PC: Shang

[psynergy]

[I hope I have this game figured out before it's over...]

Comments

[psynergy]

[Alex glances in his direction, smiling in return.]

Yes. I've been curious if there are any herbs comparable to ones I'm familiar with here. It would be best to be prepared if a situation requiring them arises.

[nosediving]

By that, do you mean for restorative purposes? Are you an apothecary in your world?

[psynergy]

Not quite. I was trained in healing in my youth, though. Most of that could be handled with Psynergy, but that isn't always enough.

[nosediving]

Psynergy . . . ?

[psynergy]

The ability to control the elements with one's mind. Sadly, it's not available to me here...

[nosediving]

And you can heal the wounded and sickly with this ability? It's a shame. Restorative powers like that would have been of great help here.

But as an alternative, these herbs aren't a bad idea. Have any of them caught your eye?

[psynergy]

Yes, alas. I suppose it would interfere with the parameters of this "contest", however.

I thought it might be possible to make do with some of these, yes. It's a common alternative where I'm from, as well. I think a few have potential, but unfortunately it's not something I can confirm easily.

[nosediving]

There are masters of numerous arts in this temple. Maybe one of them can help. Of course, it would be good if we didn't have need of these things in the first place . . .

[psynergy]

Indeed... Who are these "masters" and what are their arts, if I may ask?

[nosediving]

Ah, well, there is the young man by the name of Ludger, who excels in cooking. The doctor, Newton Geiszler, is an expert on machinery and biology, just as the inscription below his statue says. There are others, but these are the two who come to mind right now. Since you're looking at herbs, one of them might be able to assist.

[psynergy]

Not being an expert in those myself, I can't rightly know the level of overlap the healing properties of plants, but I appreciate the suggestion.

[Also "biology" may not exist in Alchemy-world. Machinery does but it's pretty different...]

[nosediving]

It'd be good if it helps. Sadly, my knowledge of such plants is minimal.

[psynergy]

Since you put it like that, are there other plants you are informed in?

[nosediving]

[At that, Shang Qinghua can only smile apologetically.]

There are several, but I do not see any of them here. It's all just passing knowledge, anyway. I'm afraid I'm no expert in anything related to plant life.

[psynergy]

Well, that can only take you so far, honestly.

[Unless you're falling back on it because sob, his powers...]

Then is there anything in which you consider yourself to be an expert?

[nosediving]

As a disciple, I mastered the art of domestic service in my youth. My expertise lies in this and logistics.

[psynergy]

[The corners of his mouth twitch just a bit toward a more amused smile, but return.] I see. "It's quite noble to work for the benefit of others," and the like?

[nosediving]

[He nods. Quite right, sir!]

My branch is dedicated to serving our sect brothers and sisters while they attend to their respective duties. In doing so, all of us benefit.

[psynergy]

That sounds quite like something a girl from my clan would often say... A branch of what sect, if I may ask?

[nosediving]

Cang Qiong Mountain Sect is one of the Four Great Sects dedicated to spiritual enlightenment. We also defend against demonic interference in the human realm.

[psynergy]

Ah yes, enlightenment. I believe that's practiced in a few places in my own world. I take it these demons aren't supposed to be in the same realm as you?

[nosediving]

[He shakes his head. The demons have their own realm.]

Does your world practice cultivation, too?

[psynergy]

As in tending to land for orderly food production?

[nosediving]

Those of us who cultivate our spiritual energy are known as cultivators. Since you mentioned that enlightenment is practiced in your world, I thought that this could be a common element between our worlds.

[psynergy]

There are those who follow similar practices, although they don't call themselves that. It's a far more limited capability than that of Adepts, however.