>>41797710
The room is dark, lit only by the same glowing moss that you had seen in the Kour. Though you’re not sure if ‘room’ is the right term here. This ‘shrine’ is practically a hollow wall, one that stretches entirely around the circumference of the mountain. The interior is extraordinarily large and curves out of view in both directions. The walls and ceiling are dotted with holes, tunnels that are filled with deformed snakes. Some are simply albino like Aashenpreet but others are entirely white or with even more obvious birth defects. Snakes with wriggling vestigal legs, snakes with second non-functioning heads, snakes without eyes or scales. Some of them are stunted but most of them are huge and while they do not approach you, they fill the room in a way that can only be described as claustrophobic. The sound of their slithering echoes through the shrine, louder and louder until you think you’d have to shout to be heard.

Hiss grabs hold of your arm, her face etched with disgust. Her other arm twitches violently and you know that’s all she can to hold herself back from attacking. Instead she just grips your arm harder and harder in what is proving to be exceptionally painful.
Oster’s face is blank but you can see his own hands twitching towards his sword, not that it’d do him much good here.

In the end it is Aashenpreet who makes the first move, stepping forward with an affected solemnity and prostrating herself before the crowd of deformed snakes. Of course she knows what to do, she used to be one of them. She starts whispering something in Quedeshi that you can’t hear as the bloated white serpent that greeted you towers over her.
You can’t stop yourself from gasping as fresh new spikes of pain shoot up your arm. Hiss is increasing her grip.

1/2

>>41797719
> See if you can wriggle out and leave her so you can see what Aashenpreet is doing.

> Stay with Hiss but try to take her arm off of you, you’re sure she can find something else to channel her energy into.

> Just stay with Hiss. You trust Aashenpreet not to tell them anything bad and Hiss savaging your arm is preferable to the alternative.

> “Uh, hi! What’s up?”

> Flee

> Use Potion (Specify)

>>41797729
>> Stay with Hiss but try to take her arm off of you, you’re sure she can find something else to channel her energy into.

>>41797729
> Just stay with Hiss. You trust Aashenpreet not to tell them anything bad and Hiss savaging your arm is preferable to the alternative.
Ask her to be a bit more gentle at least

>>41797729
> Just stay with Hiss. You trust Aashenpreet not to tell them anything bad and Hiss savaging your arm is preferable to the alternative.
Damn we should've refreshed our wordtheft brew before we entered

>>41797729
> Just stay with Hiss. You trust Aashenpreet not to tell them anything bad and Hiss savaging your arm is preferable to the alternative.
Maybe touch her hand to remind her we're here, and we're loosing feeling in our arm

>>41797729
>> Just stay with Hiss. You trust Aashenpreet not to tell them anything bad and Hiss savaging your arm is preferable to the alternative.
>Not so tight Hiss I'm here everything will be ok.

> Just stay with Hiss. You trust Aashenpreet not to tell them anything bad and Hiss savaging your arm is preferable to the alternative.

If you just got a little closer you could probably understand what Aash is saying. What if she's telling them your secrets or what Hiss intends to do? She certainly has more than enough reason to do so with how Hiss has treated her.
You should be there, just to make sure.

But no, that isn't where you're needed. The pain in your arm is a vivid enough reminder of that. You're needed back here with Hiss, someone to hold her down until she's passed.
You remember what she thought of Aashenpreet's own deformity and that was relatively superficial. This place, these people, must be horrific for her. Horrific or rage-inducing, either one.

You touch her hand, holding yours over hers as it hurts you. Just a little pat, enough to remind her that you're still here and that she's probably going to break your arm if she keeps doing this.
She relaxes her grip a little, still enough to hurt but enough to restore feeling to your arm.

It still isn't exactly pleasant but you bear it in silence. Come on Aashenpreet, get them to let you through already! You have a limb on the line here.
After several agonizing minutes, Aashenpreet climbs to her feet and the snakes part before you. There's another door at the far side, large and circular, twin to the door you entered.

The snakes retreat back into their tunnels before the mind-eaten slave begins to crank them open. Light invades the shrine once more, prompting a chorus of hisses as the door opens and reveals the mountain.

Winding away from the First Shrine is a strangely-carved path, a round trail etched into the ground itself as if carved out by the passage of an enormous serpent. It continues up the mountain, wending its way around the spire and dotted by further shrines. How many did Aash say there was again? Seventy-Seven?
This might take a while.

1/2

>>41798166
All of you step through the door together and watch it creak slowly shut behind you. As soon as it closes you tear your arm from Hiss' hand and shake it vigorously.
"Ow."

"I'm not sorry," Hiss scowls, looking back at the First Shrine. "What a collection of freaks!"

"They're my family!"
Aashenpreet folds her arms, unamused.

"Yes and?"

"The mutations are why we are chosen," Aashenpreet continues. "Those who are born unable to survive normally, given life by Aashimid's grace."

"Is that you think it is? It's sick, that's what I'd call it. Things like...that are supposed to die, they're born dead! None of them should be alive! YOU shouldn't be alive!"

Aashenpreet just turns away.
"You can't bait me anymore, I know you don't mean it."

"Hell yes I do! This is disgusting! Don't you agree, Cennen? They're mutants!"

Aashenpreet looks at you questioningly. Hiss does the same.

> "That's not very polite, Hiss. They are pretty abhorrent though."

> "There's nothing wrong with what they or Aashenpreet are."

> "Yeah, they're pretty weird. Don't think they deserve to die though."

> Say nothing and keep on walking.

> Other

>>41798296
> "Yeah, they're pretty weird. Don't think they deserve to die though."

>>41798296
> "Yeah, they're pretty weird. Don't think they deserve to die though."
They can't help the way they were born. I'm glad they have a place to go and live normally

>>41798296
> "Yeah, they're pretty weird. Don't think they deserve to die though."
but
>"Can you both stop using me for a proxy war?"

>>41798296
>> "There's nothing wrong with what they or Aashenpreet are."
They seemed strong enough to me, it'd be waste.

>>41798296
> "There's nothing wrong with what they or Aashenpreet are."
Looks aren't everything. They're not doing anything wrong. They might not be able to survive in your culture but this one looks out for them and I respect that.

>>41798296
> "They may seem grotesque, and some of them seemed to be in pain. However, I think the fact that they managed to survive, and still hold on to life doenotes a certain kind of strenght"

What's stopping them from shapeshifting into a normal snake form?

>>41798524
Don't know how, much like Aashenpreet didn't know how to.

>>41798552
She didn't know how to become a human at first but you'd think other snake forms wouldn't be too hard

>>41798634
Pretty sure that requires the same basic mastery. They have none.

>>41798634
Maybe their mutations limit their snake arts

> "Yeah, they're pretty weird. Don't think they deserve to die though."

You mull it over as they look on. You can't deny that you found them off-putting but simple first impressions don't mean anything, particularly since you like Aashenpreet well enough.
"Sure, they're pretty weird. But they hardly deserve to die or anything like that, Hiss. They might not be able to survive in Snakehome but from what you've told me, you also leave children out to be picked off by predators. This one looks out for them and I can respect that."

Hiss grinds her teeth.
"They only 'look out for them' because they have the idiotic idea that they're sacred! The fact that they consider ANYTHING sacred is bad enough! Also, fighting off wildlife helped make me who I am today, it's a part of life."

"Not all of us are godless barbarians," Aashenpreet retorts. "There's a reason why we're the greatest empire in the world while you live in a literal hole in the ground! Cennen agrees with me."

You hold up your hands in sudden supplication as they both stare at you again.
"Woah, woah, hold on there. Can you both stop using me for a, a proxy war?"

"Aashenpreet started it when she forced you to betray me," Hiss sniffs.

Aashenpreet just shrugs.
"I cannot believe how tiresome you are, Hiss. Does everything need to be as difficult as possible for you?"

"I've checked the road, it seems safe," Oster chimes in. "Perhaps it would behoove her Highness to start walking before sunset?"

"Hrm."
Hiss starts walking, marching her way up the path as if she had a grudge against it personally.

"Best I can hope for, really," Oster says as he starts to follow her. "I can't believe they wouldn't let us take the wagon in!"

You're next to follow, with Aashenpreet bringing up the rear. Both snakes seem to be avoiding each other as much as possible.

> Walk with Hiss.

> Walk with Aashenpreet.

> Just stay out of this for now.

> Other

>>41798775
> Walk with Hiss.

>>41798775
> Walk with Hiss.
I want to hear more about her culture and upbringing

>>41798524
Snakes turning into other snakes is actually pretty hard and besides, none of them WANT to hide their natures. It's what makes them holy in their own eyes.

>>41798775
> Just stay out of this for now.
Oster, thanks for the save.

>>41798775
> Walk with Hiss.

>>41798775
> Walk with Hiss.
> Ask Hiss more about Snakehome
Let's learn more about Hiss and her fellow "godless heathens." Fight fire with facts.

>>41798775
>> Walk with Hiss.

>>41799032
Did you look at the Ask? Aash was spot on, from what hiss told us.

>>41798775
> Just stay out of this for now.

> Walk with Hiss.

You forge ahead and walk side-by-side with Hiss at the front of the group. She smiles when she sees you coming closer.
"Ah Cennen, I was wondering when you'd get here."

"How many wild animals did you have to fight anyway? I remember you telling me about that bird that tried to eat you once."

"What's wrong? You make it sound like there's something wrong with it. It's only natural, you know. We're wild animals too."

Huh. Right, you forget that a lot. Though would you really call Hiss 'wild' by now? She's learned to live in human lands, how to do human things. She'd never admit but she's tame, at least by a little.
Would Snakehome ever want her back?
"But your father never took care of you? Or raised you?"

She laughs.
"My father didn't even know I existed for a pretty long time! Don't you remember, Cennen? Giant mating balls, most of us never even know who our fathers are and none of our mothers really care after they hatch."

"Surely there's some sort of materna-"

"Nope. Maybe there is for humans but not for us. Those little suckers have to look out for themselves."
You never thought about it that way and you find a question you never really want answered worming your way into your brain. It's something you've tried not to think about but it's pretty essential to your relationship. Will you and Hiss ever have children? Is that possible? And if you do, would Hiss even care for them? Or would she just abandon them with you?
Hiss isn't done talking, however.
"I think it's because we're all pretty capable after we hatch. Any who aren't starve to death, I guess. I suppose it's different for you guys, humans are born so weak and helpless that you need a switch in your heads to make you care for them. How many fucking years do you need before you're fully grown again? It's ridiculous, longer than I've even been alive."

You blink. Hiss has always been very careful not to tell you her age.
"How old are you exactly?"

1/2

>>41799217
"Uh. Nothing you need to know. Don't you know it's impolite to ask a lady her age?"

> Push the matter.

> Ask her something else about Snakehome instead.

> Go talk to someone else.

> Other

>>41799263
> Ask her something else about Snakehome instead.
It's better if we don't know

>>41799263
> Push the matter.
But that's according to Civilized culture hiss.

>>41799263
> Ask her something else about Snakehome instead.

>>41799263
> Ask her something else about Snakehome instead.
"How are the other snakes? Do you know any? Are they as old and powerful as the constrictors? Has anyone ever challenged your father before you?"

>>41799263
> Go talk to someone else.
We've hardly spoken to oster lately.

>>41799263
>> Ask her something else about Snakehome instead.

So, do your people not even love each other, or care for others normally? It sounds . . . really lonely.

>>41799339
secondo

> Ask her something else about Snakehome instead.

You know what? Maybe you're better off not knowing. Her answer might be weird and something that could pop into your mind at the worst times. Besides, she actually looks sort of embarrassed?
"No worries, Hiss. So how are the other snakes there? Do you know any?"

"Of course I do! There are hundreds of us, you know. In hindsight, they tolerated a lot from me."

"Are they as old and as powerful as the constrictors?"

Hiss looks offended.
"Older! More powerful! Constrictors are nothing but pampered brats, living their lives tame with humans. They wouldn't know true living if it bit them in the tail. Can you believe that they spend most of their lives in human form?"

"Well...so do you, don't you?"

"It's different. We're just going through human countries and it's way more convenient this way. And...having arms is actually pretty useful and it's nice to be tall and...and...Oh no. Cennen, you don't think I've become one of THEM, do you?"

> "Of course not."

> "Is there anything really wrong with that?"

> Other

>>41799620
NEVER. But maybe you've taken the best parts about being Them, without blindly taking on their weaknesses? Although, maybe you've also been blind to some of the other advantages as well.

>>41799620
Shunning an advantage just to keep yourself pure is stupid Hiss. From the sounds of it the snakes of Snakehome do nothing except hunt and be lazy. They build nothing and create nothing. Kinda sad really. So much wasted potential.

>>41799683
Do not actually say this.

>>41799620
> Other
You'll be the best of both worlds im sure

>>41799620
>"You have changed a lot since we first met. But you are still yourself. Do you think there's something wrong with you?"

>>41799620
> "Of course not."

>>41799702
I think that is her motivation to depose her father

>>41799620
>> Other
Sounds more like a dragon.

>>41799620
I don't think there's anything wrong with using advantages from either form.

>>41799620
> "Of course not."

>Other

"I don't think there's anything wrong with using the advantages of either form, that's just being pragmatic. You might have changed a lot since we first met but you're still yourself. And there's nothing wrong with being you."

"Of course," she scoffs. "I am one who everyone else should aspire to be like. That was never in question."

"Then don't sweat it. And if you come home and some other snakes give you pain over it, who cares what they think?"

"Yeah, that's right! It doesn't matter how much I use human shape, does it? I'm still me and I'm still innately superior. And rest assured Cennen, when I become Serpent Queen I will be changing things. We've been isolationist for more than long enough and as loathe as I am to admit it, Quedesh has taught me something."

"That snakes and humans can co-exist?"

She chuckles.
"What? No! That snakes can conquer human societies just fine!"

"Oh. You know, maybe this was the true strength that you were looking for in Quedesh."

"Hrm, no, I don't think so. I'm still going to try to eat the Compact."

"Hiss, I don't think it can be eaten. It doesn't have tangibility, it's an idea."

"But I can still do that thing that everyone goes to the House for, can't I? The ascension-whatever. That's bound to make me stronger."

"Hundreds of snakes have tried to do that in past, spent years on it. How are you going to accomplish that?"

"Cennen, I thought we've established that constrictors don't know shit about anything. They're probably just fucking it up."

What can you really say that to that? You're pretty sure she's wrong but you can't say that to her face.
"We'll see."

"Naturally. But thanks Cennen, you were right. There's nothing wrong with looking human. It's a practical shape with some very useful applications, not to mention some rather entertaining aspects."
She slides up against you, one arm snaking around your shoulder.

1/2

>>41800174
"And really, who cares what they think of me? I'm still going to be their Queen so they can just suck it up."


> Gain one Snake Art.

> Hiss improves her Princess skill back to Expert.

>>41800219
> Gain one Snake Art.

>>41800174
I think Hiss is misinterpreting the concept of redemption

>>41800219
>> Gain one Snake Art.

I'm thinking the one that lets her blend snake and human would fit the theme.

Snake eater ATM is baaaaaaaaad idea.


>>41800232
yup.

>>41800219

> Gain one Snake Art.
Art! Art! Art!

>>41800219
> Gain one Snake Art.
I'm not sure how much I like that princess skill

>>41800249
That art doesn't really seem to have many useful applications

>>41800257
It's basically a less seasoned version of Tanni's voice.

>>41800272
I said it'd fit the theme, not that it'd be most useful.

>>41800219
> Gain one Snake Art.

>>41799749
Hiss' motivation for her first attempt to kill her father was because she wanted to be Queen and he didn't look like he was dying anytime soon.
I mean, now she has grander ambitions but it still centers around that.

>>41800219
> Gain one Snake Art.

Related: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aHQnDTd1y4

>>41800219
> Gain one Snake Art.

I still like the idea of increasing her imperial superpowers but i guess at this juncture its probably particularly unsafe

>>41800363
You do realize she'd devour Aash without a second though right?

>>41800385
Look, everyone's thinking it. I'm just putting it to song.

>>41800385
I don't think so. She didn't kill her when she could have. Plus she probably wouldn't want to carry the soul of a "cripple" with her

>>41800385
Not necesarily. She could kill Aash any time she wanted and I doubt she thinks there's anything to gain from her soul.
I'm still going to vote for something else, though, just saying

>Gain one Snake Art

Hiss has gained an advantage in this department as her brief venture into Snake Empress form, while disastrous, revealed to her the superstructure of Snake Arts lying ahead of her and how to access them. She now knows about all her possible Arts. Her choices are now expanded!

> Scales: Hiss has scales but they are currently weak. By improving this, Hiss can make herself impervious to most harm though she'll need to make a conscious decision to raise them while in human form.

> Shed Skin: An improvement on her existing shapeshifting ability, allowing her to mix traits of her assumed form and her snake form freely.

> Camouflage: Hiss can cease all movement and blend in with her surroundings, no matter what shape she's using.

> Death Rattle: She can strike off a loud sound that fills humans with instinctive fear, forcing them to flee.

> Growth: A permanent Art that makes Hiss' true form very large and allows her to shapeshift into much bigger forms if she chooses to.

> Snake Eater: You can devour and use the souls of other snakes.

> Shallow Bite: You can control the lethality of your venom.

> Serpent's Temptation: An upgrade to Hypnotic Gaze and Devour Soul, Hiss can alter the soul of one in trance in different ways than simply eating them, allowing her to implant suggestions and compulsions.

> Gorgon Eyes: An upgrade to Hypnotic Gaze, Hiss can destroy the soul of any human who meets her gaze.

> Precise Fangs: An upgrade to Devour Soul, Hiss can now eat away whatever she wishes, no matter how small it might be.

> Consummate Predator: An upgrade of Life's Blood, Hiss can automatically consume the soul of anything she kills.

> Sidewinder: An upgrade to Constrictor Strength, Hiss can put such strength to use to boost her speed and endurance.

> Rend: An upgrade to Constrictor Strength, Hiss can rip or tear her way through anything nonmagical, no matter how strong or durable it is.

1/2 (More choices coming)

>>41800547
> Soul Kingdom: An upgrade to Soul Gullet, Hiss can summon up the souls from within her and can regurgitate souls if she wishes.

>Cockatrice: Hiss can make her breath lethal by lacing it with her venom. This is almost imperceptible.

> Prey Scent: Hiss can track anyone she pleases, provided she has wounded them or taken part of their soul before.

> Amphibious: Can survive underwater just as easily as above it.

> Art Control: Hiss can completely control her own Snake Arts, retracting or changing them on a moment's notice if she wants. Hiss isn't old enough to use this reliably yet!

> Royal Blood: If Hiss witnesses a Snake Art she doesn't possess, she can choose to immediately learn and master it. Hiss isn't old enough to use this reliably yet!

>>41800547
I know it seems boring but scales would be a good choice. She has no defensive skills right now

>>41800590
Can you explain more about soul kingdom? What do you mean when you say she can summon up souls?

>>41800547

> Shed Skin: An improvement on her existing shapeshifting ability, allowing her to mix traits of her assumed form and her snake form freely.

Thematic growth.

>>41800547
> Scales: Hiss has scales but they are currently weak. By improving this, Hiss can make herself impervious to most harm though she'll need to make a conscious decision to raise them while in human form.

>>41800590
Are wizards considered humans?

>>41800605
She never really used it during her short-lived Empresshood but anyone whose soul she's more or less eaten whole can be vomited up into her mind, recreating their original personalities as if they were alive again. If you're in soulform it actually lets you talk to her component souls and it lets her spit up souls she doesn't like, such as those of the Children or the Melach.

>>41800665
So Alucard minus the blood?

>>41800547
> Scales: Hiss has scales but they are currently weak. By improving this, Hiss can make herself impervious to most harm though she'll need to make a conscious decision to raise them while in human form.

>>41800547
>>41800590
Scales, Growth, Sidewinder or Rend seem like the best choices right now.
Long term, Art Control and to a lesser extent Royal Blood are essential.

I'll go for
>> Sidewinder: An upgrade to Constrictor Strength, Hiss can put such strength to use to boost her speed and endurance.

>>41800547
>>41800645
I'll second this for now but i am very intrigued by soul kingdom.

>>41800700
I voted for scales because we can always just give her a potence brew for more strength

>>41800664
Yes.

>>41800547
>> Shed Skin: An improvement on her existing shapeshifting ability, allowing her to mix traits of her assumed form and her snake form freely.
As much as I want Snake Eater, this seems too useful to pass up any longer.

>>41800547
Going for
> Scales: Hiss has scales but they are currently weak. By improving this, Hiss can make herself impervious to most harm though she'll need to make a conscious decision to raise them while in human form.
Because it's pretty essential.
We should get Snake eater and soul kingdom next.

>>41800547
> Serpent's Temptation: An upgrade to Hypnotic Gaze and Devour Soul, Hiss can alter the soul of one in trance in different ways than simply eating them, allowing her to implant suggestions and compulsions.

>>41800755
I fail to see how that's useful at all

>>41800547
>> Scales: Hiss has scales but they are currently weak. By improving this, Hiss can make herself impervious to most harm though she'll need to make a conscious decision to raise them while in human form.

>>41800782
Intimidation?

>>41800782
in theory it should become very useful as size increases but at the moment it would be a wholly narrative adaptation

>Scales

"And you know what?," Hiss continues, holding her hand up.
"Nobody says that my human form has to be weak."

She clenches her fist and suddenly her hand and arm are jet black, coated in glossy scales.

"Since when could you do that?"

"Since just now, I think. Here, try it! Stab me."

"What?"

"You still have that sword, don't you? Stab me in the gut or something. Do it."

> Do as she says.

> "I can't do that to you, Hiss."

> Use a potion to test it instead.

> Other

>>41800892
> Do as she says.
Lord knows we want to sometimes.

>>41800782
It builds on top of all the rest of her skills. As Hiss becomes more and more powerful her hybrid form, gained through Shed Skin, becomes more and more powerful. It's like Natural Lycanthropy in D&D, you go hybrid. retain a humanoid form, and gain the benefits of your beast form passively.
Take the Scales upgrade for instance, she has to consciously raise her defenses in human form. With Shed Skin, she could make her scales look like skin and never have to consciously raise her defenses as they would always be up.

>>41800892
> Do as she says.
Warn oster first

>>41800892
>Have a healing potion ready
>Make sure Oster won't freak out
>Try the edge of the blade on her protected arm.

>>41800892
>> Other
no need to be dramatic we have perfectly serviceable knife

>>41800892
> Do as she says.
There's nobody else around right?

>>41800892
> Warn Oster.
> Hand Hiss a healing potion. Just in case.
> Do as she says.

>>41800892
> Do as she says.
Warning oster first is definitely a good plan.

>>41800892
Warn Oster the Stab-Happy. Then
>> Do as she says.

>>41800892
Kiss her hand first, then try to cut it.

Rolled 87 (1d100)

>>41800892
> roll to stab

>>41800923
>With Shed Skin, she could make her scales look like skin
I'm not sure that's right

>>41801037
Shit man, we really don't want to roll that high for this.

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>41801089

>>41801074
> Shed Skin: An improvement on her existing shapeshifting ability, allowing her to mix traits of her assumed form and her snake form freely.
All she has to do is simply use her shape shifting to make her scales a different, more skin appropriate, color. She can be in her humanoid form and have all the protection her scales would naturally give her in her snake form. Shed Skin is effectively Hiss's version of a persistance brew, if that helps.

> Do as she says.

"Hey Oster!"
Oster is walking a fair few paces downhill of you, his eyes fixed into Hiss' back. He looks up when you call his name.
"I'm going to stab Hiss! Uh, because she told me to! And because it won't hurt her!"

You draw your sword slowly, giving Hiss plenty of time to prepare.
"Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"Oh just get on with it."

You aim the point of the sword at her midsection, down where her tunic hangs over her trousers. And then without any further hesitation, you slam it home as hard as you can.

"Haha! Just try it and s-argh!"
Hiss doubles over with a cry of pain, her hands clutched to her abdomen where you stabbed her.

"Your highness!"
Oster draws his own sword and even Aashenpreet far at the back looks up in confusion.
You drop your sword. What have you done?

"N-no, it's fine," Hiss splutters. "I'm fine."
She lifts up her tunic to reveal her stomach to be entirely unharmed.
"It stopped the edge of the sword, it's just that you still put a fair amount of force behind that! What gives?"

"I didn't know not to!"
You pick your sword back up.
"So your scales don't stop blunt impact and force?"

"No, of course they don't. It's just like armour that way, you moron. There's a further Art that stops those."

You sheathe the sword, making doubly sure that there's no blood on it first.
"So all in all, a successful trial run?"

"I can't believe you pushed that into me so hard! What if I'd been wrong?"

"You wouldn't have been. Do you really think that the Serpent Queen would ever be felled by a mere sword?"

She smiles.
"I guess not. Still, there's going to be a bruise there tomorrow."

"Then I'll fix you up a heal-all. I have a lot of experience getting rid of bruises."

She nods before the full import of your statement hits her and she looks away.
"Sorry."

"No worries, I know it's just you being you. And I love all of you."

"Yeah, I know you do. I lo-am grateful for your continued servitude, Cennen."

1/2

>>41801257
So close.

>>41801295
If only I had rolled higher! Still, pretty funny.

>>41801257
We gotta troll Hiss about refusing to say she loves us. Give her great big doe eyes.

>>41801311
About those doe eyes... Are you sure she wouldn't just see us as prey? Haha.

>>41801257
Really though cennen ought to make it clear that the physical abuse is not okay

>>41801341
Only until she hits the Spiritbane, Anon, only until then.

>>41801356
Backing this up. We should tell her that we'd like to work with her on expressing herself other ways. Remember when we first met her and she couldn't even speak? There's a difference between being able to hit, and only being able to hit, and we'd like to see her grow into being able to hold back.

>>41801257

And from there you continue walking, still trying to clear the first leg of the Chau Devi trail. And even though it winds around the mountain for a reduced slope, it's still pretty steep and hard-going.
Aashenpreet, almost entirely unused to long walking, is beginning to fall further and further behind.

Naturally, Hiss notices this and starts throwing rocks back down the trail at her. They're not always small rocks either.
"What's wrong, Aash? Me and Cennen used to walk this much everyday!"

"Yeah and you used to complain just as much before you got used to it."

"I did not!"

"You asked me to carry you once."

"A momentary fit of weakness. And besides, I got much better at walking later on. I had to, considering that you were a frozen invalid for the better part of a week!"

You laugh and it doesn't take much more for her to join in, just from the memories of her cajoling you while you struggled to walk.
"Those were the days. Just the two of us, no useless cripples getting in our way."

"Really? I thought you hated that back then. And me, also. You wanted to kill me."

"Well you were a moron. I think I was quite justified. And opinions change."

A cruel idea springs to mind.
"They certainly do. And now you loooov-"

She shoves you away from her, perhaps a little harder than she meant to with her prodigious strength. You fall over hard and roll down the trail, only stopping when Oster sticks out a boot to catch you.
You cough, covered in dust and a few minor grazes where the mountainside wasn't kind.

"Sorry!"
Hiss looks around frantically from above.
"Look, there's the next shrine up ahead. Let's go!"

> Catch up with Hiss and keep walking with her.

> You can walk with Oster for a little bit I think.

> Go back and help Aashenpreet.

> Other

>>41801422
Do we have any potions to get Ash up to speed?

>>41801422
> Go back and help Aashenpreet.
Ask hiss to stop being so mean to her.

>>41801422
> Go back and help Aashenpreet.
regardless of the fact that this is the moral thing to do, we'll need her at the shrine anyway

>>41801422
Alright, I'm sold on >>41801356, though this was an accident we gotta remind her that we are a frail human
> Go back and help Aashenpreet.
Ask hiss to stop being so mean to her.

>>41801422

> Go back and help Aashenpreet.

"See, the thing is that the Hiss you know now? A huge improvement over who she was when she met me. And I'm not even a priest or anything, just an alchemist who seems to get out of mistakes by making them even worse until the problem somehow implodes. Or explodes, depending on the potion I used. Or turns all purple-dragony and does both at the same time."

Reflect on how Alchemy gets pretty weird at times.

Then pass Aash off to Oster to help, telling him that part of his duties is to help his lady indirectly by strengthening and aiding her allies.

If Aashenpreet resists the idea of being Hiss' ally, tell her that you're going to see everyone getting along regardless of what they want. Hiss isn't the only one who can be a Tyrant, and you don't always have to use the sword to be one.

>>41801422
> Go back and help Aashenpreet.

>>41801492
>>41801472

Nah, not right now. Hiss will only be meaner to her just to show that she can, especially since we just embarrassed her. Haven't you guys ever had to deal with a difficult insecure person IRL? Lead her into thinking it's her own idea, for her own benefit, don't turn it into a power struggle especially not in front of people, especially not in front of snakes.

>>41801543
Yeah, point taken.

>>41801422
>>41801517
All of this. Anon, I like this post.

>>41801422
>> You can walk with Oster for a little bit I think.
We should talk with him from time to time while he still has some personality left uneaten.

>>41801422
> Go back and help Aashenpreet.
Hiss wasn't nice to you before you gave her a good reason to dislike you last night so im not surprised that its gotten worse but I'll talk to her about it.

>>41801517
That's not a very convincing way to make her our ally really

> Go back and help Aashenpreet.

You climb to your feet and hang still for a while, letting Oster pass you and Aashenpreet catch up. She's exhausted but she still musters together some worry for you.
"Are you hurt, Cennen?"

"Only my pride."
A regular occurrence.

Her expression changes to one of concern.
"I don't understand. How can you love someone like that? All she ever seems to do is hurt people."

"You think she's bad now? As far as I'm concerned, she's made huge improvements over who she used to be. I think being with me has had a good impact on her."
In return for making her clingy and possessive but that's life.

"Really? She still seems awful to me."

"She is! She's an astoundingly shitty person but she hasn't tried to eat any babies lately and to be honest, that's all I can ask for some days."

"She what?"

"It's a long story. Now, are you doing alright. We only have a little while left before we can stop for the night at the next shrine."

"I can do it. Just let me catch my breath. Just a minute."

> Stay with her and wait.

> Call down Oster to help her.

> Get Rock out of your pack to help carry her.

> Use a Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41801761
>> Call down Oster to help her.
Oster lets get her moving you take one arm I take the other.

Remind self to brew up several restoration potions later.

>>41801761
>> Use a Potion (Specify)

Give Aash a restoration brew.

>>41801761
> Get Rock out of your pack to help carry her.

>41801761

> Use a Potion (Specify)

The solution (and honestly cause of) to most of life's problems! Lets get her some endurance.

Let's, uh, let's keep Rock in the background while we're on a holy journey here. I get the feeling suddenly having her Kool-Aid through a wall could be useful.

>>41801874
Which brew are you suggesting?

>>41801839
Don't have any

>>41801874
How? What potion does that?

>>41801839
Do we have any available? I don't think it's worth the time to brew one right now

>>41801761
> Call down Oster to help her.
> Ask Aash how people would react if they saw a spirit traveling with us here

>>41801761
>> Call down Oster to help her.

>>41801761
>> Stay with her and wait.
One minute.

>>41801761
> Stay with her and wait.
> Give her some water
> She's much more insecure and afraid than what she lets on, you know

>>41801906
>http://pastebin.com/kpSHTiZi
>>41801902

Huh, I thought we had one that made us stronger.

>>41801973
Potence, uses bunyip hair

>>41801973
It only goes to hiss level strength, Aash is already stronger.

>>41801983
As a Master Alchemist we can sub ingredients to make a lesser version.

>>41801761
> Stay with her and wait
inb4 our enemies are waiting for us at the next shrine

>>41802013
Are you sure it doesn't just increase the strength of whoever drinks it?

>>41802020
Ah shit I don't want hiss running in there alone.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

Looks like a tie between staying with her and asking for Oster. Evens for the former, odds for the latter.

Been a while since we had a tie actually. Feels strange.

>>41802082
DICE FOR THE DICE GODS.
TIEBREAKERS FOR THE TIEBREAKER THRONE.

>>41802020
>>41802068
You guys are really freaking me out, you know.
On the other hand: If they were able to overwhelm Hiss they would probably have little trouble with us. This actually gives us the element of surprise.

>>41802082
We have to appease the dice once in a while.

>>41802082
Is it too late to add telling aash that hiss plans to use the compact just like any constrictor would instead of destroying it?

>Stay with her

You pass her your waterskin while she recovers, letting her drink from it.
"No worries, not like that shrine's going anywhere."

Nearly a minute passes while she collects herself and before you find anything else to say.
"You shouldn't let Hiss get to you. She's much more insecure and afraid then she lets on, you know."

"Really?"

"She's got a lot to prove and while she almost never admits it, I think she worries that she'll never be able to do that. It makes her touchy."

"And what? You expect me to believe that she's somehow a nice person underneath all of that?"

"No, noooooo, not at all. But I think it'd help for you to try and understand her. I'd ask the same of her but that seems like it'd be a lot harder. It takes a lot for her to really see things from someone else's perspective."

"I'll think about it. That's all I can promise."

"Good enough. Now, you ready?"

You walk up the rest of the hill together, finding yourself outside a small stone building surrounded by a circular waist-high fence. A white banner is draped over the top of the domicile, one marked with a thousand Quedeshi sigils.
"Is this the Second Shrine? Looks a lot more humble than the First."

"The First is the most prestigious of them all outside of the Compact House. Do you really think there's enough of us to stock all Seventy-Seven as well as we do the First? Most of the shrines are just little places like this."

"That's fair. What shrine did you serve at, anyway.

"Thirty Seven. Much higher up than this one."

Hiss speaks up from behind you.
"I can see why you'd want to escape now, if they all look as shitty as this."
She's standing behind a tree, as if she'd been watching the two of you. Oster is nowhere to be seen.
"Now come on, the sun's setting. Oster's already inside."

"Hiss, now you're just being rude for the sake of being rude," Aashenpreet says as she approaches the shrine and Hiss.

1/2

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>>41802301

>>41802301
"Then how about this?"
Hiss' arm flicks out! A meaty impact echoes through the clearing and Aashenpreet yelps as Hiss slams her hand into Aash's left elbow with enough force to snap it backwards. A nasty crack follows a moment later and Aashenpreet goes pale.
"What? Why?"

Hiss pushes her over with a trust to the chest and the constrictor topples, too shocked to fight back. Hiss immediately takes advantage of this by stomping down hard on one of her shins, prompting another crack and a stifled scream.

> "Hiss, what the fuck are you doing?"

> Grab Aashenpreet and pull her away.

> Place yourself between Hiss and her prey.

> Attack!

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41802358
> "Hiss, what the fuck are you doing?"
> Place yourself between Hiss and her prey.
How does limb damage translate into Aash's real form?

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>>41802358
>trust to the chest

Should be 'thrust'. Damn it.

>>41802358
> "Hiss, what the fuck are you doing?"
> Place yourself between Hiss and her prey.

>>41802358
Do we have a reasonable cause to notice if she casts a shadow?

>>41802405
Not really, it's getting pretty dark.

>>41802358
>> "Hiss, what the fuck are you doing?"
>> Place yourself between Hiss and her prey.

>>41802358
Draw sword say if that's really hiss and not a doppelganger then she should activate her scales

>>41802405
man if that's actually what it is, kind of regretting not buying a less useful snake art

>>41802358
>> "Hiss, what the fuck are you doing?"
> Place yourself between Hiss and her prey
ready scale bane and get rock out.

>>41802426
So doppelgangers can't emulate snake arts, can they emulate strength gained from a snake art?

>>41802451
I don't think Cennen would draw a sword at Hiss. And as far as he knows, the shadow wizard was killed weeks ago. So, he would have to be pretty damn sharp to suspect him.

>>41802358
Ask rock to stun hiss. Plus she can tell if this is a doppelganger or not.

>>41802487
One cribbed our dragon man form.

>>41802358
>>41802446

ah an addendum, be ready with flask of rumple-skin in case its some trickery. Or you know, in case Hiss has finally stepped the half inch necessary to go off the deep end

>>41802499
This.

When is Cennen going to realize dthe world is better of with Hiss dead?

>>41802495
He knows that killing wizards isn't as straightforward as killing anything else

>>41802499
This. We need rocks help if this is hiss or her doppelganger

>>41802526
He can't Hiss nobbled that away at the start

>>41802526
I'm pretty sure this is a doppelganger.

>>41802526
He loves her, and she has been making progress.

>>41802553
Nope just memories of his father.

>>41802526
There's no way this is really hiss, oster wouldn't have gone in without her

> "Hiss, what the fuck are you doing?"
> Place yourself between Hiss and her prey

"What the fuck, Hiss! This is too far!"
You lunge forward, placing yourself between her and Aashenpreet as the constrictor lies mewling on the ground. You don't know what's set Hiss off but she wouldn't hurt y-
Hiss reflexively punches you in the chest, your ribs grinding together and snapping under the impact. You go flying backwards, smacking your head against the ground with enough force to make you see double.

-How dare you?-
Rock surges out from your pack, a whirling sandstorm in miniature that slams into Hiss' chest. Hiss wobbles back but she doesn't fall over neither does she sink into any sort of trance like she did last time.
-Cennen! This isn't Hiss. It's a shadow!-

You cough, curling up in a ball. There's blood on your lips, a nasty sign if there ever was one. Your chest is wracked with pain and if that blood means anything then at least one of your ribs has stabbed into something vital.
A shadow? Then the real Hiss is in danger! Could she really have been taken in the minute or so you were separated? She must have been surprised.
And then belatedly, a meddling thought following the others: Isn't this wizard supposed to be dead? Why do they never die?

Rock whirls around the doppelganger, attempting to build up mass from the ground but the fake Hiss just rips it off of her the moment it accretes. But she can't hurt Rock so they appear to be in a stalemate for now.

You take your last heal-all from you pack and drink it, trying to set your ribs back into place. It doesn't dull the pain but you think you're safe from dying for now.
-Cennen, find the wizard! Now!-

Aashenpreet writhes on the ground before falling to pieces, revealing her true form. A shadow leaps across the ground from within the shrine and latches onto the giant snake, smothering her mouth and nose while extending parasitic feelers into her own shadow.

1/2

>>41802656

> You need to find the wizard, that's the only way any of this stops!

> You have to help Aashenpreet somehow!

> You need to brew up another heal-all first, you're still not in good enough shape to fight anything.

> Pray!

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41802358
>> "Hiss, what the fuck are you doing?"
> Place yourself between Hiss and her prey.

>>41802704
> Pray!

Let the snakes know that someone is violating the sanctity of their pilgrimage. Pray as loud and hard as you can.

>>41802704
> You need to find the wizard, that's the only way any of this stops!
As much as I want to help my waifu, Rock knows what's up.

>>41802704
> You need to find the wizard, that's the only way any of this stops!
Stab doppelHiss if you get a chance while she's distracted by rock first though

>>41802704
>> You need to find the wizard, that's the only way any of this stops!
Kill the wizard, save the snake.

>>41802704
> Toss sunlight brew at Aash
>While Preying to anyone listening
>And get Rock on hunting down Hiss with a request to protect her.
> While we start finding the Wizard

>>41802704
Drink antimagic flask
Drink hissbrew and use only our nonlethal venom
Draw sword
> You need to find the wizard, that's the only way any of this stops!

>>41802727
>>41802741
>>41802744

So proud of these guys, refusing to metagame and forgetting that we already killed the wizard, and that his shade was all that was left behind and it's totally possible that this is it.

>>41802756
Hiss brew kills us anon. Our I said we can't use it.

>>41802751
>>41802723
We don't have a sunlight brew. Please make use of the inventory pastebin.

>>41802764
That's not true at all. I asked him and he said we could use it and even use only nonlethal poison.

>>41802775
Thats crap considering we had plenty going into tani's

>>41802756
This

>>41802704
Guys, what about the soul drift? We can cut the links to Hiss' shadow and the ones attacking Aash

>>41802816
Plus, we free up Rock and find out where that cunt is.

>>41802704
Soul drift potion


Hissbrew wouldn't work on shadows anyways.

>>41802756
Adding drinking soulgrasp to this. It might work on shadows and their bonds to the wizard

>>41802838
It works on doppelgangers.
>>41802848
This is a pretty good idea too considering it's basically souldrift while keeping our physical form

>>41802816
I don't know if doppelgangers still have the bond to the wizard

>>41802656
>soul drift
is worht a shot but if it fails be ready follow on with
>rumpleskin
and
>bloodkin

>>41802905
Souldrift is a bad plan. Our body is gonna get destroyed

>>41802761
He was planning on restoring his body in that interlude.

>>41802917
I think the idea is to use it against the shadows and hope it severs the control.
my thinking is in case it doesn't we should be ready with back up

>>41802704
Adding to the "soulgrasp" potion since we ain't got shit to run with.

>>41802938
How can we be ready with a backup if we're in souldrift mode? Our body goes into rag doll mode.

>>41802934
Ssssh, shhhhh, no metagaming.

>>41802960
It's metagaming if we dont assume he has a body if we think he's still alive

>>41802917
We're in no shape to fight right now, Soul drift evens the field and gives us the chance to get Rock's assistance

>>41801761
>How can you love someone like that?
I have to agree. I still don't get what we love so much about her. How do we put up with her shit?

>>41803037
Now isn't really the time for this conversation

> You need to find the wizard, that's the only way any of this stops!

There's no time to prepare another Heal-all and while it hurts to see Aashenpreet suffer unduly, there's little you can do. You need to find that fucking wizard.

You struggle to your feet and take out your Antimagic Flask, downing it in one shot. This should give you enough of a buffer to get to the wizard or so you hope.
"Hold on! I'll be back!"

The shadow attacking Aashenpreet came from inside the shrine. Is he in there? You lever yourself over the fence, pain mounting as your body protests every move you make.

You run to the small building and throw open the door to reveal a circular room with three other doors, filled with small prayer-shrines similar to the one that had been in the quarters Tanni had given you. They're scattered all over the place, many of them broken and in the middle of them is Oster, his sword drawn and striking.
His opponent is a shadow or something very like a shadow. It's not on a wall or on the floor however, it's a three-dimensional blob in the vague shape of a human. Its limbs are doughy and twisted and it has only the vaguest of faces, two circular holes and a ragged gash cut into the clay-like shadow.
Oster slashes at it time and time again, his blade finding a home each time, slicing long gashes through the shadow-man's body. But none of them seem to have any effect and the monster is just as eager to attack back, half-formed fists wreathed in dark energies that Oster dares not let touch him.

You don't see Hiss anywhere!

> Try to help Oster against whatever this is.

> Start searching the doors for Hiss.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41803068
Drink bloodkin, put the rest on our sword and slice the shadow to freeze it

>>41803037
I just write it as according to how players act and they've indicated a strong attachment to Hiss for almost the entire Quest.
There was a whole 'thing' in Taldenral after the ballroom messup where Cennen had the choice to keep pushing it with Hiss or not and it took him about five seconds before people voted to go after her.

>>41803037
I'm of the mind that Hiss can be redeemed and her relationship with Cennen can be salvaged, but I see your point and I'm open to discussion.

>>41803068
>>41803110
man i hope this works, give some ot oster to put on his as well

>>41803068
We should give oster the soul grasp, he can make good use of it.
Also, I guess I'm game with >>41803110

>>41803068
> Use Souldrift Potion
Time to freeze some bitches.

>>41803110
This plus give oster the souldrift brew to apply to his sword

>>41803122
Yes, I remember. That was not the only time either. I find it strange and I've been trying to wrap my head around it but i can't see how someone could put up with Hiss.

As far as you writing Hiss goes, you did a pretty good job imo. It's the fact that Cennen is still with such a terrible person that I find strange.

>>41803214
I think hiss has her good moments but don't forget that cennen has no other options. Hiss would murder them.

>>41803214
I think the biggest element that i do actually buy, is that Cennan is just a weirdly helpful person and Hiss clearly needs help.
I don't necessarily mean that psychologically either, her ambitions are pretty ridiculous.
There's a lot little things that lead me to buy it, but I personally suspect the whole thing will end at least somewhat tragically.
And i don't have a problem with that

>>41803068
> Start searching the doors for Hiss.
These plans are iffy at best

>>41803214
>>41803214
Cennen isn't terrible, so much as weak. Morally, that is. It's because we have shit players who go all murder-hobo, then get pissy when we have others call them out on their actions.

Remember the two sisters that eventually ditched us because of how Hiss acted? Or when Rock called us out?

We just have to stand up to Hiss more often about her shit, and hammer home why it's actually important to be nice to people.

>>41803274
I can see that being part of the reason.We can't kill her and short of being dead there is nothing that will stop her from hunting anyone who leaves her forever.

>>41803274
> Implying we couldn't murder the shit out of Hiss.

Shapeshift + permanence into Dragon. This would probably solve all of our current problems, while giving us a bunch of exciting new ones.

>>41803358
We can kill Hiss but we would never do it. This is not even part of the discussion atm.

>>41803214
He's used to it and he has resolved to make her a better person

>>41803358
Yes, like destroying Cennen and leaving a dragon in his place.

>Bloodkin up your sword and attack the shadow

You pull your bottle of Bloodkin from your pack, the time when you nearly killed Hiss with it by accident still fresh in your mind. You've never been able to use this brew for its intended purpose because of your Bane but that same debilitation lets you pervert it to a much more aggressive use.

You break it against your sword and then circle, waiting for the strange shadow to be facing away from you.

"What are you doing?"
Oster surges forward, doing his best to drive the thing back.
"Go find the princess!"

You don't reply, instead doing your best to hobble your way through the detritus and then drive your sword into the wraith's back!
The blade digs deep, grinding against resistance not unlike flesh and the monster howls a human scream as ice rims the bloodless wound.

It collapses to the ground, malformed body twitching and shivering with cold.
"Actually," Oster pants. "Belay what I just said. Thanks. Finish that asshole off."

"Anytime, man."
Your sword still has some Bloodkin on it and the wraith isn't resisting. It's time for the killing blow.

"No!"
The door to the side of you is slammed open. It's Hiss! She doesn't seem in bad shape either save for the bonds of rubbery shadowstuff locking her arms and legs together. But she looks distraught, looking at you in horror.
She can't do much, restrained as she is but she uses the time you buy with your hesitation to hop in front of you, protecting the muddled monster with her body.
"Don't kill him! You can't kill him!"

"Why no-"

Oster backs away, still bound to Hiss' commands. That gives her enough space to headbutt you, batting your sword aside without care.
You get sent sprawling to the ground with a crack, your head spinning. And yet, she didn't hit you anywhere nearly as hard as she could. You're not unconscious or dead for starters.

Hiss remains where she is and for someone who just clobbered you a good one, she looks like she's the one in pain.
1/2

>>41803412
Fuck. Wishbond. Give her the serpentbane fast.

>>41803412
Seconding
>>41803412
Also, we should just fucking give her some to hold on to.

>>41803214
They've had good moments, although she's always taken Cennen for granted, even moreso as of late.
>>41803274
Nah, she cares too much about him. Cennen's also become a pillar for her. The way I see it, should we ever break up with her, it would surely destroy her and send her into a depressive state, like in the barge, but much worse.
>>41803290
I fully agree with you and I expect to cry a lot by the end of the quest.

>>41803214
I think a lot of it is we, through Cennen, are trying to make Hiss in to the Best Possbile Hiss. We started this quest thinking we could get some wishes out of her and ditch, but somewhere along the way we began to believe in her vision. Perhaps not her EXACT vision, but something very similar.

Currently, my motivation in this thread, is to make an "Apex" Hiss, but not only as far as powers go. Hiss could, with through our meddling, become a hard, but fair, ruler with the power to strike down any who would oppose her. We have been given several opportunities to change Hiss. The thread on the boat was the most recent, in my memory. Hiss nearly gave up, but we reminded her of who she was when we started this quest. We could have told her we believed in her and changed her, but we reminded her of her original tyrannical goals. I think that's why Hiss lost her Princess skill, because her view of herself was shaken because of Cennen's presence. She saw she could be something different and it scared her.

If you don't like Hiss, then vote to change her. Make her see the value of her subjects as not tools, but as people. We're the only ones who can.

Beyond all that, though? According to pretty much every description of her, Hiss is ass-hot spankable. So there's that too.

>>41803481
Kek don't forget that she just acquired some great new sex skills from Dhinapreet

>>41803481
Naw, Hiss isn't going to ever be anything approaching a good person. At best, she'll wont be a bad person, and that's pushing it.

>>41803503
(Is he gonna say Giggity? Should I say Giggity? Can other people even SAY Giggity?)
...Giggity.

>>41803525
>Can other people even SAY Giggity?
Yes, but they sound like massively faggy tools.

>>41803412
"I'm sorry! Now get away! Help me!," she babbles, her hands straining to free themselves.
"Wait! Give me the potion! The potion!"

"Potion?"
Your head is blurry, fogged. You're finding it hard to think straight.

"I don't know what's it called! The one that breaks wish-bonds! Do it before I have to kill you!"

Oh, crap. That's right, he must have captured her to make a doppelganger! You're reaching through your pack before it dawns on you. You don't have any Serpentbane right now.

The half-frozen wraith mumbles something and Hiss' bonds fall apart, freeing her limbs. She picks up a broken piece of shrine, swinging it like a club. But she doesn't hit you with it, contriving to stay defensive even though you're well within her range.
And using something as flimsy as a makeshift club when her venomous hands are far more deadly. It makes sense. She doesn't have a command to hurt you yet, just to protect her captor. She has to protect her captor, no matter what her opinion of him or what he did.

In hindsight, what you did to Hiss in the first place was kind of fucked up. But it's too late to stop nobbling now.


> Use a different potion (Specify)

> Tackle her out of the way. She won't hurt you unless she's wished to.

> Pray

> Try to brew up a Serpentbane as fast as possible.

> See if you can just get around Hiss and kill the wraith.

> Other

>>41803520
Maybe. Whether or not Hiss CAN be what I want her to be doesn't mean I'm not going to aim for it. I like the idea of "Apex" Hiss. It's why I like "Biohazard" Hiss too, even if we haven't put that into play yet.

>>41803543
> Pray
For Rock
> Try to brew up a Serpentbane as fast as possible.

>>41803543
alright, hopefully thats two wishes.
have a rumpleskin ready in case something comes up and
> Try to brew up a Serpentbane as fast as possible.

>>41803543
> Pray (Rock, I need you to knock Hiss out. Now!)
> Brew up a Serpentbane as fast as possible.

Only after the wishbond is broken.

> Finish Him!

>>41803578
oh shit, what about aash

>>41803543
> Try to brew up a Serpentbane as fast as possible.
Ask Oster to defend us and ask hiss to keep the shadow from talking

>>41803595
She can't be wishbonded because ours is still active somewhat

>>41803214
If I was to explain their relationship in a glib term I'd probably call it 'mutual Stockholm Syndrome'. Hopefully that explains a little.

>>41803543
> Try to brew up a Serpentbane as fast as possible.
Oster can defend us in the best interest of hiss

>>41803650
Maybe hiss could order him to protect us while we brew? But if the doppelgangers require the wizard's direct control then there might not be much to worry about since he's frozen as fuck and only getting more frozen as time goes on

>>41803543
Tell Hiss that the best way to protect the shadow is to let us brew a potion to cure her so that we can take him captive, otherwise we'll have to kill him and she can't stop us if that's our actual goal.

Right now there's a chance to talk this all out, but if she forces us to play our hand . . .

Deep in her heart, she's seen our Alchemy. We have potions she *cannot* stop.

>>41803798
We risk killing her by killing him. We need to incap her so we can deal with him.

> Try to brew up a Serpentbane as fast as possible.

Fortunately it doesn't seem that the wizard has actually made any wishes, she's just acting under the usual compulsion to protect her wish-bond. And you think you can safely assume that is indeed the wizard. Looks like you actually did kill his physical body back then, leaving him some half-made shadowflesh as his only respite.

You set your pack on the ground and start digging for ingredients as quick as you can, dumping your cauldron on the ground as you begin to brew. You have no source of flame so it'll be cold a mix, you just need some water. Water...where the fuck's your waterskin?
Oh no, you gave it to Aashenpreet!

"Here!"
Oster tosses his wateskin over Hiss, who doesn't attempt to intercept it and beans you on the head with it.

You begin brewing immediately, Hiss still making half-hearted attacks that don't even reach you. This should be fine. She's not going to attack you.
And the freezing thing she's standing over whispers something in garbled Quedeshi.
"Kill the alchemist."

You're not even finished yet. No. No, this isn't fair. After all you've been through together, she can't kill you like this!
Hiss starts to move towards you but stops as a sword hits her in the side!

"Forgive me, your Highness," Oster weeps, tears openly flowing down his face. "But this shouldn't kill you."

Oster is more right than he knew, for the blade has come to a harmless stop against a coat of black scales. Why did she have to learn this Art today?
Hiss plucks the leaf-shaped sword from him and snaps it in two without effort. She doesn't strike at Oster, still doing everything she can to resist the wish but he crumples to the ground anyway, all strength lost.

But he's bought you just the time you need. You toss the potion at her, aiming for her center of mass.

Roll 1d100

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>41803857

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>41803857

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>41803857

>>41803888
I love you anon. Looks like the dice gods have accepted our earlier offering.

>>41803888
Ia! Ia!

>>41803888
DICE FOR THE DICE GODS!

>>41803888

You couldn't ask for a better throw, one perfect arc directly towards her. And so of course Hiss slaps it out of the way, breaking it in mid-air and letting the potion spill everywhere.
But why would she do that? She's fought with you enough times to know that it's never a good idea to break open a potion aimed at you! But then you see her smile as the potion sprays over her and you know why.

You slump back to the ground, your heart thumping and then tense up as Hiss suddenly advances once more! And then she scoops you up into a hug.
A very painful hug considering that you're still healing from your ribs being broken but you don't complain. She can't understand you anyway.
"Xhisa Tc," she says happily. Her inherent knowledge of human behavior must have increased since last time because she longer strikes you as blatantly inhuman while under the Serpentbane.

Behind you, the shadow-thing starts to writhe once more.
"Hiss? Hiss? Let me go! The wizard is doing something!"
But she can't understand you. She can't even understand your terrified facial expression. She just beams guilelessly at you.

And then Oster gets to his feet, the broken stub of his sword still in his hands. He smashes the hilt into the shadow-man's head, deforming the springy substance slightly. And then he does it again and again and again, his face frozen into a mask without a mask. It takes almost a minute but by the time he backs away, there's only a rubbery stain where the head was.

Hiss seems to notice this and lets you go and you all take turns desecrating the body as much as possible until you finally throw it outside and set fire to it.

-Are you safe-

"Yes, we're all good thanks. I need to make some more heal-alls."

"Me too, please," Aashenpreet moans, back in human form with shattered limbs. Hiss walks past her and you can't help but notice Aash flinching away from her and spasming.
"Oster," she says. "Oster, come help me."

1/2

>>41804047
Oster just turns his back and walks back inside the shrine.
"I'm going to go free the priest," he says gruffly.

Rock floats over to Aashenpreet instead and as you sit there brewing, Hiss grabs hold of you from behind, still soaked from the Serpentbane.
"Ros Vera Ii"

"That's nice. Let me brew now, please."

She scowls and dissolves, transforming back into a snake that drapes itself around your shoulders. You have a feeling that she might bite you if you shake her off so you just shrug and bear it, cooking up as many heal-alls as you can for Aashenpreet.

> Stay with Aashenpreet until she recovers some more.

> Go after Oster.

> Brew

> Other (Specify)

>>41804086
>> Go after Oster.
lets see whats up with him

>>41804086
> Stay with Aashenpreet until she recovers some more.

>>41804086
> Go after Oster.
Give Aash some time to mellow after having DoppleHiss kick her shit in. Let's go hash things out with Oster.

>>41804086

> Stay with Aashenpreet until she recovers some more.

>>41804086
> Stay with Aashenpreet until she recovers some more.

>>41804086
We really need to learn a stronger form of Heal-All already
> Stay with Aashenpreet until she recovers some more.
>Brew some more heal potions, replace bloodkin

>>41804086

Brew up a bunch of shit. Heal-alls beyond what we need, another Serpentbane for Hiss to hold on to, a shapeshift potion, a sun-potion, and some knock-out potions.

>>41797710
>>41804086
>Stay with Aashenpreet until she recovers some more.

>>41804086
> Stay with Aash, brew while we wait.

Another Serpentbane is fucking necessary at least, and I'd like to get ourselves loaded up with potence, magic-proof and permanence at least.

> Stay with Aashenpreet until she recovers some more.

You sit down next to Aashenpreet, trying to ignore the snake on your back arching up and hissing at her distastefully.
"Looks like it was the shadow wizard again."

"You think? Thank Aashimid that you figured it out."
Now that's a little uncharacteristic for her. You'll put it on the pain.

"Are you alright, Aash?"

"Never been better. Being brutalized by Hiss is really just another day for me, really. Nothing new."

"Don't be like that. She's barely hurt you at all compared to me."

"Cennen! That's not a good thing! That's even worse."

"This really isn't the time for that discussion."
You would prefer another time and place, possibly 'never' though you guess you have to raise the issue with Hiss at some point.
"I think we killed that wizard for good this time. Maybe. And you know what? We still don't fucking know what he wants!"

Hiss chooses an incomparably bad time to change back into a human at this point, popping into existence right in your lap. She wriggles around experimentally, probably looking for the most comfortable position. She's still under the Serpantbane so she can't have any idea about what doing that does to you.
Aashenpreet shudders away from her as best she can.

"Cennen, can you promise me something? For real, this time?"

"Tell me what it is and I'll give it a shot."

"After all this is over, after we've finished with the Compact House. Just let her go. Put her behind you and leave, go as far as you can. I was wrong. You can't change her."

> Tell her to fuck off.

> "I'll think about it."

> Tell her to have some more faith.

> "Never happening."

> Other

>>41804388
> Tell her to have some more faith.
That wasn't hiss who hurt you this time.

>>41804388
> Other "I'm afraid I can't do that, Aash. Hiss is going to continue on this journey whether or not I'm with her. I might not always make the best decisions, but I'm the only one who can show Hiss a better path than the one she's set out on. Regardless of all that, she'd just hunt me down and force me to come with her anyway."
> Trace the mark Hiss gave us.

>>41804388
> Tell her to have some more faith.
> "Never happening."
Even if she never learns to do good, I'll do it for her

>>41804388
> Tell her to have some more faith.
> "Never happening."

>>41804388
> "I'll think about it."
Aash and Rock make some valid points, there are several things Hiss must answer for. However, we've been avoiding the subject, expecting that everything would work out on its own. We have to raise the subject to Hiss, lay the facts as they are so we can both finally, face reality.
However.
> Tell her to have some more faith.

>>41804388
> "Never happening."
Fuck I need sleep I failed the captcha like 5 times

>>41804388
So, you get attacked by a Shadow that imitates Hiss, and THAT'S what changes your opinion?

Didn't we just talk about how she's already grown emotionally a significant amount, and that you were recommitted to the idea of being able to change anyone - eventually?

Isn't that partially the point of this pilgrimage, regardless of the reason it's undertaken?

Anyways, not happening.

>>41804430
>>41804449
>>41804510
Guys, I don't want to break it with His either, but can we agree that there are some things that need adressing?

>>41804543
Yeah. That doesn't mean we'll consider leaving her though.

>>41804543
Yes. There are things we need to talk about with Hiss. That doesn't change the fact that we're not leaving.

>>41804510
Maybe you're slowly becoming a robot

> Tell her to have some more faith.
> "Never happening."

You shake your head, Hiss following your head movements with her own.
"Nope. Never happening."

She opens her mouth to protest but you just keep talking over her.
"I don't want to and I don't think I can. Hiss is going to keep being Hiss whether or not I'm with her on the way. Any nobody's trapped on the path they're given, they can always be convinced to walk another. Isn't that what the House is all about? Maybe you need some more faith."

Aashenpreet groans.
"I hope you're right. It's just that the more time I spend with you lot, the more and more I think I'm becoming an accomplice to something horrific. I don't want to think about it."

"Then don't. That's how I sleep at night half the time!"
You laugh. Aashenpreet doesn't.
"Don't worry. I'll do my best to make sure that when all's good and done, you won't have regretted this."

"That's a big promise. Almost impossible, I'd say."

"So? I agree to dumber things all the time."

>>41804609
And that's that for today, folks. Thread's been archived and I hope you had fun. I don't have work today so I'm happy to stick around a bit and answer questions if you want.

Next thread won't be tomorrow and probably not the day after since those are gaming day and recovering-from-gaming-day respectively. But the twitter should post warnings about when the next thread is going up.

>>41804639
Thanks for running! It's way too late for my brain to formulate questions here in freedomland

>>41804639
Thanks for running
I'm kinda sorry we didn't talk to the shadow guy, I bet he was a cool dude.
Same as the other anon, I'm having difficulty staying awake.

>>41804672
>>41804655
Nah, it's all good. I'm sort of amazed that americans are even awake right now, get yourselves some sleep jesus christ.

>>41804706
Haha, like the NEETS on 4chan have jobs to be up for in the morning.

I mean, hell, I'm at my job right now! Watching other people sleep!

Anyways, I'm amazed at the lack of toxic bitching that happens in your quests.

>>41804706
You're not my real mom, you can't tell me what to do!

Thanks for running, though! See ya next time, Ouro.

>>41804748
Yeah, I haven't actually been bitched at for a long while and the last time I wouldn't call it bitching since it was a fairly legitimate complaint that I tried to address. That's why I love you guys, you do me well and you're more reasonable than most people have a right to be.