1. If we need other things I'm sure we can arrange for those pills or elixirs as well. We'll be very limited in getting money for techniques from sect jobs these two weeks as well. I suppose we'll be getting our allowance soon in either case.[X] You will accept access to Natural Wonders normally reserved for members of the First Circle.
Two reasons.
1: Appropriate Techs might not be mono-Aspected. We may have a weak source of Smoke and might be able to buy Steel pills, but what if we need other things. Safely finding Wonders is going to need to wait two weeks and then still costs two actions for a guaranteed find (which still might not include safe access), and it likely won't have the right Aspects.
2: While I'm sure the Elder Siani has an outstanding collection of Techniques. We are still limited by Kong Zhi's stats here. We still need to start with simple Techniques. Siani could give us some rather random Techniques, meaning that we could still be running around without some basic abilities, until we fix that.
I am of course extremely interested in what Siani might be offering, and will be happy to find out. But I don't think it is the most sensible option.
2. That applies to both options and we don't have a reliable way to increase stats besides integrating techniques or starting on Farmer. Besides a basic grade 2 tech that boosts Con will do much for Zhi's anam threshold and health pool.
- on the other hand we have Dex and Empathy at 5. While Steel doesn't really scream Dexterity and Empathy, Smoke seems to be a good fit for a Dexterity based technique. I wouldn't be surpised with there's a Steel technique based on Resolve, though Con would still be my first priority.
The wonder's will be closed for access after integrating the techniques, one of each(?), and if we want more steel or smoke techniques we'll have to search for Wonders anyway. It'd be safer to search for those wonders after the technique integration though.
Another source of income could be to sell Vitrolic Retort, we'd have to grab an Archer tech to compensate but depending on the technique it'd outgrow the charm eventually.
Anyway whatever we choose we'll have to dedicate most of our time towards integrating the techs. It's like when Aunti Bi came, except worse. I doubt we want to see an impatient Siani. I suspect he'll just throw KZ into work even if he doesn't reach the "two step into the Farmer's domain" requirement:
"But Elder Siani… you would still learn the path of the charmcrafter, have no fear. But Siani would not allow you to solely walk that path. He would push you, Kong Zhi. You may break under his tutelage and expectations. But if you do not, you will bloom into a blossom worthy of regard."
You consider her words and bow low. "My thanks for your wisdom, Elder Sela. I am humbled to have received it."
"Oh, no," Siani easily admits with a shrug. "But that isn't something I have to worry about. Either he will complete my task and earn my sigil or fail at it and leave me his Vestige to study. It will be a shame to lose him, certainly, but I have lost interesting disciples before.
"That is concerning," Sela replies. "Though it seems your concern has another simple solution. If he seems reluctant to push himself out of his comfort zone, then you must simply do the pushing for him. Send him somewhere that he must use his wits and skills to succeed. Make him work for any dram of knowledge you can give him. I am certain you are familiar with the process."
"Indeed." As the word leaves his lips, Elder Siani, the second strongest Artist in all of the Delving Heart, smiles. It is not a nice smile.
Elder Sela can do nothing but spare a thought and a prayer for young Kong Zhi. Hopefully, the ancestors above will turn their own smile upon the young scion of Kong. They will need to; nothing less will be able to ward off the helpful intentions of Siani of the Delving Heart.