Thinking about it, Xia Lushen makes an excellent point. It is good to build your own networks.
That doesn't only apply to brewing the medicine. We aren't the only member of the Ling who will ever break through to Cyan, after all. There's independent value in securing our own sourcing capability for the rare reagents required. If our breakthrough to the next realm were imminent, then I would probably weigh the option of getting the ingredients right away, but it isn't. It's a while from now, so there's no reason to rush acquisition. It's more efficient to build our networks in the first place, rather than trading a rare favor for a one-off benefit.
[X] Soil Studies (+10 bonus development rolls in fief)
Food security has major positive logistical implications for our fief. Being as self-sufficient in feeding ourselves as possible saves us money, preserves our limited transport/trade volume for other priorities, and reduces our vulnerability to enemy action. Those are all really nice things to kickstart, with lasting benefits.
That doesn't only apply to brewing the medicine. We aren't the only member of the Ling who will ever break through to Cyan, after all. There's independent value in securing our own sourcing capability for the rare reagents required. If our breakthrough to the next realm were imminent, then I would probably weigh the option of getting the ingredients right away, but it isn't. It's a while from now, so there's no reason to rush acquisition. It's more efficient to build our networks in the first place, rather than trading a rare favor for a one-off benefit.
[X] Soil Studies (+10 bonus development rolls in fief)
Food security has major positive logistical implications for our fief. Being as self-sufficient in feeding ourselves as possible saves us money, preserves our limited transport/trade volume for other priorities, and reduces our vulnerability to enemy action. Those are all really nice things to kickstart, with lasting benefits.
