Quotes featuring Selys

“He gave you his Senior Guardsman’s healing potion? But that’s expensive. You must have been badly injured if Klbkch gave you his potion.”

“Well, it’s important that the Watch carries them in case someone gets hurt. They’re not supposed to use them unless someone’s really hurt, though. Like…citizens. And the potions the Senior Guardsmen carry are even stronger. They can heal most big injuries in a moment. Unless you lose an arm or a body part, you’ll be fine in moments.”

“Oh, if it had been a Goblin raiding party, we’d have sent out the entire Watch to deal with them. I just don’t understand why a Chieftain would come after you. It doesn’t make sense.”

“We’ve got lots, just in case there’s an emergency. How much do you need?”

“So you really have blood coming from down there? And it happens every month?”

“I’ve stitched up more than a few adventurers right here. I can make a few of these pads quite quickly if you want me to. I’ve got the Skill [Fast Stitching], so it won’t take more than a few minutes.”

“Well, doesn’t that make sense? If you’re going to make these pads dirty, why not rewash them rather than keep throwing them away like the ones you talk about.”

“Well, back on the topic of pads…why not make a few that you can re-use more than once?”

“I can see that. But I would have known it anyways. Terbore might growl at you, but we all heard about how you killed that Goblin Chieftain by yourself. That was some story.”

“Oh yes.”

“It’s nothing. Really. I’ll start on this pad right away. How should it look?”

“Oh, are you a [Mage] then? I saw a Human one in town the other day, but apparently he’s a troublemaker and a thief.”

“He said you were wounded. Was it bad?”

“Very. At least, the ones I know the Watch issues to Senior Guardsmen.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m happy to help. But I’m afraid I could have warned you that innkeeping in that old inn isn’t a good idea.”

“It is. Here’s another pad.”

“You’re lucky. Goblins are a real problem around here. I mean, sure, the lone Goblin isn’t that dangerous. But they’re one of the few monster species that can level. That’s why we send out Senior Guardsmen and post bounties on Goblins to keep their numbers down. Before we get a Goblin Chieftain with high levels. Or a Goblin Lord.”

“A Goblin raid. Haven’t you heard of them?”

“See, that’s not too good. If you were in the city, I’d say you should get apprenticed to another [Innkeeper]until you’re at least Level 15. It might take a year or two, but then you’d have a few good skills to run your inn with. And I wouldn’t have an inn that far away from the city to begin with.”

“I don’t want to be rude, Erin, but that’s not too impressive. All cooks and chefs have [Basic Cooking] as a skill. Some even have [Advanced Cooking].”

“Dead gods, no. If we hear about one of those, we form a hunting party and try to get rid of it right away. A raiding party can wipe out a village in an hour if we don’t get to it in time.”

“Well, I’ve heard Relc talking in bars. He says you make pasta. Is…is that all you sell?”

“Klbkch had to turn in the Goblin Chieftain’s head here. We all heard about how you killed it. That’s amazing, by the way—Klb says you don’t even have any levels in a fighting class. How’d you do it?”

“You could make other things, but there are a lot of good inns in the city. And we get recipes from the Human cities up north all the time. Even if you sold a new dish, someone would copy it the next night.”

“Both, I’d say. It’s dangerous to come out that far—well, not too dangerous, but it’s a bit of a deterrent. Your being Human isn’t bad, but…”

“Don’t mention it. And good luck with your innkeeping. I’m sorry I had to say it like that, but—”

“That’s so weird.”

“It’s not that they’re stronger than the Watch. Relc, Klbkch, even some of the regular Watch are probably better fighters than Chieftains on a technical level. It’s just that they’re Hobgoblins—tough. And strong. And when they call their tribe, well, the average group of adventurers would get wiped out against that mob.”

“Chieftains? Yes, but we have to be careful. Most Bronze-rank teams can’t survive an encounter with a strong one. Silver-ranks have to take on tribes—and there are some that even Gold-rank teams can’t handle.”

“Well, what level are you? Ten? Twenty?”

“That’s expensive. And gross. Sorry, Erin, but I’m not sure you’ll have enough money for that. Bandages are cheap, but you’ll be using a lot if what you say is true. Again. Gross.”

“I know you felt safe in the inn, but after this, things will be different. It isn’t just about Goblins. If the Watch doesn’t patrol the plains, more monsters will start appearing. Without protection or high levels, you won’t survive.”

“You never ask them what their names are! They don’t have any!”

“Erin!”

“Erin!”

“That’s good.”

“Hi? Erin? Are you—are you okay?”

“They just don’t!”

“Look, Erin, I know how you’re feeling but—”

“But—there’s monsters. Just stay here. I have an apartment. You can stay the night, okay?”

“Look, Erin, I wanted to talk to you. I know this isn’t a good time, but I don’t think you should go back to your inn. You should stay here, at least for tonight.”

“And it’s not like you have to stay here forever. We could look into finding you a place in a Human city if you really didn’t like it. It’s just that it’s a bad time to be here. I know it’s not your fault, but the others—”

“Really. Really? That’s surprising. I, uh, thought you lot would think differently.”

“Hi, Krshia. Um, how’re you?”

“No, not me. I just wanted to see how Erin was doing. I, uh, heard what happened.”

“Look—I could get you a job in the Adventurer’s Guild as a receptionist. Some of the others might not like it, but you’d be safe there, and you’ll earn enough to eat and live in the city.”

“Erin, please.”

“Oh my—”

“Not a good idea. Those Goblins might still be out there.”

“What are they doing? They shouldn’t be here! Someone should call the Watch!”

“What? Erin!”

“Tribes—Erin, back away.”

“She’s insane. They’re going to kill her. It’s going to kill her. That was an Aberration—”

“What?”

“It is—but—I mean, it is, but no one levels up that fast! Erin, normally someone has to apprentice to someone else for years before they hit Level 10. Most kids—well, most people our age are barely Level 14 in their chosen profession around now. Maybe they have other classes—my friend, Drassi, switches jobs every other week, so she’s barely got levels in anything but [Gossip]. Still! Ten levels in a month?”

“Are you sure no one’s ever talked to you about this?”

“Exactly.”

“I…didn’t know that.”

“And that’s probably why you’ve leveled so quickly, Erin. Starting an inn by yourself—that’s got to be a lot harder than just working in one or taking over a business.”

“A big one. He was the Slayer, a Prognugator—”

“Erin, have you seen those giant soldier-types the Antinium keep in their tunnels? I caught a glimpse of one walking through the streets this morning.”

“—He was famous among his people, Erin. One of the few Antinium with a name. He—”

“They don’t need levels, Erin. They’re deadly enough as it is. If you gave them high levels and churned them out the way the Antinium can, they’d be an unstoppable army.”

“I don’t know much about chess, but I’ve seen Olesm play. You’re way better than he is, Erin. And you…um…Pawn.”

“People run for a living, Erin. I’ve never met anyone who walks. That kind of class would be a [Traveller] or a [Journeywoman]. You see? No wait, [Journeywoman] is an apprentice class. See? Now you’re getting me confused.”

“Um, did…no one ever tell you this when you were growing up, Erin? I mean, everyone knows this stuff. It’s basic.”

“In theory, you could have as many classes as you want. But in practice, even most Adventurers only have three or four classes, tops. It’s because you don’t just get a class even if you qualify for it. It has to become part of your life.”

“Are you serious?”

“You mean a [Gourmet]? I’ve heard some rich merchants and nobility have that class. Lifestyle, Erin. I hear there are some fat slobs who live all their lives just partying and living life up. [Hedonists].”

“Well, it can, but only if there’s a big difference in levels. Relc, for instance…he’s strong. He could probably take on a lot of those soldiers. Not that he would—don’t get me wrong! But he’s Level 32, I think. That’s incredibly different than a Level 13 [Warrior]. Does this all make sense, Erin?”

“Right. If you were a [Spearmaster] like Relc, say, and then you picked up a sword and started using that, you’d probably get the [Warrior] class until you were high enough level and had enough skills for a [Swordslayer] class or a [Duelist] class or something like that.”

“You q—ow! Stop hitting me!”

“But wasn’t chess invented only a few years ago by the Titan of B—”

“But then how are you so good?”

“What about some other class? Or is it a rare Skill?”

“And that’s another thing. How are you so good at that, Erin? Olesm says you’re the best player he’ve ever seen or heard of. Are you a high-level [Tactician], then?”

“I just don’t understand why you don’t know all th—”

“It was a great game!”

“Oh. Um. Oh, I—well, yes, classes change. It’s just usually in name to represent you’re more specialized or—or you’ve hit a higher level. For instance, [Tacticians] usually become [Strategists], but they can become [Leaders] or [Generals]. It depends on the Skills you have. And what you do with your life.”

“You’re joking. Right?”

“Look Erin, I know you want to stay in your inn, but it’s not safe. At least hire one of the low-level adventurers. They’re not that strong, but I could get you a good deal. Maybe we could call it a perpetual extermination request. Then the Guild would pay some of the costs.”

“Oh. Um. Sorry. I didn’t mean—let’s—let’s go.”

“Well, that was lucky. It’s a good thing he decided not to do anything. I’d hate to see a fight break out in the market, especially since we’re not done shopping. Good thing seeing you calmed him down, right, Erin? Erin…?”

“They must have gotten into a fight with the Watch. There will be trouble over this.”

“What’s that all about?”

“Adventurers.”

“I hope not. Adventurers and the Watch don’t get along. If he does, there will be trouble. Well, there’s already going to be trouble at the Guild, but an arrest would really make things worse.”

“Those are bad enough. But you haven’t seen the really bad monsters because the Watch keeps them away! Look Erin, I don’t want to hear you’ve been eaten or munched up into little bits one day.”

“Well, yes.”

“Here. Have a cup of this.”

“You really need to pay more attention. Wait here for a second.”

“Here, let me show you. The name of the continent we’re living on is Issrysil, according to my people—but no one says that. Everyone calls it Izril. It looks…like this.”

“They’re from down south, so they’re all Drakes or Gnolls.”

“I guess it was another incident with the adventurers. I didn’t recognize them from the Guild, so they must be from further south. And the ones we’ve been getting lately, well, they don’t like to obey the laws as much, so we’ve been getting a lot of complaints at the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“Not even for high-level adventurers. Nasty creatures live around there—they make the local monsters look harmless by comparison.”

“Okay, this is roughly where all you Humans live. See? The entire northern part of the continent except where the mountains start. From here…to…here.”

“And here’s Liscor. See, we’re the only way through the High Passes. Technically, there’s a route through the mountain range over here…but it’s infested with monsters. And of course the coastal routes to the east and west.”

“And Antinium, but only in the Hivelands. Right along the northwestern coast below the High Passes, see? There are other species, but there are only three—four, I guess—in Izril.”

“There’s always some fight between the Drake cities. Or with a Gnoll tribe. We’re not Baleros, but—right. You don’t know Liscor has an army. They don’t come home often. They’re mercenaries, technically. Always being hired by one of the cities or alliances that pop up. And there are a lot of them.”

“Not really anywhere. I guess you might find more of them among the Gnoll Tribes—but they don’t belong there either. They come from another continent further to the west, Baleros, but they’re peaceful and easy to work with. We’ve got one total in all of Liscor. Hawk the Hare, our Courier.”

“Here are the five known Antinium colonies outside of Liscor. Past this point is their territory. The Hivelands.”

“…Oh.”

“Hey! What’s wrong with my map?”

“Um, what I mean is that without—without enough guardsmen—”

“Well, does that make sense?”

“It’s huge. We’re getting a huge amount of merchants, adventurers, and business because of it. But of course that means more trouble when they get into fights with the Antinium or break the law. I hear the Watch is working overtime, and now that Klbkch is—”

“If you stray from the roads, I guess. But who’d risk exploring out there?”

“No. I won’t let you go alone.”

“Oh, you know the adventurers. They always talk about treasure and finding magical artifacts in caves and so on. But the ones around here are always poor, so I wouldn’t pay attention if I were you. Most slither on back to the city before they get much further than your inn, anyways. They’re all low-level, which is why none of them have dared enter the ruins yet. They’re waiting for the stronger adventurers to clear the way before they flood in.”

“Erin…”

“A lot of people died in his undead attacks and the Second Antinium War, hence all the abandoned places. The place you’re in is pretty safe. But if you go a few miles in any direction, you can find a lot of strange stuff.”

“Lots. Most, in fact. But this group is from down south. Past the Bloodfields. They must have risked the journey—it’s not too dangerous if you go wide around it—in hopes of finding worth in the north. Rare, but it happens. But they’re from the south.”

“Well, you are in a place that used to have quite a few villages.”

“No lizards. We wouldn’t tolerate their kind in cities anyways.”

“Who? No, not that Human. The Necromancer. From Terandria? The end of Silvaria? Az’kerash? Come on, Erin. Practically every Human north of us knows about him. He was from a while back and—well, we lost a lot of the area around Liscor. He destroyed entire Terandrian nations, but here, at Liscor, he met his end. The Antinium and Zel Shivertail brought him down, and that’s how the Free Hive was allowed into the city.”

“Okay, it gets a bit complex, but the big groups are the Walled Cities over here, the Gnoll Tribes of the plains, and the independent ports and cities in this area. Most of the inhabitants are Drakes, it’s true, but there are other species. For instance, nearly a third of the population down there are Gnolls. We have a few hundred Humans here and there…sometimes String-People or even Centaurs, Selphids, or other folk, but they’re just individuals rather than a community. Mostly in the Walled Cities.”

“You’re going to get yourself hurt! Or killed!”

“We were just talking about you needing someone to protect you! Without Relc and Klbkch—Erin, remember the Goblins? And there are far worse things out there! Believe me, I work with adventurers. I know.”

“Sorry, sorry! I forgot how soft you Humans are! Sorry!”

“They all got abandoned or destroyed over time, especially after the Necromancer.”

“Thanks. But the Watch is here for our protection. If they’re not guarding you—”

“Why do you keep on doing that?”

“Good thing you didn’t. Some of those places are pretty dangerous. I mean, not now, obviously, since it’s not the right season and the Watch was keeping them clear, but I’ve heard stories.”

“…Erin. Do you not know the local geography?”

“Oh, a few. But that was probably an all-Drake team. Gnolls—well, Gnolls don’t like working with other species as much. And not as many become adventurers, so we haven’t been getting as many.”

“Most of the new adventurers are coming from Pallass but it’s taking a while given how far they’re coming. I bet we’ll get a lot more and probably even some Human ones, but not for a few more days at least. Anyways, the reason all the adventurers are here is because of those new ruins. Didn’t you hear about them? Apparently, it’s some kind of underground complex—a huge one! They uncovered it a few days ago. Some [Shepherd] was walking with a herd and saw an opening in the hillside. It might be a dungeon.”

“No! It’s too dangerous! Don’t be stupid!”

“Do you know anything about this continent?”

“Only if you can protect it. Like I was saying, Erin—”

“Erin—”

“Erin! She's a really, really important person! I could lose my job if I make her mad!”

“She lent you money!?”

“Oh Ancestors! She's coming this way!”

“Erin! How are you not impressed?”

“Pathseeker! And it's Adventurer Pathseeker! That's how you should be addressing her. Or Gazi of Reim. Or…Gazi the Omniscient! That's her nickname!”

“Don't be rude!”

“Erin, how did you kill a nest of Shield Spiders? Even if you burned them, most adventurers would rather run than pick a fight with a Shield Spider if they're not Silver-rank or higher.”

“U-um. You wouldn't happen to be—I mean, are you…?”

“Incredibly. Steel blades can't even crack their shells.”

“You're calling her by her first name?”

“How? Did an adventurer do it? It can't have been just you.”

“Bounty…?”

“Erin, how do you know her?”

“Erin, she's a famous adventurer! You know; the kind people write down if they make a list of the top one hundred adventurers in the world!”

“Okay. Okay, I guess—I'll have to inspect them. And then we'll need to weigh the bodies. It'll take all day probably, but if you sign for them, I'll have your bounty waiting later.”

“No—we'll definitely take them. Do you even know how valuable Shield Spider bodies are? With the right skills, a [Blacksmith] could create shields, armor…”

“How did you—you know they swarm over anyone that falls into their nest and tear them apart, right?”

“Shield Spiders?”

“If we're just talking about active members of the city guards—then he's the strongest on the continent, by far. Perhaps the world.”

“You. Killed them.”

“You. Erin Solstice. Killed Shield Spiders.”

“Oh, of course! You can turn in—you have a bounty?”

“Shield Spiders?”

“What?”

“…Erin? What's going on?”

“Yeah, but to see her so far from her home continent—I suppose she really is done with war.”

“Oh. Excuse me.”

“Four pieces of silver on average per Shield Spider slain, but we'll pay you more for their bodies. Especially for the bodies.”

“Shield Spiders? Erin, that's not a good—you're mistaken. Or is this some kind of joke? You can't be serious.”

“You are an amazing Human, Erin. Or an oblivious one. Does nothing faze you?”

“Erin! Thank goodness you're okay!”

“Is it…Goblin ears?”

“The Antinium hate spiders. No wonder the Workers are freaking out. I'll have a few [Porters] do the work instead.”

“Don't you get it? There might be more powerful adventurers, but few of them have ever visited Liscor. And she knows you. Did she save you from the Shield Spiders?”

“Gazi the Omniscient. That's what they call her in other continents. She's rumored to be over Level 40.”

“Oh no. He's picking a fight with the adventurers! That idiot!”

“Klbkch was the fourth highest-level guardsman in the city. In terms of strength, though, he was probably second to Relc. He was the Slayer, but during the war—look, Erin, both had more levels in other classes, which is why they're so tough, understand? But even Klbkch was ten levels behind Relc.”

“I can't believe that just happened.”

“He was in the army. But he quit to become a guardsman. Thanks to him, we haven't had to worry about monster attacks for a long while. I'm not sure why Relc quit, though. He was famous as a soldier too.”

“Most people of his level, well, they either become adventurers, personal bodyguards, or soldiers. Being a city guard doesn't pay much, but Relc likes it. Probably because it's so easy.”

“He always does this. There's going to be a huge mess because of this, and he's probably hurt a lot of them badly enough for healing potions!”

“Erin!”

“They’ll stab you in the back when you’re asleep!”

“But they didn’t even steal anything important. Some food and a few coins—”

“How about a weapon? You could probably afford a good one with that much money.”

“Erin, are you going already?”

“The Guild pays a good rate for monster parts! If you’ve got a problem, Ylss, take it up with the guild master—or the council.”

“It’s too small. Look, you need a larger shield if you really want to equip yourself. Which I still don’t recommend, by the way. And even if you have both, you’re not a trained warrior, Erin. I could beat you, and I don’t even practice.”

“Erin, you really couldn’t. I had to take [Soldier] training—every Liscorian citizen has to be at least Level 1 for the army. Plus, my grandmother and my uncle gave me lessons. You’re good in a fight, but no soldier.”

“This is a terrible idea, you’ll see.”

“Suit yourself. Here’s a good shop the adventurers talk about.”

“Just don’t spend it all in one place, okay, Erin?”

“Why didn’t you hide it better? Or put it under lock and key?”

“A bribe? For who? Who’d use something as small as—wait. You’re not thinking of—Erin! No!”

“We can buy a vault or an enchanted lock and key if you want. I know a good shop—”

“No, but—”

“So let me get this straight. You don’t mind monsters attacking you, but the instant someone steals from your inn, you want protection?”

“Want to stop by the training grounds on the way to your inn?”

“You know buying a sword won’t immediately give you any classes? You need weeks—months of practice before you’ll learn any Skills. And I wouldn’t try swinging it around by yourself Erin, I really wouldn’t.”

“You don’t have to buy a weapon, you know. I keep telling you our adventurers will guard your inn.”

“Erin, those fire once. Ever tried reloading them? Not exactly fast—”

“That’s because Human adventurers go out and fight monsters instead of their city Watch. If you want to negotiate prices, go slay a Shield Spider nest yourself. Erin here—”

“That’s expensive. But it is good craftsmanship.”

“Give that to Warsh, please. The Drake over there? The one with yellow scales? Thank you.”

“What?”

“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?”

“Then walk behind me! I don’t want to be anywhere near you!”

“Try me. And get out of my way!”

“And I’m a receptionist at the Adventurer’s Guild. I’ll put a twenty-gold bounty on your head if you so much as raise an undead anywhere within twenty miles of the city.”

“What was that?”

“It’s an undead monster. And you—I thought you were just an [Illusionist] scaring poor people. But you’re that [Necromancer] Relc was talking about, aren’t you? Well, you leave Erin alone! She doesn’t need you bothering her!”

“You’re the one who made this—this thing, aren’t you? You evil, wretched—!”

“You flesh-faced jerk—”

“You had a bounty on your head until a week ago! You stay away from her or I’ll—I’ll—”

“You created that thing?”

“The—oh, yeah. I know. But it’s the north’s Five Families. They don’t have any power here. You’re lucky I recognized it—I don’t even think I could name all five.”

“No, there are no more requests available. Sorry. Next! You two, the Human and, er, pointy-eared Human! I’m assuming you’re a half-Elf, but let me know if I’m wrong.”

“You’re one of the first non-Drake Silver-rank teams we’ve had in the city in a while. I expected you’d be bigger. And don’t you have a Minotaur in your group? Please don’t let him cause any damage.”

“Oh, you’re that lot.”

“What can I do for you? And if it’s about lodging or supplies, don’t bother. The Guild is all out of everything.”

“Evil Goblins? Robbing you? And what are we supposed to do about it? Go and post a bounty if you’re that upset. But they’re Goblins. Go grab a sword and deal with it yourself!”

“Anyways, the Guild already approved your request, so there’s nothing to worry about. Go right ahead.”

“Apparently, he’s come representing some flower. No—oh! I see. House Reinhart. That makes more sense.”

“You’re fine. Go in whenever you like—just don’t bring any trouble out with you. The Watch is busy enough as it is.”

“—I know they’re influential, but Liscor isn’t ruled by Human nobility. They literally have no power here, and so if some ‘Reinhart’ wants to talk to the Council…”

“I didn’t ask. That’s what he’s saying. He wants to talk to someone important. Well, we have a Council, but they’re not going to listen to every Human noble who comes calling. But he’s persistent, and he won’t go away. Is this important?”

“Next!”

“Magnolia Reinhart? Wait, you think it’s her?”

“Listen. They’re your Five Families. Not mine. You want me to name all six Walled Cities? I can do that. Any child could. I think I have them. It’s Reinhart, Veltras, El…no, wait…”

“See? I knew that. Just not their names. Like—El? What kind of name is that? You Humans and your strange names.”

“Wait! You two!”

“Reinhart nothing. Lady Magnolia was the one who fought in the Antinium Wars! She broke the siege of Liscor! Naane—run to the Council! Tell them it’s her, not some random [Lady]! Of all the stupid—she’s like the one Human we’d hear out!”

“Sorry, but you’re from the north, aren’t you? There’s an annoying Human [Messenger] in the city, and he keeps bothering people.”

“Look, I don’t care how the Human cities do it. We don’t give out bounties for beating up [Thugs]. How do you know they were guilty anyways? Did you just beat up some kids? In the future, let the Watch take care of it. Next!”

“Well, I appreciate that. Most of you Humans—er, the Humans we get don’t obey many of our laws. If you could clear out those ruins so they all go away, I think the city would throw you a celebration.”

“Why would you need anything like that? You’re adventurers, right? Just go out and kill monsters and try not to get killed.”

“You stay here and help! If this wasn’t your fault, then help us!”

“You!”

“Oh, no you don’t!”

“Relc? What’s happening? Why are the Antinium fighting now?”

“Who was? Relc?”

““Y-yes, Grandmother.””

““Um. Hi. Follow me, Watch Captain.””