Zeta's finger landed on the listing for Priyanka Apte, the medusean shaman. On one hand Zeta felt excited knowing the magic the shaman possessed would come in handy in a pinch, be it for defense or exploration. But on the other hand, Zeta couldn't help but wonder if she would need to defend her own food stores from this new party member. Zeta confirmed her choice with a nod and Madason rang another bell, a new magic circle appearing on the other side of Zeta.
The form of Priyanka materialized in the circle, settling onto the ground lightly as the magic dissipated. She was a head taller than Zeta with tan skin and a head of dark purple scaled snakes coiling around, little hisses and flicking tongues from the many beady-eyed heads peering about. Her curvy figure was clad in a tribal looking shawl worn over a vest, her soft midriff bare and legs swathed in a long skirt with strings of beads and bones attached to it.
Priyanka stretched her arms out and bent backwards, turning her neck to and fro to get some cracks out.”Mmmm, finally! Was starting to wonder if I would ever get another call.” She looked towards Zeta and bowed her head.
“Priyanka Apte, shaman of the Serpent's Touch sect, student of Coil Mistress Shirala. Ready to assist!”
“You can call me Zeta, uh, Cykes. Glad to have you in the grou—eeEEEEEK!” Zeta stuck her hand out towards Priyanka to shake when most of the medusean's frontal snake heads shot forward to inspect her hand, small tongues darting out to lightly touch Zeta's skin. Priyanka couldn't help but crack a smirk, taking in Zeta's shocked expression.
“Oh don't worry about them! They just want to get familiar with your scent is all. They would never harm you, only those looking to harm us will have to worry.” Priyanka stuck out a hand to pet some of the heads and chuckled softly. Zeta calmed down slightly and petted a few of the heads as well.
“Nice snakes...good, friendly snakes...y-yeah.”
After Claire and Priyanka had greeted one another they filed in along the sides of Zeta as she paid Madason 2000 G for the two new party members. With a monotone thanks the vendor pocketed the gold and turned away from the adventurers, going back to his idle pose. Zeta and her companions turned to exit the Billowing Toad and make their way back out onto the streets of Hartlepool.
Zeta opened her pockets to check over the 3000 G still left over. It was a good chunk of money, and could easily be spent in one place to get some basic quality gear at best. But gear isn't the only thing the group needed, as food and survival tools would be essential out in the world. With three mouths to feed , (well, three and...a few dozen more) Zeta would need to think carefully on how to budget the remainder of her currency.
“Alright, first things first. We need supplies before heading out onto the trail, and Hartlepool should have what we need. I, uh...can't decide how to split the gold up though, so...you two, got any advice?”
Claire pondered for a short moment along with Priyanka, the two having some idea of what the group was in need of. Claire spoke up first, gentle but almost uncertain.
“Well, we should definitely get armor, some weapon upgrades maybe...but for all three of us that would be most of the gold used. We can always go light on provisions, stick with jerky and crackers. Get a few health draughts.”
“Ahem, while Claire makes some good points, I don't think we have to spend so much gold on gear!” Priyanka shifted closer to Zeta, somewhat blocking Claire. “I'm fine with my clothes as is, and I have my own focus to use my shaman magics with. We definitely shouldn't hold out on food and drink! And we also need camping supplies, the journey will be long and we will surely need to rest along the way.”
Zeta nodded and sighed, annoyed at the fact she still would need to make a decision. As she jingled the gold in her pockets a feeling crept up through her, ridiculous thoughts and ideas popping into her head yet somehow making sense. Zeta knew she shouldn't entertain such fancies, but the risk of it all, taking the gold and essentially throwing it away for a slim chance to double it? Zeta couldn't deny the excitement she felt yet knew how reckless this idea was.
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
More by this author