Dark Omega: Shadow Puppets, page 18
It’s ok. Nice work with the gnomes on the airship. I couldn’t believe how organized everyone is here.
That’s a gnomish operation for you. Order is the name of the game.
Well, it is a bit inspiring. I’ve been thinking about what we’ve done so far, and I would like to spend more time crafting now that we have a city and are building up the industry. We need to protect what we have, and I have some skills that can be advantageous for that.
Might as well make use of your partial crafter class.
Yeah. Thinking of that, we have the blueprints we received as part of the class, and I want to start building things with them.
Blueprint: Grav Arrow
Rarity: Common
An arrow that increases in weight the farther it travels to deliver greater impact. Damage increases by 10% for every 100ft in flight.
Blueprint: Grav Turbine
Rarity: Rare
A device that uses the pull of gravity to push liquids or gasses through it at high speeds for propulsion.
Blueprint: Gravity Pump
Rarity: Common
A device that can be used to push liquid through pipes.
Blueprint: Intensifier Pylon
Rarity: Uncommon
A pole that increases the gravity in a zone. The radius of the affect can be configured from 0 degrees to 360 degrees.
Carn wandered around the site, observing the gnomes and goblins at work. The team of skilled craftsmen and engineers were working together to construct a complex and intricate piece of machinery using a blend of magic and technology. Each member of the team had a unique set of skills and abilities that they brought to the project, and they worked together seamlessly to bring their creations to life. Well, mostly. Carn did see some confusion here and there, but the gnomes were quick to correct any inefficiencies.
The gnomes working in the area seemed a curious and inventive bunch. Each was a skilled craftsman or engineer, and they took pride in their work, striving to create the finest and most intricate creations imaginable.
Magic and superhuman strength sure made a difference in the construction. Objects that would’ve taken a team to move were easily lifted by the hulking hobgoblins. Tools flew through the air upon command, and the magical energy in the area was palpable to Carn’s senses. Temporary forges, workshops, and other specialized construction zones were clearly marked off. Carn watched the gnomes and fairies in these areas use their magical abilities to shape the raw materials into the specific components that they needed. Teams then set to work, using a combination of traditional construction techniques and magical spells to bring the machinery to life, and there were many machines to be seen.
Carn couldn’t identify much of it, but there seemed to be a machine for every task imaginable. Most looked like they came out of a steampunk encyclopedia. The walls of the workshops were adorned with intricate gears and cogs, steam pipes, and brass fittings, and the floor was cluttered with all manner of strange and wondrous devices. There were crystal-powered generators, magical circuits, clockwork automatons, smithing tools, brass telescopes, and microscopes.
Despite the chaos and clutter, the gnomes who worked in the workshop were organized and efficient. They were eager to share their knowledge and expertise with others, and their workshop looked like a place of learning and innovation for all who entered.
The place was full of constant activity, with assistants and engineers working tirelessly to push the boundaries of what was possible. The gnomes were driven by a sense of curiosity and a desire to understand the world around them. They were constantly experimenting and tinkering with new ideas and technologies, even when working on the large project.
As they worked, several gnomes in lab coats carefully monitored the project's progress, using their magical senses to detect any issues or problems that might arise. They made adjustments and fine-tuned the creation as they went, ensuring that it functioned perfectly and met their specifications. Carn recognized the way they checked off items on their clipboards as they observed. Some dictated into crystal recording devices.
Carn found the foreman talking with a few other gnomes around a table covered with schematics and notes. “I’d like to help with the project, if possible,” he said as he approached.
The gnome looked a bit shocked at first. “Of course, sire. We have received many volunteers lately. Where do you see yourself contributing?”
Pulling out the turbine blueprint, Carn spread it on the table. The gnomes leaned in closer and studied it for a few moments.
“The supports would need to be reinforced here and here,” one gnome said, pointing to another drawing.”
“Optimal thrust would be achieved by installing eight of them, four in the fore, here, here, here and there, and four more in the aft, here, here, here and here.” The gnome’s finger moved so fast that Carn didn’t catch all of it, but the other gnomes nodded or acknowledged with “mmh.”
After a few more gestures and comments, the foreman looked at Carn. “How many of these have you built so far?”
“None. I received the blueprint, and this is the first time I’ve examined it.”
“Hmm. We can make out the basics, but this was designed for a gravity crafter to construct. I assume you have that skill set?”
“I have the skill set but am hardly skilled at it. I’ve never crafted before.”
“Have to start at the beginning, then,” the foreman mumbled, stroking his well-trimmed beard. “Hershel could spare some time,” he said so faintly that Carn’s ears just barely picked it up.
“Sire, I know an engineer that can help you with this project. You will need to develop a few crafting skills to utilize this blueprint, but he is a good teacher.”
“I am very grateful. I know you probably need every hand available for this project.”
“Utilizing your blueprint will increase the efficiency of the vessel, and I have some other engineers who can take over for Hershel in the meantime.” Holding up his finger, the gnome said, “Just one moment, and I will introduce you to him.”
The foreman gave some instructions to each of the others at the table and then led Carn past several workstations to a large workshop full of various contraptions. The workshop was a bustling and frenetic place, filled with the sounds of hammers ringing against metal, the whirl of machines, and the shouts and laughter of the gnomes who were working there. The workshop seemed a chaotic and cluttered space at first glance, with tools and materials scattered about haphazardly and the air thick with the smells of oil, smoke, and sweat. However, on further review, the seeming chaos was really just Carn’s unfamiliarity with the equipment surrounding him.
The workshop was filled with all manner of strange and wondrous machines and gadgets, many of which seemed to defy the laws of physics. Some machines could lift enormous weights with ease, intricate clockworks that kept perfect time, and even devices that seemed to harness the power of the elements themselves.
“That’s Hershel over there,” the foreman said, pointing to a grizzled gnome wearing expensive stained clothes. His white hair was tinged with ash, but he held himself with poise and ultimate command of the area. As Carn watched, Hershel offered some pointers to a gnome working at a crystal assembly station. Another gnome raised his hand, and Hershel approached to observe his drawings. After giving him some advice, Hershel looked at his new arrivals.
“Welcome to my workshop,” he said. “It’s not often I receive a royal visitor.”
“I come hoping to learn,” Carn said.
“Then you’ve come to the right place,” Hershel said, adjusting his glasses. “What interests you?”
“I recently became a gravity crafter.” Carn held off using the savant term because he didn’t want to imply that he had a high level of skill. “I received a few blueprints with the class and would like to build some of these grav turbines.” Carn handed the blueprint to the old gnome.
Hershel squinted as he reviewed the sheet and then raised his eyes in satisfaction. “Quite impressive. What is your engineering skill level?”
“Umm, I don’t have the skill at all. I’ve been an adventurer so far, but I would like to begin crafting too.”
Hershel laughed. “Never crafted before, and you thought you’d start with a turbine. You sure like to move fast,” Hershel said, patting an empty stool.
Carn sat down on the stool, as Hershel explained.
“We will start you on basic projects to build up skill levels before we can do anything with this. From the look on your face, you’ve never used a crystal fabricator, smelting station, or amalgamator before, right?”
“That’s correct,” Carn said with a bit of embarrassment.
"Don't be embarrassed. Everyone has to start somewhere," Hershel said with a reassuring smile. "Let's begin by getting you familiar with the basic tools and techniques of engineering. Then we can work our way up to more advanced projects like building a grav turbine. Sound good?"
Carn nodded eagerly. "Yes, that sounds great. Thank you for your help, Hershel."
"No problem at all," he said, standing up and leading Carn over to the workshop's tools and materials. "Now, let's get started on your journey to becoming a skilled engineer."
***
Carn spent the next few hours following Hershel's instructions. Hershel was a very meticulous, detail-oriented, and thorough teacher, and his methods were highly effective in helping Carn improve his skills. By the time lunchtime arrived, Carn had made significant progress, successfully gaining an engineering skill and increasing it to level four.
After taking a short break for lunch, Carn checked his messages. Razz Cola sent him the countersigned agreement and a timetable for factory construction.
Wayne asked Sparky to send the Razz Cola timeline to Senwick, then he put together another VidFeed video. With that completed, he watched some Dark Omega videos and then checked the Insurgency forums.
Carn returned to the game and continued his crafting efforts. Sparky gave him a quick update.
Gilvester finished the crystal quest. He complained to me. Apparently, they had to fight a level 82 crystal dragon, and it was, in his words, “a real bitch.” The cavern has been claimed, and he recommends we create another fairy ring there so that we can harvest crystals from it regularly. The crystals grow back at a decent rate, so we should be able to responsibly harvest without reducing our yields.
Sure. We can send Blossom to build it.
Did anything else happen while I was out?
I ate lunch too and then watched the trainee smiths. It is quite an exciting process the gnomes have developed.
He and Hershel spent the rest of the day working on building up Carn's skill levels by producing basic materials for the airship. They worked tirelessly, churning out gears, pipes, crystals, and magical fibers as they honed their skills. The task was challenging and required a great deal of concentration, but Carn was determined to improve and persevered despite the difficulties. Towards the end of the day, his fingers were sore, and his eyes were strained from the intensity of the work, but he had made significant progress and was proud of his accomplishments. He was determined to continue working as long as he could.
“I'm looking forward to working on the turbine as soon as you think I’m ready. How long do you think it will take to make one? I heard the foreman say they needed eight of them for the airship."
"It's hard to say for sure, as every project is different. However, based on what I've seen so far, I think we should be able to make one in half a day. Keep in mind that we may need to troubleshoot any issues that come up, so it's possible it could take longer. It's also worth noting that if this is a unique design, we may encounter challenges that we haven't encountered before. However, if this really is a system blueprint, we could have better success. I’ve mostly worked with ones I’ve created myself or those I received from others. Those usually have a flaw here or there. This blueprint should make the process smoother."
Carn nodded in understanding.
“Do you have any other blueprints? It would be wise to try an easier gravity construct first, so that you can get used to the gravimetric principles.”
“Yes,” Carn said, sharing the other blueprints with Hershel.
“Perfect. You have a common rarity blueprint that we can start with. After you create a number of gravity arrows, we can move on to the intensifier pylon before starting on the turbines.”
Attention: Grovehaven is under attack.
Carn jumped up from the stool he was working at, quickly apologizing to Hershel as he dashed towards the fairy ring as he sent out messages in the guild chat to meet at the wall. He transported in at the new ring they had placed in the keep at the wall. The keep was still not fully repaired, but the lower floors were solid stone. The builders had assured him they were built to last through sieges.
Carn quickly stepped out from the ring so as to not hold up traffic, but the area was already crammed with soldiers and players. The scene was one of controlled chaos and anxiety as the soldiers mustered in the keep, preparing for the imminent attack. All around them, the air was filled with the sound of steel and the shouts of men and women as they scrambled to take their positions. The area was a hive of activity, with soldiers rushing to and fro, grabbing weapons and armor and checking their supplies.
Amidst the chaos, a sense of determination and purpose could be felt. These soldiers were part of a newly formed army, but many were seasoned veterans, hardened by years of battle and accustomed to the fear and adrenaline that came with facing an enemy. Despite their differing backgrounds, fairies, goblins, and gnolls moved with a sense of purpose, and each one focused on their role in the coming fight. Life was already much better for them in the Fey Consortium than it had been in their previous tribes or clans. They were well-armed and in a defensible position. They also had an ever-growing cadre of immortal players at their side. Some checked and rechecked their weapons, ensuring they were ready for the fray. Others helped their comrades don their armor, their hands steady despite the anxiety that filled the air.
Carn scanned the messages in the guild chat, but no one had information on the enemy yet. Anxiously, he made his way up to the wall.
Chapter 20 – Catching An Inbound Flight
Carn took to the air and flew two levels up to the wall. Vect waved to him, and Carn flew over the heads of mustering soldiers to his side. Gilvester was already there, and he nodded to Carn as Vect apprised them of the situation.
“A scouting team encountered a force of well over a hundred goblins making their way through one of the monitored mountain passes. They are gathering in the forest now and are likely preparing for an attack. I sounded the alarm as soon as I received the news. We should have a more detailed report soon.”
“What is the state of our readiness?” Carn asked.
“The new ballistas have been installed on the walls, and guild members have laid traps throughout the forest. The troops have been training hard together. The melee and calvary gather around the inside base of the wall while archers and mages man the wall. Most mages have been taught a few critical large-scale spells do inflict maximum casualties, and we have healing stations inside each wall tower. The towers are still in ruins, but they should still provide decent protection against attacks.
“New scouting report, sir,” a young goblin said, saluting the group.
Vect returned the salute. “Quickly now. Deliver your news.”
“A little over two hundred goblins have entered the forest. They also have air support. Twelve airships have been spotted traveling through the clouds. They are trying to stay hidden, but the areal scouts could hear their engines.”
“What can we expect from the airships?” Gilvester asked.
“There are ten destroyers and two bombers. The destroyers have six cannons on each side. They can dish out a lot of damage but are extremely inaccurate, especially at higher altitudes. The bombers are the greatest threat if they reach the city.”
“Do they know that we’ve spotted them?” Carn asked.
“I don’t believe so, sire.”
“We might be able to engage them in the air while their forces are still far from the wall. If we could end the air threat now, our forces could then fully concentrate on the ground forces.”
“Our forces are still gathering, but that is reasonable. However, you should leave a reserve here for contingencies,” Vect replied. He turned to the goblin messenger. “Bring me one of the scouts so they can sketch the vessels for us. Then we can put together a plan of attack.”
“I’ll gather those guild members who have flying mounts or natural flying ability,” Gilvester added.
Just then, Lina and Sevelle arrived on their alates, bringing Orca with them. “Oh, good. The fun hasn’t started yet,” Sevelle said with a grin and a wink.
“We are preparing a strike at the enemy airships. That should be fun enough for you.”
“Actually,” Vect interrupted. “Sevelle and the other quick and stealthy forces would be best placed harrying the goblin ground forces in the forest. You won’t have enough alates to bring all the players to the aerial battle, so it would be better to field them in the forest where they can diminish the enemy forces and slow their approach.”
***
Carn listened to the sound of the goblin airship engines below them in the clouds. He flew beside Orca. Every alate was loaded down with fighters. The rest of the area was full of fairies and the few players who had obtained flying mounts. Eight of the new guild members had chosen fairy as their race after Carn’s success, and now they passed beside him. Many other guild members flew astride the alates.
He rechecked his war party menu and confirmed that the group was all present and ready. With a wave, he initiated his rally cry and commenced the attack.
Wind spells dispersed the cloud cover, revealing the goblin ships as a hoard of spells were divulged upon them. Alates dived down with their riders to slash through balloons and rigging. The few goblins who patrolled the catwalks above the balloons were quickly dispatched. The goblins tried to maneuver to target their attackers, but Carn and his force stayed above the ships, where little could hurt them.
