>>43093984
Hiss blinks, staring at the both of you.
“Sooooo...you two just left her shed skin back at the inn?”

“Yes, back when I changed shape to get off the roof,” Aashenpreet says. She looks at the two of you, clearly not understanding your reaction.
“Why? Is something wrong?”

“Yes because nobody here is supposed to know we exist you IDIOT!”
Hiss’ volume rises until the final word, her hands twitching.

“Furthermore,” Oster adds, “your skin is extremely magically valuable. Somebody like a wizard would be able to do some nasty things with it. It’s not just a reagent, it’s a scry focus too.”

Aashenpreet looks confused.
“But I give my skin to Cennen all the time.”

“And that’s because he’s MY alchemist. He’s trustworthy.”
Hiss looks like she’s calming down a little.
“You can’t treat this place like it’s Quedesh. Nobody knows about us and you’re not going to get respect and obedience just because of what you are.”

“But what do people respect here?”

“Money.”
And with that, Hiss snaps her fingers as if she had been suddenly struck by an idea.
“Oh! Hey Cennen, do you still have the gold that Tanni gave you?”

“Yeah, it’s right here.”
You dig around through your pack for a minute before presenting the little purse.
“What have you got in mind?”

“From what you’ve told me, the skin’s probably already been discovered by now. Nothing we can do about that. But we should be able to give them the gold in exchange for the skin, right? Buy it back for ourselves?”

You nod, feeling a little unnerved. Since when did Hiss buy anything?

“...And then once we have it, we can eat their souls and take the gold back. I think I’m finally getting the hang of your human capitalism.”

You sigh.

1/2

>>43093997
>Well, no point wasting time. Head back to the inn

> “Where’s the Bunyip?”

> You should probably do some preparation before you go anywhere.

> Try to persuade Hiss towards a plan that doesn’t involve murder.

> Other

>>43094012
>Well, no point wasting time. Head back to the inn
> “Where’s the Bunyip?”
> Try to persuade Hiss towards a plan that doesn’t involve murder.

>>43093997
>>Well, no point wasting time. Head back to the inn
>> “Where’s the Bunyip?”

>>43094012
>Well, no point wasting time. Head back to the inn
> “Where’s the Bunyip?”
> Try to persuade Hiss towards a plan that doesn’t involve murder.
Remember the hole not drawing attention bit? Corpses and disappearing people draw lots of attention

>>43094012
>Well, no point wasting time. Head back to the inn
> “Where’s the Bunyip?”
> Try to persuade Hiss towards a plan that doesn’t involve murder
I'm thinking murder might just draw more attention to us

>>43094012
> Try to persuade Hiss towards a plan that doesn’t involve murder.
A bunch of drunkards claiming they found proof of a mythical being suddenly becoming catatonic is probably going to draw some attention

>>43094012
>> Try to persuade Hiss towards a plan that doesn’t involve murder.

>Well, no point wasting time. Head back to the inn
> “Where’s the Bunyip?”
> Try to persuade Hiss towards a plan that doesn’t involve murder

"Hiss, you just said that we shouldn't be drawing attention. Killing what might be the entire clientele of an inn goes against that, don't you think?"

"So does leaving them their memories. Some people here saw the Snakecatcher, right? The last thing we need is people connecting him with this skin."

"But you can eat their memories without killing them or eating their souls. There's no need to kill anyone right now."

"Ugh," Hiss grumbles. "I just think it's more convenient to tidy up the loose ends."

"Please?"

"Fiiiine. But you owe me later."

"You make it sound like not killing people is so hard."

"You have no idea."

The four of you start walking back towards the inn with you leading the way. As you walk, you realize that something's been bugging you.
"Where's the Bunyip? I turned him into a dog."

Hiss smiles, revealing her fangs.
"I ate him."

"What? What the fuck? Why would y-"

Hiss laughs. She's lying.
"He was following behind us before, he should be around."

"The princess was throwing rocks at him," Oster says.

"Only small ones! He'll be fine."

You turn the corner, finding yourself back on the street in front of the inn. The doors are ajar and there definitely seems to be a commotion inside.

> Try to sneak close and eavesdrop without them noticing.

> Ask everyone else what they want to do before doing anything rash.

> Throw open the doors and waltz in without a care in the world.

> Walk around the back to see if you can get in that way.

> Climb up into one of the second floor windows.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43094467
>> Ask everyone else what they want to do before doing anything rash.

>>43094467
>> Throw open the doors and waltz in without a care in the world.
Ask what's going on.

>>43094467
> Try to sneak close and eavesdrop without them noticing.
Send oster to check out the other side
> Walk around the back to see if you can get in that way.

>>43094467
> Ask everyone else what they want to do before doing anything rash.

>>43094467
> Ask everyone else what they want to do before doing anything rash.
We could go in alone and use a weakening brew to disable everyone and then grab the skin. Might need a disguise first though.

> Ask everyone else what they want to do before doing anything rash.

You hold out your pack as you get ready to draw a bottle from it.
"What do you guys think we should do?"

Hiss purses her lips.
"I'd like to just go in there with a brew or a rattle and take them all down but one of them might escape. If we won't be killing, it might be for the best that they never even know we're here. Oster should sneak in through a window or whatever, find the snakeskin and steal it. Do you think you can manage that, Oster?"

"Against a group of drunkards? I'd be ashamed not to."

Aashenpreet shakes her head.
"Can't we just talk to them? Give them the gold if they give us the skin? That's what you were talking about before."

"Firstly," Hiss says, "that was back when I was planning to kill them afterwards. Secondly, why do you get a say about anything?"

"I just think it'd be best not to hurt or steal from anyone."

"Well you're wrong. Oster, get in there."

Oster starts pacing towards the building, looking for a spot where he can climb in. Hiss pulls your arm away from where it had been resting in your pack.
"You won't be needing that. Oster will have it out before they even realize it's missing."

> Agree with Hiss' plan.

> Demand to go with Oster.

> Ask for her to call Oster back, we need to do something different.

> Barge in through the doors.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43094676
Or we could bring the dog bunyip and claim to be sent by the guards to track down the beast that left the skin through its scent

>>43094841
> Agree with Hiss' plan.
Oster knows what he's doing.

>>43094841
>Secure a quick exit for OSter, just in case.

>>43094841
>> Agree with Hiss' plan.

>>43094841
>> Agree with Hiss' plan.
He has five minutes.

>>43094841
> Agree with Hiss' plan.
Give him a collapsibility brew so he can conceal it on his person more easily

>>43094841
> Agree with Hiss' plan.
Let's see how he does with a restored soul, we sould think of a plan B, though.
If he gets caught we can barge in pretending to be drunk and start a fight, should be an adequate distraction

>>43094957
They already saw us right after the cook was knocked out. If we're seen here again they would get suspicious.

> Agree with Hiss' plan.

You nod.
"Sorry Aash but this is probably for the best. Nobody's going to be hurt. Psst! Oster!"

You grab a Collapsible Potion from your bag and throw it to him. He catches it expertly and mouths a silent question at you.

"Use it on the skin, it'll make things easier."

He nods, climbing up the wall and through a window. You suppose you have nothing to do but wait now.

> Strike up a conversation.

> Do your best to spy on the inn to see if Oster needs help.

> Brew something up.

> The three of you should probably hide.

> Use a potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43095139
> The three of you should probably hide.
Try to keep watch to see if any guards show up to investigate the commotion

>>43095139
>> The three of you should probably hide.

>>43095139
> Do your best to spy on the inn to see if Oster needs help.
> The three of you should probably hide.

>>43095139
> The three of you should probably hide.

>>43095139
> The three of you should probably hide.
> "So Hiss, how did you and Oster got off the boat?"

>>43095268
They jumped into the water. We saw it happen.

>>43095139
>> Do your best to spy on the inn to see if Oster needs help.

> The three of you should probably hide.

You let yourself drift past the inn, taking refuge around the side of it like you and Aashenpreet had done earlier that night. Hiss and Aashenpreet both join you, the former glaring daggers at the latter.

You consider striking up a conversation but under the current mood it probably wouldn't go too well. How long would it take for Hiss to start accusing Aashenpreet of fucking everything up? The last thing you need right now is Hiss questioning why Aash is still here. Not when she has her new Art.

So instead, you all sit in silence. Not even an awkward silence but instead a nasty tense silence as you wait for Oster to return.
What if he can't manage it? What if he's seen? But you already know the answer to that. Oster has no compunctions about killing when he has to and the fact that all of these men are innocent of any real wrongdoing would not slow his sword. You'd rather it not come to that.

Movement above you draws your eye, threatening to startle you. But it's just Oster sitting atop the roof. He gives you all a thumbs up and you sigh, letting out the breath you didn't even know you were holding.

Hiss doesn't look surprised at all.
"Where is it?"

Oster holds up his hand, the Collapsed snakeskin the length of his pinky finger. He gives it to Hiss, who stuffs it in her pocket.

"So, everything went well?"

Oster shakes his head.
"They said something about trying to call in a wizard to sell it to. He's on his way now. We have to leave now."

"That sounds sensible," Aashenpreet says.

"I don't know," Hiss says, her tone unsure. "Wizards are a pain but what if he finds anything else? We should deal with him."
She sounds like she knows exactly how dangerous that might be. It wouldn't be hard to convince her to sway either way.

> No, we need to leave now.

> Staying back and seeing what happens with the wizard might be worthwhile.

> You might be able to preemptively ambush the wizard before he arrives.

> Other

>>43095489
> Staying back and seeing what happens with the wizard might be worthwhile.
There should be nothing left to find, but let's use the opportunity to say hi to Eugene

>>43095489
>> No, we need to leave now.
Wizards are trouble we don't need again. Not even if it's our flower buddy.

>>43095489
> Staying back and seeing what happens with the wizard might be worthwhile.

>>43095489
> Staying back and seeing what happens with the wizard might be worthwhile.

>>43095489
> No, we need to leave now.
Not worth the trouble. Lets find the bunyip and go visit Eugene

>>43095489
>> Staying back and seeing what happens with the wizard might be worthwhile.
you really can't win with wizards

>>43095611
I get the feeling he's gonna really like Aash. It's not every day you meet a female yellow enthusiast.

> Staying back and seeing what happens with the wizard might be worthwhile.

"I think you're right Hiss, we should probably hang around and keep an eye out."

Hiss laughs while Aashenpreet grumbles.
"Sorry Aash but you should probably stop trying to propose plans. Oster and Cennen always agree with whatever I say."

"That's the downside to giving humans a say in things, I guess."

"Honestly? Just be happy I haven't eaten you yet, you crippled waste of skin."

You do your best to ignore them while you keep watch. How many wizards could there be in Taldenral? In fact, the only wizard in Taldenral that you know of is...oh no.

And sure enough, you soon spot a very familiar outfit. Multiple different shades of yellow, most of them bright enough to make you feel faintly dizzy just looking at him. It's Eugene the Yellow, Dandelion Wizard.

"Oh fuck off," Hiss groans.

Eugene knocks on the inn's door, swinging a cane. He still doesn't have a full beard but it looks like he's made an attempt. A bad attempt.
"Fear not! I, Eugene the Yellow, have arrived!"

> Call out to him.

> Alright, you know he's harmless. Time to leave.

> Wait for him outside.

> Accost him.

> Use Potion (Specify)

> Other

>>43095833
>> Call out to him.

>>43095833
> Call out to him.

>>43095833
> Alright, you know he's harmless. Time to leave.
We can meet up with him later at his house so we don't arouse any suspicion

>>43095833
Hiss and Aash sound like my sisters bickering
> Other
> We should go wait for him at his house

>>43095833
>Alright, you know he's harmless. Time to leave.

>>43095833
>> Wait for him outside.
no need to draw attention but we should say hi, and introduce him to aash and what have you

>>43095833
> Wait for him outside.

>>43095968
Yeah, but we shouldn't do it here, Eugene isn't a discreet individual.

>>43095833
>> Wait for him outside.

>Time to leave.

You shrug.
"I guess we should have expected this. Everything will be fine."

Aashenpreet is terminally out of the loop.
"Why? Who is he?"

"Uh, I'll explain later. The important thing is that he's my friend and beyond that, a pretty harmless guy. It doesn't matter if he finds anything, he won't use it against us."

"To put it simply," Hiss says. "He's a fool. But he has proven himself to be a useful fool. Looks like we don't have to stick around, let's go."

"I can find us a place to stay for the night," Oster says. "We might have to pay with some of the gold but that shouldn't be an issue."

> Find an inn to stay at.

> See if you can get rooms at THAT inn. Cheeky.

> Actually, can't you just go to Eugene's house?

> Might be best to leave the city entirely. You've got a bit of a walk ahead of you.

> Other

>>43096026
Ah, I'd already written it up by the time this vote tied it. Sorry.

>>43096067
>> Actually, can't you just go to Eugene's house?

>>43096067
>> Might be best to leave the city entirely. You've got a bit of a walk ahead of you.
On the road again.

>>43096067
> Actually, can't you just go to Eugene's house?

>>43096067
> Actually, can't you just go to Eugene's house?
Also where the fuck is the bunyip?

>>43096067
>> Actually, can't you just go to Eugene's house?

>>43096067
> Actually, can't you just go to Eugene's house?
Let's see what's he's been up to, the twins are there too, right?

>>43096203
Thats where we told them to go when we left.

>>43096148
Hiss pelted him with rocks until he ran away.

Sorry about the delay guys, I have been vomiting.

>>43096513
uh oh. You ok Ouro? You need to stop and rest?

>>43096513
Shit. Are you good to continue?

>>43096513
Stop. Just sit back and breathe slowly for a while. If you're up to it later, some of us will probably still be here.

>>43096513
Drink lots of water, don't get dehydrated. Maybe eat some crackers.

>>43096513
What bad souls did you eat you snaek

>>43096707
bad fried bananas*

> Actually, can't you just go to Eugene's house?

"We don't need to find an inn, we can just stay with Lady Trebain, right? That's what we did last time."

Hiss nods.
"I suppose that's ...fine. She has also been useful. I've got to admit, not looking forward to being around Eugene more than I have to though."

"I'll handle him, I'm the one he's interested in," you say, doing your best to look heroic. "I'll spend time with him so that the rest of you don't have to."

Hiss ruffles your hair affectionately.
"I knew I was keeping you around for something."

"We best get walking then," Oster says. "It's on the other side of Taldenral."

Hiss' hair-ruffling slows and becomes painful.

It is indeed a long walk. How best do you occupy yourself during it?


> Getting Aashenpreet used to the city.

> Trying your darndest to brew while walking.

> Speaking with Hiss and Oster.

> Not much talking, you're too busy keeping an eye open to make sure nobody's following you.

> Other

>>43096787
> Not much talking, you're too busy keeping an eye open to make sure nobody's following you.
Its dark outside right? Use a farsight brew for low light vision.

>>43096787
>> Not much talking, you're too busy keeping an eye open to make sure nobody's following you.

>>43096787
> Getting Aashenpreet used to the city.

>>43096787
> Not much talking, you're too busy keeping an eye open to make sure nobody's following you.

>>43096787
> Getting Aashenpreet used to the city.

>>43096513
The curse is real

>>43096787
>> Getting Aashenpreet used to the city.

>>43096787
> Speaking with Hiss and Oster.
Hiss' father must have realized long ago that neither Oster nor the snakecatcher were bringing Hiss back, sooo, what do they think he's been doing about that?

Rolled 6 (1d6)

Looks like a tie between Aash and keeping an eye out. Evens the former, odds the latter.

>>43096787
> Getting Aashenpreet used to the city.

>>43097033
You ok Ouro?

Archived. Hope you're okay Ouro.

>>43097952
Thanks, I had to bow out today. Sorry for doing it without much warning. I'll finish this up the usual time tomorrow.

>>43098747
I'm still here if you wanna try to continue

>>43098758
Shooosh. Let him go throw up in peace.

>>43098747
>>43098758
Same, but either way, Thanks Ouro!