002 - [VIDEO]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[There's decidedly less fumbling with the camera this time around. Looks like Darin is getting used to technology the more he uses it. Either way, he's currently in his room in Nonah. From what can be seen, it's pretty spartan; no real decorations or anything. Just a desk piled high with research text books borrowed from the local library, a stack of well worn and filled notebooks, and...is that...is that a hammock? He sleeps in a hammock? What the hell happened to the bed? Such mysteries are left unsolved for the moment, as Darin has begun talking.]

Okay, so, this last month? Wow. I have had a lot to adjust to. But, and here's the best part, I have a place to use as a forge! That's right, thanks to Yato, I actually have a place here in Nonah where I can get back to doing the thing I love doing more than anything: Smithing.

So, what does that mean for all of you would-be heroes out there? Well, it means that you now have a reliable source for masterwork gear!

"But Darin, I have crazy powers. What would I need for a sword or a shield or armor?"

That is a very good question! What if, and let's just toss some hypotheticals around here, something comes along and strips you of your powers? Who knows? It could happen! Wouldn't you want some high quality gear to defend yourself with? Something to continue fighting the good fight?

[It should be noted that, throughout this video there is a ton of clanking happening in the background. It sounds like a battalion of tin cans marching just off camera.]

But don't take my word for it. Let me show you what I can do.

[Darin grabs the camera and pans it over to...a phalanx of goats that are just...wandering around his house. And they are all wearing armor. Goat armor. And the armor looks bloody fantastic. They look like freaking paladins.]

See, my roommate has these goats for...reasons? I don't know. It's unclear. Don't care. Anyway, despite the fact that these damn things keep eating my clothes, I figured we could use them as a bit of a deterrent. Y'see, this area of Nonah has a bit of a burglar problem. A certain cranky yet alluring princess, who shall not be named, seems to think it's okay to just up and take something out of my personal notes. Now, I wouldn't say I'm needlessly escalating [He is], but I'd like to see someone break in with these guys patrolling.

I should really come up with a name. [He snaps.]

Billy Battalion! Our enemies will never see us bleat!

[He turns the camera back onto himself, grinning pridefully at that godawful joke.]

Anyway, I think my work more than speaks for itself. So if you have anything you need from armor to horseshoes, I'm your man.

Oh, and Magnus? Come on by. I owe your gear a free servicing. Bring your pals if anyone needs their weapons or armor beaten back into shape!

Comments

text

[icecution]

It is never wise to depend only on powers. Hopefully people will realise this.

How broad a range of weapons are you capable of making?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

my sentiments exactly!

What are you in the market for? Itd probably be quicker to list all of the weapons Im not familiar with honestly

but hey try me I like a challenge

[icecution]

At the moment, nothing specific. I imagine it will be some time before I can afford your services but I don't believe there's such a thing as being too prepared.

For the moment, however, if I were to think about weapons my main concern would be for fencing rapiers and perhaps axes.

[She's not sure what the other Persona users can use but she can at least cover SEES. Which leads her to:]

Also, how would you feel about making weapons for a dog? I can assure you he is very capable in using them.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

dont worry about the money right now Id rather make sure people are protected before I worry about getting paid

Rapiers and axes I can do though no sweat

[Darin fires off that response fairly quickly, then realizes there was another question he failed to notice. A question that he has to read like five times before it sets in.]

a dog?? like

like a dog??? woof woof bark bark?? wait is this that autocorrect thing that people like to blame??

vid

[h2no]

There's Gogoats here?! Are the goats for sale? I want one!

[a beat.]

Ah-- how are you with more delicate metal stuff?

vid

[granddevil]

No. [ don't touch his goats ]

Re: vid

[h2no]

That's fair... good taste in pet, though!

[goats are.....................very good]

Re: vid

[granddevil]

I know they are. That's why I have them.

[ goats are THE BEST ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Yes. Yes they're for sale.

[Fuck you Satan]

'Delicate?' Delicate how? Also, I already made you something.

[h2no]

I think your roommate disagrees, there.

[he won't press.]

Something smaller, and also that I'd probably kill you if you messed up. [a beat.] Wh--what? Why!

[he doesn't sound offended or anything, just... why would u give him something...]

video

[burlyboy]

Hell yeah!! That took you, what, two months to get all set up? I'm impressed!

That said, buddy, I dunno if your little goat friends will do much attacking. How about I come and visit and see if they try to stop me or not?

Re: video

[forgeabettertomorrow]

To be fair, I had a little help from...a god? I think he's a god? I don't know. I'm not really used to divine providence but I'm not about to look a gift deity in the eye.

You're welcome to come by. I bet I can get them to headbutt you a few times to test the armor out!

Re: video

[burlyboy]

No, no, that ain't how guard goats work. They have to headbutt me because they decided they wanted to, or else how're they gonna guard your forge while you're not in? We'll see how much moxy they got.

[ Wait -- ]

Which god helped you?

video

[granddevil]

What are you doing to my goats?

Re: video

[forgeabettertomorrow]

W...eaponizing...them...?

Giving them more purpose than 'eat all of my things' and 'infinite shit factories?'

Look, who the hell are you to question inspiration?

Re: video

[granddevil]

If you are messing with my animals, I can question everything.

And they aren't your personal body guards, take better care of your things, maybe?

voice;

[aberrant_type]

[Hange laughs for five minutes straight at the goat armor and the Billy Battalion, but does not record it. When she finally responds she sounds... plain stoked, just stoked as fuck about this opportunity.]

Ah! How fortunate to have an experienced smith around! I use a rather specialized blade at home, and have samples present. Do you think you'd be able to replicate the work?

Re: voice;

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Oh not just experienced. I'm a Master. Darin Altway, Master Blacksmith that is.

Specialized, huh? Now you're got me interested. What sorta samples do you have?

Re: voice;

[aberrant_type]

They're blades for special equipment known as the 3DMG, which allow me to maneuver in midair. The blades themselves are forged to have strength but also springiness. They're exceptionally sharp. That said, sometimes we strike with enough force that they snap upon the hit.

[give her a moment... and she sends him a photo. Just like in the picture, one blade is plugged in to that funky-looking hilt, and another one is laid out alongside to show how it clips in to the 'scabbard'.]

[Video]

[battysitter]

[ well SHIT. Steve is laughing ]

How can goats even stop a thief. Even if they have armors, all they're gonna do is shit.

Re: [Video]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Okay, let's pretend you're breaking into someone's house, right? Infiltration successful. You're in. You round the corner, and then all of a sudden you see a full battalion of goats in full plate armor, standing around, eyes locked on you.

If you don't immediately think to yourself 'whoever lives here is absolutely terrifying,' do a 180 and leave, then you pretty much deserve whatever it is you came to steal.

Re: [Video]

[battysitter]

Goats aren't deadly or terrifying. Someone who keeps goats is just a farmer.

The armors would make that person a crazy farmer.

Video

[bindsthedead]

I'm interested. Do you work in chain as well as plate? And how experienced are you with imbuing things with magic?

Re: Video

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I do indeed work with chain, plate, and even scale!

As for imbuing things with magic, I've never done it on account of the fact I have no mana, nor do the guilds of my world particularly like to mix their work with the "manual trades."

[Darin says 'manual trades' with a touch more venom in his voice than he would care to admit.]

Supposedly there's a way to do it, but my master never taught me. If I could learn to do it without having mana of my own? I'd commit every waking moment to learning it.

Video

[bindsthedead]

I've never understood why some people treat magic as something that should be set apart from day to day life.

It's... possible I might be able to teach you. My world's magic doesn't rely on people being born with it. And even if not... I have some knowledge, and don't object to helping you.