6. Weekend one: lazing about.
AN: I don't like this update too much; I feel as if it can be a lot better but it's already been a few months and quite a few revisions. The vote won't be long and hopefully turn 2 would be out by this time next week.
At long last the weekend has arrived.
A time of relaxation and leisure.
A time where Aurora could spend doing nothing and not get reprimanded by her father or mother.
A time where she could sleep till the sun goes down again, with no busybodies interrupting her sleep.
Less than a week has passed since she entered the school and Aurora is already wishing to sleep the next day away in its entirety.
Yet deep down, she feels the gentle pulse of her oath like a chain around her neck.
There will be no going back to the better days of the past.
Which is why she must ensure to milk her precious free time for all its worth.
And that is how Aurora ended up awake at around six in the morning, waiting for her despicable retainer.
And she didn't have to wait long as she spotted Gallus going down the stairs.
And as she suspected he was dressed in his exercise gear -a brown worn old shirt and scratched green pants- he was obviously going out to train.
Despite the fact she clearly stated that this day was a rest day.
And she couldn't have that.
Aurora could see the precise moment that Gallus spotted her, as his face contracted to resembled the one, he had when her uncle (and his father) caught him trying to sneak a book out of the library.
She could only smirk when she saw that look.
Aurora didn't even need to speak as she turn on her heel and entered one of the side rooms.
Octavia was already sitting on one of the sofas Aurora personally ensured the school provided.
Just after Gallus entered the room himself, Aurora locked the door -there would be no runaways for relaxation- she then fell on the comfiest sofa in the room and swiftly fallen asleep.
She still had a few hours of beauty sleep to catch up on after all.
When Aurora finally awoke, the sun was already high in the sky.
At her side she could hear Gallus and Octavia engaging in conversation she yawned exaggeratedly and her retainers quieted "good morning" Aurora began "I hope you've rested because we have much to do".
"We would have been done a lot sooner if you didn't insist on sleeping in" Gallus said. fond exasperation in his voice.
"But then I wouldn't get enough rest!" Aurora cry's "you don't want my skin to wrinkle do you? you aren't so cruel" she says teasing.
"We both know that you have enough powders and potions you'll stay as young as you want to" he replies.
"Gallus" Octavia interjects "this is no way to talk to a lady".
"Right" Aurora swiftly agrees "what would your father say?"
Gallus looks at the alliance formed to slay him and wisely gives up "fine, fine what are we doing today".
"Well," Aurora starts "I was hoping to start recruiting, get ahead of the competition"
"Did you have anyone specific in mind?" Octavia asked.
"Yes, Ermis and Livia".
"A bruiser and an alchemist" Gallus notes "a good start".
"You know me, always the best" Aurora says "but before we set out, tell me about your week how are you settling in?"
"It's not that different from home so I'm fine" Gallus begins "and the library is even more extensive than the one at the clan compound and I'm looking forward to scouring it clean".
Of course, Gallus first thought would go to his books and not to the fact he became an oath barer or left home, the nerd.
With Gallus peace said Aurora turns towards Octavia expectingly, the peasant girl shrinking under her gaze "I-I like it here, it's less gaudy your home" she says before continuing "no offense my lady"
"None taken" Aurora beamed at the taller girl "it is quite a change from what you're accustomed to.".
"What about you, my lady?" Gallus asked "how are you finding your time at the sect"
"well ---"
[] how is Aurora finding her time at the sect so far?
After a few hours of relaxing with Gallus and Octavia it was time to go introduce yourself and let others enjoy your presence.
It wasn't work if you enjoyed it and you'll stick to that fact.
The first on the agenda was Livia Cicero.
As a pill brewer the faster Aurora got to her, the better.
Least some of her rivals try and poach her.
It didn't take long to find where Livia spent her time, a few questions for some random disciples and Octavia eyes were more than enough.
Apparently, a small section of the compound they lived in was dedicated for production facilities.
And that's where Livia was spending her time.
The workshop she claimed was a small one, but it was bursting with various caldrons with bubbling concoctions and had a large sign with products offered and prices at the front.
Aurora scrunched her nose at the heavy scent for only a moment before letting her mask return and approached the petite girl with Octavia at her back.
The girl was busy stirring and overlooking the dozen or so of different cauldrons she had so she hadn't noticed Aurora approach until she was already next to her.
"Ah" Livia jumped in surprise, the movement almost causing the caldron she was stirring to spill over but swift action by Livia averted this fate, before turning to Aurora with a smile on her face "hello! Welcome to the Cicero shop what can I do for you?"
"Well, I was around and wanted to talk" Aurora replied.
"What about?"
"I was wondering if you'll be interested in some kind of collaboration? The Cicero family is well known for their quality crafts and I'm willing to pay good silver for such goods"
Fellowship challenge (very hard).
Aurora: 16 dice S>6 R4.
[10!, 1, 4, 3, 9, 5, 10!, 1, 7, 6, 4, 9, 6, 9, 1, 6, 10!, 1, 9]= 8s + [10!, 8, 6, 1, 5]= 10s.
"Oh, I'm sorry" Livia starts "you seem nice and I wouldn't mind collaborating but…" she falls silent as if not sure she should really be discussing this.
"But?" Aurora gives her a slight push.
"But my family forbade me form contracting exclusivity for the first month after entering the sect" Livia said sounding dejected "they said it would hurt my future prospects".
A slight nod from Octavia conformed that Livia said the truth "We'll that's too bad, I hope we can still be friends though?" Aurora said changing strategies now that early requirement was off the table.
"I would love to" Livia said.
The conversation continued from there, mostly small talk with nothing truly important being discussed.
Formed a good relationship With Livia Cicero, unlocked her shop. Found out she won't be recruitable until turn 5. The Cicero shop is more expansive but every silver spent here would go toward giving you a bonus toward requiting Livia. (note you have 500 silver avaliable to you).
Finding Emris took a lot more time than Aurora assumed but with Gallus investigative abilities on the task find him they did.
He apparently took to training in the forest next to the sect, straining to lift tree trunks he chopped down and move them to a giant pile he created.
When he noticed Gallus and Aurora he snorted "another peacock has come to try and entice me into their service, I will tell you what I said to all the others, I will soon finish the preparations for the voice of the ancestor's ceremony, join me and if the ancestors judge you worthy, I will follow"
Saying his piece the giant blooded returned to his task ignoring any attempt to interact with him.
Ermis has invited you to the voice of the ancestor's ceremony, it will take place late in turn 2 (meaning all other actions will happen before it) and cost 1 AP, do well and he'll join you fail and you will find yourself giantless.
Gallus (nerd that he is) has herd of the ceremony and knows it involves some kind of vision quest and that blessing form the northern ancestors are common for the participants, so there might be more boons to gain in addition to gaining Ermis into your faction.
Also, this invitation wasn't given just to you, so expect competition.
At long last the weekend has arrived.
A time of relaxation and leisure.
A time where Aurora could spend doing nothing and not get reprimanded by her father or mother.
A time where she could sleep till the sun goes down again, with no busybodies interrupting her sleep.
Less than a week has passed since she entered the school and Aurora is already wishing to sleep the next day away in its entirety.
Yet deep down, she feels the gentle pulse of her oath like a chain around her neck.
There will be no going back to the better days of the past.
Which is why she must ensure to milk her precious free time for all its worth.
And that is how Aurora ended up awake at around six in the morning, waiting for her despicable retainer.
And she didn't have to wait long as she spotted Gallus going down the stairs.
And as she suspected he was dressed in his exercise gear -a brown worn old shirt and scratched green pants- he was obviously going out to train.
Despite the fact she clearly stated that this day was a rest day.
And she couldn't have that.
Aurora could see the precise moment that Gallus spotted her, as his face contracted to resembled the one, he had when her uncle (and his father) caught him trying to sneak a book out of the library.
She could only smirk when she saw that look.
Aurora didn't even need to speak as she turn on her heel and entered one of the side rooms.
Octavia was already sitting on one of the sofas Aurora personally ensured the school provided.
Just after Gallus entered the room himself, Aurora locked the door -there would be no runaways for relaxation- she then fell on the comfiest sofa in the room and swiftly fallen asleep.
She still had a few hours of beauty sleep to catch up on after all.
When Aurora finally awoke, the sun was already high in the sky.
At her side she could hear Gallus and Octavia engaging in conversation she yawned exaggeratedly and her retainers quieted "good morning" Aurora began "I hope you've rested because we have much to do".
"We would have been done a lot sooner if you didn't insist on sleeping in" Gallus said. fond exasperation in his voice.
"But then I wouldn't get enough rest!" Aurora cry's "you don't want my skin to wrinkle do you? you aren't so cruel" she says teasing.
"We both know that you have enough powders and potions you'll stay as young as you want to" he replies.
"Gallus" Octavia interjects "this is no way to talk to a lady".
"Right" Aurora swiftly agrees "what would your father say?"
Gallus looks at the alliance formed to slay him and wisely gives up "fine, fine what are we doing today".
"Well," Aurora starts "I was hoping to start recruiting, get ahead of the competition"
"Did you have anyone specific in mind?" Octavia asked.
"Yes, Ermis and Livia".
"A bruiser and an alchemist" Gallus notes "a good start".
"You know me, always the best" Aurora says "but before we set out, tell me about your week how are you settling in?"
"It's not that different from home so I'm fine" Gallus begins "and the library is even more extensive than the one at the clan compound and I'm looking forward to scouring it clean".
Of course, Gallus first thought would go to his books and not to the fact he became an oath barer or left home, the nerd.
With Gallus peace said Aurora turns towards Octavia expectingly, the peasant girl shrinking under her gaze "I-I like it here, it's less gaudy your home" she says before continuing "no offense my lady"
"None taken" Aurora beamed at the taller girl "it is quite a change from what you're accustomed to.".
"What about you, my lady?" Gallus asked "how are you finding your time at the sect"
"well ---"
[] how is Aurora finding her time at the sect so far?
After a few hours of relaxing with Gallus and Octavia it was time to go introduce yourself and let others enjoy your presence.
It wasn't work if you enjoyed it and you'll stick to that fact.
The first on the agenda was Livia Cicero.
As a pill brewer the faster Aurora got to her, the better.
Least some of her rivals try and poach her.
It didn't take long to find where Livia spent her time, a few questions for some random disciples and Octavia eyes were more than enough.
Apparently, a small section of the compound they lived in was dedicated for production facilities.
And that's where Livia was spending her time.
The workshop she claimed was a small one, but it was bursting with various caldrons with bubbling concoctions and had a large sign with products offered and prices at the front.
Aurora scrunched her nose at the heavy scent for only a moment before letting her mask return and approached the petite girl with Octavia at her back.
The girl was busy stirring and overlooking the dozen or so of different cauldrons she had so she hadn't noticed Aurora approach until she was already next to her.
"Ah" Livia jumped in surprise, the movement almost causing the caldron she was stirring to spill over but swift action by Livia averted this fate, before turning to Aurora with a smile on her face "hello! Welcome to the Cicero shop what can I do for you?"
"Well, I was around and wanted to talk" Aurora replied.
"What about?"
"I was wondering if you'll be interested in some kind of collaboration? The Cicero family is well known for their quality crafts and I'm willing to pay good silver for such goods"
Fellowship challenge (very hard).
Aurora: 16 dice S>6 R4.
[10!, 1, 4, 3, 9, 5, 10!, 1, 7, 6, 4, 9, 6, 9, 1, 6, 10!, 1, 9]= 8s + [10!, 8, 6, 1, 5]= 10s.
"Oh, I'm sorry" Livia starts "you seem nice and I wouldn't mind collaborating but…" she falls silent as if not sure she should really be discussing this.
"But?" Aurora gives her a slight push.
"But my family forbade me form contracting exclusivity for the first month after entering the sect" Livia said sounding dejected "they said it would hurt my future prospects".
A slight nod from Octavia conformed that Livia said the truth "We'll that's too bad, I hope we can still be friends though?" Aurora said changing strategies now that early requirement was off the table.
"I would love to" Livia said.
The conversation continued from there, mostly small talk with nothing truly important being discussed.
Formed a good relationship With Livia Cicero, unlocked her shop. Found out she won't be recruitable until turn 5. The Cicero shop is more expansive but every silver spent here would go toward giving you a bonus toward requiting Livia. (note you have 500 silver avaliable to you).
Strengthened meridians pill (2X success for a single Horkos cultivation roll) - 50 silver until Horkos 10, 100 silver until Horkos 20, 200 silver until Horkos 30, etcetera.
Body reforging pill- 1xp to the body attribute per 2 silver (overuse may result in increased levels of impurities when tiering up) multiply the cost by 5 for every tier above the first.
Meridian expansion pill- 500 silver, (+0.1 permanent multiplayer for Horkos cultivation) doubles the cost with every pill taken.
Horkos gathering pill- 1 success per 5 silver until horkos 10 , 10 silver until horkos 20 and so on.
Horkos replenishment pill- 5 horkos replenished per 20 silver.
Impurity expulsion pill, 100 silver (increases the chance to retain a higher attribute level when tiering up) doubles the cost with every pill taken, 5x the cost with every tier above the first.
Life breath elixir, 5 silver per 1 health recovered.
A bunch of temporary enhancing elixirs of various prices (ask about what you want to boost and how much and I'll give you a price range).
Various cosmetic options that can give social benefits. 10 siliver-50 silver (+1-5 dice to social rolls).
The two following items ant subject to the price increase of the shop, they are already expensive enough.
Elixir of second life- 500 silver. (resurrects someone once if applied within a minute at most and the body isnt too damged).
Life reinforcing elixir- 100 silver +100 silver per use. (+1 permanent health point).
Body reforging pill- 1xp to the body attribute per 2 silver (overuse may result in increased levels of impurities when tiering up) multiply the cost by 5 for every tier above the first.
Meridian expansion pill- 500 silver, (+0.1 permanent multiplayer for Horkos cultivation) doubles the cost with every pill taken.
Horkos gathering pill- 1 success per 5 silver until horkos 10 , 10 silver until horkos 20 and so on.
Horkos replenishment pill- 5 horkos replenished per 20 silver.
Impurity expulsion pill, 100 silver (increases the chance to retain a higher attribute level when tiering up) doubles the cost with every pill taken, 5x the cost with every tier above the first.
Life breath elixir, 5 silver per 1 health recovered.
A bunch of temporary enhancing elixirs of various prices (ask about what you want to boost and how much and I'll give you a price range).
Various cosmetic options that can give social benefits. 10 siliver-50 silver (+1-5 dice to social rolls).
The two following items ant subject to the price increase of the shop, they are already expensive enough.
Elixir of second life- 500 silver. (resurrects someone once if applied within a minute at most and the body isnt too damged).
Life reinforcing elixir- 100 silver +100 silver per use. (+1 permanent health point).
Finding Emris took a lot more time than Aurora assumed but with Gallus investigative abilities on the task find him they did.
He apparently took to training in the forest next to the sect, straining to lift tree trunks he chopped down and move them to a giant pile he created.
When he noticed Gallus and Aurora he snorted "another peacock has come to try and entice me into their service, I will tell you what I said to all the others, I will soon finish the preparations for the voice of the ancestor's ceremony, join me and if the ancestors judge you worthy, I will follow"
Saying his piece the giant blooded returned to his task ignoring any attempt to interact with him.
Ermis has invited you to the voice of the ancestor's ceremony, it will take place late in turn 2 (meaning all other actions will happen before it) and cost 1 AP, do well and he'll join you fail and you will find yourself giantless.
Gallus (nerd that he is) has herd of the ceremony and knows it involves some kind of vision quest and that blessing form the northern ancestors are common for the participants, so there might be more boons to gain in addition to gaining Ermis into your faction.
Also, this invitation wasn't given just to you, so expect competition.
