Scrivening...
Scrivening...
Chapter 1.38
Erin solves a challenging chess puzzle from the Titan of Baleros and sends one back in return. At the inn, Relc confiscates a large sum of gold from Pisces, who later identifies Gazi as a member of the legendary King's Seven. Meanwhile, various subplots develop around Liscor, including Relc's humiliation by a Human Runner and a stranded girl surviving through theft.
In Liscor, Erin Solstice continues to interact with the city's diverse population, navigating both mundane disputes on Market Street and awkward encounters, such as when a Drake child asks her a highly inappropriate question about Human biology before his parents intervene. During her time in the city, Olesm brings Erin a complex chess puzzle created by the Titan of Baleros, the leader of the Forgotten Wing company. Demonstrating her strategic brilliance, Erin easily solves the puzzle and designs a new, challenging one to send back to Baleros using a Message spell.
At The Wandering Inn, a confrontation unfolds when Pisces attempts to settle his outstanding tab by producing a remarkably large sum of gold. Suspicious of the Necromancer's sudden wealth, Relc intervenes and confiscates the money, referencing the Watch's use of a truth spell to handle investigations. During their exchange, Relc proudly reveals that his class is [Spearmaster]. The tension at the inn yields another major revelation when Pisces recognizes Gazi Pathseeker. He identifies the half-Gazer as a famously powerful adventurer belonging to the legendary King's Seven, originating from Reim.
Elsewhere in the city, Relc faces his own embarrassments. While dining, a thick-tail guardsman mocks him about a recent incident where a remarkably fast Human Runner managed to outpace and publicly humiliate him. Additionally, the chapter touches upon the survival of a stranded girl in Liscor; an arrogant young Human who has resorted to operating as a thief to sustain herself on the city streets.
Olesm brings Erin a chess puzzle from the Titan of Baleros, which she solves before creating her own to send back via a Message spell.
A young Drake child asks Erin an inappropriate question regarding Human biology, prompting his parents to step in.
An incredibly famous and powerful half-Gazer adventurer exploring northern Izril.
aka Gazi, the female adventurer +7
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
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
Pisces tries to pay his tab with a large amount of gold, but Relc confiscates it and reveals his class is [Spearmaster].
Pisces recognizes Gazi Pathseeker and reveals that she is a renowned adventurer from the legendary King's Seven.
A thick-tail guardsman mocks Relc about his recent humiliation at the hands of a fast Human Runner.
An arrogant stranded girl navigates Liscor, surviving by stealing from the locals.
A young woman from Earth who stumbles into a fantasy world and takes refuge in an abandoned inn.
aka Erin, the traveller +58
A tall female Gnoll shopkeeper in the market who runs the stall 'Krshia's Silverfang Goods'. She is direct and attempts to get Erin to shop at her stall.
aka Krshia, The Gnoll shopkeeper +9
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
A guardsman referenced by a rookie as likely getting punishment duty for breaking windows.
aka Guardsman Relc, Senior Guardsman Relc +9
A class of city guards.
aka Guard, [Guards] +10
A Drake guardsman who dines with Relc and mocks him.
aka thick-tail, guardsman
An arrogant young Human girl stranded in Liscor who survives by stealing.
aka the thief, another girl
A magical communication ability for sending short messages across distance.
aka [Message], Messaging
A young Drake who asks Erin a highly inappropriate question about Human biology.
The parents of the Drake child who approaches Erin.
A type of street in Liscor that hosts numerous market stalls where goods are sold.
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +3
A sapient reptilian species dominant in regions south of Liscor, generally unfriendly to Humans.
aka lizards, giant lizards +3
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +8
A rare hybrid species possessing multiple magical eyes.
aka Gazer, the half-Gazer
A spell used by the Liscor City Watch to verify the honesty of a statement during investigations.
aka truth spell, truth spells
A belligerent Drake shopkeeper in the Liscor market who cheats Erin.
aka The Drake shopkeeper, The Drake +8
A member of the Watch who tries to manage a dispute on Market Street.
A Human mage from Wistram Academy, specialized in Elementalist and Illusionary schools, who admits to necromancy.
aka the mage, Mister Mage +30
The local guarding and policing force of Celum.
aka The Watch, the guard +5
“Acid Flies?”
“There she is! There’s the [Thief]!”
“I know it was you! You couldn’t resist attacking an honest merchant, and you decide to have a bit of revenge, eh?”
“What?”
“Enough!”
“Lism, I’ve told you before. You can’t just start accusing Humans at random!”
“Ah, but this one is different!”
“This is the Human who robbed me of my merchandise! She also cheated at the chess game with my nephew, I’ve no doubt! She’s been nothing but trouble since she entered the city, and now she’s stealing from honest folk trying to make a living!”
“I didn’t steal anything. I haven’t even been in the city—”
“Miss, please.”
“I’ll look into your claims, sir, but I can’t make any arrests. Unless you have proof—”
“Hey, I said I didn’t steal anything!”
“Hah! Another Human lie!”
“I was out of the city all day! I have proof!”
“Well—”
“It could have been her. You know how Humans get! They’re always sneaking around, going where they’re not wanted.”
“We’ll investigate your claims. Just please move back—”
“You can’t trust her word! Get a truth stone! All of these Humans have caused nothing but trouble since they got here! First, they start stealing, and then what? They’ll take our jobs, attack us on the streets—”
“Please! Move back!”
“Miss?”
“Oh, hi. Thanks for getting rid of him for me. Was he mad about someone stealing his stuff?”
“There have been a number of petty thefts across the city. Shopkeeper Lism was the latest one to be stolen from.”
“Well…I’m sorry about that. Good luck finding the criminal.”
“I’m sorry, Miss, but I’m afraid I’ll have to investigate his claims. If you’ll follow me, I’ll take a statement from you. Just with a truth spell. I’ll also need proof that you were out of the city this morning.”
“What?”
“It’s standard procedure—”
“But I—he—he’s just mad because I beat him at a game of chess! Or—I beat his nephew and—look, I didn’t do anything.”
“I understand, Miss, but I have to investigate all leads. Please, this won’t take too long…”
“What are you doing, if I may ask, guardsman? I hear you are taking an innocent Human away on the word of a petty shopkeeper. But that would be wrong, yes?”
“Look, Mistress Krshia, I’m just investigating—”
“I heard.”
“Lism, the sheddings that he is, talks too much and lies when he knows nothing. Someone broke into his stall, but he saw nothing, heard nothing. But he claims it was a girl who bested him out of spite. And you would bother her without evidence?”
“That’s not—I’m just doing my job. It’s just a truth spell to make sure she’s innocent. In fact, she can rely on that as proof.”
“This does make sense—if you had any reason to suspect Miss Solstice. But all you have is Lism’s unfounded claims. She was outside the city most of the day—your colleagues can surely attest to her being at the gates, yes? Why waste truth spells on her? This seems close to harassing her for being a Human…much like one might question a Gnoll who was anywhere near a crime being committed in another city. But Liscor is not like other Drake cities, no?”
“I—”
“I believe I’ll continue my investigations into the break-in separately. And confirm with the Watch at the gates before I take up Miss Solstice’s valuable time.”
“Yes, that is wise.”
“Well then.”
“Erin Solstice. I have been looking for you. And it is good that I found you just now, yes?”
“Yes. Thanks for that, Krshia. I didn’t know what to do, and that shopkeeper guy—”
“Lism. He causes trouble, yes? Even though you bested him fairly and his nephew is most admiring of you. But enough—I will make sure he causes no trouble. I wish to speak with you.”
“Um, okay? About what? The thief?”
“Pshaw. It is a cowardly thing that hides and steals from us on Market Street and elsewhere. No one knows if it is Human or another, but the thefts are small. Low-level. No, I do not worry about such a [Thief]. I wish to speak with you privately. I invite you to my home for food and drink.”
“Um, does it have to be now? I’m really beat, Krshia. I could use a nap—”
“I have a bed in my home too. You may use it and rest if you wish. Come.”
“Look, I’m grateful, really, but this isn’t a good time. I just had to deal with some evil spiders and—”
“Erin!”
“If we wait for a good time, we will never have time. Come, my home is not far.”
“Erin! Erin Solstice!”
“Olesm?”
“Take a look at this, Erin! I just received this, and it’s the most fascinating thing ever! A new way to play chess!”
“Most interesting, but Erin Solstice is busy. I will talk with her, and you will find her later, yes?”
“What was that about a new way to play chess?”
“There is time to play such games later, yes? Erin—”
“Just look at this, Erin!”
“I will if you stop moving. What is it?”
“I just received a long-distance delivery that went out to all the known [Tacticians] and chess players on the continent! From the Titan of Baleros! Okay, his Great Company, the Forgotten Wing. On Baleros? He can definitely afford it. It was this paper—and it’s a challenge, see? You have to—”
“Solve it in five moves?”
“How’d you know?”
“It’s written right here. And white moves first.”
“Yes, isn’t it amazing? I would never have thought of that—but someone’s come up with a way to play chess across long distances without a spell! But this isn’t a game at all—”
“Oh, I know. It’s a chess puzzle.”
“You know what it is? But of course—how silly of me.”
“I fail to understand this—puzzle. Why has someone sent it to you, Olesm?”
“It’s more like a challenge to anyone.”
“It’s a challenge or a problem for players. You have to find a way to win the game in a certain number of moves. It helps people learn to play chess, and this way, you can write it down.”
“In this case, the solution is to checkmate the black king, but I haven’t been able to figure it out yet. I imagine most of the players across the continent are trying to figure it out. It might take some time, but I hope to be one of the first to figure—”
“Hm~! Got it!”
“Done and done!”
“What?”
“You—you finished it? Just like that?”
“Yep. It wasn’t too bad a problem. But I’ve seen several like it, so…”
“—I would deeply love to know how you solved it so quickly. But I should—yes, I should solve it on my own. Shouldn’t I?”
“You should. It will help you in the long run. Don’t feel bad—I just happened to know how that particular problem goes. But it was quite fun.”
“Fun.”
“I’ve been wrestling with this problem for an hour. But—of course with someone of your level I shouldn’t expect this to faze you. Of course.”
“Do you have any more?”
“This was the first—I mean, I suppose we might expect more of the same in the future, wouldn’t we? This puzzle was sent to countless cities. From the Titan. To find good opponents, I bet, and promote his game. I wouldn’t be surprised if more appear soon.”
“Oh, you mean sort of like a magazine, right? Or a newspaper?”
“A what?”
“Yes—yes, that sounds about right.”
“I’m just surprised. I thought sending stuff was supposed to be costly.”
“It’s not that expensive, especially if you send it with the slower deliveries.”
“Slower deliveries…?”
“This was sent via magic. The Mage’s Guild can print images as well as text—but it’s extremely expensive. If it was a letter…again, the Titan can definitely afford magic, but a letter’s a fraction of the cost. And slower. Heck, you don’t even need the Runner’s Guild. You see, Runners deliver things quickly, but merchants and caravans and even ship captains will pass on long-distance deliveries for a very small fee.”
“How does that work if you trade the letter more than once? Do you pay the first guy a lot and have him give the money to the next person? That sounds risky.”
“It’s more like—well, I suppose you could call the letters a form of currency. Travellers will buy them for a few coins and complete the delivery in hopes of earning more when they sell them later or deliver them to their owner. Really, the Runner’s Guild is far more reliable but expensive.”
“Oh. So it’s sort of a gamble.”
“No, there’s all the dirt and mud and monsters trying to kill you.”
“Exactly, but it’s fairly certain that the letter will get to your destination in the end. Of course, sending something private is a bad idea, but you can send a message to another continent for only a copper coin or two. It might take a month or two, but it will get there.”
“I wonder—do you think I could send the answer to the person who sent you the puzzle?”
“I don’t see why not. I mean, I won’t get in touch with the Titan, just his company. And it costs a bit, but it’s only a few silver for a [Message] spell…I bet he’ll check for answers soon, but not within an hour of sending the puzzle!”
“I can write down the answer. Do you have any paper…?”
“Write it down here. I won’t look.”
“Okay, so you send it to this person. And then this person will send me something harder?”
“Perhaps. Or perhaps they might wait until others have sent in their reply. It could take a few weeks or up to a month for a new puzzle.”
“Aw. That’s a long time.”
“But it’s so fascinating to play games across such a long distance, isn’t it?”
“I’ve got a better idea. Here, give me the paper back.”
“They sent me a puzzle, so I can send one back. Let’s see how they like this.”
“Black side will mirror white side’s every move. Force checkmate in 4 moves.”
“It’s a bit elementary, but it should be a good challenge for a beginner. You can send this via letter, if not a [Message] spell thingy?”
“I’m definitely not paying for [Messaging] an image. But I could probably send a letter via one of the bulk deliveries! What a fun puzzle! Wait…ah. I actually know this one.”
“Wait, what?”
“Several new players like to challenge me this way. So I grew quite adept at beating them. It is quite a simple solution as I’m sure you know. If you move the queen like so—”
“Give me that.”
“That’s a—a lot of pieces.”
“Checkmate in four moves. Black moves first.”
“Four moves?”
“No. That’s impossible. But—no, it shouldn’t be—”
“I can’t even begin to—how did you come up with this so quickly?”
“It was one of the puzzles that gave me a headache back when I was playing a lot. It took me nearly a week to figure it out.”
“I can’t—may I copy this? Please?”
“Go ahead. And if you’ll send this back to the person who sent the other puzzle—I’ll pay for delivery.”
“Oh, of course. Certainly. Um, you can give me a few silver coins and it will get there, but more money means a faster delivery. Sorry, but it is overseas. Maybe I could get someone to pay for an image-[Message]? But that’s gold. How about two silver and I’ll copy this to Baleros for a slow Runner letter—and to Pallass? Maybe someone will send it back to the Titan. They’re all rich in the Walled City. Tons of famous [Strategists]. Heck, the Cyclops of Pallass lives there. Uh, the Grand Strategist of the Drakes.”
“I get it. Well, not anything of what you just said, but it’s pricey. Okay…”
“Look, I’d really love to visit. And I will—how about tomorrow?”
“But today is quicker, yes?”
“Yes, but—”
“Erin. Is now a good time?”
“I guess. Did you meet all the important people you were supposed to?”
“I have met with various individuals. But I am sure others will introduce themselves when they realize I am in the city. However, I wonder if I might take you up on your offer.”
“Offer? What offer?”
“You mentioned you had an inn. If you wouldn’t mind, I would very much like to see it and have a meal, if I may.”
“Oh. Of course.”
“Sorry, Krshia. It’s just that I promised Gazi—she helped me out earlier today. You don’t mind…?”
“Thank you, Shopkeeper Krshia. I apologize for my rudeness.”
“You’re really that famous, huh?”
“Some might say so. I apologize if the attention bothers you. Do you dislike such things?”
“Dunno. I’ve never been famous—or popular.”
“I believe I am more infamous than famous.”
“I’ve never been that either.”
“I believe the difference between the two is quite minute in some senses. In others however—well, suffice it to say I appreciate staring as opposed to other reactions. Some cities would not let me past the gates—or even in range of the walls. Nor will I blame them for that.”
“Right, right. I get you. I think.”
“Hi there!”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Go on, I don’t mind. Ask me any question you want.”
“Can you really shoot blood out of your—”
“Greetings, Mistress Solstice. Ah, are you well?”
“I hate kids. I hate Drakes, and I hate people who don’t understand anything about female anatomy.”
“In case anyone’s wondering, I cannot shoot blood out of my crotch.”
“I did not wonder. But it was quite amusing to see your reaction when the child asked you the question.”
“Who asks that? Honestly!”
“Is it strange that other species do not know much about Human reproduction?”
“Yes! No! I just—”
“Forget it. This is my inn. I’ll get you some food. You can take a seat. Watch out for Pisces, the jerk over there. He steals stuff. Like my food.”
“Greetings, [Necromancer].”
“Here you go.”
“Let me know if there’s anything you want or can’t eat. Also, this is blue juice. It’s…it’s blue. But it tastes sweet.”
“This looks delightful. Thank you for allowing me to impose.”
“No problem. I rarely get visitors—”
“I rarely get visitors.”
“Hi, Relc.”
“Miss Erin. How’re you doing?”
“Good. Um. You brought friends?”
“For a meal. Mind putting something on for us? I’m hungry.”
“Of—of course.”
“So. You’re the famous adventurer entering our small city. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Relc. A Senior Guardsman here in Liscor.”
“I am Gazi Pathseeker, a travelling adventurer.”
“Who?”
“Oh, right. I think I’ve heard the name before. An adventurer? That’s nice. I thought about being one, but it sounded like too much hassle.”
“The life of an adventurer is not for everyone.”
“It becomes occasionally unpleasant.”
“Right, right.”
“So…mind telling me what you’re doing in my city? And, uh, how long you’re going to be staying around here? Not going to start a war, are you?”
“I am merely exploring this continent. Rest assured, I mean to cause no disruptions while I am here. Reim is far from here, and my liege sleeps. I am…peaceful.”
“That’s good. I’d hate for any of that. It seems like every other day I have to deal with uppity adventurers causing trouble. It’s because I’m the highest-level member of the Watch, you know. All the guys always call on me for help.”
“It sounds like you have quite a tough job. I am impressed.”
“Yeah, well, I’m just that good. [Spearmaster], you know? One of Izril’s few.”
“Indeed? A fascinating class. I myself have killed only a few.”
“Funny person. Anyways. So. What I’m saying is, I’d hate for your visit to get unpleasant, understand? This isn’t a good place for you to cause any trouble like the kind you get up to on your continent. You get—”
“Ow!”
“Oi. Stop harassing my guest.”
“I wasn’t—”
“Stop harassing. My guest. And sit back down. The food’s ready.”
“Ah. Pasta? It looks quite delicious. Thank you, Erin.”
“Yeah, looks good! Have a bite and let me know if that’s an illusion.”
“Ah, I believe you missed someone.”
“Did I?”
“Too bad. I guess I only have food for paying customers.”
“As a matter of fact, I believe today is the day I will pay off my tab. I have come into quite a bit of money as of late.”
“Really?”
“If you would observe.”
“That’s a lot of gold. Hey! Did you steal that?”
“Not at all. I merely performed a complex bit of magic and received remuneration. But I believe this is more than enough to pay off my tab many times over. Allow me to repay my debts in full and tip you for your time.”
“Yoink.”
“Hey!”
“Give that back! It is my property!”
“Nope! Confiscated by the City Watch!”
“Relc!”
“This is an abuse of authority! You have no right to steal my property—”
“I have every right. Or did you forget—you’re still wanted for all those thefts you did earlier. Scaring people—robbing graves—all of that should be nicely covered by this donation to the city, shouldn’t it?”
“Ow. Have you gotten stronger?”
“It’s a Skill. Stop bothering my customers.”
“Fine. But I’m keeping this. Necromancer Pisces will be allowed back in the city, and we won’t stab him with all his fines paid off—but I’ll be watching him.”
“This is unjust—not right—”
“Honestly. I have a new guest here. Can’t you two behave for one night?”
“I am quite enjoying the spectacle. Do not mind me.”
“Sorry, Erin. I just wanted to say hi—after so long.”
“Really?”
“Really. I saw you just this morning and thought—well, it would be nice to see a friendly Human again. I had to deal with so many rude adventuring types and annoying mages each day.”
“I saw that. You were pretty impressive out there. I didn’t know you were that good.”
“I try, I try. I’m not the greatest guardsman in the city for no reason.”
“Greatest guardsman? Sure, one who can’t even catch a Human Runner.”
“I was wearing armor, and I had my spear, alright? She got lucky!”
“You got outrun by a Runner?”
“She was really fast! I’ve never seen anything like it! Any other Runner I’d leave in the dust. But her—”
“Sure you didn’t lose while you were admiring her? Relc, the Gecko, lost to a mere Human. The mighty have fallen.”
“Too busy panting and not enough breathing while you were running?”
“Shut up! Don’t call me that stupid name!”
“—By the way, Miss Erin. You…wouldn’t happen to know any female Runners, would you?”
“Me?”
“Sure, I mean, maybe, right? She was about your age.”
“What did she look like?”
“She had…black hair. And she was—tall? Taller than Erin. And, uh, she was fast. Ring any bells?”
“How am I supposed to know someone by all that?”
“Hey, I’m doing the best I can! All you Humans—you’re sort of similar. Anyways, I just thought you’d know her.”
“Because I’m Human? And all Humans know other Humans?”
“Um. Yeah?”
“Unbelievable.”
“Hey, I just wondered—that isn’t the only reason I’m here! I was going to tell you about the thief in the city.”
“I already know about the thief in the city! And before you cause more trouble, it wasn’t Pisces. If he were the thief, you’d have caught him already.”
“Oh, we know that. The [Guards] would have spotted him entering the city, his stupid invisible trick or not. No, it’s probably just some Human. But I wanted to tell you to hire some protection around here. You got lucky with those Shield Spiders, but you’re not going to be lucky forever. Hire an adventurer already.”
“And pay them with what? Adventurers are expensive!”
“They are. Unless you know one personally, the rates they charge are far too high.”
“Way to help, thick-tail.”
“I don’t have money for that. Unless—”
“Hey, Gazi, want a job? I can’t pay much, but I’ll feed you if you stay. I haven’t fixed up the rooms upstairs, but I could work on that.”
“As tempting as your offer is, I must refuse. But I believe you would be wise to invest in some form of defense as you are no warrior.”
“Once I have the money from the Shield Spiders I’ll see. But I’m not made of coins. I don’t have much gold.”
“I might be able to help in that regard. Miss Erin, seeing as how my funds have been confiscated…would you accept—alternate forms of payment?”
“At this point, as long as you pay me something I’ll be happy.”
“But nothing icky. Or gross. Or—anything I won’t like.”
“I believe I have something in mind that may benefit us both.”
“If we’re done with talking about stuff I can’t afford—anyone hungry for something else? I have Acid Flies if you guardsmen want to try them. I know Relc eats them.”