132.0

[encryptedlock]

[To say that York's been a bit depressed lately would be an understatement, but he's sure he's not the only one. Even those who had managed to sleep through the recent space madness wer picking up negative vibes from everyone else, it seemed, and that was really just no good for anybody. His recent conversation with Carolina had got him thinking, though, and combined with the memories of the hectic giraffe ride after the last expedition, he was really starting to get tired of only being able to fill in a tiny portion of the world map without spending weeks or a month off in the Dead Zone.

There had to be a better solution, and what better group of people to ask than the castle?]

[Filtered away from anyone who would use this information for harm]

Good afternoon, Paradisa. I'm Freelancer York, and as most of you know, we can't just run off and explore this world without making a huge deal out of it, gathering up a caravan and taking several weeks out of our schedule just to get to places we haven't seen yet. I'd like to see that change.

Now several years ago, a couple of people made some tests and determined that steam power and hot air definitely work out there. What I'm proposing is a race.

Whoever can make a vehicle that can run the distance between the Northern Outpost and the Wanderer's Yard in the Dead Zone, faster than a horse and rider going the same distance can walk, will win. If more than one vehicle can make it, the fastest one will win. It has to be able to carry at least four people plus a driver, and the driver has to be someone besides the builder. And enough gear for a camping trip.

But York, you ask. What do I win? Well, since I know how bored you all are all the time, the winner would get an exclusive contract to manufacture vehicles for the Dead Zone with a five-vehicle minimum contract, five thousand Caisos, and exclusive bragging rights.

Let's say three weeks for construction, so your vehicles must be ready to ride on June 8 at the Northern Outpost. We will also be accepting wagers on the outcome, and if you make up a fancy logo and some colors for your team, you might even be able to convince people to cheer for you.

Who's with me?

((OOC post coming soon! I will be away from my computer for a bit so feel free to threadjack!))

Comments

[encryptedlock]

Mostly to prove that it can be done. There's been too many times that only one person could use a thing, and then they disappeared and nobody could anymore. So if you demonstrate that more than one person can drive a vehicle, anyone who stays at the castle longer than you will still be able to use it.

[samson]

Uh... wouldn't it make more sense to design a thing that's easy for anybody to drive? Instead of some dumb bullshit specialized contraption?

[encryptedlock]

Well, yeah. That's what I'm saying. Easiest way to prove more than one person can drive it would be having another person drive it.

[samson]

No, the easiest way would be, like... making something that makes sense. Accelerator, clutch, brake. I don't know what kind of crazy designs you're expecting people to come up with.

[encryptedlock]

Not everyone is used to what you'd consider normal, though. Vehicles where I come from have six pedals.

[samson]

Why the hell would you need six?

[encryptedlock]

One for each function? Hell, I didn't design them. But that's what's normal to us, so.

[samson]

Six functions -- like what?

[encryptedlock]

Forward, reverse, gear up, gear down, break, turbo....

[samson]

That's... the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

[encryptedlock]

It's the easiest thing in the world.

Besides, you'll notice I'm not designing anything. Otherwise I wouldn't need to ask other people.

[samson]

[NO IT'S DUMB but whatever, he's not going to argue.]

You're not really a mechanic-type guy?

[encryptedlock]

Maintenance, sure. But that and design are pretty different when you get down to it.

[samson]

At least you know your limitations.

[encryptedlock]

Let's just say my limitations also include tolerance for horseback riding for more than a couple days at a time.

[samson]

Yeah, well, you have all that armor and stuff, right? That's gotta be a bitch to ride a horse with.

[encryptedlock]

Yeah, it doesn't work in the Dead Zone. And I'm not carting around 300 pounds of armor without a power source. [The downfalls to using armor, sadly.]

[samson]

You could, uh, not wear it when we go out there. Right? Switch it out for chainmail or something.

[encryptedlock]

I leave it at home when we go out there. Not worth it.

--Also, chainmail sucks.

[samson]

Compared to Kevlar or whatever, sure. But it's pretty good against a blade.

[encryptedlock]

Not something I go up against, honestly. Besides, why not just wear Kevlar out there?

[samson]

Well, it doesn't look as cool.

[encryptedlock]

Depends on the aesthetic a little, but I'll take function over form any day.