>>41122315
You pass Rock a bottle of Treekin brew, letting the diminutive spirit take a sip. The potion just seems to pass through their cloudy form and splashes harmlessly on the ground.
“Do you feel any different?”

-No.-

Looks like that idea was a bust but you suppose it makes sense. This potion is all about affecting the soul and Rock doesn’t have one. Though it makes you wonder how difficult it would be to make a brew designed explicitly to affect spirits. You’d think at first that soulless creatures like them would be entirely out of your balliwick but if what you’ve learned from snake blood counts for anything, you know that spirits and souls are connected in some way. Maybe not directly related but they both stem from the same common origin, the Creator, a being who may be both spirit and soul.
It bears further study at the very least.

You reach out hesitantly to pet the palm-sized spider sitting on your shoulder only for your fingers to pass through them like the potion. You can feel the dust and splintered rock, the warmth of Rock’s perpetually in-motion dust cloud. It feels almost fragile.
“You’re not in danger, are you?”

-Yes and no. This world is not for me and it resents my presence. It is a hungry place and without this halo I think I would be devoured. But I should not be in danger from creatures like you-
Of course, spirits are supposed to be invulnerable. But considering that you’ve killed two and indirectly contributed to the demise of a third, that boast rings a little hollow.
And you know Rock is vastly weakened, having dispersed most of her(?)self helping you. You’re not sure how you’re supposed to treat the spirit.

1/2

>>41122325

> It’s time to go out and explore this place. You need to find out what happened while you were in the Dreaming.

> It’s probably not urgent. More than enough time to sit around and brew a little more.

> Send Rock out to explore in your stead. If it’s dangerous they should survive better than you. Maybe

> Pray

> Call out and see if anyone answers.

> Ask about the Creator and general spirit information.

> Other

>>41122348
> It’s time to go out and explore this place. You need to find out what happened while you were in the Dreaming.

>>41122348
Try out our soulsight brew to see who is nearby

>>41122446
this

>>41122348
change >>41122415
to this >>41122446

> Use the Soulsight Brew

Now, the first thing you should probably be addressing is the fact that you have absolutely no idea where you are. The last you were aware, you were lying down in the covered wagon.
But this is a small room hewn from rock, without windows and the only light being a strange torch that sheds no heat.
No, it's not a torch, you realize as you look closer. It's a little bowl set into the wall, one that contains some sort of fungal growth that gives off a steady golden light.
Without thinking about it you reach out and take just a pinch of the stuff. It might be an interesting ingredient.

Having explored the room, the next step would be to go out the door and have a look. But you don't know where you are, anything could be out there. Knowing your luck it might be dangerous.
But considering that your pack was placed nearby, it was probably Hiss that put you here. And would Hiss really place your sleeping form somewhere dangerous?

Yeah probably, if she was mad enough.

So it might be best to do your reconnaissance in a safer fashion. You consider sending out Rock but you're still concerned about the spirit's fragility and if it just Hiss, the odds of her reacting well to an unknown spirit emerging is a real long shot.

So you just pop open your bottle of Soulsight instead and take a swig as Rock looks curiously on.

Your vision shakes, growing blurry and indistinct. Everything seems to fade away, your vision acting as if you were in soulform. You can't even see yourself anymore but you CAN see Rock, their tiny form hiding a conflagration mightier than any human soul but with a hole in the middle, a heart of void.
And as you struggle to look beyond them you realize that you can see through walls.

Well, not really. You can still see the walls, as indistinct and blurry as they seem. But you can see light penetrating them, as if they were but a thin curtain and the souls beyond torches.

1/2

>>41122748
2/2

There are many lights, many human souls in the immediate vicinity. You can see them and you can see how they all flicker in their own different ways.
And beyond them you can see another soul, one that shines brighter and more pure than anything else. You almost cannot bear to see it but against it's glow you can make out a single tortured human face orbiting it and you deem it to probably be Aashenpreet.
And if that's Aash then the murky soul next to her might be Oster. In fact, as your vision resolves further, you know it's Oster for this soul is tattered and worn, bleeding from many Hiss-inflicted wounds and drained of color.

Around them you can sense even more human souls, ones that you cannot identify. And beyond even them, at the very edges of your perception you catch a glimpse of something shadowy and small but with an entire entourage of crying faces held in thrall. Now that's a soul you can recognize without a shadow of a doubt, having both seen it and been within it before.
It's Hiss, though you don't know why she's so far away or why Oster is with Aashenpreet instead of her.

> Call out, now that you are sure you can be heard.

> Explore silently, we may be captured.

> Pray now that you know that the only people who can hear it are friendly.

> Brew

> Use a potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41122867
> Pray now that you know that the only people who can hear it are friendly.

>>41122867
> Pray now that you know that the only people who can hear it are friendly.
Can we see our wishbonds?

>>41122867
>> Pray now that you know that the only people who can hear it are friendly.

>>41122867
> Pray now that you know that the only people who can hear it are friendly.
"I'm awake"
> Give Rock a heads up about Hiss

> Pray now that you know that the only people who can hear it are friendly.

You shake your head as the soulsight begins to fade. Well, that settles that then. It's safe to pray.

You direct your thoughts out into a plea, one that should inform everyone that you're awake. And as your Soulsight fades away entirely, you're treated to a last glimpse of Hiss' soul abruptly altering direction and heading straight for you. Quite fast too.

You should probably warn Rock about her.
"Uh, hey. Did you hear that?"

-Yes. But like I said before, there's no need to pray to me. I can understand your vibrations.-

"I wasn't praying to you. I was praying to HER. Your familiar with snakes right?"

-I have never met one.-

"Well, hmm. You're about to. Just don't attack her or anything please."

You're about to say more when the door slams open with enough force to almost lift off the hinges entirely. Hiss strides through the doorway, wearing her Quedeshi form and with her face held still.
Her eyes are slits and her fangs are out.

"H-"

She reaches out and strikes you, slapping you across the cheek hard enough to twist you about and send you toppling to the ground. You spend a moment twitching bonelessly, spots breaking out all over your vision. Your whole face is numb.

"How dare you?"
A booted foot jams itself into your unprotected gut, causing you to retch and curl helplessly into a little ball.
"You idiot! You moron! You...you disobedient cur!"
Each insult is accompanied by another kick though by now you know that she's holding back. A beating like this would probably kill you if she meant it.
But that doesn't make it any less fucking painful.

"Mrnumph," you croak as Hiss kneels down beside you and grabs you, shaking you back and forth until you feel like you're about to black out again.

"I didn't know if you would ever wake up! You just drank that stupid potion and DIED! How dare you do that to me! Don't you know how I felt?"

1/2

>>41123282

In hindsight, getting Hiss' attention right away might have been a bad idea. But she won't kill you, the wish-bond prevents that. But you know and she knows that the wish-bond does not prevent violence. Particularly violence born from love.

"And what is that?"

You can barely see right now, spots of bright color and darkness obscuring your field of view. Your head is spinning and you feel sick. But even so, you have a pretty good idea about what she's referring to. It must be Rock. She'd recognize the spirit for what it was on sight, the halo can't be hidden.
"Urk," you say.

She doesn't say anything in response and you tense, preparing for another onslaught. But there's nothing.
After a minute or so you feel like you can lift your head once more.

Hiss is lying down limply beside you, her eyes staring into the middle distance. Rock is on her, the little spider sitting on her chest.
-This creature is very unpleasant-

"Sh-She's not like that normally."
It hurts to speak.
"I guess I hurt her more than I thought. And she only had one way to repay it."

-That is not appropriate behavior regardless. Who is this?-

> Just someone I know.

> A friend, believe it or not.

> My lover. It's complicated.

> My princess. It's REALLY complicated.

> Future Queen of all snakes, if you'd believe it.

> A brat, first and foremost.

> What did you do to her?

> Other

>>41123441
> My lover. It's complicated.
> Future Queen of all snakes, if you'd believe it.
> What did you do to her?

>>41123441
All of the above?

> My lover, princess and future Queen of all snakes. It's complicated.

> What did you do to her?

>>41123441
> My lover. It's complicated.
> Future Queen of all snakes, if you'd believe it.
> What did you do to her?
She must have been really worried about me.. oops

>>41123441
> My lover. It's complicated.
Very very complicated
> Future Queen of all snakes, if you'd believe it.
At least if all goes according to her plan
> What did you do to her?
And will it require healing?
Start brewing heals up

>>41123441
> A friend, believe it or not.

>>41123441
seconding
>>41123634
once round two starts they'll be in more demand than ever

>>41123634
I think we've already got an inferior heal all to drink

>>41123758
We might need more than one and those things age badly

>>41123798
I think it's only the journeyman level healing potion that loses strength over time but having extra can't hurt I guess

>>41123634
>>41123708
>>41123798

Or we could just use a wish

>>41123845
Snakes don't heal, remember? We tried with her eye?

>>41123845
I don't think she's capable of healing even if we use a wish

> My lover. It's complicated.
> Future Queen of all snakes, if you'd believe it.
> What did you do to her?

"Oi," you sound out, still rubbing your jaw. "What did you do to her?"

-She was intent upon inflicting harm so I put her to sleep. Or more accurately, a trance. Who is she-

"Uh, the future queen of Snakehome if you'd believe it. And also my girlfriend? It's really complicated."

-Is this normal behavior for mating couples?-

"Pardon?"

-The infliction of harm. It does not strike me as healthy. In multiple ways.-

"It's ah, fine I guess. It's happened before. Not this badly though."
You sit up, wincing. Fuck it hurts. You're going to be covered in bruises later. You can't believe she actually started kicking you.

-I do not understand. This one was intent on hurting you. Why defend her?-

"Because I care for her. And she cares for me. She wouldn't have done this otherwise."

-Is fighting a form of love?-

"No, that's not what I meant. It's not, it's not at all. But I know she doesn't really mean it, she just loses her temper sometimes."

-This is not right. There is something very wrong here-

"Maybe."
You pull your inferior heal-all from your pack and drink it down, letting it relieve the pain. And as you do so, you feel a strange anger welling up inside of you. Not at Hiss but at Rock.
"Either way, I didn't invite you back with me so you could judge my relationship alright?"
Your voice comes out harsher than intended.

-I still do not understand why you defend her. Has she done something to you?-

"Look, just shut it. We know what we're doing."

>Ask Rock to let her up now.

> She can probably stand to sleep it off for a bit. Brew something up.

> Let her sleep. You should talk to the others first.

> Continue to argue with Rock about what is and isn't a healthy relationship.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Make a wish (Specify)

>Other

>>41123876
>Ask Rock to let her up now.
Come stand on my shoulder and I'll introduce you properly

>>41123876
>Continue to argue with Rock about what is and isn't a healthy relationship.

>>41123876
>> Continue to argue with Rock about what is and isn't a healthy relationship.

>>41123876
"Look, mate, I already told you its complicated. Well talk about what's healthy and what's not later"
>Ask Rock to let her up now.

>>41123968
Although we do sound like an abused wife

>>41123876
>Ask Rock to let her up now.
we should apologize and tell her what happened. she must have been really freaked out about our coma

>>41123984
Domestic Abuse Quest.

>>41123984
Aren't we one?

>>41123876
>>Ask Rock to let her up now.
It fucked I know working on it.

>Ask Rock to let her up now.

"It's sort of fucked I know but look mate, it's complicated and you can't judge us or her on a first impression like that. Just let her up please, I'm sure she's cooled down a little now."

-Very well-

Rock skitters downward off her chest, ending the trance. But skittering fast enough for Hiss' eyes snap open immediately and her arm lashes out at the little spirit!
Only to pass straight through it harmlessly.

"It's alright Hiss, they're a friend. Please don't hurt it."
Or you.

She gets to her feet, her previous hostility somewhat deflated. Now she just looks tired.
"I'm not even going to ask."

"How long was I out?"

"Nearly two weeks."
What?
"We've dragged you around for two fucking weeks, constantly keeping watch, trying everything I can to wake you up, having to worry that maybe you'll never come back. Why? I told you not to drink it."

"I didn't know, really. It felt like barely an hour for me."

"An HOUR," Hiss scoffs before wrapping her arms around you. Rock rears up but there's no violence as she holds you close.
"Don't you ever do that to me again."

"It's okay, it's all okay."

"No, I mean it."
She pulls back.
"Don't ever drink that brew again."

> Promise to never drink it again.

> "It's really useful and it only hurts me. Can't we just wait a little while longer?"

> Change the subject.

> Try to make a non-answer to it.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Make a wish (Specify)

> Other

>>41124227
>> Promise to never drink it again.
>I got a nifty little spirit as a souvenir.

>>41124227
> Promise to never drink it again.
Apologize for making her worry and ask where we are

>>41124227

> "It's really useful and it only hurts me. Can't we just wait a little while longer?"

>>41124227
> I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you like that
> Promise to never drink it again.
> Check out this spirit I found
> Where are we now?

>>41124227
> Promise to never drink it again.
If it becomes truly necessary I'll get your permission first at least

>>41124358
adding this >>41124383

>>41124311
I think of it more as a friend than a souvenir. Cennens true strength is finding magical allies for hiss's mission

>>41124227
>>41124383
This

>>41124227
>>41124383
Changing my vote to this

>>41124383
I can't imagine a two week out of body vacation in hostile territory will ever be necessary. I feel trying to bargain with Hiss on this will just piss her off.

>>41124227
>Promise to never drink it again

>>41124522
Like I said before. Spirits are all over this quest, there's no telling what could happen. Beyond that, who's to say we couldn't get in and get out faster during future trips?

>>41124227
clearly this could be necessary for future outings but I bet we can find less drastic but still informative methods of diving the very nature of creation for the near term
in that vein seconding
>>41124383

> Promise to never drink it again.
>If it becomes truly necessary I'll get your permission first at least

You look her in the eye, the snake slit having faded back to a human iris, soft and brown.
"I promise I won't. Not without asking permission from you and only if it becomes truly necessary."

She frowns but only slightly, the idea of having power over whether you can use your own Art clearly appealing to her.
"That's fine."

"And for what it's worth," you say, "I apologize. I'm sorry."

Hiss breaks the eye contact, looking away.
"You're really saying sorry? For something you didn't even have control over?"

"Yes. You told me not to drink it. I should have listened to you."

"Yes you should have," she mutters, her fists clenching. She's angry but she doesn't seem to be angry at you.
"I'm sorry Cennen. I shouldn't have hit you. I broke my promise."

Ah.
You remember the ballroom, where she had struck you once before. And you remember that night in the inn where she swore it wouldn't happen again.

> "It's fine, we all make mistakes."

> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."

> Maybe a little more distance wouldn't hurt your relationship...

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Make a wish (Specify)

> Other

>>41124604
Well I know the benefit of using this potion of course, but as of right now it's just really inconvenient and Hiss hates it. Maybe we can refine it, but I don't think we should use it again while we're in Quedesh.

>>41124662
> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."

>>41124662
> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."

>>41124662
>"It's fine, we all make mistakes."

>>41124662
> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."
I know it was just because you were worried about me dying for 2 weeks but that doesn't mean it's okay to hurt me intentionally

>>41124662
> "It's fine, we all make mistakes."
> "Thank you for apologizing, Hiss."

>>41124662
> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."
I forgive you

>>41124662
>> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."

>>41124662
> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."

>>41124662
> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."

maybe leaning towards the distance option. How can she conquer the world if she can't conquer her temper?

>>41124662
> "It's fine, we all make mistakes."
> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."

It's not the same as in the ball, though. People tend to lash out at someone they're worried about. I still don't justify the violence but I understand her position, so:

> I forgive you.

> "Just promise me that you won't do it again."

You sigh, the heal-all still at work to ease off all your pain. This isn't exactly the welcome you were expecting.
"Just promise me that you won't do it again. I know you were worried but that doesn't mean it's okay to hurt me intentionally."

She bristles immediately and for a brief moment you wonder if you've fucked up. Are you about to die?
But she calms, looking distraught.
"I will and I have but I don't know how much good it will do. Biting is my first instinct, I move without thinking."

"Yeah and that's fine. I've known that since I first met you. And it was my choice to be with you despite that."

"I do promise though," she says. "I promise that I'll do my best not to hurt you again."

"That's all I want."
The two of you embrace once more.

-The fact that you seem to blame yourself for her actions doesn't sound right. It is not your fault.-

You ignore Rock and thankfully Hiss can't seem to hear him for now.

> "So where are we now?"

> Try for a proper introduction between Rock and Hiss.

> Go get Oster and Aashenpreet as well.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Make a wish (Specify)

> Other

>>41124928
> Try for a proper introduction between Rock and Hiss.
> "So where are we now?"

>>41124928
> "So where are we now?"
> Try for a proper introduction between Rock and Hiss.
then
> Ask Hiss Go get Oster and Aashenpreet as well. You're still healing and moving would not be wise.

>Rock I know it makes no sense but love never does. It'd take a wiser man than me to explain it.

>>41124928
> Try for a proper introduction between Rock and Hiss.

>>41124928
>>41124982

>>41124982
I don't think we can say anything to rock without hiss hearing it right now

>>41124928
> "So where are we now?"
> Try for a proper introduction between Rock and Hiss.

>>41125051
I meant once she leaves.

>>41124928
> Try for a proper introduction between Rock and Hiss.
Mention that Rock was the one who made it possible for us to return so she's more likely to like him/her/it

>>41124928
>> "So where are we now?"
>> Try for a proper introduction between Rock and Hiss.

>>41124982
I dont think she would appreciate us ordering us around

>>41125120
It was an ask. not an order.

>>41124982
We can just pray to ask aashenpreet to bring oster here. There's no need to make hiss go get them

>>41125199
I don't think we're wishbond to her anymore, but we haven't tested it. My guess would be the shadowy umbilical cord we cut during the shadow fight was the bond.

>>41125229
Aash can here us pray regardless.

> "So where are we now?"
> Try for a proper introduction between Rock and Hiss.

You separate from her, pushing her gently away as you try to pluck Rock off your shoulder only to fail due to the spirit's incorporeality.
"You two haven't been introduced, have you? Not properly. Rock, this is Hiss, snake princess and whatnot."

"Whatnot??"

"And Hiss, this is Rock. They helped me escape from the Dreaming."
Maybe knowing that it was Rock who made it possible for you to return might get her to lighten up about them.

Hiss squints at the little spirit.
"Rock? Cennen, did you name it?"

"Uh actually-"

"I knew it. I'm sorry, Cennen is absolutely terrible at names. He called me Hiss! And the worst thing is that it actually stuck!"

-I named myself-

"Oh. You don't look very rocky though."

-I was rock but now I am not-

A strange look falls over Hiss' face. She's conflicted about something...but what?
"Cennen? Do you mind if I hold it?"

She's actually asking?
"Sure."

You hold out your arm and Rock runs along it and onto Hiss' hand. Hiss stares down at it with an unreadable expression.

-Hello-

"What did you do to make me sleep before?"

-A trance, putting your soul to sleep-

"Ah. I-I can do something similar to that actually."
You watch her closely, still not understanding. Why is she so nice to Rock all of a sudden?

"You're very small."

-Yes. This is evident-

Is that a slight flush on her face? Even Hiss seems alarmed as the fluffy dust-spider crawls around her hands.
"Cennen!," she hisses. "I feel strange."

"Oh?"

"It's so small but I don't want to eat it. It's...It's.."
She doesn't want to say it.
"It's very cute."

You laugh, you can't help yourself. Hiss glares at you.
"Stop laughing!"

The mortified expression on her face only makes you laugh harder while she just screws up her mouth in response.
She practically throws Rock to the ground, doing her best to shake the little spider off of her.

1/2

Yessssss...

>>41125341
She's still glaring however and you feel it might be best to change the subject immediately. Once you stop chuckling of course.
"Okay, okay, I'm stopping. Sorry. So...where are we right now?"

"Underground," Hiss says, looking extremely relieved at the change of topic.
"We're staying at a Kouri settlement right now. They live underground to stay cool."

"Ah, I guess that makes sense. So are we at an oasis or what?"

She stares at you for a moment.
"Oh Cennen, you fool. We've already passed through those. We're right at the edge of the desert."

"Wait. You mean I slept through the whole journey?"

"Yes! Though at least we were spared your idiocy for it. They're going to guide us through a mountain pass that should take us to near the coast of this inland sea Aashenpreet won't shut up about."
She perks up.
"Oh, that reminds me! We're practically out of the desert now. You can make your two other wishes now."

"What, you don't want your immunity to heat?"

She scowls.
"Oh it's very nice but I don't like the price. I want this wish-bond off of me!"

> Make some wishes.

> Refuse. They're too useful!

> Other

>>41125460
Wish to strengthen our snake art and let her decide the second wish for fun

>>41125460
>>41125515

>>41125460
> Other
"Actually, I'd like to see if there's a way to dispel the wish bond trough alchemy. Would you help me with that?"

>>41125564
>>41125460
This sense no one wants Hiss to take a magically induced inspection of herself.

File: Spoiler Image (115 KB, 1000x700)

115 KB PNG

Going to be eating for a bit, be back in about half an hour

>>41125515
This. Test it out before we make the last wish and bottle it up the venom because the wish boosts the power more while the wishbond is still active

>>41125460
>>41125520
Supporting

>>41125684
> Two eyes.
Nice try Aash.
Also, Hiss isn't that big

>>41126228
Yes she is.

>>41126228
Hiss is fairly large as a human.

Also it's done by Decu so large boobs are pretty much guaranteed.

>Use one wish to boost your own Snake Art
> Let Hiss decide the last.

"Yeah no worries, I'm fine with that."
It's quite cool down here after all.

You place your hands in hers, letting her touch your marked hand.
"I wish that you would strengthen my venom, the Art that you gave me."

Hiss smile beatifically and pushes her thumb into the center of your ouroboros mark, filling your blood with venom once more. It hurts but you've felt worse. Much worse.

You break off once it's done, feeling your hand sting. You pull a bottle from your pack and hold it up to your palm, letting the sizzling fluid collect there. When the wish-bond breaks the third wish your Art will go back to normal so best to collect a flask of the stuff first.

"Be careful with that," Hiss says. "It's as deadly as mine."
She twitches, looking somewhat displeased.
"It's actually deadlier even. I don't know how to feel about that."

You nod, treating the bottle with care.
"As for the third wish, I don't know."

"Well think of something!"

"Hold on, hold on. Let me think."
It's no use.
"I wish that you can choose what to wish for. Does that work?"

She flinches, looking thoughtful.
"No, I don't feel any different."

"Well you get to choose the last wish regardless. Whatever it is, I'll wish for it."

Hiss looks interested for a moment before scowling.
"But I can't wish for power because this wish breaks the wish-bond! Any changes disappear!"

"I know. The last wish is always just a request, right?"

"More of command," Hiss grumbles. "It's why I don't like them. And I don't KNOW what I want the wish to be then! What can-"
She stops suddenly as an idea seems to strike her.
"I know. Cennen, I want you to wish for me to rule the world."

"What?"

"It's what I already want to do right? So it won't change anything but it'll make me unbelievably strong and it'll never stop! I'll be as strong as I can be forever!"

"But the wish-bond won't break until you DO rule the world, Hiss. You'll still be bound."
1/2

>>41126412
And you guys thought this would be a good idea. Morons.

>>41126412
"Yeah but you won't be able make any wishes because they'll all be spent! I just won't be able to kill you, which is fine. And even better, I'll basically be immune to anyone else placing me in wish-bond until it leaves! It's great!"

Your mouth is suddenly dry.
"But if something goes wrong with it, you'll be stuck in that for years."

"It'll be fine. Why, what's the matter? What kind of wish were you expecting me to make?"

"Uh..."

"It was a sex thing, wasn't it?"

"Maybe."

"Well screw that. Make the wish for me to rule to the world."

"Hiss, I'm just not sure if the wishbond can be gamed like this."

She groans.
"Well ultimately it's your choice isn't it? I'm just asking for the wish, you're the one who makes them. So make it."

> Wish for her to rule the world.

> Make a different wish instead.

> Prolonging the wish-bond is actually a good idea though. Make a different wish but one that still features a longlasting task.

> Make no wishes.

> Other

>>41126457
She's righ you know

>>41126490
Unless of course her health suffers from prolonged overload. She's never earned those powers and I'd imagine it'd strain her a lot to maintain them for so long. We don't know also giving her this wish is a horrible idea in general.

>>41126487
Won't it make her entirely possessed to rule the world. Literally stopping at nothing to do it?

>>41126490
Do we want her to rule the world?
Anyway, doesn't this sort of make it so she can't change her mind ever? How sure are we that she will always want to rule the world?

>>41126487
>> Prolonging the wish-bond is actually a good idea though. Make a different wish but one that still features a long lasting task.

Best go with something medium term so we can safely test the effects.

Maybe wish for her to easily best her next opponent on whatever field she faces them. I can see it backfiring though. Then again what can't

>>41126487
> Prolonging the wish-bond is actually a good idea though. Make a different wish but one that still features a longlasting task.

Why not wish for her to say a phrase at a time of her choosing.

>>41126487
It's a bad idea. Taking over the world will take years. Spending all that time under the compulsion of the wishbond can't be good.

>>41126487
>>41126557
This seems about the best we can hope for in the circumstances.

>>41126228
Hiss prefers to be practical yes but technically she's as big as she wants to be.

>>41126566
She'd be compelled to say it immediately.

>>41126487
> Make a different wish instead.
>I wish you knew the maximum potential of all your abilities and how using them under wishbond for a prolonged period of time would affect you.

>>41126658
This doesn't work by the way. Wishing for her to achieve her goal in life freezes that goal and makes her incapable of changing it because changing goals would be incompatible with achieving it.

>>41126739
Could we add something to make sure that she still has control and isn't constantly compelled to fulfill the wish?

>>41126766
No. It's a bad choice that hiss only things is good because she can't currently see herself doing anything than ruling the world.

IF we were to wish for her to rule the world she'd do literally anything she could to accomplish it.

She may not be allowed to directly hurt Cennen but I could see her marrying/sleeping around for political power etc.

>>41126766
Doesn't work like that I think. Once the wish is made it's effectively a bane on her ability to act until it's resolved.

>>41126766
Nah. Wishing for something basically compels her to do it. So if you give her a choice she'll always pick what gets her closest to fulfilling that wish.
I'll leave this vote up for another ten minutes or so I think, this is a pretty important issue.

>>41126487
> Make a different wish instead.
I think a long lasting wish is a bad idea. Just make a wish like asking for especially magically potent snake blood to experiment with

>>41126892
something like this?
>>41126640

>>41126892
Wouldn't that just piss her off and make her hate us forever?

>>41126930
Not if we explain how it could go wrong. She wouldn't really be herself, just singlehandedly focused on ruling the world and nothing else

>>41126930
Anon stop being so desperate to bend over backwards to her. This whole letting her pick a wish thing was a bad idea and lazy as hell. Now that the bed has been made either live with her fucking us over on her way to world conquest or being upset for a while because we didn't kowtow.

>>41126892
This

>>41126487
Sorry for the insistence, but what if we keep the wish to experiment on wishbond alchemy

>>41126964
single mindedly*

>>41126892
How would that work? I don't think she has control over how magical her blood is.

>>41126487
>> Make a different wish instead.
I think the way to test this is to wish for something with a delayed action but on a relatively short term - say, tomorrow afternoon rather than next year.
Wish for her to provide us with something, for example >>41126892 at a designated time.

>>41126892
I feel like I should specify that it should be her own snake blood

>>41126850
Dude? Ourobro? I don't even know who's voting for what and what's winning. Can you clarify with another vote prompt incorporating the suggestions?

>>41127180
Yeah, same. Time to post some clarification I guess.

> Make a different wish instead.

No, there's way too many ways this could go wrong. An almost countless number of ways in fact. And do you even want her to rule the world? Does she? Just because that's her current whim doesn't mean it'll be what she always wants.
In fact, isn't changing her mind on that matter always been something you hoped to do?

You take a step back, removing yourself from her circle of reach. Not that means anything.
"I'm sorry Hiss but I can't do that."

"Why not?"

"Do you really want that to define you?"

"Eh?"

"From what you've told me, that wish would make you consumed by that goal wouldn't it? You'd do anything you could to do it. Would you even be able to sleep? It's a wish for you to rule but really, it'd only rule you instead."

She scowls.
"We'd never know until we tried!"

"And you'd stake your life on it? Because that's what we're talking about trading away here. Years, decades, centuries even, enslaved to a wish. To a desire you don't even know if you really want!"

She shrugs.
"Well, I guess that was just gesture wasn't it? Letting me pick my own wish, I suppose that REALLY meant that I only get to pick one, to have control over myself, if you approve. That's how it is."

"Oh come off it. I'm stopping you from doing something foolish. Isn't that half the reason you keep me around?"

"Not really! But fine, make a different wish Cennen. I hope it pleases you."

> Make a wish (SPECIFY)

> Don't make a wish, you can keep the wish-bond up for experimentation later.

>>41127205
>I wish that for the next day, you will have full knowledge and power of your art.

There. We can write down what she can do, she can try it out her stuff, and we can test longer wishes. Everyone's happy.

>>41127205
> Don't make a wish, you can keep the wish-bond up for experimentation later.

>>41127205
>Make a wish (SPECIFY)

I wish to terminate the bond. Fuck it.

>>41127205
> Make a wish (SPECIFY)
I wish you could go through 2 days of your life without having to deal with that giant chip on your shoulder that your father engineered into you.

>>41127242
Or we could keep the wish for a temporary power up, should we need it in the future.

>>41127205
Tell her we'll try it out once we have a brew that can destroy the wishbond

>>41127205
>> Make a wish (SPECIFY)
For lack of a better idea, I'll go with this. >>41127242

>>41127281
>implying that the Serpent King wanted an attempted regicide for a daughter.

The chip on Hiss' shoulder is borne entirely from her own volition.

>>41127205
Wish for her to give us some of her most alchemically potent snake blood possible

>>41127346
His actions helped engineered it though. Point was to try and get her to relax while also pointing out how a wish could fuck her up.

>>41127295
This.

>>41127394
Could be interesting. But it would be better if she could do it on her own.

>>41127205
>>41127242
seconding

>>41127242
It's not really testing the main problem with her wish, it won't change any of her choices or compel her to do anything

>>41127453
also i strongly doubt any (un)reasonable person would genuinely appreciate being mind wugged out of their perceived negative flaws. Particularly not this person

>>41127205
> I wish for you to be genuinely happy, without losing your ability to change your mind and without losing your drive to succeed, for the next week.

>>41127295
Wouldn't a dispel potion work? We really need to read that anti magic book

>>41127504
This isn't something that should be done artificially

>>41127521
No because it'd need to be alloyed with snakeblood to work.

>I wish that for the next day, you will have full knowledge and power of your art.

You sigh, racking your brain for a good wish. One that you think can be made safely, one that might even test how a long-lasting wish works. Hopefully this doesn't have any downsides.
"I wish for the next day, you'll have full knowledge and power of all your Art."

Hiss gasps, freezing in one place as she ceases all movement. She's not even breathing. Her back arches and her head points straight up before she slowly uncoils back to a more regular standing posture.

She's still not breathing.

"Uh," you start. "Are you alright."

Hiss laughs. And she doesn't stop laughing. She just laughs and laughs and laughs. You back away but she stops in due time. She rips the eyepatch off and passes her hand over her scarred eye-socket.
When it passes, her eye is there. Completely healed and reformed.
"Cennen," she says, almost taking on a lilting singsong tone. "Correct me if I'm wrong but I think I'm the most powerful thing in the world right now."

"That's nice."

-I do not think this is a wise decision.-

> It's time to start brewing.

> Experiment with Hiss to find out her new powers in this hypothetical maximum state.

> You need to get the best use out of this. It's time to resume your journey immediately.

> Ask Rock for help.

> Other

>>41127627
>> Experiment with Hiss to find out her new powers in this hypothetical maximum state.

>>41127627
> Experiment with Hiss to find out her new powers in this hypothetical maximum state.

>>41127627
> Experiment with Hiss to find out her new powers in this hypothetical maximum state.
We've made a huge mistake.

>>41127627
> Experiment with Hiss to find out her new powers in this hypothetical maximum state.
> Ask Rock for help.

>>41127627
>> Experiment with Hiss to find out her new powers in this hypothetical maximum state.

> Ask Rock for help.
When Hiss isn't listening, "rock I think you're right"

>>41127627
>> Experiment with Hiss to find out her new powers in this hypothetical maximum state.
We can always nobble her again tomorrow

>>41127627
>> Experiment with Hiss to find out her new powers in this hypothetical maximum state.
I do believe that it is time for science.

>>41127627
See if her blood has gotten any more magical

>>41127724
Dude, what's with you and magcal blood?

At this point I'm waiting for a drawback or overload. Because this seems game breaking.

>>41127751
It only lasts for one day, and I'm pretty sure the drawback will be on her sanity

>>41127724
We might as well try the rest of her ingredients too if she'll let us

>>41127744
It's used to make soul related brews and it's probably a stronger ingredient than normal right now.

>>41127766
Honestly that's the area she can least afford to take the hit.

>>41127751
Her body is still that of a twelve years old snake. I'm guessing the end result of this will be akin to a toddler beating usain bolt at 100 m

>>41127870
Hence, worry.

>>41127870
>>41127901
Better start brewing some healing potions

>>41127627
oops
> Ask Rock for help.
They seem to know whats up

Still here ouro?

>> Experiment with Hiss to find out her new powers in this hypothetical maximum state.

You spend the next hour or so testing with Hiss to find her new limits. She's exceedingly happy with this, hyperactive even.

"So, can you heal or what?"

"No, I don't think so," she replies. "I can just change my form to whatever I want now. Look!"
Scales ripple across her face as she becomes you then Oster and then her human form again but this time over twice your size and with no legs, a rippling black and red tail instead.
"My eye is still missing in my true form but in this, I can have as many eyes as I want."

You look down the list of what you've compiled on her. She is exceptionally powerful, that much cannot be denied.

In fact, you think this list is still incomplete! Not even Hiss knows her own powers. But does it make her the most powerful thing in the world? It might, certainly you don't think anything can actually fight her and win as it stands. But Snake Arts seem to be a very physical magic, mostly concerned with her body. She doesn't have the powers of a wizard or an alchemist, she can't affect things on a large scale.

"Oh, don't be like that," Hiss says, responding to your thoughts as if you'd said them out loud. "As long as I eat a wizard I can do everything they can. And the same," she purrs, "goes for alchemists."
Her tail wraps around you, rendering you unable to move.
You hadn't said any of that out loud, you'd just thought it! Can she read minds?

Hiss laughs.
"No. But I have part of your soul and for now that means I know you better than you do yourself. I can predict everything you think before you even do it."

She unwinds, letting you go.

Hiss, Serpent Empress: http://pastebin.com/erg8grHg

"So what do you think?"

> You're happy with this.

> You're actually really fucking terrified.

> You think she should be more grateful.

> There's got to be a downside.

> Other

>>41128421
Yeah. It just took a while to come up with even an incomplete list.

>>41128519
> You're happy with this.
but
> There's got to be a downside.

>>41128519
> You're happy with this.

> You're actually really fucking terrified.
Both scared and aroused

> There's got to be a downside.

>>41128519
> You're happy with this.
> You're actually really fucking terrified.
> There's got to be a downside.

>>41128519
Holy shit that list

> You're happy with this.
> You're actually really fucking terrified.
> There's got to be a downside.

>>41128519
>>41128586
we just have to make sure she doesn't immediately decide to kill aash and rock to gain their powers.

>>41128648
How?

>>41128648
If she wants to do something like that then we should hunt the wizard

>>41128665
Wouldn't the wizard be able to make a doppelganger of her with horrifying power?

>>41128695
It didn't seem like the doppelgangers could copy any snake arts

>>41128695
-Coils Wrapped Around The World: An upgrade to Royal Prerogative, Hiss can effectively cancel any form of magic she wishes if she can win in a clash of wills with the caster.

>>41128661
for the moment anything she can do to a human she can do to a snake or spirit, at least that's how i read it. its an interesting question whether she'd keep those powers post wish though. presumably she'd keep the souls but not be able to call on them as effectively as at present.

>>41128768
No, I meant how do we stop her.

> You're happy with this.
> You're actually really fucking terrified.
> There's got to be a downside.

You're not sure how to feel about this. You're happy with this newfound power but you're also really fucking terrified of Hiss and everything she now represents. And a little aroused too, strangely enough.
But even beyond that mix of conflicting emotion, something is settling within your stomach. The expectation for other shoe to drop. This is too good, way too good. There has to be a price, a downside.

Hiss laughs.
"Cennen, I can't even describe how much of an open book you are now. Though I'm glad you mostly approve," her eyes dip lower and you do your best to cover yourself.
"As for downsides, I doubt it. Not even my father is like this. Don't you get what that means?"

"Uh..."

"Through all we've been through, I've never seen anyone or anything as impressive as the King. The Snakecatcher came close but he was a pathetic worm in the end. And now even my father is but a shadow compared to me. There's nothing stronger!"
She claps her hands together in joy, the sound giving you a sudden head-ache.
"There's no need to conquer anything! In this form, the world is already mine. It just doesn't know it."

-Cennen, you must stop this-

Hiss swivels, detecting Rock's speech where once she couldn't. Her fangs are bared and her eyes are filled with scorn.
"You're a very cute little spirit, you know. But I think you'd be cuter inside me."

> Try and stop her.

> Try and talk her down.

> Call for help.

> Do nothing.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>41128787
oh obviously sorry
yeah that statement was rhetorical, we're probably fucked if she swings that way.
Maybe like try to be convincing?
We could also wish Aash into something as near comparable as possible and hope that her purity powers have some kind of practical use. That's assuming those wishes still exist.

>>41128829
> Try and stop her.
> Try and talk her down.
Protect the spirit with our body if we need to

>>41128829
We could try asking her not to do it but she's probably too drunk with power to listen.
She knows what we're thinking from the piece of our soul she ate.
>Interpose between them

>>41128829
> Try and stop her.
> Try and talk her down.
Rock is my friend, I won't forgive you if you eat him

>>41128829
> Try and stop her.
> Try and talk her down.
We fucked up bad guys. I won't let her eat rock though, do whatever it takes

>>41128976
Well at least we didn't grant her original wish. She would have been like this for years

> Try and stop her.
> Try and talk her down.
> Interpose between them if you need to.

Hiss slithers towards the spirit, a smirk permanently emblazoned on her features.

You step forward, trying to work your way between them.
"Hiss! You-"

"I already know what you're going to say to me, Cennen."
She looks down at you with an expression that can only be described as loving contempt.

Shit. How far ahead can she predict what you'll do?

"Far enough. For example, you are going to interpose yourself between us soon since I'm still powerless to kill you and then I am going to make you back down."

You stop, a sweat breaking out. She can't know that. She can't know that for sure.

"Oh but I can! I know you better than you know yourself. For example, after I'm finished with the spirit you and I are going to have sex."

She moves forward towards Rock and even though it plays right into her predictions, you can't help but try and leap in front of her and stop her. Her outreached hand pauses in front of you, bigger than your head.
"Aww Cennen, I didn't want you to do this even though I knew you would. This isn't going to be a very good experience for you."

Her tail writhes, a growth on the back producing a quiet sound.

Roll 1d100 to resist.

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>41129076

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>41129076

Rolled 34 (1d100)

>>41129076
Fuck you, Hiss.

>>41129110
OH SHIT ANON I LOVE YOU

>>41129117
did...did I crit?

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>41129076
Hoe don't do it!

>>41129110
>>41129131
what is happening

>>41129143
We're saving our spirit bro!

I'm grateful that the dice gods pick up the slack when we make terrible choices

>>41129110
Yes!

>>41129110
>>41129131

You can barely describe the rattle as it strikes you as more of a physical impact than a sound. Something that resonates deep within your bones and yanks out your most primal fear for the entire world to see. A demand that you run, that you cower, that you back down and let Hiss do whatever she pleases.
And why shouldn't you? She's already predicted that you would, that this would force you back.

But just because she has part of your soul, it doesn't mean that she can pretend to know everything about you!

You stand your ground, even as you break into a cold sweat. And Hiss' expression changes for the first time, her smug smile broken by confusion.
She prods you curiously.
"You're not supposed to be so resilient. What gives?"

You shrug, somehow at ease again.
"I guess I ju-

"Just have hidden depths, blah blah blah," Hiss says. "You know Cennen, you don't have to open your mouth to me ever again."

But her predictions aren't perfect, she doesn't encapsulate the sum total of all you are.

"No, I guess not," she says. "Rude. You know that I can still just push you aside and eat the spirit right?"

Yeah, you can't really stop her in that regard. But she's not going to now that she's had time to think about it.

"Oi!," Hiss cries, frowning. "You're not supposed to do that back to me! But fiiiine," she crosses her arms and stops advancing.
"You've just reminded me why I respect your opinions in the first place. So I won't eat him. You win this one."

Huh, that's weird. You weren't exactly expecting her to outright cede defeat on anything right now. You were expecting more bluster, a facade to guise her backing down.

"It's because I still have other things to look forward to," Hiss says as she reaches past you effortlessly and tosses Rock out the door. Her snake-half melts away as she takes up a fully human form again.
"Don't you remember my other prediction?"

> Yes.

> No.

>>41129252
>Yes.
I wonder what would happen if we shapeshifted into a dragon to have sex?

File: 1436508062699.jpg (56 KB, 636x477)

56 KB JPG

>>41129252
> Yes.

>>41129252
> Yes.
It's time cennen. Your only option is to apply your sexual prowess and keep her distracted until the day is up! It's her one weakness!

>>41129319
Kek maybe if he used a regen brew first
sidenote: fuck street sign captchas

>>41129252
> Yes.
I hope rock doesn't leave us because of how blatantly amoral hiss is. They have to at least respect what we just did for them I guess

>>41129349
This, it would suck if she broke us before we got to try some new brews with her parts

>>41129252
>no

Remember guys, denying females what they want is how you gain the upper hand in relationships.

>>41129252
> Yes.
Cennen must have a power fetish or something considering he's about to bang the most powerful creature in existence

>>41129274
>what would happen
good things.

> Yes

"I know you remember," she says as she reaches for you. "And I think...no, I KNOW you'll be surprised by what kind of tricks I can do in that regard nooooooooowwwwwww."

Her voice scratches, slowing as she suddenly slurs her last word. Her movements are slowing as well, her hand moving as if it was through treacle instead of air.
Her eyes close and she falls limply to the ground.
"Assdhgfh," she says. "Mrrrr!"

"I said that there might be downsides, didn't I? I just wished for the Art, I didn't wish for a body that could contain it."

She writhes around on the ground going through a multitude of different forms in an instant, a shapeshifter's kaleidoscope.
"I mean, this is the sort of power you're supposed to have in the prime of your life right? A Hiss that has mastered everything? Your body isn't really ready for that to be on all the time."
Or that's your hypothesis for this sudden reversal anyway.

Hiss just glares at you, when she can manage to keep her eyes open.

Are you gloating? You don't think you're gloating but maybe Hiss' personality is a little infectious over time. And you must admit that you certainly prefer 'regular' Hiss over 'sorta omnipotent Serpent Emperor Hiss'. Much more.

"You might just have to sleep it off."

Will she recover before the day's over? Probably not. And that's for the best really though part of you is a little (very) disappointed that you never got to at least follow through with her plans for you.

As long as something doesn't come up that you'll need Hiss for during the next day, you should be fine. And what are the odds of that?

>>41129450
Well that's that for tonight, considering that I have to go to work VERY SOON. That should be the last of the threads where not much happens so have no fear.

Next thread MIGHT be tomorrow (depends on whether I'm going to the MTG:Origins prerelease tomorrow or not) but it will be the day after if it isn't then. As always check the twitter etc etc.

>>41129466
Thanks for running! At least our questionable choices kept this thread interesting I guess

>>41129450
It would have killed us, anyway.

>>41129466
Thanks for running!