>>1032275
support this if not poncho

but yeah, no need for measurements. make this a quick order for her, she doesn't seem to want to be here.

>>1032275
This is a good solution

Saiorse 2022/05/15(Sun)15:07 No. 1032362 ID: 8483cf
File 165265243513.png - (145.15KB , 901x1233 , CR_46.png )

I decide against taking all but Lamisa’s bare minimum measurements. She’s not here because she wants a perfect fit; she just needs something right now to make her “decent” in the eyes of the Censors. I don’t want to make her feel awkward by measuring under her wool, no matter how curious I am.

I decide to make her a two-piece poncho outfit that lets her keep cool and play it safe with the censors. It’s a little jury-rigged; the belt for the skirt isn’t as comfortable as some other options, but it’s the fastest option I have.

Lamisa doesn’t comment on her outfit. She just reaches into her wool and pulls out a pouch of coins. I give her the price (materials plus the bare minimum markup for time spent). She scowls, but doesn’t object, and leaves immediately.

I close the door gently behind her and wipe my brow. I hope she doesn’t hate me.

I look around and see the mess of the last few days. It sucks. Maybe I should just hire a maid to clean up after me… I have the money, that’s for sure!

Yeah. Why clean things up myself, which is ZERO fun, when I can get someone else to do it better than me, and faster too? I could be making clothes or lace. I’ll come out ahead, money wise! Yeah! But I do like having that extra money, too, and a maid won’t be here 24/7 like I will be. Maybe I could have them come more often than once a week? Maybe I should check if there’s anyone who’d be willing to clean for me in exchange for clothes or something. Elaine, perhaps? No, she’s traveling too often to rely on her for that kind of work…

I look down at myself. I’m still wearing the un-tailored blouse and skirt.

I also need to figure out how to charge my lens. There’s no mages’ guild here, so I’ll have to rely on a passing adventurer to teach me how to charge my lens. Maybe Naomi or her friend Samantha could help? They’re adventuring right now, though…

Should I go look for a maid?
1. Yes, and hire them to come more than once a week
2. Yes, but only once a week
3. No, I should be disciplined and clean my own shop

Should I ask for help from adventurers in charging my lens?
1. Yes, and show them the lens
2. Yes, but don’t tell them it’s a powerful x-ray lens
3. No, wait for Naomi and Samantha to come back

What should I wear when I’m running my errands?
1. Something Professional
2. Something Casual
3. Something Cute

Be disciplined and clean up your own casa!
Do ask about charging up your definitely not a powerful artifact monocle though.
Wear something casual on your errands.

Should I go look for a maid?

2. At least until we get our bearings with starting out. Having a maid work once a week can help us get situated until we can determine how much money we'll be making weekly to budget, how much cleaning will be, how dirty the place will get each week, and practice cleaning on our own so we can figure out if we actually need a maid down the line, or try to do it ourself. Consider spending an hour practice cleaning the shop on your own after each work day on your own tho while maid does deep cleaning

Should I ask for help from adventurers in charging my lens?

3. Patience is more rewarding, plus I'd rather have someone we trust look into it than have a total stranger either try to steal it from us later, or squeal on us if they figure something out about the monocole.

What should I wear when I’m running my errands?

2. It's just errands, and we don't want our EX-PEN-SUVE PRO-FES-SHUN-AL outfit to get dirty or damaged when we're off duty and doing errands.
And cute outfit is for when we aren't doing errands or working and want to find a date. we're not looking to hook up with someone when doing errands right now.*

2/3/2 (or are we picking one action to do right now? Cause if we are, then getting the maid first I think should be a priority)

2) You should not waste your money on eye candy maids, and you aren't entitled to train the maids into learning fabric organization. But having a seasoned maid clean the areas you wouldn't normally think about, or find nasty smells that you can't recognize, will help maintain the overall health and appearance of your store while cutting costs to a minimum.

3) The less people know about that thing, the less likely it will get stolen. It's worth more than your entire shop and you cannot risk losing it in any way, even for early-game profits.

3) You cannot wear better clothing than your prospective customers or they'll think you're a hobby elitist. Pique their interest with bohemian deviancy and they'll come up with their own requests.

2, 3, 3

Hire a maid once a week, because you need cleaners to keep this place tidy you lazy person you, but you're not filthy stinkin' rich.

When it comes to magical artifacts of some significant worth, it's best to be clandestine with details. Stick with the people you have some trust in for now, and expand your list of people worth asking only if they fail.

Wear something cute. You deserve to look cute!

>>1032362
2, 3, 2.

>>1032364
Actually, I'm starting to think 3 for what to wear, then we can show off the cute clothes customers could be wearing if they shop at our store. Advertise while we do errands!

>>1032365
Seems like the most optimal set of choices

>>1032362
Actually, 2, 3, 3. Like some of the others say, to advertise our own work.

2
2
3

Saiorse 2022/07/19(Tue)22:36 No. 1038678 ID: 8483cf
File 165829538193.png - (96.04KB , 498x498 , CR_47.png )

I’m not too proud to admit that I need help. But not too much! Just enough. I’ll look around for someone to come in once a week. A maid would be nice, but I don’t think there are any actual maid services in Busalla. I’ll just pay someone who’s really good at cleaning. Or maybe someone who wants to start a maid service? I wonder if they’ll accept payment in maid clothing…

Anyway! I also need help charging my lens, but that’s a lewd lens. I don’t want it getting out what that lens can do. I’ve got no idea how much it’s worth, either, so the less I tell people about, the better odds that it won’t disappear on me. I’ll wait for Naomi to come back and bring her wizard friend Samamtha to look at it.

As for my outfit, I know JUST what to wear. These SUPER CUTE KNEE HIGH SOCKS I MADE MYSELF! I throw on a cute outfit that doesn’t require a horrible neon garter belt like the one that Tineola showed EVERYONE at La Taverna and they think my fashion sense is HORRIBLE UGHHHHH I should burn that horrible garter belt into tiny ashes. Or wait, that’s dumb. I should just let Tineola eat it.

…Wait, where is my garter belt? I took it off at the secret swimming spot along with my bra and a pair of work stockings, and left them to hang on the vines. And… then I left them there the day before Naomi gave me that huge project.

Wait.

I’ve left my underwear out there for DAYS?!

OH MY GAWD

Okay, it’s fine. It’s fine. Easy, girl. You’re a very well-paid seamstress and it’s totally understandable to forget unimportant things like underwear at a secret swimming spot. No one will find it. Unless they’re a local. Or Naomi, who I told about the spot. Or an adventurer Naomi might tell. And even if someone does go there, no one will realize that it’s my underwear.

Unless they recognize that horrible neon garter belt and put two and two together.

Oh this is awwwwwkward

What should I do?
1. Hurry to the secret swimming spot and get my underwear back
2. Hurry faster to the secret swimming spot and get my underwear back
3. Dash madly to the secret swimming spot and get my underwear back
4. Proceed calmly and NOT run frantically because that would be very visible but I should probably go now now now now hurry to the secret swimming spot and get my underwear back

uhhhhhh, you're wearing a white shirt. Running will make you sweat... sweat will make that shirt see-thru. Learn from a certain kitty's mistake.

4 or 1

and yet, part of me wants to see it happen with 3

Hurry faster! Tineola will be drawn to that garterbelt like a moth to a flame!

>>1038678

#3. Break the sound barrier while sprinting to the swimming spot.

>>1038678
1.

1

4, it's been there for days already, a few minutes more won't make much difference.

It's just underwear, leave it be. You have money to make.

>>1038678
What's the town's statute on exposure that isn't nudity? You're wearing white and if that becomes see through, does that violate the HIGHLY illegal public nudity laws?

I say 4 as well. Being nonchalant means not making a scene, which would be good in case you run into people who know you. Taking your time also means you might find some potential customers.

3, you need to be there and back before anyone even knows you’re gone!

I can support going fast... only IF Saiorse decides to wear exercise clothes to run instead of her white shirt.

Saiorse 2022/07/21(Thu)17:18 No. 1038837 ID: 8483cf
File 165844909542.png - (33.18KB , 750x1200 , CR_48.png )

I head straight for the door and throw it open. This is UNACCEPTABLE that my unmentionables have been hanging out in public for DAYS and I need to go get them RIGHT NOW so people don’t think I leave stuff just lying around, I need to be professional and-

Huh.

Professionals probably wear bras under white blouses in public.

I close the door.

Maybe, just maybe, I should slow down a little and think things through. Yeah. Everything’s been sitting out for days, a few extra minutes won’t change anything. But I definitely need to worry about my appearance, if I want people to think they can rely on me for theirs.

I put on some underwear and a cami, actually grabbing a handbag for my errands this time. Even if my blouse turns a little transparent, nothing will be showing.

Everything is going fine, Saiorse. Just take it easy and relax. With that in mind, I head out the door and make my way to the secret swimming spot as casual as can be.

It’s early afternoon, and the sun is hot.

Is there anyone at the Secret Swimming Spot when I arrive?
1. No
2. Yes, Naomi
3. Yes, an adventurer Naomi told about the spot
4. Yes (other)

Are my stockings, garter belt and bra still hanging from the vines?
A. Yes
B. No

>>1038837
2, A.

2, B

3, B

3A.

A. Yes. Give her a break. Buuuuut...

4. It's about to be eaten by Tineola. OH NO!

or 3.

>>1038837
3: Yes, one of the adventurers.
A: Yes, but they're in use by the adventurer.

Saiorse 2022/08/28(Sun)15:40 No. 1042085 ID: 8483cf
File 166172641547.png - (15.29KB , 500x500 , CR_49.png )

I arrive at the Secret Swimming Spot to find Elaine, my first (non-paying) customer, dipping her hooves in the water. I bet Naomi told her about this spot, so I can’t count on it being totally secret anymore. Oh, well. It’s still nice to have a little secluded spot that takes some real effort to find.

I glance at the vines where I left my underthings. They’re safe and sound! Hooray!

I clear my throat and quietly announce myself with a quiet hello. I don’t want to spook her.

“Oh!” Elaine jolts upright and looks over her shoulder, eyes wide. “Um… I… It’s you. Ah… hello.”

“It’s Saiorse. Elaine, right?”

“Y-yes,” she says. “Um… did you want to go swimming?”

“I’m just here to pick up some laundry,” I say lightheartedly.

“Oh, those are yours? I was wondering…” Elaine sighs. “Never mind.”

Something is clearly bothering her. I try and steer the conversation to something she’ll obviously like.

“Did the corset I made you fit?”

“Yes,” Elaine says. “Very well, and it was very sturdy. Your reinforced robes helped me out on my first mission, too. Thank you.”

“Happy to be of service!” I glow with pride. “Did the mission go well?”

“Ah…” Elaine sighs again. “Everyone says it was a complete success. My clients, the Censors, are very happy with me. I helped get some very valuable cargo to some very needy people. But…”

“But?”

“I just…” Elaine stares at her reflection in the river for a moment before continuing. “I don’t know how to feel about them. About the Censors, I mean. How people can swear to do and serve one thing, but act completely the opposite. And then some people you think are jerks turn out to be okay, but… they’re still jerks, but less of a jerk, and… they took vows, and I took vows, but they judge me without knowing me, and… I’m sorry, I’m rambling, and you must be so confused.”

“It’s okay,” I say. “It’s good to get it off your chest. I don’t know what it’s like to take a vow as important as a vow of poverty or celibacy, but I can say that no one has the right to judge you like that. It isn’t fair.”

Elaine kicks her hooves in the water. She seems to feel a little better.

I collect my things and fold them up as tiny as I can into my errand bag. As I turn to leave, Elaine calls out with a question.

“Um… if I were to ask you for something, then, you wouldn’t judge me either, would you? Please don’t tell anyone.”

“I’m sworn to secrecy and non-judging,” I say solemnly.

“Then…” Elaine scrunches up her face. “Would you… if it’s not too much trouble… I can’t really offer anything, but… I… I’d just like to wear something nice. Something that makes me look like I… like I hadn’t taken my vow.”

I let out a high-pitched squeal and quickly cover my mouth. Elaine looks at me, shocked.

“Of course you can!” I say. “You can try on whatever you want! I’d love to help! Our little secret. I promise.”

Elaine glances around nervously, but excitement lights up in her eyes. “You can’t tell anyone.”

“I double swear. In fact, I vow not to tell anyone. It’s that serious.”

“Good,” Elaine smiles. “Ah… do you really mean you’ll let me try on anything?”

“Yep, anything!”

“Okay,” Elaine says. “Um… I’m just thinking about a few things, but… do you have anything like… um… I I’ve always wanted to see how a few things just… just fit, you know?”

What kinds of clothes does Elaine want to try on? Do I have them in stock, or do I have to make some myself?

She throws a curveball and wants to wear goth clothes!

You'll have to make them tho.

Let Elaine try something cute, and totally not practical. Like a brightly colored sundress. Or maybe something casual, like a tanktop and jeans.

You definitely have things like these in stock, though you'll have to make some adjustments to let them fit her.

>>1042086
This. Or you have some of the pieces, but they're a little tight around the waist.

>How people can swear to do and serve one thing, but act completely the opposite
"... Oh, darling. It's because nobody cares to ask.
Most don't find it 'polite', even if it might be necessary, to frequently ask questions about a priest's faith, or a politician's maturity, or a soldier's courage. So, all the bad people hide their flaws by joining up, and then it turns out they're good at climbing the ranks without believing in anything."

>Vow of poverty sucks
"... You know, I wonder if there's a vow that's even more painful, but far healthier and happier."
[Vow of Charity]
You swear an oath to give away everything - even the very robes on your back - to anyone in need. You may not hold onto any form of wealth for more than a month (and based on digestion, you must consume or surrender food even faster).
(Note: Augmentations count as material possessions, unless they merely mitigate the effects of a crippling wound without enhancing the user in any way whatsoever.)

>Clothes
Guy clothes! You know, since she's just trying things on.

>>1042086
We ABSOLUTELY have to get her full-on Corpsepaint Goth

Give her socks but put a lot of emphasis on them as the main part of the getup!

Now that I think about it, since Elaine wants to try on the clothes we have, maybe we can ask if she wants to try modeling now and then. We did think about it before. The only thing is that right now, she doesn't want to be judged. But perhaps this can be a stepping stone to let her try on outfits without our judgement, and then later, we can ease into letting a friend or two visit and see her in the outfits we design until Elaine is more comfortable to model and show off our clothing to potential customers. Plus, she's not going to be owning them, just showing them off.

Saiorse 2022/09/11(Sun)13:21 No. 1043510 ID: 8483cf
File 166292771885.png - (50.81KB , 500x500 , CR_50.png )

“This is our secret,” Elaine whispers. “Just… do you have anything… dark and elegant?”

“Lots!” I say. “Anything specific?”

Elaine fidgets for a minute. “I can’t describe it that well. I’d… I’d like to wear something cute, with lace, and tons of detailed etching, and… and it would be shapely, too.”

Elaine’s just described literally the opposite of what she’s been wearing her entire life and I LOVE IT.

“Can do!” I pump my arms in the air. “You want dark, cute and frilly? You got it!”

Elaine grips her hands together tight and stares straight at the ground, and it’s super obvious she’s fighting to keep a smile off her face. She’s not even allowing herself to show excitement about fancy clothes. She is STARVING for fashion and refuses to even acknowledge it.

Guess it’s my job to break her of that habit!

“Why stop there?” I say. “How about seeing yourself in something super poufy and floofy, like a spaghetti-strap dress with a billion petticoats? Oh! I know! I’ve got some ankle socks that are just to DIE for! And how about some nice comfy jeans? Or even skinny jeans! I love jeans. Great excuse to show off your butt, AND they’ve got POCKETS!”

Elaine is biting her lip so hard I’m afraid for her a little bit. I step close and lean down next to her.

“I promise you’re gonna look great and feel great, too. You wanna know a secret?”

Elaine nods.

“The secret is…” I whisper in her ear. “I think your vow of poverty is really unfair, and I would never tell anyone about what you wear or do or wish, ‘cause a girl’s gotta dream.”

Totally out of the blue, Elaine reaches up and gives me a huge hug with her big long arms and I have to dodge one of her horns from stabbing my face but that’s totally okay.

“Thank you,” Elaine says after a long moment. She lets go, and I’m very grateful I didn’t sneeze when my face was right in her hair.

I sit down next to her and we both stare at the water for a minute. I take a moment to appreciate how well things have gone today. I got a customer (even if she was an angy sheep that didn’t really appreciate my work). I got my underthings back. And I even got, maybe, a new friend.

I don’t really have to do anything other than run a few errands, but those can wait. It’s afternoon, and the day is hot.

Should I:

1. Offer to take Elaine back to my shop RIGHT NOW and let her try on stuff
2. Finish running my errands and look for a maid
3. Ask Elaine if she wants to go swimming

2. Your a PRO FES SHUN AL, you gotta get your chores done, and find a maid! but ask her when a good time for her to come over for modeling would be.

I really want 3, but we just became her friend, and I feel offering that is too forward.

1 is my second choice, but I think we really gotta prioritize getting a maid to help clean our place first.

3. You're already here! Might as well. Finish up your errands and look for a maid tomorrow.

>>1043510
Errands first, elaine can come in discreetly this evening

2, those errands are important, and shouldn't be ignored.

3 would be fun, but let's be real you did NOT bring a swimsuit. You need at least one more level in your friendship with Elaine before you can suggest stripping down to your underwear and swimming together.

1/2 Saiorse 2022/09/11(Sun)20:52 No. 1043554 ID: 8483cf
File 166295475555.png - (34.03KB , 500x450 , CR_51.png )

It would be fun (and daring!) to go swimming with Elaine, but neither of us have swimsuits. I don’t think Elaine would be comfortable enough to strip down and jump in with me, at least not right now.

And as much as I’d love to spend the rest of the day playing dress-up with my favorite cowzelle monk girl, my shop is, and I quote my angy sheep customer on this, a total pigsty. That needs fixing. Plus I need to see if Samantha and/or Naomi are back from adventuring so I can ask them about charging my lens.

I have errands, which sucks, but at least I have money to run those errands, which is so much better than my situation when I first opened up shop. Hooray!

I gather up my hanging underthings and stuff them in my errand bag and invite Elaine to drop by my shop any time, even after hours, if she wants to be stealthy about it. That’d give me a good excuse to have the door locked for privacy, too. She nods eagerly.

“Can I come over in two days? Saturday night?” she asks. “Sorry to intrude on your weekend…”

“Sure thing!” I say. “I’ve got a date tomorrow, so two days from now is perfect.”

“Oh, how wonderful!” Elaine says. “Um, may I ask…?”

“I’m getting flowers from the cutest druid guy with the most adorable eyes and floppiest ears and he smells- uh, he looks great,” I gush. “He’s Celyn. Have you met him?”

“Yes!” Elaine says. “I ran into him on my travels this week. He’s the kindest person in his adventuring party. I’m sure you’ll get along very well.”

I give Elaine a goodbye for now and head out on my errands. I’m all smiles. Things are going GREAT!

-----

Halfway through my grocery shopping in the small Busalla marketplace, I spy a very tired wizard. I clear my throat and make myself presentable as I can.

“Hello? Miss Stevens?”

Without even looking at me, Samantha lets out a long, tired sigh. “What did she do this time?”

“Wha?” I nervously tug at a strand of hair. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Oh,” Samantha says, straightening up a bit. “Force of habit. Shall we start over?”

“Sure!” I beam. Samantha withers at my sunny disposition, so I tone it down somewhat. “I’m Saiorse MacTavish. Your companion visited my seamstress’s shop about five days ago.”

”A Stich in Time,” Samantha says. “So you’re the one who so thoroughly drained my stipend for the month.”

“Um…” I scratch the back of my neck, hoping I’m not about to get asked for a refund. “Naomi seemed to like her outfit. Did it hold up well?”

“It did,” Samantha says, and now it’s my turn to relax a little. “Your work is exceptional. Honestly, whatever seamstress sorcery you used in making that outfit has kept Naomi calmer, cooler and more comfortable than she has ever been in this climate. I understand why your fee is so exorbitant.”

“Uh… thank you?” I smile. “Um, actually, I was hoping to ask for your help, too, if you don’t mind. I have something that needs some wizardly examination, and a bit of discretion.”

“I can appreciate the value of discretion,” Samantha says, “Unlike some people. You’re wise to come directly to me.”

“I’m willing to pay,” I say quickly.

“No charge for a bit of advice,” Samantha says. “Since she first stopped by your shop, every day at noon exactly, Naomi has asked me to casting illusory swimwear on her, and then disappears for hours. She hasn’t said why, but it’s easy to guess… and now, my afternoons here have been much less stressful. Honestly, I’d have paid you even more than Naomi’s outfit just for that. Anything that keeps Naomi out of trouble in Busalla… It’s the first town she hasn’t been ejected from in a long time. It’s worth the effort to keep things this way. I appreciate your assistance.”

What luck!

“Let’s go back to my shop,” I say. “It’s just a few minutes away.”

2/2 Saiorse 2022/09/11(Sun)20:52 No. 1043555 ID: 8483cf
File 166295477117.png - (28.64KB , 500x500 , CR_52.png )

I take Samantha to A Stitch in Time and make sure to lock the door securely behind us, close the shutters. Only then do I show her the lens and describe a few basic functions, leaving out the x-ray features. She doesn’t need to know about those.

“One moment.” Samantha stares at the lens, conjures a ring of diagnostic runes, and they all light up a solid, glimmering gold. “Saiorse, this… this is beyond a masterwork. How in the world did you come to own such a finely enchanted lens?”

“Someone threw it off a bridge,” I say, realizing how ridiculous it sounds. “I swear! I found it buried in the muck of the river running through town.”

“I can’t imagine why anyone would part with it willingly. Oh, dear. Let me check…” Samantha spins her projected runes and ticks off each one carefully. “Ah, it’s not cursed. Good. But still, there are so many layers of spells cast upon each other, I can’t fathom where to begin in assessing what it’s fully capable of. This lens is incredibly valuable; far more valuable than this shop and everything in it. I highly recommend you keep this in a secure location.”

“I kind of guessed that,” I say, shuffling my feet. “But as nice as it is, I can’t get it to charge up again.”

“It’s missing a similarly attuned mana source,” Samantha says. “For something like this, I would imagine its original owner had a lens case with a gem to convert ambient energy, perhaps solar, into usable mana. Without attunement, you can’t recharge it.”

“So it’s dead, then,” I say glumly.

“I didn’t say that,” Samantha says. “I can locate a suitable gem and attune it to the lens, given a day or so. I can even set it to charge off of ambient heat, if you like; all you’d have to do is set the case on top of a stove if you really needed to charge it quickly, but simple sunlight or even a summer’s day should provide enough mana to keep it topped off with light use.”

“You’d really do that for free?” I ask.

“I said I’d diagnose your problem,” Samantha says. “If you’d like me to provide a suitable charging case, I’d ask for reimbursement of materials and the value of my time spent on the project.”

“Of course,” I say quickly. “How much would it be for just a quick fix?”

“A small amount of Lira. But I’m capable of much more, and… something makes me suspect you have enough to splurge a little.”

I smile. It’s true.

Should I ask Samantha for:

1: A Quick Fix. Charges the lens slowly.
- Will cost a little; about two outfits’ profits
2. A Good Charging Case that has options for fast charging, like stovetop heat absorption
- Will cost about four outfits’ profits
3. Custom enchantments on the lens case, like concealment and other anti-theft features
- Suggest special features. Will cost at least six regular outfits’ profit, plus more for extra features.

(The money I made off Naomi’s outfit is worth about nine or ten full outfits’ profit, enough to pay all my expenses this month, including rent and food. Anything I spend here will take away from that.)

Holy cow, that was quite the stipend! Go for the fast charging option, you'll be using this item heavily to speed up dress fitting and therefore greatly increase profits. You should make more profits before committing to custom features however.

>>1043555
Option 2, lets not go wildly overboard here.

Option 3. Make an investment now so that you don't blow your money on something that'll just be stolen or lost later.

More than anything else: Tracking. Make it so that you can track down the lens using the case, even if it requires the aid of a wizard to do so. That way if it's stolen, you can get it back later.

Theft prevention would also be good, but consider that if it's something Samantha can think of, it's probably something an expert thief knows to expect and get around.

Option 3 - You want this thing attuned to you. It needs to fold into a slit on the side of your head, Adam Jensen style.
This is the most precious thing you own and it will be worth ten outfits to ensure your family keeps it as an heirloom forever.

2. Just 2.

Saiorse 2022/09/11(Sun)23:26 No. 1043582 ID: 8483cf
File 166296401512.png - (20.69KB , 212x179 , CR_53.png )

>>1043574
"Wait! Wait wait wait!" I say. "You say I can attune the lens to something that provides mana, right? Like a gem?"

"Yes," Samantha says, though she's somewhat wary.

"So what if you attune the lens to me? No need for a charging case."

"I don't recommend it," Samantha says, "But it could work. Attunement is a delicate thing, and magic users usually choose gems because they're so predictable in how they channel energy when finely cut. If I were to attune the lens to you, you yourself would need to be in harmony with not just the workings of the lens, but your own core mana in order to regulate the flow. For me to help set things up for you would be a sensitive and difficult process, and requires a level of intimacy that few are willing to share. Not to mention that you'd be the one providing mana to the lens, and you'd need to be trained to cut off the flow if it gets dangerous to you."

"And it would cost money," I say.

"It would cost money," Samantha agrees, "But I'm willing to give you a discount, if only because no one else has ever allowed me to practice that particular skill, for reasons I have already mentioned."

Oh. So she'd be doing it for the first time.

"Another question!" I ask. "What about if I just charge the gem with my own body heat, and keep the lens hidden on me all the time? Like in my hair bun, or someplace else?"

"It would charge much more slowly than on a stove," Samantha says. "I know a few witches who charge their gems on their persons by sewing gems into their clothing in, ah, strategic places."

Should I ask Samantha to attune the lens to me? Should I do it in addition to getting a lens case? Should I try and conceal the lens case on my person somehow, and charge it there?

>>1043582
No. Look inside yourself, attune with your inner feelings, and understand that you would drain yourself to a husk abusing the X-ray function.

>>1043582
>>1043574
I think we can still pick options, so I'm going to vote 3, I like it being able to meld with you and anti theft ideas.

Still sticking by my 2 vote

Okay, attunement is off the table for now.
However, we should have this thing registered to a safe - enchant the lens so it teleports when dropped through a one-way portal into your personal vault.

3, get some sort of anti-theft enchantment on it. It's worth more than your shop, you really need to prevent it being stolen.

>>1043566

Sticking with my original vote.

Saiorse 2022/09/12(Mon)19:58 No. 1043637 ID: 8483cf
File 166303790410.png - (38.99KB , 300x300 , CR_55.png )

I really like having immediate financial security, but I like having my ultra-fancy lens even more. If worst comes to worst, I can try and sell it. I can’t sell what’s been stolen.

Plus, I could use my lens to boost my earnings. I have to protect it! I had to deal with an angry Lamisa without being able to take her measurements, and that was stressful enough that I don’t feel like doing it again unless I absolutely have to. As for attuning it to myself…

“Attuning the lens to my own energy sounds dangerous,” I say truthfully.

“A wise decision,” Samantha says. “It takes training to control your own core mana. If you aren’t careful, you could use too much without knowing it.”

Or I could use too much and absolutely know it. Sigh…

Samantha and I come up with some anti-theft features that will deter any crimes of opportunity. They won’t stop a determined and knowledgeable thief, but I don’t realistically have any options that would. That’s where the tracker spell comes in!

My lens case will have:
-Quick Charging via ambient energy, e.g. heat or strong sunlight. Lens case cannot overheat, even if placed directly on stove element;
-Quick-Stick spell to attach lens case to most any surface, and will only un-stick in response to my touch. Can be fooled by a determined and knowledgeable thief, but they’ll need special skills;
-Chameleon spell to blend in with surface it’s attached to; and
-A slim design easy to fit in tiny pants pockets or inside bra

Samantha also promises to cast a spell on both the lens and case that will allow any competent magic-user with my specific secret passcode to track either one down if they’re stolen. It’s a simple spell, but quite unbreakable (unless I remove it or reprogram another, different passcode).

“I’ll come by tomorrow and work on your lens case here,” Samantha says. “In the meantime, I’ll find a suitable gem from my collection. Ah… do you have a workbench that is slightly cleaner?”

“Sorry.” I shuffle my feet. “I was going to hire a maid to help out with that. Do you know anyone local?”

Samantha considers for a moment, then nods. “Yes, I believe I know a few people who can help. Clover and her siblings are local fairies trying to scrape together some money and favors to put their sister through Fairy College. Clover herself isn’t exactly cut out for adventuring, I’m afraid, but she and her siblings are always ready to do odd jobs.”

“Great! How many siblings does Clover have?”

“A few.”

-----

Create-A-Fairy!

Nickname: What name do they use in public?
True Name: What name do they know instinctively, and never share?
Gender & Sex: How do they identify? What’s up their skirt/pants?
Colors: List glow color, hair color, and skin color. Glow and skin are usually similar, but can be different.
Wings: Describe wing shape, size, number, and if they have color splotches or patterns (can be natural or dyed). Four wings is average.
Silhouette: Pick one adjective to describe what shape of body silhouette they have (slim, curvy, stacked, beefcake, shortstack, etc.)
Personality: Pick five adjectives.

Nickname: Lily
True name: Lilivane Trefoile Fidgetwing
F/F
Lime green glow, light green skin, pink hair.
Wings: Two large wings with rounded edges and sharp points at the top (like a lily pad), two smaller wings rounding out the circle at the bottom.
Silhouette: Curvy (she's like a watermelon, except where she's like a lily.)
Personality: Relaxed, soothing, laid-back, steady, doting.

Nickname: Snake

True Name: Lux

Gender & Sex: Male

Colors:
-Glow: A bold ocean blue
-Hair: A light desaturated blue
-Skin: A pale white skintone

Wings: Two average-sized wings with a bit of flourish to their shape. Detailed with golden tips

Silhouette: Beanpole

Personality: Proud, Diligent, Considerate, Formal, Patronizing

I'm fine with whatever

But I want this fairy to have bat shaped wings

>>1043637
name: alecksi, despoiler of worlds and trodder upon graves
true name: grimble segsymanne
gender: male
colors:
purple glow, blue skin, unnervingly red hair.
silhouette: effete
personality: gloomy, upbeat, omenous, mischievous, bloodyminded

Nickname: Suck-This-Down
True Name: Parlina Glimwitter
Gender & Sex: Gender-Fluid, Intersex (Haz both, but boy parts are sterile)
Colors: Gray, Violet, Tan. List glow color, hair color, and skin color. Glow and skin are usually similar, but can be different.
Wings: Poodle Moth, Small, 6 Wings, tattered with dyed puzzle pieces.
Silhouette: Stacked.
Personality: Aggressive, Lustful, Playful, Intelligent, Foolish.

>>1043662
this sounds like a funny fairy

>>1043662
Ill support this too, it fits the bat wing shaped fairy wing idea I have. (Wings are still white, still a fairy after all. 4 of them, with eye patterns on them maybe)

>>1043638
Backing this.

Saiorse 2024/05/01(Wed)20:55 No. 1090129 ID: fc100b
File 171462210662.png - (68.34KB , 500x458 , CR_56.png )

“Clover has two siblings living near Busalla,” Samantha says. “Lily and Alecksi. If you want their help, it’s available… but Alecksi, is a tad dramatic. Prepare yourself appropriately.”

“I’ll keep it in mind,” I nod. “Thank you for all your help. It’s wonderful to have someone as knowledgeable as you to help point me in the right direction. I feel so lucky you and Naomi are here right when I got A Stitch In Time started.”

The weary-eyed wizard lets out a long, deep sigh. “I’m not used to hearing that. It feels odd. Most of the time…” Her head droops. “I just keep us moving from place to place before we wear out our welcome.”

It’s obvious that tiredness runs bone-deep. I really, really want to help her relax and know she’s always welcome in my shop, even if Naomi can be a handful. There’s no frown a good wardrobe upgrade can’t turn upside down!

Should I try my sales pitch on Samantha? Maybe she would like a new outfit!

1. Yes, she needs relaxing nightwear! She’ll be so cozy!
2. Yes, she needs something sexy and glamorous to feel like a million bucks! She’ll positively glow!
3. Yes, she needs something else!
4. No, I’ve gone this far without trying to sell her on anything, she’ll appreciate me not trying.

4, Out of respect for all she's done for you, you'll spare her from the upsell. Doing it now might make your previous kind words seem disingenuous anyways. Feel free to politely let her know that your doors are always welcome to her in the future.

>>1090133
Agreed.
4. Is the right choice.

If youre feeling brave and especially sympathetic you could volunteer to watch over her charge for an hour or so while she sneaks in an hour of much needed sleep or rest.

>>1090129
Also agree that 4 is the moral choice. Heck, you can just say exactly what you want. "You're always welcome in my shop, even if Naomi can be a handful."

>>1090133

Double agreed. Possibly offer for her to look around and see if she likes something, but DO NOT push for a sale or recommend anything! Whether or not said offer is made, 4 for sure!

>>1090135
>volunteer to watch over her charge for an hour or so

This IS Naomi we’re talking about. Make sure to consider how much of a handful she was being in your shop for just a few minutes. She’s fine when she’s happy, but the second she’s bored or upset, she’ll be putting on the pressure pretty hard. You’d have to be feeling *extra* brave, imo

Nah, she deserves something for herself too. Cozy nightwear to match her friend's comfort!

yet more agreeing with 4, no one wants to be sold to, especially not by a friend.

4. Only 4. Dont offer to watch over naomi. Karma and Helping others is good, but you cant neglect self health.

1.

And don't offer to help assist where you have no experience.

On the topic of Naomi: Not now. You get more acquainted with what that entails before you make an offer that dangerous.

Saiorse 2024/05/02(Thu)21:55 No. 1090179 ID: fc100b
File 171471211347.png - (60.62KB , 900x700 , CR_57.png )

Maybe it’s best not to push Samantha into a sale. I’ve already drained her month’s “stipend” according to her, and I don’t want her to think all of this friendliness wasn’t genuine. It was! But I can still sell stuff while being genuinely friendly.

I get the feeling she really, really wants time away from Naomi. I handled the hyperactive half-fox well enough the last time she was here. Maybe I could get some brownie points with Samantha if I take the technicolor terror off her hands for a bit longer?

Buuuuuuuuuuut then again, do I feel like keeping that girl around so much valuable merchandise for longer than I absolutely have to?

“You’re always welcome here,” I say with a bob of my head. “Even if Naomi can be a bit of a handful. Please, drop by any time.”

“I’ll be back in two days,” Samantha says. “I’m praying Naomi will be entertained by her noontime escapades. The longer she’s distracted by whatever it is she’s doing with her illusory swimwear, the more time I’ll have to focus on this lens.”

I wave Samantha goodbye, and my magical lens with her, at least for the next two days. I sincerely hope she doesn’t figure out there’s an x-ray spell buried in it…

Oh! I think I see a green glowing fairy down Busalla’s main street! They’re ducking into the Enoteca! I quickly lock up my shop and hurry to find Zinnia. I mean, Clover. I need a maid so my shop can be presentable for customers! Soon enough I catch up with Clover and her bard companion in the wine bar. It’s just me and them in the wine bar, and they’re heading toward a small secluded table with a curtain that can slide shut. Isn’t it little early in the afternoon to be drinking?

“This is a pleasant surprise,” says the bard. Clover ducks behind his head, suddenly nervous for some reason.

“Hello!” I give a quick curtsy. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

“No worries. My fairy companion is a tad shy. Clover, this is the new seamstress in town. We met her a few days ago at the tavern.”

“Who?”

Oh yeah he was the bard performing that night. Which means… did they see it?

“The girl with the garishly neon garter belt, next to Tineola?”

“Oh! Yes, I remember.”

OH NOOOOOO

“That was made from leftover scraps!” I hurriedly say. “I have much better taste than that when it comes to-“

“Easy, easy,” the bard laughs. “I believe you.”

GOOD

“So, other than my roguish good looks, what brings you here?” he asks. “The name’s Duran, by the way. He reaches out and gives the back of my hand a kiss.

“Oh! I’m, um, I’m Shirley! I mean, Saiorse!” I blush furiously, even more off-kilter than I was a second ago. “Actually, I’m here to, um, ask Clover for some assistance with cleaning my shop, if that’s okay.”

Clover peeks out from behind her friend’s slicked-back hair. “You want my help? Me?”

“Of course she does,” Duran says, smiling widely. “Word must have gotten around about how reliable you and your siblings are.”

Zinnia’s glow brightens.

“I’d like to help you businessgirls out,” Duran says. “Saiorse, right? What do you say I offer to pay on your behalf for Clover’s first cleaning? To get everything off on the right foot here in Busalla.”

“You’d do that for me?” I smile. How generous!

“Well, it’s not just for you. It’s in all our adventurers’ best interest to have a clean clothier in town. And…” he gives a devilish grin. “If you like, I’ll pay for another of Clover’s cleanings. As many as you like, even.”

WOW

Wait…

“What’s the catch?” I ask, suddenly suspicious.

Duran pulls out a pair of dice and shakes them in his palm. “Fancy a roll of the dice? Every time you win, I’ll pay for one of Zinnia’s cleaning sessions. Of course, things won’t truly be fun unless you decide to stake something of your own against that.”

“…How do I know those dice aren’t loaded?”

“Good question. I know a certain feline who plays with loaded dice,” Duran smirks, “But mine are fair. If I knew for certain I was going to win at craps, there’d be no thrill in it, would there? You can even ask Clover. Fairies don’t lie.”

Somehow, this bard seems trustworthy, at least compared to the cat he mentioned.

Should I gamble? The odds will be fair in this game of street craps, and I can be the shooter if I want.

1. Yes, go for more free cleaning!
2. No, one is enough.

If I do gamble, what should I put up as stakes?
A. Money. I have very little now that I’ve spent most Naomi’s outfit profit on my lens and groceries.
B. Merchandise. I have plenty of that, but I’ll lose out on the material cost and profit.
C. Other

1B, merch over money, because you can't buy dinner with a dress.

I'd also support 1C, betting the clothes right off your back. Be daring, take risks, live to regret them.

>>1090179
1B, but don't play too much.

1B, bet a combat model that's out of season.

>>1090180
this seems like a good choice

1B wager something distinctive, something that people will see, admire, and know came from your shop.

2

Actually, no. We've been playing it safe for awhile.

1. If only to gain his friendship in this fun game. But be sure to only gamble with what your willing to lose.

B. How about if we lose, he gets one outfit made for him free of charge

I am gambling, and don't call me Shirley!
1A. It's only a small amount anyways. Consider it your payment for the cleaning if you lose.

>>1090179
1b

But only once.
Win or lose.
Its just for fun.

If you win,
gracious in victory.
Give him the horrible clothing item he mentioned as recompense.

If he wins
Depending on his reaction

If good natured view this as a chance to advertise with him as your charming far travelled model and do your best work ever.

If hes a dick, make something from offcuts for a cheeky payback. Maybe a hat that makes his head look like a big floppy dong.

1C! I wouldn’t try to game him for like a bajillion cleanings, but just one or two more couldn’t hurt. Play till you lose, and wager either those garters he mentioned, or if you’re feeling particularly bold, your panties? Possibly both!

Would be fun if she offered him the choice of either her panties or her garter, and he’s just like “Hmmm… let’s do both~” and is hard set on it. Those extra cleanings up till we lose once would be so worth!

1C, strip poker time!

rolled 3, 3 = 6

---

Come out roll for Saiorse: 7 wins, 11 wins; 2 loses, 3 loses, 12 loses. Any other number sets the point, which Saiorse must hit to win. A 7 beyond the come out roll loses; this can take a while, so no rolls beyond the come out roll will be done via the dice function here, but will still be rolled off-site.

Saiorse 2024/05/04(Sat)17:31 No. 1090326 ID: fc100b
File 171486911015.png - (19.50KB , 537x600 , CR_58.png )

Should I risk it?

I feel like I shouldn’t be gambling when my business is just starting up. What if I go broke because I bet too much? I couldn’t bear the shame of closing up just because I threw it away on a roll of the dice. If I do take Durand up on this deal, I can’t risk more than I can afford to lose. That means no money, not with the little I have left over.

But no matter what I do, I’ll need to pay Clover for her cleaning services… and she probably won’t accept payment in merchandise. The way I see it, this is an opportunity to, worst case, convert some of my materials into cleaning services. Since the odds are fair, and I can put equal value merchandise/seamstress services on the line against the free cleanings, I should end up giving Duran some clothes, and he’ll pay for the same amount in cleaning.

As weird as it sounds, it actually makes sense to gamble with him.

“I’ll do it!” I lean forward and hold out my hand for the dice. “I’ll stake my merchandise equal to the value of one of Clover’s cleanings. How does this game work, exactly?”

“How exciting! I love to see you have the spirit of an adventurer, too.” Duran smiles warmly and hands the dice over. “You’ll go first. If you roll a seven or eleven on the first roll of your turn, then you win that round instantly. If you roll a two, three or twelve, you lose that round instantly. If you roll any other number, you keep rolling until you hit that number again and win, or roll a seven and lose.”

Simple enough. I roll the dice, and… it’s a six. “That’s good, right?”

“Sure is. Six is the point, so you win if you roll it again. Careful not to roll the big bad seven!” Duran says.

I gulp. Is my heart pounding?

I roll a nine. Nothing happens- no win, no lose. Five. I gulp. Another nine. My heart is beating harder. And then…

“Six!” I jolt in my seat. “Whoo! I win!” Duran claps for me, his smile still as broad as when he started.

“Let’s go again!”

It’s Duran’s turn. He rolls an eight, which isn’t a win or a lose. He shakes the dice for good luck, and… immediately rolls a seven. He loses. That means I win another round of free cleaning! “Yes!”

“Someone’s having fun,” Duran chuckles.

“Again!” I grab the dice and roll. “Eleven. Um… what does that mean?”

“It means you won three times in a row,” Clover says.

“I won again?” I look over to Duran, and he’s shaking his head and chuckling. “You’re not upset?”

“Why would I be?” Duran asks. “If I win, I get some lovely clothes from a lovely seamstress. If I lose, Clover and her siblings get honest work, and I get to see your shop sparkle. It’s a win-win.”

“And a win-win-win for me!” I think of reaching for the dice again, but it isn’t my turn. Are my hands shaking? Oh, this is fun.

No! Bad Saiorse! Quit while you’re ahead! Four free cleanings is plenty!

But how many more could I get? I still haven’t given anything up...

“You don’t have to keep going if you don’t want to,” Duran says. “I’m always up for a friendly wager. Challenge me whenever you like.”

“Thank you,” I say, leaning back in my seat and let out a deep sigh. I feel like I’ve just run a race. “For being such a good sport, I mean.”

“This is nothing,” Duran says. “I’ve played against some real tough customers. I’ve been lucky to walk out with the shirt off my back, betting against Casey.”

“Who’s Casey?”

“You might have seen her around town. She’s the tabby cat in the studded leather vest.”

“Oh, I didn’t know her name.” I didn’t catch it through my lens…

“Well, it’s definitely not her real name. I think she goes through an alias for every town she’s in. She’s like a fairy.”

“Casey is not like a fairy,” Clover mutters. “She’s an evil liar.”

“She’s catfolk,” Duran says, as if that explains everything. “Well, that was fun, Saiorse. It’s good to know who’s lucky around here. If you want to come along to the tavern and play cards tonight, I’d do well to have you on my team. What do you say?”

My date with Celyn is tomorrow, so I’m free tonight. Should I take Duran up on his offer to go out and enjoy some evening entertainment with the seedier side of Busalla?

1. Yes, let’s meet some shady characters!
2. No, let’s ask Clover to clean my shop tonight so I’m ready for my date tomorrow and can show it off when Celyn stops by!
3. Other

No thank you, I need to let this winning streak percolate for a bit. I'll spot you another time, though! Once I've sewn up more of a safety net...

1, to raise our friendship with him. As long as you don't drink or gamble money and it is just a fun game of cards, I don't see why not. You're broke after all, until your next sale.

We just have to have our date with Celyn somewhere that isn't our place so he doesn't see our mess!

>>1090326
1 if you're not playing for real money.
Otherwise 2, tell him you can't gamble too much when you've only just started your business. Gotta save up some emergency funds!

>>1090326
Backing >>1090327

1, Have fun! There'll be plenty of sensible business decisions to make later, tonight you should just go and enjoy yourself.

2) Bad Saorise! That way lies Decadence, not Legacy!
You'll end up screwing your mind so badly that no amount of wealth will heal the madness festering in your mind! That madness is what powers everything wrong with all of civilization!
Well, that and starvation.
You were really lucky just now! Don't push it.

>>1090329

Seconding this! Maybe jokingly ask if it’s he’s still trying to get clothes from you, via strip poker~ NOTE: This action could be a Flirt, and therefore suggting said action is retracted if you are not wanting to do a Flirt with Duran

1) if its not your own money at risk, or just to hang out.

>>1090326
3. Other.

Offer to turn the dice game into a drinking game.
If you win on your rolls, the other players have to take a shot.
If you lose, you have to take two.

Keep the fun going and the excitement of the dice rolling but turn the stakes into something everyone enjoys.

Until the hangover.
Or the inevitable drunken switch to strip craps.