🛠️ } 1

[thymebomb]

Sender: Aglovan
To: Everyone
Subject: A bud of curiosity

Ah, hello! You'll have to forgive me if this is a little rough, I'm afraid I'm still a bit new to all this.

So, I've been here about a month now, and I couldn't help but notice how the base technology here far differs from that of my home in Tyria...or parts of it, anyway. That being said, I've also noticed bits and pieces here and there that seem to have completely different origins. Since nigh everyone here comes from somewhere else, and curiosity blooms better when fed, I figured I'd go ahead and ask anyone willing to share.

What is the mechanics and technology from your homes like? Your transportation, or magitech, or even your weapons. If you've any examples on hand, I'd love to see them for myself! I'd be willing to do the same, to make it a fair exchange.

Also, if anybody happens to know where you can get spare mechanical parts, I'd appreciate that as well. No pressure, of course!

Comments

Sender: Vash the Stampede

[bountyfull]

It's pretty normal stuff by some standards. Uh, cars, radios, electricity.

It's definitely not the same it used to be but it's all pretty functional. Older stuff is higher tech but it's pretty hard to come by these days.

I don't really have examples of typical technology to share,though.

[thymebomb]

I'm surprised cars are considered standard fare; only one race makes those kind of war machines where I'm from. Can't say I've heard of radios, either.

That's the first I've heard of the ancient being more advanced than the recent. Ours has steadily gotten more advanced as time goes on, especially with the combination of differing technologies. I suppose that just goes to show how different these kinds of things are across realms.

You make it sound like you have something more atypical? If that's the case, I wouldn't mind that, either...if you don't mind, of course.

Sender: Kratos

[flamberge]

There used to be magitechnology back in my world. Our magitech was powered by mana, mana being a limited energy source which sustains all life.

As for the sorts of technology developed, it varied. It ranged from items like projectors to various transportation methods to even devices purposely developed for war. A majority of this technology has, unfortunately, been lost to time and finding relics is rather difficult.

[thymebomb]

When you say limited, I'm guessing it isn't as abundant anymore. I can see how that'd throw a wrench in any further advancement.

Magic is also a central part of our world; we have technology that relies on it, and others that don't. The magitech is mainly created by infusing magic into objects, but there's also technology more steam-based or clockwork in nature. Recently, however, we've discovered another country had utilized dragon-magic infused jade to create things that are even more advanced then anything we've had so far.

All what you've said sounds rather familiar, so I suppose yours and ours might not have been too far off from each other.

[flamberge]

Correct. Magitech led to mana being heavily depleted to the point the world itself suffered. Fortunately, before the mana was fully depleted, magitech stopped being so widely used.

So then your magitech can vary depending on the form of magic used. How much more advanced is the technology utilizing the dragon-magic compared to what you're familiar with? And, branching slightly off topic, how does dragon-magic differ from regular magic?

So it seems, though hopefully yours has suffered less as a result of its technology than my own.

[thymebomb]

[ Oof. ]

Advancement is good, but only if it doesn't come at the heavy cost of the world around you. I'm glad they fell out of use before that, but I imagine the side effects were unpleasant.

There's elemental magic, specifically, but also just raw, unfiltered, flowing through the ley-lines. Dragon magic is...well, specifically Elder Dragon magic, is more powerful than most. Draconic energies tend to have a corruptive influence on those around them, albeit we don't know too much beyond that, and dragons themselves would devour Tyria's magic whenever they awoke, throwing the world out of balance until they slept again. The technology I spoke of, however, was made of filtered dragon magic...mostly.

Perhaps not, but we've had our fair share of troubles. Far too many in recent years, if I'm to be perfectly honest, but that's all behind us now.

[flamberge]

The world slowly dying was about as unpleasant you might imagine.

Wouldn't technology powered by that magic prove potentially problematic? If it has corruptive properties then theoretically it can spread to the technology it powers unless there's something else present in that technology to serve as a failsafe to prevent that. Though, given you've recently uncovered this technology, I take it that may be an unknown at present? And if it's mostly that magic, are there any other notable components to it?

That seems a commonality among many worlds, unfortunately. I'm glad your world was able to put that behind them, at least.

[thymebomb]

Well...we've had something close, so I can imagine it.

That's true. Most, except those who didn't care much for the consequences, didn't bother with deep-diving into dragon magic. However, the magic used in dragonjade was from a dragon who was far more benevolent- she apparently had no interest in harming or corrupting anyone and powered their technology willingly, albeit I don't know much of the finer details. They used it for years before anything went wrong, due to filtering it, but eventually the Void- as it was called- became too much. Now that said dragon is gone, the magic will linger for a while, but they'll need to find a new way of powering it.

It wasn't easy, I'll readily admit. But after serving for so long, there's nothing quite like looking back and seeing the results of the long fight.

Sender: Zhongli

[gentryofhermitage]

The mechanics and technology of Teyvat varies from region to region, though there are a few staples across each nation. For instance, you will find no shortage of weaponsmiths in every corner of Teyvat who will assist you in crafting all manner of swords, spears, claymores, or even catalyst foci, provided you are able to find the right materials. There is also those who specialize in alchemy, though their craft is not as widely practiced as a blacksmith's might be. There are many rudimentary vehicles utilized for transport, such as carts and wagons, though if you are looking for more advanced machinery you would have to go to the nation of Fontaine. Fontaine is well-known for its mechanical creations, such as complex airships and humanoid automatons. I'm afraid I am no expert in Fontain-built mechanics, but should you have any questions I do have some trivial knowledge on the matter.

[thymebomb]

I see...they make more humanoid automatons? While there are a few like that here, most robotic creations tend to look far less like people, such as golems. If you happen to know, do they have access to materials that aren't easy to come by in your home country, or do they simply have more of a nationwide focus on the mechanical engineering aspects than other nations do?

It sounds a bit similar to the Charr or Asura races focus on their machinery and technological advancements, compared to the other races in Tyria. Albeit, Asura Gate portal travel is utilized nigh everywhere rather than segregated to one place.

[gentryofhermitage]

Humanoid automatons are indeed popular, though I am also aware of other shapes as well; such as canines and other companion animals. As for the reasoning, I believe it is largely due to the available resources present in Fontaine. Not all nations have the resources available to them for such mechanical feats. The only nation that comes close to their prowess is Sumeru, the Land of Knowledge.

Forgive me, but I must ask; your world is one called Tyria? Do you perhaps know of an individual by the name of Trahearne?

[thymebomb]

Having easier access to the materials would certainly do it. When given the resources, people can be ambitious, and we'd hardly get anywhere without it. Is there any overlap between the two regions, or does their technology veer in different directions? We've a similar situation, with one race being the most advanced in terms of technology...although, the borders of another continent have opened recently, and their advancements have surpassed even that of the Asura.

It is. And I do, as a matter of fact. Firstborn Trahearne is the eldest of us Sylvari, and thus he's my older brother.

[gentryofhermitage]

There is some overlap, though how mechanical life forms are handled in Sumeru varies quite differently from Fontaine. In Sumeru, there had been research abound that pondered if artificial life could be crafted from such robotics, and as such research on the matter has been banned by the Akademiya scholars, as far as I am aware. As such, mechanical beings are not as widespread in Sumeru, though they possess both the knowledge and technology to craft such beings. In Fontaine, however, their creations are viewed entirely as machines that happen to take a human form, and as such consideration into whether they are truly alive does not fully take root among Fontaine's mechanics the way it had for Sumeru scholars.

I see. Then I am pleased to meet one of Trahearne's kin. I have learned a great deal about the sylvari and the world he comes from by speaking with him, and find his world to be quite fascinating.

[thymebomb]

That seems like a waste...not to be rude or anything, of course. You can program things to have personalities or directives, but even if they can't necessarily think for themselves, there's something satisfying in crafting something that moves and talks with your own hands. Even if they aren't alive by normal definition, it's still something you technically gave life to yourself. I don't think I could go around fretting over the specifics or whether they're expendable.

I can see how the latter works, however. The Asuran race pioneered and nearly solely use golems, which all operate on a neural net- they can easily be rebuilt or reprogammed, and can be controlled on a golem/mind interface. While a lot of work goes into them, few see them as more than expendable stepping stones.

He'd be a lot better at that then I am, admittedly- he's the scholar. I'm glad he's had some company- we Sylvari tend to be an open and sociable sort, with some exceptions. Even if he has been alone for most of his time to the best of my knowledge, a bit of sun and social spark does a lot to keep one from wilting.

sender: venti

[concierto]

[Oh, he can see the rock headed old man has already babbled on and on about technology in Teyvat.]

While that is all fine and good there's something entirely more fulfilling about using a glider to ride the winds in the sky to get around don't you think? It's very exhilarating feeling the wind in your hair!

I don't mind technology, actually. I find it easy to pick up! But my heart is still with old fashioned things like gliders, oil lanterns, paper and writing tools.

[thymebomb]

[ Sorry, Venti...you're talking to a nerd. ]

Ah, well, I've actually already got a glider. While they're not utilized everywhere, they do have their uses. I'm more partial to airships myself, however.

Nothing wrong with having a preference for the old. Many of my siblings prefer the simpler way of life, and find a lot of modern technology a bit dizzying albeit rather exciting. I've had a special interest in engineering since I was a sapling, so I've got less of an attachment, you could say...

[concierto]

[So he is another dusty nerd just like Trahearne?]

So that's why you're asking! Tinkering and engineering are a passion of yours?

Perhaps you'll be able to put a few things together in this world. I assume you'll have to learn more about crystal power and dreamotion, though!

[Nothing will replace how nice gliders are, though. Not even airships.]

[thymebomb]

[ Excuse you, he's a machine oil-covered nerd. ]

You could call it that! I've always been drawn to the more mechanical aspects of things, unlike some of my siblings. If I've a chance to build something, I'd sooner take it than not.

I've heard of dreamotion, although I've yet to put it into practice! Crystals, however, are a first. I don't suppose you'd mind indulging me?

[concierto]

[Nerds, nerds everywhere!]

While I don't call myself an expert whatsoever I have seen a few things being powered by crystals before. There's a whole mine of them somewhere here.

They're a power source of some sort! Just like dreamotion I think they're made of concentrated dreams?

Interesting, isn't it!

[thymebomb]

We have some crystals back home, powered or formed by magic, and occasionally used as conduits, but they aren't necessarily widespread as a major power source....

[ Hmmm, thinking. ]

It is! I'd like to examine it for myself and see the ways it can be used. While I'm still adjusting to the idea of dream power, I'd prefer to see it as just another opportunity to learn. Nothing's quite as exciting as dealing with new material.

sender: kazuki kurusu

[papartner]

[ Someone from... not earth? Apparently, if the words magitech or Tyria are any indication. Sounds like something from one of his roommate's video games, which means Kazuki doesn't have a damn clue. How is this place even real?

but if he can meet someone from the 1900s... what's an alien A good story to tell his daughter, is what! Kazuki's mentality until he gets the hell out of here... ]

This is a hard one. Technology is everywhere that it's hard not to get blinded by it, you know? What I can say is that most of the stuff I use runs on electricity, except my car. That's still gas-powered. Combustion engine? I don't know if that sounds closer to something you'd know.

Then there's my laptop. And my phone. Too bad there's no cell reception here!

[thymebomb]

Electricity...like electrical currents? That I can get. We do have cars, and combustion engines are familiar, although most of the ones we have are steam-powered or magical. But I'm going to assume a 'car' isn't a war machine where you're from?

None of those other things sound familiar to me, though.

[papartner]

Yeah, electrical current's like that, and cars aren't like that where I'm from. The only thing left that's really steam powered are trains but even then there's not very many left.

Cars are just methods of transportation, used on the daily. If you want war machines you need to look at tanks and stuff, I guess, but I don't know much about those.

Laptops and phones though! You can talk to, or text people, or use it to get GPS maps... I never go anywhere without my phone.

[ can you excitedly write in a journal? cause that's kind of what he's doing here. Something he knows a liiiittle bit more about. ]

[thymebomb]

[ Taking mental notes here- ]

So they're just for...transportation? Interesting choice. Seems a bit less useful than carts, but I suppose it'd depend on the size and any alterations since they're fairly clunky in design...I can't say I've ever heard of a train, however.

So a communicator of some kind? That sounds pretty useful...

[ Enthusiasm is good!! He feels that!! Not knowing things is the pathway to discovery- ]

[papartner]

You gotta have some way to get around, cars are just the easiest. Trains are great, we have these high speed ones, the only problem is that you gotta have tracks for them to ride on.

Yeah, I guess calling them a communicator works. They're awesome, they do everything at this point. Make calls, search the internet, take pictures!