But that is correct. I can give you some directions if needed, and I'll also be in for most days working on some equipment for the upcoming venture. Can even meet now if you wish.
And I find myself free most days. Being a freelance bounty hunter does have it's perks. I'll see you soon.
[And he does make the trip. It turns out, Cid's workshop isn't hard to find. As he enters, he has a look around, sharp blue eyes taking in details, noting equipment that looks familiar versus that which looks completely alien. The voice that calls out his a rich baritone with hard French consonants.]
Is the proprietor still in attendance? We spoke on the phone. My name is...Jean-Phillipe. [He opted to use his actual name, rather than his code name. It seemed...less formal that way.]
"Medieval" suggests the archaic had some sort of magical aspect to it, which in my world at the least couldn't be further from the truth. Besides, the level of technology here is at least Victorian, far removed from the Dark Ages.
[Whether Cid knows anything about Earth history doesn't really bother him.]
It's the power source that eludes me, but a wise man from Earth once said, "nothing is impossible. We merely don't know how to do it yet". And so, here I am.
It's a physical impossibility that some conscious entity is continuously feeding every bit of tech in the world, so it must have some sort of storable medium, a battery if you know the term.
I am familiar, fortunately, and while I am not an expert I do know enough to try and translate it.
[He'll stand up and move over to a shelf where he'll look over through the small drawers before opening one and pulling out a red crystal.]
The thing about magic is that exists throughout the world, like air or any other energy. I wouldn't say it's unlimited, as I know well what happens when that mistake is made. However, it does seem to be renewable in different forms. So while can create more refined batteries, there are naturally made ones.
So, you say there are natural ways to store this energy.
[He is still, quite obstinately, unwilling to call this energy magic, even though 'electricity' in all its myriad forms has a proper name, and that magic exists much as it does but is quite separate in terms of existence, he's still resistant.
He'll come around.
Eventually.
But first-]
And this energy is a non-renewable resource...partially? How is that possible?
[He really must understand how this "magic" works if he's to work with it.]
If you want the real answers to that, you'll need to hit the books for all the theories of magic in this world. No one really knows whether it's a product of the world itself, the leviathans, or something else, but there seems to be plenty of it. Or perhaps there aren't enough people to abuse and overuse it.
[A slight sarcastic grin before he continues with the crystal.]
But this crystal here is naturally formed around environments that has a lot of heat or fire. Volcanic areas in particular, but there are some in the deserts. Current research believe that it's concentrated magic taking form and you can use elemental crystals like these to harness that element.
However, just as you can draw out the magic, these crystals can draw in magic as well. So while it's possible to drain this crystal completely of its magic, it's just as possible to restore it.
Ah, possibly. Earth, for instance, has only recently begun straining its fossel fuels and our population had to hit 7 billion first.
[But that's neither here nor there, really.]
How utterly...alchemical. [Alchemy, the origin of chemistry. Maybe he can logic his way through this magic thing.]
Like a rechargeable power cell. Now, could this fire crystal, for instance, be recharged by chucking it into any old fire, or would a quest for an active caldera be in order?
Fortunately there are a few ways. Any source of heat, such as a fire, would work. A little bit of fire magic will also be enough to restore it. With those the longer it's around the source, be it natural or magic, the more it will regain and the stronger it will be.
You can even design a system with other fire crystals where they all absorb from each other, which eliminates the "down time."
[Following that logic, fire crystals, or crystals in general, are far less useful than batteries...
...unless...he reaches across, asking permission with a raised eyebrow before taking the crystal in question into his hand, raising it into the light for a closer inspection.]
...and I assume this crystal is only able to supply fire magic, yes? Or, more specifically, energy that has already become fire, am I following correctly?
[He'll let Fantomex take it easily. Unless triggered or the magic within the crystal released, there won't be any risk to him. Well, even if something happened Cid can handle it.]
Anything with heat, so basically yes. The crystal itself can turn into a heating stone without producing any fire, but it can also creates actual flames for a fire, though only proportionate to its size and power unless amplified through other means.
Some uses they can be found in are more advanced stoves, heating units, and I've even made a heat sink utilizing them.
[Well in some respects it really is kind of "new age"—]
A push with your own magic or if it's part of something else, a mechanism that would do the same.
[He pulls out his pack of cigars and takes one out because what better way to demonstrate than lighting one? Hope he doesn't mind— But holding the crystal up to the cigar, Jean-Phillipe will see the small flicker of flame appear before the end of the cigar is lit, and just as quickly the flame disappears, leaving the crystal warm to the touch as he holds it out to him.]
The implication being that everyone can just 'do magic'? Are you serious?
[That doesn't even touch on how one 'pushes' with magic. He has a mutant ability, he knows how that works, how like another limb it is, but if magic is 'naturally occurring', well, it's even more important he learn to master this 'magitech'.
Seeing as there is nothing about Jean-Phillipe that is 'natural'. Someone tried to eliminate him from existence recently because of it. So rude.]
I don't smoke. It's a disgusting habit that will lead you to an early grave.
[There's no suggested judgement in his tone, though. If anything, the scent triggers a core memory of a man who was molded into a murderer in a much more cruel and invasive way than Jean-Phillipe himself was, and the pang of homesickness it invokes leaves him disoriented for a moment.
And so he takes the damned fire rock, still warm from its recent use, and glares at it as though a look could cause it to ignite.]
There's no activation switch.
[Said as he knows that there isn't one, that his 'magic' is supposed to turn it on, but he has no idea how that works.]
[Said as if he's saying the sky is blue—but he will just take one puff before being polite and walking over to his desk nearby to put it out on the ashtray. However, he will also note how he's reacting. Hmmm.]
I probably should have asked this first—have you gotten one of the tattoos?
[A low hum of understanding. It's certainly not something he brings up often—always an awkward thing and not necessary the best conversation starter after all. And while he does glance at Jean-Pierre for a moment, he won't press into the circumstances.
It happened, they're here, that's all that matters between them.
Instead he just chuckles.]
Well, I wouldn't go that far, but it does help with things. After all, can't really teach you how to use magic if you can't even access to begin with.
[A wink as he continues on.]
Have you ever had to release some kind of energy before from yourself?
Only have encountered a small handful who could do something in that field. If you ever had to focus on creating such illusions, then it's a similar focus with magic. At least for these crystals to activate, all you have to do is focus that kind of power into it and it'll react.
We are a rare breed. [He comments, tone casual but proud.] If you'd ever like a practical demonstration of just what I can do, let me know. I'll cook up something special for you. [And he has quite an imagination. It was a requirement for illusions to be believable, after all.
Cid's explanation gives him pause, though. To attempt using the magic of this place, he'd need to rely on the organic part of himself, then.]
Aren't you supposed to tell me to "focus my will" or something to that effect?
[There's a glint in Jean-Phillipe's eye that says he's looking forward to it. What can he say? He likes to brag.]
As easy as one lifts a finger then, eh?
[It does occur to him he may simply have a mental block against it. He's hardwired not to believe in anything, after all, let alone magic, and yet he's seen it at work. Cid here has no reason to lie to him, either.
He's overthinking this, definitely, but there's a part of him still raging at the impossibility of it all, that he would be capable of magic.]
Aye, exactly. Just a little nudge is all it takes to activate the core. Of course, more magic will create a stronger reaction, but we don't need to worry about that here.
[A grin.][Making it sound like a challenge, perhaps?]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[One can hear the amusement through the words.]
But that is correct. I can give you some directions if needed, and I'll also be in for most days working on some equipment for the upcoming venture. Can even meet now if you wish.
no subject
[Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up.]
And I find myself free most days. Being a freelance bounty hunter does have it's perks. I'll see you soon.
[And he does make the trip. It turns out, Cid's workshop isn't hard to find. As he enters, he has a look around, sharp blue eyes taking in details, noting equipment that looks familiar versus that which looks completely alien. The voice that calls out his a rich baritone with hard French consonants.]
Is the proprietor still in attendance? We spoke on the phone. My name is...Jean-Phillipe. [He opted to use his actual name, rather than his code name. It seemed...less formal that way.]
no subject
Aye, I'll be out in a moment.
[With the box in hand, he'll appear and look over at him.]
You're the one needing a crash course about—what have I heard, "medieval" tech?
no subject
[Whether Cid knows anything about Earth history doesn't really bother him.]
It's the power source that eludes me, but a wise man from Earth once said, "nothing is impossible. We merely don't know how to do it yet". And so, here I am.
no subject
no subject
It's a physical impossibility that some conscious entity is continuously feeding every bit of tech in the world, so it must have some sort of storable medium, a battery if you know the term.
no subject
[He'll stand up and move over to a shelf where he'll look over through the small drawers before opening one and pulling out a red crystal.]
The thing about magic is that exists throughout the world, like air or any other energy. I wouldn't say it's unlimited, as I know well what happens when that mistake is made. However, it does seem to be renewable in different forms. So while can create more refined batteries, there are naturally made ones.
Like this fire crystal here.
no subject
[He is still, quite obstinately, unwilling to call this energy magic, even though 'electricity' in all its myriad forms has a proper name, and that magic exists much as it does but is quite separate in terms of existence, he's still resistant.
He'll come around.
Eventually.
But first-]
And this energy is a non-renewable resource...partially? How is that possible?
[He really must understand how this "magic" works if he's to work with it.]
no subject
If you want the real answers to that, you'll need to hit the books for all the theories of magic in this world. No one really knows whether it's a product of the world itself, the leviathans, or something else, but there seems to be plenty of it. Or perhaps there aren't enough people to abuse and overuse it.
[A slight sarcastic grin before he continues with the crystal.]
But this crystal here is naturally formed around environments that has a lot of heat or fire. Volcanic areas in particular, but there are some in the deserts. Current research believe that it's concentrated magic taking form and you can use elemental crystals like these to harness that element.
However, just as you can draw out the magic, these crystals can draw in magic as well. So while it's possible to drain this crystal completely of its magic, it's just as possible to restore it.
no subject
[But that's neither here nor there, really.]
How utterly...alchemical. [Alchemy, the origin of chemistry. Maybe he can logic his way through this magic thing.]
Like a rechargeable power cell. Now, could this fire crystal, for instance, be recharged by chucking it into any old fire, or would a quest for an active caldera be in order?
no subject
You can even design a system with other fire crystals where they all absorb from each other, which eliminates the "down time."
no subject
[Following that logic, fire crystals, or crystals in general, are far less useful than batteries...
...unless...he reaches across, asking permission with a raised eyebrow before taking the crystal in question into his hand, raising it into the light for a closer inspection.]
...and I assume this crystal is only able to supply fire magic, yes? Or, more specifically, energy that has already become fire, am I following correctly?
no subject
Anything with heat, so basically yes. The crystal itself can turn into a heating stone without producing any fire, but it can also creates actual flames for a fire, though only proportionate to its size and power unless amplified through other means.
Some uses they can be found in are more advanced stoves, heating units, and I've even made a heat sink utilizing them.
no subject
And how does one activate it? You imply there's energy always flowing through it. How do you "let it out" so to speak?
no subject
A push with your own magic or if it's part of something else, a mechanism that would do the same.
[He pulls out his pack of cigars and takes one out because what better way to demonstrate than lighting one? Hope he doesn't mind— But holding the crystal up to the cigar, Jean-Phillipe will see the small flicker of flame appear before the end of the cigar is lit, and just as quickly the flame disappears, leaving the crystal warm to the touch as he holds it out to him.]
Quite simple, really. Care to try?
no subject
[That doesn't even touch on how one 'pushes' with magic. He has a mutant ability, he knows how that works, how like another limb it is, but if magic is 'naturally occurring', well, it's even more important he learn to master this 'magitech'.
Seeing as there is nothing about Jean-Phillipe that is 'natural'. Someone tried to eliminate him from existence recently because of it. So rude.]
I don't smoke. It's a disgusting habit that will lead you to an early grave.
[There's no suggested judgement in his tone, though. If anything, the scent triggers a core memory of a man who was molded into a murderer in a much more cruel and invasive way than Jean-Phillipe himself was, and the pang of homesickness it invokes leaves him disoriented for a moment.
And so he takes the damned fire rock, still warm from its recent use, and glares at it as though a look could cause it to ignite.]
There's no activation switch.
[Said as he knows that there isn't one, that his 'magic' is supposed to turn it on, but he has no idea how that works.]
no subject
Bit late for that.
[Said as if he's saying the sky is blue—but he will just take one puff before being polite and walking over to his desk nearby to put it out on the ashtray. However, he will also note how he's reacting. Hmmm.]
I probably should have asked this first—have you gotten one of the tattoos?
no subject
I suppose that makes two of us, then.
[And yes, it still stings immensely that he's dead, but his usual reaction to such things is flippancy. No call to change course, really.]
And I have. [He tilts his head to the side in a bemused gesture.]
Is this the part where you tell me the anthropomorphic cephalopod made me a magical boy?
no subject
It happened, they're here, that's all that matters between them.
Instead he just chuckles.]
Well, I wouldn't go that far, but it does help with things. After all, can't really teach you how to use magic if you can't even access to begin with.
[A wink as he continues on.]
Have you ever had to release some kind of energy before from yourself?
no subject
[He taps on the top of a nearby workbench thoughtfully for a moment before continuing.]
I am part mutant. As such, I possess the power of misdirection. To put it simply, I can cast illusions.
no subject
[An intrigued look.]
Only have encountered a small handful who could do something in that field. If you ever had to focus on creating such illusions, then it's a similar focus with magic. At least for these crystals to activate, all you have to do is focus that kind of power into it and it'll react.
no subject
Cid's explanation gives him pause, though. To attempt using the magic of this place, he'd need to rely on the organic part of himself, then.]
Aren't you supposed to tell me to "focus my will" or something to that effect?
no subject
[Ever the one to learn things!
But he just chuckles at that.]
While one's will does play a part for larger spells and abilities, when it comes to the tattoos, there's a bit less of it for a basic use like this.
no subject
As easy as one lifts a finger then, eh?
[It does occur to him he may simply have a mental block against it. He's hardwired not to believe in anything, after all, let alone magic, and yet he's seen it at work. Cid here has no reason to lie to him, either.
He's overthinking this, definitely, but there's a part of him still raging at the impossibility of it all, that he would be capable of magic.]
Or the flicking of a switch...
no subject
[A grin.][Making it sound like a challenge, perhaps?]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
🎀