>>41332220
“So, what do you think?”

Hiss looks troubled by your question, her newly-healed eye blinking weakly. You’ve just explained to her what Aashenpreet told you about Tash. She still looks a little dazed.
“That might line up. I’m not sure what we can do about him right now though. Needless to say the next time I see him I’ll kill him but who knows where he is now?”

“Well...didn’t you eat some of his memories that night in the ball?”
Hiss glares at you and you must admit that you’re loath to bring this up as that night had not been a particularly good evening for everyone involved.
“Doesn’t that tell you more about him? Or his mistress?”

She shakes her head.
“No, I was only in there for a few moments. And besides, he woke up before I was done.”

You blink.
“What?”

“I know it sounds strange but I think it makes sense the more I know about his station. As a Vtriya he’s probably been trained extensively by his lady to resist hypnosis so he can’t be stolen away or used against her by a rival in the invisible courts.”

This is the first you’ve ever heard of such a thing! Just when was she planning to mention this?
“That’s possible?”

She shrugs.
“It’s never been done in Snakehome but there all the humans serve my father and nobody would dare try to steal something of his.”

“You did,” you point out, your thoughts drifting to Oster.

“Merely claiming my inheritance. But I suppose some sort of resistance training is possible and at least some constrictors have it figured out, considering that he woke up and grabbed my hand when he was supposed to completely out.”

“Why didn’t you tell me that he did that? That’s pretty important information!”

“I’m sorry, alright? Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.”
Her repeated apologies are betrayed by the sudden venom in her voice.
“It never seemed that important. And the less I think about that night the better.”

1/2

>>41332257
You force out a chuckle.
“Yeah, that was sort of our lowest point, wasn’t it?”

“Maybe for you.”
She looks at you darkly and says no more on the matter.

“But that didn’t tell you anything about what he’s doing or why?”

“No. Not that we need to be told why. Whatever he’s doing, he must be acting on his lady’s orders. This is her doing, I’d guarantee it.”

“And what do we do about that?”

“Preferably? Nothing for now. I’d like to get what we came for and leave without further hassle.”

You stop, surprised. No half-baked threats about crushing all of Quedesh beneath her heel? No unthought plan to exact revenge upon all constrictors? But then again, Hiss isn’t really in the best mindset for such things right now.

She seems to divine your thoughts and scowls.
“We’re about to arrive, right? I’m going to change back into my disguise. And never, NEVER tell anyone about what happened here.”

> Agree. This is fine.

> Actually it might be best if Hiss changed into her natural shape so you could take her in your backpack. You don’t want her to be around crowds right now.

> Brew her something that should help her (Specify)

> Give her the Hissbrew for her to keep hold of for now.

> Other

>>41332296
>> Agree. This is fine.
> Brew her something that should help her (Specify)
A snake oil to calm her down but only give her a tenth of a dose, with her permission of course.

>>41332296
> Actually it might be best if Hiss changed into her natural shape so you could take her in your backpack. You don’t want her to be around crowds right now.
>>41332389
We agreed to never use the snake oil on her again

>>41332776
Hence we're asking her permission.

>>41332813
Don't think it would help anyway. She's in the right state of mind to do some much needed introspection. Getting her high would be a waste.

>>41332903
Snake oil isn't introspection, it's for relaxation. It's snake specialty alcohol.

>>41332971
My point exactly. She should be reflecting over herself, not getting drunk.
Besides, she'll regret it once she's back to normal, almost as much as us.

>30 minutes and the vote is a 1-1 tie.
>enthusiasm destroyed

This is a bizarrely low turnout, much more than usual. I guess today just isn't a good day for it. Looks like I'll just try again tomorrow. I'll delete the thread in a few minutes, just want you two to see this notice so you know why.

>>41332296
> Actually it might be best if Hiss changed into her natural shape so you could take her in your backpack. You don’t want her to be around crowds right now.

>>41333259
Wrestling pay per view is on. Sorry us poor two voters aren't enough Ouro.

>>41333259
Sorry I'm late I was distracted by dark souls 2

>>41333259
Yeah, sucks.
I also have an important exam tomorrow, so I would have to leave early.
You gonna run tomorrow?

>>41333259
Oh no! I only lurk these threads, but I'm still here

>>41333259
Keep going Ouro we've got enough people now

>>41333259
Shit I'm here If you want to go on. Dinner time and all.

>>41332296
>Ask her if she wants us to brew something for her
>Like a massively diluted snakeoil to take the edge off the crowds

> Actually it might be best if Hiss changed into her natural shape so you could take her in your backpack. You don’t want her to be around crowds right now.

"Actually, about that disguise..."

Hiss turns back to you, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"You sound like you've got something awful in mind."

"Why don't you just turn back into a snake and I can put you in my pack? It'd be more convenient and I was worried about how you'd be in the crowd...?"
You let yourself trail off as Hiss affixes you with her stare.

And then she sighs and seems to deflate even further.
"I guess that's what I am these days, huh? Alright. That'll be fun."

She disintegrates, her human body falling apart to reveal the black snake beneath. You hesitantly pick her up and stuff her into your pack. She hisses at you but otherwise goes quietly and without resistance.

You meet up with Oster and Aashenpreet outside the cabin, motioning to your pack when you see their questioning eyes.
"That should be everything. We're all ready to leave.'

"Hold on!"
Abhid storms down from the deck, accompanied by two of his 'cousins'.
"Why are there three of you? Where is the lady?"

Oh.
"Uh."

"I let you go without an explanation because you promised me there would be no fuss. But now you expect me to take just three of you? What is going on?"

At the edge of your vision you see Oster's hand creep down to his sword. You know what he's thinking. Now that you've reached your destination, Abhid and his men are no longer of any use.
But is that the way you want to go about things?

> Feed him a lie (Specify)

> "What lady?"

> Show him your brand.

> Tell him to back the fuck down, he and you already reached an agreement on this matter.

> Let Oster go ahead.

> Tell some semblance of the truth.

> Show him Hiss.

> Other

>>41333746
> Tell him to back the fuck down, he and you already reached an agreement on this matter.
>It's Safer for you if you forget this. Ignore me at your peril.

>>41333746
> Tell him to back the fuck down, he and you already reached an agreement on this matter.

> Show him your brand.

>>41333340
Ah, it's fine. It's a good game.

>>41333514
>>41333525
Yeah, flagging spirits have been raised. Let's roll.

>>41333603
Your vote was unfortunately just a little too late. Sorry.

>>41333746
> Show him your brand.

>>41333746
> Tell him to back the fuck down, he and you already reached an agreement on this matter.

>>41333746
> She's no longer aboard your ship, if that's what you're worried about. She has ways to remain unnoticed.
If he insists.
> Tell him to back the fuck down, he and you already reached an agreement on this matter.

>>41333893
*She has ways to MOVE unnoticed

>>41333746
>Show him your brand.
Man, you really don't want to know.

> Tell him to back the fuck down, he and you already reached an agreement on this matter.
> Show him your brand.

You step forward, doing your best to push Oster to the side without making it look like you're doing so. He catches your hint and his hand stops.

"I could have sworn we already agreed on this matter. Are you going back on your word already?"
You do your best to look and sound imposing. It's debatable if you succeed.

"That was before people started disappearing! If I'm taking you on my ship, I have a right to kn-"

You take off your gloves and his voice peters away to nothing when he sees the self-devouring serpent branded upon your palm. It's different than the usual brand they use around here but he seems to recognize it all the same.

Now, what had Aashenpreet told you about the status of humans in the affairs of the invisible courts? Ah, yes.
"In this matter, you have no rights."

Oster nods, clearly seeing where you're going.
"Just consider yourself lucky that we haven't gut you for your insolence."

Abhid's eyes seem to trapped on your brand, unable to look away.
"That...that doesn't look like any proper mark that I've ever seen."
But his voice is shaky and afraid. More than just secondhand fear too, here is a man that you'd wager has seen the wrath of the constrictors firsthand.

Aashenpreet steps in front of him and blinks, her true eyes revealing themselves for just a moment.
Abhid steps away, his hands shaking.
"Go. Take what you want."

Oster looks like he wants to draw his sword again.

> Take all of their money. You'll probably need it.

> Let Oster kill them.

> Ask Aashenpreet to see if she can devour their memories of this encounter.

> Get Hiss out to do the memory-devouring herself, if she can manage it.

> Just leave.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Make a wish (Specify)

> Other

>>41334208
> Take Half of their money.
> Make a wish (Specify)
Aashenpreet I wish you had fine control over you ability to take memories.
> Ask Aashenpreet to see if she can devour their memories of this encounter.

>>41334208
> Get Hiss out to do the memory-devouring herself, if she can manage it.

>>41334208
> Get Hiss out to do the memory-devouring herself, if she can manage it.

I've been waiting for this chance.

>>41334250
Wishes won't work on her right now

>>41334270
We still have a wish bond on her actually.

>>41334208
> Take all of their money. You'll probably need it.
> Get Hiss out to do the memory-devouring herself, if she can manage it.

>>41334208
> Take all of their money. You'll probably need it.
> Let Oster kill them.

>>41334208
> Get Hiss out to do the memory-devouring herself, if she can manage it.

> Take all of their money. You'll probably need it.

That is not a fucking sandwich capcha.

> Get Hiss out to do the memory-devouring herself, if she can manage it.
> Take their money.

"Sit down. All of you, down."
You have an idea. Showing this lot your brand might have been somewhat of a mistake. What if they told someone else? But fortunately, there are means to remedy that.
You reach into your pack and retrieve Hiss, the black and red snake wrapping herself around your arm.
Her appearance prompts cries of alarm from one of the cousins but it actually seems to give Abhid some much-needed courage.

"That's not a snake! It's much too small!"

Entirely the wrong words to say in Hiss' earshot. She actually refrains from killing him but she traps him in her gaze and he slumps to the ground. After that, trancing the rest of the small crew is child's play.
Looks like Hiss knew what you wanted her to do without you even asking. You set her down next to Abhid.
"Just these memories, please."
She'll probably eat all of their souls but you can't help that.

Aashenpreet laughs a little after Hiss coils up on the captain's chest and enters his mind.
"Sorry. But he's not wrong. She is very small."

"Or maybe you're just too big," you mutter. You have to admit, you think you prefer your snakes to come in a size where they can't fit your head into their mouth.
Rock crawls out of your pack a moment later, a ball of dust and fuzz.
-I do not wish to share space with her-

"Well unless you can turn invisible you're going to have to."

"You can sit in my pocket, suzerain!"

-No.-

While Hiss works her way along the men, Oster is doing some work of his own, patting them down and searching for something before pulling out a small bag that jingles when he shakes it.
"What we paid them, by the looks of it," he says. "And more. Looks like we're getting our money back at least."

Hiss doesn't turn human once she's done, instead just slithering back into your pack. Maybe she doesn't want to talk.

1/2

Shoot! Add another to the party, Ouro. I just got out of D&D with some friends actually, so that's why I'm late.

>>41334827
We should probably thank her, at the least. Its also kinda impressive that even with out her Snake Empress Arts she can read Cennen so well.

>>41334827
"Alright, that's that I guess. We should probably leave before these guys wake up."

And from there, it is only a matter of leaving the boat and entering the city of Pataliputna, chief city of Qesh and Quedesh as a whole.

It is...an experience, to say the least. The docks are crowded with the poorly clad and ill, beggars and lepers pressing against all newcomers with their palms held out.
You can hear snatches of their cries as they approach you, an unwashed tide.

"...just three shrikes, three shrikes for food!"

"I can clean shoes, wash your clothes!"

"My three dozen daughters are very ill, may such a kind stranger like yourse..."

Oster doesn't draw his sword but he takes great pains to make the scabbard visible, keeping the worst of them away from you.
But the rest of the city beyond is no less crowded, a maze of minarets and domes that goes for as long as you can see. Plumes of smoke regularly rise in the distance and the streets are packed!
It reminds you of that time in Taldenral when the city was burning and everyone had taken to the streets to get away. Only here it seems, the city is just this crowded all the time.

Every street is lined with beggars competing with vendors competing with what you can only assume is some sort of pickpocket, so many of them that the number of people who are just trying to get from one place to another almost seem to be the minority.
The crowd heaves one way and the other, almost like a living beast with no end to either side, interrupted only by the occasional palanquin and small squads of browncoated men who you can only assume to be guards or mercenaries, equipped with swords and thick wooden clubs that they use unmercifully to beat their way through any of the crowd unlucky enough to not get out of their way.

"What are we doing here?"

Aashenpreet looks completely lost.
"I don't know!"

2/3

>>41335112
> Try to hire one of the more reputable looking beggers to guide you.

> Just follow a river!

> Try to struggle your way through alone.

> See if you can enlist or pay some of those guards to escort you.

> Fuck this. Find the quickest way out and make your way through the countryside. You don't need the road.

> Pray for Rock for help.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41335180
> Try to hire one of the more reputable looking beggers to guide you.
give 3 and promise 3 more after we've arrived.

>>41335180
> Try to hire one of the more reputable looking beggers to guide you.

>>41335180
>>41335200
This.
We should also try to learn about the constrictor activities in this area.
Find out who's in charge here and where is Attaraan.

>>41335294
Asking the people about constrictors is probably a bad idea. We'd likely be reported or something

>>41335180
>>41335200
This seems like a sensible enough course of action.

>>41335180
> Just follow a river!

>>41335335
Yeah, I didn't mean to go about asking anyone. The commoners probaly wouldn't know, either.
But we should get an idea of where we stand.

>>41335200
Ill support it.

> Try to hire one of the more reputable looking beggers to guide you.

Your attempts to wend your way through the crowd don't go so well so after conferring with Oster and Aash for a few minutes, you pick out one of the more trustworthy looking beggars, a scrawny bald man wearing pants and not much else and with no visible diseases.
"You there," you say in Quedeshi, giving thanks to your Wordtheft Brew. "We need a guide. Three now, three once you're done."

He nods and you hand him three of the small brown coins. Shrikes?
He takes them easily enough, never letting them out of his sight.
"Guide? Oh I can guide you, no problem. Done so many times, many times. Where are you looking to go?"

"The Pilgrim's Way," Aashenpreet declares, eliciting a whistle from the man.

"Bound for the Chau? Which of the three, if you don't mind me asking?"

You're about to give him the answer when Aashenpreet deliberately speaks over you.
"Chau Mo, to seek the blessing of the invisible."

He nods.
"So you say, so it is done. Better you than me. The eyes of the invisible is a harsh one to bear these days."

"Are you implying something?," Aashenpreet asks, her tone suddenly edged.

"Of course not, 'specially not to a woman. But there's a whole lot of them stirring lately for some reason, some say it'll be trouble for us all. I've seen at least three of the white-spiral palanquins on the streets these days."

> Just take us to the Pilgrim's Way, thanks and you'll get the rest of your payment.

> Ask about where these constrictors would be staying in Pataliputna. Maybe you can enlist some help or learn something from them?

> "Actually, we're going to Chau Devi." Why would Aashenpreet tell him the wrong mountain? He might give us the wrong directions!

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41335730
>> Just take us to the Pilgrim's Way, thanks and you'll get the rest of your payment.

>>41335730
> Just take us to the Pilgrim's Way, thanks and you'll get the rest of your payment.
>However ask the man some question as we walk. Be curious. If he gives good info give him a tip.

>>41335730
> Just take us to the Pilgrim's Way, thanks and you'll get the rest of your payment.
Subtly ask him about the constrictors

>>41335730
> Ask about where these constrictors would be staying in Pataliputna. Maybe you can enlist some help or learn something from them?
We need info guys

>>41335730
> Ask about where these constrictors would be staying in Pataliputna. Maybe you can enlist some help or learn something from them?

>>41335730
> Ask about where these constrictors would be staying in Pataliputna. Maybe you can enlist some help or learn something from them?

>>41335730
"Any rumors as to what brings them?"

Or something abit more subtle than straight asking "Where the constrictors at nigga?" but will still give us some info.

> Just take us to the Pilgrim's Way, thanks and you'll get the rest of your payment.
> Ask about where these constrictors would be staying in Pataliputna. Maybe you can enlist some help or learn something from them?

"It's not our place to speak of such things," you intone, hoping that Hiss is hearing everything. You consider praying the information to her but to do so in a city with snakes in it might be an awful idea.
"Just take us to the Way and you'll get the rest of your payment."

As he guides you through the streets, ducking you through alleyways that are only marginally less crowded, you raise your voice so you can keep talking to him. Despite what you just said, you have a fair few things you'd like to know.
"And where would these invisible personages be staying?"

Aashenpreet glares at you and the beggar just taps his nose.
"I don't think they'll be much use to you, they won't give you their blessing if you just go and ask them. That's asking for a quick death."

"Still..."
You press another shrike into his hand. And then another just a few seconds later after you see his face.

"They're up in the Brahdra, clearing out the temple town. I really wouldn't go there if I was you all the same. We don't call on them, they can only call on us."
He spits on the road as you all keep walking.
"Not that would ever happen. They're the invisible ones but it's people like us that they'll never see. Might as well take a shit and call it Aashimid, that's about the likelihood."

Oster does his best to restrain Aashenpreet as she internally froths at the blasphemy as he leads you to an large circle clear of all buildings.
A black shard is sprouting from the ground there, a jagged obsidian finger pointing to the northwest. Nobody goes near it.
And along where it points is a black road, smooth and glossy, leading straight out of the city.
1/2

>>41336394
The black road is also mostly empty, an oddity in this overpopulated city. But that might be because of the armed Quedeshi in long orange robes and white veils dotted along the Way as it winds through city before breaking free of it entirely.
The robed men have long swords plainly visible on their backs and the way they stand reminds you of nothing more than unarmored Ishmin.

As you watch a group of those brown-cloaked guards come through, pushing people aside as they make haste, escorting someone in their midst. One of the beggars they push aside trips and falls over, landing atop the black path with a wail.
He pales and tries to scramble to his feet and run but it's already too late, two robed men converging on him and dragging him to his feet. It looks like they're going to kill him but instead they shove him down the path and the man walks ahead of them, crying silently.

"There they go again,' the beggar says. "It's a wonder anyone even still goes near the Way but I guess they don't have a choice."

Your look of confusion must have been apparent because Aashenpreet steps in.
"The Ranadin are as zealous as ever, I see. They are a holy order of the Chau, originating from the Ur satrapy, the only order of their warrior monks to bend the knee and survive eradication. Their duty is to protect travelling pilgrims and to ensure that the Way is not sullied. By tradition, anyone who sets foot on the Way must prove their devotion and walk it all the way lest they insult it."

You try to fathom it, comparing to what had just happened.
"So they force anyone who steps on it to walk along it? To where?"

"To it's end, the Chau. They are enlisted pilgrims and they have no choice because anyone who strays from the Way after setting foot upon it insults both it and Aashimid. Any errant pilgrims are executed."

"But what if they don't want to be a pilgrim?"

2/3

>>41336670

"Not their choice," the beggar chimes in. "They have to walk the full route on foot, paying tithes to every shrine they pass. And no surprise, those tithes often wind up trickling back to the pockets of those buggers over there."

"The Ranadin is a holy duty," Aashenpreet objects. "None of them would do it for anything but faith, much less so for money!"

"But that man was a beggar. He couldn't pay any tithe."

"That's not new. Most can't pay the tithes of every shrine they pass. They'll be bound to each shrine as a penitent laborer until they've paid their debt and received their blessing. And then down the Way to the next shrine. And the Ranadin remember every face they say."
He narrows his eyes.
"I'm surprised that a pilgrim doesn't know of this."
You give him another coin and he promptly forgets all about it.

"Only the unrighteous have anything to fear from them, do not be alarmed," Aashenpreet says. "But it is true that once we start our journey to the Chau, we will not be able to leave."

> Screw that, you have things you want to do in here first! Constrictor-related things.

> Sure, walk the Way. You're pretty sure that Aashenpreet, Hiss or Rock would be able to get you out of it any time you wanted. Maybe.

> Go talk to the Ranadin.

> Screw this, you'll find a different way to the Compact House.

> Other

>>41336840
> Screw that, you have things you want to do in here first! Constrictor-related things.
And depending on how that goes
> Screw this, you'll find a different way to the Compact House.

>>41336840
Supply check first.
Make some restoration potions for it. Maybe get some more cash make sure we have enough. Make sure we have all we need food and water wise.

>>41336840
> Screw that, you have things you want to do in here first! Constrictor-related things.

>>41336840
>> Screw this, you'll find a different way to the Compact House.

>>41336840
> Screw that, you have things you want to do in here first! Constrictor-related things.
I wonder if we'll see tash

>>41336840
>>41336924

Agreed. Maybe set up at an inn for the next day to get our shit in order since this is gonna be rough if we want to go the legit way.

> Screw that, you have things you want to do in here first! Constrictor-related things.

You give the beggar the three coins he'd promised you and he wanders off, casting a suspicious glance back at you as he does so.

"I believe you Aashenpreet, I really do. But I think there's something I want to do first."

You wait for the inevitable cry of protest only to realize that there is none. That's right, Hiss is in your backpack and Oster can't open his mouth. You're in charge, you're fully in control. What you say goes.
Hell yes.

What do you want to do?

> We might need to make more money first.

> Find a place to stay the night while you get all of this in order.

> Seek out this Brahdra place, find the constrictors.

> Don't seek them out. Give them a reason to seek YOU out. Gain their attention.

> You need to brew.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41337164
>> We might need to make more money first.
>> Find a place to stay the night while you get all of this in order.
> You need to brew.

>>41337164
What's the time of day?

>>41337191
It's in the late afternoon. You spent most of the day in the boat and being guided through the city.

>>41337164
>> We might need to make more money first.
>> Find a place to stay the night while you get all of this in order.
>> You need to brew.

>>41337164
> Don't seek them out. Give them a reason to seek YOU out. Gain their attention.
> We might need to make more money first.
How much do we have left?
> Find a place to stay the night while you get all of this in order.
> You need to brew.

Alchemy is the answer to all our problems right now.

>>41337164
> We might need to make more money first.
> Don't seek them out. Give them a reason to seek YOU out. Gain their attention.

>>41337164
> We might need to make more money first.
> Find a place to stay the night while you get all of this in order.
We should probably get hiss's input on seeking out thr contrictors

>>41337164
> Find a place to stay the night while you get all of this in order.

>> We might need to make more money first.
>> Find a place to stay the night while you get all of this in order.
>> You need to brew.

"I don't think we should leave just yet. Maybe tomorrow, it's getting late."

"I suppose that makes sense," Aashenpreet says. "Do you have enough to afford a place to stay?"

You count what coins you have left.
"I have....thirty-four shrikes and a few other smaller coins. Is that enough?"

"How would I know? Coin is for humans."

"Yyyyeah. We might need to make some more money first."
How do you want to go about this?

> Just find an inn first. One of them will be affordable for you and you can figure out a way to get money in the morning.

> Nah, if you make more money now you can afford a better inn. See about selling potions.

> See if you can nobble some money up instead.

> With you and Aashenpreet, you should be able to trance people out of their money like you did to Abhid.

> Other scheme (Specify)

>>41337164
> We might need to make more money first.
> Find a place to stay the night while you get all of this in order.
> You need to brew.
All about that Alchemy. If we get caught brewing on the trail we might get ganked by those guards for "insulting" the road.

>>41337562
> Just find an inn first. One of them will be affordable for you and you can figure out a way to get money in the morning.

>>41337562
> Nah, if you make more money now you can afford a better inn. See about selling potions.
Our alchemy might make the constrictors interested in us if word gets out

>>41337562
> Nah, if you make more money now you can afford a better inn. See about selling potions.

>>41337562
> Just find an inn first. One of them will be affordable for you and you can figure out a way to get money in the morning.
We can start brewing there and have some impresive potions ready for when the constrictors take notice of us.

>>41337562
>> Nah, if you make more money now you can afford a better inn. See about selling potions.
Alchemy solves all problems

Selling potions got us the attention of Attaran last time. He's still looking for us, you know. Are we sure we shouldn't just nobble a little extra cash?

>>41337760
That would get us the atention of the authorities

>>41337562
> See if you can nobble some money up instead.
Derp. Forgot to vote when I was voicing my concern.

>>41337562
> Just find an inn first. One of them will be affordable for you and you can figure out a way to get money in the morning.

>>41337776
What worries you more? A couple of guards or an allegedly sadistic constrictor?

>>41337801
Both worry me. I already voted to fin an Inn first, so we can brew things to sell and find out if he's already here.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

Looks like a tie between settling at an inn for tonight/doing money stuff tomorrow and trying to sell potions today.
Odds the former, evens the latter.

>>41337760
Selling potions as a foreigner got the attention of attarann last time. This time we're disguised

>>41337926
>Nah, if you make more money now you can afford a better inn. See about selling potions.

Alright, it shouldn't be too hard to set up as a vendor somewhere as long as you have Oster and Aashenpreet's help.

You look through your pack for a few moments, counting what potions you have. You don't have a huge supply right now and what you do have are almost all singletons. You might have to do some on the spot brewing but that's okay.

But what do you claim to sell? Treebrew worked very well last time but you're not sure if as many people here are so agriculturally inclined.
What can you sell that doesn't make you too obvious? Or do you WANT to be obvious?

> Sell treebrew.

> Sell healing brews.

> Sell acids and explosive concoctions.

> Sell Sun potions.

> Sell some of your more potent soul-related brews.

> Sell (Specify)

> Claim to be selling everything. It doesn't matter what it is, you can brew it!

> Other

>>41338008
I'd say it was Hiss humiliating Laldeep that got his attention.

>>41338060
>> Sell healing brews.
>> Sell Sun potions.

>>41338060
> Sell healing brews.
When word gets around, we start working for comission.
> Claim to be selling everything. It doesn't matter what it is, you can brew it!

>>41338060
> Claim to be selling everything. It doesn't matter what it is, you can brew it!

>>41338060
> Claim to be selling everything. It doesn't matter what it is, you can brew it!

>>41338060
>> Sell healing brews.
>> Sell Sun potions.

>>41338060
> Claim to be selling everything. It doesn't matter what it is, you can brew it!
Brainstorm with aash to make a believable quedeshi backstory to explain how a skilled alchemist just appeared in the city

>>41338100
>>41338107
>>41338137
>>41338186
You guys want them all over us?

>>41338060
> Sell healing brews.
> Sell Sun potions.

>>41338216
Yes. We can probably figure out what tash is trying to use us for if we have favor with a constrictor, and constrictors are always interested in magic users

>>41338216
>We're drawing attention, so yes.

>>41338008
Hiss was selling them for us and she knew how to look and speak Quedeshi. We were behind the booth brewing somewhat out of sight.

>>41338328
I'm pretty sure she was in her teln form at that point

>>41338060
> Sell healing brews
> Sell Sun potions.

Rolled 3 (1d6)

Oh, there's a tie now. Fair enough. Evens for selling everything, odds for selling healing/sun potions.

>>41338422
I'm like 90% sure that last vote was samefagged

>>41338422
Meh. Just hope people are in the market for sun potions. Might be if they are pilgrims wanting to travel the Way by dark I suppose.

Also this new capcha is really wearing on me.

>>41338527
Those are just for show, the money's at the healing potions.

I just want you guys to imagine how fun it would have been to come up with custom brews by request and feel bad that you voted against it

>>41338681
Maybe we'll get another chance sometime?

>>41338752
When we start working for a constrictor, probably.
Let's just hope her requests aren't as horrible as Hiss'

>>41338422
> Sell healing brews
> Sell Sun potions.

You find a nice spot that isn't too populated and seat yourself down, preparing your cauldron and your bottles while Oster stands guard over you.

Aashenpreet frowns.
"I don't think this is a good idea."

"Noted."

Your first demonstration is a simple one, grabbing everyone's attention by shaking the sun potion that you retrieve from your pack. The resulting light is enough to be clearly seen even during the fading daylight. And now that you know everyone is watching you, you start to bellow with Aashenpreet begrudgingly providing you the words to say.
“Behold, the new wonder substance from far Injab! It can illuminate anything, provide light in the darkest of places and banish evil curses! And that’s not all! This next one, this one can cure any injury or scar!”
Oster drags over a complaining beggar, one with what looks to a painful looking scar knitted down his shoulders. He forces one of your heal-alls down his throat and in full view of the crowd, the scars on his back begin to close.
“That one was free! Any more will cost twenty shrikes apiece, five for the glowing ones.”

You sit back and start to brew, letting Aashenpreet handle a lot of the selling from there. Many of the immediate crowd cannot afford the price that Aash gave you (was it one that she just made up?) but word spreads and you find better-dressed clients arriving within the hour.
Several of them ask if you can brew anything else or do commissions and while tempting, you turn them down. Maybe later.

An hour of furious brewing and selling later, Aashenpreet gives you what looks to be at least two hundred shrikes.
“We should leave,” Oster whispers. “This much money being seen is bound to tempt somebody.”

1/2

>>41338780
>Implying we'd leave Hiss.

>>41338855
But alas, one more customer arrives before you can find an inn. You can sense their coming from a distance, by the way the crowd parts and then disappears altogether, beggars abandoning hard-won territories and leaving you alone.
The sound of marching feet fill the street, each armored foot stepping perfectly in time. You know who they could be before you even turn your head.

The Ishmin are clad in the same way that they always are, head to toe in armoured dress with chain veils drawn across their faces. But unlike the previous Ishmin you’ve seen, these ones appear to be more ceremonial. Their armour is coated in some sort of colorful lacquer, stripes of red and yellow covering them. Their helmets do not end in spikes or domes but instead in feathered crests.
And amongst them, being borne atop their shoulders is a palanquin, one made from black wood and draped with a banner of pure white. Pure white save the black spiral twisting in its center.

The constrictor coiled in forever upon itself, the mark of the highest courts. You’ve seen it before, when Tash bore it as the representative of Quedesh.

A gloved hand stirs the curtains of the palanquin, the glove red and embroidered with green. A feminine voice inquires from within, soft and inviting.
“I desire to sample your wares.”

> Flee.

> Offer her a heal-all for free.

> “That’ll be twenty shrikes, thanks.”

> Brew them a different potion (Specify)

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Make a wish (Specify)

> Other

>>41338874
> Offer her a heal-all for free.
Do not catch her gaze

>>41338874
Ask for her to make a request so we can demonstrate our true skill with a new brew

>>41338874
>> Offer her a heal-all for free.
>>41338925
Seconding

>>41338925
>>41338951
>Being glib to a serpent and stepping out of place
No way this can end badly. Seriously why are we doing this? Hiss will get jealous and no good can come of it.

>>41338874
> Offer her a heal-all for free.

>>41338874
> Offer her a heal-all for free.
Plus this
>>41338925

>>41338874
> Offer her a heal-all for free.

>>41338967
Now that we've been discovered we might as well show off

>>41338874
> Offer her a heal-all for free.
I was worried about this. Time to diplomatically GTFO.

>>41339027
And get drawn in even more? Why?

>>41338874

> Offer her a heal-all for free.
> Ask her If she has any special requests

>>41338856
Never.

>>41338967
This is all part of the plan, we could gain an ally/benefactor, and Hiss could use a mentor.

>>41339088
I'm really hoping that this isn't tash's constrictor

>>41339088
>Hiss could use a mentor.
His accepting that anyone is better than her at anything she can do. Furthermore accepting help over it. This I have to see.

>>41339121
Female, refined, mellifluous voice. So far odds are better than not. I do hope she isn't though.

File: 1401174527315.gif (185 KB, 300x300)

185 KB GIF

>>41339121
What are the chances of that. No that's crazy talk crazy man.

>>41339146
She's recently got a lesson in humility anon. Believe.

>>41339121
It might actually be advantageous if we can maintain our disguise

>>41339181
It also broke her to nigh uselessness. I wish I could, but like Cennen I am jaded.

Rolled 5 (1d6)

Looks like another tie, this one between just coughing up the heal-all and asking for requests as well.
Odds former, evens latter.

>>41339201
Why does my vote always have to lose the tiebreaker?

>>41339255
Obviously the dice gods hate you.

> Offer her a heal-all for free.

You mix up an inferior heal-all as fast as you can while still keeping it up to standard. Beside you, Oster is keeping perfectly still and ready to move if something goes wrong.
Aashenpreet on the other hand, barely seems concerned at all.

You nearly try to pass the finished potion to the figure in the palanquin yourself but you correct yourself just in time, instead giving it to the nearest Ishmin.
Without hesitation or orders, the Ishmin uncorks it and pulls the bottle past his veil to take a swig. He then stands there in complete silence as the seconds tick by, as if daring you to try something. Once an agonizing five minutes of this has passed, the Ishmin passes the bottle to the gloved hand, at which point it is drawn inside the palanquin.
"A most useful concoction," the hidden woman speaks once more, her voice smooth and resonant. "But not one I have use for. What else can you make?"

> "Just these and the light potions. Nothing else."

> "Just about anything I think."

> Give her a list of potions you think would be safe to tell her about (Specify)

> Other

>>41339366
> "Just about anything I think."

>>41339366
> "Just about anything I think."

>>41339366
>> Give her a list of potions you think would be safe to tell her about (Specify)
I'm primarily a healer and nuturer. I can make potions to allow you to rapidly acquire languages, make your strong as ten men, heal from new wounds like a newt, grow crops, and of course, heal injuries. I can also make minorly offensive potions that create explosions or smoke, and lastly, poisons. Mostly to paralyze or knock unconscious.

>>41339366
>> "Just about anything I think."
Provided I have enough reagents and time. Some things are harder than others.

>>41339459
We probably shouldn't mention any snake ingredient brews

>>41339366
Many things, do you have something specific in mind?

>>41339366
> "Just about anything I think."
Here's hoping that we found a friendly contrictor

> "Just about anything I think."

You scratch your head, thinking how best to describe it. Just what do you want to tell her? Will telling her that you can only do a few things make her leave you alone. Do you even WANT to be left alone?

"Ah, just about anything I think. There's not many effects I probably can't duplicate if I have ingredients or the time. Yeah, more or less anything."

"Excellent," she sounds more amused than anything else. "Forget your previous obligations and whatever life you lived before. I own you now."
The Ishmin turn, advancing towards you as one.
"Lower the palanquin, he may ride with me. His companions can march behind."

One of the Ishmin tries to divest you of your pack, causing you to flinch back. They're not trying to steal your pack, you realize. They just don't want you in the palanquin with it.

> Get in the palanquin and give your pack to one of the Ishmin to carry.

> Get in the palanquin and give your pack to Oster or Aashenpreet to carry.

> Get in the palanquin and try to bring your pack with you.

> "Sorry, but I'm already claimed by another." Show them your mark.

> Flee.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41339653
> Get in the palanquin and give your pack to Oster or Aashenpreet to carry.
guys we should find a way to catch her

>>41339200
Which is good, since it means we reached something deep.
In order to provoke a change in her we had to deconstruct the whole spoiled princess mentality she had built up

>>41339653
>>41339719
Aww yeah, another choice that leads to a good old Nobbling. Seconding.

>>41339653
> "Sorry, but I'm already claimed by another." Show them your mark.
I still wouldn't mind working with you though. If my lady allows it of course

inb4 our bane foils her Care Bear Stare, giving us away as suspicious as fuck. At the very least. Probably more along the lines of her thinking we're with another snake.

>>41339653
> Get in the palanquin and try to bring your pack with you.
I'm worried that our alteration brew will wear off soon

>>41339653
> "sorry, but I'm already claimed by another"
However, she would like to arrange an audience with you.

Also, would it be alright for us to ask to stay with her?

>>41339653
> Flee.
Hit the road TO the road. We're obligated to fulfill the pilgrimage then.

>>41339653
>> Get in the palanquin and give your pack to Oster or Aashenpreet to carry.

Shit. Time to break out the old snakebrew. Give the pack to Oster.

>just caught up
>robbed the crew an damaged their souls
I hate you people, MC has never been that much of a cunt.

>>41339917
Yeah, it was a dick move and probably unnecesary, but what can you do?

>>41339653
>Get in the palanquin and try to bring your pack with you.

>>41339653
>> "Sorry, but I'm already claimed by another." Show them your mark.
Going with them seems like a very bad idea.

>>41339917
Nobody was planning on it, but keeping Hiss in our pack was a bad idea on multiple levels.

>>41339845
I'll modify to agree to get on the palanquin, but ask to keep our pack

Rolled 2 (1d6)

Looks like a tie between keeping your pack or giving it to Oster. Evens former, odds latter.

>>41339917
Hiss is a bad influence.

>> Get in the palanquin but try to keep your pack.

It's probably not worth trying to fight this and showing her your brand would reveal more than you'd like. But still, giving up your pack? Rock and Hiss are in there, along with the vast majority of your magical power. You are nothing without that thing.
As for the whole 'ownership' thing? Are you a slave now? Well, you'll just have to deal with it as it comes you suppose. You can break free later. But you are NOT giving up your pack.

“I will come with you,” you say, ignoring the sudden writhing against your back that Hiss starts up in response which is fortunately not visible. “But I will not be parted from your pack.”

The Ishmin in front of you raises one mailed fist but you don’t flinch back, Oster on the verge of drawing his sword and fighting it out. But then an unseen signal passes through them and all of the Ishmin take a step back as one.
“Very well. I just hope that you aren’t planning anything unwise with it. But do not try my patience further.”

The palanquin is lowered for you, the gloved hand beckoning for you to step inside. You take a seat inside past the curtain, finding yourself atop a perfumed cushion. Lounging indolently opposite you is a masked woman, one covered in a bulky series of pastel robes and coats, her pointed shoes resting across from you. Her black hair is long and braided with purple ribbons and feathers, her face covered by a golden mask frozen in an expression of beautiful solemnity.
Somewhat disappointingly, you can’t make out her face or her figure underneath all that and wait, why would that disappoint you? Hiss is the only one for you.

But still, you had thought this woman to be a constrictor when it seems like that she is a ‘mere’ Vtriya, a human that is a personal and beloved servant of one. Or is she a constrictor dressing up like one? She seems to be the size of an ordinary person, at least so that makes it seem unlikely.

1/2

>>41340380
You feel the palanquin rise as the woman watches you, her gaze obvious despite her golden mask.

“And what pray tell,” she says, “is so important about your pack that you must risk death to keep it? Any of your equipment can be replaced and it would not be damaged.”
She still sounds nothing but amused, a warm tone that makes you feel like you could tell her anything and she wouldn’t take offense.

> “It makes me feel safe.”

> “It was given to me by my mentor.”

> “How am I going to kidnap you without it?” Try to nobble her immediately.

> “It has a princess in it.”

> “It has a spirit in it.”

> Lie (Specify)

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41340403
>I've got some ingredients that are a bit hard to come by around here.

>>41340403
> “It was given to me by my mentor.”

>>41340403
> “It makes me feel safe.”
The rest are going to get us in trouble.

>>41340403
> “It was given to me by my mentor.”

>>41340403
> “It has a spirit in it.”

>>41340403
Judging from the way she claimed us, I'd say she's a constrictor.
> "it makes me feel safe"

Also, I think we should tell her the truth, but now is not the right time to do it. Maybe when we're not surrounded by ishmin and we know for sure that she's a snake

>>41340403
> “It makes me feel safe.”

> “It was given to me by my mentor.”


"It has this neat enchantment on it that generates endless potion bottles."

>>41340403
>> “It has a spirit in it.”

>>41340403
> “It makes me feel safe.”
This pack is the reason I was able to make it here. It has protected me from much misfortune.

> “It makes me feel safe.”

The palanquin is moving, being marched at high speed. You hope Aashenpreet will be able to keep up. Oster should be fine but Aash doesn't have quite the stamina he does.
You run a hand down your pack, making sure Hiss and Rock are fine. You don't dare pray to either of them, not now.
"This sounds a little embarrassing but I guess you could say it makes me feel safe. Not just because it has my brews inside it but because it's been with me for so long. I feel like it has protected me against misfortune."

The woman just looks at you and you feel your cheeks suddenly burn under her scrutiny as you become aware of just how silly you sound.

"I understand. We all have attachments to strange things. It's nothing to be embarrassed about."

You suddenly feel much better, your blush departing as if by her permission. You're much more at ease now. Part of you feels almost grateful for some reason.

"And what's your name?"

"Cennen," you blurt out before tensing up. Shit! You weren't supposed to say that! But what other name could you give?

"Ah, were you supposed to give me a fake name? It's fine, it's nothing to worry about. You may call me Tanni."

Several minutes pass as you try your best to remain on guard before she speaks again.
"Cennen? That's a strange name. I don't believe I've ever heard it before."

> "It's a nickname."

> "I've heard stranger. It happens."

> "I'm not surprised."

> PANIC

>>41340829
Ahhh shit.

>PANIC

>>41340829
>"I've heard stranger. It happens."

>>41340829
> "I'm not surprised."

>>41340829
> "I'm not surprised."

>>41340829
Well, apparently, she can somehow read and influence us.
> DON'T PANIC
failing at that, make an excuse for drinking soul guise

>>41340829
> "I'm not surprised."
damn it cennen get it together

> "I'm not surprised."

What are you supposed to do here? Are you panicking? You feel like you're panicking. Does she know?
"I'm not surprised."

"Why aren't you surprised? No, don't tell me. Let me indulge myself."
She seems to do nothing but think for a few minutes while beads of sweat dribble down your back.

"Is it unsurprising because...it is just an unusual name?"

You try to answer but she's still speaking, interrupting you before you can even say anything.
"Is it because it's a fake name? Have you not told me your real name?"

"I-"

"Is it because you're not from around here? Or from Quedesh at all?"
You freeze.
"So you're a foreigner. Are you using one of your potions to change your semblance?"

Shit, Shit, Shit! What do you even do here? And yet again, she seems to be divine whatever she desires from your facial reaction.

"So you're a foreign alchemist...from where? Past the Kour? The Ti? The ocean? Ah. From the east or the south? South? South? I hear it's quite cold down there."

What the fuck are you supposed to do?

> Confess.

> Flee.

> Attack.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41340829
> "I'm not surprised."
Take a few deep breaths and calm our self, let's at least TRY to keep a lid on our secrets.

>>41341116
> Confess.

>>41341116
> Confess.

>>41341116
> Deep breaths. Calm the hell down.
> Offer one word answers from here out.

>>41341116
She's good. Seems like she' deducing most of this stuff and getting cues from our body language. Calm down and try to join in her game. Try to mantain a neutral expresion until she makes a mistake and try to lead her astray from there.

>>41341116
> Confess.
I guess this is necessary if we're gonna associate with any constrictors

>>41341283
enphasis on "try"

> Confess.

You stop, doing your best to control yourself. Deep breaths, in and out. Stay calm. Try to figure this shit out.
Whatever power she has over you, she only has what you have chosen to give her. If you just stay calm she shouldn't be able to get anything from you.

And if you can't, she'll take you for everything you've got. Including...Hiss, currently trapped in your backpack. And with that realization you feel your previous panic fall away from you. You can't let her be endangered just because of your own mistakes.

So when you next meet Tanni's eyes, you are resolute and unshaken. Or at least, a little less shaken then you were before anyway. The power of love can only go so far.

Roll 1d100

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>41341418

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>41341418

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>41341418

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>41341418
shit

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>41341418

File: booty had me like.gif (961 KB, 200x190)

961 KB GIF

>>41341463
Good job.

>>41341463
>>41341473
the dice gods love this quest lately

>>41341463
>>41341473
We got some serious karma

>>41341463

And then you confess to her, telling her all bout you and how you are a Teln alchemist travelling the world with your friend Oster and Aashenpreet, your native guide. You tell her about many of your potions and she coaxes out a few heavily edited versions of some of your adventures.
But you don't tell her about Hiss and you don't tell her about Rock or about Snakehome or about Aashenpreet's true nature or your snake reagents.

And though you can't tell through the mask whether she buys it or not, she does not pry further.
"You've had an interesting life by all accounts Cennen. But that life is now over."
The palanquin stops.
"You are now a possession of my lady, do you understand? To be used as she sees fit. But in return, all of your needs and desires will be accounted for. All of them."

With those last three words she stretches languorously in preparation of stepping out of the palanquin and you have a decidedly unwanted physical reaction, despite her completely form-obscuring outfit.

The palanquin lowers and she steps out, you close behind her. But not too close.
You are no longer on the street. You're not even in a courtyard. The palanquin is in a long white corridor cut from marble. While you were distracted by Tanni, it would seem that the Ishmin have taken the palanquin inside. You don't see Oster or Aashenpreet anywhere.

Tanni opens a door to reveal a luxurious room with its walls covered in multi-colored tapestries. There is food on a table, including actual meat! You haven't eaten meat for so long.
From this room there are three more doors, all leading off elsewhere.

"This will be your new quarters."
What, all of it?
"If you have any desires, simply pull this cord and a slave will come to serve you whatever you wish. And for now, all that my lady desires from you is that you pray to her each morning at your shrine."
1/2

>>41341595

> "Wait. Who is your 'lady' anyway?"

> Where are my companions?

> I'm not your slave, sorry.

> Thank her and enter.

> Flee

> Other

>>41341610
> "Wait. Who is your 'lady' anyway?"
> Where are my companions?

>>41341595
> Where are my companions?
> "Wait. Who is your 'lady' anyway?"

>>41341610
> "Wait. Who is your 'lady' anyway?"
> Where are my companions?
I'm really hoping we didn't fuck up. This was risky.

>>41341610
>"Wait. Who is your 'lady', anyway?"
> Where are my companions?

>>41341651
I'm just glad that we brought our pack

>>41341610
> "Wait. Who is your 'lady' anyway?"
> Where are my companions?

>"Wait. Who is your 'lady', anyway?"
> Where are my companions?

"Hold on, hold on," you protest. "Who is your lady anyway?"

"I would not be do disrespectful if I were you. You cannot pronounce her name but she will tell what to call her when she wishes."

"Right. She's a serpent. And you're her Vtriya?"

"Correct. The human right-hand so to speak, though in this case our mistress has two."

"Two?"

"It is unusual but not unheard of to have two Vtriyas. I suppose you could say that I have taken on an apprentice. One who shows much promise though he is currently absent once again, leaving all this tiresome work to me. You'll meet him when he returns from his pilgrimage."

"Uh, okay. And all your...our lady wants me to do is to pray to her every morning?"

"Yes. Everyone here does it, from the lowest of house-slaves to myself. She enjoys it. When she has tested your mettle, she will call upon you for other tasks."

1/2

>>41341788
"Where are Oster and Aashenpreet? My companions?"
Oh man, what if you had actually given Oster your pack like you nearly had? Would you have been separated from it for good?

"They are safe. They have also been made property and have been assigned their own quarters. If you desire either of them tomorrow you are free to ask for them. I don't believe either of them was your lover, correct?"

"No!"
Once again, there's something about her that throws you off a step. You don't know how to handle her.

"Ah but you DO have one. Her? Yes. If you wish, I can arrange for whoever she is to be enslaved with you."

"No, that won't be necessary," you croak, doing your best to conceal the fact that it won't be because she's hidden inside your pack.

Tanni laughs, a delicate little sound that saps all the tension out of the situation. You can feel your shoulders easing almost against your will.
"Keep that secret, I won't pry. And besides, while you are here you are free to pursue other arrangements."

Wait. Is she coming on to you? Surely not. You're probably just misinterpreting it. Either way the thought she gives you puts you enough on the back foot that she is able to walk out and close the door. A moment later you hear the turning of a lock.
You are trapped here.

>>41341788
>You'll meet him when he returns from his pilgrimage.
it's tash. I don't know if this is good or bad.

>>41341483
It's because of all the ties, I'm sure of it.

Anyway, that's that for tonight, archived. I'm really glad I kept the thread going and I just want to thank you guys for that. I don't deserve you guys.
Next thread tomorrow hopefully, check the twitter so you can watch me decline and postpone the thread IN REAL TIME.

>>41341813
Better get some snake oil going

>>41341861
Verily.

>>41341813
Or are THEY trapped with US. DUN DUN DUN.

>>41341860
No problem boss.

>>41341861
As lube?

>>41341860
We're with you, man, don't mention it.
Thanks for running.

>>41341882
A while back I a webmd of a guy fucking a python. So yeah maybe. Looked like she could use it.

>>41341897
Responding so that isn't the last post of the thread

>>41341860
Thanks for running! Wish Anons thought of a better way to get here, but I guess we'll have to improvise.

>>41341861
Get Hiss's permission first

>>41341927
Thank for that anon.