Chapter 9 – City of Aranthia
After reviewing my status screen, it was clear my Strength and Charisma were falling behind. I decided to bring my Strength up to 350 and my Dexterity to 420. I rounded out my Constitution, Mind, and Spirit to 600. Finally, figuring I would be interacting with other Drow, I brought my Charisma to 380.
When I was done, I reviewed my new stats.
Name: Arch Evocatore “Arch-E”
Race: Half Elf (Dark Elf /Sea Elf)
Level: 30
Unused Stat Points: 0
Stats
Health Pool:
6,000
Mana Pool:
6,000
Stamina:
6,000
Health Regen.
600
Mana Regen.
600
Stam. Regen.
600
Strength:
350
Dexterity:
420
Constitution:
600
Mind:
600
Spirit:
600
Charisma:
380
Abilities
Talents:
Affinities:
Improved Dark Vision
200 meters
Dark Magic Affinity
100
Small Blades Mastery
Journeyman
Death Magic Affinity
100
Triton/Staff Mastery
Journeyman
Water Magic Affinity
100
Mental Resistance
Adept
Fire Magic Affinity
100
Poison Resistance
Adept
Air/Wind Magic Affinity
100
Cold Resistance
Master
Blood Magic Affinity
75
Underwater Breathing
Unlimited
Earth Magic Affinity
50
Marks
Mark of Understanding
Achievements & Boons
Traveler’s Gift
Cold Hearted Boon
Darkness Within
Greater Boon of the Spider Goddess
Though my Strength was still behind my other stats, overall, I was pretty well rounded at the moment.
With a mental command I grouped my Marks, Achievements, and Boons together so now that section looked like this:
Marks, Achievements & Boons
Mark of Understanding
Cold Hearted Boon
Traveler’s Gift
Greater Boon of the Spider Goddess
Darkness Within
That done, I looked down at my companion. Pinky seemed to be stuck to me like glue since her transformation. I could sense her elation coming through our connection. She was thrilled with the gift from the spider goddess and made a point every so often to tell me so.
“I love this new form. I feel so limber and can move in ways I never could before. I feel much stronger since you distributed your stats too. This is wonderful. Look, I can even put my leg over my head!” Pinkoria said in glee.
“Yes, it will make it easier to get into the city. We can even...” I began to reply until I turned and saw the position she was in. “Pinky, please stop. I get you are exploring your new mobility, but you will not be able to pass as a normal Drow acting that way.” I said in exasperation.
It was hard to be mad at her child like innocence of just getting comfortable with her new form. It was just distracting, and I wanted her to get it out of her system before we headed into populated areas.
Pinky eventually pulled herself together, as I took the time to further study my Summoning options. Most I expected based of the most recent boon I received, but a few surprised me.
Dark Summoner Summon Ability Options
Undead Skeleton
Undead Zombie (Corpse required)
Undead Caster (New)
Undead Abomination (Corpses required)
Cave Spider
Spider (Random) (New)
Drider (Random) (New)
Drider Guardian (New)
Summon Champion (Not Available)
My list was growing. I was slowly turning into a proper Dark Summoner. The undead additions were not something I was expecting. The fact that the Undead Caster did not require a corpse was very interesting. Summoning a random spider is kind of different too. Not sure how useful that will be but having more options isn’t a bad thing. The driders would be useful additions too. I still wonder why Summon Champion is not available, super weird, but something to sort out another day. Time to get my bearings.
Looking off into the distance I could see the massive city I assumed was Aranthia. We were in a cavern so large you could fit the whole state of New York in it. Heck the city of Aranthia had to be ten times the size of New York City. I still had a hard time wrapping my head around all of this being underground.
There were various mushrooms and plants that gave off an eerie glow. I could also spot various crystals that seemed to give off their own bit of radiance. The combination made for a dazzling sight that filled me with equal parts wonder and trepidation.
I was in some underground kingdom in another world. So far, I have encountered a demon, someone from the Winter Court, and a spider goddess. Granted I haven’t met the spider goddess in person like the other two, but she did talk to me through the completion of her quest. That seems far more troubling.
When I was younger, I was a good Catholic school boy, sure I had doubts, who doesn’t? After my parents died, I was a mix of angry and sad. I had a hard time reconciling my thoughts on the matter, my anger and my beliefs were at odds. In the end, I abandoned my religion and embraced a more atheist point of view. In truth, if God did exist, I was angry at him for the world I came from. It was easier that way, or so I thought.
Now, I’m not so sure about anything. If demons exist, then the other side exists too, but I’m not sure how I feel about that either. Knowing that God existed made me unsure about many things I, in all honesty out of pain, had believed. A part of me wanted to be seriously upset at said God but now I was not so sure. That didn’t mean I would be singing kumbaya, but it did mean what I thought was a solid foundation was pretty darn unstable. There is something more going on here.
Slapping my face a few times to bring me out of my melancholy, I resolved that even if the Dark was interested in me, that doesn’t mean I’m interested in it. Far too many stories about the folly of mortals striking deals with the Dark. Practically every story did not end well and there was always some double-cross or ulterior motive. For now, I’ll watch my own back and be as ready as I can be.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Thinking about being cautious, I was weary of this spider goddess too. All the notifications say ‘spider goddess’ and not a name, which means she is either deliberately keeping it hidden for some reason or something else is going on I don’t have a clue about, no surprise there. Heck, for all I know there is more than one spider goddess out there. One more thing to add to my list of things to figure out in time.
Well enough of that self-reflecting spiral, that was always my buddy’s gift, mental exercises. He taught me a meditation pose once, maybe I can try that while I wait for Pinky. It would give me some time to think about what I’m going to do when I get to the city.
I had adopted a meditative sitting position as I waited for Pinky and reviewed my Status screen and my various abilities. I figured meditation was not my strong suit so I might as well get better acquainted with my abilities. ‘OK, I’m bored now, time to figure out if Pinky is ready.’
Standing I turned to Pinky to check if she was finally ready. “Pinky, are you ready to make our way to the city?”
“Yes master. Thank you for indulging me” Pinkoria replied.
I nodded and we began our trek to Aranthia. We walked on what clearly was a well-trodden path or road. There was plenty of glowing fauna and as the path was angled just slightly downward you could see all the way to the gates. What looked like farms and waypoints were along the road as we drew closer to our destination. I could see men working in the fields and a few sets of guards or soldiers patrolling the area.
I mentally communicated to Pinky. “Those guards may be problematic. I’m not sure what the customs are for gaining access to the city. We will act as though we belong until they tell us different.”
“Very well master. Though you could unleash your horde on them. We are getting closer to being able to overpower others by numbers alone.” Pinkoria answered.
‘Of course, her go-to was kill them if they get in the way. Not that I was opposed to such an approach when a plan failed but I would like to try a plan first.’ I thought as we got in what appeared to be a line for entry into the city.
Worst case I figured I could try to bribe them. Camidon did give me some coin. As the man was Winter Court and they tended to have a cold logical to them, they were not as fun loving as their counterparts. The Summer Court was known for being more whimsical, they would be more likely to give you coin, but it would be from a different nation just to watch the ensuing drama. No, I was confident I could not trust Camidon, but I could rely on the fact that if he was beholden to an agreement he would deliver.
The guards talking to the various people as they passed through pulled me out of my thoughts.
“Keep it orderly, keep it orderly!”
“What is yer business in Aranthia?”
“No citizen papers? That’ll be 1 silver for entry.”
I gathered a good bit of information from that chatter. First, the guards seemed bored and not paying very close attention. Second, whether due to their negligence or their culture, I could pay my way in instead of worrying about papers.
It was our turn in the line and the guard seemed to perk up a bit when he saw me. ‘How odd, maybe Pinky got their attention? Her new form is a bit distracting.’
“Sir, may I ask what brings you to Aranthia?” The once bored, now very alert guard asked.
“I have a quest to complete. I will have to pay the 1 silver to replace my papers.” I replied.
My response seemed to make both guards uneasy. “Sir, I would never dare to imply a noble does not have the coin to pay the replacement fee. Nor would I think to dare require it from such a prestigious individual.” The guard said the last bit giving a slight bow.
‘Ah, so these guys think I’m a noble and they are worried I will cause problems for them.’ I thought in realization.
Pinky couldn’t help but speak up. “It is good they pay you the proper respect, Master.”
Getting into character, “This is good...” I took out one silver from my pouch and placed the coin in the guard’s hand. “However, take this for your trouble of re-issuing me papers that will ensure I encounter no further delays.” I said the last part giving the man a stern look.
That seemed to help the guard fall into familiar patterns. He was being compensated by a noble to ensure that noble had no further problems at other gates and checkpoints. The guard turned to a satchel that was near the guard door and withdrew a paper and some kind of tool.
The guard spoke as he marked something on the paper and pressed the tool to the paper. “This will prevent any further delays, Sir. The seal acknowledges your right to travel anywhere in the city and can be used by your companion if she is running errands in your absence.”
‘Ah so the tool was some kind of magical seal. Convenient.’ I thought as I took the paper and put in into my bag. “Thank you, guard...?” I paused, making it clear I wanted his name.
“Guard Siffer, Sir.” The guard replied.
I nodded in acknowledgement before taking Pinky’s hand and walking through the gates like I owned the place.
Once through the gates, the throngs of people moving from one place to another was actually rather impressive. The streets were packed and there were clear flows, or directions the crowds of people moved. Signs for various shops could be seen along the streets.
‘How many people lived here?’ I absentmindedly thought as Pinky, and I continued to move further into the city.
Telepathically I told Pinky, “Keep an eye out for an inn, preferably in a nicer part of town.”
“We should find a guide, Master.” Pinkoria replied.
“Agreed.” I answered.
We continued to walk and keep an eye out for anything of interest. When we approached our first cross-street, I spotted a building with a sign that read ‘Aranthia Information Broker’. With a mental prod to Pinky, we both entered the building.
Inside the building were several lines and more waiting. People were coming and going from side and back exits. They looked like couriers in dirty clothes not much better than rags, several looked to be children. ‘No child worker laws here. No surprise, most people back home had no idea such concepts were relatively new and only existed in some countries. Well time to get in line.’
Surprisingly, the lines moved very efficiently. When someone reached the front of their line, they would ask a question of the person behind the desk. I heard the people behind the desks call themselves information brokers. They would reply with a price for the information. If they agreed on the price the customer would pay the broker and leave after the customer got their answer they would pay and then leave. At times a courier would be called over or sent out and the customer would move to the side. A courier would return, whisper something in the broker’s ear and then leave. The broker would renegotiate the price. It was a very impressive system.
As the line went relatively quickly, we were in front of the information broker in no time.
The man in front of me was clearly a deep gnome. In a very bored tone, he asked while not even looking up “What do you wish to know?”
Having already decided what information to ask for, I did not hesitate to ask. “I want a map of the city. Location of an inn or place to stay in a decent part of the city. Lastly, I would like to know what you have on the spider cultist dungeon.”
The last part made the information broker finally look up at me, his eyes going wide. “Of course, Sir. Umm... I take it you are new to the city of you are asking for a map.”
“I am.” I replied shortly.
“Ah. Then you must not know there is a separate information broker building near the Noble district. They are better suited to serve the nobles...” Realizing he may have said something wrong the information broker quickly added, “but Sir, of course I would never think to turn away a noble. Just providing you information to make your time here in Aranthia better.”
‘Man, how bad were the nobles here for both the guards and this guy to respond in such a way.’ I thought before replying how I think a noble would act. “And my information?”
“Oh, sorry sir. A few follow up questions. How up to date would you like the city information? How detailed do you want the map to be? Is there specific data you are looking to have on the map?”
“What? Why? Are there options?” I asked in confusion.
The broker seemed to fall more into a sales pitch. “But of course, noble sir! We can provide you with anything from a simple high-level map of various degrees of age to maps that identify businesses or noble family holdings, or many other variables. Our brokerage services even here can provide such information.”
Well, that was interesting news. Here I was just looking for a simple map, but now I’m not so sure. My quest requires me to decide the city’s fate, whatever that really meant. Having knowledge of the businesses and political factions would give me an advantage in planning my next moves. My biggest concern is costs. My Winter Court guide did provide me with a decent amount of money but at the moment my revenue streams are non-existent. I will have to address that sooner than later.
“I require more than just an old high-level map.” I answered.
“Of course, sir. If you allow me, I can have one of the couriers take you into one of our private broker rooms. This would allow you to ask your questions and get the information you require in privacy.” The information broker stated.
With my agreement the broker called over a courier. “Please escort this fine gentleman and lady to our best private room.”
“Yes sir!” The courier, who was clearly a child of no more than 8 or 10 years of age, replied to the broker before turning to us. “Right, this was Sir and Lady. If you would please follow me.”
We followed the courier to a room with a large round table and several chairs. Shortly after the courier left us in the room the door opened again and in walked an older dark elf woman using a walking cane.
“Welcome to the Outer-gates Information Guild of Aranthia. I hear you are looking for a detailed map of Aranthia.” The old woman said.
Pinkoria spoke up. “Yes, my master requires a map and possibly a guide to this city.”
The old woman turned to Pinkoria. “Interesting. You serve this noble?”
“He is my master. You would be so lucky to serve him.” Pinkoria replied.
“I am sure that is true. I meant no offense. It is just rare for a woman to serve a man in this city. Do not get me wrong, of course nobles are known to have slaves and servants. Most male nobles know better to keep their female slaves at their estate. Most of the positions of power are run by women in this city. Women are allowed to have male slaves do as they wish even in public, but it is very taboo for the reverse to occur.”
“That seems a bit hypocritical.” I couldn’t help but comment.
“You really are new to the city. My people call me Sylph.” The old woman I now knew as Sylph replied.
“I am Arch-E, and this is Pinkoria, but I call her Pinky.” I answered.
“The city was not always this way. Back when I was a child, I remember men and women worked and prayed together. Then a sect of one of the spider goddesses rose up.” Sylph began to explain.
That statement caught me off guard. So, I had to ask. “One of the spider goddesses? I only knew of the one that created the dark elves.”
“Hahaha. Yes, that is the popular belief now but that is not what we used to believe. One spider goddess Arianrhod has gone by other names but has always been a Weaver of fate, a helper and protector. The other, Shilova, some have called her the great Arachnia. That goddess has revealed in the Dark, twisting and the corruption of one’s fate. She is the one many of the priestesses’ worship now. They spout women superiority and encourage betrayal and subterfuge.”
I interrupted again. “Wait... what happened to those that believe in Arianrhod? My understanding was worshipping any spider goddess has fallen out of favor with the populace.”
“That is publicly the stance of the people but old ways, especially ones that give you license for bad behavior, are hard to let go of. Many behind closed doors still worship Shilova and follow her teachings. Now normally I charge for information but this I will tell you as part of the price for the map. There are a few of us who still pray to Arianrhod and try to keep her teachings alive, but it is kept even more quiet. There are even a very select few that have been granted blessings by Arianrhod.”
“Blessings?” I asked.
“Yes. Like the ability to know your friend there is not a dark elf but in actuality a spider.” Sylph answered nonchalantly.
I rose to my feet, ready to draw a weapon or cast a spell if needed. Sylph waved me to sit back down. “Please sit. I have no interest in bringing you to harm. Your friend’s secret is safe with me. As far as I know such an ability can only be granted by a spider goddess. If you are such a being, I must assume you are here for a purpose. Either you serve the Light or the Dark. Which is it?”
I sat back down, my mind racing until an idea popped into my head. “If you agree to a contract, I can answer your questions if you answer mine and we both swear to not reveal what we know without the permission of the other. Deal?” I said the last part sticking my hand out and activating my Form Contract ability.
“Hmmm. I take it you have some sort of magical binding or contract ability?” Sylph hypothesized.
“Yes. Do we have a deal?” I responded.
Sylph got up and slowly walked to me and took my hand as she said, “Deal.”
The Form Contract ability took hold, and I could feel the agreement firmly affixed itself to both of us, like it was a burden we both must now carry.
The old dark elf activated some kind of magic and what looked like a magical bubble spread out to encompass the whole room. Sylph took a seat next to us and answered my questioning look. “Magically shielded the room. I can teach you the spell. It comes in handy when you do not want others to be able to listen in on your conversation.”
“Wow. That would be most helpful.” I replied.
I received a prompt.
Sylph, Master of the Aranthia Information Guild has offered to teach you the spell: Information Ward. Do you wish to learn the spell? Yes, or No?
I immediately selected yes. I felt the knowledge flow into my mind and a few moments later I knew the spell.
Information Ward
Description: This spell will shield an area around you to prevent information from getting out of the area. This also will shut down any remote viewing or listening spells.
“With that done, my question, are you with the Light or the Dark?” Sylph pressed.
“I was brought here by the Dark and the Winter Court.” I answered honestly.
“The Winter Court? They are not known for working with the Dark. That is odd.” Sylph replied.
“Well, I don’t know much about that. I can tell you my two guides did not seem thrilled to be working together. There was some agreement in place.” I told Sylph.
“That would make more sense. Why are you here?” Sylph inquired.
“I was told to complete my trials. I was thrown into and destroyed the Corrupted Spider Cultists Dungeon...” I began to explain but this time Sylph was the one to interrupt me.
“You destroyed the Corrupted Dungeon?!”
I answered honestly. “Yes, I got a quest from the spider goddess to do so. Though now I wonder which one. My assumption is it is Shilova, seeing how the Dark has taken an interest in me and I am completing their trials.”
Sylph pondered that news for a few moments before speaking up. “You may be correct but just because the Dark has laid a claim to you does not mean you are not helping the Light either.”
“Huh? What are you talking about?” I asked in confusion.
“Yes, a discussion for another time. Do you have a quest from Shilova?” Sylph said.
“I do. Well, the quest says it is from the spider goddess. It does not actually say her name.” I answered.
“Interesting. What does your quest say?” Sylph probed.
“I was to determine the fate of this city and the people in it. The quest was kind of vague.” I replied.
“Fascinating. Do you have any idea how to accomplish such a thing?”
“Well...” I started to answer and then realized I was providing all the information. “Hey, are you using an ability or spell on me?” I voiced my concerns.
Sylph chuckled. “Hahaha. My apologies. I activated a Zone of Truth spell as I activated the Information Ward. Old habits of being a broker. I meant no harm.”
Pinky literally hissed at the woman. “HISSSSS! Do that again and you will be my new snack.”
Sylph raised her hands. “I mean you or your master no harm. When I saw you with Arch-E, I thought you were a servant of the goddess. I had hoped you might be here to help the city, so I had to meet you.”
“Give her a break Pinky. She is only doing what we would’ve done.” I chimed in.
“Very well Master, I will refrain from eating her... for now.” Pinkoria said.
“That is most kind of you. I meant it when I said I had no intention to harm you. How do you plan to go about your quest?” Sylph replied.
“That is the problem. I’m not exactly sure. I’m no slouch in the brains department but my buddy DW was always the strategist. First things first, we need to find a place to stay. Then start making some money. If I can get a steady stream of revenue coming in, I can use that to start making waves. Any suggestions?”
“Several. You could join the Adventurers’ Guild. There is no shortage of quests and jobs there. You could also scout or join the military. With the conflict against the Naga, there are plenty of opportunities there as well.” Sylph explained.
“Conflict with the Naga? That doesn’t sound good.” I spoke up.
“No, it is not. The Prime Minister of the city is a puppet for the head Priestess. In theory she no longer holds any authority, a religious figurehead only. In truth, she still pulls the strings. The priestesses hate the Naga and their pro warrior culture. Though the excuses we hear are utter nonsense, like ‘they attacked first’, or ‘they want to enslave our women’. All lies used to promote their agenda.”
“This priestess sounds like really bad news.” I chimed in.
“She sounds like a genius to me master.” Pinkoria stated.
I looked at her incredulously. She replied, “What? Standard queen tactics.”
Sylph spoke up. “You are both correct. She is a genius and very bad news. Now back to your question about making money. I can get you an introduction to the Adventurers’ guildmaster, she owes me a favor.”
“That would be most helpful.” I answered.
Sylph pulled out a rather large map from a bag at her waist. “This map will provide you a layout of the city and a breakdown of every major faction and noble family you should concern yourself with.”
I took the rolled-up map and put it in my bag. “Why are you helping us? I have a quest from the Dark, the rival to the spider goddess you pray to.”
“As I said earlier, even the Light can use the actions of the Dark to their advantage. I’m not so sure which spider goddess gave you the quest, but you have free will, no matter what anyone tells you, it is for you to decide what you will do. I am doing my part.” Sylph replied.
“Well thank you Sylph.” I said.
“I can have one of my couriers guide you to one of the upscale inns. However, I recommend you purchase an estate sooner than later. You will be seen as a noble here and will require a place to do your own power plays when the time comes. I will help you as much as I can in this.” Sylph answered.
I had to ask, “Why?”
“Simple. I do not care for the way things are now. Either way you shall be a force for change. After all my long years of life I have learned when to spot a winner.” Sylph stood, leaning on her cane, and deactivating her spell.
“Thank you again Sylph for the information.” I said as I shook the woman’s proffered hand.
“When you exit the room, my courier will take you to the inn I mentioned. Thank you for your patronage.” Sylph said before walking out the door.
“Shall we Pinky?” I asked as I offered my arm to escort her out of the room.
She replied mentally, “Of course Master.”