>>2413757
Archive: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=watdo

>>2413757
>Continue reading one of the books you bought from Mam

>>2413757
>Continue reading one of the books you bought from Mam

>>2413757

>>2413771
>>2413790

You pull out a stack of books from the top most drawer of your desk. You've started two of the three books you bought from Mam, but the third remains untouched. Now seems as a good a time as any to resume your efforts.

Which book will you read?

>"Modern Crystallogenesis" (1/10 chapters read)
> "Entomon Politismos" (0/10 chapters read)
>"Restoratives and their Methods Vol 1" (0/? chapters read)

>>2413791
>"Modern Crystallogenesis" (1/10 chapters read)
Whoever starts reading a new book before finishing the previous one needs to be shot.

>>2413791
>"Modern Crystallogenesis" (1/10 chapters read)

>>2413791
>"Modern Crystallogenesis" (1/10 chapters read)

>>2413757
>Take a walk outside to clear your head

>>2413791
>"Modern Crystallogenesis" (1/10 chapters read)

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>>2413791
Huzzah! The elf loli slave quest is back!


oh and >"Modern Crystallogenesis" (1/10 chapters read)

>>2413801
>>2413812

>>2413791

The book on insect cultivation has proved useless. Maybe the next time you head to town you'll try and exchange it for something a little more comprehensible--though granted, you feel there might still be useful information to extract from the text. Nevertheless you decide to follow up on the Crystallogenesis book, it's proved a treasure trove of potential experiments and the crystallization process itself promises great reward if done properly.

You first do a quick sweep of the whole book, reminding yourself of its structure. It's a small, thin book divided into 10 "chapters" which are really just a set of experiments by several different authors, written in the form of journal entries. You briefly review the method by which you painstakingly extracted the phoenix ash crystals. Looking at it now, it seems a great testament to your skill that you were able to achieve such yield and purity without any kind of temperature-controlled burner. The method merits repeating at some point, if only to see whether it really was skill and not just dumb luck--possibly with less valuable components.

But for now you must content yourself with just knowledge. You take out your notebook, open to a fresh page for notes and calculations and begin your study.

>Roll 1d20 to see what you learn

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2413876

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>2413876

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2413876

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>2413876

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2413888
>>2413896
>>2413903

>>2413876

>12, 12, 11: 3 Successes

You first skim through the methods looking for something applicable to the jejeune extract. You were originally planning to simply add the extract to the ash solution unpurified but perhaps you can crystallize the extract instead. It may give you a more potent end product.

The method you used on the ash won't work here, however, since the amount of extract is tiny (though it's concentration quite high). After searching the whole book, you can't find a truly perfect method. The issue is the small quantity of extract. The best you can find is a cooling method (which seems to give fairly abysmal purity, but which may still perform quite well with the extract) and a more creative method involving large amounts of salt (at least 5 or 6 silvers worth). It would mean having to go without salt for the rest of the month, or at least until your recuperate your investment, but may pay for itself--if not in the product at least in the knowledge from trying something new.

On the other hand, maybe it would be wiser to just start at the beginning of the book and study without a specific end in mind. Inspiration often comes in a goalless environment.

>Read up on the cooling method
>Study the salting method
>Just read from the beginning

>>2413969
>>Just read from the beginning

>>2413969
>study the salting method
yess

>>2413969
>Just read from the beginning

>>2413969
>Just read from the beginning

>>2413969
>Just read from the beginning

>>2413969
>Just read from the beginning

>>2413969
>Read up on the cooling method

>>2413969
>Just read from the beginning

>>2413977
>>2413981
>>2413985

>>2413969

You decide not to complicate matters further. The hard part is over with, you have your ash crystals and you'll soon (maybe even by the end of today) have your jejune extract, there's no need to risk your salt or your time on the uncertain possibility of a better product. At least not yet.

You flip to the front of the book and start reading. You're not even half a page in when Nina, who since she woke up, has been watching (and almost certainly bothering) your Elf as she makes breakfast, comes over to bother you.

"Hey Seabass, can't you teach me some Elvish or something? Or teach her our tongue? She understand anything I say." She says.

"Why are you still here?" You say, not looking up from your book.

"Well...I thought I'd join you for breakfast? I'm hungry." She begins curling her hair around her thumb, waiting for your reply. You sigh. According to Franklin, if it wasn't for her you'd be dead right now. She was the one that heard your Elf scream (why she was up so late at night you have no idea) and she was the one that woke Franklin up. You can remember her face just before you passed out from the blood loss--it's fuzzy but you definitely remember her holding you up and crying and begging you not to die. She even tried to comfort you (in her own annoying way) while you were waiting for Toad. You glance at her, even now her eyes are red and bloodshot from the lack of sleep and you can make out the little trails her tears left on her cheeks.

"Come on Seabass, don't be stingy. That's why no one likes you." She says, folding her arms.

>Let her stay for breakfast, you owe her that much
>Tell her some other time, you want to speak privately with your Elf
>Flatly refuse, you'll pay her back for her assistance some other way

>>2414058
>>Let her stay for breakfast, you owe her that much

>>2414058
>Let her stay for breakfast, you owe her that much

>>2414058
>>Let her stay for breakfast, you owe her that much

>>2414058
>Let her stay for breakfast, you owe her that much
She's honestly not that bad. Just seems to have trouble interacting with her crush.

>>2414078
but maybe shes involved in you being robbed.

>>2414095
How? Great, now I'm getting paranoid

>>2414058
>Tell her some other time, you want to speak privately with your Elf
BEGONE THOT

>>2414101
There are hints.
The gem was not found in the cave, and wasnt talked about. She could have stolen it without the thieves knowing. She knew exactly when you were robbed. "(why she was up so late at night you have no idea) "
She is giving you a guilt trip and tries to control you.

Thats enough to distrust her in my estimation. Maybe shes just acting nice n stuff.

>>2414070
>>2414074
>>2414075
>>2414078

>>2414058

To her credit she hasn't tried to guilt you yet and you're certain (though you don't really know why) that if you were to refuse her now, she still wouldn't bring it up. But, annoying as she is, you don't have the heart to refuse her breakfast.

"Make food for three OK?" You call out.

Your Elf comes running over, sweat lines her brow from the heat of the stove. "M-master said something?" You see Nina trying desperately to mouth the words and piece together their meaning, she bites her nails in frustration when she can't.

"Nina want food. So make for three people OK?"

"You said my name!" Says Nina, pointing at you, then at the Elf. The Elf looks from you to Nina, silently counting on her fingers, and then looking confused.

"Food for you too remember?" You say and she flushes from you having so clearly read her mind. She nods and ducks back into the kitchen.

"OK, you can stay." You say, returning to your work. "You should probably wash up, you look like a mess." She doesn't move. You can hear her nibbling on her nails. It's like listening to a rat scratch inside the walls. You put down your pen. "What?"

"Are you gonna teach me some Elvish?"

>Absolutely not
>Not right now
>Jot down some basic words on a sheet of paper so she gets off your case

>>2414132
>Jot down some basic words on a sheet of paper so she gets off your case

>>2414132
>Jot down some basic words on a sheet of paper so she gets off your case

>>2414132
>not right now
>thank her for saving you
>offer elvish lessons in exchange for money or something else

>>2414132
>Not right now

>>2414132

>>2414132
>On one condition
>You help me figure out her name. I've gotten her to cook, stay in the same room as those insects, get kidnapped, and still I can't get a name out of her.

>>2414132
>Jot down some basic words on a sheet of paper so she gets off your case

>Not right now

>>2414188
this

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90 KB JPG

>>2414102

>>2414138
>>2414142

>>2414132

You rip out a sheet of paper and jot down some Elvish words. Elvish has no formal written script, they just phonetically transliterate all their words into human scripts, so there should be no problem.

"You do know how to read right?" You say.

"Of course I know how to read!" She snatches the paper from your hand. "You shouldn't underestimate people so much Seabass. That's why--"

"--that's why no one likes me, I know. And yet I remember someone begging me not to die only a few hours ago."

Instantly her hand goes to her hair, twisting the red curls around her forefinger and thumb and pulling savagely. "That was--I was--because...because you were hurt! ...a-and rent! You always pay your rent on time so..."

That's true. You've never missed even a single payment, not even gone short, even when the Basilisk fiasco rendered you close to starvation for a whole month. You're a model tenant if you do say so yourself. The apartment is in better condition than when you first found it and other than Franklin's numerous complaints about the odor, there's really nothing bad that can be said about your habits.

You nod. "Yes, I suppose that makes sense."

"It does?" She clears her throat and quietly lowers her arms from her hair to her hips.

"I mean, you'd be hard-pressed to find another model tenant like me." You say, and you can't help but puff your chest a little.

"Yeah. Exactly. And I wasn't begging Seabass. Sheesh, get over yourself. I'm just a little nervous around blood, that's all." She turns away and looks down at the paper and you watch her slowly move her mouth into the shape of the alien words, scrunching her face in concentration.

"What's her name?" She suddenly asks.

"What? Oh. I don't know. I haven't given her one yet. Why don't you ask her?"

At last she wanders away, leaving you to do your work.

----

You're not sure when you dozed off, but when you awake it's near midday. There's a blanket thrown over your shoulders and your head lies sideways on the open book. You managed to get through three chapters before the lack of sleep caught up to you. Two of them were irrelevant to your purposes but the third gave you an idea for some possible future experiments, once you finish with the batch of analgesics.

You keep your head on the book a moment more and open your eyes. Your Elf is sitting on the floor, diligently applying Mam's cream to the soles of her feet which are horribly disfigured by acidic burns. It looks as though someone scraped the skin off with sandpaper. The thought of a person inflicting such a wound on purpose, as punishment, disgusts you to the very core.

"That won't work." You say. And she jumps a little in surprise and tries to hide her feet in her hands. She is ashamed. You get up and stretch. "Does it hurt?" You ask.

She doesn't answer. Her fears still run deep.

>Press her on it
>Leave it, see if there's any breakfast left

>>2414298
>Press her on it

>>2414298
>Press her on it

>>2414298
>>Press her on it
Literally. Press her soles to see if she flinches. I doubt she will want to tell us the truth, because that would be an "inconvenience"

>>2414298
>>Press her on it

>>2414298
>Press her on it

>>2414298

>>2414298
>>Press her on it

>>2414298
>Press her on it
Do we have anything that would help that?

>>2414310
>>2414316
>>2414319

>>2414298

You sigh. You won't get any answers this way. You throw back the blanket and stand up and before she can react you crouch down to her level, grab her foot and then press your thumb into the sole. She lets out a little intake of breath, a quiet gasp and a squeeze of her eyes, made so subtle by how much she has conditioned herself, but clear all the same.

Then you realize that she doesn't have socks or shoes. That she's been walking barefoot this entire time. Little wonder that the wound is red and inflamed. You look up at her. There's that perpetual panic again, the fear that she's done something wrong, the fear that you will now punish her for it.

"The cream not help this." You say, gently releasing her foot. Again she covers it with her hands, as though to urge you not to look. Luckily you have just the solution, you can apply one of the crystallogenesis procedures to make a topical version of the analgesic. That should help greatly with the pain and inflammation. In the meantime, you should probably get her some thick socks and some shoes. All things you don't have the money for.

You get up and she follows and goes to the kitchen to get your food, practically sprinting the whole way. "It's a little cold. I'm s-sorry." She says, looking at her feet.

"It's OK. My fault for sleepy." She stands by you and quietly watches you eat probably waiting until you finish so she can take the dishes. "You eat?" She nods. "With Nina?". She nods again. "Did she bother you?". She shakes her head hard.

Perhaps this would be a good time to chat, you still don't know her name for god's sake!

>Just eat in silence
>Have her clean the place while you eat
>Ask for her name again
>Just give her a name

>>2414387
Shoes and woolly socks.

>>2414403
>>Ask for her name again

>>2414403
>>Ask for her name again

>>2414403
>Ask for her name again
after that
>Have her clean the place while you eat
Being nice to her is all well and good but she still has a job to do.

>>2414403
>Ask for her name again

>>2414403
>>Have her clean the place while you eat

>Ask for her name again
And if she finds it too traumatic to tell it to us because it reminds her of her past or whatever:
>Just give her a name

>>2414403
>Just give her a name
>You will be called Adorable.

>>2414403
>Ask for her name again

Oh fug, new thread.

>>2414416
>>2414418
>>2414420

>>2414403

"What your name? You ask. It's time you got to the bottom of this. She rubs her elbow.

"M-master can call me anything. She says, eyes fixed firmly on the floor, body rigid in the expectation of a blow.

"I see. What did your last master call you?" That was a mistake. She tenses up.

B-bitch. F-f-f-fu-fuc She looks like she's cough up a ball of hair.

OK. I get it. Can't call you Elf. How about...Leia for now? That Elvish name right?"

She nods. "Loyal." She says. So, that's what it means.

"Then a good name?"

She nods again. You finish the rest of your breakfast while she goes to clean the kitchen and veranda. "When we go to town I buy shoes for you" You say. "And I make something for pain in feet, OK? Wear socks for now."

"Master d-doesn't h-have to do that. I don't want to inconvenience Master." She says.

"If can't work because feet, that bigger problem."

"I can work. I won't be a problem I promise." She says.

You wave away her concerns and are about to return to your books when there's a knock at the door.

"It's me." You recognize the grating, broken voice instantly. You throw open the door and sure enough it's Toad. His face is partially obscured by the thick smoke coming out of his pipe, which he hastily puts out and his face looks like it has aged a dozen years.

"Toad! Are you OK? Come in, come in." You look to Leia and she understands immediately and gets to work on preparing something to eat.

"How is she?"

"She's fine, thanks to you."

He grunts, clearly not pleased with that fact. "And how're you?" His eyes go to your side. You raise your shirt and show him the stitches. He passes his thumb over them. "Good work. You?"

"No it was Nina."

He grunts again, nodding in approval. Leia comes back with a plate of fruit and some water. Toad looks at her briefly, grunts, shakes his head and then jams a slice of apple into his mouth.

"So what happened? Is everything OK?"

He grunts again, reaching for the water. Then from a hidden compartment of his armor, he takes out a cloth purse and lays it on the table. It clinks as it hits the wood. He slides the purse over to you.

"What's this?"

"Down payment."

"For?" You resist touching the bag.

"Got a new job. Easy gig. But I need some help."

"What's the job?"

"Don't worry about it. I just need you to make me some cipherous ink. A duplicate. You can do that right? If I get you the original?"

>Ask more details about the job, what exactly has Toad gotten himself into?
>Ask about the pay, how much is in the purse and how much remains?
>Refuse, this sounds like shady business. Cipherous ink is used to secure official documents, duplicating it is a crime

OOC: Taking a lunch break brb. Also sorry for showing up so late today, didn't get much sleep on the flight and collapsed as soon as I got home.

>>2414125
>She could have stolen it without the thieves knowing.
Eh? They took it from our pocket after stabbing us. They knew we had it presumably because the guy who gave it to us had been flashing it around and they shook him down for it. It wasn't found in the cave because no-one was looking for it.

>>2414620
>>Ask more details about the job, what exactly has Toad gotten himself into?
We owe him one

>>2414620
>Ask more details about the job, what exactly has Toad gotten himself into?

>We're gonna do it eitherway, We owe him that much.

>>2414620
>Ask more details about the job, what exactly has Toad gotten himself into?
I mean I'm not saying no, just got to cover our bases

>>2414620
>Ask more details about the job, what exactly has Toad gotten himself into?

>>2414620
>Accept the cash, make no questions. You owe him this.

>>2414620
>Accept the cash, make no questions. You owe him this.
He's a good lad

>>2414620
>Ask more details about the job, what exactly has Toad gotten himself into?
We could maybe make it decay after a month it something, if he wants to screw over the people who are making him do this.

>>2414620
Accept cash. No questions.

>>2414620
>"Fuck the silvers, I owe you. What do you need?"

>>2414636
>>2414643
>>2414646
>>2414651
>>2414665

>>2414620

You reach for the purse as though you're about to take it and then simply sweep it aside. "I owe you, Toad. Whatever you need, I'm at your service."

He doesn't smile (he never does, except when Lily is around) but his eyes soften a little. "I appreciate the thought, Seabass, but I know you need the money--"

"So do you."

"Let me finish. You'll need the money for supplies. And don't worry about me." He slips another apple slice into his mouth. "I'm getting mine."

"What exactly is the job?"

He looks away and folds his hands. "Like I said. Don't worry about it."

"Don't patronize me, Toad. What you're asking me to do is illegal--and I'll do it don't misunderstand, but if you're in any kind of trouble, if I can help--"

"I just need the ink. And your discretion. Look in the bag." He slides the purse back to you.

"Toad."

"Look in the bag." He says.

You open up the purse and lay the coins out. It's all sovereigns.

>3d8 gold coins
>12 gold coins

Rolled 7, 8, 1 = 16 (3d8)

>>2414885
hope this is good

Rolled 4, 5, 8 = 17 (3d8)

>>2414885

Rolled 6, 5, 2 = 13 (3d8)

>>2414885

Rolled 6, 7, 5 = 18 (3d8)

>>2414885

Rolled 4, 4, 5 = 13 (3d8)

>>2414885

Rolled 2, 5, 4 = 11 (3d8)

>>2414885

>>2414900
Bretty decent

>>2414899

>16

You count the coins moving them from one pile to another with held breath. 16 sovereigns in all. 160 silver. 2 months rent. More money than you've ever seen in one place at one time.

"That's half. Once the job is done, I'll get the other half." Says Toad.

"Toad, this is...this is incredible. How? Should I be worried?"

"No. And I know how it seems. Easy money. Not exactly in line with the law. But trust me when I tell you, it's a one time gig. Nothing to worry about."

"OK. What exactly will I be doing?"

"So you're on board then?" He leans forward.

"Yeah I'm just not sure I need this much." You put the coins back in the bag. "I mean an ink kit only costs a few silver and I can rent some stuff from Gunter for the analysis. It shouldn't be more than a 2 or 3 gold, at most."

"Don't be stupid, Seabass. Take the money. You'll need it. I couldn't get the gem back right? So at least take it for that." You try and protest but he lays his hand softly on the table, indicating he's not going to hear any more argument. "You visit the temple yet?" He asks, and his grating voice takes on a softness which is at once pleasant and unsettling.

You shake your head. "It's two days from now." You say, quietly.

"So you'll need it then. I'll come by tonight with the original. Make sure you have everything set up because this is a time sensitive job. You'll only have access to the original till the morning. Can you handle that?"

>Take the coins and accept--it'll be cutting it close but you're confident you can do it
>That's too short a time, ask if there's anyway you can get an extension.

>>2414996
>>Take the coins and accept--it'll be cutting it close but you're confident you can do it

>>2414996
>Take the coins and accept--it'll be cutting it close but you're confident you can do it

>>2414996
>>Take the coins and accept--it'll be cutting it close but you're confident you can do it
We'll have to focus on nothing but that until the job is done. Then we can finally get our PTSD elf some shoes.

>>2415002
We could give nina some coins and ask her to buy the elf some shoes.

>>2414996
>Take the coins and accept--it'll be cutting it close but you're confident you can do it

>>2414996
>>Take the coins and accept--it'll be cutting it close but you're confident you can do it

>>2414996

>Take the coins and accept--it'll be cutting it close but you're confident you can do it

>>2415005
We could. We'll also have to pay her back someway for saving our ass from bleeding to death and stitching us up. Maybe the little brat neighbor too.

>>2414996
>>Take the coins and accept--it'll be cutting it close but you're confident you can do it
Time to get our serious face on.

>>2414996
>Take the coins and accept--it'll be cutting it close but you're confident you can do it

>>2415005
She's tailor right? She might have shoes for sale

>>2415033
Yeah, but we want some hardy boots for the elf, not the cloth slippers Nina would make.

>>2414999
>>2415001
>>2415002

>>2414996

Toad gets up, already knowing the answer before you can give it. "I'll be here around 9 PM with the ink. Be ready." He smacks your arm, takes out his pipe from his pouch and lights it with a word.

"You want me to call a carriage?" He asks.

"Yeah I'll be right down. For three." You say.

"For two. I'm not going to town. Not with a carriage anyway." He takes a deep puff of smoke and sends it out through his nostrils.

You nod and head to your closet to get a change of clothes. You ponder if you should bring Leia with you, she needs shoes and socks (the stockings Nina made for her are hardly enough to protect her feet, and rather unbecoming of a slave). You might also take this chance to exchange that insect book and buy a few new ones to boot. Maybe something on language so you can start teaching Leia your tongue and learning hers.

You'll also have to save some of the gold for the temple, half should be more than enough. That leaves 8 sovereigns for both the job and whatever else you might need. Your good on food and rent for this month and Nina promised she'd get you a discount for next month's payment. And you still have the money you'll get from the potion sales--you're finally in a good position.

You just have to make sure you don't mess this up.

You put on your boots and overcoat. The decision remains, bring Leia or leave her? You get the feeling she might get scared if left here all alone, not even a day after she was kidnapped. And you'll have an easier time of it if she comes with you buy the shoes.

>Have her come with you
>Let her stay home, call Nina to keep her company

>>2415080
>>Have her come with you

>>2415080
>>Have her come with you

>>2415080
>Let her stay home, call Nina to keep her company

>Let her stay home, call Nina to keep her company
She can learn elvish with Leia

>>2415080
>>Have her come with you

>>2415080

>Have her come with you

>>2415080
>Have her come with you

>>2415080
>Have her come with you

>>2415080
>Let her stay home, call Nina to keep her company

>>2415080
>>Have her come with you
Well, might as well.

>>2415080
>Have her come with you
What's the point of an elf slave quest without an elf?

>>2415080
>Let her stay home, call Nina to keep her company
Can't risk another elfnapping, also keep a low profile while in town and buy some new locks and a deadbolt like some anon suggested in an old thread

>>2415080
>Have her come with you

>>2415080
yo Watdo. How does Nina look? is she in her teens, twenties or thirties? cute or not?

i need to know if she's a high grade tsundere or a weird middleaged spinster

>>2415195
I'm more interested in what we did that made her want our dick so badly

>>2415195
What about a tsundere milf?

>>2415195
>Grugg take too many mushrooms
>Grugg accidentally whole multiverse

>>2415081
>>2415087
>>2415098

>>2415080

You consider having Nina come up and keep her company. It would give her a chance to learn some Elvish (though you're not sure how serious she was about that) and Leia doesn't seem to mind her nearly as much as you do. But, in the end, she'll have to come with you if you're going to buy her shoes. Urist, the cobbler, is a stingy little dwarf who doesn't believe in the concept of returns, you'll have to get it right the first time.

You call her and she's at your side immediately. You can sense a hint of unease, which quickly transforms to eagerness once she realizes she's going with you. Maybe you'll stop by Rose's again, she enjoyed her noodles last time. Bah, you're becoming sentimental. She's just six sovereigns, you have nearly 3 times that in your pocket.

"Hello!" You are startled by the source of the Elvish. It's Nina, waiting by the stairs. "Did I say it right?" She asks.

"Elongate the vowel more."

"Like this? Helloooo"

"Close enough."

She follows you to the door. "You're heading for the market again? I thought you only go once a month?"

"Something came up."

"Oh. Well, I was going to go too, but if you're going do you think you can do me a favor?" She doesn't even let you answer before she starts listing out her demands. "Some new cloth shipments came in for me. You know Urist right? He has them. I just need you pick them up for me. And also some buttons and sequins, just mention my name, he'll know which ones. You'll have to buy them, but I'll pay you when you get back or do you need the money now? Oh! And can you get me some of that spicy clay roasted chicken? I haven't had that in ages. And make sure they don't make it too spicy, I don't want to have a stomachache. It was awful last time. But so delicious!"

"Nina I--"

"OK thanks, I have to go. Really busy today!" She laughs and then slips away before you can get in another word. You close your open mouth and mutter dread curses upon the woman that saved your life. Toad has a carriage standing ready. Leia gets in first and then Toad, holds you back a second to talk.

"How is she really?" The surprise must be apparent on your face because he adds "I don't really care, I just don't want the effort to go to waste."

"She's...still a little shaken up. But I think that's more from her past than anything else. Thanks for getting her back."

"She got a name now?"

"Leia."

His eyes narrow and he bites down hard on the pipe. "That supposed to be a joke?" He says. Shit. Now you remember where you heard the name.

1/2

>>2415217
Grugg make fire that make world change

File: Carriage.jpg (264 KB, 1536x963)

264 KB JPG

>>2415233
"No. It was just--it was the first thing that came to mind. I didn't know--I mean I forgot--I mean--I-I'll change it to something else."

He pinches the tip of his nose and lets out a breath of smoke. "No. It's fine. It's not a name I was expecting to hear again, is all. You call her whatever you want." He pats your arm again. "Stay safe, Seabass. Don't make me break my promise to your dad."

"Yeah. That goes double for you Toad, Lily is counting on you."

He grunts and closes the carriage door and you take off. As before, your slave glues her face to the carriage window marveling at all the flashing sights. You decide to use the time more constructively.

>Make a mental plan of the stores you'll visit and the stuff you need to buy to speed up the shopping
>Mentally rehearse your bartering strategy so you can get the best possible deal
>Just enjoy the view with your Elf

>>2415245
>Mentally rehearse your bartering strategy so you can get the best possible deal

>>2415245
>Make a mental plan of the store you'll visit and the stuff you need to buy to speed up the shopping
BUY SOME NEW FUCKING LOCKS AND A DEADBOLT NIGGA

>>2415195
I like to imagine her as the smug Wendy's mascot.

>>2415245
>Make a mental plan of the stores you'll visit and the stuff you need to buy to speed up the shopping

>>2415245
>>Mentally rehearse your bartering strategy so you can get the best possible deal

>>2415233
>Urist
>Dwarf
Iseewhatyoudidthere

>>2415245
>Mentally rehearse your bartering strategy so you can get the best possible deal

>>2415245
>Make a mental plan of the stores you'll visit and the stuff you need to buy to speed up the shopping
We have limited time to prepare

>>2415245
>Make a mental plan of the stores you'll visit and the stuff you need to buy to speed up the shopping

>>2415261
kek
That's perfect.

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69 KB JPG

>>2415407
>>2415261
>>2415195

I approve of this.

>>2415255

Get this stuffff.... And a freaking magical lightning bolt ward for the next time!

File: Urist.jpg (76 KB, 680x1047)

76 KB JPG

>>2415253
>>2415255
>>2415269
>>2415323
>>2415350

>>2415245

You make a mental plan of your shopping trip, the stores you're going to visit, in what order and a mental list of exactly what you're planning to buy. First things first, you need to get the shoes. Without them Leia will have to walk around on the rough ground on her bare feet (and you still feel a little guilty for making her do this when you first bought her). Second, you'll pick up all the stuff for Nina, the buttons the sequins, and the cloth.

Third you'll break for some lunch at Rose's place, head for Gunters to get the equipment you need, then head to Mam's bookshop to see about exchanging Entomon Politismos. You might also buy that damned chicken Nina wanted, if you find it. Oh, and you should probably buy a good lock and deadbolt from the locksmith. Finally you'll have to take a carriage to the main governmental office to purchase the ink kits and from there, head home.

The dust and tarps of the market come into view as the carriage pulls in. You pay driver your last silver only to find out that Toad already paid for you, bless his heart.

Urist's shop is sandwiched between two larger buildings: an inn and what appears to be some kind of brothel (which wasn't there the last time you were here). The ladies-in-waiting make eyes at you and giggle as you pass by and--as much as you admire their occupational enthusiasm--you're in no mood for tricks today. The same cannot be said for the numerous adventures going in and out of the establishment (and probably other things)

The cobbler's shop itself has a wooden sign with chipped paint hanging by the door. Someone has scratched out the "s" and "t" and replaced them with "ne", so that it now reads "Urine's Shoes". The interior is thin and long, almost like a hallway, with shoe racks along the walls and a small workbench in the very back, where the titular dwarf labors with uncanny mastery over his craft.

It's dark inside the shop. The windows at the side are blocked by the two buildings and there's no other source of light but the front window, no candles, no torches or lanterns. The dwarf has no need of them and the dark and slightly damp environment, smelling of old socks and mothballs, probably reminds him of home.

"Hello?" You call out. "Urist?"

"No Elves!" He says, halting his work only enough to give your slave a hateful glare. "Thieving little Elvies. Get it out! Out!"

He waves his little hammer in the air. Even in the low light you can his features outlined in red fury "Out!" He screams.

>Try to calm him down. Explain that she's your slave, she's not going to steal anything, you're actually here to buy something for her.
>Tell your Elf to wait by the door while you talk to him
>Refuse to budge, if he wants your business the Elf stays. The only way to deal with a dwarf is to match his stubbornness

>>2415519
>Try to calm him down. Explain that she's your slave, she's not going to steal anything, you're actually here to buy something for her.

>>2415519
>Try to calm him down. Explain that she's your slave, she's not going to steal anything, you're actually here to buy something for her.

>>2415519
>>Try to calm him down. Explain that she's your slave, she's not going to steal anything, you're actually here to buy something for her.

>>2415519
>Refuse to budge, if he wants your business the Elf stays. The only way to deal with a dwarf is to match his stubbornness
>Ask if he thinks we're an idiot, if we were really going to have the Elf steal something would we bring her in through the front door

>>2415519
>Tell your Elf to wait by the door while you talk to him
Dont waste time

>>2415519
>Try to calm him down. Explain that she's your slave, she's not going to steal anything, you're actually here to buy something for her.

>>2415568
I don't think we're ready to let the Elf out of our sight unattended for a while after what happened last night

>>2415526
>>2415528
>>2415535

>>2415519

"She's just my slave Urist. She's not going to steal anything." You say. Your Elf hides behind you, to avoid the dwarf's evil eye.

Urist doesn't reply, there's only the sound of his hammer and his shears and his sewing machine moving through the leather.

"Urist you know me. Have I ever done anything to suggest I'd bring a thief through the front door?"

Now he pauses his work and you can see him wipe his bushy brows.

>Roll 1d20 to see how Urist reacts

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>2415587

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>2415587

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2415587

>>2415590
Well, that’s not great. At least he probably won’t smite us with his hammer.

>>2415589
>>2415590
>>2415592

>6, 11, 3: 0 Success

"Elvies always steal!" He says. "Get out! Out, out, out!" He points his hammer at the door. He's inconsolable, maybe it was just a bad day or maybe he hates elves even more than Toad does, but either way you're not going to be buying any shoes here with Leia in the room.

You head back outside. You don't have time to look around at the other shops. You have to get everything ready by the time Toad shows up with the ink. The analysis will take time and you can't waste any of it setting up the equipment. What to do?

>Tell Leia to outside deal with the dwarf, it'll probably cost you extra now that you've angered him but its better than wandering
>Grab Nina's stuff then look for another shop, one less discriminatory
>Forget the shoes and Nina's requests and head for Gunters

>>2415641
>Grab Nina's stuff then look for another shop, one less discriminatory

>>2415641
>>Grab Nina's stuff then look for another shop, one less discriminatory

>>2415641
>>Tell Leia to outside deal with the dwarf, it'll probably cost you extra now that you've angered him but its better than wandering
We dont have time it says so in the update

>>2415641
>Grab Nina's stuff then look for another shop, one less discriminatory

>>2415641
>Tell Leia to outside deal with the dwarf, it'll probably cost you extra now that you've angered him but its better than wandering

bleh
let's not take unnecessary risks.

>>2415641
>Grab Nina's stuff then look for another shop, one less discriminatory

>>2415641
>>Tell Leia to outside deal with the dwarf, it'll probably cost you extra now that you've angered him but its better than wandering


Lets say we are buying shoes for nina and thats it.

>>2415647
>>2415655
>>2415668

>>2415641

You tell your Elf to wait outside for a moment, while you duck back inside the shop to grab Nina's things. Three bolts of dyed cloth and a bag of assorted buttons and sequins (which you have to pay 3 silver for). The dwarf is not much more accommodating but he relinquishes the items quickly, so as to be rid of you.

Your Elf is waiting for you outside, still barefooted. "Come. Stay close." She obeys and you spend more than an hour searching for a place that has shoes that are both affordable and which actually fit her feet (a surprisingly rare combination). Finally you find a small clothing shop that specializes in restoring old clothes and shoes with magic and then custom fitting them to the buyers specifications.

You Elf wanders the store wide-eyed at all the different variety of dresses and dress shirts, coats and scarves, bows and bowties. You even catch her playing with a red, slik ribbon, dragging it across her cheek and feeling its smoothness and a rare smile breaking on her face from the sensation. You can't help but smile yourself when you see it (though she hastily puts both the ribbon and the smile away the moment she notices your gaze).

It seems the store was opened only recently and that the proprietor is actually a former adventurer (it turns out they're not all bad). You can pretty much buy whatever is in the store and he can use his magic to make sure it fits. It's a small selection admittedly, but a diverse one.

>Just a pair of work boots in the Elf's size
>Let the owner advise you on what will be best, you just need something that will protect her feet
>A pair of comfortable leather shoes, boots might be overkill

>>2415742
>Let the owner advise you on what will be best, you just need something that will protect her feet

>>2415742
>Let the owner advise you on what will be best, you just need something that will protect her feet
If they're an adventurer they'll know about shoes that are sturdy but comfortable.

>>2415742
>>Let the owner advise you on what will be best, you just need something that will protect her feet

>>2415742
>Let the owner advise you on what will be best, you just need something that will protect her feet

>>2415742
>Let the owner advise you on what will be best, you just need something that will protect her feet

>>2415742
>>Let the owner advise you on what will be best, you just need something that will protect her feet
i think he will try to sell us something enchanted that might resist a dragon's firebreath or some shit, but its worth a try.

>>2415742
>>Let the owner advise you on what will be best, you just need something that will protect her feet, also get the red ribbon

>>2415745
>>2415747
>>2415754
>>2415755

>>2415742

You ask the owner, a named Stanley ("but I prefer Stan") for his opinion. He's a stylish, deep-voiced fellow, around your age, maybe a little older and very much a contradiction of the typical, pale-skinned, spectacled, knobby-kneed Academy graduate. Granted, he's a dropout but exposure to the elements of the wild has tanned him and put muscle on his bones. Even you must admit he possess a kind of rugged charm that you've often heard Nina talk about in her wistful fantasies. Maybe you ought to introduce her to him.

"It's for her is it? Very good. Come here love, let's have a look." He waves to your Elf and she looks to you for permission which you give readily.

He has her sit down on a bench and then carefully examines her feet, not uttering a single word about the disfigurement (which shames Leia so much that, unable to hide her feet, she hides her face in her hands), but merely taking measurements with a caliper. Once he's finished he takes you aside.

"Those are acid wounds right?" He asks, putting the caliper in his breast pocket and then taking off his top hat.

"That's right. I-I didn't do that by the way. That was her former master."

"No you don't seem the type." He says, flashing a dazzling array of straight perfect teeth. "Well what exactly are you looking for?"

"Something comfortable, so she can walk without hurting. And something durable, long-lasting and...well, cheap."

He nods. "I think have just the ticket. It's a bit more pricey than the usual fare, but I think you'll like it." He climbs a ladder and brings down a pair of dainty leather shoes, dyed a light blue and glowing with faint enchantment. "I made these myself. The inside has been enchanted with an air spirit. It feels as though your stepping on a cloud. Try it, put your hand in there." He grabs your hand and slips into the shoe before you can protest.

It's an unreal softness, an all surrounding softness, the softness of a baby's stomach or a first kiss. "The inside constantly airs itself out, so no worry about sweat or moisture that might exacerbate the condition. And I'll even throw in a lifetime guarantee, if anything happens to shoe come back and I'll fix it for free. Just because she's so darn pretty." He flashes that smile again. If you were a woman you probably would've fallen for him by now.

"How much?"

"15 silver."

>Haggle him down, that's an outrageous price even for this
>No sense in ruining what could be the beginning of a useful friendship with bartering
>It's a nice shoe, too nice. She's a slave, just get her something cheap.

>>2415853
>>Haggle him down, that's an outrageous price even for this
Is it even that durable? She's gonna be working in an alchemist lab. Will the shoe survive getting random solvents spilled on it?

>>2415853
>No sense in ruining what could be the beginning of a useful friendship with bartering
I will always fall for lifetime guarantee meme

>>2415861
The lifetime guarantee presumably takes care of the durability issue. Otherwise it's as durable as your average leather shoe.

>>2415866
Still a waste of time if we have to constantly stop what we're doing to get it repaired because it breaks.

>>2415853
>No sense in ruining what could be the beginning of a useful friendship with bartering

>>2415853
>No sense in ruining what could be the beginning of a useful friendship with bartering

>>2415853
>No sense in ruining what could be the beginning of a useful friendship with bartering
First we buy some stuff full price, then later on we'll be in a better position to haggle.

>>2415853
>>No sense in ruining what could be the beginning of a useful friendship with bartering

>>2415853
>>No sense in ruining what could be the beginning of a useful friendship with bartering

>>2415853
>No sense in ruining what could be the beginning of a useful friendship with bartering
Worth it if he's serious about the garauntee

>>2415864
>>2415886
>>2415894
>>2415897

>>2415853

"You certainly don't have any want for charm, Stan. I'll take them and I'll hold you to that guarantee."

He claps your back. "You won't regret it, Seabass. Let me just get these fitted, won't be a minute." He heads to the back of the shop while you return to your Elf (who is now sitting cross-legged in an attempt to hide her feet again).

"M-Master I don't need shoes." She says.

"What? Why not?"

"I can just paint my feet. My old master didn't like looking at my feet so he made me paint them every day. B-but sometimes...I didn't do a good enough job, s-so...". She trails off looking into the distance. "B-but I promise I'll do better this time. You won't ever see my feet, I know they're ugly to look at, but I promise I'll do a good job."

"But you still in pain." You say, quietly. She has no immediate reply.

But M-Master will have to spend more money. On me. I already have enough. She shakes her head. Too much. I know Master likes money. So, I can take it. This much--this much doesn't hurt at all."

It is this moment that Stan chooses to return with the shoes, his smile full out like a miniature sun.

>Tell her to stop talking nonsense and put on the shoes and meet you outside
>Buy that ribbon she was playing with earlier and give it to her, what kind of Master does she think you are? You're not a cheapskate, just economical.

>>2415974
>>Tell her to stop talking nonsense and put on the shoes and meet you outside
It's not "like money" it's "doesn't want to spend it on useless things"
Shoes are not useless. If you hurt your feet, you can't work.

>>2415974
>Buy that ribbon she was playing with earlier and give it to her, what kind of Master does she think you are? You're not a cheapskate, just economical.

>>2415974
>Buy that ribbon she was playing with earlier and give it to her, what kind of Master does she think you are? You're not a cheapskate, just economical.
Also explain that one of the reasons its taking so long for her feat to heal is because she doesn't have any shoes to protect them in her day to day life.

>>2415974
>Buy that ribbon she was playing with earlier and give it to her, what kind of Master does she think you are? You're not a cheapskate, just economical.

>Explain this thing called Economics to her.

>>2415974

>Tell her to stop talking nonsense and put on the shoes and meet you outside

>>2415974
>>Buy that ribbon she was playing with earlier and give it to her, what kind of Master does she think you are? You're not a cheapskate, just economical.

>>2415996
Teach her about the D(emand)

>>2415974
>>Tell her to stop talking nonsense and put on the shoes and meet you outside.
Ok, lets put it in terms she can digest, since she's not used to this amount of kindness
"But you are an investment. If you keep working with your feet like that, sooner or later that inflammation will become a disease. A desease that will cost me more than the amount of money i'm using right now. So think it this way: its not for your well being, its for my financial future."
why not instead of buying the ribbon, we get one from nina?

>>2415974
>Tell her to stop talking nonsense and put on the shoes and meet you outside

>>2415974
>Tell her to stop talking nonsense and put on the shoes and meet you outside

>>2415974
>>Buy that ribbon she was playing with earlier and give it to her, what kind of Master does she think you are? You're not a cheapskate, just economical.

>>2415974
>Buy that ribbon she was playing with earlier and give it to her, what kind of Master does she think you are? You're not a cheapskate, just economical
then
>Tell her to stop talking nonsense and put on the shoes and meet you outside

I can't see why we can't do both...

>>2415974

>>2415978
>>2415987
>>2415990
>>2415996
>>2416001
>>2416004
>>2416012
>>2416030
>>2416036
>>2416038
>>2416063

You stand up and clear your throat. If you ever find this man, this creature that did these things to your slave...you sigh. You look down at the Elf, wringing her hands and trying to not look back.

"Put the shoes on her." You tell Stan. "Wait for me outside once he's finished." You tell Leia. And on a whim you fly to the corner of the store that holds all the headwear. Top hats, summer hats, headbands, bows...and ribbons. You grab the red one she was playing with earlier from a stand near the back and return to Stan.

"How much for this?" You ask him. He takes one look at it and quotes you a price of a 15 copper pennies. You hand him two sovereigns from your bag and he returns 3 silver pieces and a half-silver dollar.

Your slave is testing her new shoes. Bending her knees and pressing down on the soles of her feet, even doing little hops on the street.

"It hurt now?" You ask. She yelps in surprise and quickly turns around.

"M-Master!" She shakes her head, wringing her hands, clutching them to her chest.. "You didn't have to do this. Really."

You raise your voice a little. "Stop nonsense! I do it because... You can't remember the word for economics. And such complex ideas are hard to explain with your limited vocabulary anyway. "If no shoes, your feet get worse. Then you get sick. What I tell you?"

"M-Master has no use for a sick slave." She says.

"That's right. So I buy shoes. Now your feet get better." You draw closer to her. "And one more thing. I not "like" money, I just not like wasting money. Here. You hand her the ribbon. She goes rigid, completely frozen. You grab her hand and place the ribbon in it. "I told you I not like old master. Just do good job, like you doing so far OK?"

She is clutching the ribbon so hard her knuckles are turning red. She nods hard. "I promise I won't let you down, Master." She says. Her voice is scratchy and she is trying hard to keep it from breaking.

"Good. Come."

>Break for lunch
>You've lost enough time with shoe shopping, head for Gunter's

>>2416142
>>You've lost enough time with shoe shopping, head for Gunter's
We can eat later. Toad depends on us.

We should also see if we can train her to be our bodyguard. seeing that she is completely loyal to us and stuff, it might be a good investment for us.

>>2416142
>>You've lost enough time with shoe shopping, head for Gunter's

>>2416142
>You've lost enough time with shoe shopping, head for Gunter's

>>2416149
I doubt that ,in her current state, she could protect or pose a threat to anyone

>>2416142
Also this is adorable

>>2416142
>You've lost enough time with shoe shopping, head for Gunter's

>>2416158
this wouldn't be a one day thing of course. but its something we should have in mind. Specially after the things that happened some days ago.

>>2416142
>>You've lost enough time with shoe shopping, head for Gunter's

>>2416149
She's kinda a waif. To weak and small for combat.
Unless we put her in the River Tam school for little girls.

>>2416149
>>2416158
>>2416171
Maybe just try and get her to learn some self-defense stuff just in case someone tries to fuck with her when we aren't there

>>2416149
>>2416151
>>2416155

>>2416142

You would have liked to break for lunch, and your tongue waters from the mere thought of Rose's noodles but you have no time. You make for Gunter's instead. As usual you find him reclined on his hammock, swatting away errant flies with a paper fan. The moment he sees you he bounces to his feet.

"Seabass! Back so soon? Didn't expect you till next month."

"I came into some money." You say.

"Well fuck me sideways, that's music to my fucking ears, Seabass. It almost makes the heat and the flies bearable. What can I do you for today? Oh and I see the little miss is with you too, and looking fine. I see you bought her nice clothes. And here I thought you weren't a romantic, Seabass. You're just full of surprises." He grins at you, bracing his massive bulk on the stall.

"It has nothing to do with romance. It just looks bad on me if my slave is walking around in rags." You mutter.

"Mm-hmm. This guy treating you alright? Oh, she doesn't understand a word I'm saying does she? Fuckin' a, Seabass, you hit the jackpot. A pretty little girl that does whatever you say and can't even yak. I'd get one myself, if my wife wasn't the jealous type." He belts out a laugh that scares away a flock of birds gathered by some discarded food cartons.

>Ask if he still has that Chimia Alembic
>Get straight to business, what does he have in the way of alchemical analysis?

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>>2416171
with proper training she could go from left to right and also learn how to not get kidnapped and learn how to stop any perpetrator from stabbing us again.

...i just don't want us to get stabbed again and give some confidence to the poor thing.

>>2416200
>>Ask if he still has that Chimia Alembic
>>Get straight to business, what does he have in the way of alchemical analysis?
they don't contradict each other.

>>2416200
>>Ask if he still has that Chimia Alembic
I forget what it does, but i remember it was cool.

Gonna be honest, I still only ever see Seabass as perpetually wearing a plague doctor's mask.

>>2416200
>Get straight to business, what does he have in the way of alchemical analysis?

>>2416200
>Ask if he still has that Chimia Alembic

>>2416221
If you had chosen the Seabass route last session he would revealed that he possesses pic related.

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>>2416228
Forgot pic of course.

>>2416228
>>2416231
>Note to self, never not take the Seabass route from now on

>>2416231
>I'll gas their whole base, that'll teach'em!
>You'll kill the elf too
>Hmm, perhaps this was unwise

>>2416240
Easily fixed by getting the Elf her own gas mask as well.

>>2416240
>not making a poison that all elves are naturally immune to

>>2416231
Fuck, can we retcon? I want the punished plague doctor route.

>>2416252
Maybe once our elf gets maimed by some horrific villain

>>2416252
Get the doctor a mask that circulates painkillers through his body and it might happen ... for you

>>2416255
I'd rather no maiming be involved. Elf has been tortured enough.

>>2416200
>>Get straight to business, what does he have in the way of alchemical analysis?

>>2416264
If I pull that off, would you die?

>>2416206 the problem is she isn't starting from the left the problem is she's starting out probably 90 lb at the same height. She is both an elf which means she's going to be willowy and malnourished

>>2416275
it would be extremely painful

>>2416287
U U
U U

>>2416200
>>Get straight to business, what does he have in the way of alchemical analysis?

>>2416216
>>2416218
>>2416223
>>2416227
>>2416227

"That Chimia Alembic--"

"--has been sold. Told you it was a hot item. Someone bought it the very next day." He yawns and wipes his eyes. "I do have some regular ol' knockoffs. No dwarven glass of course, but they heat pretty even." He starts taking out various sized alembics but, frankly, you had your heart set on the Chimia and anything else just pales in comparison.

"Who bought it?"

"I did, or one of my students."

You turn around and the sight of this man is so vile to you, so repulsive that you have to utilize all the will in your body to resist the powerful primal impulse to punch him right in the nose and just keep punching him until either the bone caves in or your wrist breaks.

"Lawson." You say, trying not to regurgitate bile from the sheer utterance.

He sneers. "Still trying to play alchemist Sebastian? Children are supposed grow out of pretend, you know?" He makes a sniffing sound, tilting his chin slightly upward and flaring his nostrils. "People like you really disgust me, you know? Like, you're a hazard to the people you service you know? Untrained, unschooled..." He does that disgusting pig-like sniff again. "Unwashed. A low born orphan gutter scum pretending he can actually brew anything beyond tea--laughable! Absolutely laughable, you know? Right? You agree with me, Gunter, right?"

Gunter doesn't say anything. He can't. Lawson is the only son of Supreme Viceroy Antipater, leader of the whole town. He's also an fully licensed alchemist and would be something of a rival if he didn't so thoroughly outclass you in every way. Top of his class at the Academy, earned his license not by the routine three-phase qualifying exam, but by making a significant breakthrough in the Alkahest paradox, enough that the headmasters awarded him the license a year early. He went on to a do stint at Chimia, the youngest Alchemist ever to do so, and then left to go south and study with the Southern masters. You're not even sure why he's in this town, probably by his father's request, but he showed up around the same time you did, and delights in harassing you. He's attempted to run you out of business several times (and you're sure the Basilisk fiasco was in part his doing), though he's not been successful thus far.

You don't know why he hates you so much. Maybe its just sport. Or maybe he's just an asshole. In your case, you have ample reason to hate him. His bald bulbous head swivels to your slave, who in all this time seemed to have reduced her entire world to the ribbon you gave her and her own golden hair. She's done nothing but try different knots and arrangements with the ribbon, now making it like a headband, now tying her hair in a ponytail, now making a bun.

1/2

>>2416416
"What in god's good name is this?" He asks, loping over to her. She shrinks back instantly, taken out of her reverie. Lawson starts to laugh. "You bought yourself a slave Sebastian? My god, what? What was it? Did you just get so lonely that you couldn't take it anymore? Did the poor little orphan gutter scum feel sad?" He leans in to your face until you can smell his clothes. Some kind of musk. Probably his own make. You hate it. "You should've just offed yourself, you know?" He whispers. "Like your parents." He draws back and smirks at you.

"Don't Seabass." Says Gunter. You take a deep breath. He wants you to hit him. He does this every time, because he knows the moment you lose control he has you. Forever. You'll be looking through bars for the rest of your life.

You look down at the floor.

"Yeah don't Seabass. God forbid you grow a pair." He laughs again. You just have to wait it out. He'll get bored eventually. He starts poking your ear. "Hey. Hey. Hey!" He starts pulling on it, hard. "Look at me gutter scum." You try and resist. This is a mistake. "Oh ho, what's this? You forgot your place, Sebastian?"

He releases you. "Gunter. Give me everything. I'll buy it all." Your heart drops.

"E-everything? Are you sure?"

He drops a sack onto the table. The coins are bulging out of it, too big to be sovereigns. The wrong color. Platinum royals. You don't think you've ever even seen one of those before.

"That should be enough right?"

Gunter cannot do anything. It's a fair purchase, more than generous, and to refuse the sale would only land him in hot water with the Trade Authority. "Y-yes." He mutters.

"Good. See Sebastian, that's the difference between you and me. But I tell you what. I'm feeling generous. How about you get down on your knees and kiss my boot, in front of your little Elf here so she understand exactly the kind of man you are and I'll reconsider my purchase."

There are other alchemy shops in town, but few of them will sell to an unlicensed alchemist--and certainly not at a reasonable price and Lawson knows this. You can feel a hot lump start to form in your throat.

"Oh! Double points if you cry. Go on, little orphan, cry. Wash my boot with your little tears. Go on."

>Swallow your pride and do it, Toad is counting on you
>Refuse and try your luck at another place

>>2416425
>Swallow your pride and do it, Toad is counting on you

>>2416425
>>Refuse and try your luck at another place

>>2416425
>>Refuse and try your luck at another place
shit, i wanna make a rebuttal, but nothing comes to my mind.
>>2416432
fuck you.

OOC: Gonna grab something to eat brb

>>2416425
>Refuse and try your luck at another place

Fuck this guy

>>2416425
>>Refuse and try your luck at another place

>>2416425
>>Refuse and try your luck at another place

>>2416416
>His bald bulbous head swivels to your slave, who in all this time seemed to have reduced her entire world to the ribbon you gave her and her own golden hair. She's done nothing but try different knots and arrangements with the ribbon, now making it like a headband, now tying her hair in a ponytail, now making a bun.
How disgustingly adorable.

>>2416425
>Refuse and try your luck at another place
And the moment is ruined, what a cunt.

>>2416425
Go bother someone else if you are looking to buy some dignity, mines not for sale even if your sorely need it.

>>2416425
>Refuse and try your luck at another place
you kidding me? This is amazing for Gunter, don't cheat him outta this. We've got enough money to lay low and read books/experiment with small samples anyway.

>>2416425
>>Refuse and try your luck at another place
The extra costs will be worth it

Just an off-reminder whichever happens:

We probably don't want Lawson seeing us buy anything related to illegally copying ink. He could have us imprisoned instantly.

>>2416425

>>2416463
THIS
DO IT WATDO

>>2416483
well shit fair point. I'll change mine then too

>Refuse and try your luck at another place
And this
>>2416463

>>2416425
>Refuse and try your luck at another place

Place your bets on how much he's connected to the shit Toad's gotta deal with.

>>2416425
"I'll never understand you, Lawson. Are your skills so inferior that you need to come to me to find someone you're able to look down upon?"
>Refuse and try your luck at another place

File: seabass.jpg (54 KB, 426x480)

54 KB JPG

>>2416425
>>2416488
>>2416463

dew it

if we sneeze in his face, could we get away with it?
"sorry, i'm allergic to asshole"

>>2416463
supportan

add: "What do you get out of this? Who hurt you? What are you lacking that makes this feel good?"

>>2416425
>Refuse and try your luck at another place
>I guess brewing a potion that gives you a decent personality is still beyond you.

>>2416568
no
>>2416576
yes

>>2416463
Do this. Then dab.

>>2416646
>Dab.
What a pleb. The manly way is to russian dance our way out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-Y7oKPdV70

>>2416463
+1

>>2416425
So how do we off this guy without it being connected to us? And maybe get all his equipment cheap at an estate sale?

He's waiting for you, his left leg a little out, a little covered with mud and dust. The smirk you hate is on his face, the thin delicate veins on his bald head clearly visible on the pale skin. You go to one knee.

"That's right. That's it. Watch him Elf. Watch what your master really is."

But she doesn't understand. She thinks you've hurt yourself and keeps asking if you're OK and trying to lend her shoulder. If you do this you help Toad. You need to do this for him. And then you wonder, whether he would approve, and then you know absolutely, that he would never approve of anything like this. That he would rather you let him die than that you would submit in this way to save him.

"I can't do this." You say and get back up.

"What?" For once, Lawson looks genuinely surprised. You relish the moment, drink it in. "I'll buy everything Sebastian. That's all your business for the month. You'll starve. Your little slave will--"

You stand to full height and stare him down. He inches back, startled like a kitten.

"Buy it. Buy everything. Buy the clothes off my back too while you're at it. I can't stop you. But... while you may not have dignity Lawson, I do, and mine isn't for sale."

>Roll 1d20 to see how Lawson reacts

>>2416767
make it look like the attack on the bandit hideout was their doing and not Toad's

>>2416425
>Refuse and try your luck at another place

If another shop refuses to sell because lack of certification offer some more money to seal the transaction. If tight on the coin, don't buy the chicken for Nina.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>2416771

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2416771

>>2416771
Do we do best of three on this quest, or just the first roll? Was never very sure.

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>2416771

>>2416789
OH MAN. At least we got ONE success.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>2416771

>>2416796
I think you were one too late, senpai.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>2416771

Rolled 3 (1d20)

>>2416771

>>2416801
>>2416796
Fuck

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>all the good rolls are late
Every time.

>5, 3, 15: 1 Success

He scoffs, and unable to come up with a good retort he resorts to simple brutality. He drives his fist into your stomach three times in quick succession, hard, and you fall to your knees and taste blood. He grabs your collar and you can see Gunter about to lose all common sense and run to your aid. You wave him back. Your Elf tries in vain to release Lawson's grip and he shoves her away in annoyance but she keeps coming back, over and over until he loses his patience and just lets you go.

"I'll remember this, orphan. One of these days I'll make you learn what you are."

"We are who we choose to be Lawson." You say, groaning as you rise to your feet once again, this time a little more cautiously. "I just don't know why you choose to be an asshole."

He's livid. But there's little he can do now, there's a crowd gathering and news of the prodigy alchemist beating up some random no-name citizen won't bode well for his father. He grabs his coins and walks off without another word.

You swallow back breakfast and try to will away the pain radiating outward from your navel. "You alright, Seabass. You want I get someone?" Asks Gunter, pulling you up.

"Master are you OK?"

You spit blood on the earth. "Peachy." You say, feeling a sense of genuine elation. "Now show me what you have in the way of alchemical analysis."

"Fuckin' a Seabass I thought he was gonna kill you. You sure you're alright? Chew on this, it'll help with the nausea." He gives you a stick of cerulean cinnamon. The crowd around you has lost interest and returns to their own matters. Gunter takes out a bunch of equipment for you to look at.

"What kind of analysis are we talking?"

>Tell him about the cipherous ink, you can trust him
>The less he knows, the less risk there is overall--what is it that Toad likes to say, "We're in the risk management business"
>Tell him to show you everything, you'll make the decision yourself

>>2416788
It's best of three for all "action" type rolls and first roll for things like loot.

>>2416836
>Tell him to show you everything, you'll make the decision yourself

Never can tell just what will be useful. We might see something we can use later on.

>>2416836
>Tell him to show you everything, you'll make the decision yourself

>>2416836
>>Tell him to show you everything, you'll make the decision yourself
Maybe we'll even see something neat to buy, which also throws him off our scent

>>2416836
>>Tell him to show you everything, you'll make the decision yourself

>>2416836
>Tell him to show you everything, you'll make the decision yourself
Buy more than just the ink stuff, we have the cash.

Also, buy some reagents that we can use for pocket sand-type self defense.

>>2416836
>Tell him to show you everything, you'll make the decision yourself

Just a quick question if anyone would be kind enough to indulge me. How does one "roll" on this board? I hardly ever visit but found this quest a few days ago, caught up from the archives Waldo had posted and am very pleased with these threads.