Recuperation
Re-entering the town of Axel, we head state to the community bath house to wash ourselves off. As helpful was Aquas's ability to turn the bile liquids in water, I still smell the feint presence of that terrible stench. The lady inside of me refuses to let it stay.
Walking into the bathouse, the receptionist welcomes us inside.
"Hello! Here to wash up?" the attendant, a fair looking women asks.
As I try an offer a response, I feel the imagine of a d20 rolling in my head.
(Charisma: 2) And I feel anxious to the point I can't let out a single word. In the attempt of doing so, I furrowed by brows and furrowed my face having the unfortunate side effect of appearing furious to the receptionist.
Aqua having seen my failure, smirks at my misery before taking the lead.
"Sorry, we had a run in with Giant Frog saliva, so she's been very grumpy."
And so the conversation to let us in was handled by Aqua and offering one of my gold coins for payment, I got in return what looked like to be the nations form of currency.
"Since it costs 200 eris per person, here's 600 iris as change." It seems my gold coin was accepted without issue, and was even worth a lot more than I expected with a ratio of 1000 eris to 1 gp.
Looking at the eris given to me, (Investigation: 9) I can't really tell the difference between the coins and mine other than the fact they're both gold.
I know I just failed an investigation check, but I can't seem to notice what I clearly missed! I tried to look at the coins again, but it feels as if my mind is blocking an easy connection or detail. The roll never occurred again even after a minute later, so I decided to see if I could try again later and pocketed it.
Entering the female side of the bathhouse, I enter a locker area to put our equipment away, how handy.
"I'll head first, Carol. Be sure to catch up, I need someone to rub my back for me." Aqua calmly tells me before walking out to the washing area.
What? Washing her back? Confused, I go over to the door where Aqua went out and peeked through.
Oh no, it's a Japanese style bath house. This place is a deathtrap for a lesbian like me!
Just walking around town was hard enough with al the female adventures and staff wearing such reveling clothes, but I'd actually die if I enter.
(Will Save: 19) No, Carol! You must control yourself! Just enter, don't look at anyone, and leave immediately!
It will be good to mention now that I don't get riled up to the sight of Aqua. Her body might be nice, but whatever's attached to it is a kill joy to whatever sexual feeling that could manifest.
And so with the cleaning done, I block out the experience from my mind and we quickly leave.
Checking my money pouch, it seems the 10 gp I started with is worth a bit more than I expected. While also checking my adventure card, I notice I gained 150 xp, which makes sense since Giant Toads in D&D are worth 50 xp and we killed a total of three today.
We should have enough to buy some food and a room to stay for the night., probably don't need to buy any equipment right now.
Heading back to the adventure guild, we purchase a set of fried frog legs and a place to stay at the recommendation of the guild. Totaling up lifestyle expenses, it came up to around 1800 eris, which is a little less than a modest lifestyle for two people in D&D, which was 1 gp (1000 eris) a day since me and Aqua are sharing a room.
While we are eating, I use the sending to communicate with Aqua, convenient for me as it allows me to continue eating without interruption.
If we stand any chance of defeating this BBEG the Devil King, we need more party members. Do you have any ideas on how to do so?
Finishing up her bite of fried frog, Aqua swallows and looks at me. It was as if what I said wasn't expected in the slightest, "You're asking for my ideas?"
Of course I am, your a part of the party and so you get a say.
It was basic courtesy in a D&D campaign. Olivia was a very harsh DM, and if the group didn't work together or collaborate, total party wipes were more than uncommon. It was also better to make sure everyone at the table was having fun in their own preferred way in or out of combat.
"Why.. uh.. How about I make a flyer! We could post it on the board, I can dress it up all nice with y great artistic skills!" Aqua offers.
(Insight: 7) Seeing nothing amiss to Aqua's response, I think it over simply and nod.
Heheh, I don't see why not. Sounds like a great and cheap plan, once we get another party member we will finish the rest of the hunting quest. It could be a good way gauge their skills with.
And thus the plan was set and the day ended without much fanfare. Upon arrival to the room recommendation by the guild, it seems the fact that is was a stable was left out. And with a cold night, the first day in the world ended.
Hopefully someone will show up soon, 7800 worth of eris will only last a few days.
By some type of fate, it looks like someone noticed our flier the very next day.
Our morning breakfast of fried frog legs (very unhealthy might I add, but whatever) was interrupted by an approaching figure.
(Passive perception 13) Noticing the new presence, I turn around to face her before she began to speak.
"I happened to notice your recruitment poster." The girl looked very young, wearing red robes and a black cape. On her had sat a black wizards hat with a magic staff in her right hand, the end curling to hold a red ball floating in the middle.
"I have anxiously awaited the arrival of those such as yourselves."
(Charisma: -2) "............." Remaining silent, my attempt to greet her back failed. The girl was left standing there without a response, so she continued her introduction. Adding a nice pose with a hand on her hat, possibly to play up her strength.
"My name is Megumin! My calling is that of an arch wizard! One who controls explosion magic! The strongest of all offensive magic!"
(Charisma: 8) "................." Megumin's introduction was met with more silence as I continue to stare at her. A small nod is all I give in response.
EECK, how awkward! I'm so sorry Megumin! At the very least I could usually say a hi back, but it appears the system hard locks any attempt.
A can see a visible bead of sweat coming off her head at the continued silence by the other party.
"When women stares into the abyss, the abyss stares back."
(Charisma: 5) "..........................." Unable to take the tension anymore, the girl seems to bend.
"Will you please respond to me!!!" Her proud voice forgotten over a more insistent one.
I look over at Aqua, who was watching the whole thing go down in amusement.
(Intimidation: Nat 20) Staring at Aqua, I glare at her to send the message across. It appears the message got through to her as she shivers for a split second as if a chill went down her spine.
"Excuse my friend Carol, she's a little shy. That red eye... Are you a crimson demon?" Aqua finally offers, the first thing she's said the entire conversation.
Finally getting a response, Megumin visibly gets excited again with another pose.
"Ah, yes! Our clan's reputation spreads far and wide! Known for our peerless control of the strongest magicks!"
(Charisma: 15) It seems 15 was enough for me to finally say something.
Sorry for the silence, your more than accepted into our party.
"Silence..." I respond with a little more force than I expected, "..accepted," I finish without speaking furthermore.
Oyyyy! where's the rest of the sentence?!?!?
Deciding to roll with it, I smoothly turn around to continue eating my food. I'm so embarrassed.
Megumin was stunned into silence. She was full on expecting to be rejected at this point. All the other party's in Axel had already refused or kicked her out after realizing her true 'potential.' Megumin was resigned to the fact the duo already heard of her from the other parties.
Deciding not to look a gift horse in the mouth, she walks over and sit's down next to moonlight-blue haired woman.
Look's like she hasn't walked away, good. I thought, before sliding her the rest of my fried frog meal. I only ate a little bit of it, but hopefully she will see It as a form of apology or recognition.
As I slide it to her, I take a look at her face to see how she responds.
(Insight: 10) I can feel a positive response from the action, but to what extent I can't pinpoint. Megumin eats what I've given here after a moment, so I let it go and wait for her to finish. A little more forcefully than I imagined she would with how confident she acted.
Sheesh, it's as if she had nothin to eat for days.
After seeing Megumin finish the meal off, I decided now would be a good time to finish off that quest.
I stand up from the table, Aqua following suit seeing me do so as well. As I walk out of the tavern, I look back at her and try to tell her to come along.
(Charisma: 14) "Follow..." I let out, face entire blank and tone expressionless.
UGHHHH, SCREW THIS SYSTEM. I wasn't this horrible at communication back at earth, was I?!?
It seems the message got across to mmegumin, however, since she gets up and quickly catches up to us.
"Where you go, know that I! The great Megumin shall defeat any evil she comes across!"
At least she's got the spirit, the toads won't know what hit 'em.