Lorelumping...
Lorelumping...
Chapter 1.46
Krshia recovers from her shock upon learning about Earth's massive Human population and instructs the Gnolls to search for others like Erin. Meanwhile, Erin returns to her inn and experiences a homesick emotional breakdown before officially naming her skeleton "Toren."
Krshia Silverfang recovers from her dramatic faint after learning about the billions of Humans living on Earth. She realizes that Earth is a world dominated entirely by humanity and recognizes the potential value of their knowledge. Krshia reflects on the history between Gnolls and magic, recounting how Wistram Academy mistreated a Gnoll from Tribe Weatherfur who wished to study there. This discrimination resulted in a lasting grudge, leading the Gnoll tribes to ban Wistram Mages from their lands. Anticipating the upcoming Meeting of Tribes, Krshia orders the runner Tshana and other Gnolls to search for more stranded Humans like Erin Solstice and warns against any hostile actions toward them.
Meanwhile, Erin Solstice walks back from Liscor to The Wandering Inn at night. Overwhelmed by her situation, she breaks down in tears in her kitchen. She laments her inability to use magic to clean her inn or find a way back home, expressing deep homesickness for her family despite acknowledging the beauty of the new world she inhabits.
Seeking a distraction and a sense of companionship, Erin decides to name her skeleton. Remembering her online chess games with The Dutch on Earth, she names him Toren, which translates to 'rook'. Unbeknownst to her, Toren has reached Level 2 from his past battles against adventurers and killing fish, granting him the Skill [Basic Weapon Proficiency: Swords].
Krshia Silverfang recovers from fainting and digests the shocking revelation of Earth's massive Human population.
Krshia recounts how Wistram Academy mistreated a Gnoll from Tribe Weatherfur, leading to a lasting ban on Wistram mages among the tribes.
A young woman from Earth who stumbles into a fantasy world and takes refuge in an abandoned inn.as
aka Erin, the traveller +64
The skeletal remains of a person that Erin discovered in an upstairs bedroom of the inn.
aka the skeleton, Skele-thing +7
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +8
Recognizing their potential value, Krshia instructs Tshana and the other Gnolls to look for more stranded Humans ahead of the Meeting of Tribes.
Walking back to The Wandering Inn from Liscor, Erin breaks down in tears over her inability to use magic and her deep longing to return home to her family.
Drawing from her memory of playing chess with The Dutch, Erin officially names the skeleton Toren, meaning 'rook'.
Toren reaches Level 2 and acquires the skill Basic Weapon Proficiency: Swords from his previous combat experiences.
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 +13
A member of the City Guard who was apparently traumatized by Relc's reckless dagger-flipping on the day he signed up.
aka Gnoll guardsman, gate guard
World mechanic where thinking races gain levels and classes. Some classes can be gained suddenly by satisfying class requirements without formal apprenticeship (e.g., gaining Farmer levels by growing many carrots). Some creatures (animals, Dragons) cannot level and instead retain natural might.
aka The Skills, leveling system +16
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
A famed academy of magic where Pisces studies.
aka Wistram, the Academy +4
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 grand gathering of Gnoll tribes held every twenty years to forge alliances and discuss plans for the future.
aka Meeting of Tribes
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +4
A general class for any individual who practices magic.
aka [Mage], [Mages] +3
A high-ranking magic class capable of immense feats.
aka Archmages, [Archmage] +1
A skill granting foundational competence in using a sword.
aka [Basic Weapon Proficiency: Swords]
“I have family back home. My mom and my dad. I can’t believe I don’t think of them more often, but I guess I’m just trying to stay sane here. And I had friends. It’s not like I miss them most of the time—I try not to think about it. But…I didn’t even get to say goodbye, y’know?”
“I want to go home.”
“Sorry. It’s just—I’d really like to go home. If I could. I know it might be impossible. I don’t even know if it was some kind of spell or a…a cosmic accident that brought me here. But if I could, I want to go home.”
“The mages at Wistram gave the Gnoll a test when he asked to be entered into the Academy. They did not believe him when he claimed to be a spellcaster as they were. They asked him to cast spells, but he was alone, yes? Alone, and without any to draw on. Without any others, there is no magic to cast for [Shamans]. That is why he asked to be taught as a normal student. But the mages, they did not listen. They cast him out and declared all Gnolls to be magic-deficient. Talentless.”
“Enough, enough. I am weary, and you are thirsty. Drink, and let us talk of other things for the moment.”
“From what she said—and did not say—it is a world of Humans. They alone live in it. Whether that is a better one than this I do not know.”
“There is no watching. You can drop the act, Tkrn. You are a terrible pretender of things in any case.”
“It may have been shock or perhaps it was something I ate, yes?”
“Maybe. Yes. I don’t want to insult this place. It’s a beautiful world you have here, Krshia. It really is more amazing than anything from my world. And I’ve made friends. Selys, Pawn, you…even Pisces. All that’s good, but—”
“Ask them if they have found others such as Erin. And if they have not found them, tell them to search! Tell them to look among Humans for ones who stand out and speak and act differently.”
“There is no guessing. I have seen how you have improved and made this land your home. We have witnessed your triumphs. We have seen your victories. They are to be proud of, Erin Solstice.”
“That is why to this day [Mages] from Wistram are not welcome among the tribes and why we do not trade with their island. And that is why even if you go, you must not trust them, Erin Solstice. The mages of Wistram do not trust any who do not have magic they recognize.”
“I told you it would not come to that. And you and the others are fools for suggesting it and dreaming her disappearance would not be noticed. Kill a lost child?”
“Regardless. I asked you a question. What is it you wish? If possible, we would help you. Or if my tribe disagrees, I would help you not as one seeking a bargain but as a friend.”
“How else? We give her the means to protect herself.”
“Nearly forty years ago, the Gnoll tribes gathered to talk and forge alliances and plans for the future. It is done every twenty years, and it is an important time. At that time, we had heard much of Wistram, and many among us wished for Gnolls to learn such secrets as the Academy teaches. It is said that Gnolls cannot be [Mages]—well, why not test that theory? No Gnoll had ever taught themselves magic, but tribe Weatherfur suggested we ask the greatest teachers in the world if there is even a chance it could be done. Sensible, yes?”
“Yes. Very. In ways that are disturbing and grand. But she did not speak much of these differences, and I understood less. But she is—useful. She is important.”
“Accident or not, you are here. And perhaps the cause is irrelevant, yes? You are here. The question is not what brought you here, but how you may return.”
“But she wants to go home, too. So we’re the only ones who can help her. Which means we get to ask favors of her, right? Maybe even present her to the Meeting of Tribes for Silverfang’s honor?”
“Wistram is a place of magic. It is the place for mages to go and learn, yes? Other cities have their own guilds and even schools, and some nations pay for mages to learn and serve. But Wistram is nationless and a nation unto itself. They have never bowed to any ruler and never shall. So they are thought of well by all who practice magic. But they are fools.”
“It was decided that the tribes would send one of our finest young [Shamans] to Wistram to ask admission. We chose one who was young but was talented beyond his years and gave him magical artifacts from each tribe and much coin to make the journey. Our warriors took him to a port city, and he took a ship to Wistram, braving storms and pirates on his long journey.”
“If you wish to return home, that may be your best choice.”
“Aunt, finally! I was wondering if you were going to stab Erin or call for help. If she really was a [Spy] from Terandria or something.”
“As I have said, so it is. She is no threat; merely a lost one seeking to return home.”
“You are foolish, Tkrn. Just like a cub on his first hunt. If we place others around her inn, she will notice, yes? But before she does, others will notice and ask questions. And we have few warriors in the city as it is.”
“When I first smelled her, she stank of a place full of oil and metal and burning. Is her world like that?”
“Perhaps some may call it so. But your Pisces, he graduated from Wistram did he not? And he is a [Necromancer] and a thief and gravedigger.”
“And Wistram is made up of many Humans, yes? They are petty and squabble as many of your kind do. Non-humans live among them, of course, but it is no haven. Wistram is no friend to the magicless.”
“Apologies. But you are still not thinking. Say you reach Wistram after travelling so far. Tell me, Erin Solstice, how do you plan on finding a mage to bring you home?”
“We need Erin Solstice more than she needs us, yes? And we do not want her speaking with others who would know her value.”
“The Gnolls who live in Liscor have many desires. We hoped—that there might be some things that one such as you could help us with. But that is only part of the reason I asked you here. The other part was to ask a question. What does Erin Solstice want?”
“This sucks. You’re telling me I have to pay to go home?”
“That would be a sight to see. Yes, and talking to such a leader among mages would be an achievement in itself if he even existed! Wistram has a Council and its Archmages. You might find many influential persons, but why would they listen? You are just a child speaking of other worlds. Even if you could prove your truth, which is simple enough, how would you convince them to help you?”
“Perhaps to some. But while I believe you—how would you prove it to them? And even assuming they wished to help—do you think Wistram does anything for free?”
“Mm. I was merely surprised. Forgive me.”
“The Humans on your planet—I was not prepared for such a number.”
“Even if you left now, winter would freeze you at sea as you travelled west, and the storms would crack the hull of any ship foolish enough to brave the oceans. And there is the cost to consider as well.”
“It is not about money. Mages have much money, and offering to pay them may work or it may not. Your money would be of little interest to all but the lowest-level ones. They are not what you want, I am thinking.”
“They must send more of our people here. Wise ones. I ask for counsel as well, of all I have learned. I will speak with all those in the city as soon as all can be gathered and send a second Runner. But this first one must go at once.”
“It may have been magic. Perhaps. I do not know such things. I am merely a [Shopkeeper]. But I have never heard of one crossing from other worlds through a spell. That is the stuff of legends, creating magical dimensions and crossing betwixt them. But there are many magics that teleport. Perhaps a truly great [Mage] may have used such a spell by accident or mistake.”
“Do you want me to gather some others to watch over her inn? We could set up camp a few miles away in secret. Watch Captain Zevara will notice if I’m off-duty, but the others could work in shifts.”
“We spoke of archmages, yes? They are the ones you seek. Finding an audience with them through wit or bribery—that is your challenge. For that, I would take as much money as I could bring and something to attract their attention.”
“Do not despair before even hearing of them, yes? Listen. There are several archmages. One on the Human continent to the north. Two more on other continents. But at least three have homes in Wistram, the Isle of Mages.”
“I am not one to make idle promises, Erin Solstice. Many might help you for free, but you would not like me if you had gone to Wistram only to find no one willing to hear you unless you had gold to pay them, eh? To be certain, either have the funds to buy a mage to assist you or to find a mage worthy and willing to help you. That is the real cost I speak of.”
“Most likely. I would not know of any other way. But as I have said, it would take a [Mage], no—an [Archmage] to cast such a spell, if it can be done.”
“Right. I guess it’s time for my questions. Krshia, what do the Gnolls want with me?”
“Yeah. But we don’t use them on monsters. We just kill each other with them. And we don’t use horses—well we do use horses, but we also have other ways to travel. Like cars.”
“I guess. But you just said you’d been watching me. And you said ‘we’. Is that why I keep seeing a bunch of Gnolls wherever I go?”
“I—don’t even know. I just don’t know.”
“I sense the truth of it. Yes, she is one who came here by mistake.”
“Perhaps not hard for one with much coin, but it is a long ways away and dangerous for a lone Human female who is not a warrior, and even one who is, yes? Anyone may attempt the journey to Wistram, but it is another thing to make the journey and survive.”
“So be more alert! When she comes back, I wish to know. And tonight, ask one of the Runners. Lv or Tshana. They must send a message to the tribes.”
“Why did you come all the way out here? Do you know what would have happened if the guard had seen you? He would have smashed you to bits, and I would have probably gotten in trouble. Somehow.”
“They are the rarest of spellcasters. I know of only a few, and none live on this continent. Nor are they [Archmages] proper…but they are the best you could ask for, for magical help.”
“You have no idea of pricing, yes? For sixty pieces perhaps I could bring you to Wistram. It would be a longer journey, and you would need to find one to guard you. But it could be done. And a hundred gold pieces would last you several years even in Wistram. But the real price is in the mage.”
“So what you’re saying is that Wistram is the place I would want to go if I wanted to find out about getting home, right?”
“It is nothing. I am sure if you travelled to Wistram they would allow you entry. But it is not such a good place that I would tell you to travel alone, yes?”
“There are several in the city. But Drake mages, the strong ones, fight with their army, yes? And magic is not as widely practiced in these lands. Perhaps you would find one wise enough to help you, but you would search long.”
“It is good to be young and eager. But it is not good to stop thinking, yes? Wistram is protected by more than mages. The seas around the college are calm at times, but at other times, they devour ships and sink fleets. Especially in the winter.”
“Everything is give and take, yes? We would give much for knowledge. Items of worth. Things that could help our people. But all things have a price. We would help you grant your desires if you had something to offer in exchange.”
“It may be you do not realize your own worth. A stranger from a far-off land has many secrets, many skills of worth she does not know she possesses, yes?”
“Hrm. Then do you wish for more levels? Better weapons? These things many Humans desire. Or—an attractive mate? A fertile one?”
“Do not despair. These things seem large, but they are not overwhelming, yes? Sit. Drink. And let me talk to you of what the Gnolls might do. And what you may do for us.”
“I would not visit such a place. Nor would any of my kind, even to trade and earn money. We do not deal with those fools.”
“Maybe. I doubt it, though.”
“No, no, no, and definitely no. I’m not interested in any of that. Really. I already have a lot of those adventurers chatting me up in the street.”
“Yes—I mean, no. I don’t.”
“I guess [Basic Cooking] doesn’t include scale removal. Or—scale removal on killer fish.”
“They come and go. But Wistram is their home. If you waited there for a month, you would surely see at least one, yes? And perhaps it is not an Archmage you need but the right spell.”
“Krshia? Why did you want to talk with me about my world?”
“You were supposed to be looking out for other listeners, not eavesdropping, fool. What point is there hearing what I will tell the others anyways?”
“Well, I guess I can’t really explain my world that well. But your world is equally strange to me. Stuff like magic—that’s just fairy tales in my world.”
“Really? But I thought it was like Hogw—a, uh, school for mages. Wouldn’t it be safe and full of cool spells and stuff?”
“Look, it’s not that I don’t like fish. I like fish. Dead fish that have a bit of lemon juice squeezed over the top after they’ve been roasted nicely. And maybe a bit of salt and pepper. I like those kinds of fish. But this fish is bad news. I tried cutting its scales off once and nearly sliced my hand off.”
“I’d still like to talk to a mage. Or—a mage besides Pisces, at least.”
“Did something happen to you, Krshia? Did you—did you ever go to Wistram?”
“Really? I mean, why? And how? Is it that hard to get to Wistram?”
“It is good to have a goal. And perhaps that is something we may assist you with.”
“Is it not always so?”
“Outside. Do that outside, on a table or something. And after that, clean up—no, nevermind. I’ll clean up this mess, you start getting rid of those scales, okay?”
“And what were you thinking? Were you even thinking? Can you even think? Why would you think grabbing one of those stupid fish was a good idea?”
“They’re not animals. They’re, uh, moving, metal boxes. On wheels.”
“Maybe. It didn’t feel like magic back then. But I’ve never been teleported, so maybe it was magic and I just didn’t notice. It really felt like an accident.”
“It’s the scales. See these?”
“I see. But if you have not returned already, you do not know the way back, yes?”
“They’re not tasty. And these ones are sharp. If we want to eat the fish, you have to get rid of the scales. And I—I can’t do it. Seriously. Like I said, last time…”
“Well—there’s a lot to say. I mean, we’ve got such different cultures. Ours is more adv—more different in many ways. Like—we have weapons and you have weapons, but ours are more shooty.”
“What I mean is, we don’t use swords. Or axes. We have guns. They’re, uh, sort of like crossbows but better? Do you know what crossbows are?”
“So it is true? She is from another world?”
“But look—I can’t eat this. No one can. Not even the G—well, maybe the Goblins. But we don’t eat food like…”
“I…see. Yes, I have heard of crossbows. I know them decently well, though bows—I am familiar with in their many forms. Crossbows. Hrr. And you have many of these weapons? They are powerful, yes?”
“I, uh, hadn’t thought of that. I guess I’d just go to their headmaster and ask for help?”
“You would seek passage on a ship to Wistram. That would not be as expensive, but I talk of the cost of the journey. To travel north to the port cities safely would require joining a caravan that hires adventurers. That costs coin. A good place on a good ship with an able captain requires coin. A bodyguard or one who would protect you costs coin. And seeking lodging in Wistram—”
“Okay. Say that is my goal. How much money would I need, do you think? A hundred gold pieces for the journey? And then maybe another hundred pieces to find a place to stay? And—um, let’s call it six hundred for finding a mage willing to help me? That’s…a lot.”
“I would like to know details of these differences. Can you give me a few important changes between our worlds? Besides the lack of Levels and Classes.”
“What? Oh, you mean eight billion? I guess that’s a lot.”
“I don’t have anything to give you. Besides food. But I buy that from you.”
“No, I…you know what? Forget it. I’m just saying we don’t have magic. So when I came here, I had no idea how anything worked.”
“I think I get it. You wanted to be helpful. This is food. Which is…helpful, right?”
“I just—it was a joke! Anyways, she’s really what she seems to be?”
“How can we protect her if we cannot be seen near her?”
“No…it’s more like they move because we burn stuff inside them. Combustion. They drive themselves. Well I mean, they don’t drive themselves. You need a Human in one to drive it. But some of the newer cars can drive themselves. But most can’t. And they need fuel. Gasoline. That’s a type of oil, I think.”
“Get rid of the teeth, bones, and fins too!”
“So Wistram’s my only option? I mean, I’m not saying I’d just get up and head over there but—”
“What would I use it on? Repairing the inn? I guess money’d be nice, but I’m okay.”
“Cars? What are these creatures?”
“Ah, you have…Winter Sprites? I have heard a few call them ‘faeries’.”
“There are many things Humans want. Surely you have the same wishes, yes? Do you want money?”
“This desire of yours. You wish for it strongly, yes?”
“Let us put the interruption behind us. You were telling me about your world. It has many people—this I now realize. But what else is different?”
“I sure hope not.”
“Uh, everything? I mean, most things. We’ve got mountains and water and stuff like you guys, but in terms of technology or buildings or…everything’s different.”
“Right. You wouldn’t happen to have one of those lying around, would you?”
“Okay. Okay. That’s—that’s something to aim for, at least.”
“But it is different.”
“But it doesn’t matter, does it? No one was listening that I saw.”
“Dammit. Dammit, dammit, dammit, dammit, dammit.”
“It is an old story. I would not trouble you with it, Erin.”
“It was nothing. Really. But why did you faint?”
“Well—I’m from another world. Isn’t that enough?”
“So you’re saying I’d need to pay a mage to help me?”
“Well, when you put it like that—I still don’t know.”
“And is magic the answer?”
“I get it. It costs a lot of coin, right?”
“What’s so hard about it? You hire a carriage, get to a port city, jump on a boat, and you’re nearly there, right?”
“Hmm. I remember. You were lost and very afraid, then. But you have done well since, yes?”
“I was simply curious. It is natural to question such statements, is it not?”
“Oh, right. Hiring a ship would be really expensive, right?”
“Apologies again, Erin.”
“That was a joke.”
“Ow! Stop that! Your claws are sharp!”
“Six hundred gold pieces not enough?”
“Will you ask anything else of them?”
“Then what is it you wish?”
“Ah. Um. Was it that surprising?”
“Yeah. Like ‘blam’.”
“Um. Did any of that make sense?”
“Too much, I think.”
“You—push them around, yes?”
“Well, when you put it that way…”
“You did this.”
“Fuck. Stupid, stupid—”
“No, tell me. Please. I’m interested.”
“Really? Three?”
“Wasn’t that weird?”
“What do I want?”
“No, definitely not.”
“I guess.”
“Great.”
“Stop that.”
“Damnit.”
“It is.”
“Hrrm.”
“Mm. Perhaps.”
“…Damn it.”
“Stop, stop!”
“Fools?”
“I?”
“Shooty?”
“What is this?”
“No.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Well…”