Chapter 1.13
1.13
Relc brings Erin Solstice a gruesome 'gift' of two severed Goblin heads, horrifying her. After burying the bodies and sparing a small Goblin attacker, Erin is hunted by a formidable Goblin Chieftain, forcing her to barricade herself in her inn and prepare for a final stand.
Summary
The chapter begins with Relc, the Drake [Guardsman], arriving at [The Wandering Inn] to apologize to [Erin Solstice]. His form of apology is to present her with two severed [Goblins] heads, believing he has solved her problem. Erin reacts with shock and horror, vomiting at the sight. Confused and offended by her reaction, Relc leaves abruptly.
Distraught, Erin decides she must bury the dead. She carries the heads outside, finds the headless corpses, and begins the arduous task of digging a grave, first with a wooden spoon and then with her bare hands. During her work, an [Acid Fly] lands on one of the bodies; when Erin swats it, its acidic blood burns her hand. Shortly after, a small, [Ragged Goblin] ambushes her. Erin manages to fend it off but makes the conscious choice to spare its life, stating, "I don't want to kill you."
After finishing the burial, a large, intimidating [Goblin Chieftain] appears on a nearby hill, accompanied by a silent [Goblin Tribe (The Wandering Inn)]. The chieftain blows a horn, signaling the start of a hunt with Erin as the prey. Terrified, she flees back to the safety of [The Wandering Inn] and barricades the door.
Initially succumbing to despair, Erin believes her death is certain. However, her will to survive takes over. As the [Goblin Chieftain] begins to break down her door, she calmly prepares a trap, resolving to fight back and uttering the word, "Checkmate."
Major Events
Relc's Gruesome Apology Gift
Relc arrives at The Wandering Inn and presents Erin Solstice with two severed Goblin heads as a misguided apology for their previous encounter. Erin reacts with profound horror and sickness.
Erin Buries the Dead Goblins
Deeply disturbed, Erin takes the heads and finds the bodies of the slain Goblins. She feels compelled to give them a proper burial, digging a grave with a spoon and her bare hands.
Encounter with the Ragged Goblin
While digging the grave, Erin is attacked by a small Ragged Goblin. She successfully defends herself but chooses to spare the Goblin's life.
The Goblin Chieftain's Hunt Begins
A large Goblin Chieftain appears on a hill with his tribe, blows a horn, and begins hunting Erin. She is forced to flee back to her inn.
Erin Prepares for a Final Stand
Trapped in her inn, Erin overcomes her despair and decides to fight back. She barricades the door and prepares a trap just as the Goblin Chieftain begins to break it down.
Major Appearances
Small inn where Erin is present; currently occupied by her. Noted by the Watch as having been abandoned years ago but Erin is using it; the Drake and Klbkch enter here to investigate.
aka the inn, Abandoned hilltop inn +13
A guardsman referenced by a rookie as likely getting punishment duty for breaking windows.
aka Guardsman Relc, Senior Guardsman Relc +6
A young woman from Earth who stumbles into a fantasy world and takes refuge in an abandoned inn.
aka Erin, the young woman +31
A leadership class common among Goblin tribes, granting authority and advanced capabilities.
aka [Chieftain], The Chieftain +3
Minor Appearances
A small, child-like Goblin who attacks Erin out of grief and is spared by her.
aka the small Goblin
Small flies with fat, glowing green abdomens that burst into corrosive liquid when ruptured.
aka acid fly, glowing green flies +2
A tribe of Goblins living in a hidden cave near The Wandering Inn.
aka the Goblin tribe, Goblin Tribe (The Wandering Inn)
Small green humanoids with red eyes and sharp teeth that chased and slashed at Erin.
aka Goblins, little green things +5
Entities by Type
Quotes
“Who the hell—oh. It’s you.”
“Sorry about that, Miss Erin. You see, I was just disposing of the Goblins. Call it me making up for yesterday. But now that they’re gone, the others should leave you alone, especially once I set these up around the inn. Uh, do you have any sticks? I need some sticks or something.”
“I didn’t kill them, but it doesn’t matter.”
“Is it checkmate or just check?”
“Oh Father who art in Heaven…”
“I truly hate this world.”
“——————? ——?”
“Good morning, Miss Human! It’s me, your favorite [Guardsman]! And how are you doing this fine morning?”
“I don’t want to kill you.”
“Checkmate.”
“If only it were dying.”
“It’s all just a game.”
“——————!”
“——!”
“Hey Erin, I’ve just taken care of your Goblin problem for you! Took all damn night, but that’s how much I wanted to apologize. See?”
“I didn’t kill them.”
“I’ll think. I’ll think for once about it.”
“I can’t do it.”
“Knight to D4. Pawn to E3.”
“——? ——. ————!”