elevators

[marycatelli]

When did wizards invent elevators?  Or equivalent thereof?

They're notorious for living in towers, but high floors were not a sign of high status until elevators were invented.  You put your servants in the penthouse and let them traipse up and down.  (And then groused about the servant problem.)  True, there are those who would deem a wizard a servant -- all that bookishness, not a good fighter in battle -- but any serious fantasy wizard would set that straight Real Quick.

Then, wizards have a few options.  Flying, for instance.  Or having their own servants doing the traipsing -- especially if they consist of animated wood or stone.  Or conjuring food and other supplies.  And letting those who wish to speak with them cope with the stairs.  Would certainly help ensure that any requests are important.

Comments

[mythusmage.livejournal.com]

The first hand cranked elevators go back to port cities where high cliffs mean either a long haul up stairs, or cranking up a platform; which took a fair number of people to provide the power. Dweomercraefters were helpful, but expensive, and enough slaves to provide muscle power could also be expensive (food, drink, sleeping space you know). As mines sank deeper, elevators became necessary for the work crews, and the slaves/magicians to handle them added to the cost.

So the same steam engines being used to pump out water and ventilate the shafts started being used to pull elevators up and down. About6 the same time as steam started being used to pull railcars, and propel ships, boats, and wagons; somebody got the bright idea of using one to pull a giant belt, thus inventing the conveyer. Another took the idea, put the conveyer at an angle, and when people proved to have trouble keeping their feet, added steps for that purpose. After a few incidents signs warning against horses and heavy armor and weaponry on the escalator began to appear. Still, most every day the cry goes out at a Paris Hotel, "Sir Blank has just fallen down the escalator, three dead and four injured. The dead includes Sir Blank. Clean up to reception."