1st case

[hellofadrug]

It appears that I have been… improperly Shanghai’d.

I assure you, there has been some sort of grave mistake, and if you return me to my proper place no charges will be pressed - I am something of an asset to solving mysteries, and absolutely rubbish at performing manual labor.

[He clears his throat, and there is a long silence as Holmes takes in

Comments

[ecopiracy]

[Phoenix's ears all but flick up with interest. That accent almost sounds his. Another from his home? Or just another coincidence?]

Since you've already been answered in regards to the captain, I'll forgo addressing that point. You have my curiosity, though. What do you mean by "solving mysteries?"

[hellofadrug]

Consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes - at your service.

[ecopiracy]

[An introduction deserves an introduction - it's only proper, after all.]

Phoenix, Captain of the airship, the Phantom Blade, likewise at your service.

Hmm... I don't think I've ever met anyone who claimed that as their profession. Is it a hobby, or is that how you actually make your living?

[hellofadrug]

[Ah, etiquette.]

It's a living - though I must admit, I find boxing to be lucrative on occasion.

An airship, you say? Last I heard there was only a patent for the zeppelin.

[ecopiracy]

[Almost certainly not noble, then, despite the formality of his accent. It's an interesting picture Phoenix is painting of this man.]

My ship is not a zeppelin. Its construction is vastly superior, with both eco engines and sails to guide and propel it, shielding to protect it from enemy attack, and a capability for speeds and maneuverability far beyond anything a zeppelin ever dreamed.

[Yes, someone is quite proud of their ship.]

[hellofadrug]

Ah, a fixed-wing aircraft, then - you made it unclear.

Propelled by engines, shielded... are you saying that gliders have been outfitted for aerial combat and acrobatics?

[ecopiracy]

[Have a lifted eyebrow, Holmes, though it's invisible over the comm. First zeppelins, now gliders - as though those are the latest technology. Is he really from that far in the past?]

No, I said airship. The Phantom Blade is more similar in design to a nautical vessel, a galleon in specific, with many modifications. It relies more on eco than on aerodynamics to keep it aloft. But yes, it is quite capable of aerial combat and maneuvers.

[He pauses, but his curiosity now is too strong.]

What year is it, if you don't mind my asking?

[hellofadrug]

...Now we're back on dirigibles.

The year is eighteen ninety-one.

[Curious.]

Now, this eco...

[ecopiracy]

I see...

[That makes absolutely no sense - except in the context of an entirely different world. Damn it.]

Eco is the energy the Makers used to shape my world. There are four basic types that can be harnessed for different effects, and two others that are more difficult to deal with.

[He could go into more detail than that, but he doubts Holmes will be interested in the properties of energy on a world that is not his.]

You are not Aeropan, are you.

[It's not really a question. Phoenix is somewhat disappointed.]

[hellofadrug]

I must confess ignorance of your... Aeropan religion, sir - it does, however, seem to be based on some sort of archaic alchemy if I am not mistaken? I am therefore most intrigued.

[ecopiracy]

Aeropa is a place, not a religion - and I would hardly call myself a religious man. But eco is a fact and a very real phenomenon in the world that I come from, much like electricity - or does that not exist in your world, too?

[hellofadrug]

Becoming more and more common by the day - though nothing can quite replace the ambience that candle light provides, don't you think?

Tell me; "world" is a turn of phrase most common to describe residence in this place. Now, would I be a fool in assuming this to be the 'Old World' versus the 'New World' connotation?

[ecopiracy]

No, it really can't.

Actually, I am using the term to mean entirely different planets, planets different enough from each other that what one would assume to be the natural laws of physics do not necessarily apply.

[He says this very seriously, Holmes. He honestly believes what he's saying.]

[hellofadrug]

Fascinating, really - the culture of this place.

Would you care to indulge my curiosity further, or do you have previous engagements?

[ecopiracy]

Nothing pressing at the moment. What did you want to know?

[hellofadrug]

Whatever there is to know.

The full mythology surrounding this place would be a decent start.