Noveletting...
Noveletting...
Chapter 1.17
Erin Solstice travels to the market in Liscor to confront Lism, the Drake shopkeeper who overcharged her. Their public argument escalates into a high-stakes wager over a game of chess. Lism reveals his champion will be his nephew Olesm, a high-leveled [Tactician], just as members of the City Watch arrive.
Erin Solstice makes her way into the city of Liscor, heading for the central market. Her goal is to confront the purple-scaled Drake shopkeeper who had previously cheated her by overcharging for basic supplies. After getting directions, she finds his stall, which sells finely carved goods, including an expensive chess set.
Erin immediately and loudly confronts the shopkeeper, whose name is revealed to be Lism. She accuses him of being a jerk and demands her money back. Lism dismisses her claims, stating that their transaction was final and threatens to call The Watch. Their argument attracts a crowd of onlookers, including a concerned Gnoll shopkeeper who quietly tries to warn Erin that Lism is known for being unscrupulous.
To settle the matter and humiliate Erin, Lism proposes a wager: a game of chess. If Erin wins, he will refund her money and give her the expensive chess set from his stall. If she loses, she will owe him ten gold coins. Despite the high stakes and the Gnoll's warnings, Erin confidently accepts the challenge.
Lism then reveals he will not be playing himself. He calls over his nephew, a polite blue-scaled Drake named Olesm, who is revealed to be the highest-leveled [Tactician] in Liscor, a class granting a significant strategic advantage. As the crowd, including a fascinated Antinium sweeper, gathers to watch, Relc and Klbkch of the City Watch arrive, drawn by the commotion over the unfair wager.
Erin travels to the market in Liscor and publicly accuses the shopkeeper, Lism, of ripping her off. Their argument escalates, drawing the attention of other shoppers and merchants.
To settle their dispute, Lism proposes a bet on a game of chess. If Erin wins she gets her money back plus an expensive chess set, but if she loses, she owes him ten gold coins. Erin accepts the wager.
The market that Selys told Erin about, where Erin hopes to find supplies.
aka the market, Liscor Market +1
A belligerent Drake shopkeeper in the Liscor market who cheats Erin.
aka The Drake shopkeeper, The Drake +3
A class that grants its user Skills related to strategy, giving them a significant advantage in games like chess.
aka [Tactician], [Tacticians]
Lism reveals he won't be playing, instead introducing his nephew, Olesm. It is announced that Olesm is a high-level [Tactician], a class that gives him a powerful advantage in strategic games.
Just as the chess match is about to begin, Relc and Klbkch arrive at the scene. They were alerted to the commotion surrounding the unfair wager being placed on a Human.
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +4
Small flies with fat, glowing green abdomens that burst into corrosive liquid when ruptured.
aka acid fly, glowing green flies +4
An Antinium Senior Guardsman in the city’s watch; arrives at Erin’s door and greets her.
aka Senior Guardsman Klbkch, ant-man +13
An Antinium street sweeper who shows a keen interest in Erin's chess game while working in the market.
A class held by merchants who run stalls or stores.
aka [Shopkeeper], [Shopkeepers]
Local armed watchmen; Klbkch and Relc are members and present at Erin's table examining her injury.
aka the Watch, guards +18
A female Drake shopkeeper who kindly directs Erin to Lism's stall in the market.
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +3
A species of large, sentient insectoid people; one arrives at Erin’s door with a companion.
aka giant insect, Ants +19
A class of city guards.
aka Guard, [Guards] +9
A guardsman referenced by a rookie as likely getting punishment duty for breaking windows.
aka Guardsman Relc, Senior Guardsman Relc +5
A kind, tall female Gnoll shopkeeper who shows concern for Erin and tries to warn her about Lism's unfair wager.
aka the super-tall Gnoll woman
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +8
“Fuck you.”
“Oh hey, it is! It’s just like—I mean, the pieces are different, but it’s chess, it is!”
“Because I’m going to win.”
“A bag of flour, one pot of oil, a small bag of salt, sugar, yeast, four sausages, and two onions.”
“Respect? I have tons of respect. Just for anyone who's not you.”
“Oh, right. It does say that, doesn’t it? Too bad I can’t read. But I do remember you had your prices listed as well, didn’t you?”
“I want my money back. I’ll give you a few silver coins for what I paid, but I’m not leaving here until you give me my money. Now, we can do this the hard way and call a bunch of people over and you can lose all your business for the day, or you can give my money back and I’ll—hey, is that a chess board?”
“It’s a chess board made out of wood. Unless it’s made out of gold—which it’s not—it’s about as expensive as that food you sold me. So I guess you’re selling this for three gold coins, too?”
“I don’t think she gets it. Humans are kinda slow. You explain the [Tactician] bit to her.”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry. I’m having a blast. I just think fast about my next move, that’s all.”
“I’ve got a good memory. A really good one, actually. Perfect for numbers and lists.”
“Olesm. Oh yeah, that’s what his name is.”
“Exactly. So stop calling me stupid or I’ll hit you.”
“It’s not a stupid game. And so what if he likes to play? Like I said, so do I. And I’m a good player.”
“And one crappy bag.”
“Not many players lead with a pawn from the side. Most like going down the center.”
“Oh yeah? What if I’m not happy about what you sold me? I think for two and a half gold coins you should be selling me enough onions to fill the bottom floor of my inn. So how about I return to you what I’ve purchased and you give me a complete refund?”
“I’m not sure if the rules I know are the same in that case. This piece here. You can move a king together with a rook like this, right?”
“I’m not using any Skills. I am simply matching Miss Solstice in a game of wits, Relc. Practice makes the player.”
“Is that your uncle? My, you two don’t look alike.”
“A hundred? Wow. But like I said, don’t worry. I like to play chess too. And I’ve played a…few games too. I’m not worried.”
“I hate to agree with that jerk, but he’s right, Relc. I agreed to the wager, and I want to play. I’m going to win my money back and play some chess while I’m at it.”
“Let me play. You two can watch, but I’m going to play and win.”
“Well. Why don’t we call the Watch after all? Buying and selling is all very well, but what about sticking to prices you write down?”
“So long as you win. You must win no matter what.”
“Yeah, everyone was talking about the stupid Human who was dumb enough to wager on a game of chess against that idiot.”
“Ooh, no check this turn. But watch out for your rook. It’s that or your queen.”
“I’m not backing down. Let’s play. Besides, I wouldn’t want to disappoint the crowd.”
“Give me ten minutes to call over my player. Then I will teach you why it is unwise to bet against your betters.”
“You should think harder. I have played over a hundred games so far and won over two-thirds of them. If you truly are betting something important, it would not do to lose this game so easily.”
“What a delight. A Human? A [Trader]? What’s this about, Uncle? I’m supposed to be at work, you know—”
“I understand this is a game with a wager. I would urge you not to bet against me. I am quite a good player.”
“You seem to know this game. Well, well. This might be a good challenge after all.”
“All [Tacticians] can tell when they’re being led into a trap! They’re good at playing these games—they have Skills! Tactics are a [Tactician] thing—it’s in the name! How do you not know this? If you play one in a game, they’ll win almost every time! Plus, that idiot loves to play that stupid game!”
“I’m no expert. But there’s a wager on this one, so I’ll play my best. The white side moves first.”
“That guy you’re playing? He’s a [Tactician]. The highest-leveled one in the city!”
“Miss Solstice. Please forgive my companion’s interruption. We are on duty, and it is improper of us to disturb a member of the public without cause. But Relc insisted we speak with you once we heard of the bet that had been made.”
“Look, I’m glad you two care. But I’ve got this. It’s fine. You’ll see.”
“I don’t intend to lose either.”
“I have found this strategy to work in some of my games. It is fascinating to play such a new game of strategy, and so I always test new theories out on the board.”
“Well, so am I. It’s still a fair game, isn’t it?”
“It was just a lucky move. Well, not lucky, but it was quite nice, wasn’t it?”
“I understand this is a bet made to recover your lost coin. However, I fear I must issue the same warning as Relc. The odds of you winning a game against Olesm are quite slim.”
“It is a fair game. She let me name my player, and we agreed to the wager. There are many witnesses. It would be wrong to cancel the game now, Senior Guardsman.”
“I believe you have given her adequate information. If she will not listen to you, she will not listen to me.”
“Well done, I hadn’t anticipated that.”
“Humans!”
“Check. And it’s check if you do that too. And that…”
“I apologize, Miss Human. I rarely get a chance to play any games within the city these days. May I know whom I am playing against?”
“Hey, you! Yeah, you. I know you. Stop the game. This isn’t fair. The bet’s off.”
“Are you sure, Miss? I really am quite good. I will be playing at my best.”
“Oh, I’ve seen a few players use it. Knights move like this, right?”
“This? I’m getting my money back. Let go of my shirt. You’ll poke holes in it.”
“Later, maybe. Right now, I want to talk to the Drake guy who ripped me off the other day. You know; the one that took all my money. The ugly one.”
“Oi, Klbkch. What’s she doing? Was that a good move? It looked like a bad move.”
“Why, I'd like to do business. Jerk.”
“Get your hands off that! This is a valuable item! These are custom-carved and based on the Titan of Baleros’ standardized rules! The best [Tactician] in Liscor plays on these very boards I sell! I bet you don’t even know how the game is played!”
“Your opponent is very good, and Lism, that slimy bastard, will refuse to pay you if you lose.”
“A few. But should you not spend more time thinking?”
“No. Go away and let me play.”
“Human, you and I have a dispute. I refuse to pay for goods sold, and you refuse to leave. So long as you’re stinking up my storefront, I won’t have any business, so I offer a wager in good faith. Win against the player of my choice and I will pay you back the money you paid me, though it will cost me my goods that I have earned honestly. Lose and you agree in front of witnesses not to bother me again. That is my best offer.”
“I’m surprised you know about this game. It was invented just a few years ago. By the Titan of Baleros himself. I’ve been playing it nearly since it came out, but it’s not caught hold yet in a lot of cities.”
“And pawns can move two spaces on their first move, right? And if a piece is here, they can take it diagonally?”
“That good, huh? Got it.”
“Think nothing of it. But if we’re done with the interruptions, it’s your move.”
“Are you crazy? You’re going to lose this game.”
“No! Are you stupid?”
“So? Does that mean he’s good at chess?”
“I am uncertain at this point. Allow me a few moments to assess the board before I give you my opinion. And please, lower your voice.”
“Do you take me for a slow-witted hatchling or a Human fool? I won’t accept food that’s days old! Besides, this store does not give out refunds!”
“That’s right. I’m surprised you know that move.”
“Even—even if you have that bit of paper, what of it? I sell to many customers. And you—I barely remember what I sold to my last customer, let alone you.”
“The Council will spare you a few moments, Olesm. Just sit down and win a game or two.”
“We have already agreed to the terms. The Human cannot back out now.”
“Stop playing. This isn’t a fair game.”
“Indeed. It is all over the city.”
“My store's closed to you, Human. I won't sell to those without a hint of respect for others.”
“Are you a player of chess, Human? If so, why don’t we bet on a game?”
“The best in Liscor.”
“You're obstructing my business. Leave before I summon the Watch.”
“My business with you isn't done yet. I want my money back. You ripped me off the other day.”
“So? I offered you my goods, and you paid my price. That is a basic rule of buying and selling. I have done nothing wrong.”
“Hrr. Yes. That’s exactly how they move. You should call the Watch, Miss Human. You won’t win this game.”
“So you’re really good at chess in Liscor, huh? Have you played a lot of games?”
“You can’t cheat in chess. It’s fair.”
“I am Olesm. I believe you know my uncle, who asked me to play in this match.”
“That’s check as well. See the rook?”
“Oh, that’s check too. Sorry.”
“Wait a second. Have we met?”
“Fine. Let’s play.”
“I know. How good is my opponent?”
“Really? Where does it say that?”
“You don’t say.”
“Am I? Why’s that?”
“Check.”
“Lism, that’s a bit much…”
“All the pieces are in the right spots? And these move like this?”
“You mean, we play a game of chess for my money? Why should I do that?”
“I can.”
“Check.”
“Check.”
“Why’s that?”
“You can’t.”
“Very!”
“You still can’t win.”
“Check.”
“Check.”
“Really? You heard about the bet?”
“Check.”
“Do you wish to buy a necklace, Human?”
“Of course. My name’s Erin. Erin Solstice.”
“Lism…”
“Sorry about that.”
“Indeed it does.”
“What are you doing?”
“Right here.”
“You.”
“What do you want?”
“Oh, hi Klbkch.”
“But—”
“Your turn.”
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“No, it’s not.”
“Correct.”
“What?”
“So it is.”
“Indeed.”
“Check.”