>>44287726
The familiar township of Lesser Arlinton looms in the distance as you and your companions trek ever onwards. You have left the forest and its slowly dying trees behind you and have struck out along the river which should lead you straight to the town. You remember walking this path not so long ago as just an apprentice alchemist with a snake princess in tow. An intractable, bossy snake princess who you couldn’t go five minutes without getting into a fight with.
Funny how some things stay the same despite all the change.

Hiss isn’t accompanying you this time however. She’s back in Snakehome, absorbed in a job that gives her little time for you and even less for adventure. You suppose that’s she wanted but still, walking by the river can’t help but make you feel a little nostalgic for when it was just the two of you on an ill-defined quest you didn’t know the meaning of and every waking hour was spent in the other’s presence.

But the lack of Hiss aside, you are far from alone. Aashenpreet walks by your side, much better at long-distance travel than she was when she was climbing the mountain with you. Zigzag lags behind the two of you with a dazed expression upon her face. She’s still wishbound to you and has a dazed expression upon her face, still sobering up. She’s been getting slower and slower, completely unused to walking long distances.
And your third and final companion is not walking beside you at all, hidden away inside your pack instead. Hom is still in his bottle and you hope to find him a body before your journey is through. You probably owe it to the disembodied homunculus after the recent fiasco.


>Talk to Aashenpreet.

>Reminisce to anyone who’s listening about your last trip here.

>Promise Zigzag some Oil when you reach Lesser Arlinton if she keeps up the pace.

>Arrange some other means of transport for Zigzag besides walking.

>Just get to the damn town.

>Other

>>44287735
>>Talk to Aashenpreet.

>>44287735
>Reminisce to anyone who’s listening about your last trip here.
>Arrange some other means of transport for Zigzag besides walking.
We can carry her in snake form or her tiny human form I guess.

>>44287735
>Talk to Aashenpreet.
>Arrange some other means of transport for Zigzag besides walking.
Probably ought to rely on snake oil a little less

>>44287735
>Talk to Aashenpreet.
>Reminisce to anyone who’s listening about your last trip here.
> "Hey Aash, did you know...?"

>Talk to Aashenpreet.

"Hey Aash, did you know about the last time I was here with Hiss?"

"Yes, you told me all about it back on the ship. Several times."

"Oh. Fair enough. I was just thinking about how long it's been. And what things used to be like."

"Don't. Take it from me Cennen, it's never worth thinking about how you used to be. Nostalgia is a trap and accomplishes nothing."

You suppose Aashenpreet would know that better than you.
"Maybe so. Did Aashimid teach you that?"

"In a way. Are you alright?"

"Of course I'm alright, what do you mean?"

"You've been looking within a lot today, I can tell. And forgive me for the slight but that is rather unusual for you, is it not? Is something wrong?"

> "It's about me and Hiss."

> "It's about this whole goddamn war."

> Tell her about your homunculi problems.

> "It's about Rock."

> Change the subject.

>Other

>>44288116
>What isn't?
> "It's about me and Hiss."
> "It's about this whole goddamn war."
> Tell her about your homunculi problems.
> "It's about Rock."


Poor Aash she's going to drown in WORDSWORDSWORDS

>>44288116
> "It's about me and Hiss."
> Tell her about your homunculi problems.
> "It's about Rock."

>>44288116
> "It's about me and Hiss."
> Tell her about your homunculi problems.
> "It's about Rock."
We've already established that Cennen is more or less okay with the war.

>>44288116
>> Tell her about your homunculi problems.
>> "It's about Rock."

So I just caught up from thread 25 over the past 2 days, and I gotta ask. Why the hell didn't we ever ask Rock about wizard souls?

>>44288170
His nightmares about Hiss eating everything begs to differ.

>>44288184
Beats me.

>>44288195
He's actively contributing to the war effort in multiple ways.

>>44288285
Doesn't mean he thinks it is right.

>>44288116
> "It's about me and Hiss."
> "It's about this whole goddamn war."

Sorry about the delay, I'm still a little tired from work last night. Had over a hundred people in.

> "It's about me and Hiss."
> Tell her about your homunculi problems.
> "It's about Rock."

"It's that obvious? I guess I've been doing a lot of thinking lately."

"There's nothing wrong with that. Just remember that I'm always happy to listen and help."

Yeah, you really should talk to someone about all of this.
"Okay, it's about me and Hiss-"
You are interrupted by Aashenpreet suddenly sighing and rolling her eyes.
"What? What happened to always being happy to listen?"

"Yes but it's always Hiss, isn't it? She's all anyone ever wants to talk about."

"Is something wrong with that?"

"Not really..."

"Right. So all this war stuff, I guess I'm fine with that. But it's been keeping her busy and it seems like we never have enough time for each other anymore. We used to be inseparable and now it's a lucky day if I even see her."

"Surely your own habit of locking yourself away with your potions can't help."

"It probably doesn't but that never used to be a problem."

"Have you tried talking to her about it?"

"Yes but she just tells me she's busy and that we'll have time later. She doesn't even seem happy with what she's doing."

Aashenpreet shakes her head.
"I am loathe to defend Hiss but...it is not your place to make demands of her. She is your snake and more importantly, she is your Queen. Not even you can make demands upon her time."

"Wow thanks Aash, you're making me feel better already."

"You are branded, Cennen. You aren't just some servant or concubine, you bear her mark. Do you even know what that means?"

"Yes, I'm her ser-"

"It means you are hers! And that she trusts you with her own power! And yet your devotion is tested by a few days of being ignored? Where is your faith?"

"I'm more than just her branded servant, you know. I'm the Royal Consort and that should mean something."

"No it shouldn't. Do you really think that title carries any respect?"
1/?

>>44288781
"A human consort means little, you might as well spend your day awaiting her attention in her seraglio. But she grants you freedom to do as you please and the authority to do it with. She believes in you but you don't believe in her."

"That's not true."
What the fuck would Aash know about any of this?

"If you were truly devoted to her then you would not wither after just a few days. If she promises you time in the future you must believe her and do whatever you can to serve her in the meantime."

You don't like the sound of that at all.
"Aash, what happened to telling me that my relationship with Hiss was awful? I thought you wanted us apart."

"I do and Hiss remains as repugnant as ever. But you should at least try and do it right."

"Well it's not like it is back where you come from, we have an equal relationship. Partners."

"No you don't."

"Ye-"

"No you don't. You tell yourself that and maybe she tells herself that too but it's a lie. A love between a serpent and a human, a Queen and her subject? It can never be equal and it never will be. You might consider yourself her lover before you are her human servant but that doesn't change the fact that you are. You literally belong to her, Cennen. Don't lie to yourself about 'equality', it doesn't exist."

"So you're saying that I should just sit back and wait for her to have time for me?"

"You've already spoken to her about it, what else can you do? Try to force yourself into her time? You just have to remember your place and trust her when she tells you it'll be fine."

"You are much worse at this listening business than you claimed."

She has the grace to look somewhat bashful at least.
"Sorry. I'll drop the subject for now."

"Actually, there was something else on my mind anyway. Remember Eva?"
You tell her about your homunculi experiments and your failure with Hom.
"Now he's awake and I know he was in pain. Do I just give him a new body?"

Aashenpreet looks extremely concerned.
2/3

>>44289000
"This is a little out of my experience, isn't it?"

"Is it? You're old enough to have taken part in the mating ball, right? You've had children. It's a little like that."
Except that if Quedesh was anything like Snakehome in that regard, she would never have met them. Maybe not a perfect analogy then.

Aashenpreet blushes, a bright red clearly visible in her Teln form.
"Cennen, I fear you forget yourself. I am a priestess of the Chau Devi, my body was marked by Aashimid at birth and thus shall never be touched by any other."

You blink.
"Wait, you mean you've never, uh, been in the ball?"
You hadn't thought of that. Hiss had described it as a mating season impossible to ignore and absent the rest of the year, different from the constant human sexuality.

"No. When the annual time comes, we let our human slaves lock us in the pits or conquer it by will alone. You forget that we are different from the serpents here, we are civilized and respectful."

"Oh. To be honest, I was expecting you to give me some spiel about how Hom and Eva II are abominations. Life created without Aashimid and all that."

"That is certainly a sin but once again you forget yourself. They are not the only ones rendered impure by their existence alone, my entire people bears the stigma of Aashimid's displeasure etched into our very bodies. And if he can forgive us, surely we can forgive wretches such as this 'Hom'."

"So what should I do about him then? Is giving him a body right? I might just mess it up again."

"It might be through strange means but these things are still your children. You should treat them as such."

"Hold on, I thought you lot didn't care about progeny. Hiss certainly gave me that impression."

Aashenpreet nods.
"She's right, we don't feel anything for our children. That is simply the way of the world. But you are a human and it is the lot of humans to love. Why do you think I like all of you so much?"
3/4

>>44289338
"You people fall in love so easily, giving your lives for useless infants that you only just met. You might have your many flaws and your continual need for our guidance but you are something fragile and beautiful all the same. There is no species quite as uselessly kind-hearted. So treat them as your children and take care of them because that is what humans are meant to do."

You're not sure you like all of humanity being generalized like that. 'Kind-hearted' certainly isn't a word that you'd use. But that doesn't mean her advice isn't sound.
"So I should make a him a new body?"

"Of course. And remember, all children have their failings. You must forgive them that as Aashimid forgives my existence every day."

"Uh, thanks I guess. But I can't help but feel that this is something that Rock would have something to say about."
But that just makes you think of Rock's disappearance.

"The Suzerain will return one day."

"What? Did she tell you anything? Where did she go?"

Aashenpreet laughs.
"No. But that is what Rock told me and I have faith."

"I think I'd prefer something more substantial."

"Talk light of faith if you wish but in this case it's all you have. Whether it's Hiss or Rock in this case, you just have to believe in them and trust in what they promised. What else can you do?"

>Nod. You'll do that.

>Shake your head. That's not a proper solution to either of those problems.

>>44289566
>Nod. You'll do that.

>>44289566
>Nod. You'll do that.
Holy shit that update was monstrous.

File: babyAash.jpg (42 KB, 338x600)

42 KB JPG

Sorry about how long that update took by the way, still feeling pretty tired. But I'd already postponed this thread for more than long enough.

>>44289566
>Just because I have to wait doesn't mean I can't do something about it.

>>44289566
>>Nod. You'll do that.
>>44289643
Take it easy, man
>+100 people
Work shortage is over I presume

>>44289643
That wasn't an unreasonable amount of time for an update that long.

>>44289566
>Nod. You'll do that.
We've been worrying too much lately.

I love how we're basically turning into a subservient mindless snake servant.

>>44289850
It's been subtle, but we're approaching a quasi nobbled state

>>44289695
>Work shortage is over I presume
The lean times have come to an end. But as one tribulation ends, another begins. In this case it's the mandatory santa hat I have to wear now.

>Nod. You'll do that.

You don't reply to her properly but you nod and try to take her words to heart. Despite what Aash apparently believes, you've always considered yourself a faithful person. Just not in the same way she is.
Aashenpreet doesn't push the issue, taking your gesture in exactly the way you meant it.

The three of you keep walking along the river, Lesser Arlinton coming closer and closer. And you still feel nostalgic but not as much. You can't keep on trying to capture the past.

Behind you, Zigzag collapses. Well, 'collapsing' might be too strong of a word. She just stiffens up and falls over, basking in the sunlight.
"Legs hurt," she mumbles.

Snakes aren't really made for long-term exertion, even if they can train their human bodies for it.

You're about to ask what you should do with her but Aashenpreet is already stooping beside her, picking her up.
"Don't worry about it, I'll carry heaarrgh!"

Aashenpreet drops Zigzag gracelessly, clutching her hands with tears in her eyes. They're covered in scratches and gashes from where Zigzag had sharpened her scales.
"Don't touch me," Zigzag says blearily. "Don't capture me."
She might not yet be as sober as you thought.


>Make a Heal-all for Aash.

>Drag Zigzag.

>Threaten to leave her there.

>Make some more Oil.

>"I wish you wouldn't be such a constant nuisance."

>Ask her to go back to her snake form.

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Make a wish (Specify)

>Other

>>44289962
Anons giving up all sense of morality and care to Hiss despite the fact we're supposed to call her on bullshit hasn't helped either.

>Hiss is unhappy!
>Bend over backwards for her and take it.

>>44289978
>Make a Heal-all for Aash.
>Ask her to go back to her snake form.

>>44289978
>Make a Heal-all for Aash.
>Ask her to go back to her snake form.

>>44289978
>Make a Heal-all for Aash.
>Ask her to go back to her snake form.
Snakes can't be bound by two people at the same time, right? Reasure her with this fact.

>>44290099
Snakes can't capture snake either.

>>44289978
Carry her personally. It should be fine since we already captured her.

>Make a Heal-all for Aash.
>Ask her to go back to her snake form.

You cook up a quick Heal-all for Aashenpreet's hands. It has vastly reduced potency thanks to the means but it should be more than enough for a few shallow cuts.
"You're lucky that you let go immediately, I've seen that shred a lot more."

"It's fine," Aash says through gritted teeth. "All is forgiven."
It sounds like she's saying that more to herself than she is to Zigzag.

With that done, you kneel down beside the fallen snake.
"What's going on? You know Aashenpreet can't capture you."

"Mrmph."

"Uhuh. Well get back to your true shape and I'll carry you."

"No," Zigzag moans. "I need to eat more gunk. I need this body to eat more."

"If you keep this up you won't get any!"

Zigzag dissolves, revealing a long black snake with a white zigzag pattern running down its back. You pick it up and quickly drop the snake in your pack before she can lacerate your hands too.

"What's wrong with her?"
Aashenpreet's hands have healed but she still looks rather put out.

"It's a long story."

"That's you answer to everything, Cennen."

"Fine. She may be forming an addiction to a certain potion I made, one that emulates being heatstruck."

"Why would you make a potion like that?"

"Why not? She'll be fine."

The two of you make it to Lesser Arlinton just fine, one of the guards squinting at you in faint recognition but nothing else.
It's nice to see the town with the river flowing through it for once.

But you're not here to sightsee. You're here to book passage on a carriage straight to Melire.

>Straight to the carriage, no time to waste.

>Surely it wouldn't hurt to rest here for the night. The sun's nearly down.

>You want some time to brew at least.

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Other

>>44290475
>Straight to the carriage, no time to waste.

>>44290475
>Surely it wouldn't hurt to rest here for the night. The sun's nearly down.
>You want some time to brew at least.

Tell Aash we've figured out Snakes have addictive personalities. Sex, souls, potions, censuses etc.

>>44290475
>>You want some time to brew at least.
got to have some product ready, we should really work on some of the more commercial less country fucking brews, like the anti aging cream.

>>44290475
>Surely it wouldn't hurt to rest here for the night. The sun's nearly down.
>You want some time to brew at least.
We should probably make some brews to show off in Melire before we get there right?

>>44290126
I was also thinking that if there's something fishy going on with these banker fellows, Zizgag would be the only non-nobbable snake in Melire

>>44290475
>You want some time to brew at least.
Is there someone of the vanguard here? I'd like to speak with them

>>44290543
Here's a few we should consider showing off. Snake ingredient brews should be safe since we're not planning to give them any of the recipes.

Soulsight
Persistence brew and antidote
Demorph
Antimagic Flask
Thoughtbrew
Dispel elixir
Shapeshifting brew
Soulbirth (maybe)
Treebrew
Potence
Regen
Collapsible
Rumpleskin
Bloodkin
Shapestealer

>>44290675
One thing I wasn't sure if I should include was the caster and related brews. I'm not sure I want to give such a powerful weapon to a shady merchant guild and therefore the general public.

>>44290750
why not? expensive ponderous and most of the brews we have aren't easily produced without a master or 10 not counting a master smith.

>>44290782
caster brews are hella simple. anyone could make them.

>>44290782
Like I said, I'm not sure. I just don't want to end up dealing with other people using Casters against us eventually.

>>44290750
Fuck no, neither the soulbirth, in fact:
Soulsight
Demorph
Thoughtbrew
Soulbirth (maybe)
Bloodkin

should be kept secret, at least at first

>>44290802
Pretty much require a master, simple =/= easy.

>>44290826
Why? We need to show off our alchemy skills to get them interested. We're only offering to supply them with brews, we were never gonna give them the recipes or anything.

>>44290831
The explosive brew was a journeyman brew.

>>44290846
Some of those are too useful against snakes, and we're not trying to sabotage them, not yet, and a skilled alchemist could probably figure out how to replicate them

>>44290886
and it's not usable in one unless it magical out the ass which requires a keeper or wizard.

>>44290895
Nah it's impossible to determine the ingredients of a brew. And they all require snake blood, which they could never get their hands on. Soulsight might be a bad idea in retrospect since snake souls look different though.

>You want some time to brew at least.

You can afford to spend some time properly preparing, how are you going to impress these unwitting traitors if you don't brew anything up? But you can't just brew outside in the street, not with potions like these.

You rent a room for a few hours at the local inn, the innkeeper not recognizing you even as you pay him with a Heal-all and a supply of alcohol.
Once secure in the privacy of your rooms you let Zigzag out of your bag and she doesn't change back, content to curl up within the window's sunbeam.
Aashenpreet watches her, her lip curled.
"But why make a potion meant to be addictive?"

"I didn't intend for anyone to get hooked on the stuff, Aash. Honestly I just think that you snakes tend to have addictive personalities.

"And just what do you mean by that?"

"Well none of you NEED to eat souls, do you? Snakes just do it because if feels good and it makes them need to do it more. It's the same with Orange and his wish-bond and Zigzag's oil. And Hiss and..."
You decide to cut that thought short before you vocalize it.

Aashenpreet doesn't, though.
"Do you actually consider Hiss a sex-addict?"

Shit you didn't want to say it like that.
"Uh..."

"I think you worry too much. She doesn't even begin to approach the kind of appetite common to the more decadent lords and ladies of the Invisible Court. In fact, I think that is where your misconception about 'addiction' stems."

"What do you mean?"

"We are creatures of appetites, every one of us. It is our base nature to devour all we have and long for what we cannot. Gluttony runs in our veins, a blood inherited from dragons. Whether it be food or souls or ...anything else, a taste is enough to sharpen our fangs, to make us..."
She looks away for some reason.
"Utterly insatiable."

"I don't see how different that is from being easily addicted."

1/2

>>44290937
>impossible
That's tempting fate, anon, I'm pretty sure any master that's motivated enough could come out with an improved identification brew get the gist of all our brews

>>44291084
Nah it doesn't work like that. The ingredients cease to exist in their old form at all.

>>44291047
"It is a subtle difference, perhaps one you cannot yet understand. And the degree and the focus differ hugely from individual to individual. So you needn't worry about me, I am unaffected. I eat no souls and hunger for nothing."

You frown. What she says makes sense but you're not sure if she's truly conquered her desires or if she just hungers for something more intangible than most.
"What you said about the Courts, that reminds me of something I'd been meaning to ask. The snakes here seem to frown on sex. The old King called Hiss perverse and sometimes she seems embarrassed by me. But that seemed very different in Quedesh."
Very different.

Aashenpreet looks extremely uncomfortable with this topic.
"Another symptom of the local barbarism, I'm afraid. There's nothing wrong with it, if that's what you're asking. Human bodies have human desires."

"I just don't want Hiss to be judged because of it."

"Honestly, all you have to do is wait. The longer they spend time in the human bodies and in human contact...well, things will eventually sort themselves out."

"Right. Thanks."

You turn away from her and start to unpack your equipment. What do you want to brew?

>Specify Potions

>>44291299
Persistence brew and antidote
Demorph
Antimagic Flask
Thoughtbrew
Dispel elixir
Shapeshifting brew
Treebrew
Potence
Regen
Collapsible
Rumpleskin
Bloodkin
Shapestealer

>>44291343
Whoops, meant to remove treebrew from there. Probably a pretty common brew.

>>44291299
Wordtheft Elixir
Persistence Brew & antidote
Antimagic
Shapeshifting
Bloodkin

>>44291343
This, I guess. I'm not 100% about sharing shapeshifting related brews though.

>>44291299
>>44291343
i agree with a lot of this, but do we need persistence to be out on the open market?

>>44291498
Because it's revolutionary for the field of alchemy? Why wouldn't we include it?

>>44291459
I say we take it just in case and use it just if we need something flashy to persuade them if the other potions aren't enough

>>44291299
lol Aash is definitely feeling horny from her human body. I'm hoping this
"We are creatures of appetites, every one of us. It is our base nature to devour all we have and long for what we cannot. Gluttony runs in our veins, a blood inherited from dragons. Whether it be food or souls or ...anything else, a taste is enough to sharpen our fangs, to make us..."
She looks away for some reason.
"Utterly insatiable."
isn't implying anything about that time we kissed her when we drank that love potion.

>>44291521
because it has pretty significant ramifications on the open market, even if it isn't reproducible.

Lets not forget there are probably plenty of other master alchemists who have brew we might not want permanently placed on someone.

>>44291583
I kinda assumed she was referring to that time when she couldn't stop herself from eating that one guy's whole soul

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>>44291583
Anon...

>Persistence brew and antidote
>Demorph
>Antimagic Flask
>Thoughtbrew
>Dispel elixir
>Shapeshifting brew
>Potence
>Regen
>Collapsible
>Rumpleskin
>Bloodkin
>Shapestealer

You spend quite some time brewing up a long list of potions. You figure it shouldn't matter if they're using forbidden ingredients or not, alchemy is a transformative process and the ingredients shouldn't be identifiable as a result.
You'd rather not share certain brews like the Persistence or the Shapestealer but it wouldn't hurt to have them on hand.
This lineup should have them eating out of your hand if all goes well.

The sun sinks lower past the window, the dark slowly creeping in. Zigzag slithers about, still in snake form and attempting to butt her snout into your pack. Aash mostly just sits on the bed and fidgets.

You're finishing up when you're interrupted by a knock at the door. You gently push Zigzag underneath the bed while Aash answers it.
"Hello?"

It's the innkeeper and he's looking a little uncomfortable.
"I don't know who you are but I want you out."

Aashenpreet answers before you can.
"Why? We haven't done anything wrong."

"Oh I don't know what ye did but the Mayor is out looking for you two. I want nothing to do with it."

What could that be about?

>Stay.

>Bah, it was time to book a carriage anyway.

>Ask to see the mayor.

>Sneak out.

>Use Potion (Specify)

> Make a wish (Specify)

>Other

>>44291831
>Ask to see the mayor.

>>44291831
Does anyone remember what happened in lesser arlington?

>>44291831
>Bah, it was time to book a carriage anyway.

>>44291831
>Ask to see the mayor.


>>44291939
bart

>>44291831
>Ask to see the mayor.

>>44291831
>>Ask to see the mayor.
diplomacy

Sorry about the delay, was eating.

>Ask to see the mayor.

You stand up, slinging your pack back on.
"Fine, we'll leave. But can you tell us where this Mayor will be? We don't have anything to hide."

Aashenpreet glares at you but she doesn't say anything that would break your cover, blocking the doorway so you can scoop Zigzag up and put her in your pack unseen.

The innkeeper gives you directions and you set off with Aash in two, Zigzag and Hom sitting in your pack.
You find the mayor in the street outside, a short stout man with a balding pate. He's accompanied by two guards but he shoos them away as you get close. A carriage is sitting beside him, having evidently just deposited the mayor and his entourage there just a few minutes ago.
He climbs back into the carriage as you approach.
"Ah my boy," he says quietly. "I bear royal news. Get in."

Suddenly understanding, you and Aashenpreet climb in.
"You've been busy."

"It was an advantageous position," the mayor replied, his eyes glinting snake-pupils in the dark. "I didn't realize you were coming through so soon."

"Which one am I talking to, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I believe you assigned me as 'Snouty', a name I take some umbrage with now that I know what it means."

You rack your brains for a moment before you nod. You remember this one, though you remember them as being a rather statuesque woman who had some trouble shapeshifting clothes and a very powerful rattle.
"I didn't realize you were in the vanguard."

"I'm not, not the first waves at least. I'm just here to prepare for her Majesty's arrival. Assume control."

"And how's that been going."

"Splendidly, splendidly. I don't believe anyone suspects a thing, particularly since the local wizard was run off quite some time ago."

"Good to hear. So what do you want? You called us here for a reason, right?"

"Naturally. I have some compatriots in the guard and they have a great number of humans who have been pruned into obedience."
1/2

>>44292591
haha oh man, cennen's names never fail to make me giggle

>>44292591
Snouty continues, waving his(?) hand.
"I hear of everyone who passes through, it didn't take too long to realize who you were. So I have come to make a request of you."

"Sure. Do you need something brewed?"

"Serpentbanes. I left before you brewed any even though my comrades tell me there is now quite the surplus. You don't need to brew any for me but if you have any spares I would be eternally grateful."

>Give Snouty one Serpentbane.

>Give Snouty all three of your Serpentbanes.

>"Oh I don't have any on me, sorry." You might need all of these later.

>Other

>>44292693
>Give Snouty all three of your Serpentbanes.
sure whatever

>>44292693
>Give Snouty all three of your Serpentbanes.

>>44292693
>Give Snouty one Serpentbane.
We might need the others later

>>44292693
>>Give Snouty one Serpentbane.

>>44292833
We can make some more right after this if you're really that worried.

We should recommend they get people in the inns and taverns, great source of information and rumours

Rolled 2 (1d6)

Looks like a tie. Evens for 3, odds for 1.

>Give Snouty all three of your Serpentbanes.

"Sure, I have one for you."
You open up your pack, pushing Zigzag out of the way and looking for your Serpentbanes.
"Actually, I have three. You can have all of them if you want."

You give Snouty all three bottles, piling them into his flabby hands. Craggy eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
"I didn't ask for such generosity."

"Whatever, feel free man."
Aashenpreet beams approvingly.

"This is fantastic, thank you!"

"Well if that's all..."
You go to step out of the carriage but Snouty stops you. He's looking suddenly uncertain about something.

"Stop human. I hadn't intended to speak of this just yet but I fear I may have misjudged you.”

Aashenpreet pulls you back onto your seat and you try your best to keep your dignity throughout.
“Well spit it out, we haven’t got all day.”

“There are those in Snakehome who disapprove of the Queen’s actions.”

“What, the war? I thought everyone was for that.”

Snouty frowns.
“Not the war specifically. More about her personal activities. And yourself in general. They don’t like the method of her succession and they do not like her tastes, they think it makes her weak. I was invited to join them once, to speak treason in moonlight with them. I didn’t..of course but I believe that they want to hurt the Queen and what’s more, they wish to do so using the only known gap in her scales.”

“Me? They want to get to her through me?”

“Precisely. So just keep an eye out, will you?”
Snouty motions for you to leave.
“Wait, who are they? Can you give me names?”

Snouty attempts to make a convoluted hissing sound and coughs.
“No, I’m afraid not. They were in obscured human form at the time and I could not recognize them. But they could be anywhere now.”

“Uh alright, I’ll pass that information to the Queen. No worries, she’ll make sure you’re rewarded.”
You go to step outside yet again but Aashenpreet is still holding you down.
“Aash?”
1/2

>>44293418
“Snouty, was it?”
Aashenpreet is looking unusually stern.
“Why didn’t you tell anyone about this earlier?”

“Well...um...you see, they had invited me and…”

“Were you perhaps entertaining the idea of joining them?”
Aashenpreet looms forward, somehow appearing much bigger despite the confined space.

“No, of course not-”


“Don’t worry, we won’t tell her that part. But we DO need a carriage and soon before it gets dark.”

“I see.”
Snouty deflates, backing down before Aashenpreet’s dominance display.
“Take this one. As a gift.”
He climbs out, motioning to the driver as he does so.
“Full speed to Melire, my good man. Relatives of mine will travel in style!”

The carriage sets off immediately, Aashenpreet sinking back in her seat with a smile. You stare at her.
“Where did that come from?”

“Oh, I just didn’t want to go through the problem of finding another carriage this late. I didn’t actually mean any of it.”

“Yeah but where did you pull that attitude from? It was a good act.”
She had seemed a lot more confident and self-assured than usual, the kind of smug that you’d expect from Hiss. Did she pull it from a soul? Impossible, she doesn't have any.

“Act? Cennen, all of these snakes are the size of children and infants at best. It’s not difficult to be unimpressed, particularly when I am civilized and they are mostly savages. I try to be polite at all times but…”
She says no more but you can finish it in your head quite well.

“But in the end you consider yourself completely superior to the likes of us.”

She looks away.
“That is a very crude way to put it. I don’t mean to condescend.”

“Of course you don’t.”

>Brew in the carriage.

>Talk about (Specify)

>You should probably let Zigzag out.

>Sleep until you arrive.

>Nobble.

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Other

>>44293441
>Brew in the carriage.
A few scalebanes and snakebreakers. Just in case. Gotta be ready for some snake killin'

>>44293441
>Brew in the carriage.
anti-snake brews. is there some way we could make the snake art weakening brew exclude zigzag and aash?
>You should probably let Zigzag out.

>>44293441
>Brew in the carriage.
Snake dispels, snake breakers, scalebanes

>>44293441
>>44293565
>Talk about (I guess you're own addiction is seeing everyone else as your own inferior. Same song, different singer.)

>>44293441
>Brew in the carriage.
Giggle at their foolish belief that we are a weak gap in Hiss's scales as we make brews designed to kill them with our caster
>You should probably let Zigzag out.

>>44293654
Aash helped us out there. No need to be rude to her.

>>44293441
>>You should probably let Zigzag out.

>>44293441
>You should probably let Zigzag out.
Aash is a fukken boss, I'm glad we brought her

>You should probably let Zigzag out.
>Brew

So they consider you a gap in Hiss' scales, do they? Fools. You lay out your pack, setting Zigzag free as you do so and get to brewing. Do they think you have no recourse for handling snakes? How could they ever hope to compare to the likes of Hiss, Tanni or the King?

You cook up a Snake Dispel, a Snakebreaker and a scalebane while Aashenpreet keeps Zigzag from eating the potions.
Zigzag isn't changing back into a human yet, probably for the best.

As you finish up brewing, the sun has well and truly set and the moon can be seen through the carriage window. Aashenpreet is looking curiously through your pack.
"Which of these is the homunculus?"

"That one. Can you see the little stain?"
You point out Hom's bottle for her, keeping a wary watch on Zigzag as Aashenpreet cradles the bottle in her hands.

"Is he aware?"

"Unfortunately yes. They're supposed to be quiescent when they're in the bottle but since he was awakened for his body he's awake even now."

"It must be awful to be conscious in a bottle like that."

"It's his default state and besides, it's not like we can ask him. I'll just have to apologize when I make him a proper body."

"Why not just put him into a soulless body like Eva II?"

"I'd need Hiss for that and besides, I want to give them the bodies they deserve. MY bodies, not ones stolen from the innocent."

Aash holds the bottle up to her eyes, peering through it.
"Feels so strange to hold it like this. It's like an egg or a baby, life in the palm of your hands. Does that scare you?"

"Pardon?"

"You have been granted the creative aspect, to make life and to raise it. Aren't you scared of the responsibility, to make sure all of your alchemical children turn out well?"

Welp.
"Well I'm certainly scared of it now."

She laughs just a little at your response.
"And these are all with Zigzag's blood?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Is it just her or can you use the blood of any snake?"

1/2

>>44294130
"Any is fine."
You look at her suspiciously.

"Then can you use mine?"
She looks a little embarrassed.
"I'd like at least one."

"Sure, that probably won't be a problem. But why?"

"Don't you remember what I told you before? I'm never going to mate and I'm never going to bear eggs. And even if I did, I probably wouldn't care about them and certainly not in the way a human does for their spawn. But maybe this thing would be a different. A human child that could maybe grant me a human love? I'd like to feel that at least once."

>Sure, the next one should be fine.

>That's a remarkably selfish reason.

>Why wait? You can brew something up right now!

>Other

>>44294256
>>That's a remarkably selfish reason.
but
>Sure, the next one should be fine.


You realize that the fact you're feeling melancholy about it means it's possible. You may have to work at it, but I never took you for a quitter Aash. Hell Hiss said she loved me finally, if she can feel that way as dark as she is. Someone who's as generally kind as you should have a good shot too.

>>44294256
>Why wait? You can brew something up right now!
Ask if she wants it to have any particular abilities, I guess? We can use the speech elixir on Aash and the soul this time, so her child could speak quedeshi or teln. And a soulguard too just for safety's sake. We need to come up with more soul brews to differentiate homunculi more.

>>44294256
>Why wait? You can brew something up right now!

>>44294256
>Sure, the next one should be fine.
It took days to make Eva and Hom. Promise to make it when we have the time.

>>44294256
>Sure, the next one should be fine.
I want to get on top of the whole "making bodies" thing before we just start making children willy nilly.

>>44294256
>That's a remarkably selfish reason.
>Though not any more selfish than my reason sooo
>Sure, the next one should be fine.

Though why do you think this would be any different to you than a regular child? Since you're investing even less in bringing him about, why would you care more about this one?

>>44294378
It only takes a few hours to make the soulbirth brew. It took days for Eva because we were figuring out the recipe as we went along.

>>44294460
Even still, we're busy and we don't want anyone potentially interrupting us. Doing it back in Snakehome is the better choice, especially with what Snouty said.

>>44294313
It's her own personal decision to not have sex or have kids. It's part of her faith. You're kinda dense anon.

File: ow.jpg (25 KB, 500x381)

25 KB JPG

Calling it for
>Sure, the next one should be fine.
Writan'

>>44294414
I already figured it out though. We just need to include some organic material that the soulshape brew can use to build the body. It was a gel-like substance last time because it tried to make a body out of the only available material at the time, which was liquid brews.

>Sure, the next one should be fine.

"Sure, when I make the next one I can use yours. I'll need your blood now though."
She gives your hand and doesn't complain as you get to work, blood slowly spilling into a ready bottle. You don't know if you really approve of her motivation, it's sort of selfish. But then again does that really come as a surprise? She doesn't seem to quite understand what it is she's looking for and you're not sure you do either.

Zigzag sheds her skin a few minutes later, re-emerging in her small human form. As you pocket the shed snakeskin, she yawns and flicks one of her suspenders. She's getting a little better about looking human but her teeth are still rather pointy.
"I am ready for the gunk again. Give me the gunk."
Ah right, she's much hungrier as a human. And right now you're in a pretty enclosed space, if she starts breathing venom you're all going to be out of it in very short order.

>Brew up some Oil for her.

>Refuse and tell her that it's bad for her.

>Say you'll feed her a human later. This isn't necessarily the truth.

>Say that you'll give it to her later if she continues to behave.

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Make a wish (Specify)

>Other

>>44294671
>>Refuse and tell her that it's bad for her.
not quite outright refuse, but this can't be healthy long term

>>44294671
>Say that you'll give it to her later if she continues to behave.
Tell her we have to be cautious, there are some snakes that want to kill me. If I die you won't be getting snake oil for a very long time, maybe never.

>>44294671
>>44294747
This Let her know Aash and hiss are fine, but other snakes not so much.

>>44294671
>Say that you'll give it to her later if she continues to behave.
>>44294747
I like this but make sure she doesn't just attack all snakes she meets. Tell her we need to find out for sure who it is first.

>>44294665
And we could even include physical brews like regen or potence to give the formed body those qualities permanently.

>>44294671
>Say that you'll give it to her later if she continues to behave.

>>44294671
>>Say that you'll give it to her later if she continues to behave.

>>44294671
>Say that you'll give it to her later if she continues to behave.
>Tell her we have to be cautious, there are some snakes that want to kill me. If I die you won't be getting snake oil for a very long time, maybe never.

>Say that you'll give it to her later if she continues to behave.
>Warn her

You almost hold a finger in front of her mouth but think better of it at the last moment. You really don't want to lose a finger.
"Hold on Ziggy, I can't give it to you just yet. I'll give it to you later but ONLY if you behave. Understand?"

"Oaaoaaooaoaoaaaaaa fine."
She slumps back onto the ground between yours and Aashenpreet's legs.
It's probably for the best you didn't brew it for here in front of Aashenpreet too. If the fumes got too much it might have ended up in an embarrassing situation.
You think back to what Snouty told you and nod to yourself. You should probably tell Zigzag about that since she was in your pack at the time.
"By the way Zigzag, we have to be cautious. There are some snakes that want to kill me and I don't know who they are. If I die you won't be getting snake oil for a very long time, maybe never!"

That seems to sober her up, prompting her to sit up again.
"But if you die can't I just find another alchemist and give him my hair and scales?"

Oh shit, you hadn't thought of that. Another reason for why this addiction is dangerous.
"The Queen really wouldn't like you doing that."
Shit, Melire is full of alchemists. What if she seeks one out if you keep not feeding her?

Aashenpreet looks a little awkward, trying to gently nudge Zigzag away from her leg.
"And how are you, Zigzag? I haven't gotten to speak to you at all."

"Fine. I remember you from the village, you're very big."

"I am on the inside, yes. But where I come from it's not a big deal."

"Can you show me how to be big?"

"I suppose? Maybe? Why?"

"I want to be able to eat humans without the alchemist making them small for me."

Aashenpreet stares at you and you can only shrug.
"One time! Just once!"

"Zigzag," Aashenpreet says, "That is not the appropriate goal. Seeking out your Arts should be a journey of self-improvement and-"

"Getting big would be self-improvement."

1/2

>>44295135
"Spiritual improvement! You must advance beyond yourself and find new meaning in Aashimid's light."

"What's Aashimid?"

Aashenpreet's eyes light up at the opportunity.
"Ah, do you really want to know? Aashimid is just another name for what you call the Creator, the benevol-"

"The Creator sucks. I hate her."

Aashenpreet slowly closes her mouth and takes a deep breath. You can only shrug again.
"Sorry Aash, Snakehome's primarily maltheists."

"It's fine. Zig, let me tell you more about Aashimid before you make such a snap decision."

"Can I eat Aashimid?"

"You most certainly cannot!"

"I don't care then."

"You little ...barbarian!"

"What's a barbarian?"

Aashenpreet shifts herself away as best she can.
"I think you'll have to find another teacher."

"Maybe I'll learn if I eat you. I've never eaten another snake before but nobody back home likes you so it should be fine."

It looks like Aashenpreet is about to retaliate so you step in, placing a hand on top of Zigzag's head.
"Ziggy, this is not considered good behavior. Do you want the oil or not?"

The tension subsides, just a little. Zigzag curls up at your feet and seems to go to sleep while Aashenpreet glares daggers at her.
"You chose a wonderful mother for your homunculi."

"Hey, you use what you have on hand. I'm sure that her nature doesn't affect them. Pretty sure."

The carriage suddenly comes to a dead halt and you can hear your driver suddenly stand up and jump off. You can hear voices in the dark, loud angry voices.

You go to open the door but someone else gets there before you, the door being swung open by a giant of a man, equal parts muscle and fat with a long knife in hand. Behind him a motley crew of dirty men, some clad in armor others making do with cloth. The coachman is standing by them, a knife at his throat.
"Good evening, gents."
The big man peers inside and grins.
"Ladies. Give me all what you got and nobody needs to get hurt."

2/3

>>44295322
>Give him a potion (Specify)

>Tell him to fuck off and close the door.

>Throw Zigzag at him.

>Draw your sword.

>Ask Aashenpreet if she could remove this man from the premises.

>Comply with his demands for now. No point spilling blood.

>Ask him what's going on.

>Offer to brew him up something nice if he and his mates bugger off.

>Use Potion (Specify)

>"I wish all of you were dead."

>Other

>>44295322
Hehe
It's Ziggs lucky day, meals on wheels

>>44295359

>Throw Zigzag at him.

>>44295359
>Draw your sword.
Let's test out our super strength and sword skills!

>>44295359
>Draw your sword.

>>44295359
>Draw your sword.

>>44295359
Do we have our Caster with us?

>>44295359
>Tell him to fuck off and close the door.
Then prepare the caster with a snakebreaker. Time to test this baby out for real.

>>44295359

>Draw your sword.
Zigzag will follow

>>44295424
He's not gonna know what the caster is. He won't be intimidated.

>>44295414
Yes but it'd be awkward to put it together, it's a bit too enclosed for such a long weapon.

>>44295359
>>Draw your sword.

>>44295359
>>Tell him to fuck off and close the door.
no need to get all valiant and shit

>>44295481
Oh come on, we never get to swordfight anyone. This is our chance.

>Throw Zigzag at him
don't let them run

>>44295504
even given cennan is half decent fighter and super strong there's a whole bunch of them and the poor driver to consider too, plus the snakefolks can deal with them if we have to.

>Draw your sword.

You roll your eyes and look about for your sword. Come to think of it you've never gotten much of a chance to use this beyond sparring with Oster. You draw your Ishmin blade, moonlight spilling across the steel's mottled wavy bands.

The bandit's grin stretches wider as he gets ready to lunge.
"That's a fanc-"

You kick him in the face, breaking his nose and sending him to the ground. This gives you the space to get out of the carriage and thus use your sword effectively. Zigzag pokes her head out the door but does nothing.

The giant is groaning on the ground, his hands over the bloody mess of his nose. You look the other men over, noting the two in proper plate. Former guardsmen?
You point your sword down to the fallen giant before they can kill the coachman.

The night is silent save for Zigzag slowly working her way out of the carriage.

>"Feel free to leave at any time."

>Execute the fallen man.

>"Now that we're at an impasse, surely we can come to an agreement of sorts."

>Just wait until Zigzag gets out.

>While they're staring at the fallen bandit, charge.

>Slowly unpack the Caster.

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Other

>>44295661
>"Feel free to leave at any time."

>>44295661
>>"Feel free to leave at any time."
>Execute the fallen man.
>I'm an alchemist, I'm stronger than you meaning than you and I can make things that would turn your entire little band into pulp. My companions are worse. I'd be running if I were you.

>>44295661
>"Feel free to leave at any time."
If the giant dropped his dagger kick it away from him

>>44295661
>"Feel free to leave at any time."
>Execute the fallen man.

>>44295661
>Slowly unpack the Caster.
REMOVE BANDIT SCUM
what if they just continue robbing and killing people after we let them go?

>>44295661
>While they're staring at the fallen bandit, charge.

>>44295661
>"Feel free to leave at any time."
I hope they don't. I want a proper fight

>>44295661
>>"Feel free to leave at any time."
and lets not go executing schmucks if we can avoid it

Shit guys I just realized that if Zigzag or Aash show any abnormalities we can't let any witnesses live

>"Feel free to leave at any time."

You plant your foot on the hilt of the knife the man was carrying and kick it away. 'Knife' is a bit of a misnomer really, it's a thin blade long enough to be a proper sword in any smaller hand.
The men in front of you aren't moving, their eyes drawn to the sword you have at the giant's throat and the knife they have pointing to the driver. Somewhat of a standoff.
"Well, feel free to leave at any time."

Was this man really their leader? You doubt it but if they care about him at all, they shouldn't probably press the issue.
And if they're wise they'll leave before Zigzag can climb out because at that point there's going to be a very one-sided bloodbath and you'll have nothing to do with it.
You scan them one more time, noting an impressive array of weapons. Swords, daggers, a spear and a few bows and crossbows. An absolutely nothing that would even slow Zigzag down.
"Did you hear me? Bugger off."

One of the men in plate speaks, sounding hesitant.
"But what about Roderick?"

Does he mean the giant?
"Back off first and I'-"

The fallen man rolls to the side in a blur, sweeping his legs out to catch yours!

>Roll a 1d100, best of the first 3.

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>44296000

>>44295871
not necessarily, many things could be chalked up to them being in the company of an alchemist. Anyway we should probably talk to these guys a little, they seem well equipped for simple brigands

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>44296000
rollan

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>44296000
roll to jump in place

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>44296000

>>44296023
Do you really think inhuman scales covering a small woman as she tears Sparta and eats humans could be explained by alchemy? and even if it could, if they told anyone about it we'd still be fucked.

>>44296076
apart, not Sparta. Fucking touchscreen autocorrect.

>>44296076
>>44296093
Zigzag confirmed persian.
But really, she could dispatch tehm with cockatrice and they wouldn't know what happened.
I want to question one of them, though, they are pretty well equiped and they may have something to do with the traitor snakes

>>44296155
I'm thinking it might be the leftover Melire guards who lost their jobs or something

>>44296076
yeah that would be a tell but that doesn't have to happen, for example aash manhandling them would be pretty explicable. Presumably if zigzag gets out there won't be much to do

>>44296016

He's faster than he looks but not by much and you jump in place, letting him slam his legs painfully into the carriage behind you.
The moment your feet hit the ground again you are moving, bending down and smacking the hilt of your sword into his head.

The other bandits started and one may have begun to move forward but they cease when you re-establish your hostage.

"What the fuck guys!,"Roderick bellows beneath you. "You gotta go in on the cunt then! I gave you an opening!"

The rest of the bandits shift around awkwardly before the hooded one with the crossbow speaks up.
"Fuck you Rod, that was like half a second! What were we supposed to do with that?"

You clear your throat, attempting to divert attention back to yourself.
"I'll release this bloke once the lot of you throw down your weapons and back off. Then we can all go our separate ways."

You catch one of them in armor looking dubiously at his sword.
"Lay down our weapons? This cost me a full week's salary. How much are you going to give?"

You make sure your sword is firmly pointed right above Roderick's throat.
"Give? I'll give you your friend back, what else?"

"See, Roderick is great and all but I don't know if he's worth a full week's salary. 'Specially since there's never gonna be another salary after."

The man beneath you mutters out something muffled that sounds suspiciously like 'cunt'. You sigh.
"I'm not going to take your weapons. Just throw them down, I'll let this guy go and you can pick them up after we leave. Okay?"

"Oh that's fine."
He's eager enough to disarm himself, the rest of the bandits a little less enthusiastic. You just keep your sword pointed at your hostage until they finally divest themselves of all obvious weapons. The coachman is released.

"Idiots," Roderick coughs. "Now yer unarmed and he isn't!"

"Oh what's he going to do, stab all of us? There's still ten of us and one of him. Now give him back."

Zigzag steps out of the carriage.
1/2

>>44296284
>Try to push her back in.

>"There'll be no Oil for you tonight if you do what you're thinking of."

>Encourage her.

>Kick Roderick away and tell them all to run.

>Just keep talking to them. You want to know what's going on.

>Make a wish (Specify)

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Other

>>44296319
>>"There'll be no Oil for you tonight if you do what you're thinking of."
>Just keep talking to them. You want to know what's going on.

>>44296319
>"There'll be no Oil for you tonight if you do what you're thinking of."
>Just keep talking to them. You want to know what's going on.

>>44296319
>>"There'll be no Oil for you tonight if you do what you're thinking of."
>Just keep talking to them. You want to know what's going on.

>>44296319
>"There'll be no Oil for you tonight if you do what you're thinking of."
I don't think I can express with words how disappointed I am with how this turned out. I just wanted to have a sword fight.

>>44296364
i'm sure given there are some subtle snakes trying to smoosh our shit we'll probably have to contend with more determined assassins at some point. These guys are clearly not worth the violence.

>>44296319
>Kick Roderick away and tell them all to run.
She likes eating humans just as much as oil guys

>>44296319
>"There'll be no Oil for you tonight if you do what you're thinking of."
>Everybody fuck off
>Except you, Roderick
>Question him

>>44296408
We can't sword fight with snakes though.

>>44296501
i was implying they would send people after us as opposed to risking revealing themselves

>"There'll be no Oil for you tonight if you do what you're thinking of."
>Just keep talking to them. You want to know what's going on.

You look back to Zigzag, trying to communicate with your expression that you don't want her to take another step. Meanwhile you do your best to keep up the conversation.
"So what's up with you lot anyway? You don't really strike me as hardened killers."

"Oi, give Roderick back."

"After the question. Tell me what's going on. Are you really bandits?"

"Yes."
"Sort of."
"I mean, we've been bandits for a good six...seven hours? Sounds good to me."

"Uh, okay. What were you before that?"

"In the guard."
"Blacksmith apprentice."
"Blacksmith."
"Guardsman."
"Shitcarter."
"Runner."
"Cobbler."
"Waxman."
"Also a cobbler."
"People paid me to carry things."

"Then what are you all doing out here?"

"Well that was all back at Melire. I don't know if you know mate but the city's gone to shit ever since the Mayor In Standing died. First we had this slip of a girl and things were fucking up but now nobody knows whose in charge or doing what and half the city is throwing rocks at the other half."
"So Roderick, that guy down there, used to work at the docks and he told us that he used to do some banditry and that we could make some great money at the carriageway."
"He said nobody'd fight back, what a joke."

Zigzag is ignoring you and slowly walking forward. You do your best to pull her aside.
"Zig, there'll be no Oil for you tonight if you do what you're thinking of."

"What's she doing?"

Zigzag looks at you, looks at your pack, looks at the men and then looks back at you.
"Gunk is fine but humans are also good."

She leaps.

>Shout at them to run.

>Try to grab her.

>Hit her with your sword.

>Push Roderick at her.

>"Aash! Get out here!"

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Make a wish (Specify)

>Other

>>44296593
>>"Aash! Get out here!"
this melire disaster could be a nice opportunity

>>44296593
>Shout at them to run.
Pretend to get real protective of zigzag and threaten them with a brew or something. I'd rather not make them think that zigzag is the real threat here.

>>44296593
>Make a wish (Specify)
Wish that she wouldn't attack anyone unless we want her to. Do it via prayer so none of these guys can hear it.

>>44296593
>Make a wish (Specify)
I wish you understood how it felt to be human, especially all the pain and fear your cause.

>>44296593
>Shout at them to run.
Flee! You fools!
>"Aash! Get out here!"
>Try to grab her.

>>44296714
This. Gotta be subtle.
>>44296715
Lol wut

>>44296732
Best way to get her to stop is to feel it from the other side.

Guys please vote for the wish. If she kills them our cover is blown and our whole mission is fucked.

Rolled 4 (1d6)

Looks like a tie between the wish and shouting at them to run. Evens the former, odds the latter.

>>44296593
seconding >>44296714

>Make a wish (Specify)
Wish that she wouldn't attack anyone unless we want her to. Do it via prayer so none of these guys can hear it.

>>44296851
Fuck that was close

>>44296826
Not if she kills ALL of them

>Make a wish.

You slam your hands together and pray as quickly as you can. Zigzag is already leaping at the closest bandit, can you possibly be fast enough?
Ziggy, you pray, I wish that you won't attack anyone I don't want you too!

Your silent plea emanates from you as Zigzag lands atop the hooded man. She immediately stops, her arms and legs freezing and she screams. It's a high-pitched keening sound that couldn't come from either the throat of man or serpent.
The bandit beside the one she pulled to the ground, startled by her sudden burst of speed, pulls his sword up from the ground and stabs her through the chest.

Or at least tries to.

"Oh shit! What was she doing, I didn't mean to-what the hell?"

He jumps back, his sword having severed one of Zigzag's suspenders and poked a clean hole through her shirt. But beneath that is her heaving breast, completely unharmed.
"Did you see that? I stabbed her!"

>Make up a lie. "You clearly didn't. Forgive the girl, she's strange in the head."

>Kick Roderick at them and tell them to fuck off.

>Welp, now there's witnesses. Time to do what has to be done.

>Pretend to get really angry at them for trying to stab her.

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Other

>>44296940
>Pretend to get really angry at them for trying to stab her.
>Rant at them how lucky it is our servant was testing an armor brew for us or else they'd all be dead men right now.

>>44296940
That is sensible >>44296969

>>44296940
>>44296969
at least try

>>44296940
>Welp, now there's witnesses. Time to do what has to be done.
Son of a bitch.

>>44296940
>>44296969
Second

>>44296940
>Make up a lie. "You clearly didn't. Forgive the girl, she's strange in the head."
>Kick Roderick at them and tell them to fuck off.

>>44296940
>Kick Roderick at them and tell them to fuck off.

>Pretend to get really angry at them for trying to stab her.
>Rant at them how lucky it is our servant was testing an armor brew for us or else they'd all be dead men right now.

You take a deep breath, kick Roderick in the head and then belt out your best roar.
"And what the fuck do you think you're doing? What were you so afraid of? She's an unarmed woman! You nearly killed her!"

"Uh well, look! She's not hurt."

"Only because she was testing an armor brew for me. You could have killed her!"

"You're an alchemist?"

You undo your pack, showing off the array of multi-colored bottles within.
"You're lucky her brew was up or you'd be testing out the results of these babies first-hand."
Your throat is starting to hurt.

"So you had that the whole time? Who are you then?"

>"Munitions Expert, battle alchemist. On the road for war orders, I'm being shipped to Szar. Now clear the road unless you want a taste."

>"Just a healer. A healer and a collector of plagues."

>"A teacher at the Melire Potions College. Now bugger off unless you want to be front and center for the dissection class tomorrow."

>"You don't need to know."

>Give them a demonstration of your alchemical power.

>Other

>>44297134
>"Munitions Expert, battle alchemist. On the road for war orders, I'm being shipped to Szar. Now clear the road unless you want a taste."

>>44297134
>"Munitions Expert, battle alchemist. On the road for war orders, I'm being shipped to Szar. Now clear the road unless you want a taste."
I'd really rather avoid killing my own countrymen. So how about you stop being fucking bandits.

>>44297134
>"Munitions Expert, battle alchemist. On the road for war orders, I'm being shipped to Szar. Now clear the road unless you want a taste."

>>44297134
>"Munitions Expert, battle alchemist. On the road for war orders, I'm being shipped to Szar. Now clear the road unless you want a taste."
You don't want to know the sorts of things I could do to you sorry lot with these and I'd rather not use them on you either.

>>44297134
Inventor, poisoner, fighter, destroyer, maker, observer. You're very lucky I'm not in a bad mood. Otherwise you be paste, which would make a nice Alchemic ingredient....... *Make a show of thinking about it and then looking at them.*

>>44297134
>"Munitions Expert, battle alchemist. On the road for war orders, I'm being shipped to Szar. Now clear the road unless you want a taste."

>Battle alchemist

"I'm a muntions expert and a battle alchemist, on the road for war orders straight to Szar. Now clear the damn road, you don't want to know what I could do to you with these and I'm not paid to kill Teln."

They seem to buy it and to be honest, it's mostly true. You're not really a munitions expert and 'battle alchemist' isn't your most desired calling but you can do a hell of a lot with both. And you're on the road for war orders, just not a war they even know exists.
You kick Roderick over to them.
"Sod off."

They do so, one of the armored ones picking up his sword as he backs off. You let him have it. What would you even do with all these weapons anyway? The army you serve has little need of them.

That just leaves Zigzag, still kneeling in the mud. She looks at you with horror.
"Let me go."

"Later."

She hisses and jumps to her feet, you ready yourself for an attack that you know she's incapable of and...she turns around and runs into the bushland full tilt. Where the fuck is she going?

>Run after her.

>Pray that she definitely won't get any Oil if she does this.

>Use Potion (Specify)

>Unpack the Caster and line up a shot.

>Make a wish (Specify)

>Wait for her to come back.

>"She'll be back." Pack up the carriage and leave, you've already wasted enough time.

>Other

>>44297329
Whoops.

>>44297329
>Pray that she definitely won't get any Oil if she does this.

>>44297329
>Pray that she definitely won't get any Oil if she does this.

>>44297329
>>Run after her.
We really need to find a way of not getting killed around her and using her help without the oil.

>>44297329
>Pray that she definitely won't get any Oil if she does this.

>>44297329
>Pray that she definitely won't get any Oil if she does this.
>Run after her.
Damnit Zigzag. Remind me why we thought bringing her to human lands would be a good idea

Alright guys, the next update will be the last one of this thread. But I'm going to be busy for the next half an hour to an hour or so so I'll just archive the thread now and come back to do the last update later.
Sorry

>>44297424
Thanks for running! I need to get to sleep anyway.

>>44297424
No worries. Thanks for running! Glad to catch a thread since archive diving

>>44297424
Cheers

>Pray that she definitely won't get any Oil if she does this.

What is she running from? Is she mad about your wish? No, that's not quite it. She's afraid. Either way, you have your hand firmly on her leash.
You bow your head and begin to pray, paying special note that you have Oil and that she will not get any of it if she runs away.

You only have to wait five minutes before she comes crawling back, smeared with mud and leaves. She looks pathetic as she slowly comes closer with eyes wide open. She doesn't want to be here.
But she doesn't have a choice. You have what she needs.

You set the cauldron of Oil down on the ground and wait for her to approach. She crawls over to it on her hands and knees, reaches out for it...and then pulls herself back.
"No," she mumbles. "This is bad. Let me go."

And then she snatches the cauldron up and stuffs her face into it like a pig at a trough. After she's finished you drag her to her feet and wipe away the oilstains on her face before dumping her back into the carriage. She's awake but she's sleeping inside, gazing up at you and Aashenpreet in a happy stupor.

Aashenpreet frowns.
"This isn't right. Even for her."

You pat the oildrunk Zigzag on the head. She's unable to bite you.
"For now it'll have to do."

You promise the coachman a large reward if he tells nobody about this and to make speed to Melire.
You'll be there before dawn.

>>44297660
zigzags gonna eat us someday

>>44297675
That'd make one hell of a epilogue during the last thread.

Anyway that's that for the night. It's Monday night, queen of all nights, so I have no work and can sleep forever. Will try to run tomorrow, check the twitter etc etc