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Chapter 1.25
Klbkch brings a group of Antinium Workers to The Wandering Inn to learn chess, discovering that one Worker has been secretly practicing. Olesm Swifttail joins the matches, leading to a long night of strategy that results in Olesm, Rags, and the speaking Worker all leveling up in the [Tactician] class.
Facing pressure from the Grand Queen and aware of the influence of figures like Xrn and Wrymvr, Klbkch seeks to demonstrate the value of the Free Antinium. He departs The Hive with a group of twelve Antinium Workers and journeys to The Wandering Inn to engage in chess.
Upon arriving at the inn, the group prepares for a long session of strategic learning. The ragged Goblin who frequents the inn is officially given the nickname "Rags." Klbkch is surprised when a Speaking Worker addresses him by his formal title, Prognugator, and demonstrates that it has been secretly practicing chess on its own.
Olesm Swifttail arrives at the inn and is quickly drawn into the matches. The evening devolves into an intense marathon of Lightning Chess. The players test various strategies against one another, employing tactics like the King's Pawn Opening and the Baltic Opening. Olesm finds himself surprisingly challenged by the tactical minds of Klbkch, Rags, and the Speaking Worker.
The rigorous mental exercise yields significant rewards by the end of the night. Rags officially obtains the [Tactician] class and immediately reaches Level 2. The Speaking Worker achieves the same feat, gaining the [Tactician] class at Level 2 and proving its capacity for independent tactical thought. Finally, Olesm Swifttail successfully levels up his own [Tactician] class, unlocking the skills [Risk Calculation] and [Group: Erratic Maneuvering].
Feeling pressure from the Grand Queen, Klbkch takes twelve Antinium Workers from The Hive and travels to The Wandering Inn.
An Antinium Senior Guardsman in the city’s watch; arrives at Erin’s door and greets her.
aka Senior Guardsman Klbkch, ant-man +31
A small, child-like Goblin who attacks Erin out of grief and is spared by her.
aka the small Goblin, the ragged Goblin +12
A polite, blue-scaled Drake who is the highest-leveled [Tactician] in Liscor. He is roped into playing a high-stakes chess game against Erin by his uncle, Lism.
aka The Olesm, the Drake +6
The ragged Goblin who visits the inn is given the nickname Rags.
A Speaking Worker refers to Klbkch as Prognugator and reveals it has been secretly practicing chess.
Olesm Swifttail joins Klbkch, Rags, and the Speaking Worker for a long evening of Lightning Chess.
Following the intensive games, Olesm, Rags, and the Speaking Worker all gain levels in the Tactician class.
An Antinium Worker who exhibits Aberration-like behavior by creating rhythmic noises, but remains peaceful.
aka Worker, the clicking Worker +14
A class focused on running inns, hospitality, and tending to guests and establishments.
aka [Innkeeper], Innkeeper (class) +6
The subterranean home of Klbkch and the other Antinium located beneath the city of Liscor.
aka the Hive, home +10
A System skill likely enhancing the user's ability to assess dangers and probabilities.
aka [Skill – Risk Calculation obtained!]
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
A specific group or type of Antinium to which Klbkch belongs.
aka The Antinium, the Hive +3
A System skill that allows a Tactician to coordinate unpredictable group movements.
aka [Skill – Group: Erratic Maneuvering obtained!]
A governing body in Liscor that is concerned with diplomatic relationships, such as the one with Wistram Academy.
aka The Council, Council +1
A title or class of authority within the Antinium hierarchy held by Klbkch under the Queen's command.
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +4
A sapient reptilian species dominant in regions south of Liscor, generally unfriendly to Humans.
aka lizards, giant lizards +3
Small green humanoids with red eyes and sharp teeth that chased and slashed at Erin.
aka Goblins, little green things +16
Small flies with fat, glowing green abdomens that burst into corrosive liquid when ruptured.
aka acid fly, glowing green flies +7
A foundational chess opening where the King's pawn is moved forward two spaces.
A speed-based variant of chess.
A chess opening involving an early knight maneuver.
A class associated with members of the city watch, held by Relc.
aka [Guardsman], [Guards] +4
The local municipal law enforcement tasked with keeping order in cities.
aka The Watch, the guard +27
“To the best of my knowledge and ability, I believe her so. Nor does she fear us, my Queen. It is as if she has no past with nor knowledge of the Black Tide.”
“The plan has not changed, Klbkch. But we have. And not in the ways that we desire. I am weary, and you—ten years. No; the change comes from the others. The Grand Queen speaks. The other Queens once again question our lack of success.”
“Of that, I have no doubt. But I need more than your loyalty. Klbkchhezeim of the Centenium. I must have success. Can you promise me that?”
“Give me five—ten minutes, and I’ll have all you can eat. I just need to put on another pot. And make some soup. But I’ve got bread!”
“I am afraid you are under a misapprehension. These are Workers, Miss Solstice. They are not fellow guardsmen—rather, they perform tasks within the Antinium section of the city. I took them because you wished for more customers, but I have not interacted with them before.”
“I understand your concerns. If it helps, I will address this topic in my monthly report to inform you of any significant changes. I shall note our conversation and these instances most rigorously in my report to Captain Zevara.”
“It is late. I am afraid we must take our leave, Miss—Erin. If I may address you in that way.”
“I regret that this is not my initiative, my Queen. She—the innkeeper of which I spoke—she requested it of me. I am merely representing our Hive in a unique opportunity. Not necessarily one I have faith in for the success we hope for.”
“You do me too much credit. I made several errors that cost me many pieces. But I believe you had me from the start. Without looking at the board once! Would you do the kindness of showing me where I made mistakes?”
+184 more quotes →“Is that the position of the Grand Queen? If I may offer my counsel, that would be…unwise. The Hives are not ready.”