Chapter 1.12
1.12
Erin Solace visits a Drake city market where she is ostracized and scammed out of her money. On her way back to the inn, she is ambushed by Goblins and saved by Relc, an act which inadvertently earns the wrath of the Goblin Chieftain.
Summary
Erin Solace ventured into the unnamed Drake city, feeling isolated and anxious as the only Human among the Drakes, Gnolls, and Antinium. Following directions from Selys, she made her way to the market to buy supplies. Despite a friendly offer from a Gnoll shopkeeper, Krshia Silverfang, Erin approached a stall run by an Unnamed Drake Shopkeeper.
The Drake was immediately hostile, making derogatory comments about her species. He overcharged her for basic goods like flour, salt, and oil, becoming aggressive when she questioned the price. Krshia Silverfang attempted to intervene, calling the shopkeeper Lism, but it was too late; Erin was scammed out of nearly all her coin, leaving her with just four silver pieces.
Distraught, Erin sought out the city's Guardhouse to find Relc. Before she could speak to him, she overheard Relc loudly complaining about Humans, which led to a heated argument between them. Afterwards, while walking back to her inn across the plains, Erin was ambushed by three Goblins. She tried to fight them off but was quickly overwhelmed.
From the perspective of The Littlest Goblin, it was revealed the attack was a desperate attempt to get food. Just as the Goblins were about to subdue Erin, Relc arrived. He swiftly killed the Two Older Goblins, and The Littlest Goblin fled in terror. Relc offered Erin a sincere apology for his earlier remarks and helped her gather her spilled supplies.
The chapter ends with two major developments. The Littlest Goblin returned to its cave, and upon learning of the deaths, The Goblin Chieftain grabbed his axes and left to hunt down the Human he held responsible. Meanwhile, Erin, having survived the ordeal, reached Level 6 in her [Innkeeper] class before crying herself to sleep.
Major Events
Erin is Scammed at the City Market
While trying to buy supplies in the Drake city market, Erin Solace is treated with hostility by an Unnamed Drake Shopkeeper who scams her out of most of her money for basic goods.
Erin Confronts Relc over Prejudiced Remarks
Erin goes to the Guardhouse to find Relc, but she overhears him making derogatory comments about Humans. This leads to a public argument, straining their relationship.
Goblins Ambush Erin Outside the City
While walking back to her inn, Erin is ambushed by three Goblins. The attack is shown to be a desperate act for food from the perspective of The Littlest Goblin.
Relc Rescues Erin and Kills Two Goblins
Relc arrives just in time to save Erin from her attackers. He kills the Two Older Goblins, and the youngest one escapes. Relc then sincerely apologizes to Erin for his earlier behavior.
The Goblin Chieftain Vows Revenge
After The Littlest Goblin returns to their cave alone, The Goblin Chieftain learns of his tribe members' deaths. He grieves briefly before taking his axes to seek vengeance against the Human he believes is responsible.
Major Appearances
A young Human woman who finds herself lost and alone in an unfamiliar city populated by non-human species. She is struggling with anxiety and the feeling of being an outsider.
aka Miss Erin, Little Miss Human +1
A small female Goblin who shadows the warriors and observes Erin, apparently driven by personal motives.
aka little Goblin, small Goblin +2
The city where Erin finds herself. It is primarily inhabited by Drakes and features unique architecture with rounded buildings and open rooftops.
A male Drake who runs a food stall selling dried goods in the market. He is annoyed by Erin's presence, her inability to read, and her 'Human smell'.
A guardsman referenced by a rookie as likely getting punishment duty for breaking windows.
aka Guardsman Relc, Senior Guardsman Relc +6
A leadership class common among Goblin tribes, granting authority and advanced capabilities.
aka [Chieftain], The Chieftain +1
Minor Appearances
A large, humanoid lizard (Drake) City Watch officer — muscular, green scales, taloned feet, tail, neck spines, forked tongue. Boisterous, friendly, and chatty; claims to be 'an incredible Drake in service to the City Watch.'
aka drake, lizardman +2
A general combat-oriented class.
aka [Warrior]
A large stall in the market run by the Gnoll, Krshia Silverfang. It sells a variety of items, including food.
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +1
A species of large, sentient insectoid people; one arrives at Erin’s door with a companion.
aka giant insect, Ants +6
A green-scaled Drake who joins the conversation with Relc and the blue-scaled guard in the mess hall.
A Drake guardsman with pale blue scales who is acquainted with Relc. He speaks with Relc in the barracks mess hall about his skills and the human in the city.
Small green humanoids with red eyes and sharp teeth that chased and slashed at Erin.
aka Goblins, little green things +5
The headquarters for the Liscor City Watch.
aka Watch barracks, Guard's barracks +1
A tall female Gnoll shopkeeper in the market who runs the stall 'Krshia's Silverfang Goods'. She is direct and attempts to get Erin to shop at her stall.
A male and female Goblin who 'made' the littlest Goblin, acting as her parents or creators. They bully her but also provide for her. They instigated the stone-throwing attack on Erin to steal her food and were subsequently hunted down and killed by Relc.
Referenced
Entities by Type
Quotes
“Kicked out of three shops. And two homes. And then the Adventurer’s Guild.”
“Well, there are signs. I just can't read them.”
“Magic. Either that or they're all bilingual. Or trilingual. Or something.”
“Move it, Human.”
“Out of the way, smooth skin.”
“Watch it, fleshbag.”
“Finally.”
“You, Human! If you’re looking for a bargain, shop here!”
“Well, what are you seeking?”
“Oh, um. I’m just looking.”
“I…could help you find what you want. Krshia’s Silverfang Goods. Do you have anything you want or—?”
“No, I’ll just wander around and—look. Thank you.”
“Hrmf. Suit yourself.”
“What does it look like, Human?”
“No touching the food with your filthy hands unless you’re buying!”
“Don’t touch. You’ll stink it up with your Human smell.”
“Uh. I can’t read that. Sorry.”
“I don’t have all day to play fetch for you, Human. Just tell me what you want to buy first.”
“Okay.”
“I’m looking for some flour, salt, butter, oil, and sugar. Oh! And yeast. I’ll need yeast too. If you have it.”
“Anything else?”
“Um. Those sausages. How much do they cost?”
“Are—are you sure that’s the price? I mean, it sounds like a lot—”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“Typical Humans. Walking in here, stinking up the market, and insulting any non-Humans you find. You should be grateful the Guard doesn’t run you out of the city! First that damn [Necromancer] comes here, and now this smelly one that can’t even read.”
“Lism!”
“…Can I buy a bag?”
“You’ve got no talent for that game. If you didn’t have [Thick Scales], you’d have cut your hand off years ago.”
“[Iron Scales].”
“It was the last skill I got from my [Sergeant] class. I think you get it in [Spearmaster] as well, but I don’t know. Either way, it’s a life-saver.”
“No. If Klbkch can do it, so can I. Anything that damn bug can do I can do better. But hey, what’s this about a Human? Is it that female one I was telling you about?”
“Yeah. He said she was really annoying. And she talked too much.”
“She makes a mean plate of pasta, let me tell you. And she’s tougher than she looks—I didn’t think any Human could survive out in the Floodplains that long. She’s funny too.”
“Remember that [Necromancer] guy I told you me and Klbkch tracked down? She wouldn’t let us kill him even after he blasted us both with a few spells. Just kept saying that he wasn’t that bad.”
“Hey! Slither off, you little bastards!”
“But that’s what you think.”
“Right, right. But, uh, good to see you made it to the city. So how’d you like it?”
“Sausages. Mm. But hey, why didn’t you buy any clothes? I thought all females loved clothes, Drake or Human.”
“Look, I’m still really sorry about before. I didn’t mean—well, I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
“Until later, Miss Erin.”
“Two coppers per ear…nah. Stick. Stick. You’ve gotta put them on sticks and—you know what? She can figure out how she wants to mount them.”
“I'm—I'll just look around if that's okay.”
“What you see is what I have.”
“Oh, okay.”
“But I'd like some. Butter, that is.”
“How many?”
“No, no! I was just saying that—”
“But can we negotiate? I mean, how about two gold coins? What's the price of the flour? If I pay you—”
“Here. Your food. Take it.”
“Ow.”
“I'll bet. No wonder you don't worry about hurting yourself, you smooth-scaled bastard.”
“Then stop flipping. It's annoying, and you keep nearly hitting people. Remember poor Tkrn the day he signed up? He still flinches whenever he sees a dagger.”
“Um. Erin something. Sol? Solace? It was something like that. Erin Solace? Did he mention anything else about her?”
“Yeah, you get used to that.”
“Stupid Humans.”
“Um. I—”
“Oh, bite me.”
“Serves him right. But did you smell her?”
“Disgusting. Why's Relc interested in one anyways?”
“Search me. Maybe it's just Relc. He's weird.”
“Disgusting. Let's go eat some meat.”
“Oh come on. Please?”
“Ow. Ow!”
“Thanks.”
“No. I'm fine.”
“Fine.”
“Especially not if they're Human.”
“No. I mean, there's food in here, but that's only a few silver coins at best. I'm sure you had more than that, right? How much did you spend?”
“I just thought it was the right price, I guess. I didn't want to argue.”
“Right, right. Well, if you remembered his face, I could find who sold you all that, but I doubt anyone'd bear witness against him. And there's not much for me to go on. I mean, he sold you overpriced goods but it was your fault as well. No offense meant, Miss, but how'd you trade a gold coin for a sack or two of flour?”
“You sure? I can carry it in—”
“Thanks. Good night.”
“They’re interesting and entertaining, but they don’t have much inside their fleshy heads. I’d never trust a Human to have my back. Drakes stick together and Humans do their thing in the north, am I right?”
“It’s not often I get to rescue a damsel in distress. That’s what they call Human females, right? Damsels? Anyways, I saw you were in trouble, so I immediately rushed to help.”
“So. You bought food, huh? Making lots of pasta tonight?”
“It’s fine.”
“I didn’t have enough money.”
“Thanks for helping. With the Goblins.”
“Where?”
“I need to buy fresher pillows. And blankets. Or laundry detergent. When I have the money for it.”
“Hi. Is this a food shop?”
“Sorry. Sorry.”
“Um. I'm looking for a few things, actually. Uh, do you have any butter?”
“Oh. Great.”
“Well, if I've got enough, I'd like to buy a few of those. And some onions.”
“Look, I was just asking about the price.”
“Human, I have a business to run and a store to manage! Either pay me my price or be gone. You won't find a better offer in this market.”
“If you're done grubbing in the dirt, I have more customers to serve.”
“That explains everything. What kind of level do you have to be to get that, anyways? No one else has it, so it must be high level.”
“Now, now. Don't be jealous.”
“Not sure.”
“That's her.”
“Still, she's interesting. Erin, or whatever her name is. She makes a mean plate of pasta, let me tell you. And she's tougher than she looks—I didn't think any Human could survive out in the Floodplains that long. She's funny too.”
“I know!”
“How long was she here?”
“Hey, Miss Human! Wait! I didn't mean it!”
“Yeah. Humans. They don't wash.”
“Why do you think?”
“True.”
“Agreed.”
“So, how's my favorite Human doing? Good? Bad? Um. I, uh, don't suppose you heard what I was saying. It was just a joke, really. I didn't mean...”
“Ah. Ow.”
“Okay, okay. So they weren't that dangerous. And I was just doing my job; true. But I am sorry. Really. I said too much back there.”
“Oh come on. Don't be like that. I just—well, it was just me being careless, alright? Let's talk. Please?”
“So.”
“I didn't say that.”
“A couple gold coins. Some silver ones.”
“Well, I could go back to the market and ask around. But—I don't suppose you caught the name of the store.”
“Sorry.”
“I'm sure.”
“Where? Two?”
“Right at the start. Did you see her expression? Relc’s not gonna have an easy time explaining that.”
“I really didn’t mean it. It’s just—[Necromancers], y’know? They’re dangerous. And it’s best to kill them on sight.”
“I’m going to sleep.”
“Good, good.”
“No offense meant, Miss, but how’d you trade a gold coin for a sack or two of flour?”
“It was nothing. They’re no threat to me or anyone with a few levels in any warrior class. But don’t worry about those pests. I said I’d make it up to you, didn’t I? I’ll do something about them.”
“Got you bastards. You can’t run from Relc! Damn, I thought there were three of you? Whatever. If Erin doesn’t love this—now I need to find some wood. Damn. I should be having dinner!”
“Can I get you anything? What are you looking for?”
“Oh, I'm looking for food. Lots of it.”
“What do you want? Name it and I'll fetch it for you.”
“It's right there on the sign.”
“And, uh, I'd like some oil too. Do you have another jar...?”
“Two gold coins. Eight silver. That will buy you a bag of flour, oil, butter, four sausages, two onions, and a bag of sugar, salt, and yeast.”
“I just gave you my price. Take it or leave it.”
“Okay. I'll buy it all.”
“Hey Relc. I hear there's a Human wandering around the city.”
“It is.”
“Too bad I never got any dagger skills. I can't understand how this stupid flipping works.”
“Belsc—the guy on eastern gate duty—he didn't say much other than that he thought it was a Human female. What was the name of the one you met?”
“Humans. I don't know why you're interested in this one. It's certainly not the smell, to hear Belsc talk.”
“Hey, I'm telling the truth here. Little Miss Human isn't that bad. You should meet her. But let me tell you, she can also be pretty annoying. Remember that [Necromancer] guy I told you me and Klbkch tracked down? She wouldn't let us kill him even after he blasted us both with a few spells. Just kept saying that he wasn't that bad.”
“Oh.”
“Dunno. She must've walked in while you were talking.”
“So. When did you spot her?”
“I hear they roll around in their own filth.”
“I still don't get it. There's no scales, nothing firm to grab. What's the point?”
“Anyways, Humans. Haven't seen one in a long time. Did you see it? So fleshy.”
“Hey! Miss Erin! Wait!”
“Look, I know I was sort of—okay, I was rude, but let's talk. Hello? Are you listening?”
“Hello there, Miss Erin. Fancy meeting you here.”
“That looks heavy. Here, let me carry it for you.”
“Look. I'm very sorry, Miss Erin. Let me carry your bag. It must be quite heavy, and this way we can talk without one of us falling over.”
“So.”
“What, really?”
“Really? What kind of rotscale sold you—why did you spend that much money?”
“I can't read the language here.”
“I can take the bag now.”
“Right. Thanks.”