Even while completely focused on his investigation into the supernatural qualities of the HQ conduit and its traits which he considered highly similar to the Nexus of Worlds, the Clockwork Man picked up on the hostility all around him. He would have been worried, considering the number and strength of those who were surrounding him, violence obviously on their minds, save for one small factor.

“Now, now, children, we haven’t forgotten the house rules have we?” The Clockwork Man said, not even turning to face the mob as he let his words sink in. Many around the hall would have forgotten what they were told earlier, but the rule was simple, no direct violence on anyone in the premises. Now, rules were meant to be broken, but the Clockwork Man figured that with the amount of power already manifested in this place, it was highly unlikely anyone here was capable of breaking them, even if they wanted to.

“You’re not going to challenge a man to a duel over a simple experiment surely?” He said, his voice grating, he holstered his pistol in one smooth motion and turned to face them, the telescopic eye on his obviously inhuman face extending slightly. “George Elmore at your service, inventor, scientist and engineer, devilishly handsome some have said as well, though I let one make their own minds up on that specific matter.” His voice barely betrayed the dark sarcasm in his voice as he regarded the assembled mob, noting the assortment of barbarians, vagabonds, warriors and flame wielding magi. “I’d thoroughly recommend you all return to your meals, you don’t want to be issuing challenges you’d soon regret.” He said, not at all boastfully, turning back to the window and resuming his close inspection.