Un: TerribleTinkerer | Text

[badnewsandshitlist]

If money has no meaning here, then what do people do with themselves? Adventure for the sport of it? Build things only to watch them gather dust?

I prefer problems that bite back or explode in my hands, but it seems difficult to call that work in a place where every need is already seen to.

So. What passes for an occupation here—when merit and coin are both irrelevant?

Comments

Un: frost

[shadowsincryo]

Right now? A lot of self imposed paperwork. Keeping sharp with training old and new abilities.

Building a stables. And setting up a kit to take with me on the next mission. Once bitten, and all that.

The paperwork ran out so it’s the later things I’m finishing and marking off.

[badnewsandshitlist]

Paperwork is one of those inescapable devils. Give it enough time, and even paradise will find a way to bury you in forms. A stable, though—that is tangible. Something that creaks, smells, and insists upon being maintained. Sensible choice.

What sort of kit, if I may ask? Emergency rations and a sharp knife, or are we talking something more… elaborate?

[shadowsincryo]

A little more elaborate.

Rations are good. But, having some small basic tools and field medic supplies would also be important to have.

If we’re in a bad situation, the tools could be hidden under the medical and snuck inside. At least that’s my thought.

[Is that really shady? Yes. Survival over being utterly rule abiding.]

[badnewsandshitlist]

Ah, so you do think ahead. I find I like you better for it. A scalpel cuts flesh as neatly as it slices rope, and a vial of tincture can be mistaken for poison or perfume depending on whose hands it rests in. The trick, of course, is to build a kit versatile enough to fool inspection and still be worth the weight on your belt.

If you have the mind for it, I could suggest a few refinements. Shall I?

[shadowsincryo]

By all means, please do.

And some would argue I think far too much. You know how it is.

[He is forever thinking. Not that his predecessor to his captaincy could throw any remarks about that around without smacking himself.]

In our last mission there were a number of fascinating little devices that could serve as many and be quite easy to hide.

Something of a multi tool I think it was called. I took sketches and references if you’d like to see them.

[badnewsandshitlist]

Sketches, yes. I will happily look them over. As for suggestions, begin with the basics. A blade slim enough to pass as a letter opener. A file that will saw through rope while looking like something meant for nails. A spool of wire coiled in a way that appears decorative until it is not. Small things that look harmless until they are not.

The trick is restraint. Too much cleverness and you end up with a pretty toy that fails the first time you truly need it. I kept a cabinet full of such humiliations

[shadowsincryo]

[Ah, he knows this type. A smile that the network can't see spreads across his face.]

Of course. Besides, you can keep a few surprises elsewhere. I always love the lockpicks inside a bracer trick. And too clever and they will see right through it. The more paraniod the more they will look for clever and not, misdirection. As we both know.

[badnewsandshitlist]

Now you are speaking my language. Hide something obvious for them to find, and the real prize goes unnoticed. A bracer is an excellent choice. Lockpicks there, a second set tucked into a boot heel, and suddenly you look like a man who has already been disarmed while still being anything but.

Paranoia cuts both ways. If they expect brilliance, give them the appearance of mediocrity and watch how quickly their guard slips. And if you want a true lecture on stealth, ask Vax’ildan. He is the expert. I am merely the one who makes "cool shit".

[shadowsincryo]

It is considerably harder when they know you by reputation, of course. That has been a boon here. No one we come into possible conflict with knows my tricks. Or can point out diplomatic anything.

Not that I rely on that. Hence some studying. Can’t rely on magic either. Even if it quite convenient to wield ice. Study things long enough and you can copy it so, even if disarmed…

[Even if disarmed he is utter trouble.]

Next mission I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for anything fun to pry apart and see how it works. Can’t have you being bored. That’s not good for teamwork.