Still on a charr kick, so here's an inflation piece! Also introduces a charr engineer character who I'll likely write more about in the future, since I've got quite a few other ideas in mind.

Helios tests a brand new elixir on himself, with unexpected results...

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Alchemical Mishap
By: IndigoRho

Helios shook the large vial in his paw, causing the bright blue liquid within to swirl about. The charr engineer had been toiling away in his private workshop for days, obsessed with creating an alchemical elixir that could dramatically enhance his jumping capabilities. Scaling even short cliffs was difficult, as his numerous tools and gadgets made him less than nimble, so finding a way to simply launch himself into the air seemed ideal. Progress was slow, but the charr was convinced his latest attempt would be the breakthrough. Hopefully.

Still holding the potion, Helios began adding to his research journal. Mixture Seven finished for hypothetical “Elixir J”, much more pleasant in color than the others, potential sign of higher volatility. Last volunteer quit after fur turned green, no luck in finding suitable replacement so I'll be testing out mixture on myself.

Without hesitation the engineer chugged the entire elixir in one go. He winced at the unexpected and overwhelmingly citrus taste that accompanied it, letting out a short belch once the vial was drained. A chill instantly surged outward through his whole body from his stomach, a common side-effect of established elixirs and potential sign of final success. Helios waited a few seconds more for the brew to settle, then cautiously jumped—no change. He dutifully returned to his journal.

No noticeable enhancement in jumping capabilities, but no change in fur color either. Progress!

As the charr wrote, his slim, reddish-brown middle suddenly began to swell, bloating outward at a steady but unnoticed pace. His vest grew tighter as it attempted to contain his growing gut, buttons straining and threads creaking. Helios took a deep breath after putting down his pen, and the additional pressure was just enough to cause the middle button to pop off, skidding across the table and finally alerting him to the changes in his body. More curious than concerned, the charr poked his swollen middle with a claw, surprised to find his hide somewhat taut. The growth continued, two more buttons bursting from his vest before he managed to unbutton those that remained.

Helios' belly was now fully exposed, and he looked as if he'd swallowed a pumpkin whole. He swayed his gut back-and-forth a little, but didn't feel anything shifting or sloshing within. On instinct the charr began taking notes.

Elixir has finally had an effect, not intended one though. Something's filling my stomach, possibly a gas of some sort. Only new ingredient was ground-up quartz crystals acquired from Dry Top, assuming that's causing current reaction.

The inflation hadn't slowed, and Helios carefully pressed down on his balloon-belly with both paws to see if he could deflate at least a little. His efforts produced no results, though, not even another belch. With his attention now focused on any perceived changes in his body, the engineer noticed almost right away when his sleeves began to tighten; the expansion was spreading. Helios' chest and arms were puffing up slightly, and he was certain his pants were feeling snugger as well. The white stripes along his sides and back appeared to be stretching along with him. Unsure of how long he would continue to swell and clueless as to how to impede or stop the effects, Helios instead decided to record as much of his experience as possible, if only to ensure there was a record of events if the worst came to pass.

Still inflating. I'm beginning to feel like a balloon, not at all heavier but my width is a bit disrupting. My limbs are beginning to swell as well, and I suspect I could end up spherical once the elixir's effects cease. If they cease. Hide is taut, but stretching with ease to handle my expansion, though I think I heard a creak or two just now. Elixir may have potential applications, either in combat or practical jokes, depending on whether or not the consumer remains intact. Will perform field tests with my elixir gun if things go well.

Helios' writing was worsening as his gut pressed up against the table further, forcing the charr to lean over his journal awkwardly. The thought of soon being unable to continue recording his experience was actually more frustrating than the potential danger he faced; he couldn't bear having his new creation be poorly documented, especially if it was the last thing he was known for. His body was considerably bloated now, the lines between his thighs, stomach, and chest practically erased as he took on a somewhat spherical form. The seams of his vest and pants tore one-by-one, till his clothes were reduced to shreds on the workshop floor, a fate Helios hoped wasn't in store for the rest of him. Moving was borderline impossible, and he was reduced to waddling and wobbling about just to prevent from rolling onto his inflated back. He managed one last messy scrawl before his limbs became too stiff and puffed up for him to keep hold of the pen.

The charr engineer was quickly becoming a series of spheres. His limbs had swollen till they were practically domes atop his round body, his bloated paws stuck at their ends. Helios' neck was more of a blimpy cushion at this point, while his cheeks were comically circular. Low creaks and groans echoed out from his massive body as his hide continued stretching to a degree it never had before. The pressure within him was noticeable, and Helios couldn't help but wonder if he were actually as fragile as he felt. Could the simple poke of a claw burst him apart or could he safely bounce down a hillside with only a few surface scratches? Perhaps his current condition made him more resistant to blows. His desire to remain intact was increased the more curious he became, the engineer eager to test the elixir extensively.

Fortunately, the expansion quietly ceased. Helios was essentially a massive charr balloon, gently rocking atop his spherical form. A gentle breeze could likely send him rolling. The engineer grinned happily and breathed a sigh of relief as he realized he wasn't going to inflate till he popped, though he still had no idea whether the effects were permanent or if they'd wear off in time. He was confident he could eventually figure out a solution to the problem either way. Until then he'd just have to deal with being a blimp, while also trying to avoid the numerous sharp objects in his workshop. Helios distracted himself by imagining the sheer potential of his spontaneously re-dubbed “Elixir I”, and quietly cursing the fact he'd yet to purchase a golem for dictating notes...