Closed Whitlock & Beckett (Sebastian)

Because any trip to the blacksmith to buy ghost-hunting supplies should always end in alcohol.

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The Diamond of Kalea is located on Kalea's extreme west coast and called as such because its completely made of a crystalline substance called Skyglass. Home of the Alvina of the Stars, cultural mecca of knowledge seekers, and rife with Ethaefal, this remote city shimmers with its own unique light.

Whitlock & Beckett (Sebastian)

Postby Boo Beckett on March 10th, 2016, 5:10 am

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Timestamp: 11th of Spring, 516 AV

Boo rather admired the name 'Touch of Fire', which he felt was a more than adequate title for a blacksmith. In his experience, which admittedly was somewhat lacking in this particular field, he had always thought of a smithy as an uncomfortably hot and dirty place, with large bellows that wheezed like old men and fiery furnaces that crackled and snarled like caged beasts. If anything, a 'touch' was somewhat underselling it. But then again, he thought, 'Plenty of Fire' did not quite have the same agreeable ring to it.

Meandering thoughts aside, he had arrived at the blacksmith's, having stopped only twice to ask for directions and, on both occasions, reassured that the Isurian proprietor was a highly respected and masterful weapon smith. Boo was not in the market for anything extravagant, but there was no harm in investing in quality, even for smaller items that were to be more practical than showy. After all, if indeed his primary concern was practicality, it made all the more sense to aim for a higher quality product, especially where the matter of ghosts was concerned. Indeed, it would be folly to enter any kind of contest or situation with an angry ghost, only to find one's equipment lacking in durability.

As per his expectations, the inside of Touch of Fire was hot indeed, causing Boo's pores to suddenly feel compelled to leak. He had only breached the showroom itself, but even then it was more than a little toasty. A handful of patrons were either examining pieces already made, or discussing edits or plans for new ones with the scattering of employees. The clang of hammer on steel could be heard further in the belly of this finely crafted building, while the weapons on display seemed to share the same level of quality as the building itself. Those strangers in the street had not been unkind in their assessment of the place.

While for now he was not planning on working as a spiritist full time, it never hurt to be prepared just in case. That meant suitable equipment, a list of items that would include but were not limited to ghost beads, soul darts, (or some other type of weaponry that would serve a similar purpose), and of course a good, sturdy staff. He had no doubt he could probably search for an ideal branch in the surrounding forests of Lhavit, which in turn he could fashion into a staff. But for once he was set on buying a professionally made one. After all, this was a new city and a new life for him, so why not have a new staff to go with it?

Glancing around, Boo noted a fellow was approaching straight for him. He readied himself for what he suspected was an inevitable exchange of greetings. And with that done, perhaps he could ascertain which of these fine Lhavitians could help him with his order.
Last edited by Boo Beckett on June 30th, 2016, 3:58 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Whitlock & Beckett - On The Wagon (Sebastian)

Postby Sebastian Whitlock on March 20th, 2016, 4:04 am

Sweat dripped into his eye, the sting causing the back of his hand to come up and a slew of curse words to run from his lips. Stepping back from the forge he placed the tongs holding the heated metal to the anvil. A hand ran through his soaked hair, sweat sprayed all around. The work he’d been tasked with was a tedious one and he knew it. Being the newest at the shop had it’s disadvantages, but someone had to do it.

He sat the heated metal down and reached to grab his father’s hammer. It was the only tool that he owned within the shop and it was the best for the current task. Rolling the tong he brought the hammer down against the white tip. Sparks flew forth as the soft round piece of metal gave way. Slowly he turned as he shaped the tip of the metal, drawing it out to a point.

The flat surfaces of the hammer slid along the metal as he rolled it, the tip taking shape. It wasn’t perfectly rounded but it was closer than he had been with the first ten that he’d already made. Nails were something that would always be needed for building and although it was a tedious task it was always nice to know that he’d have some form of work.

Once the tip was formed he pulled the heated metal back, to the other side of the anvil. Bringing the hammer down he began to stretch and draw it out giving it a smaller form. Rolling back and forth the nail slowly began to take shape, the sound of the hammer clacked against the cooling surface and anvil beneath.

He paused a moment to check the shape, hoping that it was sufficient. Grabbing the nail header he slipped the newly formed nail it to check the size. It was a little on the small side but it would indeed suffice. Taking it back to the forge he reheated the metal to prep it again. After the glow showed that it was ready to be worked Sebastian grabbed it with the tongs and took it back to the anvil.

Setting up the sharp hardy tool he rested the hot surface to split. Rolling slowly he cut into it, leaving a tab connected to the rod it was being made from. Taking up the nail he shuffled back to the forge and rested it into the coal, shifting some over the top, with the head down. Once it was heated for the last time he pulled it out and slipped the nail into the header snapping the excess rod off and setting it to the side. Resting the header with the nail sunk into the form hole within the anvil he struck his father’s hammer against the larger part, shaping the top. Once flattened he dipped it into the barrel nearby and tossed it into the pile with the others on top of the workbench.

As he moved to grab the rod again to began working on the next he saw the door open and a man step in from the corner of his eye. He glanced to the the woman he worked with, her concentration kept her hands busy. Not minding taking a break he moved to the stranger that had just entered.

“Hello, what can I do you for?” Slipping off his leather gloves he made note to get a pair of his own. A finger could be seen from hole in the worn shared ones from the shop. Tossing them onto the counter he wiped across his brow, his already soaked shirt not helping much to clear off the residue. Soot covered his face and knew that it would be there for some time until he could make it back to the Spring. “Did you have something in mind to be made or were you looking for something already crafted?” He swiped his hand to show off the meager items that could be bought. Metal wasn't easy or cheap to come by and having items on hand to purchase was not as common as one might think.
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Whitlock & Beckett - On The Wagon (Sebastian)

Postby Boo Beckett on March 21st, 2016, 1:56 am

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Boo had succumbed to the need to sweat, such was the imposing air that managed to filter between crevices and places that otherwise laid out of reach from most things. Beads of sweat led long, snaking trails down his back, those first daring travelers marking the way for the rest that came in greater numbers. He could feel his shirt turning uncomfortable, patches on his back and under his arms growing, while he noted a sudden need, one that he forced himself to ignore in a place where others could see, to fix his manly attributes that were also feeling a little discomfort in the heat.

If Boo had been just a little sweaty, the man that had approached him was not much better off. He also had the telltale markings of an employee, judging from the sooty graffiti on his face. Sebastian cut quite an imposing figure, at least by Boo's estimations. It was not beyond him to recognize a good looking man when he saw one. Not that he had ever felt urges in that direction, but still he could remark inwardly that this fellow was a cut above the rest in most towns. Apparently Boo was not the only one to make such an assessment.

"I'll tell you what he can do me for," Elsa said in almost a purr. Boo had not noticed her until now, laying enticingly on the counter to his right, her head propped by one hand, while the other laid suggestively on her hip. Only Boo could see her of course, but clearly her body language suggested her hope that other eyes could feast on her too. "Maybe you should work me like a piece of metal on that anvil of yours..!" Boo seemed to choke on his own breath for a moment, drawing a fit of coughs that he welcomed, if only to cut off the woman's train of thought. Clearing his throat finally, he collected himself before replying to the man.

"Ahem. Err, hello. I'm looking for a few pieces in fact. Or at least someone that might be able to make them." Elsa showed a rare piece of mercy, leaving Boo to describe the items he required without adding further suggestions herself. Boo meanwhile explained in detail what he was after.

First, there was the matter of re-equipping himself with spiritist tools. He had brought nothing with him from Alvadas, save for a kitchen knife and his own charming personality. That meant he had nothing at all in terms of weapons, tools, items and so forth. For jars and trinkets to carry soulmist, he would have to look elsewhere of course. But here at the blacksmith, there was plenty they could provide him with.

Boo started with the crossbow, since that would be his first line of defense when coming up against an angry spirit. It did not need to be fancy at all, yet obviously functional. Most ghosts he and Varin had dealt with in the past usually needed but one bolt to hold them, at least until other ghost hunting equipment could be brought into play. A single bolt would not cause lasting damage - Boo was of that type of spiritist that sought to help ghosts, not dust them - while still being able to pin them to a wall or other such fixed feature. With that in mind, he had always favored the velocity of a sturdy crossbow, while of course sacrificing reload speed. If all went to plan, he would only need to fire once anyway.

The bolts were more important though. Six inches in length was the preferred dimension. The shaft was made of a tough wood of course, such as willow or oak, while the tip needed to be metal and about an inch of the total length. Boo would have to inquire if they had a fletcher in town, or whether they could provide that service here too. His favored feather was the raven, but of course he would simply have to go with whatever Lhavit could provide.

With the crossbow and bolts dealt with, next was an item designed for closer quarters. As he could best describe, he was after a sort of steel tent peg, one that could be thrown in small spaces, in the same fashion as a throwing dagger, but also could be wielded for the purpose of melee. If a ghost was pinned with the souldart bolt, the next step in a spiritist's attack was to use on of these tent peg weapons to ensure the ghost was well and truly captured. Again, it was not a weapon designed for killing, yet it still needed to be sturdy to get the job done. Boo liked to carry around five of them, and he also made inquiries of a leather belt, like the one he had before settling in Alvadas, that had tapered slots in it to hold the steel pegs.

Finally, and perhaps the one item that he explained the most, was his staff. Uncle Varin had favored the longsword himself, while to Boo's knowledge, most weapon bearing folk he had come across preferred blades of some description. Not Boo though. A good solid staff was just as able to put up a fight in the right hands. It was ideal for bopping heads, whacking shins, and doubled up as a dependable walking stick should one be so inclined to use it as such.

The staff he described would be made of Sebastian's most durable wood, though still light enough not to render it cumbersome. Around six feet in length and three inches in diameter, the very top inch would be capped by metal, while the bottom would be whittled to a blunt point, for the purpose of gaining purchase on the ground when used as the walking stick. Halfway up there was a leather grip, just above that a small metal circlet upon which could be tied a length of cloth or a lantern handle for example. Finally, instead of completely rounded, one side was faced off to a flat surface, meaning the staff would not roll away when placed on a sloped ground.

"That should just about do it I think," Boo said with a smile, hoping he had not talked Sebastian's ear off.
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Whitlock & Beckett - On The Wagon (Sebastian)

Postby Sebastian Whitlock on April 5th, 2016, 4:19 pm

As Sebastian waited for the man’s reply for his question he noticed that the other man was also perspiring. It was usually hot inside the smithery so it wasn’t unusual that the man was sweating as well. What had caught Seb off guard slightly was when he’d begun to cough as though uncomfortable. Had he said something that made the man feel this way? A brow raised but he continued to wait until the man gave his order.

Grabbing a used piece of parchment and some ink he took to scribbling down notes for the items being requested. There were quite a few. Some of the things he wasn’t sure he’d be able to accomplish.

List:
Crossbow (Light) - 35 Ki
Crossbow Bolts (10) - 1 Ki 6in, Wooden with metal tips
Explorer’s Staff - 15 Ki
Weapon Harness - 5 Ki
Solid Metal Peg (6) - 2 Ki
Labor Costs - 29 Ki

Once all the items were documented Sebastian took a few minutes to add up the total. Some of the stuff they could do, such as creating the tips for the bolts. The crossbow and the pegs were doable as well. However he would probably have to get with someone outside of the shop to figure out how to craft the wooden pieces. Seb didn't find this an issue, they were gaining coin for the business and he would be able to try his hand as wood working. It seemed like a win-win for him.

Turning his face up to the man across the counter he asked, “Are you wanting the Staff to be made of metal? Was that something that you were interested in? Do you know what kind of metal you would prefer the pieces?” He laid down the old dirty quill onto the counter once they’d decided upon the final tally. It became clear once the customer had described that the staff would be mostly wooden, save for a few pieces. Grabbing a more official piece of paper he documented all the items onto the slip with the pricing and the total.

87 Ki Total

Glancing back to the man again he kept getting this strange air from him, almost as if he were uncomfortable or stressed out. Seb couldn’t image going through life in such a way. Easy and relaxed were his prefered methods. Blue eyes scanned the man as he handed over the piece of paper. “There you are, eighty and seven kina will be your total. I would project that we should be ready for you within two weeks time or so,” He gave a nod.

He threw a look over his should at his current task and then to the guy and decided to throw out an invitation for a stiff drink. The guy appeared as though he might need one. Seb knew he always did. “I’m almost done here,” he threw a thumb over his shoulder, “and you look as though you could use a drink. I think there should be some good entertainment over at Obsidian.”
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Whitlock & Beckett - On The Wagon (Sebastian)

Postby Boo Beckett on April 12th, 2016, 5:59 pm

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87 kina? Hmm, that's a sizeable amount, Boo considered. His thoughts delved into the past, as often they did, to seek guidance from his Uncle. Varin had more or less taught Boo all he knew, whether it was the intricacies of his profession as a spiritist, to the basic necessities of living a straightforward and everyday life. School and tutoring were all very well in terms of academics and such. But some things were simply taught and learned from seeing and doing. From experience. So it was then that Boo recalled a similar situation as this, whereupon Varin had issued an order for a sizeable broadsword, (part of an elaborate scheme involving a knighted ghost). The price had been considered too steep in Varin's estimations, and what ensued was a sort of back and forth as he and the blacksmith traversed the contest that was bartering.

Varin had come away victorious on that occasion, having managed to bring down the blacksmith's price a full ten golden mizas. It had seemed a simple exchange, one man offering a lower price than first stated, before the seller would return with a more generous figure in his favor. As Varin had explained to him, the trick was in that first initial attack. Start too low, and the seller would laugh you off. Start too high, then you would end up paying over the odds. No, the trick was to decide on your final figure before hand, then start the bid beneath that so that you would end up on your figure by the end. It was simple in theory, but a practiced barterer was not to be meddled with.

"Hmm, surely your fine establishment offers a discount for large orders? Seems to me 67 would be the fairer price, eh?" Boo offered a half smile as he waited for a counter offer. He realized a grin would have been a bit off putting, given the circumstances. No, now was the time to remain calm and collected, to give the impression he knew what he was talking about. That was another thing Varin had taught him, a lesson he repeated several times given its importance. He told Boo that confidence was as vital as breathing. Show weakness, be it in a fight or even a situation like this, and your opponent would exploit that weakness.

Boo's intended final price was 77 kina. Assuming his first bid had not been too low so as to end with Seb's total rejection, he figured the man would come back somewhere in the low 80s. If so, Boo would counter with a second bid in the mid 70 range, thus slowly whittling away towards his intended target. He was willing to accept a kina or two either side of 77, so certainly there was room for error. But even so, outside of that figure and he would have to chalk down his bartering on this occasion to a defeat. On the other hand, if he proved successful, that was an extra coin or two with which to buy a drink.

Speaking of which.

With their transaction completed, Seb had made the unexpected offer for a drink at the Obsidian. Boo had heard its name, but had yet to investigate the interior of that locale. While the offer had been unexpected, Boo did concede that Lhavit in general had so far proved to be a friendly place. And sure, if the man was just coming to the end of his shift, he was most likely in need of refreshment as much as anyone. And besides, had it not been said by someone, somewhere, some time ago, that drinking with a friend was far better than drinking alone. That way you doubled the chances of at least one of you getting home in one piece!
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Whitlock & Beckett (Sebastian)

Postby Paaie on October 4th, 2018, 7:21 pm

G R A D E
BOO BECKETT

If you return to Mizahar, feel free to send me a PM or resubmit this thread to the grade queue for your grade.


SEBASTIEN WHITLOCK

Blacksmithing +2
Observation +2
Planning +1
Writing +1
Mathematics +1
Socialization +1


Being the new boy means being given the tedious tasks
Blacksmithing: ‘Drawing out’ adds pointed end to a piece
Blacksmithing: Making nails
Blacksmithing: When a piece is hot enough to work
Blacksmithing: ‘Upsetting’ adds volume to a piece
Mathematics Totalling costs
Writing: Documenting client requests
Socialization: Inviting a stranger for a drink


If you feel I missed anything don't hesitate to PM me. Don't forget to edit your grade request.
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