Inkling...
Inkling...
Chapter 1.42
A trio of prejudiced human adventurers instigate a brawl at The Wandering Inn due to its diverse, non-human clientele. Erin uses her newly acquired [Loud Voice] Skill and her [Skeleton Warrior] to break up the fight, while Gazi Pathseeker secretly discovers that a stranded girl in the inn is actually a [Princess].
Erin Solstice begins the day having reached [Innkeeper] Level 12, while her undead companion is revealed to possess the [Skeleton Warrior] class. The Wandering Inn soon hosts a diverse crowd of patrons, including Krshia, Pawn, Pisces, a stranded young girl, and the mysterious half-Gazer Gazi Pathseeker.
The peaceful atmosphere shatters when three human adventurers, led by a helmeted adventurer, arrive. Disgusted by the presence of a Gnoll, an Antinium, and an undead skeleton, the prejudiced adventurers become aggressive. Their hostility quickly escalates into an unprovoked attack against the non-human guests, sparking a chaotic brawl inside the taproom.
The skeleton immediately steps in to defend the inn and its patrons. Displaying its new combat capabilities, it fights back against the adventurers and earns enough experience to reach [Skeleton Warrior] Level 2. Amidst the violence, Erin reaches [Innkeeper] Level 13 and acquires the [Loud Voice] Skill. Desperate to regain control of her inn, Erin uses her magically amplified voice to bellow at the combatants, successfully halting the fight.
Throughout the commotion, Gazi Pathseeker calmly observes the situation. Utilizing her magical eye to assess the people in the room, she uncovers a startling secret: the unassuming stranded girl possesses the rare and highly sought-after [Princess] class.
Erin reaches [Innkeeper] Level 12, and her skeleton is revealed to be a Level 1 [Skeleton Warrior].
A trio of human adventurers enters the inn and expresses disgust at the presence of non-human guests.
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
An incredibly famous and powerful half-Gazer adventurer exploring northern Izril.
aka Gazi, the female adventurer +10
A class focused on running inns, hospitality, and tending to guests and establishments.
aka [Innkeeper], Innkeeper (class) +5
The adventurers attack the patrons, prompting the skeleton to fight back and reach Level 2 as a [Skeleton Warrior].
Erin gains [Innkeeper] Level 13 and the [Loud Voice] Skill, which she uses to shout down the combatants and end the brawl.
While observing the chaos, Gazi uses her magical eye and discovers that the stranded girl holds the [Princess] class.
The skeletal remains of a person that Erin discovered in an upstairs bedroom of the inn.
aka the skeleton, a pile of bones +17
A class held by merchants who run stalls or stores.
aka [Shopkeeper], [Shopkeepers]
A Gnoll shopkeeper in Liscor who is friendly with Erin.
aka the Gnoll, Gnoll [Shopkeeper] +2
A Human mage from Wistram Academy, specialized in Elementalist and Illusionary schools, who admits to necromancy.
aka the mage, Mister Mage +35
A combat-focused System class acquired by Erin's undead skeleton.
A system class held by male monarchs.
aka Kings, The King
A royal System class.
aka [Princess]
A skill learned by Erin Solstice after a deeply emotional chess match.
aka [Skill – Immortal Moment learned.], [Immortal Moment]
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +4
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +8
Small green humanoids with red eyes and sharp teeth that chased and slashed at Erin.
aka Goblins, little green things +13
A species of large, sentient insectoid people; one arrives at Erin’s door with a companion.
aka giant insect, Ants +27
A rare hybrid species possessing multiple magical eyes.
aka Gazer, the half-Gazer +1
An ambush predator that disguises itself as a boulder and attacks with powerful claws and antennae.
aka crab rock-monster, giant rock crab +20
Small flies with fat, glowing green abdomens that burst into corrosive liquid when ruptured.
aka acid fly, glowing green flies +7
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
An arrogant young Human girl stranded in Liscor who survives by stealing.
aka the thief, another girl +7
The apparent leader of a trio of prejudiced adventurers who attack The Wandering Inn.
aka first adventurer
One of the three human adventurers who attack The Wandering Inn's non-human guests.
aka second man
A skill that allows the user to create basic items.
aka [Skill — Basic Crafting], [Basic Crafting]
A skill that grants a minor increase in physical strength.
aka [Skill – Lesser Strength obtained!], [Lesser Strength]
A standard labor class centered on woodworking.
aka [Carpenter]
“Can skeletons bounce? Figuratively or literally?”
“Aaaaaaaaah!”
“Ow! Ow, ow—go over there!”
“Hey! I thought I told you to stay upstairs!”
“I distinctly remember telling you to clean the rooms upstairs.”
“Well? Why are you down here?”
“Okay, wise guy. Let’s see just what happened while I was asleep.”
“Whoa.”
“Okay. Okay, that’s, um—”
“Did you do all the rooms like this?”
“Where’s the rest of it gone, then?”
“Hey! You missed the ceiling!”
“I said clean everything. The floor, the walls, windows…and the ceiling. I said that, right?”
“Well, I thought it. And you should have done it anyways!”
“Okay. You did a good job.”
“Go over there.”
“Turn around.”
“Hey, you.”
“Get the bucket and follow me, okay?”
“Okay, let’s go.”
“See, that’s just sad.”
“Don’t do that. Take one bucket and follow me.”
“Okay! Water’s done. Now, let’s get some food.”
“Watch it. Rock Crab.”
“Hold it! What are you doing?”
“Don’t try to fight that thing! It’ll eat you. Or—snap you in two like a bunch of twigs.”
“Don’t be stupid. Come on and follow me.”
“See the basket? Fill the basket.”
“Alright. Chores are mostly done. Now what?”
“I could go to the city.”
“——!”
“Hey!”
“Bad!”
“You do not attack them. Got it?”
“Sorry about that. I’ve got, uh, a skeleton problem.”
“I bear no offense, Erin. And I thank you for protecting us.”
“No, it’s my fault. I just got this skeleton-thing, and I—sorry. Um, come on in.”
“Right, how can I help you guys?”
“We have come to play chess if you are willing, Erin Solstice. We would also purchase flies for consumption.”
“Sure. No problem!”
“Stay. There. Don’t do anything.”
“What’s happening with the Antinium? Are you guys bothered by all the Humans in the city as well?”
“We work. We live. We die. All is unchanged among the Workers, Erin Solstice. But we hear of—things. Something happens below.”
“Below? You mean where the Queen lives?”
“Yes. Our Queen moves. She is doing—something. We do not know what it is, but we sense it. And there is another Prognugator.”
“Really? Another one? This Prog—this guy, he’s taken over Klbkch’s old job?”
“Yes. He guards the Hive and watches. But no Worker has seen him yet. He walks above.”
“Right. Um. Right.”
“Okay. Good game, guys. You’re getting better.”
“We level quickly. It is rare for Workers to level. We owe you a debt, Erin Solstice.”
“Really? I didn’t do much.”
“You teach. You help. You care. We know, and we learn from you how to be Human.”
“Being Human isn’t that great. But I’m glad I can help a bit.”
“And maybe you could help me? I’d like to hire you and the other Workers—if you’ve got time. I know this is your break day, but—”
“We would be happy to assist. What do you desire?”
“Bathroom.”
“Bathroom?”
“I mean an outhouse.”
“Right now I, uh—I have to dig a hole. Which isn’t fun. I don’t know if the Antinium have to go to the bathroom, but us Humans like a nice toilet seat.”
“Toilet seat?”
“…Never mind. How do Antinium, uh, excrete? Do you have anything like a bathroom?”
“We have designated areas where waste is accumulated. We recycle such products within the Hive.”
“Ah. Um. Humans don’t do that. Ever. And I’d really like a bathroom. Nothing fancy.”
“We are familiar with the construction of such facilities. It would be a simple task to construct one for you. I am a [Carpenter]. Level 1.”
“Oh. That’s—great. I’ve got some wood around back and nails and stuff. I can get more if you need it. Do you, um, need anything special?”
“We are Antinium. Building is in our nature.”
“And how much will I owe you?”
“We would not wish to charge you for this service.”
“Tell you what—I’ll feed you and your friends for the rest of the week if you build it for me, no charge.”
“It is agreed. We will begin at once.”
“As for you—”
“Do not attack my guests, got it? Not unless they’re attacking me or doing something dangerous. Otherwise, I’ll have the Workers toss you in the outhouse and bury you. Got it?”
“I noticed your new building. I take it is meant to act as a bathroom?”
“Yeah. They just put it up today. Isn’t it great? Now I don’t have to keep squatting in the grass. Ahem.”
“What are you, crazy? They’re Goblins!”
“It is useful. Although I would warn you that maintaining such a spot can be difficult. You did well to build it away from water and your inn. I’ve seen many killed over fouling water, accidentally or not.”
“Pawn told me about all the problems an outhouse causes. They smell. And they attract flies. But I think I can solve that problem with the world’s greatest cleaning fluid.”
“And what would that be?”
“Acid. I have more than I can use, and it eats through anything that’s not stone or metal or glass really fast. I toss a bit of that in there every morning and voilà! Problem solved!”
“Once again, your fascination with such a dangerous substance is alarming at best, Miss Solstice. I trust you at least have a few healing potions prepared for the day when you drop the acid on your person?”
“I’m not going to be the one carrying jars of acid around. Too dangerous. I’ll make that guy do it instead.”
“Are you—making it gather fruits? And you want to make it clean your outhouse? You do realize it is here for your protection, do you not?”
“Sure, sure. But it’s more useful helping out around the inn.”
“That is a warrior skeleton, designed for combat.”
“It’s weaker than I am! I punched it this morning, and its head came clean off!”
“My creation is a work of art, but it must grow to its full potential first. It is not meant to be used for menial labor.”
“Menial labor is about all it’s good for. If I sent it out to try and kill one of those Rock Crabs, it’d get squashed in a heartbeat. You’re a hotshot [Necromancer], aren’t you? Can’t you raise a Level 15 skeleton or something?”
“I could certainly create a stronger undead—but not a higher level one. Do you—do you not understand the significance of this skeleton?”
“No. Is it that special?”
“Ah. Well, it is.”
“A Level 1 [Skeleton Warrior].”
“I would not mention that fact ever again were I you two. Either of you. Even that Drake would behead the [Necromancer] for this.”
“And you won’t? I thought you were a famous adventurer…”
“I do not care. If anything…it may suit me very well. Nor am I of this continent or Terandria. Mine is a different land, and I have known [Necromancers] and their kind. An accomplishment is an accomplishment.”
“You said you saw people stabbed over fouling water? So your place is like—desert-y?”
“Chandrar is not entirely desert, but my adopted homeland borders a vast desert, yes. Hence my familiarity with what this young [Necromancer] has done. But even Khelt’s King would call it extraordinary. If he did not behead that one for the deed.”
“Fine. It’s great. But I still wish it was stronger.”
“So, how did you meet that young man? Where does he hail from?”
“Pisces?”
“Oh, he’s just this weird guy I met a while ago. He’s—well, I guess he’s a good mage. Does necromancy stuff, but the skeleton is the first undead thing I’ve ever seen him do. He also does other spells. Why?”
“He is—talented.”
“Oh.”
“Pardon me, Erin, but I must attend to some business. I will return shortly.”
“Oh, sure. Have fun?”
“Come in!”
“Thank you. Me and my friends were looking for a place to stay and—”
“Goblins!”
“No, no, wait! Don’t do anything!”
“They’re friendly! Don’t attack!”
“It’s the bugs! And—a skeleton?”
“What’s going on here?”
“Look, everyone chill! Calm down! These Goblins are peaceful. Didn’t you read the sign—?”
““Shut up! Those creatures aren’t peaceful. They’re monsters! I’ve lost good friends to them!””
““No, wait—let me—””
““Get off!””
““You. Bucket.””
““You wrecked my inn.””
““You—””
““What kind of inn is this? It’s full of monsters!””
““They’re not monsters! These Goblins are my guests, and no one hurts them here! Didn’t you read the sign?””
““You’re crazy! You—you freak! You’re feedin’ these freaks that kill Humans! And you’re feedin’ bugs and an undead monster! We oughta burn this place down and turn you in to the City Watch!””
““Burn down my inn? I don’t think so.””
““You bitch!””
““This ain’t over! We’re gonna round up all the adventurers in the city and come back here. Then we’ll see if you want to protect these freaks!””
““I don’t believe that will happen.””
““Erin Solstice. You are full of surprises.””
““Oh. Gazi.””
““If yer gonna protect this monster-loving b—””
““No one will attack this inn. Or I will find you and you will suffer. And you will all leave now.””
““But—””
““In the name of Reim—begone.””
““I am glad that you are unharmed.””
““What?””
““Um, thanks. Really. You saved us there.””
““I merely prevented them from causing more trouble. But you would have handled them most admirably had I not been here.””
““Still, I see that they have caused much damage. I apologize. I should have forced them to repay you for the damages.””
““Oh, it’s nothing—””
““Oh. Oops?””
““Are you okay? I have some healing potions I could split—””
““Here.””
““Two.””
““A mysterious child with a unique Skill, and a [Necromancer] who can create new undead.””
““But she is different.””
““Ah. Just a [Princess].””
““Yes, time.””
““Yeah. You don’t like it either, huh?””
““Skeletons. You know, I hated biology class in school. The skeleton there creeped me out, and it didn’t move around all the time.””
““I don’t like dead things. And I don’t really trust you.””
““But. I guess you’re alright.””
““I’ll keep you after all. You’re useful, and you can fight. Sorta. Just don’t do anything stupid, got it?””
““Cool. Now I guess—I guess you’ll need a name?””
““What would be a good name for a skeleton? Papyrus…? Nah. You’re not nearly cool enough for that.””
““I guess I’ll just call you Clatter. No—Claptrap! But even you’re not half as annoying as that…thing.””
““Mr. Bones? Way too generic. How about Carnage? But that sounds horrible. Silent Steve…? No. Smitty Werbenjagermanjensen? Too long.””
““How about Napoleon? But you’re not short. Skeletron? But I’d get confused. Paul Hendrickson the Fifth? Whitey? Wait, is that racist?””
““Bojangles. Bonerama. Bonehead. Friedman? Spinal Tap. Harambe. Jack? Jack Sparrow? Jack Skellington? Mr. Skeleton? Smiley Face?””
““…Mike?””