Conjuring...
Conjuring...
Chapter 1.18
Erin Solstice defeats the [Tactician] Olesm in chess and, with the help of the City Watch, reclaims her money from the cheating shopkeeper Lism. Upon returning to her inn, she officially names it The Wandering Inn and establishes its first rule: "No Killing Goblins," which is soon discovered by a lone Goblin and an Unnamed Necromancer.
Following her victory against Olesm in chess, Erin Solstice finds herself the center of attention. A shocked Relc and an analytical Klbkch question how she managed to defeat a Level 22 [Tactician]. Erin explains that she has been playing chess for fifteen years, a game from her home world of Earth, and her experience far outweighs Olesm's class-based knowledge. A humbled Olesm apologizes and becomes fascinated, asking Erin about other strategy games she knows, such as Shogi and Go, aspiring to become a [Strategist] or even a [Grandmaster].
Erin then turns her attention to the shopkeeper, Lism, and demands a full refund for the rigged game. When Lism feigns memory loss, Klbkch and Relc intervene in their capacity as Senior Guardsmen. Relc begins to dismantle Lism's shop, which quickly convinces the Drake to return Erin's two gold, seven silver, and four copper coins. Erin purchases the chess set before leaving.
After her eventful trip to Liscor, Erin returns to the inn. Taking a plank of wood and some paint, she creates a sign and hangs it over the door, officially naming her establishment "The Wandering Inn".
Her final act is to create a second, larger sign. She hammers it into the ground outside the inn for all to see. On it is written the inn's first and most important rule: "No Killing Goblins". The chapter concludes as the Smallest Goblin stumbles upon the sign, reacting with confusion before fleeing. From a distance, a hungry, Unnamed Necromancer also observes the newly named inn and its peculiar rule.
Erin Solstice decisively wins her chess match against Olesm, a Level 22 [Tactician], shocking Klbkch and Relc. She attributes her victory to fifteen years of experience with the game from her home world, Earth.
Erin demands a refund from the cheating shopkeeper, Lism. With the intimidating assistance of Relc and Klbkch, she successfully forces Lism to return all of her money.
The first and most important rule established by Erin Solstice for her inn, The Wandering Inn.
A strategy board game from Erin’s world that she uses to focus and cope with pain.
aka chess, Chess Board
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 +15
Upon returning from Liscor, Erin Solstice paints a wooden sign and hangs it above her inn's door, giving it the official name of The Wandering Inn.
Erin establishes the first official rule for her inn by hammering a large, hand-painted sign into the ground outside that reads, "No Killing Goblins."
The Smallest Goblin finds the new sign and reacts with confusion before fleeing. Meanwhile, a young Unnamed Necromancer also observes the strange new inn and its rule from a distance.
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +4
A character (or possibly a profession) named Hawk holds the role of a Courier, which is associated with wealth.
A small female Goblin who shadows the warriors and observes Erin, apparently driven by personal motives.
aka little Goblin, small Goblin +7
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +3
A belligerent Drake shopkeeper in the Liscor market who cheats Erin.
aka The Drake shopkeeper, The Drake +3
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +8
A class associated with members of the city watch, held by Relc.
aka [Guardsman]
A guardsman referenced by a rookie as likely getting punishment duty for breaking windows.
aka Guardsman Relc, Senior Guardsman Relc +5
A tribe of Gnolls from the Great Plains known for trading and silversmithing, of which Krshia is a member.
A species of large, sentient insectoid people; one arrives at Erin’s door with a companion.
aka giant insect, Ants +19
A potential high-level class that Olesm hypothesizes exists, inspired by Erin's use of the term for an expert chess player from her world.
aka [Grandmaster]
A magical earring worn by Krshia that indicates whether a person is telling the truth or a lie.
aka truth-stone
Erin's native language from Earth, which surprisingly appears on labels in a Liscor market stall.
A type of street in Liscor that hosts numerous market stalls where goods are sold.
A guild in Liscor, likely for couriers or messengers.
A class held by merchants who run stalls or stores.
aka [Shopkeeper], [Shopkeepers]
A type of Runner who specializes in fast, short-distance deliveries within a city like Liscor.
aka Street Runners
A strategy board game from Japan that Erin knows, which is unheard of in Izril.
A branch of magic dealing with the dead, considered dangerous and illegal.
aka [Necromancer], [Necromancers] +4
A sapient reptilian species dominant in regions south of Liscor, generally unfriendly to Humans.
aka lizards, giant lizards +2
A higher-level class for which [Tactician] is a prerequisite. Olesm aspires to gain this class.
aka [Strategist]
A type of Runner used for deliveries to destinations far from the city of origin.
A painted wooden token used by the Runner's Guild to confirm that a delivery has been successfully completed.
aka Guild Seal, Seal
“I’ll make my own rules. And anyone that doesn’t like it can go to hell.”
“I remember why I got bored of chess. There’s only one winner and one loser. The best game for both players is a draw.”
“Oh yes. It’s not too bad now though. All that blood and oil covers it up.”
“It’s just a game. Just a game?”
“There. We have met, and we are now friends. Come into my shop, Erin Solstice, and tell me what you need. For the pleasure of seeing Lism humiliated, I will give you a discount. And I will not steal your coins. That is a promise from a Gnoll of the Silverfang tribe.”
“If you’re about to say it was rigged, don’t bother. And if you want a rematch, I’ll gladly play again if you double how much you owe me. Which is a bad idea because I’ll win. I want my money.”
“It’s not anything to be proud of. At all.”
“Fascinating. This truth-stone earring says you are telling the truth. So I believe you.”
“Still a great game, though. Don’t take it personally. Let me just get a quick snack for the road. And I need some soap. Proper hygiene and all that. Where did I put the soap? Soap, soap, soap…I should really organize all this stuff. Maybe tomorrow.”
“It’s kill or be killed in this world, after all.”
“Good for him. But I’ve been playing chess for…at least fifteen years, now. I stopped playing for a while until recently, but I used to play at least three games before I went to sleep each night. He might have a fancy Skill, but a rookie’s still a rookie.”
“Hah! This is the first time I have heard a Human apologize in…months? A good day, yes? It is good you come to make amends. I will forgive you and forgive the smell you stink of as well.”
“No.”
“Hah! You are a spirited one! I like you. So I will introduce myself. I am Krshia, [Shopkeeper] and seller of goods. And you are the Human who slew the Goblin Chieftain! What is your name, brave little one?”
“I, uh—well, I dunno. If he’s Level 20…I’d be Level 60?”
“Er…I might be able to beat him blindfolded.”
“As Senior Guardsmen, we would be happy to provide assistance in assessing all financial income for your business, as well as any unpaid taxes that may be extant. For now, we will have to order your shop closed while we begin a thorough investigation of your wares and inventory.”
“It’s nothing to be proud of.”
“Don’t feel bad. I’m not a professional player, but I’ve won a chess tournament or two in my time. I’ve even played a grandmaster and won. One of the few female ones, which was really cool. But I was so nervous at the time I totally forgot to castle, and I lost my rook to—”
“Right. Let’s start flipping over tables until we find a receipt.”
“You smell of burned ash and trash. No; not just that foul smell. Even burning trash smells better. I know not what it was, but I can still smell it on you. You could also use some soap, a shampoo for your hair.”
“Really? Not once? I…have never seen a truth stone before either.”
“That is a viewpoint I have not often heard since coming to Liscor. So, you truly knew what you were doing, but you pretended to be humble and baited him into that game. Cleverer still!”
“Sorry! I know it sounds like I’m blowing smoke, but you can play chess blindfolded if you know the pieces. He’s a talented…rookie. But he doesn’t know any chess openings, and I’ve played since I was a kid.”
“…Four silver coins. Not a small price. If it were the city, it would be one, or maybe coppers for a small delivery. But it is far, yes? And if it is heavy and monsters lurk about, the price goes up. You are lucky the Goblins are scarce and the Hollowstone Deceivers do not travel this late in the season. So I advise you to buy a lot and have the delivery done once, yes?”
“Two gold pieces, seven silver, and four copper exactly. I don’t have a receipt, but I’m sure Klbkch and Relc could help you find out.”
“Of course. I am merely a lowly [Tactician], the first of the [Strategist] class line. But should I advance in level and learn more skills, I might qualify for the [Strategist] class. And perhaps after that I might one day become a [Grandmaster]…? It makes my scales shiver to imagine such a class.”
“Oh, I love all kinds of strategy games. I always surfed YouTube for—uh, what I mean is, I used to watch and play tons of chess games. And not just chess; I learned how to play Shogi, Go, and even a few card games. But I couldn’t gamble, so there was that.”
“Hrm. If you insist. I apologize if I’ve erred. Humans can be difficult to understand.”
“I am, and I see you’ve wrestled some coin out of Lism’s claws, that greedy hoarder. Good for you, Human. But if you are here to look down your nose again at my goods, I would prefer not to waste my time, no?”
“—Of course, these games are quite rare outside of your home nation, Miss Solstice. I doubt they would have permeated to Izril yet. I have heard of and observed Shogi before.”
“I do not mock you, Human. But I laugh because I forget others do not have our nose. Forgive, please. You stepped in something on your way to the city.”
“Isn’t it? You stormed back here, trounced both Lism in words and his nephew in chess—although Olesm is the better of the two by far—and in front of all to see! Warrior and tactician, both! A fine day for a young woman to have—”
“Oh, we are fine [Traders], but we also mine silver and do much with it. I have not been home in nearly a decade, but you may find many Gnolls in Liscor are Silverfangs. Sit, sit! Ah, here is some parchment. Now, tell me what you need. And then I will have your goods delivered rather than make you pay for a bag.”
“Of course. Did you think many would carry off bags of flour as you did? It is too hard. No; the stupid shopkeeper Lism, fur sheddings that he is, didn’t tell you and gave you the bag on purpose. But then again—have you never had a Street Runner deliver anything? It may be a bit more for somewhere outside Liscor, but I know a few Street Runners who will do it.”
“Still, it’s not nice. And the law should be equal for everyone.”
“If you say it’s so—so you could beat him one-handed, eh? Blindfolded, even? What did you want? Soap? I have a few from the [Alchemist]. But to wash the body…no, this is hair conditioner for Gnolls. I don’t think you need quite this much. Scale cream…I will have someone find it.”
“Hm. How good is ‘really good?’ Olesm may be young, but he is considered the best player in Liscor sheerly by how much he plays. From how you speak—it sounds like you made a choice to ‘bully’ him. If he were a Level 20 [Warrior], say, what would you be?”
“Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a Runner’s Guild Seal before? Hah—maybe not Drake ones? You haven’t? Well then…they are for Runners. When I give you one, I will keep its twin, yes? Then, when a Runner delivers your goods, you will give him the Seal you have, and then I will know my goods have been delivered. It is simple.”
“Runners run. They are quick ones, those who can run long distances to earn money. Sometimes they deliver letters, other times valuable things. Goods, yes? Magical items, messages that must only be spoken to one person. Such are expensive requests though. Only the best carry such things. Most just deliver goods very cheaply. I can call one and have all that you buy delivered to your inn for a good price.”
“And he is a Level 22 [Tactician]. There are few higher-level [Tacticians] even within the Liscorian army. Although that is largely because most consolidate to [Strategist].”
“Tell you what, next time, we can play a bunch of games. Not just chess—if you guys have got other strategy games, I’d love to play them too.”
“It’s just that I was having a bad day, and I met this other Gnoll who really didn’t like me. So, uh, I was kinda afraid you would get growly at me too. But I’m sorry about that. I shouldn’t judge by, uh, species.”
“Um. Maybe? It’s more like a title where I come from. Besides, grandmasters only play chess. I’m not sure if that’s a class.”
“Why do all of you say that? I’m Human. So what?”
“I am merely fulfilling my duty as a member of the Watch. And once again, may I congratulate you on your victory? I would greatly enjoy playing a game against you once I am off-duty.”
“Because you are Human. Few of us have ever seen your kind here, let alone talked to one.”
“That would be a Street Runner. If you were living far away, I would call for a City Runner. For a long journey, perhaps to another continent, or in a dangerous spot, or if I needed the fastest in the world, I would pay for a Courier—and spend a fortune on the delivery!”
“I am not gifted with perfect memory via Skill or otherwise. Let us make a proper list, and I will be able to see what you want, yes? It will take time, but we shall be more organized than me fetching this or that.”
“I will give you a fair price. Just as I said. I hail from the Silverfang Tribe, far to the south. The Great Plains of Izril. Have you heard of us?”
“I didn’t know he was going to challenge me to chess! That was a lucky coincidence. I just—happen to be really good at it.”
“So it is working. Tribes! Well, I suppose…they’re not the most common, and it is an expensive item. More gold than you have, Miss Erin. Not that I won’t sell it to you if you have, er, forty-eight more pieces.”
“My mind is…slightly hazy. I’m afraid I have no recollection of how much you spent. Unless of course you could tell me?”
“You won. But how did—but he’s—you won!”
“Do you like these kinds of games, Miss Solstice? Gnollstones? Magical cards? I’m sure you must be quite good at any game you play.”
“I want my money back. All of it, thank you. And while you’re at it, I’ll buy the chess board and pieces too.”
“Is this ‘grandmaster’ you speak of a class? Is it possible—could I take such a class myself?”
“Shield Spider gear! Cheaper than Pallassian steel and almost as good! Anyone fancy some adventurer’s equipment? No? Please?”
“I must congratulate you, Miss Solstice. I have been truly humbled by your skill. Please, accept my sincerest apologies for questioning your ability.”
“May I ask how you managed such an incredible display? I would not have thought it possible, nor deemed it prudent to bet against Olesm in a game of chess until this moment.”
“Perhaps it’s a class only obtainable at high levels in the [Strategist] class line. If ever I have the opportunity, I shall take that class at once.”
“Eugh! What was—that’s so gross! I’m so sorry! I had that on my foot the entire time? You’re totally forgiven. Your nose is amazing! Do I, uh, smell at all beyond that?”
“Well, you’re the first Gnoll I’ve talked to. The first one that wasn’t angry at me, at least.”
“Runner’s Guild? So you’re saying it’s like a postal service?”
“Humans are strange. He would not give you the same if he were in your place; he surely would not.”
“Wh—truth stones? That’s what that thing is? I’ve never seen something like that! Is it magic?”
“Aha. I see why Lism got exasperated. Let us take a moment to breathe, Miss Erin.”
“I knew I liked you for a reason. Then tell me what you want, and let us not waste the light, eh?”
“You are too kind. But I know when I’m outclassed. I have to ask—are you a [Tactician] by any chance?”
“Oh no, you were a good player too. I really shouldn’t have played like that as well against a rooki—another player.”
“No, no. Shogi is a game that originated in Japan. And, uh, Japan is…and…um…”
“Sorry, I don’t want to make you mad again. But—do I really smell that bad? I just had a bath.”
“Another game? Sure, sure. After I finish my shopping—well, one or two more games won’t hurt, but I don’t have time today.”
“What? No, no. I’m actually here to, uh, apologize.”
“Oh! Yes! Sorry, it’s my mistake for not recognizing—hah, I suppose there are a lot of games I should look into. Forgive me.”
“Not at all. Um—maybe we should save that guy’s shop?”
“Right, sorry. I just haven’t ever heard of these Runners before. What do they do, besides make deliveries?”
“I feel bad about that, actually.”
“Since you were a child. Hrr. Now that’s…”
“Checkmate.”
“You said he’s played for a few years, right?”
“You can do that?”
“Me? No. I’m not. Sorry?”
“Miss Solstice. I believe this is your wager.”
“Really? You can smell all that?”
“I—that game was—”
“Excuse me, but I am unfamiliar with these games. Is ‘shogi’ another game of strategy as chess is?”
“Um. No. A tribe, huh? What does Silverfang do?”
“Oh? What do you have to say then?”
“I’m Erin. Erin Solstice.”
“Delivered? You do deliveries?”
“Is that off?”
“What’s a good price?”
“Knight to D4. Pawn to E3.”
“It is the broken inn a few miles east of here, yes?”
“Food. I hate painting.”
“So. These deliveries…how do they work?”
“That is what I have said, Erin Solstice.”
“Good game. Let’s play again sometime, okay?”
“Right, well good luck with that.”
“Congratulations on your victory, Miss Solstice.”
“Silverfang?”
“Um. Sorry?”
“Bad?”
“A what?”
“Aw. The water.”
“Um. A delivery service?”
“I like it.”
“Why thank you, Klbkch.”
“Thank you, Klbkch.”
“Um. Hi. Are you open for business?”
“Sounds good to me.”