Gnuk 2015/05/15(Fri)14:06 No. 640666 ID: 3bbd74
File 143172400191.jpg - (69.29KB , 630x600 , 03of8.jpg )

>For now, find Swabluff's local inn and plan your shopping list and strategy for the next dungeon.

>Whenever you get back to the inn, the first thing you should do is find a reflective surface of some kind and smile at yourself, that way you can see what all the fuss is about. If you still can't figure it out, ask S'shi'mh if any of the previous Trident Wielders had a problem with smiling or if it's just you specifically.

You tell Fishbubble that you'll come back tomorrow and he waves you goodbye.

You reach Swabluff's inn, 'Sita Mirinda's marvelous pieplace', and are immediately greeted by the owner, a short Houndling female, with three long braids and purple eyes.

Sita: "Welcome to my marvelous Pieplace, Sir Vattelapeska. Your companions are waiting for you in the common hall. Anything i can help you with?"

You ask her if she can give you a mirror

Sita: "A... mirror?"

You tell her that you need to check a thing

She hands you a mirror

Gnuk 2015/05/15(Fri)14:08 No. 640667 ID: 3bbd74
File 143172409451.jpg - (65.72KB , 699x600 , 04of8.jpg )

Ok, let's see what's so terrible about this...

You grab the mirror and hold it in front of you.

Gnuk 2015/05/15(Fri)14:08 No. 640668 ID: 3bbd74
File 143172413176.jpg - (66.87KB , 773x600 , 05of8.jpg )

You smile.

the mirror explodes in a shower of shards.

Gnuk 2015/05/15(Fri)14:09 No. 640669 ID: 3bbd74
File 143172416087.jpg - (56.59KB , 657x600 , 06of8.jpg )

Mmmmmh...

Ok...

Gnuk 2015/05/15(Fri)14:12 No. 640670 ID: 3bbd74
File 143172434793.jpg - (77.81KB , 650x630 , 07of8.jpg )

>> YOU ARE NOW SIZZLE BLUEFEATHER MCBLUFF

It took you a bit, but you finally reached the alchemy shop.

"Fez and Jigglesaw: Alchemy for cheap" The bronze plaque says. And a smaller plaque is glued under it, saying "Real Cheap!"

The smells of alchemicals and alcohol is strong.

Feels like home! or at least like your days at the alchemical college.

Gnuk 2015/05/15(Fri)14:17 No. 640671 ID: 3bbd74
File 143172467601.jpg - (83.85KB , 800x580 , 08of8.jpg )

You open the door to the shop and look inside.

The shop is desert, aside for a small, tired-looking, houndling sitting behind the counter, sipping a flask of what looks like whisky.

He notices you and sighs. He sighs, takes a break and starts to recite what sounds like a scripted introduction with a really tired voice.

Fez: "Greetings, I am Fez and welcome to 'Fez and Jigglesaw Alchemy for cheap'. We do alchemy for a way too reasonable price, and we are both patented and capable alchemist. We have a range of potions that rivals the biggest shops in the capital. We have whatever you need, and if we don't we can make it in no problem in our laboratory in a short time. How may i help you this day, dear client?"

>unmovable nails
Okay, I think we absolutely have to buy those. 12 immovable objects is a steal at 100 GP.

>You ask him if they can be used as weapons or alongside weapons.
Hell yes. I can think of a ton of ways to kill or injure people with those.

>You have seen weirder things.
Really? Like what?

>>640668
Maybe you should try a lake next time. Harder to break.

>How may i help you this day, dear client?
I assume we're looking for supplies and reagents?

Start up by asking for ingredients to different potions. While the shop owner is describing them, use your research on alchemy to strike up a debate on different methods of creating similar potions, using the fundamental theorems of chemistry and alchemy. After you have sufficiently impressed the store owner, explain that you got your Ph.D in alchemy and want to purchase ingredients that are more suited to "applied alchemy", or dungeon research. Also explain that if they offer you rare ingredients, you will share your results with them, and possibly assist in experimenting by using the loot from your dungeon runs.

>>640671
"you ok?"
then ask about ingredients

>>640671
Where's Jigglesaw?

>>640668
Well.....that happened. Next chance we get, let's ask S'shi'mh if all of our kind have that problem or if it's just us specifically.

>Maybe you should try a lake next time. Harder to break.

Dear gods, let's not break a lake.

>>640671
Where is the other guy?
You guys seem like you are...not doing ok. not enough customers?
need help/ got a side job?
Any specialty?
What do you have?

Gnuk 2015/05/20(Wed)12:22 No. 641710 ID: 7dd838
File 143214973825.jpg - (89.36KB , 800x570 , 01of2.jpg )

>I assume we're looking for supplies and reagents?

That, and you figured out you could use someone's laboratory to check on the vial of unicorn blood. Hopefully they have one.

>"you ok?"
>You guys seem like you are...not doing ok. not enough customers?

You ask Fez if he's feeling ok and if there is something wrong or that bothers him.

Fez answers with a really tired voice: "No, dear client. Nothing that should bother your mind. Just a bunch of rough days lately."

>Where is the other guy?
>Where's Jigglesaw?

You ask him where the other owner is.

Fez: "She's currently in our laboratory. Cooking up a batch of potions. Or working on her weird stuffs. She does that from time to time. I just let her do her thing."

He sips from his bottle.

Gnuk 2015/05/20(Wed)12:31 No. 641713 ID: 7dd838
File 143215030617.jpg - (68.29KB , 730x600 , 02of2.jpg )

>Any specialty?
>What do you have?
>then ask about ingredients
>Start up by asking for ingredients to different potions. While the shop owner is describing them, use your research on alchemy to strike up a debate on different methods of creating similar potions, using the fundamental theorems of chemistry and alchemy. After you have sufficiently impressed the store owner, explain that you got your Ph.D in alchemy and want to purchase ingredients that are more suited to "applied alchemy", or dungeon research. Also explain that if they offer you rare ingredients, you will share your results with them, and possibly assist in experimenting by using the loot from your dungeon runs.

You start asking if the shops sells raw ingredients and reagents.

Fez: "Of course we do. What do you need?"

You list a couple of quick ingredient that you running short, mostly leaves of Whisperweed, Stonewood shards and Volcanic salt.

Fez: "Stonewood shards? Why those?"

You tell him that you need those to make hardening potions, that you prefer to use the stonewood instead of the usual Darkstone dust because it makes the potion easier to drink and it was shown that leaves more mobility to whoever drinks it.

He stares coldly at you for a couple of seconds and finally manage to see your alchemist shellbadge.

Fez: "Oh, you are an alchemist too..."

>need help/ got a side job?

You smile and tell him that you graduated not long ago with excellent grades with a thesis about empowered regeneration potions. You ask him if the shop or him might need any help from you.

He angrily chugs the remaining of his bottle and grumbles to himself.

Fez: "Great, another alchemist in town. The fucking masked freak wasn't enough..."

>>641713
So I guess that's a no. Well, how much to use their lab? Also who's the masked guy he's talking about?

>That, and you figured out you could use someone's laboratory to check on the vial of unicorn blood.
Well here's hoping whoever can be trusted with your rare and valuable ingredient in their lab.

>Great, another alchemist in town. The fucking masked freak wasn't enough...
Um, I'm just passing through, if you're worried about competition or anything.

...or, uh, why do you work in an alchemist's shop if alchemists bother you?

Oh, now I get it! Judging from how tightly he's holding onto that bottle, I'd say he became an alchemist just so he could make his own booze without having to go a bar. That or he partnered up with someone who can do that and doesn't mind if he watches the store while drunk.

>>641713
Assure him that you are just a traveller. You won’t be competition.

Could he tell you more about that masked dude?

Gnuk 2015/05/24(Sun)12:27 No. 642690 ID: e02cc5
File 143249565648.jpg - (84.12KB , 600x850 , 01of4.jpg )

>...or, uh, why do you work in an alchemist's shop if alchemists bother you?

You ask him why is he working in an alchemist shop if he doesn't like dealing with other alchemists.

Fez: "it's not other alchemists. It's that guy in particular"

>Also who's the masked guy he's talking about?

>Could he tell you more about that masked dude?

You question him more about this masked alchemist.

Fez: "He's a weird hunched guy. Covered in bandages and a long tunic. Judgin by how he smells of lotions i'm sure he burned himself badly, his own . He wears a weird mask with four stitched eyes that move on their own."

Gnuk 2015/05/24(Sun)12:29 No. 642691 ID: e02cc5
File 143249579713.jpg - (65.18KB , 800x555 , 02of4.jpg )

Fez: "He appeared a couple of weeks ago, apparently he was sent from the capital under the Unquenchable Flame protection. He settled himself in one of their empty buildings. As far as i know he came here to do more researches about the special minerals that are mined in the mountains."

Gnuk 2015/05/24(Sun)12:32 No. 642693 ID: e02cc5
File 143249595377.jpg - (72.87KB , 800x515 , 03of4.jpg )

Fez: "And that wouldn't be a big problem. If it wasn't for the fact that he started mass producing base alchemical stuffs and he and the church are giving those FOR FREE to anyone! They said that they are made by the scratches of his studies but that they still work finely."

He stops and grabs another bottle, pops it open and chugs.

Fez: "And it's damn right true! I grabbed a sample and they are perfectly fine."

Gnuk 2015/05/24(Sun)12:39 No. 642696 ID: e02cc5
File 143249637389.jpg - (72.67KB , 800x555 , 04of4.jpg )

Fez: "But due to him, me and Jigglesaw are losing clients over clients, since we can't deal with the fact that he's giving away free stuffs. We stil manage to get specific orders from time to time, but he is seriously hurting our business here..."

>Assure him that you are just a traveller. You won’t be competition.

>Um, I'm just passing through, if you're worried about competition or anything.

You reassure the owner that you have no intention of setting shop in town, and that you are an adventuring alchemist. Part of a bigger group and that you are just passing through.

Fez: "Oh! Good to know. I might have reacted poorly, sorry. As i said, rough days lately..."

>Well here's hoping whoever can be trusted with your rare and valuable ingredient in their lab.

>So I guess that's a no. Well, how much to use their lab?

You ask him if you can have access to their laboratory.

Fez: "Mh, sure. We aren't using it that much lately. We can rent it out to you for a couple gold pieces per hour. Only thing is that you'll have to accept that one of us is going to be in there with you. I hope you understand, it's just procedure. We don't take shoplifting well here" he says pointing to the sign on his left saying

'Shoplifters will be used as test subjects for plague bombs'

>>642691
So that's the guy the delivery and black unicorn blood was intended for.

You picked a good place, I guess. These guys certainly won't tell him anything, they hate him.

>Shoplifters will be used as test subjects for plague bombs
You know, that makes a good deterrent threat and all, but is the town really okay with plagues being tested within it's borders? That's the kind of thing you'd expect there to be ordinances against.

>rent, with supervision
Seems reasonable.

>>642696
Um. Considering how valuable the reagent you're working with is, the financial troubles they're going through, and how possibly-illegal the collection of it is... Ask how much it would cost to get privacy. Can't they like, lock up their stuff, or something? Search you before and after you go in there? The blood just looks like blood, so...

>>642700
That would seem more suspicious than just testing the blood unless the blood's properties make it immediately obvious what it is.

Don't take any of this free stuff. It's possible that the reagents are okay and the church is just doing a PR stunt, but if there's an undetectable substance in the stuff, you might seal your fate long before your first dungeon run.

Ask if you can purchase some basic-medium lab equipment, for the road. You'll be expected to craft potions if you are trapped in a dungeon.

>>642696
Can we make an agreement with some bluffing skills, or buy the minimum equipment to do the work we need to do?

>I am here on business i cannot discuss, representing a guild that cannot be named, your equipment is needed for the sake of the KNOWN WOOOORLD! *giant sweeping gesture flowing itno a wiggling of the fingers on both hands above head dramatically* Bluff style...swabluff style.

what would he do? run to his rival and tell them we have their stuff? it's a little bit of blood, without a lot it is rather useless for making mass quantities of stuff for selling.

Gnuk 2015/05/25(Mon)13:09 No. 643126 ID: 4626c7
File 143258454524.jpg - (66.99KB , 614x600 , 01of4.jpg )

>So that's the guy the delivery and black unicorn blood was intended for.

Yeah, he must be him.

>You picked a good place, I guess. These guys certainly won't tell him anything, they hate him.

>Hm. Considering how valuable the reagent you're working with is, the financial troubles they're going through, and how possibly-illegal the collection of it is... Ask how much it would cost to get privacy. Can't they like, lock up their stuff, or something? Search you before and after you go in there? The blood just looks like blood, so...

>I am here on business i cannot discuss, representing a guild that cannot be named, your equipment is needed for the sake of the KNOWN WOOOORLD! *giant sweeping gesture flowing itno a wiggling of the fingers on both hands above head dramatically* Bluff style...swabluff style.

>what would he do? run to his rival and tell them we have their stuff? it's a little bit of blood, without a lot it is rather useless for making mass quantities of stuff for selling.

You are sure enough that they would probably not be able to identify the blood on sight, since you have never seen it yourself till yesterday. It's a really rare ingredient.
Still, you decide to try to have a little more privacy.

You wave your hands over your head and start explaining damatically that you'd need to be alone and that you are on an adventure that might save the world or something and that they should not even remember your presence for their own good and protection.

Gnuk 2015/05/25(Mon)13:09 No. 643127 ID: 4626c7
File 143258456343.jpg - (61.57KB , 614x600 , 02of4.jpg )

...

Gnuk 2015/05/25(Mon)13:11 No. 643128 ID: 4626c7
File 143258470634.jpg - (45.19KB , 620x600 , 03of4.jpg )

You apologize for that and ask how much exactly would it be to use the laboratory and if you can use it immediately.

Fez: "It's 4 pieces of gold for every half hour. Jigglesaw, my partner, will supervise you while i stay here in the shop."

He shows you a small door behind the counter and he signals you to follow him.

Gnuk 2015/05/25(Mon)13:19 No. 643130 ID: 4626c7
File 143258514347.jpg - (143.89KB , 1220x600 , 04of4.jpg )

>Ask if you can purchase some basic-medium lab equipment, for the road. You'll be expected to craft potions if you are trapped in a dungeon.

While going down the stairs, you ask him if they sell portable laboratories. Those will be useful in the dungeons.

Fez: "Sure. Those cost around 170 gold pieces each"

Crap. You only have 160 pieces on you. You'll have to see how much is your share of the treasure and how many coins you'll spend in this laboratory.

>You know, that makes a good deterrent threat and all, but is the town really okay with plagues being tested within it's borders? That's the kind of thing you'd expect there to be ordinances against

You ask Fez if the town is really ok with the shop testing dangerous weapons like plague bombs. And why hasn't the guards been involved or called.

Fez: "Would you really say anything to someone that has plague bombs?"

You agree that is a good point.

Fez arrives at the bottom of the stairs and opens another door, leading to a small room, filled with alchemical equipments. Alembics, burners, vials and much more. at first look it seems well furnished.

A human woman wearing oversized oven mittens and a surgical mask is moving small boxes behind the table, while a small earth elemental is moving vials around.

Jigglesaw: "W-what's going on Fez"

>Jigglesaw: "W-what's going on Fez"
If he doesn't say anything (or after he does) explain that you're a traveler, and you asked to rent some time in her lab.

Sorry, is this a bad time?

...Is there any way to check if the labels on those barrels to be easily switched? That seems like a really stupid way of storing things. Kudos to them for labeling though.

You should know proper lab procedure for this type of situation, right? (don't go near active chemicals, don't touch anything that looks wet, and never be the least dressed person in the room)

Are those oranges?

Gnuk 2015/05/27(Wed)12:42 No. 643498 ID: 6d7fcb
File 143275573291.jpg - (61.68KB , 680x600 , 01of3.jpg )

>...Is there any way to check if the labels on those barrels to be easily switched? That seems like a really stupid way of storing things. Kudos to them for labeling though.

They look like metal plates bolted on the barrels, it would be impossible to switch them, unless you change the content of the barrel.

>If he doesn't say anything (or after he does) explain that you're a traveler, and you asked to rent some time in her lab.

>Sorry, is this a bad time?

You begin to ask if the time was bad when you are cut short by Fez.

Fez: "We have a client. She wants to use the lab. I need you to supervise her."

Jigglesaw: "WHAT"

Fez: "We have a client. She wants to use the lab. I need you to supervise her."

Jigglesaw: "I heard you the first time. I can't supervise her! And she can't use the lab. I'm using it!"

Fez: "You'll use it later. She's payign to use the thing and we need the money."

Jigglesaw: "FINE! But she'd better not mess up my things. or... or... or i'll say really mean things aloud!"

Gnuk 2015/05/27(Wed)12:44 No. 643499 ID: 6d7fcb
File 143275586683.jpg - (47.55KB , 430x600 , 02of3.jpg )

Fez leaves the two of you alone in the laboratory, closing the door behind him

>You should know proper lab procedure for this type of situation, right? (don't go near active chemicals, don't touch anything that looks wet, and never be the least dressed person in the room)

You are a certified alchemist, you are more than prepared for procedures in laboratories.
You start gearing up. Mask, googles, hardened gloves with reinforced tips, filters.

Gnuk 2015/05/27(Wed)13:00 No. 643502 ID: 6d7fcb
File 143275685359.jpg - (99.71KB , 800x560 , 03of3.jpg )

The laboratory is well equipped, even if most of the tools aren't in the order you are used to know. The one shown in college.

Jigglesaw: "I have my personal way of putting things in order."

>Are those oranges?

You ask her why is she using oranges

Jigglesaw: "I like to have a snack from time to time, alright? And oranges are good for your health. Hrump"

You decide to start working and stop lollygagging.

You set up a special set of alchemical juices, vials, bunsens and tubes. Jigglesaw helps you out with setting things up, grumbling under her breath that she'd have to put all the things back in their place when you are done and she hates doing it. You mostly ignore that and instead listen to whenever she gives you useful tips.

The machine is set. The blood should be purified and collected in a smaller vial. The only problem is that it's going to take a couple hours to finish.

Jigglesaw: "So..."

She taps her oven mittens on the table.

Jigglesaw: "Why are you purifying this blood exactly?"

The sample vial was damaged so am trying to recover it.

>>643502
Oh f--
Lie or be honest? Lie or be honest?
...half-truth it is.
"I'm purifiying it to get a usable test sample. Nothing special."

>>643500
Tell her you'd rather not say.

Ask about her work, keep her distracted so she stops asking questions about the blood.

>>643503
This. Don't lie, but avoid being specific.

>Why are you purifying this blood exactly?
The original vail was broken and sample was contaminated, and I'm seeing if I can salvage it.

If she asks how it was broken, you travel with adventures and the wildlife around here isn't all friendly.

Possibly as a redirect, or a distraction, you could ask her what she was working on.

>>643502
>"its for a project, but the truth is I don't know much about it other than this blood needed to be refined. To be honest I am not getting paid enough to really be too concerned what its all for. I would much rather be working on some really experimental potions..."

None of this is a lie, in fact it is all true. You are getting paid nothing and do not know that it is for. You do know it needs to be pure, and refined is a form of pure. With our moral integrity intact, perhaps we can strike up a conversation about potions, trade some notes, learn something, have some girl talk.

>"So how did you two end up here? Where did you learn alchemy at? got a favorite potion or poison?"

if she really needs to be distracted

>"Sooo...are you two married?"

Tell her that this sample is the cornerstone of your newest thesis. Also, you would REALLY like a clone made from the blood sample.

>>643502
Make sure there is nothing in arm's reach if you do tell her anything in case she flails around excitedly.

Gnuk 2015/05/29(Fri)13:33 No. 643933 ID: 72dc6a
File 143293162995.jpg - (77.65KB , 690x600 , 01of3.jpg )

>Make sure there is nothing in arm's reach if you do tell her anything in case she flails around excitedly.

You step away from the table, just as a precaution in case any of you make weird movements and causes the cleanse to fail.

>Tell her you'd rather not say.

You tell her that you'd prefer to keep it a secret

Jigglesaw: "And i'd prefer not to have you gargle acid. I don't like not knowing what's going on"

>The sample vial was damaged so am trying to recover it.

>"I'm purifiying it to get a usable test sample. Nothing special."

>Tell her that this sample is the cornerstone of your newest thesis

>"its for a project, but the truth is I don't know much about it other than this blood needed to be refined. To be honest I am not getting paid enough to really be too concerned what its all for. I would much rather be working on some really experimental potions...

>Why are you purifying this blood exactly?
The original vail was broken and sample was contaminated, and I'm seeing if I can salvage it. If she asks how it was broken, you travel with adventures and the wildlife around here isn't all friendly.

You tell her that it's not for yourself, and that you are doing this for your group. All you were requested to do was to cleanse the broken vial and the blood in it and that you really aren't paid much to care more.

Jigglesaw: "Yeah, see? Wasn't that hard to explain. I get you. I live and work without getting paid enough, or getting recognized for my genius. I went to Alchemical college and no one consider me as a real alchemist. It's stupid."

Gnuk 2015/05/29(Fri)13:44 No. 643938 ID: 72dc6a
File 143293229395.jpg - (65.00KB , 670x600 , 02of3.jpg )

>Ask about her work, keep her distracted so she stops asking questions about the blood.

>Possibly as a redirect, or a distraction, you could ask her what she was working on.

>"So how did you two end up here? Where did you learn alchemy at? got a favorite potion or poison?"

>"Sooo...are you two married?"

You catch the occasion to shift in conversation in another direction. You ask her what's her speciality.

Jigglesaw: "Nowadays it's whatever my client needed, but back in the days i was a specialist in... uh... probably should not mention that... OH! i'm amazing at creating smokebombs and smokable tools. Tobacco has been my best friend till i lost the ability to feel it. " She sighs

You start asking about her formulas and she excitedly shows you how she prepares one. You have to admit that even if unorthodox is incredibly effective and interesting. You make mental notes on how to create what she shows you later. That might come handy.

You ask about her about Fez, if they are married or what else.

She stops and glares at you for a second before starting to shake incontrolably while making puking noises and raising her hands

Jigglesaw: "OH FOR THE LAUGH OF THE BASTARD GOD! NO! EWW! NO! YUK! URGH! WE KNOW EACH OTHER SINCE WE WERE PUT IN THE SAME UNIT IN THE ARMY, BUT REALLY URGH!"

She shakes her hands angrily

Jigglesaw: "We have been... not friends exactly, what's the name... acquaintances? yes that, after an incident. We are both what you can say 'Walking warcrimes'.We left the army and ran away here in this kingdom to start a new life. Fez even married the owner of the tavern. I still have no idea how he managed to get her to accept, she's a cutie patootie and he's a grumpy drunk"

Gnuk 2015/05/29(Fri)13:46 No. 643940 ID: 72dc6a
File 143293240449.jpg - (97.01KB , 750x600 , 03of3.jpg )

Jigglesaw finally stops shaking, even if she keeps making weird puking noises behind her mask

Jigglesaw: "Oh man, i need a drink... URGH married to Fez, that'd be even worse than having to listen to that dumb noble again. Stupid elves."

She grabs a mug from one of the cupboards and starts pouring from one of the barrels.

Jigglesaw: "Can i offer you something?"

>>643940
Tell her you don't really want the "More poison" she's filling her glass with, no.

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

>>643940
Ask if the barrels are humorously mislabeled to prevent sampling, cause you don't really fancy a dose of 'more poison'.

to be fair, booze: also poison

>>643940
If it doesn't kill me, yes.

Well, you know the saying: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." And if it literally does make you stronger, then keep doing it until you're completely immune to all poisons! But, just to be safe, make sure she's aware of which barrel she's getting that drink from so that she doesn't "gargle acid" herself.

Is the labeling a joke? Because if so, fair enough, but otherwise, yeah, she's pouring a mug of poison.

>>643940
>Hey, that one is listed as more poison, not booze!
also..
>Is jigglesaw a born name, or something you earned?
we are altruists, maybe..
>If work sucks maybe you should go work for Swabluff of Swabluff trade and adventuer. I happen to know him.

Gnuk 2015/06/03(Wed)03:08 No. 644941 ID: 29dce2
File 143332609243.jpg - (66.82KB , 640x600 , 01of4.jpg )

>Tell her you don't really want the "More poison" she's filling her glass with, no.

>Ask if the barrels are humorously mislabeled to prevent sampling, cause you don't really fancy a dose of 'more poison'.

>Is the labeling a joke? Because if so, fair enough, but otherwise, yeah, she's pouring a mug of poison.

You point out that she grabbed a drink from the "more poison" barrel. And then you ask if the barrels are mislabeled and if that is on purpose.

Jigglesaw: "They are. I was upset at Fez drinking away half of our reserve in less than a month. So i started switching the content of the barrels to avoid him getting too drunk on our stuff. I switched the booze in the 'more poison' barrel"

She pulls down her mask and chugs half the content of the mug in a single movement.

Gnuk 2015/06/03(Wed)03:10 No. 644943 ID: 29dce2
File 143332622579.jpg - (62.07KB , 650x600 , 02of4.jpg )

Jigglesaw: "Or was it the 'poison' barrel?"

>If it doesn't kill me, yes.

>to be fair, booze: also poison

>Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

>Well, you know the saying: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." And if it literally does make you stronger, then keep doing it until you're completely immune to all poisons! But, just to be safe, make sure she's aware of which barrel she's getting that drink from so that she doesn't "gargle acid" herself.

you tell her that you'll pass on the drink for now.

Jigglesaw: "Your loss. It doesn't really matter to me. Once you have gotten used to, it doesn't even taste that bad."

Gnuk 2015/06/03(Wed)03:16 No. 644946 ID: 29dce2
File 143332657492.jpg - (74.90KB , 800x560 , 03of4.jpg )

>Is jigglesaw a born name, or something you earned?

You ask her if Jigglesaw is her real name

Jigglesaw: "Nah, it's a nickname. I don't really remember my own name to be honest. I've been called Jigglesaw for so long that i forgot what i was supposed to be called myself"

>If work sucks maybe you should go work for Swabluff of Swabluff trade and adventuer. I happen to know him.

You ask her why haven't they tried to be part of the McBluff trade company, since they are both skilled alchemists.

Jigglesaw: "It's not that easy. You need to have contact with someone to even think of seeing the papers to get into that. It would be good for the business at least. We could get more clients. Even from out of town."

You tell her that you might help with that. And she gives you a cold glare in return.

Jigglesaw: "How so?"

You tell her that you know Swabluff in person

Jigglesaw: "Oh really? How so?"

You tell her that you are one of his adopted children. And that you are questing in his name to help out a friend of him.

Jigglesaw: "OH! REALLY! Interesting..."

Gnuk 2015/06/03(Wed)03:18 No. 644948 ID: 29dce2
File 143332670067.jpg - (99.72KB , 755x600 , 04of4.jpg )

She grabs you by the shoulders and pull you closer.

Jigglesaw: "Hey, you look like a nice kid. Let's make a deal, shall we?"

Jigglesaw: "You find a way for our little shop to be part of the McBluff trade. And i'll close both my eyes on your little 'experiments' on black unicorn blood"

You glare at her while she smiles under her mask

Jigglesaw: "Deal?"

ask how she knew.

also say that you found it on a dead knight that was probably bringing it for the other guys. the knight was killed by redcaps. a lot of them.

>>644948
Ask how she can tell what kind of blood it is. Is she just guessing because you're being secretive? Couldn't it be troll's blood or dragon blood, or something? Also what's wrong with experimenting on black unicorn blood? It's not like you collected it, so you don't know if it involved killing the unicorn or not.

...actually you know what, let's put it this way:
Ask her if she seriously thinks blackmailing Swabluff's adoptive daughter will get her into his good graces. Tell her she has no proof of what's in that vial, and even if it WAS black unicorn blood you could just walk right out, leaving it behind, and nobody would be able to tell if it was yours or theirs. Who would they believe? Someone closely associated with one of the most trustworthy men ever, or one of a pair of drunken, financially challenged alchemists?

Arch an eyebrow (or whatever birds do) and don't miss a beat.

I offer to help you out, and you respond with a threat of blackmail? You got a funny way of making friends.

You've already got major competition horning in on you. Gunning for me and annoying a potential major trade partner, with fingers in your supply chain and maybe your only good chance at export doesn't help you any. If this even is black unicorn blood, which I'm not confirming.

Don't give her more information about where we got it. She might be just as willing to sell us out to the flame, or to use this to cut a deal with her competition instead of screwing him over. She just prooved herself untrustworthy.

>>644948
Joke’s on her, we are not doing any weird experiments with black unicorn blood. Found a busted vial with the adventuring party. What would be more interesting would be what the people it was supposed to arrive at wanted to do with it.

>>644955
who are also possibly war criminals. also get ready to get nasty if you need to. this might become a close range alchemical fight, or the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

>Now aside from all that, what do you know about black unicorn blood, and who would want it for what?

We can still fake it!
Pertend to be shoked at this "new" information and fake being exited over this amazing suprise.
...Then ask if she's still buying it.

Be all "Oh man, so it's real!? We found a smashed vial in the dirt and there was a note that said black unicorn but it's so RARE and I've never seen any before and eeeeeeeeeeee!"

>>645104
The note saying it's black unicorn blood was in a sealed envelope, we shouldn't actually know.

>>644948
"threatening me with blackmail, mmmmmm. poor choice. really really poor choice."

Gnuk 2015/06/05(Fri)13:32 No. 646364 ID: a89a9b
File 143353632472.jpg - (72.42KB , 700x600 , 01of3.jpg )

>Ask her if she seriously thinks blackmailing Swabluff's adoptive daughter will get her into his good graces. Tell her she has no proof of what's in that vial, and even if it WAS black unicorn blood you could just walk right out, leaving it behind, and nobody would be able to tell if it was yours or theirs. Who would they believe? Someone closely associated with one of the most trustworthy men ever, or one of a pair of drunken, financially challenged alchemists?

>Arch an eyebrow (or whatever birds do) and don't miss a beat. I offer to help you out, and you respond with a threat of blackmail? You got a funny way of making friends. You've already got major competition horning in on you. Gunning for me and annoying a potential major trade partner, with fingers in your supply chain and maybe your only good chance at export doesn't help you any. If this even is black unicorn blood, which I'm not confirming. Don't give her more information about where we got it. She might be just as willing to sell us out to the flame, or to use this to cut a deal with her competition instead of screwing him over. She just prooved herself untrustworthy

>"threatening me with blackmail, mmmmmm. poor choice. really really poor choice."

You puff up, cross your arms and try to be as threatening as possible. You ask her coldly if she thinks it's a nice idea to try to blackmail you after your generous offer. That you can waltz out of here and tell the guards about her criminal past and they'd believe you, since you have contacts with... with important people! yeah.

She doesn't really seem impressed or concerned at all.

Gnuk 2015/06/05(Fri)13:42 No. 646372 ID: a89a9b
File 143353693934.jpg - (86.30KB , 745x600 , 02of3.jpg )

She pats your head

Jigglesaw: "You are really awful at this, you know?"

You tell her that you are aware.

Jigglesaw: "How long have you been adventuring, dear?"

You answer that it's your first real adventure and it hasn't been even a week since it started.

She pats you again on the head.

Jigglesaw: "That's adorable. But you really need to work on your speach pattern and confidence. First of all. I'm not blackmailing you. I'm accepting your bribe. That's what you kinda did. I saw you nervous about me asking about the experiment and it looked like you jumped the possibility of helping us out with your bonds and relationships. I know how against the laws is to even possess a drop of black unicorn blood. And so do you."

>We can still fake it! Pretend to be shoked at this "new" information and fake being exited over this amazing suprise. ...Then ask if she's still buying it.

You try to tell her that you didn't even know that it was black unicorn blood. That you were experimenting on it to find out what it was.

You then pause and ask her if you should even bother trying continuing.

Jigglesaw: "It's amusing, but i'd prefer to get to the point. So can we drop the farce and get to it?"

Gnuk 2015/06/05(Fri)13:51 No. 646380 ID: a89a9b
File 143353748588.png - (561.27KB , 690x600 , 03of3.png )

>ask how she knew.
>also say that you found it on a dead knight that was probably bringing it for the other guys. the knight was killed by redcaps. a lot of them.

>Ask how she can tell what kind of blood it is. Is she just guessing because you're being secretive? Couldn't it be troll's blood or dragon blood, or something? Also what's wrong with experimenting on black unicorn blood? It's not like you collected it, so you don't know if it involved killing the unicorn or not.

>Joke’s on her, we are not doing any weird experiments with black unicorn blood. Found a busted vial with the adventuring party. What would be more interesting would be what the people it was supposed to arrive at wanted to do with it.

>Now aside from all that, what do you know about black unicorn blood, and who would want it for what?

>Be all "Oh man, so it's real!? We found a smashed vial in the dirt and there was a note that said black unicorn but it's so RARE and I've never seen any before and eeeeeeeeeeee!"

You tell her how your group found the vial, avoiding to even mention the fact that the knight was part of the Unquenchable flame. You ask her how she managed to figure out it was black unicorn blood.

Jigglesaw points to the equipment. "Because you set out a purifying station for collecting blood usable for potions. That is only used on three type of blood. Troll blood, that is black and murky, Ranidae blood, which doesn't need to be refined using the vapors of the Drummilk because it will make it too dense, and Black unicorn blood. So i figured out by exclusion. You look competent enough to not do easy mistakes."

Ok, she's good. You weren't expecting her to know this much, judging from how she dresses and her laboratory placements.

Jigglesaw: "Also, when i meant that i was going to close my eyes on that i meant little Halto there."

She points to the small earth elemental that was helping you.

Jigglesaw: "Fez planted a recorderstone in his face and he's been recording our entire discussion till now. If you agree to help us out, i will pop the stone off him and give it to you, That way there won't be any possible charges that can be held against you."

>>646380
...alright then. It's definitely a lot less like blackmail if the proceedings were going to be recorded regardless of what happened. Accept her offer.

Ask her if it's possible to get black unicorn blood without killing the unicorn. Also, how much potency does it lose after being tainted then purified?

okay now state loudly that you got it off a knight.

Ranidae blood can be used for potions? You could ask your leader for a few samples, easy.

Tell her you'd like the entire earth golem, just to be safe.

...you accept her offer. You'll make sure good old dad knows there's a competent and too smart for her own good alchemist out here in desperate need of a good business connection. They're being squeezed now, but hook them up to a wider trade market and I'm sure they'll be able to work out a way to survive.

The recordstone needs to be disposed off once it's yours. Permanently. Acid, preferably.

...don't assume that was the only stone, though. If they're smart, there's more than one in the room. So no backstabbing.

Lesson learned: never bring anything even remotely secret into someone else's lab, ever again.

Well, since you already know what I'm working on, and we're both breaking the law just being here with this stuff, you want to give me a hand?

>>646380
just for our own thoughts that is likely NOT the only recording item in this room. This Chick is NOT to be trusted. We do need to learn all we can though.

>Is this blood willingly harvested, or is is fatal?
>What is it used for normally? What CAN it be used for?

>>646389
This

Can you clear the memory of one of those stones, or will we have to destroy it?

Gnuk 2015/06/07(Sun)12:05 No. 646927 ID: ae681b
File 143370395651.jpg - (50.88KB , 620x500 , 01of3.jpg )

>just for our own thoughts that is likely NOT the only recording item in this room. This Chick is NOT to be trusted. We do need to learn all we can though.

>...don't assume that was the only stone, though. If they're smart, there's more than one in the room. So no backstabbing.

You start scanning the room, looking for other devices

Jigglesaw: "That's the only one. We don't usually need much else, because no one really pays attention to Halto anyway. It's incredible what people say when they think no one is listening to them"

>Accept her offer.

>Tell her you'd like the entire earth golem, just to be safe.

>...you accept her offer. You'll make sure good old dad knows there's a competent and too smart for her own good alchemist out here in desperate need of a good business connection. They're being squeezed now, but hook them up to a wider trade market and I'm sure they'll be able to work out a way to survive.

You tell her that you accept her offer, and that even without your help, Swabluff will have ended up learning about them anyway.

Jigglesaw: "Oh, dear. Flatter will get you everywhere hahaha!"

You ask her if you can get the entire elemental.

Jigglesaw: "Well ok, not everywhere. Halto has been with me since i made him. I'm not going to give him away at any time. He's family. Well, more helpful than actual family, but you get the point"

She hands you the recordstone after pulling it out of the tiny elemental, that shuts down instantly.

>The recordstone needs to be disposed off once it's yours. Permanently. Acid, preferably.

>okay now state loudly that you got it off a knight.

>Can you clear the memory of one of those stones, or will we have to destroy it?

You whisper to the stone that you have found the vial on a knight. More to relieve yourself than anything. The stone can be easily destroyed or cleared with a simple bath of salts and vinegar. They are rather useful since they are reusable. For now you pocket it.

Gnuk 2015/06/07(Sun)12:17 No. 646930 ID: ae681b
File 143370467891.jpg - (60.85KB , 620x600 , 02of3.jpg )

>Is this blood willingly harvested, or is is fatal?

>What is it used for normally? What CAN it be used for?

>Ask her if it's possible to get black unicorn blood without killing the unicorn. Also, how much potency does it lose after being tainted then purified?

You don't really have to ask her those questions, since you know most of the answers. The blood can be willingly harvested, but it still takes a toll on the poor unicorn so the practice has been banned anyway. The blood was used centuries ago to produce the most disparate elixirs, from panaceas to reviving potions and even special liquids that can purify any poison, malady or filth.

You do ask her if she knows other uses for the blood.

Jigglesaw: "I can tell you what it can't be used for. Fun things. You can't make bombs or explosives with that, so what's really the point. It's just a dumb super rare component that people loved because 'Oooooh look it cures everything, we can be saved by the plague, when no one really realized how hard it was to create those plagues themselves. What do they think, that plagues grows on trees? Well ok some do. BUT THAT'S NOT THE POINT"

>Well, since you already know what I'm working on, and we're both breaking the law just being here with this stuff, you want to give me a hand?

You decide to stop her rambling by asking if she wants to help you out in cleansing and making it pure.

Jigglesaw: "SURE! I don't really had anything important to do.

After 4 hours and half, the sample is finally completely purified. You close the small vial and check it. It's not much, but it surely its pure enough to be used for potions. All in all a great success!

Gnuk 2015/06/07(Sun)12:24 No. 646931 ID: ae681b
File 143370507535.jpg - (76.55KB , 780x600 , 03of3.jpg )

>Ranidae blood can be used for potions? You could ask your leader for a few samples, easy.

Ranidae blood is used for waterbreathing potion and special types of antivenom. You might try to ask Flycatcher for a couple of liters of his blood, but you have the feeling he might not like the idea and that it might be rude to ask him to get his blood.

Anyway, it's getting rather late. You pack up your things, hide the blood vial in a special compartment of your belt and say goodbye to Jigglesaw, then you move upstair to pay for renting the laboratory.

The shop is still desert and there are several bottles at Fez's feet.

Fez: "You done?"

You tell him that you are done and pay him up. You then ask him if he knows how to get to 'Sita Mirinda's marvelous pieplace'.

Fez: "Sure. I'll come along and show you. It has been a really crappy day, no business aside you. So i can actually just close early..."

He yells at Jigglesaw that he's closing the shop and say her goodbye, then he puts a big lock on the door and you both start moving down the road.

>>646930
Right. Since the blood can be used in a lot of different curatives, and since you only have a limited amount, you should save it. Better to have the versatility to make the specific black unicorn blood potion you need on the spot that to guess and make one in advance, and hope it will be the one you need.

...make sure you put it in a durable and secure container, because if it breaks again, there won't be much left to recover.

>You might try to ask Flycatcher for a couple of liters of his blood, but you have the feeling he might not like the idea and that it might be rude to ask him to get his blood.
Hey, he's a fighter. I'm sure he'll be bleeding at some point. You can just collect the blood he's done with.

>>646931
Ask if alchemical duplication is possible. That's probably what the masked man is working on, and he's practicing on cheap ingredients which is why he's giving them away.

I suspect the unicorn blood was meant to be duplicated...

>>646927
>You whisper to the stone that you have found the vial on a knight.

YOU IDIOT!!!!! WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT TO AN OBJECT THAT RECORDS EVERYTHING THAT IS SAID AROUND IT?!?! Even if you plan on destroying it, that doesn't mean someone won't listen to it first! What if some random pickpocket steals it from you and listens to it? They could think, "That sounds valuable. I'd better go tell my other thief friends about this." And when he does, some guys from the Unquenchable Flame will randomly hear him say that and think, "So that's what happened to our Black Unicorn Blood! We better find this bird girl and get it back from her!" And now you've got a big target on your head because they will come looking for you!

Basically, what I'm saying is that by telling the stone where you found the blood, YOU FUCKED UP!!!!! Even if there is a small chance for all of that to happen, THERE IS STILL A POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL HAPPEN!!!!! So, make sure you don't lose that stone until you can destroy it!

>>647116
the stone can be wiped easily. We could probably do it before we leave. probably smarter. much smarter. then it goes from liability to asset.

Gnuk 2015/06/13(Sat)04:04 No. 648169 ID: 24f8ec
File 143419348368.jpg - (73.69KB , 600x700 , 01of3.jpg )

>...make sure you put it in a durable and secure container, because if it breaks again, there won't be much left to recover.

You have put the blood in a durable vial, inside one of your special pouches in your bag. As long as it's not hit with a blunt object directly and with enough strenght, the sample is going to be safe.

>YOU IDIOT!!!!! WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT TO AN OBJECT THAT RECORDS EVERYTHING THAT IS SAID AROUND IT?!?! Even if you plan on destroying it, that doesn't mean someone won't listen to it first! What if some random pickpocket steals it from you and listens to it? They could think, "That sounds valuable. I'd better go tell my other thief friends about this." And when he does, some guys from the Unquenchable Flame will randomly hear him say that and think, "So that's what happened to our Black Unicorn Blood! We better find this bird girl and get it back from her!" And now you've got a big target on your head because they will come looking for you! Basically, what I'm saying is that by telling the stone where you found the blood, YOU FUCKED UP!!!!! Even if there is a small chance for all of that to happen, THERE IS STILL A POSSIBILITY THAT IT WILL HAPPEN!!!!! So, make sure you don't lose that stone until you can destroy it!

>the stone can be wiped easily. We could probably do it before we leave. probably smarter. much smarter. then it goes from liability to asset.

While Fez is closing the various locks, you prepare the solution needed, and throw the stone in it as soon as you start moving. Fez doesn't seem to have noticed what you did, seemingly absorbed in his own thoughts.

The stone is going to be reusable as soon as you get to the tavern. You hide the solution concotion inside your bag, near the blood sample.

Fez walks you through the streets, now almost deserted, of the city.

Gnuk 2015/06/13(Sat)04:10 No. 648171 ID: 24f8ec
File 143419384357.jpg - (69.53KB , 720x540 , 02of3.jpg )

>Ask if alchemical duplication is possible. That's probably what the masked man is working on, and he's practicing on cheap ingredients which is why he's giving them away. I suspect the unicorn blood was meant to be duplicated...

As far as you remember from your studies, clonation is a forbidden and almost impossible task. You decide to ask what Fez thinks about the possibility that the Flame's alchemist might be cloning materials in order to make more potions.

Fez stops in his tracks for a moment.

Fez: "I... Did not have thought about that... I should ask Jigglesaw to examine the samples we still have in our lab and see if they are. It might take a while, but if it's true... heh... If it's true he's fucked."

He chugs from his flask and turns his glare at you

Fez: "Thanks, kid. You might have helped us today."

You answer him that you are sure you have helped them more than he thinks.

Fez: "What?"

You gargle a "nothing" while awkwardly moving faster.

How the hell papa manages to look cool while doing these things...

Gnuk 2015/06/13(Sat)04:17 No. 648172 ID: 24f8ec
File 143419423746.jpg - (94.64KB , 800x600 , 03of3.jpg )

You finally reach the tavern, a lovely building that smell like fresh bakery.

Fez: "Home, sweet home...."

he opens the door, and you both freeze at the door.

The tavern is relatively empty at the moment. Only Flycatcher, Takabanda and what you imagine should be the owner are here. The place is covered in shattered glass, the young Houndling girl is angrily shouting at your bard companion, while Flycatcher is sitting on a table, removing shards of glass from his face.

Sita: "OF COURSE YOU ARE GOING TO REPAY ME ALL THE DAMAGE. THAT'S A GIVEN!"

Takabanda: "I know! I'll also give a bonus, please don't be mad hahahah! You know that i get too excited sometimes when people request the 'ballad of the banshee'..."

Sita: "ALL MY BOTTLES, ALL MY GLASSES! I KNOW YOU DIDN'T MEAN TO DO THAT, BUT YOU SHOULD CONTROL YOURSELF, YOU KNOW?!!"

Takabanda: "Yeah, yeah. But i am a Gottascream, that's what i do! I promise i'll fix everything up."

At your side, Fez loudly groans and goes back to drink from his flask

Ow those shards look like it hurt, right in the face too..

Well it looks like you won't be getting something to drink unless you use your own flasks, anyways stride on in, simply be curious about what happened.

>>648172
Well, at least Flycatcher learned an important lesson that applies only to him: "Never smile at a mirror that is really close to your face."

We also learned that if Takabanda sings at a certain frequency, he can shatter glass in an entire tavern! XD

ooo, free frog blood.

Sizzle: Start keeping your fragile alchemical tools and glasses in a sound-protected case, if you aren't already.

Tell Fez that, by the way, if they find proof of duping, you want to be kept in the loop... the more alchemists who can get in on verifying it to the authorities, the better, right?

Flycatcher: Well, you did want more excitement in your adventuring life...

>>648181

Dang. Nice call. Get the swab! THE SWAB! And clean/heal his wound while you're at it.

> All the glass broke
Good thing you did not get here a bit earlier. Maybe we should mention to Takabanda about how important having unbroken glass is to our job.

>clonation is a forbidden and almost impossible task
What does clonation do that makes it more forbidden than plague bombs?

>>648172
Help with the medical attention to Flycatcher's face.

Gnuk 2015/06/15(Mon)13:03 No. 648661 ID: d15c1f
File 143439858493.jpg - (70.74KB , 800x510 , 01of3.jpg )

>What does clonation do that makes it more forbidden than plague bombs?

Clonation is still unstable, not a proper science yet. Most cloned material have the side effects of deteriorating quickly or even morph into something completely different. It causes problems with the potions and elixirs created. Making them highly dangerous. Even more than plague bombs, weirdly enough.

>Tell Fez that, by the way, if they find proof of duping, you want to be kept in the loop... the more alchemists who can get in on verifying it to the authorities, the better, right?

You ask Fez if he could keep in contact and tell you about the possibility of cloned materials. He nods and then moves toward Sita and Takabanda.

>Good thing you did not get here a bit earlier. Maybe we should mention to Takabanda about how important having unbroken glass is to our job.

>Sizzle: Start keeping your fragile alchemical tools and glasses in a sound-protected case, if you aren't already.

All your materials, vials and packages are soundproof and resistant to bludgeon. You are not sure if they are Takabanda-proof though. You'll have to talk to him later.

You move toward Flycatcher and ask him if you can help with the wounds.

He hands you the towel. You grab your gloves, alcohol and pincers and start helping him out.

Gnuk 2015/06/15(Mon)13:07 No. 648662 ID: d15c1f
File 143439887680.jpg - (62.72KB , 540x650 , 02of3.jpg )

>Flycatcher: Well, you did want more excitement in your adventuring life...

>Well, at least Flycatcher learned an important lesson that applies only to him: "Never smile at a mirror that is really close to your face."

You ask him what happened in the tavern while you were gone.

Flycatcher: "Not much, but i think i'm going to avoid mirrors for a while"

>Ow those shards look like it hurt, right in the face too..

They are jammed quite deeply inside the skin. It's a good thing that his hide is actually tougher compared to other races. He's also smoother than you imagined, now that you look at him so closely.

>ooo, free frog blood.

>Dang. Nice call. Get the swab! THE SWAB! And clean/heal his wound while you're at it.

>Help with the medical attention to Flycatcher's face.

You ask him if you can keep the towel he was using, because you can craft something with the blood.

He gives you a weird look but nods.

Flycatcher: "Yeah, sure. I don't think i'm going to be able to get that back inside me anyway. Right?"

You pocket the towel for later.

After you are done disinfecting the wounds, Flycatcher asks you if you are ready for tonight.

You ask what is going to happen tonight.

Gnuk 2015/06/15(Mon)13:10 No. 648664 ID: d15c1f
File 143439904380.jpg - (61.46KB , 800x480 , 03of3.jpg )

Takabanda slams his hands on the table and answers for Flycatcher.

Takabanda: "We are finally gonna have a little chit-chat with the young patron our froggy friend is carrying!" He whispers.

[END OF CHAPTER 02]