>>38024205

She nods proudly. “Mmmhmm. I think I’ll have it all memorized by this afternoon.”

“That’s great!” You say with legitimate praise, remembering she responds well to it. Her joyful reaction confirms your theory.

You straighten yourself out. “Well, I’m going to do some dealing with some merchants today. Be sure to put the leech on, maybe not as long as last time.” You cup your chin in your hand making sure you don’t forget anything. “Oh, and start cleaning around here, would you?”

Her earlier joy is gone, replaced by a mixed look of outrage and pleading. You nod your head to confirm you meant what you said, suffering builds character, right?

You begin your way to the front door making sure you didn’t forget anything and then remember the Fidelis stone. If it works the way you think it does, bringing it along could be a huge boon. But is it worth the risk if someone finds out that you have it? You could have your apprentice take a look at it while you’re out.

>Take the stone with you.

>Leave the stone for your apprentice to study.

>Write in

>>38024241
>Quickly test it on your apprentice before leaving
Hand it to her and tell her to tell you some lie. Then repeat once.

>>38024241
>>38024346
Might as well

>>38024241
>Take the stone with you.
We don't know how many times we can use it in a day, so better save it for shifty merchants.

Hello everyone! I wanted to get a quick run in today because it looks very likely that I won't be able to get another one until after Valentine's Day.

>>38024346
>>38024390
>Writing

>>38024541

Hmm, you’re not exactly sure how the stone fully functions, so maybe some further testing is in order.

You rush over to the cabinet where you left it and then head back to your apprentice. It’s better to scratch this research itch than to have it niggling at the back of your mind the whole day.

“Here.” You take her hand and place the slightly blood stained stone in her hand.

She holds it up to her face. “Why does this rock have a face on it?”

“Never mind that.” You wave your hand in front of her trying to gather her attention. “Just hold tightly onto that rock and then tell me a lie.” You make sure to pull your journal off her lap.

Ellie throws you a quizzical look.

“Just do as I say, it’s research.” You press on, fully neglecting to tell her the negative aspects of using the stone.

“Okay…” She clutches the stone tightly and then recites. “I really enjoy the food you have here.”

An instant later Ellie shrieks loudly and then throws the stone to the ground.

You have to suppress a sadistic grin. “Did it get hot?” You ask excitedly.

It takes a few seconds for the answer. “Yes…Did you know that was going to happen?”

“No…” You respond a little too quickly. “Watch.” You pick up the stone off the ground and pretend to hold it tightly in your hand. “I did not know that was going to happen.”

The stone doesn’t react, thankfully.
[1/?]

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>>38025768

You write down your findings in your journal and bid farewell to your apprentice and then head out down the road.

The direction of the small commune of merchants lies in the opposite direction of the guild. The trip’s scenery is a bit grungier than the one to the guild. You’re thankful that your cloak makes you look the part of an Occultist, your infamous occupation masking how helpless you’d be in a physical altercation.

A decent amount of walking later and you find what you’re looking for. The fires built in trash cans, and the various people milling about lets you know that you reached the trading crossroads.

While most merchants try not to discriminate in terms of customers, some find trading large quantities of blood or other cursed objects to be a bit unsavory.

You head over to where Ali sets up her stand to find it woefully empty. Less pleasant company will have to be dealt with.

Gilligan, the large and imposing merchant is the main choice for most lone Occultists around these parts. You enter the deli building where he sets up his shop. The shadowy interior lit by candles makes you truly feel like you’re dealing in something scandalous. It’s just blood, why all the fuss?

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>>38025796
“Sophia my dear, it’s been too long.” His deep voice booms as you approach his counter.

“Nice to see you too, Gilligan.” You respond cordially.

“Ahh, always polite, I like that.” He leans forward. “I know that Ali is out of town right now, so what can I get for you today? Food? Some more of your candles?”
“I’m not looking to buy quite yet, Gilligan.” You lean forward, trying to make yourself seem more imposing than you actually are. “Would you be interested in purchasing some blood?”

“Blood?” His surprise shows on his voice. “Don’t you Occultists usually look to buy blood?” He put extra emphasis on the word buy.

“I came into some extra and knew I wouldn’t be able to use it all before it went bad.” You begin your lies.

“Extra, hmm? I might be interested. How much goat blood do you have?” He pulls out some of his ledgers. All the greats keep records.

“Goat?” You laugh mysteriously. “Think taller, think less hairy.”

“Human blood?” His interest is poorly masked. He clears his throat. “I don’t dare ask how you got it, but how much do you have?”

“Some, maybe more than enough for a delve.” You respond coyly, playing his game. “Depends on what you have to sell.”

>>38025818

He laughs. “I see how it is. Let me make you a few offers.” Given the rarity of the item, he’s willing to bend more than usual.

“I could put it on credit as per usual, for however much you want to sell me.” He quickly scans his records. “But if you sell me the whole lot, I’ll give you a fair price and even throw in some information with it.”

“Information?” You pry.

“Perhaps something pertaining to a few of your fellow Occultists at the guild?” He responds.

A tempting offer, he clearly wants to procure as much as he can. He must have someone very interested in human blood.

“Well, maybe some if can be on credit, do you have any interesting items for sale today?” Interesting items is a code for objects from the other realm.
He has a pained look on his face. “Unfortunately I do not, but if I ever do procure some then the credit will be good for it. Or if you have any normal items you may be interested in, I’m sure I can procure it for you.”

It’s not a bad offer, but if you sell “everything” that you have to him now, you won’t be able to do business with your blood without attracting suspicion, at least for a while. That much blood ought to set you up for food and other essentials for a long time. You think if there's anything else you might want to buy from him.

>Accept and ask for full credit for a delve worth of blood.

>Offer him less.

>Write in

>>38025858
>>Accept and ask for full credit for a delve worth of blood.

>>38025858
>Accept and ask for full credit for a delve worth of blood.

>>38025858
It's about time we got to shop
>Write in.
Ask if he has any dresses.

>>38025915
Please, someone second me.

>>38025906
>>38025912
>Writing
>>38025915
I'll squeeze that one in since it's a rather unassuming request. Just this once.

>>38026075
Yeaaah boy. Thanks m8.

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>>38026075

Ali is out of town and you doubt anyone else would put such a value on human blood.

“I’ll give you the full delve worth of blood, but uhh…” You’re not sure where the sudden interest sprung from, but you give into it. “You wouldn’t have any types of dresses in stock?” You look down shyly.

“A dress?” He asks with a note of surprise larger than you’ve ever heard from him before. He quickly begins to chuckle. “I suppose you might want to look into that, but I never really expected it from you.”

He turns to the open door behind him. “Maria! Put on that black dress we got from that burning house and come out here”

No response.

“Maria!” Gilligan yells again.

Some things shuffle in the back and then a few moments later a shy looking girl with long black hair and pale skin steps out of the door.
“It’s Marissa.” She corrects him quietly.

“Whatever. Just turn around and give our customer a look at the dress.” He orders, ushering her with aggressive hand gestures.

She stiffly turns around allowing you a better look at the dress. It’s made from a thin material, likely silk, and the quality is very high. It fits her very well, accentuating the natural curvature of her body. She’s got about the same frame as you, except maybe a little bit taller, but you can expect it to fit you well.

“Do you like it?” Gilligan asks, brining you out of your daze.

“Yes….” You answer honestly.

“Good, consider it yours for free. Just keep me in mind whenever you stumble into some more goods in the future.” He turns back to Marissa. “Don’t just stand there like an idiot, go pack the dress.”

She sighs quietly and then returns to the back room.

[1/2]

>>38026914

“I’ll have my apprentice deliver the blood to you later today. If I could get a wagon for it, would be great.” You try to spare your apprentice the trouble of lugging so many gallons of blood.

“Absolutely.” He turns back to the door. “Mary, get our customer the red wagon!”

He really wants that blood if he’s willing to go so far for it.

Gilligan jots some stuff down in his ledger. “Ten gallons of human blood exchanges to twenty-five of goats…”

You wish you had the stone to see if he is being completely honest with you, but your many dealings lets you know that you’re not being overly short-changed.

“Done!” His deep voice announces. “I'll have my apprentice meet your half-way. As for that information…” He looks behind you to make sure that no one may overhear him.

“A very pretty young thing with a terrifying smile came in here asking for a dozen shovels.” He continues. “Paid the full price upfront in goat’s blood. Didn’t want any records taken down of it. Didn’t say anything else on the matter too.”

Pretty thing with a terrifying smile? “Did she speak strangely?” You ask the merchant.

He nods. “Indeed she did. Who knows what she would want with so many shovels, but it can’t be good.” He pulls a large shovel off one his shelves. “Why don’t you get one too, wouldn’t want you to get left behind on some new Occultist fad. It will only cost you one gallon worth of your credit.”

A bit of a discount, but what would you do with a shovel anyway? You’re hesitant to spend your credit since it will have to last you for until you can safely sell more blood again.

>Buy it.

>Move on.

>Write in

>>38026934
>Buy it.
And ask him to supply you with decent quality food. Ellie was complaining after all.

>>38026934
>>Buy it.
We can use it to brain someone if all else fails. Get some food if we need it.

>>38027080
>>38027099
>Writing

>>38027133

You sigh, if you didn’t find what that woman said to be so intriguing you wouldn’t have even considered buying the shovel. Well maybe you’ll be able to divine what she plans to do with hers.

“I’ll take it and stock me up with some decent quality food too. My apprentice seems to have a developed palate.” You shrug, maybe with this she’ll forgive you for that trick earlier today.

He leans in to jot down your request in his ledger. “They’re more trouble than they’re worth, let me tell you that.” He says just as Marissa reenters with a red wagon in tow and a neatly packed box.

“Speak of the devil, here take this and go with the customer to pick up the blood.” He shoves the shovel roughly into her chest and then looks up to you. “Twenty-gallons of credit left, I’ll have the food delivered to you tomorrow. Is that all?”

“That’s it.” You respond glad to leaving the store, the smell of whatever incense he’s burning in there is making you sick.

You head out the door with Marissa in tow, lugging the wagon behind her with your items. The sky has quickly turned overcast with deep gray clouds looming overhead. A far cry from the sunny weather you set out with.

“So, how long have you been working for Gilligan.” You attempt to make small talk.

“A while, I guess.” She answers quietly and says nothing else.

Ugh. “How have you liked it there?” You try again.

She shrugs and then sniffs quietly and brushes her nose.
[1/2]

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>>38027750

Awkward, really really awkward. You quicken your pace to make the journey over that much sooner. But just that moment rain begins to pour down on the two of you, forcing you to find shelter lest your new dress be ruined.

Just your luck.

The two of you stand quietly in the entranceway of the dark abandoned office building waiting for the rain to let up. Only the sound of Marissa sniffing is present.

“What’s it like being an Occultist?” She deigns to start the conversation herself.

What a question, you never really thought about it, but good for her for asking.

“Embarrassing and dangerous.” You say the first thing that comes to your mind. “But it’s really fun, it’s never boring for me.” You answer with eyes likely beaming.

“Oh.” She leaves it at that for a few moments before speaking up again. “Do you think you could show me how to be an Occultist?”

What are you a recruiter? Do you really make it seem that appealing? You rub your eyes thinking carefully about how to answer her question. Another apprentice, you’re not sure if you’re ready for that.

“Why do you even want to be an Occultist, anyway?” You ask the demure looking girl.

She seems to give your question a lot of weight and ponders over it for a long time. “There’s no enjoyment where I am now. I just feel hollow, like I’m just floating around in life.” She looks to you with earnest eyes. “Maybe things will be different if I become one. At least that’s what I think.”

What is this world coming to where people actually want to become an Occultist? Gilligan isn’t going to happy about this if you accept. Hmm, he doesn’t have to find out, but is it worth that risk?

>Accept her as an apprentice.

>Tell her she’s not cut out for it.

>Refer her to the guild.

>Write in

>>38027784
>>Refer her to the guild.
Or you can wait, I don't think I can safely train more right now.

>>38027784
>Accept her as an apprentice.
More test subjects for our "experiments".

>>38027784
>Accept her as an apprentice.

The more the merrier. We seem to have a natural talent. We can support ourselves through the blood for now anyway, so there's little financial risk.

>>38027813
>>38027861
>Writing

>>38027873

It’s not like you don’t have the skill necessary to teach her, far from it. Plus, the more apprentices you have the more blood you can siphon from them. You’re beginning to like this idea a lot now.

“Alright, I’ll take you on as my apprentice.” You respond to a look of shock you’d never thought possible for her. “Your first assignment is to talk more, I don’t like the feeling of maintaining a conversation by myself, you know.”

She nods firmly then corrects herself. “I understand. I’ll talk more, ma’am.”

“Just call me Sophia, I don’t like sounding older than I am.”

“Got it, Sophia.” She gives a clever little smile.

You wonder. How hard is it going to be to train someone with almost no occult experience?

~

You and Marissa enter your house and she’s glad to have a break from tugging the large wagon around.

“Go into the parlor and introduce yourself to the other apprentice.” You point to the room. “I’ll go get the blood, we still have a deal to complete, after all.”

She wipes her hands and energetically heads to the parlor, you really gave her a new lease on life, didn’t you?

You try not to let your pride get to you as you collect all the leech tablets you have, but you feel yourself grinning as you make your way outside.

The storm that just passed refilled your stocks of water luckily. You head over to a larger tub that holds over ten gallons and toss all the tablets you have into it. They go about working their magic and slowly but surely the water turns a deep crimson.

Satisfied with the result you head back inside to check on your apprentices.
[1/2]

>>38028424

The two of them are both actively observing the growing leech on Ellie’s arm, each in their own way.

“Expect a lot of that as an Occultist.” You announce as you enter. You place a hand on Ellie’s shoulder. “How goes the memorization?”
“I think I’m ready.” She responds excitedly

“Good, I’ll have you recite it for me later.” You turn to Marissa. “Remove that leech off your pupils arm, she’ll need her strength for tomorrow.”
Her face goes white at the thought of touching the turgid leech. She doesn’t move.

“You know if you want to be an Occultist you’ll practically be bathing yourself in blood. This stuff shouldn’t bother you, it’s not your arm it’s on.”

Ellie summarizes your thoughts well.

She forces her hand forward a few inches, but doesn’t dare go any further.

This is going to be tougher than it should be if she can’t get over her squeamishness. You think back to Gilligan’s shop and how he got her moving. That’s an idea, but maybe the same approach you use on Ellie might work.

>Yell at her to touch it.

>Gently encourage her to touch it

>Leave her be for now.

>Write in

>>38028478
>>Gently encourage her to touch it
if that fails yell.

>>38028478
>Write in.
Smack her butt and yell at her to take the leech off.

>>38028478
>Gently encourage her to touch it

>>38028516
Someone back me up please.

>>38028516
Well, why the fuck not? I'll back it.

>>38028515
>>38028516
>>38028534
>Encourage, then yell if you have to.
>Writing.

>>38028639
*Sad Trumpet*

>>38028712
You barely got that in, haha.
>Encourage, then yell and smack if it comes to it.
>Writing

>>38028712
>>38028744
That means it was meant to be, praise the old gods.

>>38028639
>>38028712

Really? Blatant samefaggery.

>>38028871
I think the poster count went up when >>38028712
posted.

>>38028871
Actually nope

>>38028744

You ought to start off easy right?

You walk over to Marissa and place your hand on her shoulder. “Listen, I know it may seem disgusting, but that’s all in your head. If you don’t get over this then how do you expect to change your life?”

Her hand only inches a little closer, the hesitation is still clear on her face.

You continue your gentle goading. “Come on, Marissa. Do you want to be just a merchant’s assistant for the rest of your life?”

Nothing. If anything she may have retreated a little.

You sigh in frustration. If she can’t even do this, then she’s really not cut to be delving or anything of the like. Well, Gilligan got her moving by yelling, maybe it will take the same to get her started. You wonder if it will be enough, your pride won’t allow her to fail, so you take aim.

“Get your ass moving!” You smack her butt with as much force as your can muster, feeling her soft flesh give way to your palm. Marissa squeals in pain and the resounding crack causes the three to jump, but sure enough Marissa marches forward and starts trying to pry at the leech. She attempts to hide her blushing face under her hair.

Finally, while still hiding her face, she holds up the leech for all to see.

“Good job!” Ellie jumps up to praise her.

You simply nod approvingly. You’re a damn fine instructor.

You cease their celebration by ordering the two of them to bottle Gilligan’s blood, which they dejectedly accept and trudge their way outside.

You order Ellie to assist Marissa on the way back to Gilligan’s shop and instruct Marissa to show up first thing in the morning with all her belongings. She may not be coming along but the three of you have a delve to prepare for.

Before leaving, Marissa turns to you. “Thank you.” She says still blushing, and turns to leave quickly.

Once again you’re excited for tomorrow, but for now, you have a new dress to try on~

>>38029362

Okay, unfortunately that's where I'm going to have to call it for today. As always I want to thank everyone that played today. I'll be around for one round of questions or comments, so if you have any please feel free to post them in the thread.

If not then I wish you a good day/night, and a Happy Valentines!

>(Twitter)
https://twitter.com/QM_Auri

>>38029399
Thank's for the thread!

>>38029399
Thanks for running! so blood is currency in this world?

>>38029362
Yes, this makes me very happy.
>>38029399
Thanks for running Auri. I'll definitely try to be around for next time.

>>38029431
You're very welcome!
>>38029434
You're very welcome! It's a barter system, blood is what most Occultist trade in.
>>38029463
You're also very welcome. I hope to see you there!

I'm out. Until next time!

>>38029543
Hmm we need to buy a few goat to farm with our vitae leech.