Unfolding...
Unfolding...
Chapter 1.49
An Antinium named Ksmvr violently attacks Erin's inn, injuring Erin and smashing Toren to pieces. Suspecting Pawn of being an Aberration, Ksmvr severs the worker's antenna and marches him toward the Hive for interrogation. Meanwhile, Liscor deals with the aftermath of a devastating fire on Market Street.
In Liscor, the aftermath of a recent disaster is evident. Half of Market Street has been devastated by a fire, leaving wooden stalls burnt to a crisp and the paving stones cracked from the intense heat. Elsewhere in the city, a bored Gnoll guard stands watch at the eastern gates, while a yellow-scaled Drake named Warsh works his shift at the Adventurer's Guild, handling the local adventurers.
At Erin's inn, a sudden and brutal confrontation unfolds. An Antinium named Ksmvr arrives and launches a violent assault on the inhabitants. He forcefully strikes Erin Solstice in the face, leaving her reeling with a swollen, bleeding jaw despite her attempts to defend herself with a heavy cast-iron frying pan. Toren attempts to intervene and protect Erin, but Ksmvr easily overpowers the skeleton. Toren is decapitated and knocked to pieces, though his undead nature allows him to slowly begin piecing himself back together once the immediate danger passes.
The true target of Ksmvr's aggression is Pawn. Ksmvr suspects the Antinium worker of being a dangerous Aberration. During the struggle, Ksmvr violently severs one of Pawn's antennae, a highly traumatic injury for an Antinium. Defeated and mutilated, Pawn is taken prisoner. Ksmvr forces the injured worker out of the inn, marching him directly toward the Antinium Hive where he will face harsh interrogation.
A bored Gnoll guard and a Drake named Warsh go about their duties in Liscor, while half of Market Street lies devastated by a recent fire.
A young woman from Earth who stumbles into a fantasy world and takes refuge in an abandoned inn.
aka Erin, the traveller +64
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 guardsman referenced by a rookie as likely getting punishment duty for breaking windows.
aka Guardsman Relc, Senior Guardsman Relc +13
Ksmvr violently assaults Erin Solstice at the inn, striking her in the face and leaving her with a bleeding, swollen jaw despite her armed with a frying pan.
Toren attempts to defend Erin but is swiftly decapitated and knocked to pieces by Ksmvr. He soon begins to reassemble himself.
Suspecting Pawn of being an Aberration, Ksmvr violently severs one of Pawn's antennae and takes him prisoner.
Pawn is forced to leave the inn and is marched toward the Antinium Hive by Ksmvr to face interrogation.
An Antinium Worker who exhibits Aberration-like behavior by creating rhythmic noises, but remains peaceful.
aka Worker, the clicking Worker +14
A bored Gnoll guard stationed at Liscor's eastern gates.
A yellow-scaled Drake working at the Adventurer's Guild.
aka The Drake over there
The Human vice-captain of the Horns of Hammerad.
aka the vice-captain, vice-captain of the Horns of Hammerad +10
A half-Elf mage belonging to the Horns of Hammerad who offers Ryoka a taboo alternative for her leg.
aka Ceria, Springwalker +7
The Minotaur captain of the Horns of Hammerad, who wields a massive battleaxe.
aka the Minotaur, Beriad of the House of Minos +16
A large, competent Silver-rank adventuring party led by Calruz.
aka The Horns, Silver-rank team +6
A species of large, sentient insectoid people; one arrives at Erin’s door with a companion.
aka giant insect, Ants +28
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +4
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
Small green humanoids with red eyes and sharp teeth that chased and slashed at Erin.
aka Goblins, little green things +16
A massive, bull-like sapient species.
aka Minotaurs, the Minotaur
A classic fantasy species that Ryoka expected to see but has not encountered.
aka Elves, half-Elf +1
A type of street in Liscor that hosts numerous market stalls where goods are sold.
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
The local municipal law enforcement tasked with keeping order in cities.
aka The Watch, the guard +27
The skeletal remains of a person that Erin discovered in an upstairs bedroom of the inn.
aka the skeleton, a pile of bones +18
A small, child-like Goblin who attacks Erin out of grief and is spared by her.
aka the small Goblin, the ragged Goblin +12
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
A guild hall in Liscor where adventurers gather, accept quests, and turn in bounties.
aka the Guild
Antinium that break from their programming, go mad, and violently attack everything around them.
aka Aberrations, rogue Aberrations
A class focused on running inns, hospitality, and tending to guests and establishments.
aka [Innkeeper], Innkeeper (class) +6
A class for women who serve drinks and food in taverns or inns.
aka [Barmaid]
A Skill obtained by Erin, likely as a result of throwing objects during her fight.
aka [Unerring Throw]
Small flies with fat, glowing green abdomens that burst into corrosive liquid when ruptured.
aka acid fly, glowing green flies +7
A heavy cast-iron skillet used by Erin Solstice.
aka cast-iron skillet
“I don’t really care. So long as we don’t get orders, we’ll leave them alone if they stay clear of the city. Goblins are part of the wild. If you get rid of too many, the bigger monsters don’t have anything to snack on.”
“I am sorry, Erin Solstice, but everything is chaos, no? I was lucky not to lose my goods, but many have lost all. Pillows must wait. Come back another day, please.”
“I don’t care. It sounds creepy, but whatever you Humans like is fine by me. Just keep him out of the city. I just needed to give you a warning.”
“I am not sure I have any advice to give you, Erin Solstice. I am not experienced in the ways of this world.”
“Could we perhaps stay here? I promise you we won’t cause any trouble, and we have plenty of coin.”
“Upon my honor, I promise. I will not attack any of your guests unless provoked.”
“I know. They’re bugs. But Klbkch was special.”
“I hope not. Not if I have anything to say about it. I think this one will stay in the Hive.”
“My position is temporary. But any possibility of a Worker becoming Aberration must be dealt with swiftly. Interfere and I will be forced to consider you an enemy.”
“Too many damn Goblins around. I’d clean them up, but apparently that’s not allowed.”
“Not just because he was a guard, y’know? He was different. He had a name. I couldn’t believe it when he introduced himself. And he’s the only Antinium I’ve ever heard of with a level higher than 10. He was special.”
“By the way—and not that I care too much, but you should know—there’s a new Prognugator in the city.”
“Maybe if we had time—but we don’t. The Watch is overwhelmed right now. Those damn adventurers keep disappearing into the ruins, and we’ve had to patrol the area to catch all the things that come crawling out of there.”
“It’s not your fault. Even if the game’s nearly over, you’re the one who decides that. Knocking over someone else’s king is rude. Got it?”
“…It is common knowledge that those Antinium who refer to themselves as individuals or have names are subject to fits of violence and unpredictability. More, I cannot say, but my role is to judge such errant individuals and terminate them if necessary.”
“That’s right. We knew there was an inn in the area, and we wondered if it was still open.”
“They’re Goblins. They’re monsters. We’re adventurers. I’m sorry Miss, but we were just doing our jobs.”
“But I can prove we weren’t doing anything wrong. We were here to meet a certain [Necromancer] at the time. It’s just a guess, but I’m betting you know him.”
“Everyone else seems like they’ll be okay, but are you going to obey my rules, or do I have to kick you out?”
“Your rooms are upstairs. Go ahead and pick whatever one you want. We might have to get two beds for cow-guy, but it should be fine.”
“If the individual known as Pawn is not Aberration, he may be allowed freedom within the Hive.”
“I assure you, Mistress, um, Erin. This was all a mistake. If we’d seen the sign, we wouldn’t have attacked.”
“Normally, someone would have raised the alarm, and we’d have put out the fire quick. But it happened late last night, and by the time we got one of the mages out here, it was too hot.”
“It was what Klbkch was. Don’t ask me what it means. It’s some important role in the Antinium Hive. Their war-leaders were called that—but Klbkch told me it’s deeper. They’re pretty much like Watch Captains, though. For their entire Hive.”
“Your interference has been noted. Your complaints will be heard by my Queen once she has completed her business. Regrettably, she is indisposed at the moment, but you may request an audience at a later date.”
“We’re working on it. No one’s happy. Normally, we’d have caught the thief, but there are so many of you damn Humans in the city—no offense.”
“They’re my guests. And that’s my skeleton you just beat up! This is my inn, and no one kills Goblins around here! Didn’t you read the sign? Does anyone read the damn sign?”
“Look, you didn’t kill the Goblins. So I guess I’ll forget that. But if you stay here, you will either obey my rules or you can sleep outside. Got it?”
“You’re not dead, so I’d say she took it well. She kept talking about ‘time lost’ and ‘needless valuable resources expended’ when she talked with the Captain. But never about Klbkch.”
“It may be so, but my knowledge extends mainly to my Hive. I was not I until very recently. Thus, my awareness is only now expanding.”
“Don’t thank me. I just don’t feel like doing more than I have to for my job, that’s all.”
“I can’t, Erin. We’re all working overtime as it is. All the adventurers coming through—excuse me, the Human with the red hair and face-thing?”
“It’s just that I don’t know what I should be doing, you know?”
“You cut him for speaking. I’m not letting you anywhere near him unless you explain things. No—better yet, I want to go with him.”
“He isn’t. You know it. I know it. He hasn’t done anything. So he’s not an Aberration, right?”
“I am your chess teacher! I am Innkeeper Solstice, and I order you to tell me!”
“I might know him. This, uh, necromancer. Can you describe him?”
“I don’t like people who attack Goblins. They’re my guests, and you chased them off.”
“I was looking for you. You busy? Because you are now.”
“You think the little freaks you’ve been feeding are good? I hear they’ve been fighting a war with the rest of their tribe—when they’re not scaring travellers and stealing their goods.”
“The Prognugator must not be disturbed. The Prognugator will slay all who interfere. Innkeeper Solstice must not die. Innkeeper Solstice must not die.”
“Those who are Aberration kill. They are Individual and reject the Hive. They destroy.”
“Everyone’s saying it’s a Human that did it.”
“To determine if the individual known as Pawn is Aberration.”
“I have come to ascertain the state of the Worker which refers to itself as ‘Pawn’. I will bring this Worker back into the city with me. I apologize for any inconvenience.”
“I won’t—let you take Pawn. You don’t have to do this.”
“That’s enough. Pawn is my guest. I won’t let you take him.”
“I believe you were out at the time.”
“The Hive within Liscor has been in—disarray. My appointment to this position was out of necessity. All shall be restored to order shortly. Until then, I carry out my roles.”
“I just wish I could do something important, that’s all. Something useful.”
“Pawn is different, though. He is. So—that Ksmvr guy will let him go, right?”
“Let me get this straight. You guys are an adventuring group, and you just happened to drop by.”
“This…is an inn, correct? Don’t you have rooms to rent?”
“Okay, then. In that case, I have a few rooms upstairs. Enough for all of you. But I don’t have any pillows.”
“Give that to Warsh, please. The Drake over there? The one with yellow scales? Thank you.”
“Low-level mages. And there’s not much call for water magic specialization around here. We had to let the fire burn out and clear the rest of the street before it spread.”
“A what? They used fire magic. A spell.”
“Isn’t there a way to track this thief down? Magic? Or…some kind of Skill?”
“You’re not—not going to have to hunt them down are you?”
“The damn Goblins. Whatever. Don’t worry; I’m not going to arrest you. I’m just giving you a warning. I also hear you’ve got a pet skeleton.”
“I just wish I didn’t feel this way.”
“Good evening. Am I speaking to the [Innkeeper] known as Erin Solstice?”
“Good game. You want to play another round?”
“Stand. Make no sudden movements. You will be questioned.”
“We will return to the Hive. Any actions will be met with appropriate punishment. Is that clear?”
“Good day to you. My apologies for the interruption.”
“It is forbidden to speak of Hive matters to outsiders. This one may not speak.”
“Get off! I’m going to save Pawn! Let go!”
“That’s crazy! Why? What did he do wrong?”
“Innkeeper Solstice must not interfere. Innkeeper Solstice must not.”
“I own this place! What are you doing attacking my guests?”
“It is impossible. Innkeeper Solstice must go back to her inn.”
“Get it off! There’s a skeleton too! Toss me my sword!”
“It is too late. The Hive will be sealed while the individual known as Pawn is questioned. Innkeeper Solstice will not be able to enter.”
“They’re Goblins! And there’s a skeleton in there!”
“And how did you know the inn was here?”
“One more thing. Do any of you play chess?”
“Really? You might have trouble with that. Did you hear what happened last night?”
“I understand my resemblance to my predecessor has caused issues. I apologize for any confusion.”
“This one had lost the game. This one apologizes for time wasted.”
“This one—these ones believe the individual known as Pawn will be interrogated.”
“Those creatures are scum. They should be exterminated.”
“Then the Erin of now is surely an improvement as she is both an [Innkeeper] and one who teaches chess. I fail to understand the problem.”
“Yeah. They, um, don’t seem to care about death. It’s not their fault.”
“Okay, let’s play. But if you touch my king, I’m going to chop you up, got it?”
“Yes, but every tavern, inn, and home is full to the rafters with adventurers. There’s nowhere to sleep—not even in a shed. So we came here.”
“Yeah, but most of the settlements got destroyed during the wars. Ever since, few people have lived outside of the city. Besides you. And no one goes south unless it’s winter because of the Bloodfields.”
“So you lot came here, saw the inn was full of Goblins, and decided to kill them all, right?”
“I know. But you’re different.”
“This thief has some good magic—and not just the fire magic. A magical item, maybe. And high-level [Guardsmen] do get tracking skills, but almost all of the Watch here are former soldiers. We’ve got more levels in combat classes than our current class. We did have one [Guardsman] with high levels, but that was Klbkch..”
“Squiggly things. Lots of white tentacles and flesh. Disgusting. We think there’s some kind of brood monster in there, but no one who goes in that far has come out to tell us what it is. And the rest of the cowards are just clearing the rooms one at a time.”
“Wait, I don’t understand. Why are you taking him? Has he done something wrong?”
“Wait a second. Wait a second. I know Pawn. He hasn’t done anything wrong, and I’ve been playing chess with him every day for the last few weeks. Why are you taking him now?”
“I get that Krshia and Selys are busy. And so is Relc, although we barely talk and he hates my guts. But what should I do? I mean, obviously I’m running the inn, but I feel like there’s something else I should do. Something…useful besides cooking, eating, and paying for pillows.”
“They don’t even care Klb died.”
“I mean, what should I do? I need money, but it’s not as if this inn is hopping at the best of times. And I need several hundred gold pieces. That’d take years. The only way I might get that much money in one go is to become an adventurer, but I don’t really want to stab stuff or have my insides yanked out through my nose.”
“Was Erin important back in her world?”
“More of them over there! Kill them!”
“Oh, it was the mystery thief. Someone caught them last night, and they started a fire to get away.”
“Yeah. Apparently you got into a fight with a bunch of adventurers, right? Beat them up and stole their stuff?”
“Right. Well, I’ve got to go back to work. Oh—that’s right. I’m supposed to give you a warning.”
“What? No. Not at all. I was just a girl who played chess. Heck, I wasn’t even in college yet. I was trying to save up money for that.”
“So, what do the Horns of Hammerbad want with me?”
“Right, that’s Pisces. Okay, so you know him. And you’re here. And I guess you didn’t see the sign about not killing Goblins. Mistakes were made.”
“What? Oh. Oh. Yeah, I’ve got them. Tons of them. All empty.”
“Um, hi. I haven’t seen you around. What’s up?”
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am not Klbkch. Please refrain from making this error in judgment at any point in the future. My name is Ksmvr of the Antinium of Liscor. I serve my Queen as Prognugator. I have come on business of the Hive.”
“They’re not all bad, you know.”
“He looks—familiar. Just don’t freak out, okay?”
“Um, yes. I did. But they were attacking—”
“Please, Miss Solstice. This is a matter of the Antinium. I knew it would come. Do not interfere—”
“We were, ah, here before.”
“Take care of the inn, okay?”
“Good day to you, Erin Solstice.”
“What is that Ksmvr guy doing? Why does he look exactly like Klbkch!”
“No Worker who has become individual has ever not been Aberration.”
“Okay. So you’re adventurers from up north. You said you had a name…?”
“Breakfast is in the morning. There’s no alcohol, but I’ve got plenty of food. There’s an outhouse outside—just be careful that you don’t walk into a monster. If you see a huge moving rock, shut the door and stay quiet. Don’t go into the kitchen if you want something to eat—there are jars of acid lying around. Don’t drink anything green in general. No killing Goblins, the skeleton works for me, and if you see an ant-guy with two swords and two daggers, hit him and make sure he doesn’t go anywhere. Got it?”
“Okay. Is he going to be part of the Watch?”
“How? With a match or…?”
“I…haven’t seen you around the inn lately.”
“Things? Like…what kind of things?”
“Not to do it again?”
“You’re not going to do anything? Really?”
“Toren! I’ll have some water.”
“You probably know more than I do.”
“Move. Walk slowly without deviation.”
“The Worker will remain silent.”
“I said no. Didn’t you hear me?”
“I’ve got to go. I must.”
“Watch it! One of them knows magic!”
“We’re looking for a place to stay.”
“I don’t remember that.”
“That’s fine. We can make do.”
“I’ve got to get back there.”
“Interfering with my duties is a crime.”
“I’m going to stop it.”
“That is unacceptable. Move aside.”
“Oh, no. When we heard about three Human adventurers getting their tails kicked by an Innkeeper, some Workers, and a few Goblins, we laughed our scales off. We don’t care about what happens to those Humans. Just keep the skeleton away, and if that crazy [Necromancer] tries raising any more bodies, stop him.”
“Sorry, but do you think—?”
“I will not request twice. Be warned—”
“And if he is?”
“But Pawn isn’t violent!”
“I was going to buy pillows—”
“Okay. Why are you telling me, then?”
“Remain still, Worker.”
“How about you, bull-guy?”
“Oh. Okay. I’ll see you around.”
“I have lost.”
“I get it.”
“Wait. What are you doing?”
“He will be executed.”
“Innkeeper Solstice must not.”
“It may be so.”
“It is impossible.”
“It is impossible.”
“I must go.”
“The city’s that way.”
“He’s quite annoying.”
“The Horns of Hammerad.”
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Which way is this?”
“I did. Very well.”
“Let—go of me!”
“It is so!”
“There’s a sign?”
“You think so?”
“Yes. His name’s Toren. Uh—”
“Bleh.”
“Bleh.”
“He was.”
“W-wait.”
“I care.”
“Hm.”
“Maybe.”
“I must.”
“Well, yeah, but—”
“No one cares.”
“Hey! That’s really rude!”
“Last night?”
“Really?”
“A what?”
“A warning?”
“Klbkch?”
“None?”
“Tell me!”
“Why?”
“Interrogated? Why?”
“Why?”
“Why?”
“Guests?”
“Goblin!”
“Relc!”
“Oh. Um, t—”
“Yes—yes I—are you—?”
“I—”
“Yeah.”
“Oh man.”
“Hey…you.”
“What?”
“Sure.”
“So useless.”
“Oh, no—”
“Right?”
“Hey!”
“What’s ‘chess’?”
“Yo.”
“No.”
“Well—yes.”