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Chapter 1.30
An Antinium Worker who exhibits Aberration-like behavior by creating rhythmic noises, but remains peaceful.
aka Worker, the clicking Worker +14
A young woman from Earth who stumbles into a fantasy world and takes refuge in an abandoned inn.
aka Erin, the traveller +64
The leader of the Antinium Hive, to whom Klbkch plans to report his findings about the unique human, Erin Solstice.
aka The Queen, Free Queen +6
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 +27
The operational headquarters for Liscor's Watch.
aka guard barracks
A species of large, sentient insectoid people; one arrives at Erin’s door with a companion.
aka giant insect, Ants +28
The local municipal law enforcement tasked with keeping order in cities.
aka The Watch, the guard +27
A guardsman referenced by a rookie as likely getting punishment duty for breaking windows.
aka Guardsman Relc, Senior Guardsman Relc +13
A Watch guardsman who escorts Erin to the barracks.
aka yellow Drake
“You said you’re sorry? I’m sorry. It was my fault Klbkch and the other Worker died. And that’s a bad thing. Even if you can’t understand it, I want to do something. Let me help you. Somehow.”
“Miss Selys. I am well, but Erin is not. She is resting here, away from unkind words. If you have any, you will leave, yes?”
“I. I am. But it is wrong. All is wrong. When the many become one, it is Aberration. I am Aberration.”
A friendly and helpful Drake who works as a receptionist at the Adventurer's Guild in Liscor.
aka the female receptionist, the she-Drake +14
“Look, Erin, I wanted to talk to you. I know this isn’t a good time, but I don’t think you should go back to your inn. You should stay here, at least for tonight.”
“I…I don’t want to see you around here again. And if you come running here for help again, I’ll stab you in the gut. Got it?”
“I know you felt safe in the inn, but after this, things will be different. It isn’t just about Goblins. If the Watch doesn’t patrol the plains, more monsters will start appearing. Without protection or high levels, you won’t survive.”
“I don’t—I can’t say sorry enough. Klbkch—he died protecting me. He was a hero. I’m so sorry.”
“I will not. My Prognugator’s foolishness has cost Liscor and the Antinium this day. He died a failure.”
“I do not understand. But—I am. And I too am sad.”
“Innkeeper—Erin Solstice. I am sorry for the death of Klbkch and the Worker. I regret their death and your suffering.”
“I just am. That’s how it works. You don’t get to choose to be someone. You just are. Even if you’re not special. Even if you don’t want to be. You just are.”
“I don’t even know what it means to be Human. All I know is that there’s a big hole in my heart. Because Klbkch and the Worker died. I don’t know who I am or what I’m doing. I’m just—sad.”
“He died worthless, against enemies he should easily have overcome. He died a failure.”
“You do not understand. You, the creatures of the above world, fail to understand all of what is Antinium. Enough. I waste valuable time. You are not worth killing.”
“You are not what we seek. You cannot understand. Klbkch must have been mistaken. I see nothing to admire. Only his failure written large. Begone from this place, Erin Solstice. I have much to do.”
“Not only that, he died because he wasted his emergency healing potion on you. Saving you from Goblins that should have been wiped out.”
“Blood and death. It is not Erin Solstice’s fault where Klbkch chose to fight and die. It is not her fault the Goblins attacked, yes? We do not blame those who are not guilty.”
“Look—I could get you a job in the Adventurer’s Guild as a receptionist. Some of the others might not like it, but you’d be safe there, and you’ll earn enough to eat and live in the city.”
“You’re an individual. You’re you. And the Worker who died? He was someone. Klbkch was someone. You’re all important, and that means when one of you dies, it’s a bad thing.”
“Klbkch died protecting me. He was a hero. He looked out for me when no one else would, and he helped me even though I’m a Human. He was a good person. I’m sorry that he’s dead.”
“The Liscorian Watch should never have interfered in the affairs of outsiders. You don’t live in Liscor, and you are not one of our citizens. From here on out, the Watch will cease patrols in your area.”
“But—there’s monsters. Just stay here. I have an apartment. You can stay the night, okay?”
“I’m sorry. I never meant for it to happen.”
“He has paid for his folly. But his foolishness has cost the Antinium living within the city greatly.”
“Do not fear my Soldiers. They will cause you no harm if you answer.”
“Your name is Erin Solstice. I have summoned you to explain the death of my subject to me. My…Klbkchhezeim. My Prognugator. Klbkch of the Centenium. Do you know what you have done?”
“Then he is a fool as well as failure. We were so close. He had no right to lose hope.”
“It is part of custom. These ones are taught to express regret/sadness/loss for death in appropriate mourning moments. To cease work during funerals to not disturb Liscor’s citizens.”
“Can’t you feel sorry? For Klbkch? And your friend?”
“This one apologizes. But this one cannot. These ones offer regret to the Innkeeper Solstice.”
“I understand sorrow. I understand regret for the death of individual Klbkch and Worker. I was wrong. It was a sad thing. For Klbkch. For the Worker. Then death is sad. Then it is all…sad.”
“I’m sorry. But he was kind to me. Don’t hate him. Don’t say bad things about him. He saved me.”
“Don’t ask—this one is not Klbkch. Not individual. We are worthless. Just like the one who died there. No names. Not like him.”
“If this one—is not—how are the many one? An individual cannot exist—the many are—how am I?”
“They are afraid. They will not be like me.”
“The Prognugator carried out his duties. The Worker died carrying out his duties. No mourning is necessary for broken shells and dead individuals. These ones merely express regret of individual Klbkch’s failure to protect.”
“…I’m sorry. But I wanted you to feel something.”
“Erin Solstice. I hold you accountable for the death of Klbkchhezeim. Speak.”
“But I didn’t die. What about Klbkch? What about your—friend? The other Worker? He died protecting me.”
“My Workers play games in their resting periods. They gain useless levels in classes not needed for their work. Three have already become Aberration. This experiment has created naught but waste. My Prognugator’s judgment has been in error.”
“You never ask them what their names are! They don’t have any!”
“But I have told them what it means to regret the passing of individuals. They understand.”
“You could be. I wish I knew that Worker’s name. I wish I’d known him. I wish I could do it all again. You don’t have to have a name. But do you want to?”
“Look, Erin, I know how you’re feeling but—”
“I cannot be individual. I cannot have names. I cannot choose my own actions. It is wrong. I am no longer one of the Workers. I am…me. This is wrong.”
“I. I am. I have become I. I do not understand.”
“I don’t know. I try not to think about it. Come on. Let’s play a game of chess.”
“He is Prognugator. I am—was Worker. I should not be.”
“I cannot understand. I am Aberration. All is Aberration. This Hive—I cannot accept it. Why am I sad? Why am I sad? What have you done to me?”
“I don’t know. Can’t you choose one for yourself?”
“I can’t help you. I’m not—I can’t give you one. Couldn’t you ask your Queen?”
“I am no longer a Worker. I am an individual. I would like a name.”
“I don’t know what it means to be me.”
“Really. Really? That’s surprising. I, uh, thought you lot would think differently.”
“Really? Is that all? From what I’m told, Klbkch had to protect you from a mob of Goblins. You’re no citizen. He should have let them eat you.”
“…Come to my inn. I’ll feed you, and you can play chess with me.”
“Erin Solstice. I was looking for you, yes? The Workers, they have finished their cleaning.”
“Klbkch? Summon the Captain! Get a [Healer], now!”
“I am disappointed, Erin Solstice. I had expected better of my Prognugator’s judgment. He spoke highly of you. Klbkch called you a Human worthy of emulation. But I see nothing to back up his claims. I see no reason why he would have wasted his life saving you.”
“Human. You misunderstand me. Klbkchhezeim’s death is…is. He is Antinium. Workers and Soldiers die, and if Liscor did not cause this, there is no need for war. But his death was wasted—needless. I am told he perished fighting Goblins. Goblins. Saving you. That is what I find unacceptable.”
“Why’d you summon me then? To tell me how worthless Klbkch was? He wasn’t. You’re wrong.”
“Human. You’re wanted by the Captain. Follow me.”
“These ones offer condolences to the Innkeeper Solstice.”
“Not a good idea. Those Goblins might still be out there.”
“These ones express regret for the failure of the Prognugator to protect the Innkeeper Solstice.”
“I’ll accompany you. Just—come with me. Please? It doesn’t have to be all of you. What about just you? What’s your name?”
“These ones are not suitable for independent action. These ones must not be unaccompanied.”
“These ones are not permitted to leave the city or move about without permission.”
“This one is not an individual. This one cannot be.”
“This one has no name. This one is not important. This one is not an individual.”
“You are. Can’t you understand? You’re all special.”
“This one—I understand. This one has become I.”
“I—do not wish to. I must have a name. Where may I find one?”
“I would like to be known as ‘Pawn.’ It is a fitting name for this individual.”
“We assist to maintain order and preserve peace.”
“These ones wish for the Innkeeper Solstice to heal from wounds received. These ones express their regret for her suffering.”
“—Not breathing. Contact his Hive! Get the Human out of the way!”
“He—he was only doing what I asked him to. He was helping. He saved my life.”
“You’re fine. You should be. It’s fine to be a person and not a thing.”
“Yes. It was an Aberration but it wasn’t. At least—not yet. Is that how it happens? I do not know. Let us follow quickly, yes? Silverfangs, to me! Get every [Warrior] you can find.”
“She’s insane. They’re going to kill her. It’s going to kill her. That was an Aberration—”
“I had a good partner. He was a silent guy and a real idiot, but he was one of the best guys I knew. And then he died because he went and tried to protect a damn Human. We never even—Wishdrinks. It was just two days ago we gave him a badge!”
“I’m the Captain of the Liscorian Watch. Klbkch was one of my best Senior Guardsmen. Without him, there’s no one to control the Antinium. Without him—if the Queen orders it, Liscor and all of Izril might face another Antinium War. One of their Prognugators is dead. We can only pray they understand it was monsters, not us.”
“It is a dark time. Others mourn, but many are simply upset. The death of Klbkch, it is a bad sign for the city. He was our link to the Antinium. Without him, there will be trouble, perhaps terrible events. But it is wrong to blame it all on a single Human. So think I and other Gnolls.”
“Sorry? Sorry? Klbkch died protecting you! All because you didn’t want to kill those damn Goblins!”
“Yes. These ones will disperse to assigned duties. Forgive these ones for disturbing the Innkeeper Solstice and others.”
“So you’re saying you’re sorry I got hurt?”
“Nevertheless. Klbkch died a failure.”
“Everyone in the city has heard.”
“And it’s not like you have to stay here forever. We could look into finding you a place in a Human city if you really didn’t like it. It’s just that it’s a bad time to be here. I know it’s not your fault, but the others—”
“No, not me. I just wanted to see how Erin was doing. I, uh, heard what happened.”
“Stop tHaT. Stop weeping for hiM. Stop aSKING mE—”
“So, this is your inn, yes? It looks better than I had thought. Worth defending.”
“Thanks to you, the only Antinium Guardsman in the city is dead. The fourth highest-level [Guardsman]. A Senior Guardsman—the liaison to the Free Hive…”
“I said, is that understood, Human?”
“What are they doing? They shouldn’t be here! Someone should call the Watch!”
“Hey. Hey…don’t be upset. I’m just asking you…are you okay?”
“Erin. I regret the loss of Klbkch. He was a strange one, one of the Antinium, the Black Tide which came from Rhir, but a good one, yes? Many in the city mourn his death. But he would not want you to die. Without the Watch suppressing the monsters—there will be worse at your door in the wilderness. Even so close to a Drake city. You must know this.”
“Klb? Buddy? Speak to me.”
“—Human. What have you done?”
“Is that all you have to say?”
“Get out of my city.”
“It wasn’t failure. Don’t—don’t say that.”
“This one offers apologies for its mistake.”
“You don’t know what he was.”
“I feel. I feel all.”
“…Will your friends be like you?”
“They—we. We are all sad.”
“This is all your fault.”
“Klbkchhezeim was more than a match for a hundred Goblins. A hundred Hobgoblins could not ambush him. He is Klbkch of the Centenium. He—was—Klbkch the Slayer. The only reason he could have fallen to a mere forty Goblins was because he placed your life above his. And he lost a Worker of—the first Worker in—”
“No. He was tired. Tired and sorry.”
“They’re all dead.”
“Klbkch. He’s dead.”
“I will do so.”
“Is that understood, Human?”
“Hi, Krshia. Um, how’re you?”
“stOp talkinG. Stop askING me—”
“Tribes—Erin, back away.”
“Take that back.”
“He was a hero!”
“I guess so.”
“I’m not going.”
“You could be.”
“Klbkch did it.”
“Good. That’s—that’s good.”
“Let’s play chess.”
“I’m not going.”
“I’m going back.”
“Stop saying thAt.”
“Hi? Erin? Are you—are you okay?”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know.”
“I know.”
“Okay. I’m sorry.”
“Klbkchhezeim said that?”
“Is that it?”
“Are you alright?”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Who are you?”
“They just don’t!”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Erin, please.”
“You.”
“Silence. Listen.”
“Good.”
“I’m going.”
“That’s fine.”
“Really? Good.”
“…I’m glad.”
“Good.”
“Go away.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah. You do that.”
“Hello. Erin Solstice.”
“…What?”
“You! Human!”
“You done?”
“Why?”
“Why not?”
“Why not?”
“Why?”
“Erin!”
“Erin!”
“Relc—”
“Hi, Pawn.”
“Oh my—”
“No.”
“What? Erin!”
“Wait.”
“What?”
“Thank you.”
“Thanks.”
“Thank you.”
“No.”