The three of you head to the tanner on Avice street, finding the place fairly quickly by the scent of curing leathers wafting down into even the alleyways. A sign overhead in the shape of a laughing dog betrays the place's name as Sea Hound's Leathery. Victoria blinks at the name and stops at the door as you and Odette enter, likely contemplating the sign. Strange girl.

You're not greeted right away as the people inside are busy beating out hides, curing, and working them. This early in the morning, it's no doubt that they'd want to get their projects started so they can focus on other work.

With the case of Dire hides occupying both of Oddette's arms, you get to ring the tiny bell at the counter. One of the people in the back perks up, and instantly a wide smile weaves wide across their face as they hurry up to the two of you, abandoning his work, “Ah, welcome, welcome! What can I interest you travelers in today? Leathers for travel, work, something fancier maybe or are we looking for a fur coat or blanket? If the gems are good we'll have it for you.” The Drezhar's eyes are concealed by his fox-like expression as he rubs his hands almost impatiently awaiting your order.

“We're actually here to sell you fine hides my good sir.” You say, with a clearing of your throat against the hearty smell of the hides being treated in the back.

The man's eyes peer open for a moment, looking between the two of you with a suddenly less than pleasant expression before reaffirming his merchant's smile. “Ah, yes, yes... So you're seeking business with us then. What do we have today my fine friends?”

Odette looks sidelong at you as though to say, “This one's going to be more trouble.” before putting the large case upon the counter.
“We have a fine kill for you sir. Hides of monstrous Dire Wolves.”

The man's eyes peer open again, his reptilian greed apparent in his eyes, “Oh?”

>>47342073

Odette opens the case, and the wretched smell of the week-long dead hides wafts into the room, mingling with the curing salts and smell of raw flesh about the place.

“They stink.” The man's nose twitches as he reaches for one of the hides, stopping a bit short, “May I?”

“You may.” You say with an endearing smile.

The clerk pulls out one of the hides, examining the state of the fur as well as the hide itself. He flecks of specks of red and black matter with gloved hands as he looks them over. “This is terrible, the edges are charred and there are all manner of burns and holes in these. The skinning work is sloppy at best. This well never do for top quality.”

ou feel a bit disheartened at hearing that...

“I can offer five topaz at best.” The man says just as Victoria enters, his eyes shift to observe her entry before carrying on to ignore her. “There are ten hides here, all in all it'll be fifty topaz if you seek to sell them all.”

“Yeah, that sounds-”

“Awful!” Victoria bellows despite her diminutive size. She's so loud in fact that some of the workers in the back pause to check out what's going on.

“Five topaz for dire hides? At the very least they should be offered for five sapphire a piece. They are a rare commodity among tanners and the leather made from them triumphs over even the finest of steel armors with less than half of the weight. Such an exchange is only valuable for you greedy sir!”

Seeing that you seem a bit lost, Victoria rolls her eyes, “In Gem trade, Quartz are the most invaluable while Emeralds are the most valuable. A hundred quartz equates to one topaz, ten topaz equates to a ruby, ten rubies a sapphire, and two sapphires are worth an emerald.”

“What about diamonds?” Odette asks as she listens to the explanation.

>>47342099
“Diamonds are too hard to tumble and better beset in rings or spectacular armors and wares. That said good sir, you are offering less than a tenth of the true worth of these hides. We would not let them go for anything less than a sum of twenty five emeralds.”

The clerk sweats a bit as he looks down upon Victoria, “Now there little Stella... I'm talking to these fine ladies over adult matters. Why don't you go read a book or philosophize about how the wind must feel.” He shoos her away, making a swishing sound as though to sweep her out of his store.

Victoria rolls her eyes, “Such valuable hides can be sold elsewhere. Come, take them and we'll find a more reputable tanner.”

>[“Guess we shouldn't have listened to Emrelda.”]
>[“Dear me, I'm so glad I know the hides' worth now... How about you pay up? <3”]
>[“I believe I saw another tanner down the street...”]
>[Write in]

>>47342114
>[“I believe I saw another tanner down the street...”]
it'll cause more of a scene, but may as well look for someone who exudes a greater aura of craftsmanship than greed. Are there even any arches like that? The artists?

>>47342171
Namour, Hylon, Makoh, Danhor.
Eccentric, Gaudy, "Perfect," practical.

That said, Drezhar are also an arche of ingenuity so they know methods of excellent craftsmanship. This is moreso him trying to broker a better deal for himself. It's business after all.

>>47342114
>[“Guess we shouldn't have listened to Emrelda.”]
And you're only an hour late

>>47342114
>[“I believe I saw another tanner down the street...”]

>>47342114
>[“I believe I saw another tanner down the street...”]
Play along

>>47342255
>practical
>focused on short term gain because adventurers hardly ever stick around
okay
>actually thinks he can still get away with the deal after the beatdown
I'm getting mixed signals here

>>47342114
>[“I believe I saw another tanner down the street...”]
Haggling is an art.
Also holy fuck an hour delay is a lot even for you

>>47342486
Danhor for practical wares. This guy is straight up Drezhar.

>>47342523
...oh, I think I misread the explanation.

Aside, regarding that breakdown of gem prices. The bounty for your group is a thousand emeralds. Put that as a frame of reference.

You roll your eyes at the tanner's obvious disregard for Victoria's input. Smiling sweetly you place a hand upon the case and point inside of it without saying anything. The man, understanding your meaning starts to sweat a bit more. “Alright. Two rubies apiece. Bending my arm here.” The clerk chuckles.

“Put the hide back in the case dear, we're going somewhere else.”

The clerk's brow starts to pucker his lips, trying not to stress out and failing miserably as his poker face crumbles- hard. “Five rubies a hide! I swear, that's my final offer!”

Odette smiles to the man as well. “Our business is going elsewhere. Don't keep us, we're busy people.”

The man's unwillingness to let go of the hides utterly betrays how much he wants these hides.

“Fine, I can do at most three sapphires for the state that they're in.” The man calms down, but there's something fundamentally broken in his eyes as he finally names a palatable offer.

>[“Three sapphires a hide and you make us new equipment with half of them.”]
>[“Girl says Five Sapphires. I want to see five sapphires a hide.”]
>[“Thank you for your patronage good sir! <3”]
>[Write in]

>>47342650
Don't know why I lost my trip.

>>47342738
>[“Three sapphires a hide and you make us new equipment with half of them.”]

>>47342738
>[“Girl says Five Sapphires. I want to see five sapphires a hide.”]

>>47342738
>[“Three sapphires a hide and you make us new equipment with half of them.”]

>>47342738
>[“TWO sapphires a hide, you make us new equipment with half of them, and I'd also like a set of regular leather wares.”]
Dire wolf gear is a little conspicuous, and I dunno, maybe Odette's bow could use some....what's the word? trophies? fetishes? Wrappings?

>>47342857
Well what do you mean?

>>47342857

It pretty much looks like darkened leather. It's not all that conspicuous until someone tries to stab one of you and their blade glances off the leather.

I could see some fur lining for Odette's bow. Could be interesting.

>>47342738
>[“Three sapphires a hide and you make us new equipment with half of them.”]

>>47342889

Lost trip again. Not sure why 4chanX is being stupid right now...

>>47342876
>>47342889
Leather charms, or even just a new quiver and bow holder. The lining sounds nice.

If they're not that conspicuous, maybe an extra pair of leather shoes: those are easy to carry around, at least.

Ah, got it! Swimsuits! But for serious, if we're going out to sea, we may as well pick up something for the dramatic underwater fight/rescue.

>>47342966
We're going to sea?

>>47342966
Noting about the leather. Dire wolf leather is hard to come by, hence the selling price even in raw form. Even if someone's sword glanced off of it, they wouldn't immediately assume it was Dire Leather.

hmm... Speaking of it in RPG standard... Gray>White>Green>Blue>Purple>Orange/Gold
It's an upper end Blue item, Rare.

>>47343034
Huh seems nice

>>47342985
pearl diving
kraken
just plain taking the boat to go to wherever

>>47343210
>kraken
Unless we for some reason get our hands on the Makoh face let's not do that

>>47343245
I don't know if we'll have a choice in the matter, ie. someone starts drowning and bleeding while the kraken is out and about.

>>47343267
Than we better run away as fast as possible because the Kraken is several orders of magnitudes stronger than the wolf-abomination

>>47342738
“Three sapphires and I also want half of them made into gear for myself and my companions.” You say, with a nonchalant smile, settling back into the salty comfort of the tannery. Victoria's back at your side as well. Smiling haughtily besides herself.

“Three sapphires and half of them worked- for free?” The guy gaffaws at your request, but at your expression he realizes just how serious you are.

Victoria speaks up again,” Undoubtedly, should you have the skill to work Dire leather then the sell value would be well within hundreds of emeralds. You could easily do this for us and turn great profit.”

The man pulls at his mustache, twisting the curl in thought as Victoria tells him things that would indeed sate his greed. “Hmm. Indeed. Did you have any designs in mind for your equipment? Half should indeed be enough for at least a single full set or a couple with regular leathers supplementing the attire at less critical areas...”

You look to Odette, giving her the go ahead for a request before you make your own. She clears her throat, “I would like an Archer's Glove for the left hand. Three finger design... And...” Odette seems to be a bit bashful as she eyes something on a manikin among the displays.

“And?”

“I'd also like something a bit more... Feminine. Such as that Ranger's dress. I need not for dire leather to cover the legs as such, but shin guards and a casing for the breasts would be adequate.”

“A nice choice.” The man smiles, already calculating the overall cost, “We'll take your measurements once we've finished the order.” The Clerk looks to you now, his eyes twinkling like the gems he covets, “And for you, dear lass? With your friend's order, we have enough to cover any crucial areas with the dire leather...”

>[Do you have something specific in mind?]

>>47343295
>Just general armor
Maybe something that would fit our other faces too

>>47343295
Something with a hood, red hair is still rather eye-catching.

I guess fitted for a more androgynous frame, incase we switch faces. The Makoh face might be a hulk, though, making this pointless.

>>47343295
>boots
>semi long skirt
>light body armor with hood

>>47343373
>>47343386
Something like that

>>47343373

Makoh are inspired by japanese aesthetics. He's not like shonen hero-sized, but still rather compact. More like SSGSS Goku.

>>47343295

“I'd like boots. Something classy, but still easy to move in. A skirt that parts in front but still covers my knees, perhaps with a triangle to leave something to the imagination for my trousers. Besides that, something light and preferable with a hood. A cloth hood. Something colorful would be lovely too. I can draw you my specifications if you like.”

“Mmm, I think I've a good idea of what would suit you miss.” The clerk says with a smile as he quickly writes everything down. “Would you also be interested in our stained leather for color? We can give you a nice cherry red appeal if you so wish.”

“That sounds fantastic!” You realize you're saying something before you can think. Belinda smiles for you and you can't help but to take some humor in it.

“I would also like some stains, would green work?”

“Certainly ma'am... And may I take your names?”

“Rebecca.” You say.

“Onihime.” Says Odette.

As you finish your order, the clerk takes yours and Odette's measurements before passing off the rest of the payment, summing up to fifteen sapphires. You break two down into twenty rubies for easier trade and two of those into twenty topaz.

>After all is said and done, you have 14S, 18R, 20T.

“I'm glad we heard about you from Emrelda.” You say as you jingle the gems together, delighted to have a full pouch again.

“Emrelda?” The Clerk gasps, “Oh my, have I been playing the fool with Emrelda's friends?” He throws a gloved hand to his brow, “You must forgive me, had I known... That girl is such a dear. Always helping out even the small requests and getting some of the odder ones through. She's also pointed a lot of business our way. I'll remember the three of you, and give her my regards.”

Seems if you'd mentioned her ealier... Oh well, We also have need of an alchemist for a Coma antidote. Do you know where we might find one?”

>>47343809

“Oh, A cure for the Comatoma poison? Hmm...” The clerk considers that for a moment, “Nay, you'd have to seek out one of the families or guilds down in the undercity, Septic. I've purchased draughts from one such chemist there, Oleandre. I warn you though, she's quite an eccentric, however she should have a clue as to what you'll need.”

“How do we get down to Septic? Odette wrinkles her nose at the thought of the sewer city.

“I'd tell you to ask the guards, though they may just extort tax from you for wasting their time...” The clerk scratches his chin, “You can find your way there by either swimming into the aquaduct from the sea- that's if you're crazy. Otherwise you need only turn a corner, go down a street, and then find the ramp that goes down. It'll have rails inlaid with some gold and silver.”

“Oh, well thank you. For everything...”

“Brine” The clerk shakes your hand, “Parents named me after the salt that cures our wares. Classic Drezhar nomenclature. Off you go, we'll have your leathers ready in five days!”

Brine bids you farewell from the Sea Hound's leathery...

Well, with your gems, you could start seeking a ship that'll leave in a few days... Head down to the Undercity to get a cure of Fuse's week-long sleep... Or wait out his slumber in the inns that you can afford now with that fortunate windfall...

You get a feeling of being watched after leaving the tannery... It's familiar, but you aren't sure of who or what...

>[Seek passage with a ship captain, get ready to leave when Fuse awakens.]
>[Head down to Undercity to get the wolf some antidote. Sooner you leave this city the better.]
>[Go somewhere vacant to draw out your observer.]
>[Relax and wait out the wolf's slumber. Maybe take a quest while you wait?]
>[Write in.]

>>47343840
>[Go somewhere vacant to draw out your observer.]

>>47343840
>[Head down to Undercity to get the wolf some antidote. Sooner you leave this city the better.]

>>47343840
>[Go somewhere vacant to draw out your observer.]
>[Relax and wait out the wolf's slumber. Maybe take a quest while you wait?]
I think we can combine these

>>47343840
>>47343840
>[Go somewhere vacant to draw out your observer.]

>>47343840
>[Seek passage with a ship captain, get ready to leave when Fuse awakens.]

>>47343840

Talking nonchalantly with Odette and Victoria as you try to find your way to a vacant part of the city, you try to flush out your observer. Odette, who's often very keen for this sort of thing doesn't seem to be aware of it until you tell her that there's someone watching until you tell her.

“They must only be focused on you. I don't sense any intent or presence.”

“I don't feel malice... Maybe they'll come out if I'm alone?”

“Likely...” Odette seems troubled by that. I'll be in earshot, okay? Call me if you need me.”

“Of course.” You give Odette a little smile as the two of them walk off.

Victoria looks back, Odette holding her hand, “Be careful. There are many more things that you must show me.” The girl's as blunt as her heart.

In an abandoned development, you look around the half-done construction. You've seen a lot of this in Cleptess. A lot of projects half-done or underway and none of the building too terribly old unless they're made from overturned retired ships. It's as if this city is rather new, however you've heard tell that it has a long history, and as a trading hub it's far too busy... There are more people among the markets than there's rightly even housing for. Strange... Could most of the people be in the undercity?

As you contemplate the project, you feel that presence come closer. Turning around, you see a man standing no more than Five paces from you. You inhale out of fright, how could he have...

>>47344924

“Normal reaction. You dissapoint. Though you were keen enough to feel my lingering intent upon you.”

“Who are you?” Your tone hardens as you steel your eyes, ready to fight or flee in a heartbeat.

“I am...” The man looks around, you note his features. Antennae like feathers, eyes that hold no pupils, but instead are like countless mirrors within the iris. The skin of his face is pale and thin, an almost soft, fuzzy appearance around his profile. The clothes he wears are stranger still. Black garbs that would fit well for an assassin, however he bears many small jars in a bandolier with flickering threads writhing within and a large tome is clasped to his belt. A scholar or... “A weaver of the Silence Ethic.” He says, with his voice exceedingly quiet, only for you to hear. “ And friend. I don't currently have a name to give. However I do have another gift... From a mutual acquaintance.” The man brings forth a satchel tied with a black tie embroidered with a red diamond design. Reaching in, he digs deep. His arm slides further in than it realistically should. Finally stopping, he pulls something out.

First you see long silver hair, then the white and red markings upon a pale face with silver scales. Your eyes go wide as you realize what it is: The Makoh face.

“Why.” Your voice trembles with both yours and Belinda's apprehension. “Why do you offer this to me now? My journey with this one has yet to reach resolution.”

“There is one more for you as well. An old friend if you will... As for why. They have said that things may begin moving more quickly now for both you and your allies. Mastering the Makoh will be a trial throughout many of your journeys... However his power is a valuable asset. With the aid of the other two you may hold onto your sanity. This is what they hypothesize as a use for your bonds.”

>>47344939


>[“How is... Our mutual acquaintance?”]
>[“Will it not be suspicious if I carry this with me?”]
>[“I will need your name stranger. Who is it that I am trusting?”]
>[“What things are moving more quickly? Who is our enemy?”]
>[Write in.]

>>47344953
>[“How is... Our mutual acquaintance?”]
>[“What things are moving more quickly? Who is our enemy?”]

>>47344953
>[“Will it not be suspicious if I carry this with me?”]

>>47344953
>>[“Will it not be suspicious if I carry this with me?”]
how do we hide these things?

>What is happening in [forgot name of city we overtook]?

>>47344953
Oh boy the Makoh face.
This will be fun to explain to Victoria
>[“What things are moving more quickly? Who is our enemy?”]

>>47345018
Oh shit I completly forgot that she doesn't know

>>47344953
["What things are moving quickly? Who is our enemy?"]

>>47344939

“What things are moving quickly now? And who is our enemy?” You ask as he hands the mask over to you, allowing you to get a feel for it... You notice its unnatural weight more than anything else as well as that the eyes seem to stare back at you no matter what angle you look at it.

“I cannot say for fear that you may rush to an untimely demise. I warn you against attracting the attention of more Hylon however. It makes things more difficult.”

Frowning, as you look upon the face. Even holding this is as much taboo as the death sentence for wearing it. “Am I to hold this? Is there... Is there not something I may keep it in?”

The Weaver hands you the satchel he pulled the face out of, “The Guisi is within as well. This is known as a pocket bag. It may hold a wide manner of things as well as keep it safe from water and the strife of travel. Should a regular observer look within they shall see it empty. You may only access something if you are privy to its form.”

Taking the sack with the black and red diamond tie, you hastily shove the Makoh face within, feeling better the sooner it's out of sight. Thinking a moment, you reach for Dramir and draw forth his face. Gently, you hear a, (Nice to see you again. Emanating through the true voice.)

“And you too, grumpy old fool.” You say with a reminiscing smile. The first one to pull you out of that dark hole. He's been near yet so far... Looking to the weaver, “How is our mutual acquaintance by chance?”

“Busy. They keep Bikel under the Free Marches of Aurel's hold. It is said that they fought back a member of the High King's court. Beyond that, I should say no more. I will be near... My duty, is to keep you safe in their absence.” The Weaver kneels before you, bowing his head. “However, I will do my best not to interfere in your affairs. This journey, this growth is your own...” He is quiet for a moment, “I believe that you will save us all from this hell.”

>>47345616

The man kneeling before you makes you feel uncomfortable, yet it also feels vaguely familiar... Why-

“Noctus Abjure” These words echo upon the air as the Weaver you'd been speaking with vanishes before your very eyes. No trace or hint of his presence. Even the feeling of him watching you fades as he returns to being a silent observer.

He leaves you with the bag tied with black and red, the two faces within. Dramir... and The Nameless Makoh...

You leave the vacant area, feeling strangely sluggish as you near Odette and Victoria. The two of them turn to you, eyes carrying a bit of surprise, “Are you giving up? Already? It's barely been a moment.”

“Barely a...” You furrow your brow, “I was...”

>[“Talking to someone... Victoria, there's something you should know.]
>[“I've been gone for a while... At least one, maybe two dramatic moments.]
>[“Doing nothing. It's not important. We should carry on.]
>[Write in]

>>47345630
>[“I've been gone for a while... At least one, maybe two dramatic moments.]

>>47345630
>[“Talking to someone... Victoria, there's something you should know.]
Search a safe and quiet place first for this discussion

>>47345630
>[“Talking to someone... Victoria, there's something you should know.]

>>47345630

“Talking to someone...” You think to yourself as you look to Victoria, her own eyes looking back into yours. The Weaver had said to be careful with Hylon, and yet... Victoria is meant to look like a Stella or something, right? That man must have been of Arche Stella then. “Victoria, I have something that I need to show you.”

Whether it was by your tone or the look on your face, Odette seems to catch the wind of what you intend to show her. “Beli, you aren't- are you?”

You take in a deep breath, exhaling heavily, “I am. I don't see her as a threat...” You close your eyes, “Victoria.”

“What's going on?” The girl grows meek, yet her antennae bristle with curiosity.

“Follow me.” You return to that vacant area, feeling that it's at least somewhat safe, away from prying eyes.

Stopping several paces away, you turn back to her. “I'm going to tell you my secret.” Her eyes are glued upon you, listening well. “I am an impostor, for I do not have my own face. I wear the faces of others so that I may find my own... and figure out who... or what I am.”

Victoria blinks, stepping not away, but closer as a mad smile stretches across her face. “Y-you are an impostor? The ones th-that they penalize with death before they ever begin to understand? Oh my... this is quite a find. I get to know an impostor unlike anyone has before... When you were Faceless, how long did your memories stay before they left you? How did you keep yourself from becoming an Unwoven? Do you hear the voices of the ones you wear? What is- who is that Belfors that the idiot bard had spoken of?” Victoria blushes heavily, panting and near drooling as her eyes cloud with the madness of her curiosity.

>>47346264

As she gets within reach, you put a hand on her forehead, blocking her advance almost comically and sitting her down. “I do not know, I do not understand, Yes, and two the ones I've worn come together.”

Victoria seems to settle down with a few answers, though you can feel the heat of her intent through your hand. “I need to know so much more Faceless, so much more...” She giggles. You can't remember when you'd heard the stoic girl giggle, but she's actually giggling more than a touch mad. “Everything. You're something I know absolutely noting about...”

The giggling carries on, eventually turning into laughter that echoes on for some time.

You can only imagine what mad pursuit for knowledge you've wrought upon yourself...

>[End Scene]

>>47346281
Thanks for running