Kazamaru Ironworks

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

- KAZAMARU IRONWORKS –
“Forging ahead for a better world, one item at a time.”

DESCRIPTION – LAYOUT – LOCATION - PEOPLE –
ORDERING – PRODUCTS - PAYMENT
- SECURITY -

Are you a warrior seeking the perfect weapon to suit your needs? Are you an adventurer looking for something interesting with which to defeat your enemies? Are you in need of a defensive weapon tailored to your own style of combat? Then look no further than Kazamaru Ironworks to fulfill all your forged needs!

DESCRIPTION and LAYOUT–
The shop is rather unassuming from the outside. A large wooden sign carrying the logo of the forge hangs outside and above the shop’s main entrance. Further down a second counter is present, and open to the air of the market, allowing passersby to glance at the forge in action if it is indeed being used. Inside the main shop is the sale counter, and behind that is the storage area for any materials that the forge master has collected for use in his trade. Prospective buyers or commissioners are encouraged to provide their own materials for use if desired.

Above the main shop, not pictured in the diagram below, is the Forge Master's apartment. Working close to home is the only way Ryugi Kazamaru knows how to work, and thus made such arrangements when he purchased the shop. Stairs from the storage area lead up to the small apartment. Only Ryugi's closest friends are invited upstairs to his home, and he keeps business separate from his home life whenever possible.

LOCATION –
Kazamaru Ironworks is located right next door to the Magician Lucillien Dark’s Shop of Magic, Sorcery, and Spellcraft’s location in the port town of Latent’s market and shopping district. One can always tell when they grow near because of the rhythmic banging of metal on metal, or the hissing of a quenching blade. The shop was picked because of its ideal location near the magic shop because it was the belief of the owner that the two shops went together hand in hand, even though they were on completely opposite ends of the spectrum, not unlike the owner of the magic shop and the master of the forge…

PEOPLE –
In general, the only people that will be found at the forge are the forge master, Ryugi Kazamaru, his girlfriend and mate Vargus Kobayashi whom is currently pregnant and expecting, and a myriad of different individuals browsing the wares or commissioning the forge master for works of their own.

ORDERING, PRODUCTS, and PAYMENT–
While some patrons are looking for general weapons that can be found anywhere, Kazamaru Ironworks specializes in making weapons and items suited to the person who intends to use them. The forge master reserves the right to decline making a weapon or item for any party that does not suit his taste of individuals. This is simply to prevent intense harm from befalling innocent people by use of his wares. But if you are a kind and overall good soul, you should not have any problems getting what you want or need from your desired weapon.

Products extend to virtually any bladed weapon, and virtually any defensive item that is not a suit of armor. Shields, bracers, gauntlets and the like are all accepted, as well as knives and smaller bladed weapons. Expendable bladed weapons such as shuriken and throwing daggers are not recommended, as each weapon is special and tailor-made to its recipient.

Ordering is as simple as getting in contact with the forge master (either IC or via PM which should lead to IC interaction) and setting down the requirements for your item. Through working with the forge master, a customer will assist in designing the weapon to fit their needs, and in the end, they shall come away with a weapon that is as much a part of them as it is a part of the forge master. Patience is required for all items, as the timely process for forging and creating a specialty item will vary depending on the complexity of the item, or its intended effects (I have a life too, and stuff like this requires time, so please be understanding).

Payment is unique and perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of Kazamaru Ironworks. The forge master comes from a land where monetary value is second only to the value one places on the object itself. That being said, the forge master will never ask for a direct price, but will always ask to be paid as a donation of his time to the product, and what the intended owner of said weapon believes the item is worth to them.

If the future owner believes the item is worthless, he may ask for it for free, but if he truly believes that his item is one of a kind, and tailor-made just for him, its value is surely expressed as being much more than worthless. Each item is unique and alive in its own way, and each is seen as a work of art in its own right. And the forge master would hope that all recipients of his work see their item as just that, a work of art.

SECURITY –
While one might consider attempting to steal something from the forge, it should be noted that very rarely is anything of much value left within the shop at any given time. However, it should also be noted that the forge master himself is a very talented fighter, more than capable of taking on his share of opponents in the Leviathan Stadium, and the Heaven or Hell Tournament. Thieves beware, for here there be dragons…

In addition, the forge master is a good friend of the owner of the magic shop next door. Being on such good terms lends itself to various magical enchantments to protect the forge and shop from intruders. Any thieves attempting to do harm within or outside the shop will likely find themselves in a rather unpleasant situation. What situation that might be is up to the imagination…but one would do well to avoid it at all costs.  

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS–

Maximos Dark - Ankokuko

.  

[MagnusXL]

Snow.

The streets were already covered in a wash of white this morning, yet there was no end in sight to the soft 'snow storm'. The light of dawn barely graced the market district when a figure cloaked in white and blue casually strolled throughout the streets, searching for an address it had recently learned.

The forge was eerily silent this morning, though that most likely had to do with the fact that the forge master was likely attending to HoH affairs. Undeterred, a cloaked figure gracefully glided across the snowy landscape, leaving hardly a trace as it passed.

Entering the building, the cloaked figure would find the forge devoid of patronage. This was unsurprising given the weather and the time of day; she had arrived rather early.

"Hello?"

A muffled female voice called out, seeking an employ of some sort.  

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

The cloaked traveler would find a man clad in a large dark trench coat, with neck-length silver hair and deep red eyes sitting behind the counter on a chair. His legs were crossed and rest on top of the counter, his thick black boots impeccably clean as his eyes scanned the pages of a small book held in one hand, while the other hand lifted a small teacup to his lips. The man didn't even look up to see who had entered, continuing to read as he set the cup down and turned a page as he spoke.

Welcome to Kazamaru Ironworks. If you're looking for the forgemaster, he's currently unavailable. If you're looking for one of the stock weapons, just let me know what you want and I'll see what we can do for you.

Truth be told Ryudo was not incredibly pleased. With Vargus waddling around the apartment, her tummy large with child, he'd been forced to run the show while she handled her own personal routine in the mornings. He didn't like shuffling around his schedule to accommodate Ryugi's interest in fighting tournaments. But if his displeasure would help out his niece, he supposed he could make an exception, even if unpleasant and meaning he'd have to deal with...commoners.  

[MagnusXL]

As the dark, brooding man spoke, the woman pulled back the hood of her cloak. Her beautiful, long platinum-blonde hair was braided along the sides and meticulously well kept. Her deep blue eyes complimented the otherwise delicate facial features, edged out only by the rigors of combat and stoicism of war.

She was rather gorgeous (almost uncharacteristically so) for a knight... and a human.

"Verily, tis a great shame. Would you perchance know when he might return or how I might come into contact with him?"

Her accent was... unusual, though it couldn't hide a tinge of disappointment. It was highly unlikely that even one as long lived and well traveled as Ryudo would recognize its origin. That came in part from the fact that this lady came from a different realm of existence entirely.

Alexa Valerie Norman, the Vanguard of Favia, was still trapped in the world of Gaia over a year later.  

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

Ryudo Kazamaru, the King of "I don't give a damn", didn't even bat a lash as Alexa revealed herself. If you'd seen one human female, you'd seen them all, and when you didn't care after seeing the first, you certainly weren't going to care after you'd seen yet another in the vast sea of their cities. He didn't really care about her accent either. His mental perceptions alone told him she "wasn't from around here" so to speak. Her whole being felt "off". He wasn't one to care either way.

He's probably at the Crimson Hawk Hotel here in Latent if you're in a hurry.

A turn of a page, another sip of tea, and that was all.  

[MagnusXL]

Alexa simply shrugged apprehensively.

"Verily, I wouldn't mind the wait.

The paladin wandered around the forged, eyeballing the various wares created by the Dragon Warrior's hand. After a brief pause, she continued.

"After all, I am merely here to accept your master's offer of tutelage."

It seemed that even with her time spent on Gaia, Alexa was still adept at making immediate assumptions in a completely nonchalant fashion. She was also wonderfully vague.  

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

Ryudo wasn't insulted by the woman's suggestion that he was somehow, in any way, Ryugi's student. Far from it. In fact, he found it absolutely hilarious. And thus, due the the sheer ridiculousness of the assumption, he allowed himself an amused laugh to convey his amusement. After laughing at the woman for a moment, he calmed himself, sipped his tea, and then glanced at her with his deep red eyes.

I assure you my brother is not my master, nor has he ever been.

Ryudo's eyes turned back to his book and he continued reading from his previous spot, not making any further eye contact.

If it is training you want, seek him out at the Hotel. If it is a weapon you want, you may purchase any of our standard gear.

Otherwise, our business is concluded.

Ryudo had better things to do than waste his time tending to the wants and desires of one woman. His book was more interesting than her. Her business was with Ryugi, not him. So he certainly didn't want to continue the conversation further. It wasn't his problem.  

[MagnusXL]

Alexa made a simple bow of her head, acknowledging her mistake. Covering herself with the hood once more, she turned towards the door. She got the information she needed, so there was no reason to linger any longer.

"My apologies. Verily, I meant no inconvenience."

With that, she departed back into winter's cold embrace. Ryudo was a terrible salesperson.  

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

The utter failure of Heaven or Hell had been only a few short weeks ago, and yet, the Kazamaru household was long past that event. They had bigger things to worry about, like the shouts and cries coming from the bedroom as Vargus Kobayashi continued to perform one of nature's miracles, and a water glass shattered against a wall as Ryugi ducked for cover.

You try being calm and serene when something the size of a football is getting pushed through YOUR midsection!!

I was just trying to offer advice... Ryugi warily poked his head back up, only to dodge a blast of energy this time that struck the wall.

You're a male! You can't possibly offer advice on something like THIS!! Gaah! Just give me some breathing room and let me focus, okay?

But, I want to stand by your side through-- Ryugi's comment was cut off by a particularly draconian snarl and glare from Vargus. Right, you know best. I'll just...be outside if you need anything... That said, Ryugi backed out the door and closed it as Vargus continued. Birthing in a human body was far more complicated than they'd first imagined. But Vargus had insisted on going through it anyway to better understand the complexities of the human form. Ryugi wasn't sure if she was regretting it now, or if she was just in a bad mood, but either way, he wasn't going to stand around and get hit by a won-ton blast of power from his frustrated mate. He stepped out into the living quarters, placed his back against the door and sighed.

Told you. Ryudo sat on the couch sipping a glass of tea and reading Latent's local paper.

Thanks for the help. Ryugi spoke sarcastically and watched Ryudo as he continued reading, the cup floating into the air beside him as a stirring spoon moved of its own accord.

Anything for my little brother. Now, have you thought of who you want to invite? Ryudo glanced up from the paper and shifted his crossed legs.

Of course. Maximos, Stephen, Tilly obviously, Damion, and Hono. Maybe that frost paladin too...

Ryudo grumbled. Is that all? I'll invite them, except your shadowy friend, since I know you wanted to do that yourself. Ryudo closed his eyes and the cup of tea floated to the table in front of him. His breathing slowed for a moment and he looked as if he was thinking very hard about something. Less than three seconds passed, and he turned back to his paper, the cup floating back to his hand where he took a sip. All done.

Ryugi blinked. That fast?

I work quickly.

Ryugi sighed and shook his head before heading towards the "guest room" which was the only quiet place in the apartment. He searched through his outfit until he found what he was looking for. He took hold of the Black Shadow Necklace and closed his eyes, calming his mind. He decided against summoning his friend, since that would be far more disruptive. But a single telepathic phone call to alert the shadow would suffice. He felt his body relax, his mind become more at ease, and he made an effort to contact his good friend.  

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

Maximos

It was funny how very exactly this was like a phone call. Ryugi would move to tap into the connection and would find exactly the group of sounds surrounding Maximos at that moment, blaring through the necklace as if it was a telephone receiver. There was banging, voices that sounded like chants, and the crackle of some sort or sorts of magical energies ebbing and echoing all over. "Renil, listen to me! I need you to adjust the metaphysical filter to polydimensional travel! If sound comes through jarbled, how do you them we are going to go through?! Its the circle with four lines and a sideways cur --hold on, somethings vibrating. I think I'm getting a call."

For some reason, it came across as if Maximos was speaking with some sort of foreign accent when he had never been known to have one before. Then there was a pause, a ruffling of cloth, and a clicking sound not unlike a cell phone being slid open. "Hello? Maximos speaking. Hello? Lucind is that you, hello...I'm holding it upside down again arent I?"

The truth of the matter was that this was exactly like receiving a phone call. Maximos had no psychic abilities to speak of so, it would be a minute or two before he finally said. "Oh."

Rasping, as Maximos hand clasped his own matching necklace. "Dragonface...who was dragon face. Oh! Ryugi! Ryugi is that you?"

Ryugi chuckled in his mind as Max seemed to have a very jumbled head, or at least was terribly busy and embroiled in something. That was Max to a T. The man always had something new in the works. It was understandable that Max might be a little confused, after all, this was possibly one of the first times Ryugi had ever used the necklace to call on Max. He'd always dropped by in person to say hello or something of the like. Regardless, after his mental chuckle, Ryugi would answer his friend.

Yes Max, it's me. I'm sorry if I caught you at a bad time. You seemed terribly busy. That being the case, I'll make this conversation brief.

There was a pause on the other end of the connection as Ryugi seemed to be lost in thought. Max might even get a slight jumble of emotions and mental directions as Ryugi ordered his words and spoke again.

Vargus is currently going through the birthing process for our daughter, and...well...I'd be honored if you could find the time to drop by and visit with us as she comes into the world. As her godfather, I'd hate for you to miss that opportunity... Max would "feel" a smile on Ryugi's face. Plus, you'd be able to gain a firsthand look at how we celebrate a new birth in my culture.

The added incentive of the culture wasn't needed, Ryugi knew. Max would have come if he could for the asking alone, but either way, Max would sense Ryugi's happiness through the temporary mental link, as well as his anxiousness for an answer from the shadow.  

[Maximos]

"Busy?" Maximos said, as if he had never heard the word before. Utterly confused as to its meaning or place in this conversation. "No, not at all Ryugi, I always have time for a friend."

"I'm just--" Noises continued in the background, Maximos seemed about ready to say something when he gasped, and quickly shouted. "No no no Walter dont put it there! Wards have to be placed concentric to the Alsanctin Node. It has to go on the left, the left! If its misaligned the portal tears, and things can go through both ways. Do you have any idea what Luminous would do if even a flicker of light came through that!"

"Where was I?" He paused, for maybe the length of a breath. "Oh! Yes! Congratulations! No, no, now's the perfect time I'm just..."

There was a sound like something was being moved or waved very quickly. "...trying to save the world."

Maximos paused again. There was absolutely zero sarcasm in his voice, he had just never equated what he was doing with the time it was taking, or being important. Maybe he was just that random, maybe he just honestly never saw it as that special. But, there was a clang as something metal hit stone, likely the floor and Maximos said. "Huh, maybe I am a little busy, but never that busy. No one should ever be that busy, its unhealthy. And you sound so happy! By Noct...it would take me hours to fly to Latent from here."

"You there! I said gently! Do you know how hard it is to tear an opening in space and time quietly? One wrong bang, one off nod--no, no, Walter, my left!" Maximos sighed over the connection. He really couldnt read Ryugi's mind, or feel his emotions for this distance but there was a sound like a door closing, and things went mostly quiet except for Maximos' voice. All at once his tone became very serious. "Ryugi listen to me. This is a very important day for you, filled with alot of important things you'll need to do. But what I am about to tell you is absolutely essential, so listen very closely and follow my instructions directly and without delay."

A pause, a steady breath and then. "I need you to take that necklace and throw it into the nearest dark corner, as fast and hard as you can. Now!  

[MagnusXL]

~A short time later...

That frost paladin had been busy practicing some of the techniques Ryugi exhibited during the relatively short run of Heaven or Hell this year, mostly by practicing focusing mana through the Cosantóir, her Divine Claymore. A few weeks ago prior folks at the Crimson Hawk hotel showed her what Television and a DVD player were, so she had been watching various past matches to better familiarize herself while her 'mentor' was busy with family matters.

Alexa had met moderate success. Simply by watching the videos, she had managed to partially bastardize Ryugi's Supernova finishing move, creating a similar technique she labeled Frostnova. While she wasn't entirely fond of the technique, she was rather proud of the accomplishment.

The Paladin was creating the giant sphere of ice necessary to perform the maneuver, poised to fire it downward at a harmless collection of rocks on the outskirts of town.

"Frostno--"

Ryudo sent out his telepathic message as she finalized the attack, breaking her concentration. The sphere of ice subsequently exploded in her face in a brilliant flash of light, forcing her to raise her left arm to prevent chunks of ice from pelting her in the eye as she was physically thrown several feet. Irritated, Alexa picked herself up as she 'listened' to the message in full.

That voice... she recognized it somehow. Though she had only met the Shadow Dragon once before, her memory was fairly sound. It certainly didn't hurt that Ryudo had a tendency to leave powerful impression on people. She would have taken offense to the slight intrusion of her mind were she not to remember that she was being 'spoken' to by her temporary mentor's brother.

She did not run-- that would hardly be befitting of a woman of her stature, mind you. The knight did, however, travel with a certain sense of urgency. Making good time through the streets of Latent, Alexa Valerie Norman would arrive at the Kazamaru Ironworks in no less than a half an hour.

((More to come when people with crazy teleportation and telepathy shenanigans are done))  

[Ryugi Kazamaru]

Ryugi knew Max well enough to recognize that tone. He didn't bother questioning his friend's order. As quickly as he could, Ryugi's hands were around the jewel and it was slipping off his neck. He glanced about wildly, looking for a dark corner. He found two. One was under the bed, another was in the closet. The closet was closest. In a flash, Ryugi opened the closet door, cast the necklace into the darkest section, and shut it, leaving the necklace in darkness as he backed up a few paces, listened, and waited...