Chapter 1.11
1.11
Realizing her food supplies are dwindling, Erin Solstice travels to the city of Liscor for the first time. She explores the city populated by Drakes and Gnolls and visits the Adventurer's Guild, where she is immediately confronted and bullied by an aggressive Gnoll adventurer.
Summary
Facing a severe lack of food at The Wandering Inn, Erin Solstice resolves that she must go to the city of Liscor to buy supplies. Accepting her new reality as an [Innkeeper], she understands the need to provide for herself and potential guests. She locks up the inn and begins the long walk to the city, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination.
Upon arriving, Erin is amazed by Liscor, a city carved into the base of a mountain and teeming with unfamiliar races, primarily Drakes and Gnolls. She observes the city's unique architecture and the daily life of its inhabitants as she wanders the streets. During her exploration, she witnesses a Drake barmaid named Drassi being fired by her boss, Mister Drells, for gossiping.
Seeking potential customers for her inn, Erin decides to visit the Adventurer's Guild. Her entrance immediately draws unwanted attention, as she is the only Human present. An Angry Gnoll Adventurer quickly confronts her, expressing his disdain for humans and questioning her presence in Liscor.
The situation escalates as the Gnoll physically intimidates Erin, grabbing her arm tightly. Despite her attempts to defuse the situation, the Gnoll's hostility only grows. He forcefully throws her out of the guild hall onto the street. A Drake receptionist named Selys watches the entire event unfold without offering any help, leaving Erin shocked and alone outside the guild.
Major Events
Erin Decides to Visit Liscor
With her food supplies depleted, Erin Solstice commits to her role as an [Innkeeper] and decides to journey to the city of Liscor to purchase provisions for her inn.
Arrival at the City of Liscor
Erin Solstice arrives at Liscor and gets her first look at the bustling city built into a mountain, populated mostly by Drakes and Gnolls.
Drassi is Fired From Her Job
While exploring Liscor, Erin witnesses a Drake barmaid, Drassi, being publicly fired by her manager, Mister Drells, for talking too much.
Confrontation in the Adventurer's Guild
Erin enters the Adventurer's Guild seeking customers but is immediately singled out and confronted by an Angry Gnoll Adventurer due to her being a Human.
Erin is Forcibly Expelled
The Angry Gnoll Adventurer physically assaults Erin and throws her out of the Adventurer's Guild as the receptionist, Selys, looks on without intervening.
Major Appearances
A young woman from Earth who stumbles into a fantasy world and takes refuge in an abandoned inn.
aka Erin, the young woman +20
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city
A friendly and helpful Drake who works as a receptionist at the Adventurer's Guild in Liscor.
aka the female receptionist, the she-Drake
An aggressive and prejudiced Gnoll adventurer who confronts and expels Erin from the Adventurer's Guild.
aka the not-werewolf, hairy hyena-guy
A sapient reptilian species dominant in regions south of Liscor, generally unfriendly to Humans.
aka Drake, lizards
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +1
A guild hall in Liscor where adventurers gather, accept quests, and turn in bounties.
Minor Appearances
Small green humanoids with red eyes and sharp teeth that chased and slashed at Erin.
aka Goblins, little green things +5
A tall Gnoll hunter Erin encounters shortly after entering Liscor.
aka the furry person, the hyena-person
A gossipy, yellow-scaled Drake [Barmaid] in Liscor who gets fired.
A grumpy Drake guard stationed at the eastern gate of Liscor.
aka the guard
Referenced as a meat-based dish (type of deer) by Klbkch when inquiring about available food; not present in scene.
The Drake manager of an establishment in Liscor who fires Drassi.
A Drake [Driver] who nearly runs Erin over with her wagon in Liscor.
aka The driver on the wagon
Referenced
Entities by Type
Quotes
“They lied to me.”
“Rubbery.”
“I’m in trouble. Yup, yup. It’s amazing these things lose so much taste after only a few days.”
“Who’d want to eat blue fruits all day? Raise your hand if that sounds like fun.”
“And I want food. Real food. Not fruit. I want bread! I want pasta! I want pizza and soda and salad and ice cream—actually, forget the ice cream. I need meat. Or fish that doesn’t bite back! I want sushi, cheeseburgers and fries, toast, waffles…cereal…”
“Even instant ramen would be nice. Is that too much to ask?”
“Plus, I need to feed my guests.”
“Unless I go to the city.”
“There.”
“It’s far. But I have to go. Maybe? Yes…no. No? Yes. I need food. And I need to feed my guests. It’s my duty as an innkeeper.”
“Am I an innkeeper? Is that what this world is doing to me?”
“I’ll grow a huge beer belly and start hauling around kegs of ale. That’s what innkeepers do, right?”
“They never mentioned innkeepers in the legend of King Arthur. Or did they?”
“To go to the city or not, that is the question. Actually, there’s no question. I need to go to the city. I need to go…shopping.”
“Guess I’ve gotta go to the stream. Who knew washing your hands was so much work?”
“Well, that settles that. I’m off to the city.”
“But why does it have to be so far away from anything?”
“Wow. That’s a big hill.”
“Thirty minutes. No; probably an hour. Yeah, that sounds about right.”
“So, what do I need?”
“Um. Clothing. Right. And soap. And a toothbrush, if they have toothbrushes. And toothpaste…which they probably don’t have. But something. And I need food obviously, more soap, towels, laundry deter—more soap, and a comb.”
“And a sword. I need a sword. And a shield? And armor? And, uh, anti-Goblin spray? Oh, and books! Tons of books. Maps, history books…can I read any of that? Well, Relc and Klbkch speak English. So that’s weird too. And I need bandages, a sewing needle, someone to teach me how to sew…”
“And I need to rob a bank.”
“What’s essential?”
“Clothing. Food. Toothbrush. Toothpaste. And a lamp.”
“Right. A lamp! And a sword.”
“…Just the lamp.”
“Flat grass, flat grass, all I see is flat grass.”
“Horses eat grass, but I’ll pass, so I’ll go to the city fast. Or I’ll die of starvation! And once I’m there, I’ll eat ten pears and—hey, is that a Goblin?”
“Hm.”
“Shoo!”
“Great. They’re like cockroaches. Evil, giant, green cockroaches. With teeth. And sharp knives. And red eyes.”
“That’s a big wall.”
“…Hi.”
“Um. Nice weather, isn’t it?”
“…Right. It’s just that I’m new here. And I’m Human. Nice to meet you. My name is Erin. I, uh, know another guy who works with you. Relc? And Klb…Klb…the insect guy? So yeah. They know me. I’m no threat. And, uh, I saw some Goblins running around a while back. They’re not here right now, but I felt you should know.”
“Go on in, Human. Anyone can enter the city. The gates close at sundown.”
“Right. Thanks. Uh, have a nice day!”
“I’ll just be going. Now.”
“Humans.”
“—by the tribes and fur knots. All the lice in Izril! All the lice in Izril and—and Raskghar on these stupid paving stones!”
“Apologies, Miss. Was I in your way?”
“Oh, no! I’m, um—sorry I didn’t help? Sorry you fell?”
“Er…apologies, Miss Human. We don’t see many of your kind around here, yes? A [Trader], a traveller? No need to apologize. [Broader Shoulders] means only I can carry a deer back! Half of one, at any rate. If only I had a bag of holding large enough for an entire deer, eh? I wouldn’t make a Human help me lift one of these!”
“Yes? No?”
“Tribes and tribulations. Excuse me, Miss. Watch the blood. If that [Guardsman] asks…pretend you never saw me. I’ve got to get this to the [Butchers] before the Acid Flies are all over.”
“The…”
“—broke up again. Hawk can’t keep a girlfriend for more than a month, Courier and gold or not. It’s his obsession with vegetables.”
“You sure it’s not him being…him, Drassi?”
“Oh, hush. He’s fine. He’s more Drake than you are. I’m just saying—”
“Drassi! This is the eleventh time this week! I’ve told you again and again, stop gossiping. I don’t care what your class is—enough. You’re friendly, but you’re also fired.”
“What? But I can work harder! Come on, Mister Drells…”
“Get out of the way, you idiot!”
“Are you blind? Stay on the sidewalk! I nearly ran you over!”
“I’m sorry!”
“A Human? We haven’t seen one of them in…I wonder if another trade caravan’s getting here?”
“Sorry? Sorry? When this wheel runs over your foot, no healing potion in the world is going to get it back. Do you think I want that on my conscience?”
“S-sorry. I just didn’t see—”
“I don’t have time for this. I’ve got a delivery to run. Sidewalk! Use it!”
“Excuse me, Miss. Are you waiting in line for…?”
“One side, Human! Stop blocking the way!”
“Humans.”
“Excuse me—um—what’s this building? I can’t read…”
“What, the Mage’s Guild? You can’t read, Miss Human? Right, you don’t read Drake script. Are you looking for the Mage’s Guild? Runner’s Guild? Adventurer’s Guild? An inn to stay in? Stables? The Watch, maybe? I’m Drassi.”
“No! I mean, I’m just looking around. Nice to meet…I’m just looking for a—a store!”
“What kind of store?”
“Uh—I—just looking, thanks!”
“You just gave me a damned Corusdeer. Half of one.”
“Yes. And?”
“Where’s the other half? You didn’t skin it first? You’ve ruined the hide—and there’s dirt on this part! Did you drag it back?”
“I dropped it once, okay? It’s not bad, no! And as for cutting it in half—I thought I saw a Shield Spider nest near me. They would have been over the kill—and me—in minutes. The hide’s fine. You can make boots out of what’s here. How much for it all?”
“Typical. You go for the top half because the antlers are worth money to the [Alchemists]. Nevermind the intestines being good for sausage or all the organs like the liver and—stop growling at me. I know, Shield Spiders. Damn it. Alright…let me check the quality of the meat. Give me a few minutes. And get a bucket of water and wash yourself off. You’re going to attract Acid Flies.”
“That must be city hall or something. And the place with the wand—was that a magic shop…do they teach magic there? Do they sell wands? Wow. Wow. And I just need to find…a regular people shop.”
“Okay. Okay. I was lost before. I can do this.”
“What do I do if I get super-lost? Remember that street name. Squiggly line…got it. And if I can’t remember it or find my way back? Amsterdam, chess tournament. Start crying and ask where mom is…No, wait, I’m older now. Uh—uh—”
“Sorry! We overheard, yes?”
“Uh, is this a store?”
“Ah, hello? We can help you over here.”
“Good day, Miss. How can we help you today? Do you have a bounty or request to post? Or are you registering?”
“Registering? Quest? Oh no, I’m not here for…uh, anything. I just thought this might be a store, so I…”
“Oh, I see! No worries, Miss Human. You’re just in the wrong spot, but I can give you directions if you’d like.”
“Oops, sorry. Uh, where am I?”
“This is the Adventurer’s Guild. That lot didn’t tip you off?”
“The Adventurer’s Guild?”
“Didn’t they have one back in your city?”
“N—I mean, I’ve never been in one before.”
“That’s quite alright. Not everyone needs to use an Adventurer’s Guild. Most never will, hopefully. If you’ve never needed any services, let me give you the basic explanation. Here you can let the Guild know about dangerous monsters in your area, post quests and offer rewards, or if you’re an adventurer yourself, you can go look at assignments or receive your reward.”
“Wow.”
“Real mages. That is so cool.”
“…Miss? Excuse me, Miss?”
“Oh, I’m really sorry. What was that you were saying?”
“Are you a traveller, Miss? Or maybe…an adventurer? Are you here to register?”
“Oh no. I’m, uh, an innkeeper. I guess. Or maybe a wanderer? Actually, I’m just new around here.”
“An [Innkeeper], is it? Are you opening up a business here? Humans almost never move to Liscor. I’m Selys, by the way. I should have said so from the start. My apologies.”
“I’m Erin. Erin Solstice. And no, I’m not, uh, innkeeping here. I live outside the city. In an inn a ways away. I guess. I just came here, because I needed to go shopping. Badly.”
“Well, I can’t leave the desk, but I can give you some directions. No wonder you were lost—you can’t read any of the signs, can you? Your people normally stick to the north; Esthelm’s as far as most get. What brings you out so far? Oh, and what are you looking for?”
“Um. A teleportation spell got me here? And I need food. Flour, oil, butter, salt…that kind of thing. And I need clothing. Lots of clothing. And toothpaste!”
“Well, if it’s food and general supplies you’re looking for, try the market two streets down from here. To get to it, just take a left as you walk out of here and then turn right, and you’ll be there in no time. They’d also have some clothes there, but I’m not sure if they have any made for Humans. What kind of teleportation spell did that? You mean, people teleportation? Gone wrong? That would be a huge scandal. Anyways, the market will have everything you need.”
“Oh, that’s great. Thank you so much. About how I got here—I don’t know if it was an accident or me—maybe teleportation! But um. Right now I’m just trying to get by. So the market is two streets down and left and right…?”
“I’m also looking for a place to get some other supplies. I don’t suppose you know where—”
“Huh?”
“Um. Hi. Are you—are you a wolf-person?”
“Do I look like a Wolf Beastkin?”
“N-no?”
“I’m a Gnoll.”
“Right. I’m very sorry about that. Um. Can I help you?”
“You’re in my way. This is for adventurers.”
“Right. Sorry. Sorry about that.”
“Is—is there something else you want?”
“I don’t like Humans. They smell. You smell like garbage. Like rancid oil and flames and things that turn my stomach. And Goblins and dust and mold.”
“R-really? I can’t smell anything.”
“That’s because Humans can’t smell anything.”
“Right. Well. I’m sorry about that.”
“I don’t want Humans in here. You don’t belong.”
“Hold on, now. She’s just lost.”
“If you’ve got a bounty—Shield Spiders—I’ll process it now. But this Human was just asking directions. You can’t just kick someone out who—”
“You. You’re stinking up this place with dirt and filth. I can smell the things you’ve rolled in. You haven’t washed in—dead gods. I’m covered in Shield Spider guts and you smell worse! Take a bath before you come back here.”
“Oh. Yeah. Um, I’m really sorry about that. It’s just that I’ve been sort of fending for myself, and I didn’t have a change of clothes so—”
“Begone.”