Character Q&A: Perjin

Hey all!! So sorry for the late update, I forgot my own updated schedule and was still moving through the week thinking the Q&A was scheduled for Thursday instead of Tuesday lol. I need to set an alarm for some of these posts I swear.

Perjin won the poll by 1 vote!! Master Keko was a super close second, but I'm also very happy to write more for Perjin as we haven't had a proper scene with either in a while 💖

So, onto the Q&A!

What were your beginnings like, when you first started your education?
"I was fortunate that my family had the acquaintance of a few magi who could recommend me to the School of Marabad. They were healers, working in a clinic in one the city's less fortunate districts, and they noticed my interest in their craft early on. 

"I would go to the clinic to pick up medicine for my mother, who was prone to falling ill, and I was always very curious about how it worked. Whenever my mother drank one of their tonics, she improved within hours; I was grateful, but also fascinated. 

"The healers there were happy to mentor me--and to have a little bit of extra help in the clinic!" 

So you were interested in alchemy from a very young age?
"Indeed I was, even before I fully understood what alchemy was. Entering Marabad's school was a great accomplishment not only for me, but for my family, even for my entire district; it was, and still is, exceedingly rare for anyone from poorer districts to qualify. For my apprenticeship near the end of my studies, I returned to the clinic and worked as their alchemist for quite a number of years." 

So you know quite a bit about medicinal tonics. What other areas do you specialize in, within alchemy?
"In terms of alchemy, I have studied the alchemical properties of gemstones and minerals which are often used in glamours, with some overlap with metals. As such, I also often sell gemstones with special properties to blacksmiths, who then work these into weapons or armor. Gemstones have effects that can be difficult to achieve with warding alone; they are their own source of magic, and their effects typically last for decades whereas wards need to be replenished every few months, or even weeks. 

"Beyond that, my knowledge of medicinal tonics also requires extensive knowledge in medicinal herbs. With that comes cursory knowledge of other types of botany as well, though it is admittedly limited compared to a proper herbologist. I don't know much about plants or flowers that don't have any medicinal properties.

"During my time studying I also studied elemental and aura magic--the basics--as well as warding magic. I dabbled in other areas as well, but not enough to call myself an expert."

Would all of that be in line with what you typically sell as an alchemist? Special gemstones, medicinal tonics?
"Yes, most of my clients tend to be other magi like blacksmiths and healers. I sell medicinal tonics or more complex potions, such as necessary body transformations, at very low rates, and to compensate, I sell gemstones or other luxury items such as glamours at a higher price."

Do many people come along for full body transformations?
"I wouldn't say many compared to my day-to-day, but they're certainly one of the more regular ones. Most of the first-time customers tend to be rather nervous but also excited at the prospect, and each body transformation is tailored to the customer's specifications. Some need recurring transformations, others are happy with just one.

"The transformation does need to be limited to what is possible for someone's particular body structure. I can't completely reform someone's bones, for example, to make them significantly taller or shorter than what they were before, but some natural growth or shrinking is very possible if that were to be desired. Nor can I add new parts. A lost limb, unfortunately, cannot be returned through a transformation.

"Most people don't expect such huge changes, either. Usually they just want their body to better reflect themselves from the inside. It's a heartwarming occasion to see someone's eyes light up after a transformation, to see them finally comfortable in their own skin. I wish everyone could experience such happiness; I hope my work contributes to it."

Could you share some wild stories from customers?
"I once had a noble who demanded for me to transform her pet chicken to have diamond feet." 

Is... that even possible?
"Yes, but it would've been torture for the poor animal. Their feet are meant mainly to scratch the ground in search of food or run away; they need to be light and agile. Turning it into diamond would've made the claws far too heavy and difficult to use. It would've doubtlessly hurt itself, and lived in discomfort."

So what did you do?
"I didn't do anything. The chicken ended up escaping."

On its own?
"Yes. Someone left the cage open and a helpful farmer saw the chicken wandering the street, and picked it up."

How fortunate.
Perjin smiles. "Very fortunate."

What other stories do you have to share?
"Too many to name. One common misconception is... love potions."

Oh no.
"Indeed. It's born from childish thinking, and most often I tend to see insecure adolescents who don't know any better asking for things like these. Every time, I have a long conversation with them about the reality of what they're asking for--forcing someone to have feelings for them against their will.

"They tend to be rather embarrassed and somewhat horrified after realizing what using a love potion would actually look like, contrasting the fantasy they had in their heads. Especially when they hear that asking for such potions--that don't even exist--is forbidden under the law. At worst, it could even land them a sentence for hard labor."

You don't report them?
"They're children, as young as ten years old. How could I condemn them? I would much rather teach them.

"I did have a few rare occasions of adults who should--and do--know better than to request such potions... and those I did report. Especially to their families and their neighbors."

Since you meet so many people through your shop, can you tell us about any notable sentiments you've encountered since the Crown has been found?
"At the moment, the mood in the city is still largely festive, and it's not even about the Crown as a person. It's been so long that Arsur has heard any good news that most are taking this opportunity to celebrate, and regather some of the hope they lost along the way.

"There are also a portion of people who are wary, not ready to trust until they see proof of good intent. They've survived ten years without a Crown, and though Crown Ferzan was trying to move Arsur forward, many still remember the disasters of Crown Piruz' reign. I can't blame them."

What about your personal opinion of the Crown (not romancing R)?
"They have a great task ahead of them, I certainly don't envy them for it. But if I can help them in any way, for the good of the Empire, then I will be able to sleep better at night. If the Crown does well and cherishes their citizens, Arsur will prosper." 

What about your personal opinion of the Crown (romancing R)?
"Well, Rêzan/Rozerîn has certainly taken a liking to them." Perjin's eyes sparkle. "I trust their judgment, though it may... be compromised, somewhat. 

"Either way, if I can help the Crown, it will be for the good of the Empire. As well as my dear student."