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.