It occurs to me on this fine night that I should get some better gear. Even though my agility is quite high I don't think I want to be melee specialist. Choosing something more along the lines of a magical warrior would probably be my best bet here. Enchantments seem like the way to go, though I don't know whether I should learn how to do them myself or buy some. I guess it all depends on the availability and price. In your typical rpg, if you have the option to enchant something yourself, 9 times out of 10 that's the way to go. Some games are even notorious for game breaking enchantments. I guess I'll have to do some digging using the search function.
After searching for a bit it turns out yes, enchantments exist, yes they are practical, no I don't know how to do it. It turns out that you engrave the item you want enchanted with a rune, this structures the mana. The next step is to provide an energy source. Items are able to use one of 3 methods to obtain mana. Ambient mana can be drawn from the natural surroundings, while this is the most commonly used method, it isn't suitable for mana intensive enchantments. The second method is to provide energy directly, a mage can direct his flow of mana into the device to acheive a desired effect. This is particularly useful for novices who don't have a wide repertoire of spells at their disposal, commonly used in the military. The third method, and the one that most interests me uses mana crystals for their source of power. Using mana crystals provideds high graded fuel that can be used at near perfect effeciency. These are popular because they can be operated without any sort of prior experience, they are commonly used as magical torches.
I'm going to see if Vekel has any books on the subject, or at least can point me in the right direction. As I pack my newly improved mana crystals and grab my coinpurse a thought occurs to me. I should look into spatial magic, kind of a magical inventory. Vekel tells me that he doesn't have the book but there is a bookstore in town that specializes in this kind of thing, he even offered to show me the way once he gets done working. i guess I'll go hang out in the inn, maybe have a drink or two with Trixie, provided she's willing to tolerate my company.
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After 3 drinks and a bit of pleasant conversation with my lovely innkeeper, I decided I'd go see if Vekel was free to show me where that bookstore is. He said it's a bit obscure, but the owner doesn't get much business and would be happy to sell me a few things after hours. Vekel then led me around the alley, through another alley, down the main road, up another alley. Almost in a seemingly random pattern. Man this city is confusing, I would sure hate to get lost in this place. God knows how dangerous it could be.
During our little walk I decide to strike up a conversation with my good man Vekel here. Hey Vekel, you get any strange items in your little stall, I ask. Nope, nothing really, just the same old, mana crystals, a few books, creature components, potions, your everday stuff, he said. Ahh, ok, well if you get anything cool let me know, I'm always interested to something nifty. Vekel slowly turns to me and says: The only thing interesting is you bud. Huh, wait, is this a come on, I better think fast, try and let him down easy. Uh, you too Vekel, DAMMIT, I'm a moron, try and let him know you aren't interested, but be polite. I just want you to know, I don't swing that way scooterpuff, no offense intended. None taken he says, and then my world goes fuzzy. If he was wanting to make a good first impression, this isn't the way to do it.