Poison
Laxatives, confections, & stimulating pies
![Photo of rhubarb by Emma-Jane Hobden on Unsplash](/content/images/size/w1460/2021/10/emma-jane-hobden-lFxgx7Snyfw-unsplash.jpg)
From behind the bar, Julea cleaned cups and watched the tavern's patrons. The newest wore a very particular smile when he listened to Kanna talk — stiff and patient, but definitely attentive. He twitched every time the old witch's hand went close to the belt of herbs and crystals at her hip.
The last thing she needed was a bunch of Neo-Valorists hunting in her town, so Julea poisoned his next drink. A little laxative solved the problem nicely.
If you missed my previous stories featuring the Cult of Valor, check out:
![](https://obsidian-roundup.ghost.io/content/images/2021/10/pexels-enric-cruz-l-pez-6272310.jpg)
![](https://obsidian-roundup.ghost.io/content/images/2021/10/pexels-ian-beckley-2440079-2.jpg)
ANALYSIS
Whenever I read a story (like this one) where a character slips someone a laxative, I think about college pranks. Specifically, people putting depilatory chemicals in shampoo, laxatives in brownies, and itching powder in underwear drawers.
(Once, as a teenager, I threatened my father with the latter; he was not amused.)
When I think about laxatives, I usually think of thick pink liquid, like what comes in a bottle of Pepto Bismal. If I'm reading a fantasy novel, I expect some kind of potion or herbal tea.
I don't expect milk.
This Content Is for Paid Members
Unlock full access to Obsidian Iceberg and see the entire library of members-only content.
Sign up to view this contentFree
- Weekly updates with community news
Yearly
- Weekly updates with community news
- Monthly essays with tips for leveraging Obsidian
- Defer server costs & thank me for my time
- Less money lost to processing fees
Monthly
- Weekly updates with community news
- Monthly essays with tips for leveraging Obsidian
- Defer server costs & thank me for my time
Already have an account? Log in
📗 Spite
When AI is so wrong it's actually helpful
![grimdark ritual altar in a scandinavian bog with drums & acolytes created by midjourney AI bot](/content/images/size/w1460/2022/11/Eleanor_a_ritual_altar_beside_a_temple_dock_in_a_scandinavian_b_8fa945f1-e0e3-43ec-9474-0b0fc3c77417.png)
📗 One Barbarian Boy
On the ethics of quitting pain to embrace joy
![a child on a swingset in the Andean mountains](/content/images/size/w1460/2022/11/Eleanor_children_playing_on_a_swingset_in_the_style_of_jamie_he_7dfa7436-4b2c-4107-918f-a245a09de71c.png)
📗 Marsh Rat
A long slow decline of a stable world
![a wooden canoe tied to a tree in a cypress swamp](/content/images/size/w1460/2022/11/Eleanor_a_wooden_canoe_tied_to_a_tree_in_a_cypress_swamp_hyperr_e08a92cc-2685-4c25-af81-86db6320a89a.png)