1.45

““If we are to do this, must we include the Goblin?””

““Her name is Rags.””

““That is the name you gave her, certainly. Her Goblin name may be unpronounceable to you and I, but I suspect she objects to your pet name as much as I do.””

““It’s better than calling her ‘Goblin’. Besides, she doesn’t mind it. Right, Rags?””

““Ahem. Names aside, why is she here? You asked me to teach you magic.””

““Right, and I thought she’d like to learn too.””

““It is just—may I state my objections now? Magic is not a game or a ‘trick’. I took your request seriously in no small way because I believed you had a genuine desire to learn. Well, the Goblin might wish for the same, but this is no trivial matter. Will you promise to take this seriously?””

““As serious as pie.””

““Fine, fine. I am taking this seriously, Pisces. And I do want to know. So teach me? Please?””

““—Of course I could teach you, Ryoka. And I’d be happy to help—but I have to ask, what brought this on?””

““How long have you been staying here?””

““Uh, two days? Gerial’s room is disgusting, you know. He folds his sheets and lines his boots up. Polishes them too. Calruz is almost as bad. You want to stay? The Guild doesn’t like non-adventurers, but we can ask.””

““You ran through the night to get here? And dodged an…[Assassin]? I really can’t believe that one, but you described a classic [Assassin] perfectly.””

““It’s just something that really interests me. And defending myself is part of it, but I just want to learn about magic. It was not…widely practiced where I come from.””

““Fair enough. Just please don’t be disappointed if you don’t start casting [Fireballs] left and right, okay? Most Humans I’ve tried to teach, well, they’re quite impatient. And it’s not as if having a half-Elf teacher makes learning magic any easier.””

““Perish the thought.””

““Very well, how should I start? I suppose it would be important to learn how much you know of magic.””

““That simplifies things. Well then, I guess I’ll tell you what magic is.””

““Magic is an art. It is something only the most gifted and dedicated may aspire to. Those who have true mastery of spellcraft create works of beauty and wonder with each incantation.””

““I don’t know what magic is, exactly. It is a mystery, but I can tell you it is in the air we breathe, in each step we take and the beating of our hearts. Animals can grow to massive sizes with magic, and magical environments can be wondrous—like fields of wheat that can sprout from seeds overnight in Noelictus, for instance. It’s an amazing thing, but it is dangerous. Terribly so, and people have long overestimated their control of it.””

““Never underestimate magic. Never take it lightly. Even in practice, even when you believe you have mastered a spell to its utmost. Unlike wielding a hammer or a sewing needle, magic is quite capable of slaying an incautious practitioner outright.””

““Tribal magic. Feh. Just as I said—Gnolls and Goblins have access to another, lesser…different kind of magic.””

““Once, everyone used to know magic—or so my grandfather told me. It was as simple as breathing even for children, and all half-Elves learned Tier 2 magic before they’d reached their teenage years. But in Human cities and other nations, students study under older mages or travel to schools like Wistram Academy.””

““They run the Mage’s Guilds, right?””

““Wait a second.””

““Isn’t that magic? Why’d you call it tribal magic?””

““All over the world. Not that they send their [Mages] to run every single one, but yes. They help run the [Message] spells, and they’re one of the real teachers of magic. Don’t let the class fool you. A [Mage] can be an adept with lots of training or someone who’s making it up as they go along. Those accredited by Wistram Academy or similar institutions of magic are pretty rare and usually better than the self-taught ones.””

““[Mages] in general? Pah. Anyone can obtain the class or variations thereof, but they often stagnate and seldom reach Level 20. Indeed, the lack of centralized education between nations has given rise to lesser variations upon the basic [Mage] class. [Hedge Wizards], [Witch Doctors], the dubiously qualified [Spellswords], [Druids]…well I suppose [Druids] are an exception to the rule, and of course let us reserve most of our disdain for the so-called [Sorcerer]…””

““Go. Shoo!””

““Well, even those types of spell casters are unique. Chosen. They are still capable of casting spells, which is more than can be said for a majority of Humanity or most species.””

““Not all Humans have the potential to become [Mages]. It’s a matter of talent as well as your body’s innate magical potential.””

““‘Not all Humans?’ Does that mean that other races have greater or lesser potential to become mages? How about your kind?””

““I assume you mean half-Elves. Yes, their affinity towards spellcasting is far greater than our own. However, a speciesist advantage does not translate into individual ability. Nor does that mean the greatest mages are always nonhuman. In fact, some of the most famous Archmages of this era are Human. Like, er, Verdan Blackwood. Or Archmage Viltach. Great…esteemed [Mages] I have personally met.””

““—Any species can learn magic. But not all members have the potential. From Minotaurs to Dullahans to Centaurs, [Mages] exist. Except Gnolls, of course, but they have their [Shamans].””

““Wait, not Gnolls? Why?””

““One supposes it is their tribal magic. I have never met a Gnoll at Wistram or a [Mage] of their people in general. They have [Shamans]—another kind of magic-user. But no [Mages] in Wistram. I heard a rumor once—nevermind. Minotaurs can be [Mages]. Anyone can be a [Mage]. But Gnolls. Even Goblins. Is this clear enough for you?””

““Okay, sure. Not all Humans are mages. Some of us are Muggles. Got it?””

““Muggles?””

““Uh—how about Goblins?””

““I have never heard of any Goblin whose abilities matched that of a proper mage. Their innate capabilities are likely too low to support the strain of spellcasting. Their race as a whole can barely snuff out a candle, let alone magically.””

““You can do magic?””

““I should really ban questions. Well, to summarize a complex issue, the magic your little friend used is not true magic. Or at least, not the magic practiced by [Mages]. It is an amalgamation of mana drawn from her tribe, such as it is.””

““What?””

““Allow me to explain another way. Magic surrounds us. It is in everything, but an individual’s capacity for magic varies. And the same goes for our surroundings. Thus, in a highly magically charged environment, spells are naturally easy to cast. In a null zone, a [Mage] must rely solely on his or her own internal magical energy to cast spells.””

““Right. I got that.””

““Goblins, on the other hand, practice a different form of magic. They draw their mana not only from the environment, but from each other. Thus a single Goblin may use the mana of the entire tribe it is affiliated with to cast spells.””

““Oh, I get it. You’re crowd-sourcing magic.””

““Yes, well, it is a crude thing. But I suppose it is powerful enough in its own way as it allows even Goblin tribes one or two spellcasters of their own. These, ah, ‘shamans’ draw power from the collective. The larger their group is, the more power they wield. Thus, while the Goblins in the area most likely cannot collectively create more than a few sparks, a larger tribe of a thousand souls would create a decently powerful [Shaman]. But it is inefficient.””

““A thousand people and only one caster? A ridiculous waste.””

““Hey, if it works…””

““It isn’t proper magic, that’s all. True, these [Shamans] may copy many magic spells, but they are born out of a collective will and lack structure and form. True, they can do things that modern magic cannot easily replicate. I have heard some [Shamans] can heal or move vast groups of people over water, but magic—””

““You can walk on water!? And heal? What am I talking to you about, then? Rags, teach me your ways!””

““A neophyte in tribal magic and a tiny tribe can hardly do the greatest feats of magic, Erin. Miss Solstice. Nor can one heal in any kind of magic easily.””

““Oh yeah? What about [Healers]?””

““Ah, well. [Healers] are now simply general practitioners of restorative arts, some of whom are able to cast spells. Most use Skills. Many rely on potions or even simple bandages rather than magic. The definition of the class has changed, and accordingly, so have the skills and spells learnt. It was quite a fascinating phenomenon, actually. I studied it in a course back in Wistram—””

““But I haven’t time to get into the variation in classes over centuries. Where was I? Oh, of course. Magic. Let us not forget what we are here to learn. Very well, I assume you understand a bit of what magic is. Now to test you.””

““It is not a dangerous process. I simply wish to ascertain whether or not either of you can become mages. I will test you in the traditional style. Do not move, and I will saturate the area around you with raw mana and allow you to demonstrate your magical ability—or lack thereof.””

““Will it hurt?””

““Oh, of course not. It’s just a test, that’s all. This is how I was taught as a child. I know Humans do it differently, but it should work for you.””

““Just watch. I’m going to draw a symbol in the air. I want you to look at it and tell me what you see. Don’t worry; there’s no time limit. And if your eyes start to hurt, you can look away.””

““Just relax. Look at it only as long as you’re comfortable. If you can’t understand it, that’s fine.””

““I don’t get it.””

““I—am infusing the air around you with my mana. It will allow you to cast spells if you have the potential.””

““But how? You never said.””

““Just think of something.””

““Like what?””

““Anything! Whatever you wish! Fire, water, a shiny new pot. Will the magic to obey your command!””

““Relax. Don’t stare at it so hard. Let it be.””

““Expelliarmus. Alohamora. Wingardium Leviosa. Wingardium leviosa.””

““What are you muttering?””

““Nothing.””

““That was no tribal magic. That was the very beginning of the [Firefly] spell.””

““Really?””

““Goblins cannot learn magic in the traditional sense. It is impossible. Surely if they had the potential it would have been discovered, analyzed in centuries hence. The potential ramifications—or is it simple freak divergence? Ancestry?””

““You. Goblin child. Was your mother non-Goblin? Or…your father?””

““What would that matter?””

““It would explain things. The offspring of Goblins are always Goblins regardless of the partner, male or female. But sometimes Goblins may inherit traits from their…parents. The, ah, victim might play a part in explaining unusual talents. But if this young Goblin—Rags has no immediate non-Goblin ancestors, it would mean—””

““She can be a mage. I get it.””

““Don’t stop. It’s my turn now. The test isn’t over yet, right? I can still continue?””

““…By all means. Keep on trying.””

““I’m okay. I am. I saw it.””

““I saw it.””

““Well? Did you see what I wrote? Can you tell me what it says?””

““[Light].””

““I’ve never seen colors like that before. They’re so…bright.””

““Wow.””

““Hold on, hold on, Ryoka! That was incredible! I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone do that with a basic [Light] spell before—let alone figure out how to change a spell so quickly! You just used up all the mana in your body. You’ll be tired until you recover. Here—sit there, and I’ll get you something to eat and drink. That helps.””

““I’m almost drained. I’m sorry. I can’t keep going.””

““There’s no more magic left in the air. It’s all dissipated, Erin.””

““Oh.””

““I’m, ah, sorry, Miss Solstice.””

““No, it’s okay. I knew magic wasn’t for everyone. And Rags could do it, right?””

““Eat up. I bet you’re hungry. And you—””

““Here. Lunch and dinner’s on the house.””

““You are—most kind. Thank you.””

““So, what next?””

““What, ah, do you mean—””

““I mean about her. Not me.””

““She can cast magic, right? Not just her tribal magic, but your kind of magic. She can learn. Will you teach her?””

““Me? Teach?””

““You were going to teach me a few spells, weren’t you? Well, I can’t cast magic, but Rags can. Will you teach her something?””

““I’ve—well I’ve never considered having an apprentice. You do know I specialize in necromancy, don’t you? But on the other hand—I am quite proficient in general areas of magic. And of course anyone with a basic grasp of the fundamentals could learn. But a Goblin for a student…?””

““Tell you what. If you come in every other day and teach her for lessons, I’ll feed you for free. Deal?””

““It’s you. Go away, you.””

““I’m going to visit some friends. Don’t follow me into the city. Wait around the inn while I’m gone. Do something useful. I’ll be back before nightfall.””

““Ah, Erin Solstice. I have been waiting for you to return, yes?””

““You are not busy? We will have drinks in my home.””

““What? Oh, sure. I’m not busy.””

““Good! My house is only a few minutes away. Follow me.””

““Hm? Hm~. Mm!””

““Ah, you like the scurry-food? Silkap. You can make it into cubes, or a spread, or many forms. It is quite good.””

““How are you doing, Krshia?””

““Mm. I am well, thank you for asking. And I am relieved to speak with you at last. Many people and many things have gotten in the way of our speaking, yes? But it is important we should speak. So I have decided.””

““Sure. What’s up?””

““You seem dispirited. Is something wrong?””

““Oh, it’s nothing.””

““Mm. This is another polite Human lie, yes?””

““Yeah, but really, it’s nothing.””

““I found out I’m not a mage, that’s all. I can’t cast magic, and I won’t ever be able to.””

““Ah. And who is doing the telling of this?””

““Pisces.””

““Bah.””

““He wasn’t mean about it. He did a test—it looks like I’m just one of the Humans who can’t cast magic, that’s all. It’s not his fault or anything.””

““That is not what I meant. He tells you that you are no mage. It is not for him to decide, yes?””

““But there was a test. I can’t cast magic, Krshia.””

““If you were born a Gnoll, this would not be an issue, yes? Human magic is different from ours. We give magic to those who are chosen. A [Shaman] for each tribe is chosen, and they wield the magic of all. We choose who can cast magic, not a single person.””

““Oh, tribal magic. Yeah, Pisces told me about it. But I wasn’t born a Gnoll.””

““Yes, and so you are told you can never become a mage because one tells you so. It is regrettable, yes?””

““Enough sadness. This is not why I have called you here. Leave magic for [Mages], Erin. It is not as important as they think. People are important. The tribe is important—if you had one. Without it? I see your friends, like Selys, and even your strange guests like the Antinium and…Goblins as being your tribe. Friendships and ties are important.””

““Okay, sure. What did you want to talk to me about so much, Krshia?””

““I have been thinking much since I watched you play your game of chess. Against the Antinium named Pawn. Many things you said I heard and wondered at.””

““Like what? You mean the chess? Don’t worry, no one gets that.””

““No. It is what you said. You come from another world. I heard you speak of it and wondered at the miracle.””

““I said that?””

““Oh, um, yeah. I’m from another world. Sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.””

““I come from a place called Michigan. It’s pretty nice there. Lots of big lakes, wonderful weather—except when it snows or rains really hard, of course. I lived in a nice house, with my folks—””

““Um, one day, I found myself here. I just turned a corner and blam.””

““Blam?””

““I found myself staring at this big lizard. With wings. A Dragon.””

““A Dragon?””

““Yeah. It breathed fire at me, and I ran. Then there were some Goblins…and then I found the inn. After that, it was all survival until I met Klbkch and Relc and then—you know the rest.””

““You survived much.””

““I guess.””

““I ask this in confidence. I promise by my tribe and by the open sky and earth that I would never betray your trust or secrets given. But I must ask, and my kin must know. This land you come from—it is not like this one, yes?””

““You mean you’re going to tell…other Gnolls?””

““Mm. Yes. If I must, I think it is better to share a secret that is important. And these Gnolls shall tell others if need be. But they shall keep it a secret within our tribe, our people. Your secret shall not be spoken to any not of Gnollkind. That is what I meant. I swear upon Silverfang and the upcoming Meeting of Tribes—we shall not betray your trust. And it will be all Gnolls, all the Gnolls of the Great Plains who hold that secret and support you, if need be.””

““My world? It’s not like this one. Not at all. It’s so different I can’t even explain how strange it is to be here.””

““Mm. How so? Eat, drink. But tell me. I am very curious.””

““Well—we’ve got a lot more technology. And less magic. No magic, actually. And we don’t have Levels or Classes or Skills, but we do have a lot more Humans. Actually, we have only Humans. There aren’t any Gnolls or Drakes or any monsters where I come from. And—are you okay, Krshia?””

““Take no mind of me. G-go on.””

““You say this is a world full of Humans? That is strange, yes? Are there no other creatures?””

““Oh tons of creatures. Lots of animals. Dogs, cats, penguins, cows…but just no people like—like you. People who think and speak is what I mean.””

““I…see…””

““How many of them are there? How many nations? Is it a small world?””

““Sorta? It feels small sometimes. I know overpopulation is an issue.””

““Um, is it six or seven? Seven? I think we’re supposed to have eight sometime soon.””

““Eight what? Eight countries?””

““No, eight billion Humans.””

““I do not know this word. Erin, what is a ‘billion’? It is a counting number, yes?””

““Yeah. Do you know, um, million?””

““It is a word I heard with Goblins. A million is a large number. Larger than mountains. A thousand thousands, yes?””

““…Yes? I think so. Wait…let me do the math.””

““Yeah. That’s about right.””

““Mm. Then is a billion two millions?””

““Oh, no.””

““A billion is a thousand millions. So that’d be a thousand thousand thousands. What a tongue twister. It’d be…a hundred thousand ten thousand times. Does that make sense?””

““Krshia?””

““Krshia, what’s wrong?””

““Are you okay? What happened? Speak to me, Krshia.””

““Why does this keep happening to me?””

““Why?””

““Was it something I said?””