Super Tail First Draft

[10:57] A strange clanking noise could be heard behind the dark drakanite. As if gears were consistently turning and pistons banging against cold hard metal. Eventually, the source would be quite clear as Lavinia's new, metallic tail rose high enough to be seen over her dual thick horns.

"Seems like it's takin' a toll outta ya'. Maybe you should eat a bit more, m'hm."

In her pouch, there'd be a piece of jerky. Her tail's jagged end would be the thing that retrieves it, however. Carefully, steadily, the pike would poke the end of the dried meat and slowly drag it out, only to present it to the budding Cambion.

The movement was still a bit clumsy, a lot of unwanted shaking and weird noises, but Lavinia was getting the hang of it.
(Lavinia Walters)
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[10:57] {Item} You drop Jerky.
[11:07] Aerymi had looked over as the clanging sounds began- giving a few blinks as the tail rises up behind the drakanite. Whoa. That's pretty cool, actually.

Though the comment of it taking a toll out of her isn't wrong, nor is that she should probably eat more. Watching as the tail rises up, poking into their pouch- giving a small smile as she sees it withdrawing a piece of jerky.

The cambion presents her hands to retrieve the jerky, where- along with the pouch of reagents- are stowed within her side bag.

"Yeah...thank you..." Pausing for a few seconds, head dipping down slightly- as if hesitant to speak. "...your tail is cool..." She expressed interest in something! How unlike her.
(Aerymi)
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[11:11] Half to about three quarters of the tail had been replaced with metal. Well, some of it was split, given that Daemia actually had to fuse the stump with the metal to make this work while remaining relatively limber.

Lavinia winked, with a smile. She looked a bit tired, though.

"No sweat, kiddo."

The tail retreated, prompting more clinks and clangs. Sporadic twitches came to be, as if there were some malfunctions going on akin to muscle spasms.

"It is neat, m'hm. Not as good as the original, but it is better than missin' half of it. Besides, you can help me improve it, right Aerymi?"

Hands on her hips, she leaned forward a little with her eyes narrowing a little and her warmer smiler turning into a sly one.
(Lavinia Walters)
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[11:23] The smile is returned, even if thin- then nodding at mention of it not being quite as good as the original, and that a tail is better than no tail.

When the drakanite leans in with their leading question, one might expect Aerymi to agree just from gratitude!

This is not so. She doesn't seem to notice the shift in their smile, or really mind the leaning in. Taking a step back, she moves to look at the tail behind Lavinia- "Stay still."

Assuming they do? Hands reach out to examine the fusion between flesh and metal, looking over the various segments. After a few minutes of this, she'd step back next to Lavinia.

"Yeah. Definitely can. Would take some work and time- and probably something sturdier than mythril, since it looks like whoever made it had to make it weaker to make it work- but would still need to be as light, or lighter, than mythril." Basically, arcanium.

"Other than that...you could probably modify it to channel magic through, or poison people with. Have some form of tank installed into it, that you can fill..."

The cambion gives a very small nod. Seems she's already seen some ways to improve it...

"Oh, and...could likely make it easier to control."
(Aerymi)
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[11:32] The initiative taken by Aerymi would be received with some reluctance by Lavinia. Her sly gaze turning to a wider, more cautious one. Her tail hardly moved, but her head did, following every movement made by the budding alchemist.

Contact was allowed, but only on the metal. Any attempt to touch the organic parts would be met with a swift shift of the tail to move it away from Aerymi's grasp.

"Mmm."

Uncomfortable but cooperative, Lavinia played along and listened.

"You're thinkin' right. I've been thinkin', actually . . ."

Arms crossed, a bit on the defensive, as she'd drum her thick, black claws against her forearm while her previously cautious stare became a more pensive one.

"Maybe, the tail can be optimized, yes? As a full blown weapon, rather than just an accessory. Give it a strong shell, and a very complex interior where m'magic can flow."

Perhaps a skeleton of arcanium and a thin shell of Nyeshk. It'd make sense, mimicking her dark, thick scales while massively enhanced by a mix of orchilacum and arcanium from within.

"The poison idea's great actually! Oh, I do love that. How 'bout . . . The deadly tip made of Tyrium, yes? Poisonous to magis, 'n'would be useful to keep 'em cooperative. OH! And the pointy end could open to release blasts of darkness!"

Basically, a tail gun.
(Lavinia Walters)
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[11:57] The cambion really didn't mind the reluctance- though upon seeing they didn't want their tail touched, would avoid doing so.

Really, though, what could the drakanite have expected other than her going back to examine the tail? The artificer wouldn't've been able to give her opinion...

Hearing Lavinia's thoughts on the idea cause her to give a few small nods, before she responds with her own.

"Optimized? Definitely, and absolutely. A sturdy shell...would limit its dexterity...but I'm pretty certain that, with the right materials for the interior structure, we could get around that..."

Aerymi fingers the flute at her side as she thinks...

"I'm not sure about the tip of the tail being of tyrium, and having it shoot occultism. The tyrium would drain away the magic used as you fired it...though there's likely some way to work around that,it'd just need experimentation.

At the point of being able send magic through it, I'd imagine you wouldn't need anything special to cast magic with the tip as the...mm. Origin, other than, as mentioned, some way past the anti-magic properties of the tyrium."

Looking up to Lavinia now, the cambion tilts her head to the side.

"Would you like to continue this discussion in my workshop?"
(Aerymi)
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[12:04] "Oh don't worry, Aerymi. I'm already gettin' used to this clunk piece of metal. Somethin' heavy 'n' imposin' wouldn't be an issue. It'd balance out with a lack of heavy weapon on me, m'hm."

The tail remained close to the artificer, for she could still be liberal on her touching so long as it was on the metallic parts. Lavinia hardly felt anything there, after all.

"I s'pose you're right 'bout the magic drainin'. But, maybe, the tyrium blade can like, open like a claw, m'hm. Reveals a cannon that can shoot with precision and the tyrium prevents it from losin' control. M'hm."

Lavinia was no engineer, so what she was saying could very well be scientific gibberish. But she was certainly excited by the prospect, oh yes!

"Oh, yes, let's head on inside. Right behind ya', kiddo."
(Lavinia Walters)
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[12:23] She leads the drakanite back through the tower to her workshop, mulling over their words as she goes. Upon arriving, they're led to one of the back rooms, where she sits at her desk, withdrawing a piece of parchment and a pen.

Taking several moments to note down what they've spoken about thus far, she only responds once it's all been writ down.

Aerymi leads with a shake of her head. "I understand what you're saying, and I wasn't saying not to do some form of shell- just that we'd have to be careful designing it, or the weight would make it far, far more difficult to fight."

Looking back towards the parchment, she quickly sketches out something akin to a claw- four pointed, piercing prongs, with some form of circular extension in the center.

"Something like that might work for what you described. The fewer moving parts there are, the better- while movement can be practical, at times, sometimes it's best to avoid it." Nodding once, several more notes are made around the quick sketch.

"Keeping it from losing control would be something you'd have to be aware of. No matter how much thought and planning goes into something, if you overload the enchantments allowing the object to function, it'll break."
(Aerymi)
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[12:32] "Whew, they sure spoiled ya' with the room."

She chuckled, leering at the various details that composed this large living quarter. Certainly a bigger space than Lavinia's studio in Theria. Perhaps she should request one of these, given her work done for the Tower at this point.

"So."

The drakanite sat herself on the edge of the desk where she could easily peer at the inventor's sketch. The tail hovered over the two, giving off little clanging sounds from time to time, though far more subtle than when they were outside.

"Y'gotta basically have the proper shape 'n' size of materials to make it usable, huh?"

A few nods were given at the preliminary drawing made as a brainstorm for this budding project.

"Simple open 'n' closin' shouldn't be too hard though, no? One moment it is a deadly blade, another it is a claw that can fire out of that."

She'd point at the circular element in the middle of the set of claws.

"The question of control is worryin', I agree. Hmmm. Perhaps we should directly connect it to my body rather than just a portion of my tail. That way, if it were to malfunction, it'd be 'cause my whole body's pretty much messed anyway. Could maybe help with anti-magic collars too, m'hm."
(Lavinia Walters)
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[13:18] Lavinia continues to insist that the tip should open and close- so open and close it will, even if she thinks it'd function better without the additional movement. It's what the client desires, in this situation, so it is what the client will get.

More notes made in accordance with this, as the drakanite goes to expand upon the issue of control- pausing her writing as they suggest connecting it directly to their body, as opposed to the stump of their tail. Leaning back in her chair, she glances upwards, considering the possibility.

Then, eventually, nods once. "Actually, yeah. That would give you finer control- and though I've not looked at it myself, I'm guessing the nerves in your tail were still somewhat damaged. Removing the rest of your tail, then connecting the base of the metal prosthetic directly into your spine...that should solve that issue, but if the tail ever got removed, it'd cause problems."

She leaves what those problems would be, vague. It isn't hard to imagine the possibilities as she writes down the solution presented. Dangerous, but also promising.

Diverging from that topic- it mostly concluded unless Lavinia added to it- and returning to the topic of materials. What the prosthetic is made of is ultimately what limits their options.

"Going back to materials. You've mentioned tyrium for the tip- makes sense, being struck with a dagger of tyrium would definitely cause problems for the magi hit. Best option for the shell...would have to be nyeshk, if you're focused more on it being sturdy and solid, as opposed to the weight of the thing.

That's external. Internally..." Her gaze trails upwards again. Arcanium is the obvious solution, but that's simultaneously expensive, and not the answer to every problem- using it to make the internal framework and structure would work wonders, but maybe something else to construct the actual wiring, and to hold the enchantments?

Mythril and orichalcum suggest themselves as good answers. "Arcanium for the internal structure. Orichalcum for bearing the enchants, and mythril for the wirings. That should help keep the overall quantity of arcanium lower, but it'll still function well."

Turning back to her desk, she begins writing again- making notes of her thoughts just prior.
(Aerymi)
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[13:31] A couple of blinks, Lavinia was left to ponder what those problems could be. It wasn't hard to imagine of course. Paralysis, heavy internal tissue damage, permanent loss of balance, etc.

"Maybe . . . We should also change parts inside of me, then? So that if it is removed, nothing inside is actually compromised and could make way for a replacement?"

A sort of slot, something that essentially harmonized metal and flesh. Something that couldn't be removed without meticulous work that'd likely kill Lavinia anyway with or without it.

Of course, she'd keep up with the conversation, for it did tackle elements she was keen on knowing right now so she could work on it.

"Yes! Well, I want it to be kinda like my scales, actually. They /are/ as hard as Nyeshk."

With little hesitation, her thick claws on index and thumb would pluck out a scale from the opposing hand. It'd emit a nasty ripping sound, followed by a pool of blood forming over the wound. Nasty, but it didn't take long for it to be clotted by another scale. A smaller one, but it'd grow in about a day to its fully matured state.

Lavinia would fling the freshly ripped scale for Aerymi to examine. It was indeed nearly as robust as Nyeshk, because I app'd for that okay.

"Mythril, Nyeshk 'n' Orichalcum, I've got. But Arcanium . . ."

The same index that he ripped her scale would come to tap her chin as she mused for a moment.

"I'll have to ask Tonashi 'bout this. He probably doesn't have any but knowin' him, he'd have a lead. Heh. Perhaps you'd be interested in comin' along? Surely y'could use some extra rare rock too, hehe."
(Lavinia Walters)
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[13:37] {Item} You drop Jerky.
[14:33] Change parts inside them. That isn't something to consider lightly, but...it isn't something to not consider, either. They'd need at least two doctors to double-check the work involved. Something to consider later on.

Aerymi catches the scale, and she holds it up, examining it in the light. Turning it around, feeling the edge- after a few seconds, she places it to the ground and picks up a nearby hammer, swinging down upon it. Satisfied with the ringing that travelled through the tool, she places it back down, scale retrieved and set besides it.

Nodding as it was mentioned that they have the other materials already, she's not surprised by the lack of on-hand arcanium. It's a rare material, after all.

The cambion's head tilts towards the side as they mention a possible method of getting arcanium- and she gives a small nod. "I'd be interested in going, yes. I'm not very strong, though, so that would have to be kept in mind."

Shifting so that she's facing the parchment again, pen is placed to paper and she adds in several quick notes- outlining the possibility of doing something inside their back, though simultaneously marking it for review later. They haven't reached the stage to talk about that.

Her pen is placed back to the table, and she turns to look towards Lavinia again. "Unless there's anything else you want to add or tell me about, I think that's all we can do for now, until we've the materials to experiment with."
(Aerymi)
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[15:02] A smirk of satisfaction poked her cheek as she witnessed just how durable her scale truly was! Very much like Nyeshk, although with a slightly rougher texture compared to the metal when refined. Its shape was hardly distorted with the hits of the hammer.

"Not very strong, huh? That's alright. If you're a medic, then you'll have a very important role, m'hm. And we'll have to protect ya'."

Lavinia hopped off the table and took the opportunity to stretch her back, arms extended upwards and a brief yawn coming from the initiative.

"I don't think there's much else, no. I could come up with plenty of ideas, but it'll just be ideas. Most probably bad. So, we'll stick to what you have now and go from there, yes?"


(Lavinia Walters)
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[15:11] Aerymi smiles slightly at mention of being protected, though also a shake of her head. "Thank you, but I need to be able to protect myself too."

Their hop from the table causes the cambion to rise, stretching her arms upwards as well. "That sounds good, mhm. If there /is/ anything you'd like me to note now that you'd like, this would probably be the best time to tell me- now, or when we talk about it next."

It does seem like there isn't much else for the moment, though.
(Aerymi)
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[15:17] "Wise words. Never rely on others."

Her previous smirk reverted to a more humble smile. Lavinia's trail retreated back, merely hovering and slowly shifting in a passive manner, making very little sound beyond a sporadic creak.

"I do wanna discuss somethin', however. But it ain't 'bout the tail. No."

Green, reptilian eyes focused more on the young cambion now, her smile degenerating into a neutral expression.

"It's you I wanna talk about."

Drakanite claws pinched the parchment's upper left hand corner so that she could get a better glimpse of it as she'd continue.

"You don't ever seem very happy, here. Or ever. Except when we start to talk 'bout interestin' things. Are you content here, in this Tower, Aerymi?"
(Lavinia Walters)
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[15:21] Aerymi's head turns to the side as they state that there's something else they wish to talk about. Lowering slowly back into her seat, she stares back into their green slits with her own in sanguine- then frowns slightly as they mention the desired topic. She doesn't stop them from examining the parchment, but the light that had somewhat returned to the cambion's eyes diminishes somewhat.

"I'm fine, yeah. I'm content here, because there isn't any other place to go." Her voice has gotten somewhat distant, and far more tired. "Making interesting things is the only time I see a point to caring. Otherwise it's all just...so tiring."

Quite honest, isn't she?
(Aerymi)
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[15:27] A couple of nods. Lavinia promptly returned the document to the desk upon giving her non-verbal approval.

"It does seem like you only stay our of obligation. But let's entertain a little bit of hypotheticals here."

The emerald gaze returned to the mutant youth, arms crossed and head tilted slightly to the right.

"If you had a choice. Where would you go? Let's assume the world wouldn't reject ya' for bein' something different, m'hm."
(Lavinia Walters)
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[15:29] Aerymi just stares as the drakanite suggests looking at hypotheticals.

If she had a choice? She'd probably stay here. There wouldn't be any point in going anywhere else...

"I'd stay. There wouldn't be a point in uprooting myself...it'd be so exhausting, for no real...reason to do it..."
(Aerymi)
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[15:30] * You have been awarded 1 Roleplay Points! *
[15:34] No point in uprooting herself. A strange thing to hear. It felt as though this one had little sense of self and instead oriented her existence to mere /things/. A peculiar notion for Lavinia, who had always been walking among the notions of choice and self-gain. One from her own humanity and the other from the demonic omnipresence in her recent life.

She didn't answer right away, eyes merely narrowing at the near-emotionless worker bee of a girl.

"No real reason other than for bettering yourself and your situation, maybe?"

Eyebrows rose as she sought maybe a reaction from Aerymi.

"Then, I s'pose I must ask, what do ya' hope to accomplish here? What do y'wanna become?"
(Lavinia Walters)
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[15:37] Aerymi shakes her head at the first thing Lavinia says, then pretty much immediately responds to the second.

"No. I just want to make the things I choose to make. Everything else is so exhausting.

What I want to become? Able to stand instead of kneel...kneeling would be so tiring, so exhausting, there wouldn't be any point..."

She sighs. So tired. Though her goals do seem...somewhat odd, there's certainly reasoning behind them.
(Aerymi)
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[15:40] What strange creatures these cambions could be. So human and yet so far from it. Then again, perhaps Aerymi was always like this to begin with and this transformation just made it all the more apparent.

"Hmmm, you talk a lot 'bout bein' tired. T'be exhausted. Lots of things are, but willpower is what y'need to work on if that's such an issue."

Although, when speaking of being tired, Lavinia would instinctively yawn.

"But, y'make sense. M'hm. Inventive 'n' work oriented. No wonder Lady Veles values ya' quite a bit."
(Lavinia Walters)
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[15:44] No, she's just depressed.

Even has plenty of willpower. It's just...there's no point to using it, most of the time...none at all...

Then the cambion gives a small shrug.

"Not sure if she does. Maybe. Maybe not..." Giving a quiet sigh... "Was there anything else you wanted to talk about me, Lavinia...?"
(Aerymi)