May Catch-All and Quests | Forge Grand Opening

[forgeabettertomorrow]

🧙 WHO: Darin Altway and You
⚔️️ WHAT: Grand Opening of his forge and May Quests
🕒 WHEN: Throughout May
🗺️ WHERE: All over
⚠️ WARNINGS: None

A -Announcement- Network

[Darin is excitedly fiddling with his device. When he thinks he's got a good frame, he steps back.]

So, it's been a few months since I dropped in here but after a lot of work, I've finally done it!

[He steps aside to show a store-front constructed into the side of a very pictureesque hillock. The sign on the side of the road leading up to the front door reads "Forge Ahead."]

Today marks the grand opening of 'Forge Ahead' my dream made reality! And speaking of dreams, I'm putting out this call to make some of yours come true! Need equipment? Has your gear seen better days? Looking for a gift for a special someone? How about some expertly crafted tools? Well, Forge Ahead is here for you! And if there's any aspiring craftsmen, mana researchers, or engineers that are looking for employment, I've got more than enough space to accommodate! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who comes out!

B -At The Forge-

[Just like the announcement said, Forge Ahead is located just outside of Camelot, built into a picturesque hillock so as not to take away from the beauty of Avalon. Already the sound of hammer on anvil can be heard ringing out from within, and when you walk through the large, oaken door a magical chime rings throughout the shop. Darin happily looks up from his work and hurries over to greet you.]

Welcome to Forge Ahead where we always look forward to your ideas! I'm Darin Altway, Master Blacksmith. What can I do for you today?

C -No Buccaing Out-

[Honestly, monster exterminating quests were beginning to be Darin's jam. They paid well, they gave him valuable experience and training, and more often than not he'd find some interesting raw materials he could use for his smithy. Besides, it was his motto that the more people he helped, the more he got his name out there. When looking to secure supplies, being known as dependable was just as good as being rich.]

[So, he's out on the edge of the Silent Shore in swim trunks; his dao strapped to his back and a bottle of underwater breathing potion in-hand.]

Before we decide on drinks this, maybe we should determine who can hold their breath longer. I've done some diving in the past but...who knows how far down these things are. Thoughts?

D -Holo, Goodbye-

[Darin was not one to deny someone their dying wish. Back home, he'd done so much for the elderly in his town that they'd actually come to rely on him. He was determined to make this trip along with anyone who would walk with him.]

Let's see...according to the map we should be coming up on the...

...Oh wow.

[He stops overlooking the river. The sight is unlike anything he's ever seen; rainbows arcing all over and stones glittering along the shores and in the river itself. It almost looks like there's gems literally springing to the surface, enriching the water with glitter and treasure.]

...This is beautiful...

-Wildcard-

[Got something else you want to do? Go ahead and start a prompt! Or, if you want, hit me up with a DM, on discord, or on plurk at bitterbearface

Comments

A; un: Creati

[recommendations]

[ This announcement comes with fortuitous timing, as Momo has been thinking recently she should pursue some form of employment outside of the occasional quest. She remembers Darin from their (disastrous) first meeting, and is excited to see that he's following his passion. ]

Ah, Darin-san, congratulations! I'm not sure if you remember me, but... We met several months ago, when I first arrived. [ And swapped bodies, and went blind... ] My name is Yaoyorozu Momo.

I don't have much experience with traditional blacksmithing, but I have Alchemy magic now, and I've been practicing working with several different types of metals. And, I have some knowledge of the construction of weapons and armor, from back home. I would be honored to work with a skilled blacksmith such as yourself, i-if you don't think I would be too much of a hindrance...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Momo! Of course I remember you! How have you been?

If you're even remotely interested in learning how to forge weapons and armor of good quality, then of course I'd love to take you on!

I might design a test or two for you though, if you think you're up to the task!

[recommendations]

[ Momo knows not everything can be handed to her on a silver platter. She has had to work hard, just like all her classmates, even if in some areas of her life, she started miles ahead of them.

So while she is surprised by Darin's proposal of a few tests to prove her mettle, she isn't deterred. ]

O-oh! Yes! I'll take your tests! I can show you everything I know!

B

[notquitetamed]

[Hawk had heard the announcement about the forge opening and he had to admit he probably should see if there was someone here who can handle repair and maintenance of his swords. He knows he's got a tendency to be rough with his swords and go overboard in battle and after two months it's starting to show and he's definitely a bit lacking in the tools and ability to do more than the basics. SO once Darin greets him, Hawk is going to get right to the point since he's not the sort to waste time with pointless small talk.]

So, you got any ability to handle weapons made with alchemy? Not talking about the stuff from here though. My world's way more advanced

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Alchemy, huh? I'll be honest, I'm unfamiliar with the practice. But! Just because I'm unfamiliar doesn't mean I won't do the proper research. The more you tell me about the processes used to forge your weapons, the more I'll be able to assess how to care for them!

Sound fair?

B

[konpeito_aji]

Oda Nobunaga, Demon King of the 6th Heaven, we've spoken through text before. You wanted to see Heshikiri Hasebe.

[Withdraws his long as hell katana from his belt, though it's still in the scabbard, and hands it over for Darin to examine.]

As you can see the pommel does have gold, so I'll admit, I was a bit confused why the goldsmith forgot such things, but perhaps it has to do with other worlds. I know it's not common for European blades to be so ornate, but their blades don't last centuries either!

[forgeabettertomorrow]

So...you're the infamous Demon King. I gotta say...I pictured a much more terrifying form...

...No offense.

[He takes Heshikiri Hasebe with both hands and a gentle touch; with a degree of reverence as if he were receiving a sacred gift.]

[He examines the sword carefully, holding it with both hands, testing the weight, the grip, examining ever minor detail before even drawing the sword from its sheathe. And when he does, he holds it up so the blade catches the light. Darin's face is practically painted with awe at the craftsmanship, at the pattern on the metal where the blade is sharpened.]

This...this is definitely a masterwork...

[He gives it a few knowing swings, listening to the ring of metal as it cuts the air; at the crystal clear chime. Music to his ears.]

Where did you get a sword like this?

b

[divinereaper]

[ Once he had heard that a forge had been built on the outskirts of Camelot City, Naoto knew he had to visit. But due to the more personal nature of his request, he opted to go in person rather than blast his secrets all over the network.

So there he was, being greeted by Darin. He laughs a bit sheepishly, but decides to put his fear and shame aside. This had to be done. ]

Right, um... [ He lifts his arm up. ] I need a new casing for my prosthetics. You think you can manage that?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin blinks in surprise. He's no stranger to casting prosthetics in iron or steel, but most people opted against simple because articulation was...well, it seemed impossible.]

Casings? Yeah, I can do something like that.

[He didn't seem put off by the request, just more surprised if anything.]

a, un: didnot

[morns]

What's the limits on what you can make?

( she's beginning to get sick of knives and improvised weapons. certain confrontations would have been done a lot quicker if all she had to do was blast a hole in her doppelganger's head. )

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Your...imagination?

Believe me, I'm as versatile as I am creative.

What did you have in mind?

B - Grump

[colchismagecraft]

[After their last talk, Caster was very tetchy about the fact that he'd dropped a bombshell about his background and then walked out on her. How dare he! She had a right mind to find him and demand answers.

And seeing where his forge was on the network?

This was the perfect excuse to turn up with the sketchbook from before, settle herself in one corner, and look grumpy at him until he gave her answers.

She can do this all day Darin, you know exactly why she's here.]

Hmph...

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Darin is tidying up. Believe it or not, he keeps his forge immaculate. Everything in its neat and proper place.]

[So, when Caster comes in, there's a nice little nook where she can sit and be huffy.]

[He sees her pouting in the corner and decides he'll take just a little longer with his chores. But finally, he makes his way over with a smile.]

Caster! It's nice of you to pay me a visit! Though...I have to say, I'm a little sad you didn't come in that maid outfit I saw you in on the network. You looked really cute! I liked it over this whole...spooky cloak thing.

Can I get you anything? Some tea?

D. Holo, Goodbye

[patchricide]

[Allura would have come to see the holographic shines even if there hadn't been heroic cause to do so. And while she doesn't think that the humble request could spoil the mystique of the phenomenon, the quest has drawn others here, including those with whom her last encounter ended on a sour note.]

[They hadn't travelled here together. They hadn't arranged to meet here. They had no plans to work together whatsoever. There's no reason why they both ended up here at the same place at the same time except a common quest and some coincidental timing.]

[And at first, she doesn't even realize it. Her eyes are fixed forward on the mesmerizing view of the water, of the iridescent light shimmering and shining as it dances across the rippling surface. In that moment where she first takes sight of it, she's so entranced by the beauty that she loses track of what's happening around her.]

[So when she hears his voice, echoing her thoughts? Her head turns in surprise, as if he had been addressing her directly.]

[And then she realizes, and tries to avert her gaze before Darin notices.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Unfortunately, Darin had noticed her. Really, it was hard not to.]

...We should get a move on. Get this over with.

[With that, he begins to descend into the river basin.]

[No catty remarks. No snide comments. Just...focus on the mission. The faster they get it over with, the faster they can be out of each other's company, as far as he's concerned.]

[And maybe it's that complete lack of emotion that seems so...telling. So awful.]

un: prismpink | text

[prismatically]

QUESTION: what if i don't want anything made but i just want to bring some snacks and celebrate ur grand opening

[ this is her Stella way of making sure she won't be getting in the way of work if she wants to come nose around. ]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

uh snacks are always welcome obviously

come on over!

A - Video ; un: Fashiondiva (Private)

[corpsewarblade]

Wow... wow, that looks amazing! Congratulations.

[Although Mukuro's voice didn't have the same forced enthusiasm she used when she was acting as Junko, her eyes were gleaming with a genuine excitement- he'd actually done it! And it really did look incredible!]

...If you still want my help modelling some of your weapons and advertising and stuff, then I'd like to do what I can. Even... well, even if I don't actually have a lot of experience with modelling stuff.

Otherwise, um, I can work pretty well with firearms- repair, maintenance, customisation and upgrades, that sort of thing. So long as people don't know it's me who's working on it, anyway...

[She had an act to keep up, after all!

Mukuro didn't feel confident enough on herself to directly ask Darin if she could work there- especially with how awkward her desire to keep her identity a secret made things- but she hoped there was some way she could support him all the same!

After all, circumstances had changed a lot since he first informally offered her a job.]

...What I mean is, just let me know if you think I can help at all, okay?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Mukuro! Yeah, of course! I don't care that you're not a famous model or anything! You're still pretty and you've already got tons of experience! Plus, as a soldier, I know you'll know how to handle the gear! I'd love to have you on staff!

...Wait, did you say you know firearms???

B

[worldsokayestdad]

[Kratos immediately regrets coming in here as soon as Darin rushes over like an excited dog. Definitely should have gone to the other forge.

Ah well, he's already here, so he may as well try to make the best of it.]

I'm just here to see if I can get this repaired.

[He unsheathes his sword, holding it out to Darin. There's a chip in the blade, about an inch deep, and that's no good.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[There is no other forge. Darin has no competition. HE IS ALL YOU HAVE.]

...What'd you do to this thing?

[Darin takes the sword away from Kratos protectively. Like he was pulling a child away from an angry parent.]

Were you hitting rocks or something??

A - Video; Anonymous

[angel_of_death]

Congratulations.

[The face on the video will be familiar, if Darin remembers their previous conversation.]

Any requests yet?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

[Of course he remembers!]

A couple, actually. It's a good start!

C

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata rented a wetsuit and bought some other equipment, including an underwater lamp affixed to the helmet strapped to his head and a large net, so he looks pretty damn ready to go for a dive.]

Yeah, we can do that, but first tell me, how do you want to go about it? Just cut them up and watch each other's back? Or split up to cover more ground? I'd expect them to mainly swarm towards Bucca as night falls.

[Besides the net in his hand he also has his sword tied to his usual uniform belt, which may look a little out of place on the wetsuit, but hey.]

Otherwise we could make a little bonfire here at the shore and toss them in, but that'd probably take too many trips back and forth.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Honestly, I think the two of us can hold our own just fine with them swarming us. If they attack in force, they'll likely get overconfident.

If we set up a chokepoint amongst the reefs somewhere, we can control the rate at which they attack us.

Waiting for night...we're already at a disadvantage in the water. I don't think we should add darkness to that.

[He stretches.]

How you doing, by the way? You're not gonna go feral on me again, are you?