<div class="floatleft">(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/theathaschronicle/images/3/3c/78d56837c65dd199791a76dc0a5a6558.jpg/revision/latest/top-crop/width/360/height/450?cb=20171023104112)</div><strong>Niles the Nerdist</strong><br/><br/>The north quad was a peaceful place, filled with yearning minds taking their rest under the sun and drifting clouds. Rest, a lovely thing; a necessary thing. He remembered the good old days of sprawling out across the grass and letting thoughts of his studies float away, ebbing and vanishing, only to flood him with new ideas and answers!<br/><br/>Rest was a beautiful thing, as almost paradoxically, it led to progress.<br/><br/>The students here would experience this firsthand as heavy clay feet stomped along the pathways surrounding the grassy area. Creatures made of clay and metal drew the eyes of all around, as well they should have, and soon they would draw their adoration!<br/><br/>"Hello good students and faculty! I am Niles, valedictorian of this fine university and inventor extraordinaire! I learned much in my days as a student here; I learned that knowledge leads to progress and that progress leads to exciting, happier lives. But there are hindrances to progress, and they stand looming above us all in the form of tradition and bullheaded stubbornness!" The clay and metal men were all lined up now, and they shook their heads in mock disappointment to emphasize his words.<br/><br/>"We inventors create to fill needs, but those who rule this fine land--those who've ruled for generations--have no care for such things. They care only for maintaining power, through bloodline and connections. I propose that for once, we ensure the wisest and brightest run things. I propose that we create and act to fill needs, prevent disasters, and enrich our lives."<br/><br/>He took a moment to let his words sink in, closing his eyes and breathing in his own dramatic zeal. Then he continued. "How many have lost loved ones to battle? How many have gone unprotected because no mortal being can be everywhere at once? And what have our leaders done to stop these terrible qualms? Nothing, I say!" The outrage was very real. "They accept these problems as natural and unavoidable, but I wholeheartedly disagree." One by one, the automatons entered perfectly programmed battle stances. "Some of you may have seen my creations throughout the city, already solving problems our dear Red has seen fit to ignore. They have and will continue to prevent needless death and injury. I say it's time that mortal beings stop being treated as cannon fodder and lackeys. I say it's time to fix other 'impossible' problems that plague us under Red's rule. I say it's time for a change in leadership. Let the brightest lead, not some dullard with a family history!" The automatons all bowed to the people, before standing perfectly still to be marveled at and inspected at their leisure. Spectacle was of great importance, and this was only the beginning.