>>40457680
You wake with a sudden start, memories rushing back into your head. It’s hot, almost stiflingly so. The braziers have burned down to cold ashes hours ago but it is past dawn and the Quedeshi sun knows no mercy.
Hiss isn’t lying next to you anymore. At least, not her human form. Instead a red-bellied serpent is lying next to you, its tail lying over your chest protectively. The black snake is still, drinking in the sunbeams that carve a path through the room from your uncovered window. It looks like the princess is still asleep.

Well you aren’t and you have a whole bunch of shit you want to do. But getting up without getting bitten might be tricky. You’re all out of anti-venom too.

> Gently shove off and get up before she can wake.

> Pick her up and get up, put her back in the sunbeam.

> See if you can make some noise, wake her up.

> Pick her up and put her in your pack.

> Just wait until she wakes up on her own.

> Other

>>40457689
> Pick her up and get up, put her back in the sunbeam.
Shoving is a bad idea guys.

>>40457689
> Gently shove off and get up before she can wake.

>>40457689
> Pick her up and get up, put her back in the sunbeam.
Just the tail

HAVE WE CAUGHT ANY SNAKES YET

>>40457892
Yes, the same snake three times and a second one once. Also probably herpes.

>>40457938
HAVE WE CAUGHT ANY HALF-SNAKES YET

> Pick her up and get up, put her back in the sunbeam.

You carefully grab the tail and slide it off of you, pushing the snake gently into the sunbeam. It hisses but shows no other reaction as you get up.
As you stand you are nearly floored by your stomach's sudden protest. Yesterday may have been eventful but you've barely eaten since you left the ship!
Bleh.

> Brew up a restoration potion here.

> Brew up a restoration potion somewhere else.

> Go find Aashenpreet right away.

> Explore the compound.

> Go get some proper food.

> Other

>>40458041
>> Brew up a restoration potion here.
Then
Find Aashenpreet

>>40458041
>> Brew up a restoration potion here.
> Then find Aashenpreet right away.

>>40458041
>Find Aashenpreet.
then
>Get some proper food.

Also, how big is Hiss' snake form by now?

>>40458012
No but one almost caught you.

>>40458041
> Go find Aashenpreet right away.

>>40458143
Still five feet.

> Brew up a restoration potion here.
>Then find Aashenpreet right away.

You relight the brazier and do your best to brew over it, mixing up a quick little restoration brew. The sound and smell almost wakes Hiss up but the sunbeam seems to be doing a good job of keeping her pacified for now.

Once fully refreshed, you open the door and start looking for Aashenpreet. Or you would, if you had any idea where she might be. She slipped out of the room when Hiss had made her drunken way in and then gone...where? She doesn't even have a proper place to stay! You walk down the white corridor trying to think of where she could be before nearly tripping over her as you round the corner.

The albino constrictor is tightly coiled in on itself in the corner, masking itself from vision almost completely with newfound camouflage Art. You practically kicked it!
It uncoils itself, over twenty foot long before its skin rips open and a long shedding process begins. She's nowhere near as practiced at as Hiss is it seems.

In the end you are left with a Hiss-duplicate once more and the longest snakeskin you've ever seen. Aashenpreet lets it fall to the ground, watching the deflated skin slowly crumble.

"Good morning," you mumble, for the lack of something better to say.

"What did you do to me yesterday?"
Looks like she's not wasting any time.
"I've never been able to blend in before!"

> Tell her about the wish-bond.

> Tell her that you have no fucking clue, something about inner potential or whatever.

> You need to find her somebody to eat so she can make a better form.

> Take her back and see if you can introduce her to Hiss.

> Think of an undignified nickname for her.

> "How was your night?"

> Other

>>40458443
> Tell her that you have no fucking clue, something about inner potential or whatever.
> "How was your night?"
> Take her back and see if you can introduce her to Hiss.
Better now, when she's kinda chill.

>>40458443
Make sure no one is around
> Tell her about the wish-bond.
> "How was your night?"
> You need to find her somebody to eat so she can make a better form.
Show her the fashion catalogue see if it'll help

>>40458443
> You need to find her somebody to eat so she can make a better form.
> Think of an undignified nickname for her.
Cuddles
If she accepts it then
> Tell her about the wish-bond.

>>40458443
> Tell her about the wish-bond.
> "How was your night?"
> Think of an undignified nickname for her.

>>40458525
This

>>40458443
> Tell her that you have no fucking clue, something about inner potential or whatever.
> You need to find her somebody to eat so she can make a better form.
> Take her back and see if you can introduce her to Hiss.
> Other
Ask her about Tash and the Compact

>>40458525
i'll back this

>>40458525
Awww yiss. Backing.

> "How was your night?"
> Tell her about the wish-bond.
> You need to find her somebody to eat so she can make a better form.

"I'll explain momentarily. But how was your night?"

She scowls slightly, pulling a very Hiss-like expression.
"Cold. But I had to stay hidden."

"Oh? But you're warmed up now?"

"Warm enough. Why?"

"I was thinking that you really need to eat more people. You can't stay as Hiss forever."

"As in, eat their souls?"
She looks almost distraught at the concept. Why?
"But you know what? You're dodging my question. Why can I do this?"
Her skin fades, briefly matching shades with the wall behind her before blurring back.

You suppose she deserves to know. It's her own free will that you're curtailing after all. And it's not like she's going to believe you that she just manifested a new Art out of nowhere at your command.
"It's because I caught you."

"Pardon?"

"You could say I'm a Snakecatcher. It's sort of what I do. You are obligated to reward me with three wishes of my choosing to the best of your ability."

Her eyes widen.
"No! That can't be real! You're just a human, you can't have a hold on me!"

"It's only because I'm a human that I can do it at all. These are old rules."

Her hand wraps around your neck! But you don't move and only watch as she recoils as if stung. She's breathing as if she just ran a marathon and she paws at her own scalp in sudden pain. Her human teeth are gone, replaced by a row of backwards pointed saw-teeth.
"Why?"

"You can't kill me or see me come to harm while the wish-bond lasts. Sorry."

"This can't be real. You fed me some strange potion didn't you? Aashmid protects me!"

> "Yeah, it was a potion actually."

> "It was Aashmid who did this to you."

> Apologize.

> Make a wish to demonstrate that you're telling the truth.

> "Oh, get over it. This is your own fault."

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>40459142
>"It was Aashmid who did this to you."
>Apologize

>>40459142
>> Apologize.

>>40459170
We need her faithful or our plan falls apart.

>>40459142
> "Yeah, it was a potion actually."
> Apologize.

>>40459142
>>40459179

This

>>40459142
>> "It was Aashmid who did this to you."
One of the many punishments he placed on snakes when they fell.
> Apologize.
I've caught Hiss three times once in curious its once in desperation and once on accident, if it makes you feel any better.

>>40459142
>> Apologize.
Straight apology. Let's not try to redirect blame. Saw how that came out last time.

> Apologize.


"Look uh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you'd take it like this."

"Why didn't anyone tell me about this?," she asks dully.
"If I'd known I would have never left."

"I don't think your masters want it to be widespread knowledge. I think you understand why."

She locks eyes with you, the edge well and truly sanded off of her.
"Is that what the princess is then? Is she just another of your slaves?"

You have to stop yourself from laughing and still end up chuckling. She doesn't take the mockery very well but instead of attempting to lash out again she just seems to crumple inwards.
"No, not in the slightest. I tried for something like that at the start but...I don't think a wish-bond matters to someone like her. She has ways of taking charge regardless."

"And I'm not as strong as her?"

"Uh, to be honest? Not really. Not even close. You're way too nice."
She sighs and says nothing in response. You tentatively reach up and pat her on the top of the head, the same way that you'd done with her snake form back on the ship.
"It won't be for long. And right now we really need to get you some more souls."

"Sure," she says. "I guess I don't have a choice. I'm used to that."

> Apologize again.

> Look for a victim among the staff here.

> Sneak out into the city and find a victim there.

> Wake up Hiss first.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>40459553
>>> Apologize again.
>>> It was a spur of the moment thing. But I always try to make my wishes mean something. I saved both of our asses back when Hiss was carousing around drunk, didn't I?
>show her the catalogue see if that can be used to help instead.

>>40459575
>>40459553
I'll delete my vote to include
>show her the catalogue see if that can be used to help instead.

So,

>> Apologize again.
>> It was a spur of the moment thing. But I always try to make my wishes mean something. I saved both of our asses back when Hiss was carousing around drunk, didn't I?
>>show her the catalogue see if that can be used to help instead.

>>40459553
> Apologize again.
See if she can just use the catalogue for now

>>40459553
>Apologize again.
>You don't have to do it if you don't want to.
>show her the catalogue see if that can be used to help instead.
>But why is it? Do you care about humans?

>Apologize again.
>Offer her the catalogue.

You pat her on the head again. She still looks almost exactly like Hiss so it feels pretty weird.
"I really am sorry. It was a spur of a moment thing. But I always try to make my wishes mean something. I mean, I saved both of us last night didn't I?"

She nods slowly and says nothing, leaving you to fill the awkward silence of your own accord.
"Why don't you want to eat anyone? Do you care about humans?"

That sounds plausible to you. She'd always responded well to touch back on the ship and Hiss had ascribed to her a great deal of behaviors that she considered weak.

"No! I mean, not quite. Not really."
She pushes her jaw back up, vanquishing her sawmouth.
"But I'm supposed to remain pure. Someone like me is only supposed to mingle with other snakes. No talking to humans, no eating humans and NEVER taking a human soul into ourselves."

You wonder what Hiss would think about that but Aashenpreet isn't done yet.
"But you want me to eat one, don't you? And you can just force me to do it. This bond with you has already despoiled me, I'm not pure anymore. So ...just do it! Get it over with!"

You reach into your backpack and pull out your dusty old fashion catalog from where it had lay crumpled up at the bottom.
"The world doesn't have much respect for purity, I'm afraid. But maybe this can be of help."

You pass it over to her, trying to do your best not to blush. You should have thrown this away weeks ago.

She looks at you quizzically as she studies it and you choose to stare at the ground instead.
"Cennen...all of these ladies are white."

> "Yes and? So is the body you have now."

> "This is all you're getting unless you want to eat somebody."

> Find a victim for her instead.

> Make a wish. (Specify)

> Use a potion. (Specify)

> Other

>>40460023
>> "This is all you're getting unless you want to eat somebody."
Hiss used it when I first met her. I got this well before I met her at my home. It is all I have to help. Take it or leave it Aashenpreet, best I can do,

>>40460023
>> "Yes and? So is the body you have now."
>> Just pick one for now, and tell me where I can go get, uh, a local catalog for you.

>>40460130
It really isn't. See here: >>40460132

>>40460023
Supporting: >>40460132

>>40460023
> "This is all you're getting unless you want to eat somebody."
The main priority is making you stop looking like hiss, I don't think she'd take it well. I have to tell her about you eventually

>>40460023
> "Yes, and? So is the body you have now."
> "This is the best we've got unless you want to eat somebody."

>>40460023
>>40460132
I'll second putting in just a bit more effort.

>>40460023
> Other
>How about a portrait?

>> "Yes and? So is the body you have now."
>> Just pick one for now, and tell me where I can go get, uh, a local catalog for you.

You sigh.
"Yeah, so what? So is the body you have now."

"But at least this way I can pretend to be Hiss! Looking like some other Teln woman is going to make me stand out. People will wonder where I came from."

She...she has a point.
"Well you can't keep this one. That's our main priority, making you stop looking like Hiss. I can't imagine that she'd take that very well and I have to tell her about you eventually."

"Fine. I don't have a choice."
She repeats those same words that she's been saying repeatedly, like a mantra or a charm.

"It's just something to do for now. I'll find you the, uh, local equivalent soon."

"Alright."
She crouches down and starts studying the catalog, doing her best to look forlorn and hopeless. It's not a look that has a home on Hiss' face and it makes you feel almost angry that it is.

> Stay with her until she's made her new form.

> Gather up all this snakeskin lying around.

> Go into town and see if you can find the local equivalent.

> Go back to Hiss.

> Make a wish (Specify)

> Use a potion (Specify)

> Other

>>40460404
> Gather up all this snakeskin lying around.

> Go into town and see if you can find the local equivalent.

>>40460404
> Gather up all this snakeskin lying around.
Hit it with a collapsible brew if it's too big
Is our alteration brew strong enough to disguise us as a quedeshi?

>>40460404
>> Gather up all this snakeskin lying around.
> Stay with her until she's made her new form.
Need her Hiss or Tash for speaking.

>>40460461
>Is our alteration brew strong enough to disguise us as a quedeshi?

Yes.

>>40460404
> Go back to Hiss.

>>40460404
>Stay with her until she's made her new form

Something to think about, guys: Is it really a good idea to take the snakeskin in front of the constrictor? Offence might be taken.

>>40460404
> Gather up all this snakeskin lying around.
We should test if it has different properties from hiss' skin. Also, let's ask her permission first.
> Go into town and see if you can find the local equivalent.
This assuming she comes with us, right?
>Before we go, let's find Oster and tell him we'll be right back in case Hiss wakes up.
>Also, don't let Tash into her room while she's passed out.
>Also, don't let her venture into the city.
>Good luck, bro.

>>40460580
She'd be discovered if someone found it, we shouldn't just leave it there

>>40460476
>>40460605
It'd be suspicious if she was with us out in the city as another teln woman that no one knew about

Rolled 5 (1d6)

Looks like a tie between staying with her and heading out to town. Evens for the former, odds for the latter.

>>40460712
We still need someone to speak for us since we know shit all about the language.

>>40460461
> Stay with her until she's made her new form.
I'd like to add this to my vote if it's not too late, I really think going into town is a bad idea

>>40460631
True... Still, it's probably a bad idea to up and take it. Ask first, like the other anon said.

>>40460605
In that case, she should keep the Hiss form and come with us. That way we would just be 'those two guys from yesterday'.

>>40460820
Does she really speak the quedeshi language fluently? I thought she was totally isolated from the humans and always in snake form until now.

>>40460727

You kneel down beside her and gather up as much of her shed snakeskin as you can, most of it still holding together in a serpentine shape.
You do your best to see if you can shove it into your pack but it's way too long! Over twenty feet of the stuff!
Forget Hiss, this is clearly the best source for snakeskin reagents when it comes to quantity alone.
You're pulling out your collapsible potion to shrink the snakeskin down so it'll fit when you notice her staring at you, color rising to fill her face.
"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like? I'm picking up your skin so nobody notices it later."
You neglect to mention the alchemical side of things.

"O-oh. That's fine I guess."
Her voice takes on a decidedly maudlin tone.
"I wasn't supposed to ever drop a skin like this. I've spoiled myself."

You ignore her laments as you shrink the snakeskin down and stuff it in your pack. It's time to head out into Lombai while it's still early. But how are you going to go about it?

> Use an alteration potion on yourself to blend in more.

> Wake up Hiss so you'll have a translator.

> Find Tash so you'll have a translator.

> You don't need a translator for what you're going to do.

> Other

>>40460982
Shit, I missed an option here. There should also be a
> Take Aashenpreet as a translator
in there.

>>40460859
You're right, then we should take Hiss.

>>40461016
>>40460859
Does this mean she speaks the language?

>>40460982
>> Wake up Hiss so you'll have a translator.

>>40461071
Of course she does, shes a native to this area!

>>40461071
She does but she's less reliable.

>>40460982
> Wake up Hiss so you'll have a translator.
We can explain the situation to her too. Ideally after Aashenpreet has switched forms though

>>40460982
> Wake up Hiss so you'll have a translator.
We should leave Cuddles here so we can talk about her with Hiss, she needs to hear about the Compact.

Sorry about updating so slowly today, I'm feeling pretty crook.

> Wake up Hiss so you'll have a translator.

You don't feel like taking on Lombai alone however, even for such a trivial errand such as this.
"Just stay right here, okay? I'll be back soon."
You leave her to pore over the catalogue as you hasten back to Hiss' chambers.

Hiss is awake and in her human form when you arrive, sitting on the bed and tapping one boot against the ground.
"And just where have you been?"

"Just getting something to eat."
You're not sure if you want Hiss to find out just yet.

She laughs.
"Cennen, I know you. You'd rather guzzle one of your awful potions than eating anything properly. Just what have you been up to?"

> "I was looking for a translator to go into town but I guess you can do."

> "I had to take a leak, why?"

> Tell her the truth.

> "Had fun last night?"

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>40461387
"Had fun last night?"

REDIRECT FUCKING REDIRECT BEFORE ITS TOO LATE!

>>40461387
> Tell her the truth.

>>40461423
We are trying to tell her to recruit her, no?

>>40461435
Yes, but if she sees that snake impersonating her she'll be furious!

>>40461485
>>40461387
She's now in an entirely different form.

>>40461517
I honestly don't know why I linked to Ouro. I'm so fucking tired.

>>40461517
I don't think she's done it yet

>>40461517
Oh, right, forgot that. Changing vote to
> Tell her the truth.

>>40461387
It's alright, man.

> "I was looking for a translator to go into town but I guess you can do."
> "Had fun last night?"
> Tell her the truth.

>>40461485 She's past that degree of irrationality, I hope. Anyway, she'll understand once we explain it to her, but i'd rather get her out of the house first.

>>40460982
>>40461544
She just got done man. We even put her freaking skin in our pack. Read the bloody updates.

>>40461387

>>40461545
Huh, she didn't, sorry, reverting vote from >>40461545
back to

> "Had fun last night?"

>>40461387
>> "I was looking for a translator to go into town but I didn't want to burden you."

>>40461578
This

>>40461578
Backing.

>>40461568
That skin was from when she changed from snake to Hiss form, she was browsing the catalogue when we left her

>>40461578
Yup. I'll go with this.

>>40461578
>>40461590
>>40461748
>>40461904

Who are we going to take, then?

> "I was looking for a translator to go into town but I didn't want to burden you."

You do your best to look somewhat bashful.
"I was just looking for a translator to go into town and I didn't want to burden you."

A small smile twitches upon her lips.
"You, not wanting to bother me? Are you sure that you're Cennen?"

"Har har. I wasn't able to find anyone though."

"So now you come crawling back, seeking my help."

You nod.
"Exactly. I need your help, Hiss. Please?"

That small smile has graduated into a fully grown smirk.
"Oh dear and what if I said no?"

You do your best not to sigh.
"Then I wouldn't be able to do it. I need you."

"Oh Cennen, you always know exactly what to say. What do you need anyway?"

> "Pictures of women."

> "I'm looking for new alchemical ingredients."

> "Just something to take home once we're done here."

> "Something for you."

> Other

>>40461988
> "Pictures of women." Jokingly.

> "Something for you." More serious.

>>40461988
> "I'm looking for new alchemical ingredients. But mostly I wanted to get something for you. It was going to be a surprise, but I guess that won't work any more."

>>40461988
> "I'm looking for new alchemical ingredients."
and a few other things that might be helpful to us

>>40461988


> "I'm looking for new alchemical ingredients."
> "Clothes"

>>40461988
>>40462078
Backing this so hard. Play to that vanity so good.

>>40462078
>>40461988
This

>>40462078
>>40462193
>>40462393
Whar are we going to get her anyways?

> "I'm looking for new alchemical ingredients. But mostly I wanted to get something for you. It was going to be a surprise, but I guess that won't work any more."

This shouldn't be too hard to get out of. All you have to do is play to her vanity. Hiss' ego is usually a barrier in your interactions but there's no reason why you can't make it work for you.

"I was planning to look for some new alchemical ingredients I suppose. But mostly Hiss, I wanted to get something for you. It was gonna be surprise but I guess the cat's out of the bag now."

Her face lights up with unexpected joy.
"You were going to get me an offering? What kind?"

Aw shit, now you feel kind of bad about never actually doing this for real.
"It's a secret, Hiss."

She harrumphs.
"Oh I suppose. I'll let you have your little games. But it better be good."

The two of you make your way out of the compound, Hiss waving the guards aside with careless ease.
As you stand out on the road beyond, you can feel Hiss eyeing you with a constant anticipation. Shit. What are you going to buy for her?

> Don't buy her anything.

> Wait and browse for something that catches your eye.

> Clothes.

> Something shiny.

> Food.

> Other (Specify)

>>40462479
> Something shiny.

When we were a dragon, we wanted something to horde, right? We can explain it like that, and say you're starting her collection early!

>>40462479
> Something shiny.
She's basically a dragon. Keep an eye out for any pictures or paintings of Quedeshi women though. Check the clothing stores for catalogues too

>>40462479
>> Something shiny.

>>40462572
Most of our time as a dragon was spent murderizing the snake guy or unconscious after choking on him.

>>40462606
Right, but before that we had a moment of wondering why we weren't being worshipped and where our horde was, iirc.

Then we got mad.

>>40462479
>> Something shiny.
Of high quality of course no snake wants poor shinies.

>>40462479
>>40462473
>Wait and browse for something to catch your eye
>Something shiny
We should ask about a moneychanger to actually get the cash for our tribute though. Or have Hiss ask, rather.

>>40462479
> Something shiny.
Because of >>40462572
But also clothes, It'll help us blend in, will probably be more comfortable in the heat and we'll probably find pictures of quedeshi women in the tailor.
Also, we should really tell her about the Compact, I think that's acually the most valuable thing we can give her.

>>40462746
Ooh. Could get a representation of the compact for her, sort of giving her goal physical shape, too.

>>40462746
I think talking about the compact in public is a bad idea. We don't want people to know she wants it and there might be someone who knows our language around

> Something shiny.

Making your way through the crowds today proves quite easily, Hiss' presence alone carving a path all around her. Everyone is staring at her and whispering. You guess word gets out fast. You might not want to spend too long here.

Hiss still has the pile of money you made yesterday and while she doesn't seem willing to give it to you, she's more than willing to spend frivolously.
You just walk behind her as she grabs food willy-nilly, looking for something to catch your eye. It's not until you see something sparkle in the light that you realize what you could use as your cover.

You sidle up to the vendor, a cloaked man selling fabric, clothes and jewelry. You call Hiss over and she grins as you indicate that you wish to use her money.
"Is this it, then?"

"How about this?"
You pull down a long bracelet made of some sort of shiny silver-colored metal. It's fashioned in the shape of a long snake and is made to wind all the way around the forearm.
"It's appropriate, isn't it?"

She looks dubious.
"I...guess.

You stop.
"What's wrong?"

"Owning trinkets has never meant much to me. What use are they?"

"Oh."
You suddenly feel a lot less assured. Princess or no princess, dragon or no dragon, Hiss spent most of her life living in a literal hole in the forest. You've actually had this discussion before.

Your feelings must have shown upon your face because Hiss pats you on the hand before spilling money out on the counter and taking it anyway. She slides it around her arm, nearly a perfect fit.
"But I'll take it anyway. As representative of something I own that DOES mean a lot to me."

You can hear the whispers increase at her actions. Should she be doing this? If they know that she's a serpent...
"I also got you some new clothes! You look like you're suffering."

She passes you a long piece of cloth patterned with black flower designs.
"What's this supposed to be?"
You inspect it for a few seconds more before you see it.
"This is a skirt."
1/2

>>40463144
>a skirt

Oh lawdy.

>>40463233
Hiss confirmed for wearing the pants in this relationship.

>>40463144
The next time we go into public we should ask hiss to switch to her quedeshi woman form and we can use an alteration brew to look like a quedeshi man

>>40463144
Hiss' smirk outshines the sun.
"Cennen please, it's called a vetti. Lots of people here wear it."

You take a short look around and confirm that in fact, a lot of the men who you had been assuming had worn robes had been wearing long sheets of cloth of this sort wrapped around their lower bodies.
"You can wear it under your shirt, I think," Hiss continues. "It's very good for keeping the heat off."

"I-I'll consider it. What about you? Doesn't the heat bother you?"

"Why would it? That's a stupid question."

It is but while she's explaining it gives you the time to quickly palm a necklace from the nearby stall. Nobody sees you, all eyes are either fixed on Hiss or purposefully averted.
The necklace has an interesting design, a locket holding a small painted picture of a woman inside of it. That might do the trick. You slide it into your pack within seconds.

> Alright, it's time to head back.

> Hiss is having fun. Let's linger a bit more.

> Use potion (Specify)

> Other

>>40463327
> Alright, it's time to head back.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>40463327
> Hiss is having fun. Let's linger a bit more.

Rolling to find something Hiss would really like.

> Hiss is having fun. Let's linger a bit more.
If we hurry back too quickly, we might make her suspicious.

Or disappointed.

Either of those things is bad, considering we want her in the best mood possible before we spring this Ashenpreet thing on her.

>>40463327
> Alright, it's time to head back.
Keep an eye out for something Hiss would really like on the way back though

>>40463327
Cennen is truly a pro at nobbling.
>>40463369
this.

>>40463327
>> Hiss is having fun. Let's linger a bit more.

>>40463327
>Hiss is having fun. Let's linger a bit more.

> Hiss is having fun. Let's linger a bit more.

You nearly ask Hiss to head back to the compound right away but you stop yourself just before you say anything. She's having fun. Why interrupt that?
It wouldn't hurt to stay awhile would it?

"What do you want then, Hiss?"
You word it like a challenge, making her purse her lips.

"I-I'm not sure. Something useful? I don't need ornaments to appear grand."

"You're not making this easy, are you?"

"Life isn't easy, Cennen. And I'm not some mortal girl to be wowed by meaningless gestures."

"Really? You seemed pretty excited about it before."

"Your mouth has so much better uses than just talking, so to use it to speak such foolishness is just endlessly disappointing."

"Eh? And just what are you implying I should use it for?"

She chuckles and shoves you, actually controlling her strength this time so it is no more than a light push.
"I think this is what I want actually."

"Pardon? You mean the thing with my mouth?"

"No! Though I certainly won't turn that down. I mean...this! This thing we're doing now. Nobody else just talks with me. This is the present I want."

Your search for a reply is interrupted a call from up ahead. There seems to be some sort of commotion all the way down at the far end of the street. You can't see what it is, such is the crowd of people in the way.
Whatever it is, it seems to override Hiss as the main target for attention as people flock around.

Hiss folds her arms and frowns as people stop looking at her. You only just realize now how much she'd been drinking it in, quietly reveling in it. She cranes her head and looks for the source but if she sees anything she gives no sign.

> See if you can push through the crowd to see what it is.

> Wait here and let it come to you before getting close.

> Time to leave. Now.

> Other

>>40463936
> Time to leave. Now.

>>40463936
>> See if you can push through the crowd to see what it is.
Hiss be prepared for trouble, only things I can think of that'd make them turn away from you are another snake, mortal violence or an emergency.

>>40463936
Angry Enforcer man with faceless mooks incoming.
> Time to leave. Now.

>>40463936
> Time to leave. Now.

> Time to leave. Now

Whatever this is, it's probably nothing good. If you've learned anything over your adventures it's that when something like this happens or if something just starts looming in the distance in general, it's best to just leave it be.

You go to walk away but Hiss remains where she is, still intent on getting a look. You tug on her arm, accomplishing exactly nothing but getting her to look annoyed.
"What? Should I regret saying that? Don't get above yourself!"

"We need to go! What are the odds that this is good? We need to prepare for trouble like that masked man or a snake or something violent. What else could take their eyes off of you?"

Hiss looks torn for a brief moment, fighting both her curiosity and her growing desire to not take orders from you.

Roll 1d100 for persuasion.

Rolled 2 (1d0000100)

>>40464271
Freaky malformed dice best dice.

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>40464271

Rolled 72 (1d00100)

>>40464284
>>40464271
Alright. I admit that the statement previously expressed may have been in haste. Or is flat out inaccurate. I maintain that only it's weird malformed shape prevented a Nat1 however, and that in the end, abortion dice are pretty alright.

>>40464271
It's either a snake or a disaster Hiss eitherway we need to go.

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>40464271
I feel good about this. 72 is decent. It's not phenomenal, but we're not the charismatic character. We're the nobbler. The damage dealer and stealer. We talk sense and prevent disasters. 72 is fine.

>>40464351
I think we've actually got a decent charisma stat in the pastebin.

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>40464391
I mean, it's pretty decent compared to Hiss and Oster. Hiss is literally a barbarian princess. And Oster is literally Jason Vorhees. He's got the demanding mother and mysterious past down, and now he's being programmed into a mindless killing machine by another strong female character. He even has creepy masks for fuck's sake.

>>40464440
Are you implying Hiss is not the most charismatic thing in this quest?

>>40464351

She looks at you and then back at the commotion, eyes flickering from one side to another. You still them by fixing them with your own, as if you have a gaze Art of your own.
"Hiss, didn't we talk about trust not so long ago? Just trust me on this."

Her fangs flicker out, unsheathing themselves instantly. But she makes no aggressive movement and even she looks surprised at her sudden reaction.
"Alright. Let's go."

You don't run. The two of you walk away and neither of you look back.

You're on the lookout for Aashenpreet when you arrive at the compound, the last thing you need is her to mess everything up right now. But it is not her you spot but Tash perched indolently atop the compounds outer wall. A red bird with a curved beak sits atop a gloved hand and a small scrip of paper is clasped in the other.
"Ah, your Highness! Just who I was looking to see. News has come from the north and I would much love the honor of your time to discuss it. Alone."

Hiss sighs.
"Anything you can tell me you can tell Cennen too. There are no secrets."

Tash slowly turns his mask towards you. There's a faint tinge of mockery in his deep voice, one that you're not sure if Hiss even notices.
"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes. Now just get on with it. Cennen stays."

> Say nothing and just stay here and listen.

> "Actually Hiss, I haven't been entirely honest with you."

> "No it's fine. These matters don't concern me." Let them talk in private and excuse yourself to go find Aashenpreet before she makes trouble.

> Use potion (Specify)

> Other

>>40464573
She really isn't if you talk to her for any length of time. She does have a wonderful facade though.

>>40464685
>> "No it's fine. These matters don't concern me." Let them talk in private and excuse yourself to go find Aashenpreet before she makes trouble.

>>40464685
>"No it's fine. These matters don't concern me." Let them talk in private and excuse yourself to go find Aashenpreet before she makes trouble.

>>40464685
> Say nothing and just stay here and listen.

>>40464573
>>40464699

Hiss' Likeability stat is rated as "Professional Awful Person" because while she can fake it for a while with her Princess skill she will always eventually let slip her true nature. And her true nature isn't something most people like.

>>40464685
> Say nothing and just stay here and listen.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

Looks like another tie between excusing yourself or hanging around. Evens for the former, odds for the latter.

>>40464806
>>40464822
Why? This'll bite us in the ass hard.

>>40465220
I want to hear the message from the north. Shouldn't take long.

>>40465277
Except Tash will beat us over the head with Aashenpreet with Hiss.

> Say nothing and just stay here and listen.

You don't rise to Tash's bait and you don't expose your lie to Hiss either. You'll make it up for her later, you promise. Instead you stay silent and by her side.
You don't like leaving Aashenpreet to her own devices but you don't like the idea of leaving Tash to tell Hiss about her even more.

Tash gives you the smallest of nods and unrolls the slip of paper in his hand.
"A message has arrived. It is from my lady and though she did not know of your existence at the time of writing, it bears a warning all the same."

He pauses as if for dramatic effect but this only irritates the princess.
"Speak!"

"Very well. Attaraan is on the move."

Hiss looks blank.
"Who?"

"My lady's enemy, or at least ill-opposed sibling. He ranks higher than her in the eyes of their kin for now and is a suzerain of the Compact House."

"Compact what?"

Tash chuckles.
"Oh dear. I'm afraid your trust has been ill-reciprocated, my princess. Your alchemist has been less than honest with you"

Hiss swivels to face you, her hand falling out of yours. You struggle to find something to say but Tash keeps speaking.

"My guess is that Attaraan is on the warpath, seeking that which has been taken from him. Ask Cennen if you wish to know more. And more importantly, it seems that he just recently learned of your existence for the people of Lombai keep no secrets. And he wants an audience. No, I'm sorry. A misuse of Avling on my part there."
Tash leans forward until it looks as if he'd surely topple off the edge of the wall, looking down on you both. His feathered crown brackets the rising run behind him.
"He demands it."

>>40465083
Can we say something along the lines of "It's okay, I need to do alchemy stuff, you can tell me about it later" rather than looking like we're defying her in the open again?

>>40465371
And that's it for today folks. Sorry about the slow updating but I wasn't feeling the best.

For those reading this in the archives, the thread was already archived from post 1 in case the misarchiver from yesterday was still about, that's why the description essentially means nothing.

Next thread will be tomorrow at the usual time, check the twitter etc. There will be an interlude in this thread soon.

>>40465436
Aw bugger. You really enjoy this, don't you Ouro? Churning our stomaches and watching our frantic fucking around?

>>40465436
Tg
A is for retuning Ouri you can talk to Lord Licorice via chat ir email to get archive fixed.

>>40465453
It's a hard habit to break once it sinks its hooks into you.

>>40465519
Nah. I'm not going to bother him over something as trivial as a lackluster description.

>>40465607
Well thanks for running next thread when?

>>40465617
tomorrow. he said so already
>>40465436

Interlude Twenty-Seven

Oster knocked on the door to the princess' chambers and waited for several minutes before slowly opening it to reveal an empty room.
Damn it. Well at least Cennen is missing too so he could be assured they were off together rather than the princess running out on her own.
He had no idea where they could be and little desire to search for them. If her Highness had wanted him she would have called for him. But she didn't want him.

But he wanted her. Oh, how he wanted her. Not in that sense of course. But he craved her approval, needed her presence. But her approval was sparsely given and these days she graced Cennen with her presence (and other things) much more than she did him. Not that he could blame the alchemist for. He's just as trapped as him, bound to the princess and her overpowering destiny.
He loved her, he hated her. He respected her, he trusted her. But above all else he feared her. She was his death, the slow destruction of identity that he could not even muster the will to try and stop. There was nothing that he was more afraid of than the princess and nothing that he loved more. She was pure and perfect and hideous in her clarity. Everything else in his life were just shadows, dimmed to almost nothing by her constant predation upon his mind.
Lacking the desire to do anything else, he sat down outside her door. Perhaps when she came back she would see his devotion and reward him with an approving word.

Time passed, as time is wont to do.

"Uh, excuse me?"

Eh? Oster looked up into the face of a woman he'd never seen before. Her skin was a strange tan mixed with Avling skin, almost piebald in her coloration. A halfway-person, someone trapped between two destinations. He could sympathize.
Her hair was long and wispy, white strands scattered by a non-existent wind. Her eyes were red. He didn't see anything else before those eyes seized his and brought him low into the darkness.
1/2

>>40465827
2/2

"Faith rewards faith."

The words roused him from his slumber. What had happened? He was sleeping? He creaked his eyes open to find himself lying in the bed in the princess' chambers.
On the other side of the room was the patch-skinned woman, sitting cross-legged atop a cushion.
"Faith rewards faith," she repeated. "And you, Oster, are very faithful indeed."

He was? To the princess absolutely and to Snakehome...was he? He didn't really have any connection to Snakehome anymore. Those had been bitten away some time ago. It could have burned for all he cared, as long as the princess wished it.
His sword was sitting on the floor. He couldn't reach it and his body was sluggish and weak.
"What have you done to me?," he croaked.

"Nothing. I panicked when I brought you into my gaze but I didn't disturb your poor soul. I only gave it peace."

"Eh?"
What the hell was she talking about?

"The princess still hasn't arrived yet by the way. It seems she has little use for you save for your mask and your blade."

"I-I know that. I know that already. What do you want from me, snake?"

She blinked, looking offended.
"I don't want anything from you. Well, maybe a way to pass the time. Cennen hasn't come back and I'm bored."

Cennen? Why didn't it surprise him that he was involved in this?
"What, exactly, is going on with you and the alchemist?"

She told him and for a long while all was silent. And then Oster laughed, perhaps the last laugh he had in him.
"So we've both been abandoned, is that it?"

"Yes, though I know he'll be back. I can feel his bond like a ...like a noose around my neck!"

"I know the feeling."
If only Hiss had been as easy to escape as a noose.

"So...do you want to play?"
She pulled a pack of playing cards from somewhere within her shawl, ones entirely unfamiliar to the false merchant. They were chipped and dirty but they were painted well, strange portraits flitting alongside each side.
2/3

>>40466051
3/3

"I know you don't know how to play but I can teach you. The game is called Tash and I learned it at the Compact House."

Most of those words meant nothing to him but one rang out.
"Tash? You mean th-"

"The Vtriya? No, not him though I have often asked him why he bears the same name. It is not a name I have ever heard in all Quedesh, or at least any satrapy I know of."

"And why would I want to play this with you?"

She starts to deal, her fingers clumsy and haphazard.
"No real reason. This game can carry significance in some places but here it is powerless. But I'm bored and you're bored but we can at least be bored together."

Oster inspected his hand of incomprehensible cards and was silent. Aashenpreet was not dismayed by this however.
"Do you want me to show you how to play?"

"Yeah. I think I'd like that."

And that's all of the interludes for this thread. Thread over for realsies.