15954 réponses à ce sujet

[KainD]

It doesn't make sense for a city that busy to be that clean.

Unless they have a fantastic trash collection and waste disposal system. Or they're using blood magic.

The lower portion of those pastel colored walls should be relatively more mucky than the top.

To be fair, it's clearly a more upper crust part of Val Royeaux that we see, but that just makes it a very interesting place to hold a hanging.

 

It doesn't make sense for a city to be clean at all in that specific timeline.. But it's nice.  
Hope Tevinter is all clean and shinny as well. 

[Lady Artifice]

At least does not have black plague.

 

Well, yes. That is a plus. 

[Master Warder Z_]

Well, yes. That is a plus.

I don't know...if you had a empty lot the size of the market place in Denerim just suddenly free up...imagine the industry that could be built!

[Lady Artifice]

It doesn't make sense for a city to be clean at all in that specific timeline.. But it's nice.  
Hope Tevinter is all clean and shinny as well. 

 

I imagine it will look clean, at least above the parts where the slaves live. but I'm more interested in an aesthetic of elegant decay. You know, kind of like Venice looks like it's falling to pieces...but doing so beautifully?

 

And, as I've said before, there must be stained glass, perhaps cracked, and with jagged edges. And there should be a boss fight that sends us and/or our enemy hurtling through it.    

 

Apparently, it's possible to walk down a street in the Imperium, and see "nothing built in the modern age." 

 

That to me, suggests that most structures would have portions trying to fall apart, and needing regular repair. I'd rather see that kind of beauty than perfect crystal spires, or resplendent golden palaces. I'd rather see a city that looks like a gilded ruin. 

[KainD]

I imagine it will look clean, at least above the parts where the slaves live. but I'm more interested in an aesthetic of elegant decay. You know, kind of like Venice looks like it's falling to pieces...but doing so beautifully?

 

And, as I've said before, there must be stained glass, perhaps cracked, and with jagged edges. And there should be a boss fight that sends us and/or our enemy hurtling through it.    

 

Apparently, it's possible to walk down a street in the Imperium, and see "nothing built in the modern age." 

 

That's to me, suggests that most structures would have portions trying to fall apart, and needing regular repair. I'd rather see that kind of beauty than perfect crystal spires, or resplendent golden palaces. I'd rather see a city that looks like a gilded ruin. 

 

Perhaps that is how it will be. 

 

Me personally however I like super neat and clean. I can assure you that Kain's mansion doesn't have a single crack, not even the houses of his slaves. ^^

 

If you know Tron - that city looks like a paradise to me. 

[Lady Artifice]

Perhaps that is how it will be. 

 

Me personally however I like super neat and clean. I can assure you that Kain's mansion doesn't have a single crack, not even the houses of his slaves. ^^

 

If you know Tron - that city looks like a paradise to me. 

 

Tron Legacy, at least was an orgy of neon for the eyes. I enjoyed it for the visuals alone. I'd live there...forget the sun. 

 

Not really, I'd actually get bored of only one aesthetic after a little while. My life needs more variety than that. 

 

But yeah, clean is nice. It sounds like it runs a little deeper for you. I like a little disorder sometimes. Not dirt really, but I'm more comfortable with a little mess than if a place looks clean to the point of sterile. My great grandmother was one of those plastic coverings on the furniture types. Very cold and unwelcoming...not to mention distinctly lacking in stylistic flair. Lol. 

[KainD]

Not really, I'd actually get bored of only one aesthetic after a little while. My life needs more variety than that. 

 

That's true, though there's a particular type of aesthetics I enjoy for particular things. A more natural look, wild if you will, is nice to visit, like many other amazing places, but just to visit, you don't really want to live in the cracks do you? 

 

But yeah, clean is nice. It sounds like it runs a little deeper for you. I like a little disorder sometimes. Not dirt really, but I'm more comfortable with a little mess than if a place looks clean to the point of sterile. My great grandmother was one of those plastic coverings on the furniture types. Very cold and unwelcoming...not to mention distinctly lacking in stylistic flair. Lol. 

 

Not really. I myself am quite a lazy person to be bothered too much about keeping things top notch tidy, I am more indifferent to disorders. However when I see things sorted, polished, shiny, I'm like - wow, this is awesome! If I were a magister and would have slaves do the tidy-up part for me - rest assured everything would be top notch. ^^

[Uccio]

I imagine it will look clean, at least above the parts where the slaves live. but I'm more interested in an aesthetic of elegant decay. You know, kind of like Venice looks like it's falling to pieces...but doing so beautifully?

And, as I've said before, there must be stained glass, perhaps cracked, and with jagged edges. And there should be a boss fight that sends us and/or our enemy hurtling through it.

Apparently, it's possible to walk down a street in the Imperium, and see "nothing built in the modern age."

That to me, suggests that most structures would have portions trying to fall apart, and needing regular repair. I'd rather see that kind of beauty than perfect crystal spires, or resplendent golden palaces. I'd rather see a city that looks like a gilded ruin.

Indeed. The kind of feeling that says "look how long we have been magnificent. You like what you see? You should have seen us back in the day". Ancient and still timeless, mixed with decay and beauty. A touch of sadness too.


*story continues*

Spoiler

*"Magister Caius of house Vaellanius!" the announcer shouted with a rumbling voice.

Caius walked through the hall of dwarven ambassadoria. His guards wearing glimmering armors with Vaellanius crest and Nazlik in her own unique armor walked close behind. Appearance was as important here as it was in the surface, if not even more.

This ancient underground complex rivaled with the remaining dwarven kingdoms with its magnificence. Dwarven paragon statues loomed over the hall in both sides of the walkway casting dark shadows in the ceiling. This place could easily have been mistaken for Orzammar.
Members of the ambassadoria nodded to him as he passed them. Greetings and familiar faces, life went on like it had been for couple of millenias down here. It seemed as time had ceased to pass here and the dwarven imperium would still be in its full strength.

Caius had to walk several blocks before reaching his destination. The house of Aradash. They were still nobles in Orzammar, but here Vartag´s family was more entangled in business than anything else. Sometimes in a more shady ones since they had run out of wealth during recent years. Caius had significantly bolstered their financial situation hiring Vartag and his men to be scouts in his voyage to Deep Roads.

He was greeted by a butler at the door. Caius left his guards there but took Nazlik in with him. The butler guided them to the decorated waiting room. Caius sat down in a stone chair while Nazlik stood behind him eyeing the decorations in wonderment. A raspy deep voice echoed in the room, "Magister Caius, are you here to finally get me killed?". A heavily built black haired dwarf with a black well shaped and braided beard walked into the room wearing expensive clothes decorated with his family crest.

"Master Vartag" Caius stood up and grabbed his hand smiling, "good to see you still up and well my friend".
"What is this?" dwarf said gazing at Nazlik, "did you bring me a gift?". "I am sorry my friend, she is not a gift. Though I did bring you gold, it waits you in the vestibule. I am sure you have more use for it" Caius said calmly.
"I don´t know.." Vartag said with a wry smile. "Just kidding my friend" he slapped Caius in the shoulder chuckling, "I still have ears in this town. I intend to live a long life". He sat down before Caius.

Caius smiled shortly, it was a cold smile. "So, drinks, or something to eat while we talk?" Vartag rubbed his hands together. "Unfortunately I have to leave soon, Magisterium waits. I can´t stay long. I came here because there is a important issue I needed to talk with you personally, it can´t wait" Caius said regretfully. "It can be dangerous, I do not deny it. But I will compensate you handsomely for it".
"Not another trip to Deep Roads?" Vartag said sourly, "if it is then I will respectfully decline my friend. I think I used all my luck in our last trip".

"No. Just information" Caius smiled, "and it will be worth it". "Well then, please continue" Vartag said leaning forward.
Caius handed him a parchment, "this. Any information you can bring into my attention is appreciated".
Vartag eyed the parchment and whistled, "Carta eh? I will see what I can do".

"Thank you. I will wait for the information. You understand this is important. Be swift but be careful also" Caius said standing up. "Be in touch".

He walked out. Vartag sat in silence reading the parchment, "power sources..".*

[lordsaren101]

As always a great read . I totally forgot what my character was up to. Ill have to skim through my past posts. For now I will be attempting to show thedas from the view of each old god. Dumat is up. Next is Zazikel. Figure I'll go in order of awakening.

[raging_monkey]

As always a great read . I totally forgot what my character was up to. Ill have to skim through my past posts. For now I will be attempting to show thedas from the view of each old god. Dumat is up. Next is Zazikel. Figure I'll go in order of awakening.

I remember something involving a piece of lyrium we found you fiddling with it

[Uccio]

 

As always a great read  . I totally forgot what my character was up to. Ill have to skim through my past posts. For now I will be attempting to show thedas from the view of each old god. Dumat is up. Next is Zazikel. Figure I'll go in order of awakening.

 

Thanks. I try to entertain. 

 

I remember something involving a piece of lyrium we found you fiddling with it

 

I think you are right. That was probably the last time.

[raging_monkey]

that's the last time he rp so it's a good start

[Uccio]

Spoiler

*The elaborate Vaellanius cart rolled through the marble streets of Minrathous heading towards the wealthy part of the city. Several guards rode in both sides of it to keep any bypasser away. Nazlik peered through the window at the refugees huddling in the side of the street. She could see they were camping between the statues as makeshift tents littered any open area.

 

When the refugees spotted a wealthy Magister going by they ran to the side of the road to beg for food and alms. Nazlik watched them raise their hands desperately, hoping for a miracle to happen. She saw people of different age begging and shouting for help. Little children in dirty rags would run along the cart, occasionally being whipped by the guards for coming too close. She saw mothers holding their babies, one malnourished mother raised her baby in the air in her dirty hands. She could hear her pleading desperately to this Magister to take her child as a slave so the baby could live. 

 

Tears fell silently down her cheeks in the sight of all this suffering. she held her own belly feeling the mothers pain.*

[RobRam10]

Behold the uniter of the Imperium and the first Archon; Darinius

[KainD]

Behold the uniter of the Imperium and the first Archon; Darinius

Props to the guy for being the first blood mage, and shame on him for establishing religion in Tevinter.

[RobRam10]

Another interesting thing the titles of the Magisters that enter the Golden City:

 

Dumat - The Conductor(Corypheus)

Toth - Forgewright of Fire

Razikale - Augur of Mystery

Zazikiel - Madman of Chaos

Uthermiel - The Architect of Beauty

Andoral - Appraiser of Slavery

Lusacan - Watchman of Night

[Uccio]

Enchanter Nerva meets Magister Caius of house Vaellanius

 

courtesy of The Baconer and Ukki

 

 

 

Spoiler

The front doors of Vaellanius manor burst open. The interior guards, torpid in the sticky heat, were jolted at their posts, arms reaching for their scabbards out of instinct. A man stumbled inside, stopping just inside the threshold to catch his breath. Outside, the slave girls watched inquisitively.

 

Antonius stepped in front of the man, wiping the sweat from his brow. He shot an irritated glance at the door guard, who looked on in confusion, "What is the meaning of this?"

 

The man, hands on his knees, held up a finger, trying to explain himself in between pants, "I'm-I'm with-"

 

The door guard spoke up, "He's one of Livia's men. His name's Mettius."

 

Mettius stood up, "Yes, I'm-" he took one deep breath, composing himself, "I need to see Master Caius immediately. Is he here?"

 

Spoiler

*Antonius stood there for a moment contemplating the situation. Should this be a hoax his own life would be in line, but then again, so would it be should this be for real. He made a quick decision.

 

"Follow me", he rushed through the manor Mettius in tow. "You are in luck. Lord Vaellanius has just arrived from the Magisterium, I need to see if he is willing to see you now. Wait here". He pointed at the guard room.

 

After a few long moments he returned. He will see you, leave your weapons here", Antonius pointed at the table. As soon as Mettius had removed his sword Antonius escorted him forward. By the study door he stopped, guards standing there nodded to him and he knocked the door. Livia pulled the door open, "come in" she gestured at Mettius. "You can return to your post" she waved at Antonius. The door closed behind them. 

 

"Your welcome" Antonius muttered to himself as he loitered back to his post. A elven slave stared at him with a broom in his hand. "Get back to your work" he snapped at him.*

 

Spoiler

Mettius paused after the door closed, looking at both Livia and Caius. Suddenly, he relaxed, walking slowly about the study. He looked over the maps lining the walls and the various artifacts, sucking air through his teeth.

 

"Mettius." Livia called his name, a harsh edge to her voice. She gave Caius a look, shaking her head.

 

Mettius ignored her, poking through some tomes on display. One in particular seemed to catch his attention, evoking a barely-audible "ah" as he nodded in approval. Eventually, he turned back around, sitting down in the chair before Caius' desk. He tapped on the table with two fingers, and then leaned forward to rub the same spot.

 

"Well." He sat back up in the chair, regarding Caius, "Here we are."

 

Spoiler

*Caius lifted his hand. A magical sphere appeared around Mettius, second one paralyzed him.

 

"Impressive" he said with a cold smile, "I have to say". Livia stared at him for a moment then at Mettius, she took a careful step backwards.

 

Caius leaned back in his chair, he took a sip of his wine then raised his hand, "you can speak now. And I would suggest not using any magic. You are sitting on a several glyphs and wards".*

 

Spoiler

"I am flattered. I never thought anyone considered me worth such an endeavor, but you have placed me in an uncomfortable position. As a result of the recent... misunderstanding, it seems I am now pursued by two different groups." Mettius frowned, "Now, I have discerned the intention of one of these groups, as I am now on the wrong side of the law. But your motive is not so obvious, I must admit."

 

"Now, I've always had difficulty in interacting with other people, and that is something I am working to improve. I meant this as a courtesy - an, er, a polite establishment of communication, to disperse the present confusion. So, Caius Vaellanius, what do you want?"

 

Spoiler

*"Nerva my friend. We could have avoided all of this if you just would just have taken my offer". Caius smiled at Mettius. "I have to applaud you for taking the initiative though. I thought you would just disappear but here you are. Well done". He nodded slightly.

 

"Believe it or not, I never intended to harm you. You just provided me with a situation to take the control. My only fault was to underestimate you. It will not happen again, I assure you".

 

"How is this.." Livia said astonished. "Blood magic, new application" Caius said turning to her, "our friend here has found a way to remote control people, along with other improvements we saw".

 

Caius took a sip of his wine, "Now Nerva, I´m not trying to beat my own chest when I say that I am one of the few true masters of blood magic in the Imperium, but even I am impressed of this feature. You did well".

 

He gazed at Mettius for a moment, "but what do I want? That should be simple. I want your study". Caius pointed at him, "think it as a legacy you are leaving behind. Because the road you are on now will only lead to to two possible endings. Death or tranquility. Imperator, whom I happen to know, is a blood hound and will not stop until he catches you. Don´t forget, you are now wanted for the death of Magister and his household". Caius crossed his arms. "I can be either your friend or your enemy, you decide".*

 

Spoiler

"Hm. I'm afraid that I had to leave all of my previous work behind in Vyrantium. Though, the Circle might have a few copies on hand in its library."

 

He sat for a moment, in contemplation. "My current effort is - it's not just something that can be wrapped up and presented as some spectacle for the lords and ladies of Minrathous. This is... the mouth of the Void. The measure of all things."

 

Spoiler

*"Then Imperator has your work", Caius sighted.

 

"Believe me when I say that I have no intentions to present anything as a spectacle". He grinned in contempt.  "I do, however, have goals I need to achieve. To which end your study would be a great asset to me". 

 

Caius leaned back, taking a small parchment. He wrote a line to it and handed it to Livia. She gazed upon it, nodded and left the room. Outside she bumbed into Publius, "Follow me, we have to try a scrying spell, I need your help!". They hurried to the summoning chamber.

 

"So" Caius said after Livia left the room. "Now it is just for our ears. Figuratively speaking" he smiled coldly. "What can you give me for exchange of 'truce'? Are you in need of safe houses? I can provide".*

 

Spoiler

"No, no, My current accommodations are quite adequate." His eyes followed Livia as she left the room, "Did you know Mettius was positively smitten with that Livia? I found myself preoccupied with thoughts of her, for a time, after I acquired him."

 

He squinted, with an expression of academic curiosity that was unsettlingly genuine. "Fascinating. There's also a betting pool on which one of your daughters gets married first. I am learning so much."

 

Spoiler

*"I don´t blame him" Caius said with a faint smile, "she is a very beautiful and smart woman. She had several families in line to court her. I´ve wondered why she has not wed anyone".

 

"But I have to admit" he leaned forward, "I am fascinated by this too. Is Mettius still there? Can he regain control of himself or is he permanently gone? Magister Allectus is still in a vegetative state, last I heard". He tapped the desk with his finger, "what about memories, do they overlap or are you in complete control all the time?".

 

He took a sip of his wine, "I would offer you some wine but as the circumstances are what they are I will leave that to another time"  Caius said with regret.*

 

Spoiler

"Mettius and Marcus are part of something greater now. Flashes of consciousness and personality will occur immediately after the assimilation process... but that goes away, in time. There is nothing left of Mettius in the form you see before you. This is merely an accoutrement." he pulled at bits of his leather armor and the skin of his cheeks.

 

"They require a bit of micromanagement; they can't do much of anything beyond breathing, blinking. An elf from this 'Ordo Silentia' tried to communicate with Marcus' old vessel. I listened in for a bit, before leaving his body to wither away. Strange, I didn't think they would let elves work in the Archon's service."

 

Spoiler

*"So they turn into a kind of extension. Usable but alone will be of no use". Caius stroked his goatee in his thoughts. He pulled another note from the drawer and wrote something on it.

"What about multiple uses at the same time? Is it possible? If it is can you operate several people at the same time or do you have to concentrate on each at the time?", He gazed Mettius contemplating, "what is the distance for the remote controlling, is there a limit?".

 

A knock on the door cut him short. Livia stood in, "I´m sorry for the interruption". She walked to the desk giving Caius a note.

*working on the location, keep him talking*

 

Caius gave her his note. "See to it, I think we can work this out". Livia nodded and left the room closing the door behind her. She read the note in haste, *Last known location of Mettius could help, search sectors around it. The codes he used could indicate when he was in control last time.*

 

 "Where was I?" Caius turned to Mettius as Livia left the room. "Oh yes, is the memory exchange automatic or do you have to concentrate on specific issues to know? How aware are you of your own body´s surroundings at the moment, where ever you are?".*

 

Spoiler

"Memories are acquired naturally. Controlling multiple vessels can be difficult, such as... excuse me." Mettius' face went completely blank as he slumped forward in his seat. A trail of spittle emerged from his lips, traveling down to the floor. 

 

Finally, he sat upward, taking a great breath as he looked about the room, "Where was I? Yes... Distance, numbers, previous boundaries are being broken as my work continues. But I need more - blood, minds, bodies. Mages are preferable, but the bereft can still be of use. Like Mettius, and his companions."

 

He regarded Caius, a friendly smile, "Progress cannot be made without... Contribution. Sacrifice. The means to an end, but you already understand this. I can see it." 

 

Spoiler

*"Interesting, did you just step out of Mettius for a while?" Caius tilted his head. "The vessel indeed does not have the slightest control left".

He stood up, "I do understand you. Goal beyond the ordinary goals of men is what drives us forward. Breaking through the boundaries of mediocrity and old habits. To reach for power and, who knows, godhood? Fear of the unknown keeps their minds chained, but not ours". Caius stepped closer to Mettius.

"I want to try something if you don´t mind", he pulled a small silver dagger from his belt. "It will only last for a moment, you can then tell me what if any effect it had". He gently moved the blade across his hand leaving a small bleeding cut in his palm. He cast a generally used blood magic mind control spell, putting only some power to it. "Tell me, where are you currently?". Caius took a step back and healed his hand.

"How did that make you feel?", he smiled at Mettius.*

 

Spoiler

"Like casting a net over the Void." The barrier flared about Mettius, triggered by a flow of magical energy from within. He turned about in his seat, looking intently as if he were trying to peer through the walls, "Curious vibrations. I have a suspicion, Caius, that you are not truly benign in your intent."

 

Spoiler

*"Benign?" a cold smile lingered on his face for a moment. "Very few can claim to be one. And my dear Nerva, you are not one of them either". Caius walked back behind his desk. He sat down taking a sip of his wine, "but have no fear. I am still mostly just curious".

 

"I have 30 apprentices, this house is full of vibrations from various spells or attempts at work all the time. I only accept the best ones. You should see what they can come up with", he gazed at Mettius for a moment.

 

"But we have been talking about me all this time. What about you? What does the great Nerva want, or need? Can I be of service? How do you think we should resolve this?".*

 

Spoiler

"Oh, I am getting along quite well, though your offer is appreciated." Mettius closed his eyes, and the barrier started pulsing again. "I would advise against trying to locate me... The incident at the manor ended up being quite the inconvenience for both of us."

 

He opened his eyes, glancing over at Caius, "Alternatively, more subjects would be useful. Again, mages are preferable."

 

Spoiler

*Caius contemplated for a moment. "So, a truce. By the new Chantry, on the western wall, there is a loose tile in the rear of the pedestal of andraste. Third statue from the left side. Any message or information between us can be left there". He stood up. "In exchange of my leniency you will provide me information about the progress of your work. I can in turn provide you with subjects or material. Think about it".

 

Caius leaned forward over his table cold rage rippling in his voice, "but if you ever come in to my house again uninvited wearing the skin of anyone in my household I will personally hunt you down and I will crush you. And no amount of blood magic will save you".

He pointed his hand at Mettius. A massive arc of lightning shot from his extended arm burned its way through the sphere cutting Mettius in half hitting the wall behind the chair. Several runes in the wall glowed for a moment consuming the energy released. Caius whispered a command word causing the fire glyph ignite under the remains of what once was Mettius. A blue flame incinerated what was left of him and the chair.

 

Livia charged the room with a grim look and energy glowing in her arms. She stopped by the threshold seeing what had transpired. "So, it is over" she sighted relieved seeing Caius unharmed. She walked by the table looking at the ash pile. "We have a vague location. Shall I send a team?".

 

"No" Caius said silently. "For now we have a understanding, kind of". He leaned back taking a sip of his wine, "send someone to clean this mess, and bring a new chair".*

 

Spoiler

"Oh my." Nerva, shunted back into his body, stood up from his chair. "I'm afraid Magister Caius terminated communication before, uh, you could be mentioned." 

 

Two enthralled agents stood over Allegra, on her knees. A blade was held over her neck. In another corner of the safehouse, two corpses dangled above clay pottery, their ankles bound by rope to the rafters. Another thrall carefully poured the contents of a vase into a smaller bottle. 

 

"Hmm." Nerva took a cup of water from the small table next to the chair, sipping it as he looked over his prisoner. "Well. As it is, we have run out of receptacles, your mundaneness renders you sub-optimal for procurement..."

 

He began to pace about the room, Allegra watched him intently, "... and I feel that I have a suitable number of assistants, for now." He paused, and then waved to the agents. They stepped back, withdrawing the blade and relinquishing the grip upon her shoulder.

 

"You should know that your master and I have worked out an arrangement, and you are not to pursue me any longer. Since you are of no use to me, you are free to leave. As a courtesy, be sure to remind Caius." Nerva gave her a reassuring smile. Allegra, however, did not move; she glanced back and forth between Nerva and the thralls in disbelief.

 

Nerva frowned in confusion and leaned forward "Um. You can go now. Please go away."  

 

Slowly, Allegra stood up, making for the door. The thralls silently watched her as she left. Nerva sat back down in the chair, massaging his temples. He finished his cup of water, then regarded his servants, "Finish up, quickly now. We will depart soon."

 

Spoiler

*Caius paced around his study. He fought back that black rage boiling inside him. Suppressing it took a lot more willpower than he had anticipated. "That pointy eared worm had dared to challenge me in my own home. Death and destruction, pain. I will give to him, he will beg for death in the end", he gnashed his teeth as the thought ricochet inside his mind.

 

You need to cool down, he thought. Take control of yourself. Hothead will only get you killed. He had to admit to himself that Nerva had a lot less to lose, and he is dangerous. "If I only would be able to find him, to catch him alone on my own". Energy started twirling around him again, his palms were in tight fists. He stopped and took a deep breath. "What is happening to me?". Caius walked to the hall, he saw Nazlik sitting in one of the side tables talking with Miriel. "I have too much to lose, to lose control like that".*

 

[MisterJB]

Ok, you can no longer laugh at Orlesian fashion.

[Lady Artifice]

Ok, you can no longer laugh at Orlesian fashion.

 

Sure we can. 

[Master Warder Z_]

Sure we can.

Really

[MisterJB]

Look at what he is wearing.

[RobRam10]

Look at what he is wearing.

Humble clothes for a humble man.

[Master Warder Z_]

Humble clothes for a humble man.

He looks like a hobo that fell into a urn

[The Baconer]

Ah, the oddities of Ancient Age fashion.

 

Still somehow more tasteful than the contemporary Orlesian number, inspired by Mugatu.

[Lady Artifice]

Like a gold lacquered nutcracker.