🛠️ } 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

[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.

[gentryofhermitage]

It is necessary, unfortunately. If an area of research steps too close to what the Heavenly Principles has deemed forbidden or risks trespassing upon the realm of the gods, the consequences could be quite dire. As such, the Sages of the Akademiya restrict some forms of knowledge for the protection of its people, at the behest of the Dendro Archon. To tamper with life and death is one such area that is best left out of the hands of innocent people.

But since the people of Fontaine consider their creations more machine than living, perhaps they are more akin to these Asurans that you speak of from your world.

He has mentioned that he is not as social as other Sylvari, though I find his conversations to be quite engrossing. He is quite a wealth of information and it is nice to listen to him speak about all manner of things.

[thymebomb]

Realm of the Gods...I see. Do the gods have more of a hand in your world, then? There are Gods where we come from, but only the humans tend to worship them, and they don't tend to interfere in much as far as I know. One of them even went rogue some years ago, and had to be defeated. But I suppose I can understand that- in a sense. Sometimes, too much can have consequences, so a bit of restraint is good. We've had some...incidents in the past, with being a new race to Tyria. I wasn't alive for them specifically, but I can vaguely remember them from the Dream.

[ And they were not pleasant, at all. ]

That would make sense. The Asura believe in advancement, and their idealogy is that of the Eternal Alchemy- that all things are part of the same mechanism. Fate, connections, meanings of life...it's something of a desire for understanding. Admittedly, I don't know much of the details. Religions and such are a bit beyond my scope of expertise, as it is for most Sylvari.

I imagine he's glad to have someone to speak to as well, although I wouldn't dare speak for him with certainty. I didn't speak to him before here any myself, admittedly.

[gentryofhermitage]

The gods have indeed had a hand in helping shape Teyvat into what it is today. Though they do so in different ways, they each contribute to their nation's development. Though, I can also relate to your world's clash with gods; Teyvat has had its own share of conflicts in the past.

The Eternal Alchemy? That is a fascinating philosophy. I admit, I would like to learn more about it, if I could. Even if you are not an expert, I do enjoy listening to others recount different kinds of lore from each other's worlds.

Is that so? I was under the impression you were kin. Are you perhaps estranged?

[thymebomb]

I suppose things can never be easy no matter where you are. History isn't really my strong point, however, so I'm not as versed in the topic of Human Gods as the Firstborn are.

I only know much as my bunkmate happens to be an Asura, and I've a few other Asuran acquaintances- you hear a lot in their cities, as absorbed with research as they are. It's treated as a religion, at times, but it really is more of a...scientific view of life? Philosophical, maybe? It's not quite worshipped, but more treated as something to be studied, and admired for it's complexity. That everything, in the grand scheme of things, is considered to be equal and merely part of it's machinations. It has different aspects, as far as I know, but chaos is the only one I've heard about.

Well, not really estranged...it's moreso we didn't really know each other? Trahearne is the eldest of us Sylvari, but there are thousands of us. Combine that with the fact he spent more time in the ruins of Orr than he did the Grove, and there are few of us who've truly met him in person, sans the other Firstborn and most of the Secondborn. I'd only really seen him in recent years, after the Pact was formed.

[gentryofhermitage]

So it is moreso like the study of alchemy than a divine act. That does make sense, or at least aligns with something that occurs within my own world. Still, it is a fascinating worldview nonetheless, and I admit I am intrigued by it.

I see... Well, fortunately it seems that the time we have here will allow for you and he to have some quality time shared together, should you be interested in seeking it out. Indeed, it seems that this world allows for such opportunities that we might not get in our own worlds.

[thymebomb]

That's close enough, I'd wager. There are asura here, working the archive if I remember correctly from what the firstborn told me- you'd likely be able to learn a bit more from one of them.

I guess you're right on that. Although, I do have to admit it feels a bit...odd? The firstborn are revered among Sylvari as our eldest and most deserving of respect, and not many are close like that with them besides each other, except maybe some of the secondborn. I've really only spoken to my Luminary, Niamh, before. It almost feels a bit disrespectful to presume I can get closer or more personal.

Sorry, that probably sounds a bit strange. I'm not too sure how to best describe it in a more human sense.

[gentryofhermitage]

Ah, I see. I will have to see if I can speak with them some time.

No, I understand. The Firstborn are the first of your kin, and so it makes sense to wish to offer respect to those who are your elders. Even in Liyue, the respect of elders is a tradition greatly honoured among mortals and the adepti alike. So it does not seem out of place to consider them in a position of reverence, even if they are your kin.

[thymebomb]

[ Oh. He does get it. ]

That's about spot-on. They were the only Sylvari for the first two years after our race was born, so we owe most of what we have to their efforts. They're the only ones who can really talk to our Mother, as well It feels a bit strange, with us being the only two here, cut off from mostly everything else. Especially since he's got such an interest in my wellbeing that I'd never really have expected. Not to say I don't get it, of course...I'd do the same for my little brothers.

[gentryofhermitage]

I understand how that might be off-putting. But what I can say is that this world offers a wide range of opportunities to meet with those we might not otherwise get the chance to. So I would make the most of this chance offered to you by fate. After all, he is not one to brush others aside so easily. I for one find Trahearne quite pleasant to talk to.