Edwin ended up giving a brief overview of his experience attempting to join the Guild and how he had ended up in Copes research group, with the guildmaster occasionally stopping him to ask a clarifying question and prod him along his tale, until hed explained essentially the entirety of his work to her.
Most interesting indeed. Much obliged. Now, tell what you know of Geoalchemist Hawizeh.
Who? Edwin genuinely had no oh wait, it was probably-
Talented Veteran Geoalchemist Othniel Hawizeh. You referred to him by na several tis in your story, and as an assistant to Alchemist Cope, it is generally assud you know Geoalchemist Hawizeh.
Yeah, sorry. As soon as you said it, I realized who you must have been talking about, Edwin apologized, Umm I dont really know much about the guy at all. I also thought Othniel would have been his last na, but anyway, that doesnt matter. Ive never t him, he shrugged, just heard secondhand about him and his group. I never took part in any of the seriously over-the-top sabotages, just sort of rolled with them when I had to deal with them in turn.
Actually, what is up with that? Is it just so sort of ga to them? None of the sabotages were ever that severe, not like they were ever trying to do anything more than just mildly inconvenience one another. Thats not how you do professional sabotage.
I will answer questions to the best of my capabilities once you have.
It took Edwin a mont to parse her statent, but nodded in understanding, Okay. So, what next?
I wish to know of your history prior to Vinstead. It is almost as though you appeared from thin air one day. Is that related to your unusual knowledge by any chance?
Yesss. Edwin cautiously agreed, Though Ta- Enforcer Lisana advised I not talk about it, I can say that she told it was alright to explain Im from Fierisal and that I ended up here sohow. Thats not being coy, either, just genuinely not knowing how I landed in the Lirasian Empire, more or less. Technically I landed in the Verdant, but thats not important. I cant really say much beyond that, sorry. My ho was much more advanced in non-magical science than here, I will say, though adding magic throws everything I knew into chaos. Thats actually why I beca an alchemist, really. I wanted to incorporate magic into my knowledge of the world.
Interesting. A mage with little experience with magic.
I did say I wasnt a very good mage, he defended himself.
That you did. Very well, She paused for a mont, and moved to clasp her hands together and rest them on her desk, I believe I am prepared to render a verdict.
Alchemist-Errant Edwin Maxlin, you have been found guilty of working with the guild whilst not having an approved Alchemist class.
Hey! I didnt-
Allow to finish, Alchemist-Errant Maxlin.
But I didnt know that
Allow to finish, Alchemist-Errant Maxlin.
Sorry, he muttered.
Alchemist-Errant Edwin Maxlin, you have been found guilty of working with the guild whilst not having an approved Alchemist class. Now, as you did not ever attempt to impersonate a Guild mber, the onus was upon your employer to confirm that your Class was indeed viable. Given your employer was Alchemist Shorob Cope, I shall be investigating him once this incident has passed, and render due judgent upon him. Thus, while in violation of Guild policy, you are deed not culpable for this transgression and are thus free from monetary fines or further punitive actions.
Thanks? I was kind of expecting that to go another direction, honestly. I was kind of worried I might have to run away from another unfair debt-based indentured alchemy tenure.
You have had that happen before?
I probably shouldnt have said that. But yes. Not in the bounds of the Empire, though.
The Shandin Kingdoms or Quoena? she barely paused before asking.
Wait, what?
You landed in the Verdant, and prior to that you were not an alchemist. Thus, your imprisonnt-by-alchemy must have occurred in the ti between your landing within the depths of the Verdant. Thus, The Shandin Kingdoms or Quoena.
Um, the Highpeak Kingdoms? Is that the Shandin Kingdoms? That was impressively fast deduction.
She stilled for a mont, Ah, of course. Polyglot. Yes, the, she paused for a mont in concentration, The Shandin and Highpeak kingdoms are one and the sa.
So then whats Quoena?
The elven city. I did not believe that it would be them, but it is always prudent to cover ones base assumptions. But no, we do not place the fault or debt with those liable to be taken advantage of. You may thank Emperor Xares for implenting that ruling in the ti of my predecessor. One of the few mandates he has given directly, as the case may be.
Oh, thats nice. He did actually, back up a mont. The elven city? In the Verdant? Thats real?
Naturally. Now, while you are not to be fiscally responsible for this fiasco, you do remain responsible for your actions now that you have been inford of Guild policy, and you must therefore cease your assistantship with Alchemist Cope or genuinely be found responsible for your actions.
Is it assistantship if Im not actually paid? He kept saying he was going to, but I still havent seen so much as a ves for my work. I dont care that much, I was much more interested in learning about alchemy- which I certainly managed- but
I shall be speaking with Alchemist Cope on that subject, I see. If you remain in Panastalis by the ti my investigations have concluded, you will be duly compensated.
You dont ss around, do you?
It is my duty to ensure the tenets of the Guild are upheld. Doing less would be a disgrace. Now, should you leave Panastalis for so cause prior to the investigation has co to a close, you are capable of retrieving the full amount owed unto you by returning to the city at so point within the next two years. After that point, you may retrieve half your owed amount, and that amount will be halved once more for every year which you do not take your paynt. Should the owed amount ever pass under the sum of one ager, you will no longer be able to collect it. Do you understand?
I I think so? I dont suppose I could get that in writing? Actually, no. I can just he quickly Almanaced himself a reminder, Okay, I got it.
Now, with that settled, I do believe you had so questions for ?
Yeah! I guess I did. Um, I dont want to take up too much of your ti, so Ill try and keep them focused. But whats up with Cope and Othniel? Ive heard Copes side of the story, and he of course makes his rival sound like the devil incarnate, but Im curious what is actually going on.
Those two she sighed in the largest expression of emotion Edwin had seen on the woman, They used to be such great friends. A bit aggressive in their competitions, yes, but both quite promising in the field of alchemical classifications. Between the two of them, they had catalogued nigh a hundred and fifty new flora, fauna, and minerals. Then one day, Geoalchemist Hawizeh bribed a harvester to divert new findings to him in preference to Alchemist Cope, and the two never saw eye to eye again. Their reports began to devolve into bickering, and things only deteriorated from there.
The two would send teams into the field to throw rocks at the others group, to burn down interesting bushes or drive off native fauna. In their haste, they would frequently misidentify or both identify the sa type of specin as different. Alchemist Cope was particularly egregious in this regard, and would scarcely stop short of direct coercion and slander in his endeavors.
Their current level of squabbling is the result of several injunctions towards the both of them. While undeniably brilliant, they were causing untold amounts of damage to the credibility of other Cataloguers, many of whom petitioned to put a cease to their open hostility. I do not know how they settled upon attempting to replicate porcelain to prove their respective superiority, but I and the rest of the guild are more than content to allow this state of events to continue, provided it does not escalate overmuch.
I hope that helped aliorate your curiosity?
Edwin nodded, Yeah. So yeah. It makes sense. Interesting that they chose porcelain, though.
It is quite a valuable material. Do you know of it?
Yeah, I think I rember how to make it, even. We had it back ho.
Truly? Do tell.
Edwin opened his mouth, then, thinking better of it, closed it and shook his head, Nah, you know what? I think Ill keep that one quiet. You never know when knowing how to make sothing more valuable than gold would be useful.
Kertoa looked at him for a mont in thought, Very well. Do you truly have knowledge of so many things?
He shrugged, Basically nothing about magic, and I havent the faintest clue about half of the System, but this sort of thing? Science, materials science? I spent years learning all of this before I ca to the Empire.
So do we, and yet you are so utterly certain in your knowledge, beyond even many experienced researchers, She tapped her fingers on the desk. Perhaps we ought to look into this germ theory of yours. Let it not be said that the Alchemical Guildmaster is scared of being proven wrong.
Wait, what? I wasnt expecting that. Edwin was taken aback, Just like that?
We will not take your claim at re words, for they are indeed re words. However, what harm might there be in investigating the claims of soone whose history and knowledge are of interest to the Emperor himself?
Wasted ti, wasted resources? Edwin shrugged.
I want for neither, Alchemist-Errant Maxlin. This is done for my personal curiosity, not because I believe you in preference to thousands of years of tradition.
Well, regardless thanks, I guess. For listening to .
Certainly, Alchemist-Errant. Now, was there anything else?
Not really, I guess. I know Ill have a thousand questions the mont I walk away, but thats it for now, I suppose?
Excellent. Recall your limitations.
Edwin nodded, No more working with Cope, stick around if I want to be paid right away. Any idea how long that might take?
A few weeks, perhaps.
Hm. Yeah, Ill probably head out tomorrow or the day after, then. I wasnt planning on sticking around for too much longer anyway, so this works out well, all told. I just need to wrap up a few things- not alchemy stuff, just personal stuff, he quickly clarified.
He nodded his farewells and took his leave, going out the main door this ti as he was directed. Right as he was nearly out, though, a thought struck him, I dont suppose theres any way I might be able to buy so magnesium and phosphorus, is there?
The guildmaster looked up at him with a quizzical expression, I shall see what I can accomplish.
Overall, Edwin would rate his ti in Panastalis a success. He may not have managed to get a dical license, but he had certainly learned a lot about alchemy and had a list of locales to visit. But most amazingly of all was the giant boxes of phosphorus and magnesium hed managed to get. Kertoa had surprised him by pointing him towards the arycal manufacturer.
Sure, it had cost him an entire grai for the two (tightly sealed) containers, but he could make legitimate weapons now! Not just his cobbled-together stuff made from vaguely magical plants, but genuine- albeit still cobbled-together- smoke bombs, flashbangs, and incendiary grenades!
His departure had been relatively smooth. Cope, of course, had been outraged that Edwin would leave, but when he ntioned Master Kertoa and her demand that he stop working for him, he made a pretty strong turn.
Edwin felt much less guilty about leaving when the man started blaming Edwin for not telling him that he wasnt an Empire verified alchemist, and mad at Thoril for directing him at Cope instead of at Othniel when he was looking for a sponsorship.
Rhita and Keir nodded like they knew Edwins secret all along, the dirty liars, and Wendell took Copes side in berating Edwin or Thoril, whichever his ntor wasnt picking on at the ti being. Fissath, for her part, shook her head in exasperation and glared at Edwin in envy that he got to leave the madhouse.
He had just smiled and said his farewells to the avior under the shouting and grabbed what few things could be genuinely considered his, as Wendell and Cope started yelling at each other over sothing Wendell had said that Cope disagreed on.
He was so glad to be gone. He hadnt really realized just how stressful hed found the place until it was wholly behind him.
But Inion was with him! The sun was shining! He could see the blue sky! Inion was humming a tune atop the carriage, and Bill was trotting along after having been confined to a (spacious) pen for nigh on three months now, happy as he could be. The birds were singing, and there was a light breeze in his face carrying the scent of. Blood?
Edwin double-checked his arsenal, making sure everything was back in place after three months of being locked away. He even retrieved his stick from where it was resting in the wagon as he foraged ahead, waiting for whatever horrid thing awaited him down the road.
This ti, hed be ready.
Congratulations! For explaining the basics of how biological diseases work, you have obtained the dical Lecturer Path!
Level Up!
Skill Points 661692 (Average level: 40)
Adaptive Defense Level 2627
Alchemical Analysis Level 2627
Anatomy Level 2832
Arcadian Elixir Level 1924
Basic Thermokinesis Level 2022
mory Level 6162
Polyglot Level 6566
Prototyping Level 2225
Sappers Apparatus Level 4046
Skillful Assessnt Level 3334
Watchful Rest Level 2627
Status.
Na
Edwin Maxlin
Age
1 year
Race
Extraplanar Human
Class
Alchemist-Errant
Attributes
Health 25
Impact 7
Mana 33
Perception 19
Stamina 30
Skills
Alchemical
Alchemy 86, Alchemical Analysis 27, Refine 1, Alchemical Dismantling 18, Sappers Apparatus 46
(Purify: 75)
Magical
Basic Thermokinesis 22, Feys Caress 36, Ritual Intuition 25, Mana Infusion 86
Flight 37, (Basic Mana Sense: 82), (Basic Mana Manipulation: 9)
Physical
Overcharge 8, Longstrider 30, Fresh Air 31
(Athletics: 81), (Breathing: 76), (Flexibility: 74), (Nutrition: 73), (Packing: 92), (Seeing: 72), (Sleeping: 73), (Survival: 76), (Walking: 74)
ntal
Nuracy 35, Prototyping 25, Anatomy 32, Polyglot: 66, mory 62
(Language: 36), (Mathematics: 74), (Research: 50), (Visualization: 80)
Combat
Bomb Throwing 49, Adaptive Defense 27
(Throwing Weapons: 48)
Utility
Outsider's Almanac 132, Watchful Rest 27, Skillful Assessnt 34, Arcadian Elixir 24, Improbable Arsenal 26
(Firestarting: 94), (Improvisation: 14), (Status: 22), (Identify: 80), (First Aid: 82), (Harvesting: 76), (Construction: 77)
Paths
Skill Points: 692
Combat
Assassin 0/60, Bomber 0/60, Giant Slayer 0/60, Heedless Hunter 0/60, Hunter 0/30, Killer 0/30, Titan Slayer 0/90, Warrior 0/60, Way of the Empty Hand 0/60, Trapper 0/60,
Alchemy
Alchemical dic 0/60, Demolitionist 0/60, Makeshift Alchemist 0/60, Potioneer 0/60,
Science
Chemist 0/60, Experinter 0/60, Researcher 0/60, Purifier 0/30, Scientific Revolutionary 0/90, Scientist 0/60, Engineer 0/60, Physicist 0/60, Mathematician 0/60, Material Scientist 0/60
Magic
Aerialist 0/60, Fey Friend 0/60, Feybound 0/60, Feycaller 0/60, Mage 0/60, Magical Gardener 0/60, Micro-Biomancer 0/90, Primal Constructor 0/90, Primal Ritualist 0/90, Realm Traveler 0/120, Skilled Arcanist 0/60, Fey Supplicant 0/60, Feykind 0/90
ntal
Dedicated Student 0/60, Lecturer 0/30, Scholar 0/60, Unbowed 0/90, Canny 0/60, Steady Mind 0/60, ntalist 0/60,
System
Almanac Administrator 0/60, Forerunner 0/60, Outsiders Almanac Specialist 0/90, Pioneer 0/60, Skill Researcher 0/60, System Scholar 0/60,
Trophy
Blackstone Conqueror 0/60, Deepwoods Panther-Hunter 0/60, Stonehide Vanquisher 0/60,
Career
Brickmaker 0/30, Butcher 0/30, Diver 0/30, Gardener 0/30, Lumberjack 0/60, rchant 0/30, Potter 0/30, Scribe 0/30, Woodsman 0/30,
Physical
Ascetic 0/60, Daredevil 0/60, Physical Alchemist 0/90, Survivor 0/60, Physical Laborer 0/30,
Traveling
Escapee 0/30, Exile 0/30, Traveler 0/30, World Traveler 0/60
dical
Field dic 0/60, dic 0/30, Steadfast dic 0/60, dical Lecturer 0/60
Misc
Arsonist 0/60, Autopyromaniac 0/60, Burglar 0/60, Child 0/12, Expert 0/60, Imperial Ally 0/60, Novice 0/12, Pyromaniac 0/30, Razer of the Ruined Tower 0/60, Rebel 0/30, Slave 0/12, Trainee 0/60, Traitor 0/60, Brushed by Power 0/60, Lirasian Citizen 0/30, Royal Advisor 0/60, Favored by Power 0/90
Completed Paths
CharLimitCanttalkmuchNocluewhathappenedDidmybesttohelpyouli, Mage, Skilled Arcanist, Physical Alchemist, Bomber, Linguist, Beginner, Warrior, Path Less Traveled, Athlete, Scout, Unkillable, Superior Alchemist, Adventurer, Explorer, Outsider, Skill Researcher, Wanderer,Alchemical Warrior, Novice Pyromancer, Novice Ritualist, Alchemist, Physicist, Engineer, Physical Arcanist, Biologist, Practical Alchemist, Fey Scion, Feytouched
Reviews
All reviews (0)