>>43971090
Light is already creeping through the window in the ruined tower when you wake, dancing over wilting moss. You’re lying in bed with Hiss still sleeping beside you and you feel fantastic. Last night had been hard but it seemed like the Duke finally made Hiss curb her ambitions, you had actually gotten through to Zigzag about anything and Hiss had told you that she loved you.
Not that you’d had much doubt about that but it felt good to actually hear her admit it.

You’ve still got a lot of problems but everything feels like it’s working out for the best.


> Wake Hiss.

> Go back to sleep.

> Brew.

> Go see how Zigzag’s recovering.

> Find Oster and Elle.

> Make your way down to the Duke’s hall.

> Why not celebrate the new day by testing out the Caster?

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43971099
>> Why not celebrate the new day by testing out the Caster?
never know when you might need it

>>43971099
> Go see how Zigzag’s recovering.
Then
> Wake Hiss.

>>43971099
> Why not celebrate the new day by testing out the Caster?

I've also put a write-up for the Caster in your inventory pastebin and the Directory.
http://pastebin.com/X5UBXas7

It'll expand when you know more about it.

>>43971099
>> Why not celebrate the new day by testing out the Caster?

> Make your way down to the Duke’s hall.

>>43971099
>> Why not celebrate the new day by testing out the Caster?

>>43971099
> Go see how Zigzag’s recovering.
> Why not celebrate the new day by testing out the Caster?
Let's show off the caster to our new snek friend

>>43971099
> Why not celebrate the new day by testing out the Caster?

I want to shoot some one with a Heal-All.

>>43971189
Neat.

>>43971295
I'm pretty sure they'd be wounded more than healed

> Why not celebrate the new day by testing out the Caster?

It's probably for the best that you don't bother anyone right now and Hiss probably needs her sleep. You slide out of bed with the utmost stealth bred from regularly sleeping next to someone with a strong bite instinct, doing your best not to wake her.

You creep down the hallway and rather going downstairs, you decide to go up instead until you are standing on top of the broken tower. The strangler fig dominates the roof as it usually does but it looks a little sickly for some reason. Probably just your imagination.

You point the Caster out into the empty forest below, spinning the crank and feeling the empty chambers click.
What should you test it with?

>An Explosive Concoction and an empty bottle.

>The Snakebreaker Flask

>You have a particular potion in mind (Specify)

>Other

>>43971391
>>The Snakebreaker Flask

>>43971391
>An Explosive Concoction and an empty bottle.

>>43971391
>>An Explosive Concoction and an empty bottle.

>>43971391
>The Snakebreaker Flask
We need some kind of target though

>>43971391
> An Explosive Concoction and an empty bottle.
Then
> A threebrew

>>43971391
>The Snakebreaker Flask

>>43971391
>>An Explosive Concoction and an empty bottle.

cennan hasn't read the pastebin and im not feeling lucky, but we can graduate to other stuff if we have time

>>43971295
this is actually an interesting concept, is there anything about potions that says they have to be in a glass container?

i recall ouro saying we could in theory turn a heal all into a balm. Also that would save on glass, just use casing for non offensive type stuff.

We need to make some new brews for this thing. Maybe a napalm brew?

> An Explosive Concoction and an empty bottle.

You should probably start small, just in case there's something wrong with it. You crack the Caster open, swinging down the tube and slotting in two little bottles from your pack. The explosive concoction goes in the rear hatch while you fit the empty bottle into the hatch at the side.
When you think about it, using this might go through glassware at a very high rate.

You fold the Caster back together and spin the little crank three times, hearing the little chamber at the back whirr. From there you only have to point before the explosive concoction finishes fizzing. You swing the Caster up at the sky high above the forest and fire.

The bang is painfully loud and the Caster rocks back, throwing you off-stance. A plume of fire and jagged glass spirals out into the forest, your aim thrown woefully off by the amount of recoil.
You suppose having an explosive as powerful as your bomb potions might be a little too much. Hell, if the Caster hadn't been put together by the Duke it probably would have come apart in your hands and hurt you.
You might want to consider creating an explosive potion with a little less kick but for now you'll just have to get used to the recoil.

You hinge the Caster open, spreading your legs for a stronger stance for your next test. While you're looking through your pack for more ammunition, someone interrupts you.
Looks like your Caster woke someone up.

Who is it?

> Hiss

> Oster

> Elle

> Zigzag

> A Forester

>>43971725
> Zigzag

>>43971725
> Elle

>>43971725
> Zigzag
Is it weird that I really want to befriend her now?

>>43971725
>> A Forester

>>43971725
> Zigzag

>>43971725
>> Zigzag

>>43971771
She looks a lot better after what Hiss did last thread.

>>43971725
We should see if we can fill the second chamber with venom directly from our brand next

>>43971829
She'd still kill us at the drop of hat.


>>43971771
No you think she's moe, when she really just autistic. She's as bad as Hiss she just sucks at hiding it.

>>43971829
I'm not trying to start an argument or anything but it really wasn't intentional on Hiss' part. Still a pretty big fuckup though.

>>43971856
Did you miss the second interlude or were you just too rage-filled to comprehend it? She's not mean-spirited, she just sees humans as nothing but food.

>>43971725
How about we make a flammable potion and a nozzle add on to spray it at high pressure

>>43971902
More or less boils down to the same thing.

> Zigzag

Do you even have any more explosive concoctions? You might need to brew more. Your search through your pack is interrupted by a long yawn, something padding up the stairs towards you.
It's a Zigzag, her chin still covered in dried blood. Judging by that and how her clothes are dirty and stained it looks like she doesn't practice Hiss' trick of using shapeshifting to cover personal hygiene. But then again why would she care? She's almost certainly just going to get progressively dirtier and more disgusting until she reverts back to her normal form.
You tense up a little seeing her fangs since baring them is a sign of aggression from Hiss but Zigzag just has them out all the time along with her dull red snake-eyes.

"What's so loud?"

"Good morning to you too. I'm testing something out. You remember that thing I got from the Duke?"

"No."

"Oh right. It's a weapon."
She looks at you blankly, forcing you to reconsider your explanation.
"Like your fangs or Art. A sword that cuts from afar."

"I don't understand."

You sigh and turn back to your pack. Nope, you're out of explosive concoctions. You'll have to brew more.

Zigzag stalks around you, putting her eye right up to the Caster's tube and looking straight down it.
"How does this hurt anything?"

> Give her a demonstration.

> "Magic."

> "Didn't Hiss tell you not to come near me?"

> "How's your tongue?"

> Brew

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43971725
>> A Forester

FUN

>>43972028
>> "Magic."
> "How's your tongue?"

>>43972028
>> Give her a demonstration.
>> "How's your tongue?"

>>43972028
>> Give her a demonstration.

So, Harem Snake Quest?

>>43972028
>> "Magic."
> "How's your tongue?"
> Brew
A less power explosive potion, call it a primer potion
> Give her a demonstration.

>>43972028
> Give her a demonstration.
also explain it to her even though she won't understand
lets use a snakebreaker with our venom added to the second chamber. use our strength to deal with recoil.

>>43972069
First of all, harems are shit. This ain't anime. Second of all, Hiss would violently dismember any love rivals.

>>43972028
> "Magic."
> Give her a demonstration.
> "How's your tongue?"

>>43972069
>implying Zigzag won't be the first member of the anti-hiss squad

>>43972028
> Give her a demonstration.
Snakebreaker time. Maybe add our venom if the second chamber can hold it without a bottle.

>>43972028
>> Brew
lets make a lighter explosive concoction, maybe a low powered snake breaker if we can?

>>43972069
we've dodged that bullet so many times i can only hope continue to do so

>>43972028
>putting her eye right up to the Caster's tube and looking straight down it.

Autism snek a cute.

> Give her a demonstration.
> "How's your tongue?"

"Hold on, let me show you how. Not on you! Not on you!"
You have to say the last part quickly as Zigzag puffs up her chest at the implied threat. You don't want to get venom spat you again.

She deflates, head cocking to one side.
"What does it do?"

You slide your Snakebreaker Flask into the ignition chamber, hinge the Caster back together and start spinning the the crank.
"This."
You point it at the strangler fig and fire, doing your best to stop the recoil from pulling the Caster up.

The bang is painful and Zigzag flails at her own ears uncomprehendingly while you stare wide-eyed at the tree.
The fig is many times wider than you are, buttress roots as tall as you embedded into the rock. And yet you've blown a hole right through it.
The tree begins to fall, dragging itself down the side of the tower.
"Wow."

Zigzag looks from the Caster to the collapsing tree and then back to the Caster.
"Do me."

"Pardon?"

"Do me, use it on me. Shoot it at me."


> "Sure?" Brew up an explosive concoction.

> "Sure?" Brew up a Snakebreaker.

> "Not right now." You have some experimenting to do.

> "Why?"

> Nobble

> You should probably head down, everyone else must be awake after that.

> Other

>>43972382
>> "Why?"

>>43972382
> "Not right now." You have some experimenting to do.
Need to make a projectile of Nobbling.

>>43972069
Honestly if you want to try and romance Zigzag I won't stop you but you'll deserve everything you get.

>>43972382
> "No. You will die, stupid"

>>43972382
> "Why?"
This is designed to go through Dragon scales, you will hurt after you get hit. Probably won't kill you, but still.
> "Not right now." You have some experimenting to do.
replace the Snakebreaker and create a primer potion to fire this thing with.

>>43972382
> "Sure?" Brew up an explosive concoction
Snakebreakers would actually injure her. The concussive force of an explosive brew might actually send her flying though

>>43972382
>> "Why?"

>>43972419
Let's not say that this is made specifically to hurt her kind, anon. Definitely a bad idea.

>>43972382
> "Sure?" Brew up an explosive concoction
Yo Ouro how far were we from the tree when we shot it?

>>43972449
Say go through almost anything then.

>>43972468
A few meters.

>>43972411
>you'll deserve everything you get.

Kek.

>>43972382
> "Why?"

>>43972411
Can't be worse than Hiss. Also,

>>43972382
> Brew a sleeping potion, then nobble.

> "Why?"

You stare down at her with your best puzzled expression, something you're sure she doesn't even notice.
"But why?"

"I want to see if it hurts. It probably doesn't."

"But what if it does hurt you? Shooting you with it would be bloody silly then."

Zigzag shrugs.
"I want to know now because you might try to kill me with it later."

"Why would I do that?"

"I know you don't like what I am. And I might change my mind about eating you when I get hungrier."

You're not sure how to respond to that so you pack up the Caster.
"I guess it'll have to be a mystery for now."

"Alright. I'm going to find something to eat."

Zigzag walks right up to the edge of the roof and before you can do anything, just slips right off. You call out but to no avail as you watch her fall, bouncing off walls and rubble until she cracks against the rocky ground.
She stands up and wanders off into the forest.

Huh. That's the fastest way down you suppose.

You turn back to your pack, gathering up ingredients. You should be able to use the moss and assorted plant-life here as decent substitutions, particularly if the Duke has personally given them life.

> Experiment with potions for the Caster specifically.

> Experiment with mixtures.

> Experiment with reagents.

> Go back downstairs.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43972709
> Experiment with potions for the Caster specifically.

>>43972709
>> Experiment with potions for the Caster specifically.
Primer of some kind
also maybe balm some healing potion

>>43972709
>> Experiment with potions for the Caster specifically.
Primer potion should be journeyman level so easy peasy

Oh also an incendiary potion, Great for taking out pretty much anything.

>>43972749
I don't get why we would heal someone by injuring them more first. If they're close enough to get a good dose of healing potion they're close enough to be destroyed by the glass shrapnel and explosive force

File: zigzag.gif (928 KB, 500x282)

928 KB GIF

>>43972709
> Experiment with potions for the Caster specifically.
We should try making efervescent potions to launch explosive flasks like grenades

>>43972771
if the healing potion is in something that isn't lethal, but yeah itll require work

>>43972709
> Experiment with potions for the Caster specifically.
Napalm, and let's test out how a gaseous brew like knockout would work with it

>>43972709
> Experiment with potions for the Caster specifically.
Acid that won't damage the Caster

>>43972781
That would be cool but we can already throw brews as far as we need to with our ridiculous strength

>>43972709
>> Experiment with mixtures.

Man, we really need to get some safe to use anti-snake shit. Maybe a faster acting snake opium? Or something to forcefully kick their spirit out of their body? Leaves people standing while the snake spirits disintegrate without a halo.

>>43972709
> Experiment with potions for the Caster specifically.
Healing brew that can be absorbed though the skin? And a method of shooting it that doesn't use bottles.

File: 1400723513345.jpg (88 KB, 325x415)

88 KB JPG

>>43972781
>that pic

>>43972899
Snakes have souls just like humans. They aren't spirits and don't have a halo. And we already have a souldrift brew that can knock their souls out of their body.

>>43972914
Damn, I was hoping they were just spirits with bodies.

What about our whole Dragon transformation that we went through? Didn't we do a sort of half-way thing during our trip to Quedesh? We could focus on buffing ourselves (and other humans) to match the snakes.

I guess we have quite a bit of anti-snake shit. We should have shot Ziggy with something that got rid of all her arts.

> Experiment with potions for the Caster specifically.

The moss turns out not to be as potent as you thought it would be, it's almost like it's all dying. Still a passable ingredient however.
You're sure that your shots must have woken everyone up but nobody interrupts you. Hiss shows up once during your brewing but once she sees you're up here, she just smiles and leaves you alone.

What do you end up designing?

> A primer potion to act as a better fit for the ignition chamber. Much less powerful than your explosive concoction and more directed.

> A potion to fit in the ignition chamber that doesn't ignite but shaking it makes it expand powerfully enough to propel whatever's in the ammunition chamber upwards.

> A potion that solidifies when broken. Useless for nearly anything but turns into a spray of solid shot when slotted into the ammunition chamber.

> An ammunition brew that is basically just a bunch of hard projectiles suspended in a preservative for use as shot.

> An incendiary to use in the ammunition chamber. Catches fire and is sticky.

> Acid that doesn't effect metal for use in the ammunition chamber.

> Optimize an already existing potion for Caster use (Specify)

>>43972984
>> A primer potion to act as a better fit for the ignition chamber. Much less powerful than your explosive concoction and more directed.
or
> An incendiary to use in the ammunition chamber. Catches fire and is sticky.

>>43972984
>> A primer potion to act as a better fit for the ignition chamber. Much less powerful than your explosive concoction and more directed.

>>43972984
Wouldn't the solidifying brew just gunk up the barrel?

>>43972984
> A primer potion to act as a better fit for the ignition chamber. Much less powerful than your explosive concoction and more directed.
> A potion that solidifies when broken. Useless for nearly anything but turns into a spray of solid shot when slotted into the ammunition chamber.
Can we mix the second potion with other things so we get sharpnel with alchemical properties?

>>43972971
>We should have shot Ziggy with something that got rid of all her arts.
Snake dispel mate

>What about our whole Dragon transformation that we went through?
Shapeshifter potion with imagination applied. Going full Dragon makes us lose control.

>Damn, I was hoping they were just spirits with bodies.
Those were dragons with legitimate invulnerable scales. Snakes have a mock up hard to hurt scales. They're not spirits, just descended from them.

>>43972984
So the primer increases accuracy/decreases spread?

>>43972984
>> Optimize an already existing potion for Caster use (Specify)

Heal-all potion that works as a mist, so we can shoot it at people but not to people and have it heal from afar.

>>43972984
> A potion that solidifies when broken. Useless for nearly anything but turns into a spray of solid shot when slotted into the ammunition chamber.
I like the ridiculous stopping power of normal explosive brews. We just gotta man up and get used to it. We have superhuman strength for fuck's sake.

>>43973064
Prolly more accurate, since we missed HARD with the explosive. Also reduce kick.

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895 KB WEBM

>>43973028
The Caster needs semi-regular cleaning anyway. The last thing you need is alchemical residue building up.

>>43972971
Snakes are descended from fallen spirits but aren't them.

>>43973064
The primer potion will decrease the speed and therefore power of the shot yes but it will have less recoil and thus be more accurate.
The primer potion also has a chance of making it possible for non-magically created Casters to be viable. Currently there's no way to forge something that won't just break when it has an explosive concoction detonated inside of it.

Where our Bunyip at?

>>43972984
> A potion that solidifies when broken. Useless for nearly anything but turns into a spray of solid shot when slotted into the ammunition chamber.

>>43973112
Why would we want normies stealing our badass Caster design anyway?

>>43973113
Chilling with Aash at Snakehome

>>43973165
Anti-Snake weaponry? Sides our caster is obviously the most badass, other people be jealous of our swag.

>>43973165
>not wanting an arms dealing arc

File: uwotm8.png (759 KB, 696x804)

759 KB PNG

Calling it for primer.

>>43973113
Back at Snakehome sitting in a river. Can't let him dry out after all.

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192 KB PNG

>>43973261
>Not wanting a the black swordsman arc from berserk but with Cennen as Guts and Hiss as Griffith

>>43973293
>cutting off branded hand and replacing it with the Caster
POTTERY

>>43973293
Normal caster= Normal swords
Our caster= Ur-caster= Dragonslayer

File: 1441387769394.png (103 KB, 249x492)

103 KB PNG

>>43973112
Awww. Poor snek.

> A primer potion to act as a better fit for the ignition chamber. Much less powerful than your explosive concoction and more directed.

After an hour or so of experimenting and testing, you've developed something that you've decided to call the Ignition Elixir. It's much less powerful than your Explosive Concoction and is designed to be funneled safely.
It'll reduce the concussive force and fire of your Caster by a bit but it'll reduce the kick and might even make other Casters viable. You test it out with a few shots, noting that it also makes the Caster a lot quieter. Nice, shooting this thing too often was promising to give you a hearing problem.

Strangely enough, nobody's come to get you yet. You'd think Hiss would want to leave as quickly as possible, right? But if they're giving you more time to brew then you're not complaining!
You spot Zigzag wandering back around the base of the tower, foraging on her hands and knees.

> Continue experimenting with additional Caster-specific brews (Choose an option from the previous list.)

> Experiment with reagents.

> Experiment with mixtures.

> Use Zigzag as target practice for the new primer.

> Call out to Zigzag and asks if she needs help.

> What's Hiss doing?

> You should probably thank the Duke again.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43973438
>> You should probably thank the Duke again.

>>43973438
> Call out to Zigzag and asks if she needs help.

>>43973438
> You should probably thank the Duke again

>>43973438
>> You should probably thank the Duke again.

>>43973438
>> Call out to Zigzag and asks if she needs help.

> You should probably thank the Duke again.
dis gon b gud

>>43973438
> Continue experimenting with additional Caster-specific brews (Choose an option from the previous list.)
> A potion that solidifies when broken. Useless for nearly anything but turns into a spray of solid shot when slotted into the ammunition chamber.

>>43973438
> Continue experimenting with additional Caster-specific brews (Choose an option from the previous list.)
> A potion that solidifies when broken. Useless for nearly anything but turns into a spray of solid shot when slotted into the ammunition chamber.

>>43973438
if its not too late ill change my
>>43973454
to>>43973477

>>43973624
Fuck off that's my vote

>>43973652
Chill man, it doesn't actually change the overall count.

>>43973375
The two brains actually both have command over the body, making them too indecisive and slow to survive in the wild for long. Not to mention that if they get hungry enough one head will try to eat the other.

Calling vote for thanking the Duke.


Interlude 14
Hiss smiles as Oster hauls the man back down the stairs, his sword at the captive’s throat.
“To think that I missed one of you. That was nearly disastrous.”

The Forester tries to shout something but Hiss pushes his jaw back closed with one finger.
“Ellesander, was it? Maybe you could make this one a little more servile.”

“Oh, now the Queen finally deigns to speak with me personally? I’m honored.”

Hiss doesn’t bother making a verbal reply, opting to stare the brown-haired woman down instead until she breaks. Elle nods and sits atop the captive Forester, drawing him into trance and dragging fangs across his soul.
The Art of specifically pruning a soul into specific patterns and behaviours was not one Hiss had yet learned, though she had tried her best with Oster regardless. Serpents like Ellesander will be pivotal in times to come.

“I’m done,” Elle says as she stands up, only for Hiss to take her place. The Queen devours the Forester’s soul immediately.
“Wait, what was the point then if you’re just going to eat him?”

Hiss lets her grin grow even smugger than usual.
“Human servants are fine but I’m afraid they’ve become outdated.”

She leans back down and breathes life into the corpse.

>>43973438
> You should probably thank the Duke again.
And apologize from wrecking his tree

>>43973754
FUCK HISS IS A GENIUS NOW
SHIT

>>43973754
wait did she put it into the original body or the dukes?

>>43973825
the dukes is presumably out of operation at this point

>>43973754
>“Human servants are fine but I’m afraid they’ve become outdated.”
So, when do we start Operation: Kill Hiss?

>>43973874
I don't think she's referring to us here. She's just trying to make her necromancy art seem cooler

>>43973754
Oh, there goes my plan on salvaging HissXCennen.

> You should probably thank the Duke again

You wave at Zigzag but she doesn't seem to notice you. It was worth a shot.
But man, this Caster is going to be incredible! You really need to thank the Duke again for all he's done with both this and reining Hiss in. And apologize for breaking his tree too, you suppose. You hope it wasn't an important one.

You pack up everything and head back downstairs. It's strange how empty this place this is. You'd think that the Duke's servants would be up by the break of dawn at the very latest. Do they really trust you enough to leave you be?

You continue past your quarters and let yourself into the central hall at the very bottom of the tower.
"Good morning your Grace, I've come to uh..."

The thing on the throne is not the Duke. Sure, you can see shreds of mossy armour and dissolving bones but it is not in any way a person. The throne is occupied by a heap of stinking compost in the vague shape of a man, the stench is overwhelming.
As you try your best not to vomit you notice the Duke's broken empty helmet lying at the foot of the throne, antlers withered and limp. Stagnant blood has formed into withered clots over the ground and the greenery around him has rotted to shades of black and brown. You can see the stain grow slightly before your very eyes, slowly but surely.

The Duke is dead.

> Flee

> Call out for Hiss.

> Find Hiss.

> Brew

> Pray

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43973950
> Find Hiss.

>>43973950
>> Flee

>>43973891
She's going to ensure every human she comes across is loyal only to her via mindrape, then kill them and raise them as zombies. The ONLY reason she's not doing that with us is because of our spiritbane, and I pray she never finds out about the thawing brew.

>>43973950
>> Flee

>>43973950
>> Find Hiss.
GIRRRIIFFFISSSUUUU

>>43973950
> Find Hiss.
>>43973988
She might be evil but she definitely wouldn't do that to us.

>>43973950
>> Flee
Where are we fleeing to?

>>43973950
>> Call out for Hiss.
explain this pleas

>>43974003
wait,fuck. Wrong choice
change>>43974003
to
>flee

>>43973950
> Inspect the body, see if we can find out how he died

>>43974008
>She might be evil but she definitely wouldn't do that to us.
HAHAHHAHAHAHHA oh wow. She's tried to do it multiple times, and she'd ensure her dominance over us. She'd do it in a heartbeat.

>>43974037
>ordering us around is evil
grow up anon

>>43974037
Good thing she can't

>>43974066
>Taking what someone said and making it something else entirely
How about you grow up instead?

>>43974079
Expert Queen+Thaw potion.

>>43974066
She's used her psincess skill on us and Rock saw her trying to trance us at Tanni's place

>>43974037
there's times when she bosses us around but she doesn't want us to blindly follow her all the time. she has said that our input is valuable multiple times.

>>43974079
The intention is still there even if she can't.
I would be scared of a guy that wanted to kill me but only didn't do it because he afraid of the law.

>>43974102
>Rock saw her trying to trance us at Tanni's place
wot
she knows that doesn't work. pretty sure that didn't happen

>>43974110
and? Hiss is the Queen of "didn't think this through," already uses her Princess skill to try and make us shut up about things she doesn't like and to bend us to her will like a puppet on a string in action and thoughts. She would do it in a second if she saw the opportunity and you know it.

>>43974094
That's going to take a few bad rolls to happen, and she has to learn about it first.

I don't think she'd want to do it, though. At least not at the moment.

>>43974155
It did reread the archives.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/41418731/

So, time for the Black Swordsman Arc?

>>43974210
that was because she wanted to take the memory of killing the whore from us because she knew it really fucked us up.

>>43974155
I thought she was freaking out and trying to erase our memories
also we never even discussed it with her

>Flee

Something is seriously fucked up here. Who could have done this? There's nothing you know of that would have had the power to best him here in a straight up confrontation, surely?
And if there is, they can certainly do the same for you.
You need to get the fuck out.

You turn and run, pushing the doors open and escaping the tower. Zigzag is still wandering around outside and your escape draws her attention.
"What's wrong?"

Shit, you need to explain it to her in a way she'd understand, you can't leave her here. And that thought makes you stop because it leads to thinking of Oster and Elle and most importantly Hiss. You can't leave them behind either, can you?

Zigzag is still staring at you but there's a sudden footstep behind you and Zigzag's attention shifts to something behind you.

"Cennen."
It's Hiss, her black jacket stained with blood.
"Cennen, just calm down. Don't freak out, alright?"

Behind her, apparently unnoticed by the Serpent Queen, lurches a living corpse.

> "Look out!" Tackle the corpse.

> Demand an explanation.

> "There's no time, we have to run!"

> Nobble

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43974268
>> "There's no time, we have to run!"

>>43974232
Still doesn't change the fact Mind rape is her go-to to fix every problem. Cennen being willful will eventually be a problem for her, at least in her eyes.

>>43974268
>> Demand an explanation.

>>43974268
>> Demand an explanation.

>>43974268
>> "There's no time, we have to run!"
let's blow this popsicle stand, I'm fucking done with Hiss

>>43974268
> Demand an explanation.

>>43974268
> "There's no time, we have to run!"
Need to protect the village, with the Duke dead a random snake can just walk in there now.

>>43974268
> Demand an explanation.
load caster with glass and aim at the zombie

>>43974324
oi fucker don't vote using OOC info

>>43974325
This.

>>43974339
Not him but it's not OOC as it's operating under the same assumption as Cennen as: that his village is safe but could be in danger rather knowing his village got it's shit fucked up.

>>43974339
>Duke is dead, village is no longer protected, Cennen cares about it. OOC

>>43974297
it might be but its not going to happen any time soon, lets be concerned with present problems which are considerable enough

>>43974392
it's ooc to assume that the village would be attacked by snakes. unfortunately cennen can't read interludes.

>>43974370
>>43974392
As far as he knows, the snakes aren't advancing yet and there are no other signifcant threats nearby, plus Hiss sort of said she wouldn't hit our village

File: egg.gif (936 KB, 500x281)

936 KB GIF

Calling it for demanding an explanation, writan

>Demand an explanation

What's that blood on her jacket? What does Hiss have anything to do with this? And particularly after the moment you shared last night. Was all of that just nothing but an act?
"Hiss, what the fuck is going on?"

Hiss holds up her hands, stopping only to push the corpse away from her.
"Cennen," she repeats your name again, trying to make you calm down. "You just need to relax. You've got to promise me that you aren't going to panic or anything."

"What happened? What did you do?"

Hiss frowns.
"I killed the Duke. I wasn't going to let him walk all over my dreams, not after all we've both been through. It was me or him Cennen, one of us had to die."

So it's true. That was all just an act. You sit down on the ground, Zigzag watching the two of you with confusion.
"How?"
You feel strangely hollow inside.

"Don't panic Cennen, just stay calm. Don't take this wrong way. Remember that really strong potion that I asked you to brew in Quedesh? The one that blights the land?"

So that's what that was for.
"You used me," you say dully.

Hiss' arm is suddenly around your shoulders, Hiss crouching down beside you. She doesn't look very happy at all.
"Cennen, no. No. I knew you wouldn't like it but it had to happen. I'm sorry for deceiving you."


> Flee

> "And what you said last night? Was that just an act too?"

> "Why do you need to rule more anyway?"

> "Don't touch me."

> "And what the fuck is that?" Gesture at corpse.

> Nobble

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43974392
You wouldn't even be considering the possibility of our village being attacked by snakes if Ouro hadn't shown us that ill-advised interlude

>>43974653
>> "And what you said last night? Was that just an act too?"


> "And what the fuck is that?" Gesture at corpse.

>>43974653
> "And what you said last night? Was that just an act too?"
> "Why do you need to rule more anyway?"
> "And what the fuck is that?" Gesture at corpse.
What the fuck is my role in your war?

>>43974653
> "And what you said last night? Was that just an act too?"
> "Don't touch me."
> "And what the fuck is that?" Gesture at corpse.

>>43974653
>> Flee
>> "And what you said last night? Was that just an act too?"
>> "Why do you need to rule more anyway?"
>> "Don't touch me."
fuck it all

>>43974653
> "And what you said last night? Was that just an act too?"
> "Why do you need to rule more anyway?"
> "And what the fuck is that?" Gesture at corpse.

>>43974653
> "And what you said last night? Was that just an act too?"
> "Why do you need to rule more anyway?"
> "And what the fuck is that?" Gesture at corpse.
What do you expect me to do while you destroy everything for your dream?

>>43974653
> Nobble
It's obvious guys. Use the wishes to keep her on the correct path

>>43974653
> "And what you said last night? Was that just an act too?"
> "And what the fuck is that?" Gesture at corpse.

>>43974715
>fleeing and then saying all that shit
you didn't really think that one through anon

>>43974749
Soon

>>43974781
maybe it could be a really slow flee?

>>43974814
Or maybe you can yell it at her after you've put some distance between you

> "And what you said last night? Was that just an act too?"
> "And what the fuck is that?" Gesture at corpse.
> "Why do you need to rule more anyway?"

"And what you said to me last night? Was that just an act too?"

Hiss grabs hold of you, hugging you close.
"No, of course not. You know I love you, Cennen. Please just calm down."

You don't return her desperate affection.
"And what the fuck is that?"
The corpse is still there. It's a Forester now that you look closer, throat cut. Has Hiss killed them too?

Hiss doesn't let go of you.
"Don't panic Cennen, you've seen things like this before. Putting souls in corpses just makes for better soldiers. I'm just trying something out."

"That's monstrous!"

Hiss starts rocking you back and forward in her arms, the kind of motion a wearied mother would do to calm a panicked child. You wonder which person she ate to learn that from.
"It's alright, Cennen. It's alright. You just need to calm down. It's not anything worse than what we've already done in the past."

"Why?"

Hiss doesn't look you in the eye.
"You've known this was the path I've been walking, Cennen. How else am I supposed to bring you to greatness like I promised? You're going to be by my side at my coronation, just like we said."
Memories of a night in Taldenral, of promises made and impossible dreams.

"That's not an answer. Why do you need to rule more than what we have?"

Hiss is sounding like she's starting to lose her patience with you.
"It's a hole in the ground Cennen, do you think I can settle for that now that I've seen so much? I'm a killer, this shouldn't surprise you. I've been killing with you ever since you used a wish to make me slay my dearest human servants. This is my nature and it's one you've always been happy to use in your favor. And good news, it worked! We can kill anything we want now! I killed my father, wasn't that fantastic? And don't you DARE let that all be for nothing!"

She quietens down, embarrassed at her slip.
1/2

>>43974998
"I'm sorry Cennen but we can't let all we've done go to waste. Not now."
She lets go of you and stands up.

You don't stand up with her, prompting her to extend a hand to help you up.
"I'm going to lead us all into glory Cennen and I'm not going to leave you behind."

>Take her hand.

>Refuse

>>43975067
>>Refuse
no

>>43975067
>Refuse
You already have

>>43975067
>Take her hand.
We gotta nobble her soon. Opposing her normally will still cause a shitload of human deaths.

>>43975067
>Take her hand.

>>43975067
>Take her hand.

>>43975067
>>Refuse
You want to rule a nation of corpses.

>>43975067
>Take her hand.
We're the only one that can keep her from destroying everything

>>43975067
>>Take her hand.

>>43975160
Can we, though?

>>43975067
>>Refuse


>>43975160
FAR far too late for that, stopping her is the only way.

>>43975167
We're the only one who has even the slightest chance. Siding with and arming the humans will cause a shitload of human deaths.

>>43975067
>Take her hand.

>>43975183
And letting her Princess us into Submission will do the same thing, with us killing the humans ourselves.

>>43975201
We can nobble her.

>>43975067
>>43975208
And? She can still Lol compelling voice us, and the wishbond won't stop her forever.

>>43975183
With our potions and knowledge of snakes, I think it would even the odds. It may even cool off the snakes' enthusiasm for conquest.

>>43975223
Do you really think fighting her militarily is possible? She has way too many snakes on her side. We gotta prevent her from going full evil from her side. And this time we have to get really fuckin serious about it.

Calling it for taking her hand.

>>43975067
>Refuse

>>43975251
>Do you really think fighting her militarily is possible?
Yes
>She has way too many snakes on her side.
Most of them are bleh and an army of alchemists can fuck most of them up counting the knowledge we'd bring
>We gotta prevent her from going full evil from her side.
SHE ALREADY HAS. Ouro has said there will be no villain worse than her.
>And this time we have to get really fuckin serious about it.
Which will last until she princess's us, Oster gets wise, or a snake politicans undoes all our work AGAIN. Then gg no re.

File: 1441903963625.jpg (253 KB, 1296x720)

253 KB JPG

>>43975251
>And this time we have to get really fuckin serious about it.
we always say this every time but she always fucks us over and then it repeats again and again.

Cennen is Brendan Fraser-tier keked.

>>43975301
as a meta rule to make sure the quest stays morally ambiguous, its not going to change if we switch sides

>>43975251
>And this time we have to get really fuckin serious about it.

I fucking hate the faggots who voted for expert princess a few threads ago because no matter what we plan to do, that shit is always going to be a thorn in our side. Also RIP Rock. She is going to be one of the first casualties from Hiss's stupid stupid war.

>>43975067
>Refuse

>>43975345
>fighting an army of soul eating monsters with an army of undead behind them
>morally ambiguous
Suuuuuuuuuuure.

>>43975352
Yup, but hey war anons don't care. They get to fuck their waifu on top of the corpses of tens of thousands of humans while the rest look on enslaved and tortured by their snake overlords. When she has time for them that is.

>>43975183
You did read the last update right where Hiss says that human servants are no longer required? Why would she keep any humans around if they serve no use?

>>43975375
We just said that we want to prevent human casualties and forcibly keep hiss from going full evil overlord

>>43975405
She wants to rule over them anon. also stop using OOC info

>>43975408
How when she can mindrape us into submission and just pull that zombie on every human ever? She's already gone full evil overlord, you're just thinking with your dick too much to realize it.

>>43975435
Nobble. Wish that she wouldn't boss us around. And you're fuckin retarded if you think she's gonna zombify that many humans.

>>43975433
>She wants to rule over them anon.
No she wants to rule over Snakes, she could care less about humans except for a select few.

>>43975458
>Nobbling her not backfiring horribly.
Tanni already showed us how abdly that can go, and she's nowhere near as vindictive as Hiss. Furthermore if ANYONE finds out we're dead.

>And you're fuckin retarded if you think she's gonna zombify that many humans.
No she's going to cull the herd first, then do it. Leave few alive so snakes can raise them like cattle and eat their souls at leisure, like Quedesh.

>Take her hand.

Damn it, what else can you do? You can't leave her and maybe this way you can stop her or at least make her more amenable.
Having Hiss in charge might not be so bad if only you could promise she was benevolent. That's a huge 'if' though and in the end, you don't really know what to feel.

You take her hand.

She pulls you to your feet and hugs you. She doesn't say anything, she doesn't need to.

Over her shoulder you can see Zigzag still standing there watching.
"What are you two doing?"

Hiss tells her to shut up and she does. Eventually Hiss lets go of you, patting you down from where you had been sitting on the ground. She sounds tired but very happy.
"I wouldn't do this without you, you know that right? Let's go home."

She begins to lead you back through the forest, taking you towards Snakehome. Oster and Elle file out of the tower and join you, neither of them looking you in the eye.
They must have heard everything, it's pretty embarrassing.
The walking corpse is nowhere to be found, you think Hiss probably sent it away to avoid offending you further.

Hiss holds you close the entire walk, one arm wrapped protectively around your waist at nearly all times. She'd probably carry you if she had to.

Neither of you say anything for a long while and indeed, you're not sure where to start. In the end it's Hiss that breaks the ice.
"So...I saw that you were brewing before. That used to annoy me before, you know but now it's sort of charming. It makes you look really happy."

> Talk to her about alchemy.

> "Why, do you want to use it as another weapon?"

> Don't say anything.

> Ask if she can let you go so you can talk to somebody else.

> Say something else (Specify)

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Nobble

> Other

>>43975515
>> Don't say anything.

>>43975515
>> Don't say anything.

> Soulsight takes away shapeshifting advantage and element of surprise
> Antivenom and soulguard take away poison and soul eating advantage
> Defang and snake dispel take away their art
> Snakebreaker and scalebane fuck snakes up
> Snake oil makes them easy to nobble
Plus
> Each nobbled snake is a willing informant and a soldier taken from Hiss and gained for humanity

If we share this information with the humans the snakes will loose the war. Furthermore, once they loose, they won't be able to just fall back to snakehome and hope everything will be just as before. Humans will follow, snakes are too valuable as slaves and sources of magical reagnts.

>>43975515
>> Don't say anything.

>>43975515
How do you plan to take over? What are you gonna do when you're on top? I won't let you murder all the humans you please or mistreat them when you're a ruler. If you want me to stay then that's just how it's gonna be.

>>43975561
Something like this. We really have to make some demands of her. And we need to be involved in her plans to keep the bad shit from happening. I think we should try to make her take over with subtle infiltration and the snakes can only eat the souls of humans that have died of natural causes.

>>43975549
We could singlehandedly fuck up the Serpent advance but anons who think Humans are useless and Snakes are all powerful don't want to listen.

>>43975515
>> Talk to her about alchemy.
been a while since we just talked

>>43975527
>>43975542
>>43975560
>>43975596
>giving up this easily
guys we have to communicate what we want from her if we want her to change.

>>43975515
>> Talk to her about alchemy.

>>43975515
Air our grievances, discuss her plans, set some ground rules

>>43975610
>Implying she WANTS to change

besides this is IC Cennen always clams up and mopes when he does something horrible. Stop trying to turn this quest into "optimal responses all the time" It really doesn't work like that.

>>43975515
>>43975610
Fucking fine!
Change to
>>43975561
cause I want to believe there's still hope for miss my-soul-is-literally-a-black-stain

>>43975515
>>43975561
this

>>43975655
which vote are you changing

>>43975679
this one
>>43975596

>inb4 Hiss shuts us down and commands we don't worry about it AGAIN

>>43975591
snakes don't even need to eat souls to live.

>>43975732
>Implying the War fags/waifu fags care.

>>43975593
I actually wanted to do it as a safety measure: Instruct rock to lurk over the towns most likely to be hit first, tell her to relay the information to the alchemists guild and the High King at the first signs of a snake invasion. Then give Hiss an ultimatum, preferably in front of the other snakes for greater effect.

>>43975732
we should really use our soul alchemy to look into the actual fate of human souls.

If they really disappear it might not be a bad policy to have snakes eat the old to preserve some of their memories.

File: aashiscoming.gif (3.8 MB, 279x235)

3.8 MB GIF

Alright I'm calling it for talking about her plans.

>>43975786
You really have loaded up on the snaek gifs today.

>>43975786
> we left Aash alone at the village

>>43975811
I wonder if all snakehome snakes share hiss' view of albinos?

>>43975821
Nah, I bet Aash made a ton of friends while we were out

>>43975740
I hate to break it to you anon but Hiss is Cennen's waifu. And nobody here is advocating a full blown war against all of humanity.

>>43975781
>the old to preserve some of their memories.

a few problems,
1. Remember the Master of that Podunk little town?
2. The souls are literally being digested and are in pain, as confirmed by us going into Introspection with Hiss.
3. Why should the snakes care?

>>43975821
Probably do, that wasn't corn from a chip on her shoulder but by a Snake's instinctive predatory instinct. The fact Aash is NICE doesn't help either. The other snake would eat her alive if she wasn't so big.

>>43975841
Just wait for it. hiss will commit another atrocity, laugh about it then Ask Cennen to do something of like as "Bonding" and as a show of Loyalty, and anons will do it.

>>43975863
you have some points but
1. as you note not a problem with snakes which naturally absorb the people over time
2. yes its not morally perfect, but we are just killing people normally so its an interesting alternative
3. we'd have to convince them, or really we'd have to convince hiss
not easy but you have work this situation

>Discuss her plans.

"We need to talk."

"About what?" Hiss asks innocently, her arm tightening around you.

"You know what."

She sighs.
"Yes. Lay it one me, Cennen."

"Don't take this the wrong way but how do you plan to take over and what are you going to do if you ever get on top? You know I won't let you just murder people as you please or enslave them for no good reason. If...if you want me to stay then you know that's how it's gotta be."

Hiss stares you in the eye with her real eyes, the emotionless snake-slits, not the fake brown human eyes she uses to lend you false comfort.
"Cennen I can't promise that this'll go by without a casualty, you know that's not possible."

"I know that but I want to know how much. Just how do you plan on going about this?"

"It's simple, first we have to organize and to bring the entire forest under our control. We're in that step now. Once we have proper control, we send out the vanguard. It's not going to be a traditional war with huge pointless battles so don't worry about that, we can't afford to waste snakepower like that."

"So how is it going to go then?"

"Once we have assembled a properly trained vanguard, they will slither their way into human society. I'm not going to lie Cennen, they're going to eat people. But they're only going to do it so they can take their place. They'll use their soul to know how to act and they'll worm their way into all the important parts of government. And they'll make allies too."

"Who would ally with us? Why?"

Hiss scoffs.
"Money. And they don't need to know who they're helping, not at first. We should be able to find some allies within the banking systems for example, they've been chafing under the current King's limitations. The almost-nobility is our best bet, people who nearly have the coin to be somebody but aren't or can't."

"Alright, assuming you do actually get infiltrators in...what then?"

1/2

>>43976056
doesn't really sound that bad so far. what she does as ruler is the real problem though.

>>43976056
>hiss wants to make the reptilian conspiracy true
kek

>>43976056
"Then we'll begin in earnest. By then Snakehome should be in complete control of the forest and we should have snakes impersonating the heads of government and their friends for all nearby towns. Not to mention that we'll have been slipping snakes into their communities as vagrants and travellers before that. Ideally we can then advance as an armed force and occupy all nearby towns and villages at once. The serpents implanted within will help pacify and contain the locals long enough for us to get enough presence to hold the town. They'll be under our control."
She looks away for a moment.
"If I'm being really honest, I'm going to make use of some Arts you might find unsavory to help establish control. Those who can prune human souls will do so but ONLY to the dissidents, I believe that the majority of the human mob will fall into line naturally once sufficient strength has been shown. And I will be spitting souls into the dead but only because we don't have enough snakes to be holding everything down at once. Is that fine?"

"Maybe."
You're still thinking about it.
"But once you've seized all of that, won't people take notice?"

"Obviously. But by then Melire will hopefully be undermined to hell and back, particularly since we've slain all of their viable rulers in the space of a day or two. They should still be in chaos from Old Bart and the vanguard will do their best to foment that chaos, to make it as horrible as possible. When I take Melire, I will come to give them order and safety. I think you will find that the peasant cares not who their lord is, provided that there is food on the table."

"But that's just this area Hiss. What about the rest of Teleran? Taldenral?"

"We're going to be obvious at some point yes and by then we'll have to make some overt military actions. But I think you'll find that the Teln generals will keep dying mysteriously or going rogue."
2/3

>>43976201
>implying it isn't true
I bet you think the earth isn't hollow either

>>43976215
Hiss continues, her hands making gestures unconsciously as she speaks. It's uncanny how human she's become even down to the body language.
"Did you know that the High King makes the generals pay their soldiers salaries themselves? I suppose it's kinder on the royal budget but it wouldn't surprise me that they're loyal to their general above their king. So naturally generals are going to be a high priority target for the vanguard to replace from the very start. The slower and more fragmented the military response, the further we can spread."

"But how are you spreading after this? Surely they'll start checking for mysterious wanderers and vagabonds at some point."

"That's assuming they ever find out what we are. But even if they do, I have a secret weapon."

"Well, what is it?"

Hiss beams, you can tell she's extraordinarily proud of thinking this one up.
"Refugees!"

"Pardon?"

"Once the cover starts to peel and it becomes known that a new state is seizing towns, people will want to run. They'll flee from us and they'll head for the most fortified places, the places furthest away from us. In other words, the places that it will have been hardest to place the vanguard into. And who would turn away their own countrymen? But in every crowd of scared innocents will be one of us, riding a stolen body and intruding further and further."

"Taking advantage of human kindness might not work as well as you think."

"We'll see. And while this is all taking place, cities will start to fall into chaos. That should happen naturally and our vanguard will help it along. Nobles will call the king into question with every failure, every lack of a result. We will make them fracture from within even as we spread from without. To be honest, one of us will probably eat the King at some point and from then it's only a matter of time."

'Right, right. But what are you going to do when you're in charge?"

Hiss shrugs.
3/4

"Rule, I guess? Give all of my snake friends cushy jobs? All of the human turncoats who helped us will be rewarded in a very public way, it'll be sort of dumb to treat them badly unless they're the very ambitious sort. I don't really give a fuck about what most humans do among themselves so they can keep on doing their human thing as far as I'm concerned. What, did you think I was just going to kill all of them?"

You look back at Zigzag.
"Sort of, yes."

"We'll be killing some of them, not going to lie. A snake's gotta eat. But I'll probably set something up with prisoners and if we ever start running low we can just ask the watchmen to be a bit stricter for a month or whatnot."

"But what about snakes like Zigzag? Sometime they're just going to eat somebody because they can."

Hiss frowns.
"Probably unavoidable. But Cennen, what you're forgetting is that every snake will be some sort of noble by then and really, don't nobles already do that to the poor? Usually in more intangible ways but still..."

"But how would you keep control? People aren't going to like it."

"I think you'd be surprised. Why would most of them care that much? And if there are some troublesome dissidents or nuisances, we can either prune their minds or replace them. Then everyone can see them go home happy and recant."
She stops to think for a moment.
"Will probably have to retire the walking dead after taking over or at least make them more photogenic. Do you think wrapping them up in full-plate would work?"

You're not sure how to think about this.
"But you only need one of your vanguard to be captured for all of this to go awry. It's too dangerous."

Hiss claps you on the back with her free hand.
"And that's where you come in, you darling little alchemist, you. I'm going to need you to start mass-producing Serpentbane and giving them to everyone. It's not a perfect solution but it should help."
4/5

>>43976503

> Agree

> Disagree

> "I'm going to hold you to this, you know."

> "I can't possibly make that many Serpentbanes alone." Ask for an apprentice.

> "You've put a lot of thought into this."

> "I still don't like the corpses."

> "Do you really have to violate people's minds?"

> Say something else (Specify)

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Nobble

> Other

>>43976522
> Agree
> "I'm going to hold you to this, you know."
> "I can't possibly make that many Serpentbanes alone." Ask for an apprentice.
> "Do you really have to violate people's minds?"
You have to have something that appeals to the common people, that would make them want you to rule instead of the current king and nobles. You have to treat them right.

>>43976522
> Agree
> "I can't possibly make that many Serpentbanes alone." Ask for an apprentice.
> "I still don't like the corpses."
Why do snakes need to eat souls unless they need it for infiltration? They really don't.

>>43976547
You've got a point. Aash never ate a soul until we met her.

>>43976522
> "You've put a lot of thought into this."
> "I'm going to hold you to this, you know."
> "I'll need reagents. A lot.

>>43976522
> "I can't possibly make that many Serpentbanes alone." Ask for an apprentice.
> "I still don't like the corpses."
> "Do you really have to violate people's minds?"
> Sounds like you just want to rule over a nation of cattle and corpses.

>>43976522
>> Disagree
> "You've put a lot of thought into this."
> "I still don't like the corpses."
> "Do you really have to violate people's minds?"

You're setting up a new Quedesh, The people are going to be little more than slaves. You don't need to eat souls.

>>43976522
>> "Do you really have to violate people's minds?"

> "I can't possibly make that many Serpentbanes alone." Ask for an apprentice.

This is the biggest problem. You still don't see the potential of humans and treating them like this is wrong.

You could do so much more.

>>43976522
> "I'm going to hold you to this, you know."
> "I can't possibly make that many Serpentbanes alone." Ask for an apprentice.
> "Do you really have to violate people's minds?"
Surely you know how to appeal to what they want. You could make them like you without altering their minds.
What do you mean exactly when you say you'll cause chaos in the cities? There's plenty of ways to sow dissent instead.

>>43976537
>>43976547
>>43976572
>>43976597

Guys, we can't have an apprentice. Exclusivity on potion making is the only thing that gives us some form of leeway

Jesus that took a while to write, sorry about that. But as good news work rang during that time and told me that we didn't have any bookings so they don't actually want me to come in and earn money tonight.

So I can run until late! You guys will get to profit directly from my ever-decreasing finances

>>43976615
You should start farming snakes

>>43976522
> Agree
> "I'm going to hold you to this, you know."
> "I still don't like the corpses."
The people won't either. Definitely won't help you win any favor.
> "Do you really have to violate people's minds?"
We both know that you can be a very... charismatic leader when you want to be.

>>43976522
> "You've put a lot of thought into this."
> "What are you going to do with your rule? What about the snakes who don't want to live among humans?"

I'm looking forward to adventuring parties springing up and trying to end the evil in the forest, until one of them finds Cennen and tries to kill him or turn him

>>43976635
what would be smart is to have a shitload of zombies/golems harassing the people all over the place. then all the snakes come in as the only ones who can defeat them, and they can defeat them with a touch. if we're seen as saviors then we'll be much better off.

Maybe Aash could be our apprentice? She hardly has any magic at all to interfere with brews.

>>43976650
I could see that being helpful, maybe. Needs some more thought. Anything that prevents us from giving off the evil vibe is good.

>>43976642
I'm looking forward to testing out our Caster in real combat.

>>43976717
I was thinking about the caster and I realized that it totally goes against cennens wish to use his alchemy for only good things since it's literally a tool of war. But it's cool enough that I'm okay with it.

>>43976717
Let's KILL WHOLE VILLAGES!

>>43976746
uh... no thanks.

Alright, looks like the most popular votes are:
> "I can't possibly make that many Serpentbanes alone." Ask for an apprentice.
> "Do you really have to violate people's minds?"
> “I still don’t like the corpses.”
> "I'm going to hold you to this, you know."

Without agreeing explicitely but with the general undertone of it as well as raising some of the points raised here as responses. Calling it for that.

Also it's staggering to think just how much of an outside-context problem an organized group of shapeshifters are for most societies, it's a huge advantage.

>>43976783
yeah i think agreement was kind of implied for most of these votes

>>43976803
Implied and explicit are different things
>>43976783
Paranoia is enough to destroy a lot of things

>>43976816
If we're asking for an apprentice to help do it obviously we're agreeing.

>>43976746
we know its you paranoid anti war anon

> "I can't possibly make that many Serpentbanes alone." Ask for an apprentice.
> "Do you really have to violate people's minds?"
> “I still don’t like the corpses.”
> "I'm going to hold you to this, you know."

You grumble, shifting from one foot to the other. You're still not sure if you like the concept and that is a LOT of potions but it's sounding a lot less bloodless than you initially imagined.
But then again, it makes perfect sense that snakes would play to their strengths. And without proper forewarning or knowledge on just what they were dealing with, would anyone be able to deal with the constant infiltrators?

"You sound like you just want another Quedesh, a slave empire."

"Not really," Hiss replies. "I'm not going to enslave anyone, not more than your human devotion to the ideal of currency does already. And I'm going to try to keep our true natures a lot more secret for now. Humans will be free to do what they like as long as what they like is what I like. That's no different from how your High King works."

"But do you really have to violate people's minds?"

Hiss just looks at you.
"Come on Cennen, I violated your mind when we first met. It's what we do, what we are."

"But you don't need to eat souls!"

"That's...true. It is an ephemeral hunger that I do not think you can understand. I might liken to it more as an addiction perhaps? You taste really good and once we have a little it's hard to stop ourselves. But yes, you have my promise that I'll do my best to limit that."

"What about using the mind-altering Art on dissidents?"

"Cennen, do you know what humans do to dissidents? They get killed or beaten up or just disappear one night. Allowing them to live happily is a mercy. And besides, I don't recall you getting like this when you asked me to neuter the Mayor's higher functions back in Melire."

"I still don't like it. I know you can be very charismatic when you need to be."

Hiss giggles, flattery always effective.
1/2

>>43977005
aw shit guys we never gave her bart's soul. i hope he's still in that bottle. maybe we should investigate it a bit first, idk.

>>43977058
we still might not want to give it to her.

The rock situation is still up the air

>>43977155
i'm not sure what rock has to do with bart's soul

>>43977005
"I'll see. Any other objections?"

"I still don't like the corpses."

"What if I only use volunteer souls? You can't treat them as being mindless, after all. They're still people."

"People you've forced into obedience."

Hiss sighs.
"I'm really trying to take your views into consideration Cennen but I guess this is one of those things humans get weird about? You have to see it from my point of view, it is innately difficult to respect the sanctity of the human mind when you also EAT HUMAN MINDS."

"That's why you need me, right? I can tell you what humans won't like. And they won't like the dead people. Nobody will like the dead people."

"But they help with the numbers situation! What if we just wrap them up like Ishmin, make them look like living people?"

You shake your head.
"What, and I can't believe I'm suggesting this, what if you let them run on ahead and cause trouble but you can 'kill' them when you come along? Lets you sell yourself a lot stronger."

Hiss' eyes widen.
"That's a great idea! See, this is why you're so useful."

"Hrmph."
You're not sure if you like giving her that idea.
"I'm going to hold you to this you know."

"I wouldn't have it any other way. That's one of your four functions. Speaking of which, are you fine with pumping out Serpentbanes? Those would be really helpful."

"I might be," you admit. "This certainly sounds better than I thought and I guess I can forgive what happened with the Duke. But I can't make that many potions alone, I'd need an apprentice."

Hiss looks confused.
"Where are we going to get another apprentice from? Isn't that a Master brew?"

"Yeeeah. I'll probably need an alchemical Master to help me. Maybe more."

Hiss looks away.
"We were going to get to this point sooner or later. Cennen, I don't trust alchemists. They can do too much with what we have. If you say you have an alchemist that you can trust, then I'll trust you but something will have to be done about alchemists in general."

2/3

>>43977155
basically its leverage, or its something we can give to rock, or possibly any number of things.

>>43977188
>Cennen, I don't trust alchemists. They can do too much with what we have. If you say you have an alchemist that you can trust, then I'll trust you but something will have to be done about alchemists in general."

Hello New Quedesh

>>43977188
>Master Yolan

>Master Ingrid

>"I'll train up some villagers."

>"Can't you assume control of the Potion Colleges?"

>Tell her about Bart's soul.

>"Whatever you do with them, don't expect my help with it."

>"I'm sure I could help bring them into line."

>"What's so bad about snake reagents becoming more available?"

>Nobble

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Other

>>43977188
>Master Ingrid
She's our teacher, after all, and she lives close by, plus it gives us a chance to go back to our village and se how things have gone while we were away

>>43977208
>"I'm sure I could help bring them into line."
>Tell her about Bart's soul.
I kinda wanna investigate it before we give it to her though.
She's right about alchemists, if snakes are everywhere then they'll have access to really powerful reagents, and not just for anti-snake purposes.
I'm kinda changing my mind about the alchemists, I don't see recruiting either of them going well. We'll just have to flex our Art strength for a bit.

>>43977208
>Master Ingrid
>"What's so bad about snake reagents becoming more available?"

don't you realize the freedom of the alchemists is what allows them to prosper in this society, if you take that away you take away a lot potential

>>43977208
>Master Ingrid
>Tell her about Bart's soul.
>"I'm sure I could help bring them into line."

>>43977208
> Master Ingrid
>"What's so bad about snake reagents becoming more available?"

>>43977208
>Master Ingrid
and
>Master Yolan
> You realize unless they get their hands on a snake, which I'm brewing to deny, and have lots of time to study they're harmless to snakes? Less powerful than Wizards by far. Without reagents and prep time and seeing an opponent coming they're powerless. They're also incredibly helpful for any kingdom that helps them. Quedesh was a shithole because the snakes were lazy and they hoarded all the power, alchemists included. If you want a kingdom to thrive and grow you'll need them. You said it yourself snakes can only kill and destroy, if you want Snakehome to be built up? You'll need more people like me, a lot more.

>>43977208
>Master Yolan
>Tell her about Bart's soul.
>"I'm sure I could help bring them into line."

>>43977262
>You said it yourself snakes can only kill and destroy, if you want Snakehome to be built up?
I don't think she plans to improve snakehome, she just wants to take over the rest of the country and most likely live in the capitol

>>43977208
>"I'll train up some villagers."
>"Can't you assume control of the Potion Colleges?"
>Tell her about Bart's soul.

>>43977293
We can take over Snakeholm and gain access to what the Duke wanted if it wasn't destroyed.

Do you guys really wanna get master ingrid involved in this and likely brainwashed into servitude?

>>43977318
for one this is good in character way to find out about the village, which is interesting plot.;
for two its almost certainly the only way to preserve ingrid, even though it may well not work depending on how it plays out.

I'll also just note that if we do want to avoid making another quedesh, i feel that the freedom of alchemists to do whatever is pivotal.

The whole problem with that country was that it was set up to only be convenient to snakes, and therefore in matter not relevant to them it stagnated.

getting rid of the free markety ness here would be a mistake i think

>>43977343
I mean, they're getting along just fine without snake ingredients right now

>>43977354
>Snakecolypse is coming, there fine.

>>43977343
i find it hilarious that you said it's in character and then gave only out of character justification for it

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68 KB JPG

>>43977305
>Implying Hiss would let you imprison yourself in the forest if she's trying to set up shop in the capital.

Calling it for:
>"I'm sure I could help bring them into line."
>Master Ingrid
>Tell Hiss about Bart's soul
as well as making objections to the idea that alchemists need to be 'dealt with'.

>>43977354
sure, but if there are more snakes its going to be inevitable that they have to be repressed to avoid it. she even said "something has to be done about alchemists in general" which is exactly what we don't want.

In a sense this is interesting because even though hiss is superconfident, she's also super paranoid and afraid. This could lead to problems.

>>43977366
the in character justification is obvious, she is the nearest master alchemist who cennan knows.

>>43977240
>>43977260
>>43977276
>>43977302
Why are you telling her about the Soul? She's going to take it and eat it before we can study it.

>>43977406
She sees how strong we are with our brews so it makes sense that she would be afraid of an entire alchemist organization

>>43977416
I doubt it. even if she does she can vomit it back out into something and we can study it then.

>>43977420
sure it makes sense from the perspective of despot who just wants to maintain power, which obviously is what hiss is, at this point anyway.

but we have to try and aim higher if we can, because quedesh has the same problem, and because its just bad all around.

>>43977430
And it'll be degraded and partially digested, additionally the whole "Wizard still alive bit" will sever and he'd lose his domain, meaning it'd be useless.

>"I'm sure I could help bring them into line."
>Master Ingrid
>Tell Hiss about Bart's soul.

You shake your head, interrupting Hiss' musing on why alchemists as a whole need to be dealt with.
"That's exactly what Quedesh did and look at them."

"Okay, I'm looking at them and they're the largest empire in the known world. They clearly have some good ideas though they could stand to stop being so sanctimonious."

"No Hiss, Quedesh only cares about the serpents themselves and lets everything else go fallow. They've stagnated. You can't make the same mistake."

"But look at you, look at how powerful you've become Cennen. Without my power most of your potions and accomplishments wouldn't even exist. And now imagine that same power becoming available to more alchemists."

"I understand your concerns but I think it's possible to keep them in line. Alchemy will make this country great. I'll help, if that's what it takes. What if the Colleges required them to swear fealty to you directly?"

Hiss doesn't look too happy about this.
"Maybe. We'll do it your way for now Cennen but there will still be restrictions. Scales in particular must be prohibited and punished."

Scales, the snake reagent that makes brews that affects snakes directly. You can get behind that you suppose. Worth talking about later at least.

"You should take it as a compliment," Hiss says. "You of all people have proven how dangerous snake-alchemy can be to us."

You nod, willing to cede ground on this matter for now. As long as alchemy is allowed to continue, you guess a few prohibitions is fine.

You keep walking, the sounds of the Snakehome village nearby. Sounds like there's a bit of a commotion going on in there for some reason.
"Oh by the way, I was saving this for you. I have Old Bart's soul."

Hiss' entire face lights up.
"Really? Thank y-"

You enter the village and she stops talking when she sees your expression.
1/2

>>43977531
The village is absolutely crowded with people, many of them not villagers or snakes you recognize. They're tied up and gagged, snakes stalking in between groups of them.
Some of them are lying on the ground motionless, small piles of corpses.

Hiss has already wrapped her arm back around you.
"Sssh, it's alright Cennen don't panic. It's fine, it's going to be fine. Just let me explain."

"I don't need to be babied Hiss. What the hell is this?"

"We've already started assuming control over the forest, you know it's necessary step. Raiding parties have been sent to empty out the nearby villages and bring them here. The vanguard NEED souls if they're to become proper infiltrators, it has to be this way. You knew about this, you knew this was happening."

You don't say anything, your eyes fixed on some of the people. A woman here, a man or child here...something's strange about them to you. You feel like you should almost recognize them but you don't.
Your head hurts a lot.

Hiss follows your gaze and she actually DOES recognize the people you are looking at. She goes through a very sudden list of different expressions before settling onto what seems to be a very calm desperation.
"Don't look at them Cennen, just come with me. I'll explain later after I get this sorted out. There's been a mistake but you don't have to worry about it. Just come here."

She pulls you away from the rest of the group and leads you back to your hut, trying to get you inside where you won't look at anyone.
"Here, you can brew in here. Okay?"

> "Okay." You're going to sneak out later.

> "Okay." You trust her.

> "I'll go in but only if you tell me what's going on."

> "Who are they?"

> Flee

> Run over to the people.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other