Airship Components: R&D Contest (NA) - Entry Thread

[Atoli]

Character name: Meo Cailin
World name: Ragnarok
In-game Item: I don't think I'm illegible to win anything
Component name: Allagan Library

Recently my FC began packing for our voyage to unknown lands in the sky! It all went very well at first, we gathered all the important supplies...



...but soon I realized there was one problem we hadn't thought of: our crazy amount of books!



Now, I had always known I'd need at least 20 books just to entertain myself during our traveling time, but who'd have thought everyone else wanted to bring theirs, too?!
SCHs wanting to bring medical books to treat unknown illnesses we may encounter, our botanists actually planning to look up new herbs we may find on those sky islands? The nerve..!

There was just no way our airship could accomodate 8 FC members AND all those books, so a quick solution was in dire need.
After some thinking, I remembered how effortlessly the Allagans were able to store huge amounts of data without taking up a lot of room. I called Cid through the linkpearl, after all he was the only one who had any idea how that ancient technology worked, and got a little crash course from him.
Finding the raw materials wasn't any trouble - tomestones basically fall from the sky wherever I go, and a compatible output device was "borrowed" from Azys La



But how could I transfer the vast knowledge hidden in those books into the tomestones..? I couldn't just type them in myself, obviously! More then one sleepless night went by like that...



...but finally, I had found the solution! The scanners in T8 could easily scan even the smallest thing moving through their tunnels!



So with a little tweaking, it was a cinch to scan the book's contents with the parts I brought home
Now we are all ready to take on new sights and experiences, armed with all the knowledge in the world!
Although we might start fighting over who gets to use the output panel first...I guess I should split it up into several small ones all over the airship..*sigh*
I just don't get any rest with this FC...

[Pison]

Character name: Xian Meng
World name: Ultros
In-game Item: Scarf of Wondrous Wit
Component name: Putrid Maw

It was early one morning as I returned from an adventure deep into the bowels of Haukke Manor, expelling the voidsent held within back to the eternal blackness of the Void, when I stumbled across something even more terrifying lurking in the swamps nearby - the mighty Halitostroper.



For many long moments I hid within the bushes, monitoring the monstrosities with a careful and well-hidden gaze, I quickly noted how the local fauna gave a wide berth to their putrid and slimy bathing hole. Perhaps they were terrified by the creatures mighty size. Perhaps even the menacing lines of sharp, arm-length teeth kept unhidden in their massive, gaping maw. Or perhaps because of the unforgettable stench of what seemed like rotting mudpuppy flesh, sweltering boar dung and Goblin herbs.

It was with these realizations that I came up with a brilliant idea (Although in hindsight, the world 'brilliant' could be highly debated upon) due to an discussion with some comrades within my Linkshell about the possibility of aerial exploration. Imagine, outfitting the forecastle of an airship with the likeness of a morbol's mighty jaw! Such an intimidating presence would likely keep all manner of aerial enemies at bay that would want to do harm to it's crew. Not to mention, it'd look horrifyingly amazing.

So it was to be, with my bow in hand, that I engaged the Halitostroper in combat. I figured if I could procure some of it's tentacles and teeth, my crafter friends would be able to use it in some way to create my plan. Although it went well for the first few moments, events soon turned sour the moment the creatures maw belched the most repulsive, putrid thing I had ever had the ill fortune of smelling.



Immediately all strength had left my body, as I fell to my knees and began to feel the contents of my Pipira Pira resurfacing to grace the world with it's partially dissolved presence. Disoriented and gasping for anything resembling fresh air, my eyes focused long enough to find the Halitostroper's cavernous maw aiming to devour me whole! Grabbing my bow, I fire as straight a shot as anyone could call it at the moment, before regaining what little strength I had to repel myself away whilst landing a few quick shots to stall the beast. Gaining some distance from the creature, I begin to turn and run, deciding it be best to return at a later date with a few friends (as well as a change of clothes) to finish the job. Perhaps I'll bring something to help me alleviate the stench ... perhaps a cloth or scarf to cover my mouth. With copious amounts of perfumes and herbal sprays.

In the meantime, I'll be spending a few moons bathing here in the nearby waters of the Everschade. Yes, there may be the occasional slug in these waters ... but anything is better than the smell currently stained in the pores of my skin from that encounter.

[Marcellus]

Character name: Marcellus Guillory
World name: Midgardsormr
In-game Item: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Component name: Koga Cloaking Device

These days, Eorzea's airship-filled skies are a veritable hotbed of hazards, what with the dragons, the Garleans, and Thaliak knows what other horrors. And how better to avoid these perilous pitfalls than to stay out of sight altogether? If airborne discretion is your desire, I give you ... the Koga Cloaking Device!

In conjuring up this component, I thought first to consult the masters of misdirection themselves, the Rogues of Limsa Lominsa.



Jacke welcomed me, and we shared a drink as I explained my visit. It was in short order that he suggested I "shake the cobwebs from me 'ead." The Rogues' tricks were much too subtle for something so cumbersome as an entire airship, said he, and he proposed instead that I look to the Rogues' sister art ... that of the Ninja.

"That Oboro owes me," said Jacke. "Nice enough cove, but 'e's rotten at Triple Triad."

So I ventured northward to an unremarkable warehouse on the bank of the Agelyss River, and uttered a pass-phrase (which here I shall, in good faith, omit). I entered to find that the man at the head of the room had been apprised of my intent.

"You wish to render an airship invisible," he said. "I have what you seek."

He pointed to an over-sized shuriken embedded in a sparring dummy.



"This mudra-enhanced shuriken will, when met with the aetheric issuance of an airship engine, generate a broad field that bends the very light around it."

He plucked the shuriken from the dummy, and offered it to me. I took it carefully, studying the sharpened points with wonder.

Oboro continued. "To all but the most practiced observer, it will be as though he gazes upon nothing but air. It is the same used in all Doman airships."

I was struck with his words. "Doman airships?" I repeated. "Your tale echoes tall, sir. I have ventured far and farther in this world and have never once seen a Doman airship."

At this, Oboro smirked. With two fingers, he beckoned me follow him through a disguised rear door in the warehouse. We emerged at a precipice overlooking Wineport. Oboro simply gazed silently ahead. I followed his eyes, unsure of our purpose, until I saw the tiniest flicker in the sky before us.



"No," said Oboro. "I should think not."

[Supermerlion]

Character name: Nana Su
World name: Tonberry
In-game Item: Bluebird Earrings

Component name: Aetheryte Dandelion Cargo Trailer

Rumors are abound of the opening of fantastic new lands in the clouds rich in resources and treasures ripe for picking. Exploratory missions they call it.

With dreams of glory and fortune adventurers everywhere are in a hurry to prepare their company airships with the finest components from materials Eorzea could offer.

But while the rest scurry to improve the maneuverability and integrity of their airships, I scoured the land for that which really mattered, a means to bring home all that treasure!



The eureka moment came when I chanced upon the Slyphs and their remarkable cottages.

While somewhat primitive, the Beast Tribe structures were sturdy, yet so incredibly lightweight they could be suspended from the Twelveswood with mere vines. With adventurers stowing away on our ships, there was barely any room for cargo. But surely, with a trailer made from such a material we could easily haul back all the treasure we wanted.

Unfortunately, not even the Slyphs knew the source of the scarce spherical material which formed their homes. Apparently, they believed them to be gifts from the heavens.

Not one to give up. I searched the lands of Hydaelyn for the source of this material. Only to eventually find it in her skies.



The source, was none other than the Churning Mists, the original home of another of the Twelveswood's races.

From consulting with the acquainted Moogles whom made their home nearby, I learned that these "Aetheryte Dandelions" were formed from concentrated wind aspected Aether. Fully formed mature flowers lose much of their aspect and float off down to the earth below, no doubt to be chanced upon by the Slyphic ones.

Sadly, with our maiden voyage just days away, I had not the time to wait for a dandelion to mature. Instead, we just had to make do with the best one for now.

To fill out the gaps and complete the cargo sphere, I returned to the lands of La Noscea where a lost city familiar to scholars held a veritable treasure-trove of wind aspected crystals, though I was warned of the somewhat volatile nature of the crystals here. Alas, some risks must be taken in the name of adventure, and riches.

With all the materials in hand, and a little help from the Free Company's alchemists, we synthesized what might literally be the first lighter than air airship trailer, ready to tow back all the actual treasures we find in our new skyward explorations.

[Lago]

Character name: Lago Aletheia
World name: Adamantoise
In-game Item: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Component name: Goddess Figurehead

If there's anything a truly respectable sky pirate ship can't be missing, it's the image of a beautiful woman gracing the prow. Getting a group of artisans to cooperate on a work of art in the workshop would be a daunting task, though. Luckily I knew where to find a statue just like we needed. We could take that one and not have to make one ourselves at all! What better way to get into sky piracy than with a little looting and pillaging, after all?

The first task would be to dislodge it from its base. Nothing a few volleys of magitek cannon fire can't take care of. Time to call in the company's artillery division!



From there it was a simple task to lash the statue to our manacutters and haul it home. Biggs and Wedge's corrupted crystal engines put in good work, but it was the motivational power of cake that really did the heavy lifting.



Hmm... I just hope nothing terrible happens because we moved that thing...



On that day, the world was changed forever...

[H3rring]

Character name: Cain Hitlein
World name: Hyperion
In-game Item: Bluebird Earring

Component name: The Mystery Box

Everyone is so preoccupied with power, prestige, and precision handling when it comes to their exploration voyages. Do you know what I say to that? Just forget it! You're all missing the fundamental spirit of exploration: to discover the unknown. For that reason, I've created the most modern of marvels to remind you why you're going on that journey in the first place.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you--

The Mystery Box.



What's inside of the Mystery Box, you ask? What can such a humble box contain that would thrill you and chill you? Well, I don't really know. And you're not going to know, either, because you're not supposed to open it. But, allow me to expand your awareness by telling you how I came to conceive and create this miraculous component for your airship.



The first thing I had to do was meditate in the placid waters of Forgotten Springs, surrounded on all sides by some of the finest minds. They were rather interested in my creative process, the ardor and rigor of my mind. I basked in their presence, straining with all my might to crack the mysteries of creation. It wasn't long before I had a divine vision of creating the Mystery Box with my own two hands.



From there, I had to fill the Mystery Box with mysterious ingredients. I visited one of the greatest sources of mystery known to Eorzea: The Last Remnant, a floating island in Azys Lla. "What's behind this lonely, forgotten place?" I murmured to myself. "What, exactly, is the last remnant...? And what happened to the rest of them?"

After digging the mysteries straight out of the ground, I pieced together the Mystery Box. It was an exhausting process, lasting more than ten seconds, wherein I transferred several mysteries into the container. When you shake the Mystery Box, you might hear rattling akin to small pebbles or clumps of dirt--but you shouldn't be fooled! That's prime, grade-A mysteriousness, and it will always remind you of why you're an intrepid explorer.

Come on down to my home in the Lavender Beds to pick up your own Mystery Box. For only fourteen easy installments of 14,000 gil, you can be the talk of the town! Supplies are limited, my friends. You must act now. Act now before it's too late.

Disclaimer: For external use only. Do not use in the shower. Do not use while sleeping. Do not place this product near any aetherial equipment. This product cannot be used to protect any part of your body. May contain small parts. Keep out of reach of Lalafell and annoying children. Do not turn upside down. Side effects may include curiosity, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, and concerns that you were ripped off.

[Twistbeard]

Character name: Twistbeard Soldarius
World name: Midgardsormr
In-game Item: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Component name: Goblin Smelting Furnace

As rumors have it, Mutamix Bubblypots is the only living creature with the skill that can transmute Materia into other forms of Materia. What people don't know, is that Mutamix has kept a secret about his "Skill".



With some investigative work, with the help of the greatest detective to grace Eorzea, Detective Hildibrand, It was discovered that Mutamix has found long lost "Goblin Coal Fragments" and has kept them hidden in piles of junk around Eorzea.



The secret in is the coal, found in Mutamix's piles of junk. once added to a smelting furnace, it has the ability to change Materia and even Items to other forms of themselves. Just imagine changing those Deep Red Clusters to Deep Green Clusters, or changing that piece of armor from leather to plate. The possibilities are endless.



With the coal in hand, the last step was to return to the Company workshop and start work on modifying the Airships cargo hold to house a furnace strong enough to handle to ancient powers of these long lost Goblin Coal Fragments.

[Kesari]

Character name: Kesari Soulfury
World name: Midgardsormr
In-game Item: Mandragora Choker

Component name: Mammet #435thetician

I am a Hero of the Realm, Warrior of Light, Gentlewoman Extraordinaire. Tales of my deeds are told far and wide. I am a very busy woman, and I have an image to uphold.

My adventures have carried me to all edges of the realm, through the aether, on chocoback, ship, and airship. Always, I have taken great pains to ensure my appearance remains impeccable, but some modes of transport can cause rather more … dishevelment … than others. I don’t always have time to run to the inn for an appointment with Jandelaine, which has, at times, made me quite the laughingstock.



Go to any tavern my fellow adventurers frequent, and you will hear many of the same complaints, particularly as our tasks require much more frequent use of airships of late.

Our tales of shame, however, shall soon be history.

After joking with Jandelaine about turning him into a face-saving machine during one of our rushed sessions (squashed between a rather turbulent airship ride and a meeting with none other than Kan-E Senna herself), I began thinking. While the crystal bells found in inn rooms cannot function on traveling airships, perhaps a mammet could be fashioned to help tidy adventurers’ appearances just before we disembark.

During a brief layover in Ul’dah, I stopped by the Goldsmiths’ Guild to chat with Serendipity. She loved the idea, and, together, we immediately got to work.



A few rather interesting misadventures later, we discovered that Gigi had disappeared. I hurried away to track him down. The citizens of Ul’dah pointed me along the path of the wayward mammet, and I eventually found him in my very own inn room!

How he got Otopa Pottopa to let him in, I shall never know, but Gigi was there with Jandelaine and another mammet, fussing with a number of gadgets giving off a strong aetheric signature. In short order, they had not only trained the new Mammet #435thetician, but created a special summoning bell, with the express function of teleporting mammets from airship to airship.

Now, I need not fear the spectacle of arriving to urgent meetings with various leaders of nations looking as if a whole flock of chocobo chicks have nested in my hair, and Jandelaine shall be able to take a much-deserved break.

[Sakura_Lunaestra]

Character name: Sakura Lunaestra
World name: Malboro
In-game Item: Bluebird Earrings

A story to go with the airship component and some nostalgia from old times.

December 4, 2010, Pre-Calamity
A pair of aspiring crafting friends makes a vow to invent one of the best airships to sail into the unknown. They part ways to and plan to reconvene in three years. They were to be the best ever in the world!



(This Image was captured in 1.0 crafting gear in memory of a friend)

Her research was going well until the calamity after which she learned her friend had passed. She fell into despair and wondered aimlessly and only started picking up the pieces with after finding Cid and eventually seeing and flying the Mana Cutter. She decided to reflect on what she had learned over her travels and went to her favorite spot to think with green tea to sip on.
She knew it was going to take hard work and determination and set out to find the best materials. Some to be mined from the cold depths of Corethas



Once she had her materials she poured into a grand crafting setup with some of her most trusted team members. Being sure to lock off innocent bystanders from getting hurt. She and her team worked into the night.



Finally with success and a great deal of crystals they had success, creating the Aetheric Warp Drive
Upon testing the drive while it boosted the speed considerably it increased the wear and tear of the of the airship itself. Upon inspection there was an additional 45% damage to airship however it completed in almost 1/2 the time.

[Burnunit]

Character name: Valerie Valencia
World name: Balmung
In-game Item: Scarf of Wondrous Wit

Component name: Void Warp Dino-Drive

So I was out doing the SkyPirate thing when I noticed the Void Ark flying around. I thought to myself it seems to not need balloons to be powered, it just flies. As my usual adventures go I just go in and destroy the stuff inside, when it starts going crazy with monsters. At which I notice it drops parts off as it sends stuff to other realms. I chased after the dropped components into the void

Then it sends me to a period back in time where I have to fight the early masters of our planet to fashion a power core. It needs a heart of a dinosaur to power it as it runs on the spirit energy of enormous monsters.

I then was fortune enough to find a Moogle princess to send us back through the void as they are magic beings. And there you have it, how I have the most amazing piece of speed in the sky that totally makes all the guys jealous.