Almanac – Aether Extraction
March 14th, 2013Aether Extraction (commonly called Tapping) is the subject of this week’s Almanac entry. The term tapping comes from how the process resembles tapping maple trees for their syrup. An underground economy has sprung up around this process as it’s a quick way to make a lot of money. You just have to be willing to give away a little piece of your vitality.
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Fairly new reader, glad I found you.
A thought occurs for a borderline-unethical alchemist; if someone is as desperate for cash as this last fellow, offer to pay his debts–in exchange for an ongoing contract. You stay within the Guild’s limits, but you now have a legal claim to this person’s Aether.
Given the nature of the alchemical business, having, say, half a dozen regulars as well as the usual assortment of one-timers would give you a way to actually plan your inventory better, and thus an edge on the competition.
Of course, a truly unethical alchemist would take it a step further, making the terms of the contract such that it would be rare for anyone to ever buy themselves out of a significant Aether-debt.
All very plausible.
So, aether is worth lots of coin to Bertrande. Ms byNight is an aetherling so is presumably full of aether. Jassart likes coin but doesn’t like Ms byNight and has just arrived at Bertrande’s. Oh dear…
I’m not quite sure what to make of “extremely usual”…
That’s a typo. It should read “unusual.” We’ll get it fixed.
Tapping just gave SbN a very dark vein of material to mine. I really wasn’t expecting something like this. I’m feeling a bit inspired, which is frustrating since I’m sure I don’t have time to follow through. Curse you for the tastiness! ;-)
Oh just wait. This chapter will be full of surprises.