The Path Unending (A Cultivation Quest)

[X] Plan: Walter

-[X] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
--[X] "Honorable family members, I find myself distressingly short of funds. Please give consideration to paying this unworthy son much more money. A thousand expressions of gratitude, Kong Zhi. P.S. I continue to comport myself honorably, do not worry."

-[X] You may now take assignments at the Delving Heart Assignment Hall. You will go, take one, and carry it out to the best of your ability.
--[X] "Select preferentially any task related to the mail, hopefully one that allows us to figure out what was going on with that one crone's mail always getting lost."

-[X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
--[X] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
---[X] Retreat if we meet another vestige, unless it is a crab.

-[X] You have met the elusive Zhuan Kun, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that your face has met the elusive Zhuan Kun's knee. But that was barely an introduction. You will seek him out again and perhaps do better in your next sparring session.
--[X] Ask to spar with arts included this time. If we lose again, swear he hasn't seen the last of us as we flee.

-[X] You have selected your friend Jai Fa as your champion, and you know she shall represent you well. But she still needs experience with the charms she will be wielding. You will take her to a training ground and allow her practice with your arsenal.
--[X] Gossip about her brother. Ask for info on Mei, but do it subtle-like, so she doesn't know that we are interested. N-not like we are or anything!

-[X] Ming Hui has been called into his own battles, ones that take place upon a grill and a cutting board. You may not know much about cooking, but he will not turn away another set of hands. Ming Hui has retreated into his home, and the smell of frying eggs now wafts around it like a protective shroud. He will be unavailable this week.
--[X] The hell he will! Our hunger is too immense to wait. Sneak in and chow down on a portion of the egg before it is done. Frame Jin Yazhu for the act.

-[X] You have been asked to befriend several disciples by your mother, one of whom is Geng Tu, an associate of the craven Jin Yazhu. You may not have gotten off to the best start with him but perhaps you could make inroads.
--[X] Ask him what his cronies are doing hanging around Nokai.

-[X] There are other disciples you have yet to meet, and you would like to change that. You'll mingle with your fellows.
--[X] Mingle with those who have taken Sela's deal, seek especially to discover any more details about that which we don't know.

-[X] While you would never stoop to such depths unless necessary, you are certain that Jin Yazhu is planning something underhanded. You have secured your workstation, but there is always more you can do to further your defenses.
--[X] Stalk Jin Yazhu. Catch him alone and beat him like a crab exchange pointers. Tell him you will make this a weekly occasion if he doesn't publicly back out of the duel.

-[X] The Delving Heart is a massive cave complex full of mystery. You'll seek that mystery out and find out more about the place you now live.
--[X] Look for rare materials to aid father's cultivation.
 
The hour is upon us.

By that, I of course mean that I am now closing the vote. We're done here.
Adhoc vote count started by Vesvius on Jun 22, 2020 at 2:46 PM, finished with 237 posts and 54 votes.

  • [X] Plan: Rise of the BOX
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (1)
    --[X] The Lost Armory
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (2)
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (3)
    -[X] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
    --[X] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes (1)
    ---[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (2)
    ----[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (3)
    -[X] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
    --[X] Explain how things have improved with Mo, that we are now a Soldier and seem to have attracted the Notice of one of the Sect Elders, and that we are set to compete with the Foul Jin in a Duel of Crafters, with the Honorable Jai Fa stepping in as champion.
    -[X] The only true way to walk your path is to cycle the anam of the world. You will do so.
    --[X] A Second of Eternity
    ---[X] Hummingbird's Dance
    -[X] You have talents and you have sect points. They burn a hole in your purse and token the longer you have them. You shall go to the sect market and seek to offload some of your wealth
    -[X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
    --[X] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
    ---[X] Invite Fa to join you.
    [X] Plan: Rainbow Mo Buying Pills in the Shallows
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (1)
    --[X] The Lost Armory
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (2)
    -[X] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
    --[X] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes (1)
    ---[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (2)
    ----[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (3)
    -[X] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
    --[X] Explain how things have improved with Mo, that we are now a Soldier and seem to have attracted the Notice of one of the Sect Elders, and that we are set to compete with the Foul Jin in a Duel of Crafters, with the Honorable Jai Fa stepping in as champion. You have also introduced yourself to Zhuan Kun by having a spar with the rather martial disciple.
    -[X] You have talents and you have sect points. They burn a hole in your purse and token the longer you have them. You shall go to the sect market and seek to offload some of your wealth
    -[X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
    --[X] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
    ---[X] Invite Fa to join you and discuss who you can invite and how to reward them.
    -[X] Spend a Talent to re-charge the Rainbow Eyes.
    -[X] Mo Hanying seems far more relaxed in your presence now, and is more willing to call upon you for aid. Her latest request involves a trip to the surface with a few members of her retinue. It will be a trying time, you're sure, but hopefully rewarding.
    --[X] Invite Jai Shouxi
    [X] Plan: Mo, Shallow, and Intel
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (1)
    --[X] The Lost Armory
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (2)
    -[X] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
    --[X] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes (1)
    ---[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (2)
    ----[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (3)
    -[X] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
    --[X] Explain how things have improved with Mo, that we are now a Soldier and seem to have attracted the Notice of one of the Sect Elders, and that we are set to compete with the Foul Jin in a Duel of Crafters, with the Honorable Jai Fa stepping in as champion. You have also introduced yourself to Zhuan Kun by having a spar with the rather martial disciple.
    -[X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
    --[X] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
    ---[X] Invite Fa to join you.
    -[X] Mo Hanying seems far more relaxed in your presence now, and is more willing to call upon you for aid. Her latest request involves a trip to the surface with a few members of her retinue. It will be a trying time, you're sure, but hopefully rewarding.
    --[X] Invite Jai Shouxi
    -[X] Jin Yazhu has certainly selected his champion by now. You will attempt to glean who it will be.
    --[X] Request Mo's aid in this matter in exchange for a future favour. Either that, or use up your favour if Mo believes the information is worth that much.
    -[X] Spend a Talent to re-charge the Rainbow Eyes.
    [X] Plan: Mo, Rainbow Eyes and Shallow
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (1)
    --[X] The Lost Armory
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (2)
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (3)
    -[X] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
    --[X] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes (1)
    ---[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (2)
    ----[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (3)
    -[X] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
    --[X] Explain how things have improved with Mo, that we are now a Soldier and seem to have attracted the Notice of one of the Sect Elders, and that we are set to compete with the Foul Jin in a Duel of Crafters, with the Honorable Jai Fa stepping in as champion. You have also introduced yourself to Zhuan Kun by having a spar with the rather martial disciple.
    -[X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
    --[X] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
    ---[X] Invite Fa to join you and discuss who you can invite and how to reward them.
    -[X] Spend a Talent to re-charge the Rainbow Eyes.
    -[X] Mo Hanying seems far more relaxed in your presence now, and is more willing to call upon you for aid. Her latest request involves a trip to the surface with a few members of her retinue. It will be a trying time, you're sure, but hopefully rewarding.
    --[X] Invite Jai Shouxi
    [X] Plan: Box
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (1)
    --[X] The Lost Armory
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (2)
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (3)
    -[X] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
    --[X] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes (1)
    ---[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (2)
    ----[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (3)
    -[X] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
    --[X] Explain how things have improved with Mo, that we are now a Soldier and seem to have attracted the Notice of one of the Sect Elders, and that we are set to compete with the Foul Jin in a Duel of Crafters, with the Honorable Jai Fa stepping in as champion.
    -[X] You now have access to the Archives of the Delving Heart. You will go there and seek out knowledge, paying for it with either talents or sect points.
    --[x] Research Time anam and see if you can find our what you have gotten yourself into.
    -[X] Mo Hanying seems far more relaxed in your presence now, and is more willing to call upon you for aid. Her latest request involves a trip to the surface with a few members of her retinue. It will be a trying time, you're sure, but hopefully rewarding.
    --[x] Invite Shouxi for his requested introduction to Mo Hanyinf
    -[X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
    --[X] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
    ---[X] Invite Fa to join you.
    [X] Plan: No Shouxi
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (1)
    --[X] The Lost Armory
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (2)
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (3)
    -[X] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
    --[X] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes (1)
    ---[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (2)
    ----[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (3)
    -[X] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
    --[X] Explain how things have improved with Mo, that we are now a Soldier and seem to have attracted the Notice of one of the Sect Elders, and that we are set to compete with the Foul Jin in a Duel of Crafters, with the Honorable Jai Fa stepping in as champion. You have also introduced yourself to Zhuan Kun by having a spar with the rather martial disciple.
    -[X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
    --[X] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
    ---[X] Invite Fa to join you.
    -[X] Spend a Talent to re-charge the Rainbow Eyes.
    -[X] Mo Hanying seems far more relaxed in your presence now, and is more willing to call upon you for aid. Her latest request involves a trip to the surface with a few members of her retinue. It will be a trying time, you're sure, but hopefully rewarding.
    [X] Plan: The one that probably wont win
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (1)
    --[X] The Lost Armory
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (2)
    -[X] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (3)
    -[X] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
    --[X] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes (1)
    ---[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (2)
    ----[X] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (3)
    -[X] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
    --[X] mini vote
    [X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You will seek to impress Elder Tian, the master craftsman, by returning to the Creators Garden and working as an assistant to any who will have you.
    -[X] Mo Hanying seems far more relaxed in your presence now, and is more willing to call upon you for aid. Her latest request involves a trip to the surface with a few members of her retinue. It will be a trying time, you're sure, but hopefully rewarding.
    --[X] Say that Jai Shouxi, a friend of ours, would like to meet her and we would like to introduce him to her next week
    -[X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
    --[X] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
    ---[X] Invite Fa to join you.
    ----[X] bring the gauntlet
    [X] Plan: Walter
    -[X] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
    --[X] "Honorable family members, I find myself distressingly short of funds. Please give consideration to paying this unworthy son much more money. A thousand expressions of gratitude, Kong Zhi. P.S. I continue to comport myself honorably, do not worry."
    -[X] You may now take assignments at the Delving Heart Assignment Hall. You will go, take one, and carry it out to the best of your ability.
    --[X] "Select preferentially any task related to the mail, hopefully one that allows us to figure out what was going on with that one crone's mail always getting lost."
    -[X] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
    --[X] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
    ---[X] Retreat if we meet another vestige, unless it is a crab.
    -[X] You have met the elusive Zhuan Kun, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that your face has met the elusive Zhuan Kun's knee. But that was barely an introduction. You will seek him out again and perhaps do better in your next sparring session.
    --[X] Ask to spar with arts included this time. If we lose again, swear he hasn't seen the last of us as we flee.
    -[X] You have selected your friend Jai Fa as your champion, and you know she shall represent you well. But she still needs experience with the charms she will be wielding. You will take her to a training ground and allow her practice with your arsenal.
    --[X] Gossip about her brother. Ask for info on Mei, but do it subtle-like, so she doesn't know that we are interested. N-not like we are or anything!
    --[X] The hell he will! Our hunger is too immense to wait. Sneak in and chow down on a portion of the egg before it is done. Frame Jin Yazhu for the act.
    -[X] You have been asked to befriend several disciples by your mother, one of whom is Geng Tu, an associate of the craven Jin Yazhu. You may not have gotten off to the best start with him but perhaps you could make inroads.
    --[X] Ask him what his cronies are doing hanging around Nokai.
    -[X] There are other disciples you have yet to meet, and you would like to change that. You'll mingle with your fellows.
    --[X] Mingle with those who have taken Sela's deal, seek especially to discover any more details about that which we don't know.
    -[X] While you would never stoop to such depths unless necessary, you are certain that Jin Yazhu is planning something underhanded. You have secured your workstation, but there is always more you can do to further your defenses.
    --[X] Stalk Jin Yazhu. Catch him alone and beat him like a crab exchange pointers. Tell him you will make this a weekly occasion if he doesn't publicly back out of the duel.
    -[X] The Delving Heart is a massive cave complex full of mystery. You'll seek that mystery out and find out more about the place you now live.
    --[X] Look for rare materials to aid father's cultivation.
 
Crap, Walter had a pretty good plan!

I would've looked forward to beating the snot out of exchanging tips with Jin!
Why are we going to the market when we only have about seven points?
Pill buying. That way we won't get caught flat-footed during the Shallows fight, or need to stop by a Wonder to refuel afterwards.

Any pills left over from the fight can be saved for emergencies and cycling our anam techniques.
 
I just had a thought. Could we create/enhance materials? For example could we take a mundane steel weapon to the Lost Armory and cycle the Steel/War Anam of the Armory into the Weapon and in doing so make it a material? Or do the same with the Worn Hammer we have and enhance the Steel Anam it already has?
 
I just had a thought. Could we create/enhance materials? For example could we take a mundane steel weapon to the Lost Armory and cycle the Steel/War Anam of the Armory into the Weapon and in doing so make it a material? Or do the same with the Worn Hammer we have and enhance the Steel Anam it already has?
Ves has previously said that the answer to all "Is it Possible" questions are all "try it and see"
 
I just had a thought. Could we create/enhance materials? For example could we take a mundane steel weapon to the Lost Armory and cycle the Steel/War Anam of the Armory into the Weapon and in doing so make it a material? Or do the same with the Worn Hammer we have and enhance the Steel Anam it already has?
it would require a write in action and it has been talked about before. vesvius's response is. try it. a lot of us want to but we need to have a week where we can have actions to spare throwing things away for expirments.
 
it would require a write in action and it has been talked about before. vesvius's response is. try it. a lot of us want to but we need to have a week where we can have actions to spare throwing things away for expirments.
I see. If that's the case I would recommend that we try and enhance the Worn Hammer in the Lost Armory as our first try.

It should be easier to build upon an already exsisting foundation and the Anam in the Hammer is so weak we won't have to overcome any real resistance that I imagine would come with altering stronger materials.

That combined with the strength and matching nature of the Lost Armory and our bonus towards dealing with Steel Anam from our Core if this is possible this should be the easiest way of learning how to do so.
 
I see. If that's the case I would recommend that we try and enhance the Worn Hammer in the Lost Armory as our first try.

It should be easier to build upon an already exsisting foundation and the Anam in the Hammer is so weak we won't have to overcome any real resistance that I imagine would come with altering stronger materials.

That combined with the strength and matching nature of the Lost Armory and our bonus towards dealing with Steel Anam from our Core if this is possible this should be the easiest way of learning how to do so.
I suspect it will work, it meshes with what we already know about how objects get infused with anam.

I also suspect it will be lower yield (in terms of mat points per action) than hunting for mats would be, to balance out our ability to pick what types were getting vrs the hunt/market gatcha
 
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Question when we're making the box, if we have enough wood left over can we burn the excess and use the ashes with water or swing by Ming to get some vinegar or onion skins to stain the wood, or get some lacquer for it tot ouch it up real nice?
 
68. Getting One's Plans In Order
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[] Plan: Rise of the BOX
-[] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (1)
--[] The Lost Armory
-[] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (2)
-[] The work on your gauntlet is immaculate. All that is left is infusing it. (3)
-[] Your fingers itch to begin work on a new charm. You shall begin planning one out.
--[] You will begin work on a charm for your own purposes (1)
---[] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (2)
----[] You will continue to work on a charm for your own purposes (3)
-[] You have not spoken with your family in quite some time. You shall pen them a letter (Does not count as an action. -1 bronze talent).
--[] Explain how things have improved with Mo, that we are now a Soldier and seem to have attracted the Notice of one of the Sect Elders, and that we are set to compete with the Foul Jin in a Duel of Crafters, with the Honorable Jai Fa stepping in as champion.
-[] The only true way to walk your path is to cycle the anam of the world. You will do so.
--[] A Second of Eternity
---[] Hummingbird's Dance
-[] You have talents and you have sect points. They burn a hole in your purse and token the longer you have them. You shall go to the sect market and seek to offload some of your wealth
-[] You've been tasked with impressing an Elder if you wish to rise to the Eighth Circle. You have recently met Elder Siani, an Elder who seems to handle problems and rare situations around the sect. Elder Siani seems very interested in the Armory Map you fixed, and completing its tasks will likely draw further attention.
--[] You will seek out the point on the map closest to the surface (Counts as One Action).
---[] Invite Fa to join you.
-------------------
It is a very good thing you are unlikely to seek out Elder Sela's generosity unless you have no other choice, because after the few days you have just had, you are fairly certain you are wanted by the whole realm for crimes against all of treekind.

Elder Brother Meng Cai had been true to his word; he had not taught you a single thing until you first fashioned a chair for him to sit on and a table at which to sit. It had taken you hours to hew the proper shapes from the massive log he had felled seemingly barehanded and the sun had almost set by the time it was close to ready. Then, of course, he deemed your efforts "An affront to sense, aesthetics, and good taste alike, younger Brother," and had you do it again- but not before causing vines to grow from the soil and drag the fruits of your labor into the abyss with seemingly no effort.

So you had begun again. This time, Meng Cai deigned to teach you a thing or two, mainly so that his eyes could be spared having to view another monstrosity. Under his guidance the second table and chair came out far better. You did so well, in fact, that they were spared the fate of your last work. These got to be incinerated with a twitch of Meng Cai's eyebrow.

And so it had continued. You had created table after table and chair after chair until the entire trunk of the tree was nothing more but wood shavings and ash floating in the breeze. But any thoughts of moving on to another exercise had been banished when Meng Cai walked over to another tree, brought it to the ground with a light push, and told you to get back to it.

It took you six entire trees to get a chair that Meng Cai deemed passable enough to sit on. The table had taken you another two; something about flattening the top surface just did not click for some time. But eventually, you had something for Meng Cai to sit in front of.

Once the table was finished, Meng Cai studied it for a few moments. "Your craftsmanship is still a blight upon this world, but it no longer causes my stomach to roil in agony. You have made great strides. These two pieces of furniture are tolerable. However, there is one key flaw here."

Before your heart even had time to sink, your hard-crafted furniture vanished in a spray of water of all things. "They were made of oak," he informed you. "Oak. Oak is a sturdy, good wood, but if you are creating tables, you want a fine walnut. That gives you additional stability, and it provides a sense of grandeur that oak simply cannot match. Remember that, younger brother. Oak is good for cabinets and crates. If you're looking for tablewood, you want walnut."

You had stared at him, mouth agape. When you were able to speak again, your voice came out an octave higher than it normally does. "If that's the case, then why did you just keep cutting me oaks?!"

Meng Cai scoffed, mustache fluttering in the breeze. "I wasn't going to waste perfectly good walnut for a training exercise. Now come; you have at least a smattering of the basics down, let's discuss proper dovetailing."

Then he cut down yet another tree.

In total, throughout Meng Cai's tutelage, you deforested that entire portion of the Brightmaples. A full forty-seven trees fell to the flat of your tutor's hand, and all of them were fashioned into something that was deemed 'tolerable' at best. If Elder Sela has any kind of affinity for non-awoken trees, she is going to hate you.

But while trees might despise you, you learned what you wanted to from the experience. Meng Cai truly knows his business. You may not know everything he does- in fact, you're certain you know less than a fraction of what he does- but he's taught you enough to make any mortal craftsman weep. Types of wood, joins, bends, the proper way to sand with the grain, appropriate construction, how to make your own lacquer out of sap and ground minerals, and even a few more artistic ways to make wood do your bidding.

Still. You sort of never want to see him again.

Relationship Established: Meng Cai (0)!

The feeling is more than mutual. He sends you on your way when he feels you have learned all you're going to learn with nothing more than a nod and a request that you never tell anyone who taught you. That's a request you're more than happy to heed. You scamper away from the now barren forest floor with one thought in your mind: is this going to happen every time you hire a tutor?!

You make your way back to the Spire and in short order, practically hurl yourself into the stream. It takes you hours to wash all of the sap out of your hair and from beneath your fingernails. It's far harder than any bath you've ever taken before- and you find sap in places you have no idea how sap got to. But while you work at cleaning crystalized gunk out of your armpit, you at least have time to think.

You are not going to make any pretensions at mastery but you at least know something about woodworking now. With the knowledge that Meng Cai drilled into you, you are fairly confident in your abilities to fashion the Timbers of the Caravan into something interesting. Perhaps something with the Game Piece, or maybe the Vestige's Ice- ooh, or you could use the fragments of the crab's shell to fashion something truly interesting. The possibilities are endless, and you're eager to explore them.

However, you could have even more possibilities. You still have a good number of talents in your purse that can easily be turned into other, equally interesting materials. A trip to the market seems in order. But you cannot buy everything; it's been too long since you sent a letter home. You will need to save at least one talent for postage. That still leaves you with a good budget for new materials, or even a pill or two so you don't have to rely on Jai Fa's largess next time.

With your mind made up, you finish scraping the last of the sap off of your person and swim ashore to redress. Once you are covered and dry, it's the work of moments to make it to the central complex and the clearing that holds the market.

Before you truly get started, you stop at the moneychanger's stall. The same seemingly-elderly disciple awaits you there. His braid somehow seems even grayer and even messier than it did last time. His look of bored indifference has not changed a lick, however.

"Good day, elder brother," you greet him. "What's the exchange rate today?"

"Four sect points to one bronze talent," he responds in that same infuriating monotone.

You bite back a sigh. One point less than last time; you were worried about that. But you remember the conversation you had with the moneychanger the last time you came to market. Protesting will not do you a lick of good. So you nod at him and step away. You will come back and make the exchange after you have already picked out your goods.

This is going to take you a while. Best get started.

You have 2 Sect Points and 5 Bronze Talents. Bronze Talents may be exchanged for 4 Sect Points each at the moneychanger, and may not be changed back. Pills and Elixirs may be purchased multiple times, materials only once.

Please, in Plan Format, choose what Kong Zhi buys.

[] Write-In
THIS VOTE HAS A 2 HOUR MORATORIUM! PLEASE DO NOT CAST YOUR VOTE UNTIL 2 HOURS HAVE PASSED!
Materials
[] Bound Loveletters (6 Points. Night/Beauty Aspected. +8 to Development)
[] A Tattered Prayer Scroll (6 Points. Sun/Heaven Aspected. +9 to Development)
[] Giant's Armor of a Foreign Make (9 Points. Blood/War Aspected. +17 to Development)
[] Ironwrought Anvil (4 Points. Force/Iron Aspected. +8 to Development)
[] A bundle of fresh Ifeagrass. (1 Point. Blood Aspected. +2 to development)
[] A Single Strand of Straw (5 Points. Wood/Discipline Aspected. +8 to Development)
[] Bottled ash from experiments in the Creator's Garden. (2 Points. Fire Aspected. +3 to development)
[] The hide of a shellrat. (1 Point. Earth Aspected. +2 to development)
[] Scales from a Lightbridge Trout. (1 Point. Water Aspected. +2 to development)
[] A Rusty Dagger. (4 Points. Treachery Aspected. +8 to Development)
[] Freshly-Hewn Obsidian. (2 Points. Light Aspected. +4 to Development)
[] A Brass Knocker. (2 Points. Force Aspected. +3 to Development)
[] The powdered beak of a crow. (1 Points. Wind Aspected. +2 to development)
[] Core Geode (5 Points. Earth/Diamond Aspected. +9 to Development)
[] The Hide of a Starbred Steed (5 Points. Beast/Star Aspected. +10 to Development)
[] A Pound of Viscous Clay (3 Points. Earth/Mud Aspected. +6 to Development)
[] A Pair of Glass Warhammers (4 Points. Light/Force Aspected. +7 to Development)
[] Wool of a Verdant Ewe. (1 Point. Beast Aspected. +2 to development.)
[] An Everbloom. (3 Points. Life Aspected. +6 to Development)
[] A Bottle of Wearying Leeches. (3 Points. Beast/Blood Aspected. +6 to Development)
[] The tattered flag of a Pirate Ship (4 Points. Wind/Water Aspected. +7 to Development)

Pills and Elixirs
[] Lasting Remedy (6 Points. Grade 1 Force Pill)
[] A Distant Memory (14 Points. Grade 2 Star Pill)
[] Impetus Unleashed (14 Points. Grade 2 Paper Elixir)
[] The Heart of Stone (5 Points. Grade 1 Earth Pill)
[] The Seventh Nursemaid (6 Points. Grade 1 Blood Pill)
[] Hearthfire's Ember (5 Points. Grade 1 Fire Pill.)
[] Spider's Serum (11 Points. Grade 2 Beast Elixir)
[] The Curious Reflection (14 Points. Grade 2 Crow Pill)
[] A Word Illspoken (7 Points. Grade 1 Poison Elixir)
[] A Kiss from Lightning (5 Points. Grade 1 Wind Pill)
[] An Evening's Rest (12 Points. Grade 1 Healing Pill. Restores 1 Physical Stress Box.)
[] The Essense of Shattering (11 Points. Grade 2 Force Pill)
[] Heartbeat (6 Points. Grade 1 Beast Pill)
[] Woodsman's Respite (7 Points. Grade 1 Wood Pill)
[] Seabreeze (5 Points. Grade 1 Water Pill)
[] Crucible (16 Points. Grade 1 Restoration Pill. +2 Anam Generation for one week.)
[] An Eye-Opening Experience (6 Points. Grade 1 Light Pill)
[] Remnants of the Cleanse (14 Points. Grade 2 Smoke Pill)
[] The East Wind (9 Points. Grade 2 Wind Elixir)
[] The Light of Battle (7 Points. Grade 1 Steel Elixir)
[] Soldier's Requiem (9 Points. Grade 2 Earth Pill)

Natural Wonders for Rent
[] The Stables. (55 Points/week. Beast/Force/Sun 200)
[] Punishment Hall (50 Points/week. Blood/Pain 200)
[] Smouldering Kiss (45 Points/week. Fire/Earth 200)
[] The Stomping Garden (50 Points/week. Wood/Beauty 200)
[] The Heart of Snow (45 Points/week. Water/Ice 200)
[] Warsong's Embrace (30 Points/week. Earth/Sound 200)

Other
[] A High Quality Weapon (5 Points)
-[] (Write-In Weapon)
[] Mundane Travel Supplies (5 Points)
 
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Since we're receiving our allowance next week, we can afford to spend all our talents except one, which is for the letter.

Doesn't mean we necessarily should, but we can.
 
he coulld make a cloak with the camelturkey feathers, tattered pirate flag and the brass knockers
maybe call it Shelter of the Wonderlust
 
Reminder that we are not only buying for immediate projects, but having a good stock of materials around for future ones is the mark of a true charmcrafter.
 
We need to save at least one talent for the letter. So we have 18 points to play with.

These are the cheapest pills if we're just using them as anam restoration for our journey into the depths.
[] The Heart of Stone (5 Points. Grade 1 Earth Pill)
[] Hearthfire's Ember (5 Points. Grade 1 Fire Pill.)
[] Seabreeze (5 Points. Grade 1 Water Pill)
[] The East Wind (9 Points. Grade 2 Wind Elixir)
[] Soldier's Requiem (9 Points. Grade 2 Earth Pill)

And we could pick up supplies for when we check the last map position.
[] Mundane Travel Supplies (5 Points)

This vote would leave us with 2 talents left over. One for the letter, and another saved for if conversion rates improve.
[] Soldier's Requiem (9 Points. Grade 2 Earth Pill)
[] Mundane Travel Supplies (5 Points)
 
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Frankly, if we spend much on materials, this is a wasted trip. We don't have any idea what our future projects are, after all, so we might as well have gone shopping in Week 10.
 
Alright lads and lasses we have a some choices to make.

We have 5 talents but need to save 1 for our letter home. That leaves us with 4 that can be turned into 16 sect points, plus the 2 we already have for a total of 18.

Also, there are some shinies in the mat sections.

That being said.

[] The Heart of Stone (5 Points. Grade 1 Earth Pill)
[] Hearthfire's Ember (5 Points. Grade 1 Fire Pill.)
[] A Kiss from Lightning (5 Points. Grade 1 Wind Pill)
[] Seabreeze (5 Points. Grade 1 Water Pill)

These are the cheapest pills. We could by three of any of these and still have 3 points left over to grab a new mat or two. That gives us 15 anam in our pocket.

Alternatively we have just enough points to buy two of these.

[] Soldier's Requiem (9 Points. Grade 2 Earth Pill)

This gives us 20 anam on hand but we gotta give up on getting any new mats this time around.

Or we could split the difference, buy one of the grade 2 pills and have 9 points left for new mats.

Thoughts?
 
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