ill-informed of someone like him, but then Amos tended to bury himself in work. "Ah, right now my benefactors are the House's Luana and Banick."

Though the latter only supported his endeavors through the help of Kaeden. The funding for most of what they did came from grants from the university in Vel Zaphris, and of course Jiya herself. Funding was never the problem for them.

It was the monolithic bureaucracy of Vel Anir.

"My own intentions are far more scientific than business." He admitted, and then smiled. "As well as filled with more than a small dose of altruism."

The Guard that had been with him chuckled, though not in mockery. The first two days of their journey Amos had spent most of their waking hours just how good his projects would be for the regular people of Vel Anir. A topic the man had first found laughable, but had now been practically been ground down on. "More like a very big dose."

The gruff man called over his shoulder.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Altruism? Not a common word muttered among Vel Anir's nobility. It was rare that Alistair had the chance to interact with someone who had that in mind, but it was a nice change of pace. A small smile drew to his face as his eyes turned to the sound of the men talking. The guards also liked him? That was a good sign.

The backing of House Banick was unexpected, although he doubted Garron was directly involved. The man probably had more important things on his mind, like stabbing someone else in the back.

"You want to create a highspeed roadway, correct? What would this vehicle be called again?"

Alistair had his own knowledge of the project, but he wanted to have it explained by the man himself. If this thing was going to work, it would need to be sturdy enough for constant travel. While some of the more incompetent members of Vel Anir's elite may be blind to the benefits, the sound of mind would recognize the military, economic, and social advantages of such an invention.

"In my own experience, science is often always the precursor to business."

Amos

 

[Amos]

"I do not have a name for it, as of yet." Amos said as he shifted his weight on his cane and moved to sit down in the back of the wagon. "Though, I have dubbed the...invention which will propel it as an 'engine'."

That one had come to him through a bit of linguistics, mostly after talking to one of the Professors in Vel Zaphris. "But yes, it is in essence a roadway meant to be traversed at great speeds."

At least that is what he imagined.

"The cart, for lack of a better name, will travel on two rails. Powered by the Engine." A simple enough concept. "If my calculations are correct, it will far exceed current methods of overland travel. Although..."

He frowned, and then glanced around. "The roadway will need to be relatively straight, hence this entire...endeavor."

The roadway between Vel Luin and Vel Anir would be the first. Chosen by him and Kaeden because of the importance of the two cities, as well as the fact that they sat nearly parallel from one another.

"In the future, my hope is to develop the technology further, but I must prove the concept first." Then, perhaps, it would come down to business. "Only then can I take the necessary steps to improve the design."

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Impressive, very impressive. The success of the plan revolved around the complicated creation of this 'engine', but it seemed that Amos had already completed that part. The rest of the plan was kept relatively simple. Keep tracks straight, and then rails which would only be slightly more complicated than a road would be placed down.

Alistair turned his bland expression in the direction of the rocks that Amos' had previously been looking over. He now understood the need for having the roads so straight. Maybe Alistair could help provide a mage or two, hiring outside help that wasn't Dreadlords. Then again, Amos had said he needed help getting by the bureaucracy, something he was more than accustomed to, as a merchant.

The first line would undoubtedly stretch from Vel Anir, to somewhere of Amos or House Luana's choosing, but Alistair's focus would be on the second or third lines. Supply chains were the lifeblood of any kingdom, and Amos was about to create some very strong and very new blood vessels. If Alistair could assist in placing those lines in the right spot, then he would increase his own influence as well as improving Vel Anir.

"Incredible, I would love it if you could explain to me the designs one day, but for now I will say, I am interested."

Holding his hand in the air, a large rune formed before him before sinking into the ground. A soft green lightly emitted from the large rocks and then several of them began to break down into sand. Of all the elemental magics that Alistair had worked with earth and ice tended to be the two he most easily picked up, so he might as well help.

Amos

 

[Amos]

A surprised yelp exploded from Amos' lips.

By now he was used to some magical effect, of course, and the nature of his experiments warded against such things...but he hadn't quite expected the display Alistair put on. Dust jetted into the air as the rocks were moved out of the way.

The scientist stalling for a moment as he coughed, his lungs being wracked not by the efforts of Alistair but by the disease still ravaging his body. Clean air only dragging into his chest a moment later as he gathered himself. "Ah, thank you, My Lord."

Amos said, quite genuinely.

"That would have taken some effort." And resource. "Any help is appreciated, I assure you."

Now that things were going to rapidly change. "I could use the support."

 

[Alistair Krixus]

A look of concern crossed his face at the bout of coughing displayed by Amos, but it went away as soon as the coughing ceased. He had been concerned that his magic had been the cause, but it did not last long. Then, a large smile spread onto Alistair's face, partially caused by the success of his spell and partially caused by Amos' willingness for more help.

"Excellent, then consider it done. I may not be able to provide the financial assistance that those like House Luana offer, but I can throw my weight around in my own unique ways."

Besides, his Dreadlord status should hold some sway considering how advantageous an invention like this would be for the military.

"Are you...finding any opposition to such endeavors at the moment?" It was a loaded question, Alistair could think of several nobles and merchant families that would not like to see this idea cut into their bottom lines.

Amos

 

[Amos]

It wasn't every day that someone who walked up to you offered to help you out of a particular set of problems were you were experiencing. Amos knew that it wasn't out of the goodness of Alistair's heart, he wasn't a fool. House Krixus stood to benefit from his invention, as did others.

Alistair was simply trying to get a leg up, which made complete sense and Amos couldn't blame him for in the least. "There are a few things that spring to mind."

He said with a slight frown.

"Most of it is simply fighting against the bureaucracy." Amos admitted. "Many things have been done in Vel Anir the same way for so long that trying to change it is incredibly frustrating, particularly with the Republic having already changed so much."

People were starting to get rather annoyed about all the changes. "Families like the Orthaus and the Pillkins are entirely obstinate...but then I'm putting their business in jeopardy so I understand."

Both the Orthauses and Pillkins' were heavily involved in O&K shipping. A company which did most of its business in getting goods from Vel Luin to Vel Anir, and vice versa.

”House Luana is exerting it’s pressures where it can, as is House Virak surprisingly.” Amos said off-hand, having been shocked when he received the news about the contracts for the steel he’d desired. ”But It is difficult to fight back against such a large tide of…parchment.”

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Oh yes, Alistair was more than familiar with O&K Shipping, their hold on the Vel Luin to Vel Anir pipeline was very tight, so Alistair's ventures had left them to it. It was exactly as he had suspected, merchant companies were not about to take this innovation lying down.

"Fair point, the bureaucracy is just as slow as it ever was, but there is a new factor in play. A small showing of your invention can get the public opinion on your side. Then, once the politicians see that backing you can improve their election chances, well...they will be more willing to work with you."

It was a simple, but starkly new idea to many families in Vel Anir, but now it paid to be liked by the population. That was why he had invested a portion of his new profits into supporting soup kitchens, housing ventures, and more than a few cultural events. While he did not consider himself a politician, it never hurt to have such things in his back pocket.

"As for O&K Shipping, I think I can have them paying attention to...more immediate concerns."

It looks like it was about time that the Kricus Trading Company expanded. A route from Vel Anir to Vel Luin would do nicely. It may not bring a major profit at first, but...a new option for would-be clients would break any 'unwanted' monopolies in the area.

Amos

 

[Amos]

"Oh." Amos said suddenly. "I had never thought of that."

The Scientist said as Alistair pitched holding a small show of his invention.

He was sure that those things happened all the time at the University. Students that had no connections needed to show off their work, it was just...Amos had never really needed to. The Matron of House Luana had found him at age fifteen in the Gutters, she had paid for his education and then immediately begun to fund his projects.

When he'd met Kaeden, it had only made funding even easier.

He had never thought that having such a show might be able to win him political favors. Exactly the kind of influence he needed in order to get the project moving. "I just might do that."

Amos said with a smile, though the expression dropped away almost immediately at Alistair's next words. Not because he thought the man sinister, but because the only Dreadlords he had met tended to have an exceptionally...direct way of dealing with things.

"Please, do not go too far on my account." Amos begged with a smile. "Progress will come, we need not be too hasty either."

The last thing he needed to do was make enemies.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

"Oh don't worry. I won't be doing anything drastic. It just seems time to start thinking about expansion. My business has been relatively successful as of late."

Alistair dismissed the concerns with a mischievous grin.

As for the public display, it was less important to show the academics or the bureaucrats. If they really wanted to know about Amos' inventions then many of them already would have. The trick was to show those basic peasants, the ones that would gossip and whisper, building up the story of the invention to the point that the elites would almost have to acquiesce to the hopes of the masses, and if they didn't then...Alistair could use that to his advantage too.

"Besides, I'm viewing my assistance as doing good work for the Republic. Orthaus and Pillkins should not be able to hamstring innovation just to line their own coffers. It's a disservice to you, me, and all of Vel Anir."

Amos

 

[Amos]

Amos was not a man of business. He was a singularly minded scientist. Half his drive was simply in the making of his creations themselves. The work he did was for the people of Vel Anir, was to make the world better, but in truth he hadn't even really given any thought to how to bring it to them.

Kaeden had some thoughts, he knew, but aside from making his projects a reality Amos hadn't really done much...planning.

A frown pulled at his lips for a brief moment as he listened to Alistair's words. His head tipping in a nod as he understood the practicality of pushing through a business sense rather than any other. Mind whirling in a thousand different directions as he tried to plan every next step. "Indeed."

He said finally.

"I think, Lord Krixus, that the first step will be offering a presentation of my work." Amos shifted on his cane. "The track will begin construction soon, from Vel Luins side. It will run to a town called Gathmir."

A plan which no one but House Luana knew of right now. One Alistair could make good use of. Gathmir was known as a factory town, and tended towards a vast portion of smelting of foreign ores important into Vel Anir. "Maybe this would be a good place for some...expansion, and also, display of my invention."

When it was ready, but they had time yet.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

The smile on Alistair's face never faltered, as Amos informed him of the first stop. He had heard of Gathmir before, it would be the perfect place for Alistair to expand. The smelting functions of the town would intermingle perfectly with Alistair's primary businesses, and the town held a majority of middle and lower-class factory workers.

"Excellent, I'll send a representative that way to buy some property. Hopefully, I can get my own factory started up."

They would not move too quickly. For starters, it would take Alistair some time to expand into the area, and while he was doing that Amos would continue with his project.

"Once the exhibition occurs, the real work will be making sure word spreads as quickly as possible about your project."

Amos

 

[Amos]

He nodded his head. "Word of mouth likely will not be enough."

Amos might not have had the best business acumen in the world, but he knew that much at least. His head tilted in a nod for a brief moment, a frown touching his lips as he processed everything that they were now setting into motion.

This was going to go fast, he quickly realized.

"Once the exhibition is going..." Amos said with a slight frown. "I shall have to ensure things are kept more...safe."

He commented, more to himself than to Alistair. "Interest will mean eyes from more than just those meaning well."

That was a lesson that he had already learned, and if Alistair riled up those who would oppose them...well, it was good to remember where it was they lived. Vel Anir was not exactly known for it's friendly nature, even when dealing with it's own.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

"Of course, I may know a few mercenary groups that may be able to assist you for a more than reasonable amount...I will also need to ensure my own facilities are secure during the presentation...just in case."

To avoid any questions of impropriety, Alistair would need to stay away from asking any of his Dreadlord friends for help, so there would need to be other avenues for help. Amos could also utilize the connections to House Luana, but there would be many groups looking to hinder this.

"This is also another area I can assist. I'll send out some friends, so we have a better idea who will be showing up on that day."

The business espionage of the task was dangerous, and they would need to be ever watchful, but they would need to ensure that Amos was allowed to focus on his inventions as much as possible because at its core, this project was about the invention.

Amos

 

[Amos]

"This has all suddenly gotten very complicated." Amos said, more to himself than to Alistair. His lips pressing to a thin line as he contemplated what they were setting into motion. It had all been inevitable of course, there was no denying that, but planning out the situation somehow made it far more real.

Security, spying, all of these things were foreign to Amos. Up until a few weeks ago they had barely had locks on their laboratory. Now it was necessary to keep the crux of his invention within a vault. One designed to be in a bank for Kress' sake!

The situation was madness, but truly had been inevitable once he'd begun this project and presented it to others.

Amos shook his head, as if trying to push away the thoughts for a moment. Then he slowly took in a deep breath. Shifting his weight and moving his cane so that he could stand a bit more tall. His chest wracking with a cough before he looked to Alistair. "There will be much that still needs to be planned."

The Scientists said.

"But perhaps for now you might be interested in actually seeing some of the work?" He asked. "One of my warehouses is not too far away, half a days journey. It might be worth seeing what you're buying into."

Amos offered, preferring to speak science to business for a little while.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Complicated? A wolfish smile spread across his face. This was just any other day for the merchant families of Vel Anir, and Alistair's last year had only made him grow more accustomed to it all. For all the flashy gold that was easy to see by the rest of the world, backroom promises and hidden daggers were two true fulcrums in which all actions were leveraged.

His smile faded as he thought back to his time at the Academy before he had truly grown accustomed to this life. He could understand how insane all of this seemed. It made him more empathetic towards Amos.

Alistair more than happily changed the subject when Amos changed to a topic that both of them were far more comfortable with, experimentation and invention.

"I would absolutely love to see your inventions firsthand. I've heard it is incredible."

Amos

 

[Amos]

Amos let out a thankful breath. There was something incredibly daunting about the tasks which now lay ahead of him. Though Kaeden would always help when it came to matters of business, he’d known from the start it would be inevitable until he would get dragged into that side of things. With everything Alistair had presented to him, it just had become all the more clear as to why that was necessary in the first place.

His inventions needed to reach the people, this was the way of ensuring that happened.

”Excellent.” Amos said, glad at least for the small reprieve he was about to have. It was not often he got to speak of his passion with anyone that could truly understand. Only a select few saw his work as anything more than a way to make money.

Alistair though, Amos had a feeling, might see the work for what it was. For what it could be, and for the simple ingenuity that it had taken to create it. People like that were rare, and Amos was more than delighted to have met another. ”Please, follow us, it is not a long way.”

Amos said as he hobbled back to the cart. Motioning towards the Guardsmen as he struggled into the seat and they headed off not a moment later. It took them a little under an hour across winding country roads and shifted earth to eventually reach the warehouse Amos had talked about. The large ramshackle building sitting in a clearing that had once been occupied by the Guard as a supply depot.

”The main engine remains in Vel Zaphris, of course.” Amos said as he was helped down from the cart. ”But I've created the prototype for the drive-train-”

He cut himself off, realizing Alistair may not yet understand the language he'd entirely made up. ”The device that will take the engines power and actually move the vehicle is here.”

Amos explained with a smile.

”The two will need to be joined to work, of course, but I can show you an example of how it will function if some of your guards will help once we get inside.” He continued, clearly eager to show off his work. Already hobbling towards the large barn doors.

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Alistair eagerly mounted his own steed, while his guards prepared for their travel. The trip was fairly quick, Alistair largely letting his horse Feldaris lead the way, knowing the guards would react if there was any sort of problem.

However, they made it to their destination with no excitement. Upon arrival, Alistair's eyes flashed followed by a small smile. The warehouse was nothing impressive, making it all the more satisfying when considered that some world-changing device was sitting inside.

He listened silently to Amos' explanation, storing the nomenclature away for later. Alistair wanted to learn as much as possible if he was going to be a business partner.

With a grace that showcased his years of combat training, Alistair dismounted his mount before beckoning for his guards to follow.

"They will be more than happy to help. I would love to see a small showing."

Amos

 

[Amos]

"Excellent." Amos said as he headed towards the main doors of the warehouse. The lock was quickly flicked free with the turn of the key, and the Guardsmen who had been assigned to Amos helped him with the door.

Before even a few seconds passed, light shone into the warehouse, revealing what could only be described as a massive oversized metal wagon.

It stood at nearly fifteen feet tall and ran easily thirty feet long. Sitting on more than a dozen steel wheels on either side, a track laid into the ground in the warehouse. The cart was entirely something else, resembling a massive carriage, and with a huge gap in the front where Amos' 'engine' would be placed. "This is it, my Locomotive."

The Scientist said beaming with pride, ushering Alistair inside.

"The engine will be brought here soon, and when it is the assembly will power itself. Moving only through the use of my gems." He explained as he moved towards the massive steel cart. "For now however, if your men were to take these handles..."

He said, motioning towards where three handles stood up from the engine compartment. "The locomotive will move along the track. Quite simple really in design."

Amos chuckled.