Their battle would be sung about in legends.
It would not be about Ulgrin frantically running away from Alyss as she threatened to throw bombs at him. Not at all. The stain upon his honor was merely hearsay and not witnessed by several very amused pit-fighters.
“So you’ve experience with a pickaxe?” Ulgrin asked, wiping at a smudge of black soot from where he’d been kicked in the armored shin. Thankfully he had won that exchange, the frail human bemoaning his ‘fucking dumb and stupid armor’. “I suppose being as strong as you are would make you a valuable worker.”
Saezz nodded. “This one came here seeking the secrets of the stone. Saezz comes from a rather simple life. Always interested in the baubles the traders bring. Metals… Excite him.” The lizardfolk gave a satisfied grin. “So he came here. Worked in the mines, proved capable enough to lead a team.” His grin became a frown; exposing quite a few sharp looking teeth. “Then politics became involved. Hrakshak.”
Ulgrin knew enough to believe that to be a fairly self-explanatory curse. “Politics, eh? Yeah, I can see it. This city is entrenched with old blood and old grudges.”
The lizard shrugged. “They kicked Saezz out when he failed to even try to use what you all call ‘diplomacy’. A few broken bones may have been involved. Fines levied against his person.” He gestured to the area. “So he came to the pits to fight and earn coins to pay off those debts.”
“And you're still here?”
“Yes. Saezz has nowhere else to go. The fights treat him well, so he stays. Now that you show up? He considers this a good path to take.”
Alyss piped in, having finally managed to wipe herself free of any dwarf-spit. It was odd how she was perfectly fine with being dirtied, but had such offense to this. Hypocritical humans. “If we’re successful, it’ll be plenty good! Ruin-delvers make good money… If they come back. It’s kind of a risky business, but those who make it make it big.”
“There will be danger, yes.” Ulgrin replied. “From what I’ve read of my grandfather’s notes, these ruins tend to contain things left behind to protect them. Or things that have broken and are deadly to those who enter.”
Saezz shrugged. “He is not afraid of the echoes of dead men.”
Ulgrin raised an eyebrow at that, but continued. “I’d like to hire at least one more person for a ‘dedicated’ team. If we need any laborers we can hire them closer to potential sites, but otherwise we shouldn’t need too many.”
“Four is a good amount,” Alyss replied. “Big enough to ward off minor threats, but not so large that we’ll be crowding a ruin.”
With that said, the three of them took off. Saezz momentarily stopped at his bunk to gather his things. Ulgrin saw a collection of colorful looking feathers. Pretty.
They began wandering through the town, this time headed towards the ranching district. With the menagerie of creatures brought to a town, a dedicated section would be required to keep things in order. Large paddocks had to be constructed to contain the larger species.
Cries of beasts filled the air as they got closer. Almost every creature under the sun and those below the earth could be found for the right price. Cages of songbirds and predatory dinosaurs, powerful looking Bulettes housed inside ironwood structures, and exotic creatures found only on the elemental realms that existed alongside their own.
Even the more titanic species could be found. Ulgrin’s eyes watched as a large elephantine creature let out a whistling ‘frooooo’. A Mammoth, only found far to the east where the cold where they herded alongside the tall moose-like Megaloceros. Larger still were the odd looking Paraceratherium.
He’d once seen a tapir and they possessed a striking resemblance to the massive beasts. Is it odd that I want to ride one?
Rather docile for such a large thing, it didn’t seem to mind being contained behind ten-foot high walls. It spent the time idly chewing on mushroom stalks and watching passers by.
More underground dwelling animals could be found here as well. Rock-drakes, the draconic creatures raised from the clutch to be less hostile to humanoids. Smart enough to know who feeds them, too. Various docile dire insects as well. Beetles were a Dunvi favorite. Ulgrin loved their shells and horns.
Adapted variants of aboveground creatures could be found as well. Generally they tended to be smaller or possess magical traits to help them survive down here. A species of miniature cattle that could conjure light, mosspigs that cultivated a thick coat of moss and mushrooms to aid them in hiding, and creatures like the ‘Cave Chicken’. Horrible creatures, those. Absolutely fowl.
The group’s meandering led them to a large barn-like building situated right in the middle of this district. Ulgrin was well informed about such a place because he had visited his town’s own branch many times. This was the Tamer’s Guild.
Whether it had hooves, horns, scales, claws, fur, gills, or blubber you had to come here to really operate in the business.
Making sure that people didn’t raise a Fang Titan like a Tyrannosaurus Rex or Abelisaurus in their backyard was their responsibility. They worked closely with the government officials to hand out permits and registrations. Even for farmers it was important to keep your flock in check.
They also settled cattle disputes, aided in finding lost herds, and could provide medical assistance when a normal doctor could not.
Here in the capital city, Ulgrin imagined their job wasn’t quite the same as the one in his town. This one was much larger, and necessitated more staff and duties.
The three of them had to stop as an aurochs was carefully led out the front doors. Five people ensured the large bovine creature wouldn’t panic, soothly calming the creature. He saw a set of bandages along its side and surmised it had been injured. Large creatures required expert handling to avoid stampedes. Deadly in a city like this.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Saezz is suddenly rather hungry…” The lizard spoke, watching the creature walk past with predatory eyes.
Alyss prodded him in the side. “You can eat later, big guy. If I can hold my inhibitions towards all the wonderful alchemical ingredients in this place, you can keep your appetite in check.”
“We’re on business, aye.” Ulgrin warned. “Lionel said the butcher had a trike slaughtered. It should be good eating tonight.”
Stepping inside, Ulgrin found a waiting room of sorts. Folks with their pets and livestock waited for their turn to be addressed. The larger specimens were pushed into stalls like that of a barn. Lots of broken wings, limbs, lacerations, and infections to be treated. He saw a dog-sized moth weakly twitching upon its owner's lap, an outbreak of fungus along its side.
Poor beasties.
Approaching the desk, the trio were given the standard spiel that ultimately meant ‘sit down and wait your turn’. They complied and sat down, sandwiched between a human with a very large crab and an elf walking a cute little compsognathus on a leash.
It was a fairly awkward wait, as most bureaucratic facilities are. Saezz kept having his foot gnawed on by the compy.
Not that the big man minded much.
Eventually their turn came and the three returned to one of the desks to speak. An aging gnome looked them up and down before speaking, “Business for being here?”
“First off,” Ulgrin replied, clearing his throat. “We’ll be needing a mining animal. Something with the senses to sniff out a gas leak before we suffocate. A canary or similar animal will do fine, so long as it doesn’t need much care.”
The gnome nodded, reaching up to pull free a few books. “Gas-sniffers, hmm? Let’s see.” He thumbed through several pages. “While we do have a small assortment of songbirds, they’re all on loan to the Miner’s Guild.” A moment of pause. “Ah, here. We recently were given the care of a rusthound.”
“Those are?” Ulgrin asked.
“Oh, let me!” Alyss said excitedly. “Rusthounds olfactory organs are used in quite a few potions. They’re a species of mammal adapted to the caverns. Has a nose well suited for sniffing out deposits of ore, but also in avoiding danger. Not actually an offshoot of dogs. They’re actually more related to foxes.”
“Quite astute, miss.” Their receptionist replied. “The owner unfortunately passed away in a rock collapse. We’ve received the creature and would be willing to part with them so long as you can afford it. It shouldn’t be too expensive,” the gnome eyed his equipment. “For you at least.”
Ulgrin sighed, trying to ignore his initial instinct to adopt a cute pet. “Can we meet the critter first?”
“Of course.” The gnome nodded. “Now, what was your other request?”
“It’s, ah, a bit of an odd one. I’m seeking people who want a change in profession. Someone who’s used to the wilds, has experience in ranging and hunting. The short of it is that I’m putting together an expedition. Want to head out and explore ruins in untamed territory. Hence the precaution for gas and the like.”
“An unusual request to be sure,” he replied, finger raising to fondle a white beard. “I can’t officially do much about this, but… Well, we might have someone. She’s never quite fit in, but I’ll let you pitch your request to her.”
“Lead the way,” Ulgrin replied.
The gnome led them down several sets of hallways. Occasionally barking, hooting, and hissing could be heard behind closed doors. It was a lively place to be sure.
Exiting the building, they found themselves in a large yard. Plenty of space for critters of medium size or below to run around in. Caretakers wandered, watching the packs of creatures. Some sections were cordoned off to ensure no incidents, while others were a free-for-all.
Waiting for them was a rather unique individual. A dark elf of moderate stature.
He knew their kind were unique. During the Shattering, many races had retreated down below to save themselves from certain death. Some had been affected by the magical storms taking place and changed, adapting to the environment. Drow were one such case, finding themselves more at home below when the cataclysm ended.
This one possessed a shortly cropped head of white hair and light purple skin. A confident and pristine face was marred by a single jagged scar running across her nose. Her red eyes perked up and she turned away from the creature she was tending to. A species of ornithischians known as ‘Thornshields’ for their large and appropriately spiked skull crests.
It gave a snort as they approached, wary and tensing its thick and clubbed tail.
“Hush. Friend.” She spoke, gently swatting it on the head. “Ornis, what can I do for you? It isn’t time for a shift change.”
The now named gnome waved a hand. “Some other business, I’m afraid. You and Wreath have been with us for some time now and I’ve noticed you don’t particularly enjoy it here.” Ornis gestured to Ulgrin. “This dwarf here has a proposition for you. Ulgrin, this is Raelza.”
“What kind of proposition?” She said, confused. “I’m not being fired, am I?”
“No, no,” Ulgrin raised his hands defensively. It wouldn’t do to have two of his companions be forced out of a job. “Just an offer. I heard you’re looking for a more… hands-on job?”
“Oh gods please. I’ve had my fair share of shoveling shit for a lifetime, and my kind live for three hundred years.” She shook her head. “What’s on the table? Just know that Wreath here and I are a package deal.” She patted the thornshield on its neck and it gave a low rumble in appreciation. “So what’s it gonna be? Monster extermination? Rich noble wants to go on a hunt?”
Saezz took the chance to butt in. “We shall venture deep into untamed territory, battle vicious creatures, and delve into dangerous ruins. A life of valor, of thrill, of exploring what has been long lost. As someone with a bond to the coldbloods, you know what Saezz speaks of, no?”
I’ve got to admit, he can be fairly eloquent when he wants to.
Raelza furrowed her brow, thinking about it for a moment. “That sounds good to me. Guess your boss here was about to go on a spiel about benefits and blah-blah-blah. I can figure it out.”
“He is a bit of a scholar, I have to admit. And not in an exciting way like me!” Alyss replied smugly.
“You’re really boosting my confidence.” Ulgrin replied dryly. “One of us has to have booksmarts.”
The drow stepped forwards, guiding her animal companion close. “Well, let’s see what my better half has to say about you.” She guided the bipedal dinosaur to sniff him. “There. What do you think?”
Wreath sniffed and examined him. The creature was tall, about the size of a horse. One headbutt or a swing of its clubbed tail would have him on the ground. Still, Ulgrin had been raised around animals and knew when to back down and when to stand his ground. More than one ornery ram had faced his ire.
The thornshield had a pair of small amber eyes, staring at him behind a massive crest of black bone. The dark armor continued down the creature’s spine, granting it significant protection before ending in a spade-shaped tail. Its scales ranged from a mottle orange and brown to a white underbelly.
Warm air made Ulgrin’s beard vibrate as Wreath got to know him. He stood confidently, patiently. He knew it was curious and not aggressive, well used to the tells of an animal getting ready to charge.
Of course, it promptly sneezed in his face. Ulgrin scowled, feeling mucus drip down his face and into his beard. Alyss cackled behind him, “Payback! You deserved this, dwarf.”
Raelza gave a nod, satisfied. “Well, I know he doesn’t mind you. That’s about as good as a seal of approval as Wreath can grant. Ornis, do you mind if I call the day early? I already finished cleaning out the third hallway kennels.”
“Of course, dear.” The gnome replied. “I’m glad you can find a calling that speaks to you. Hopefully your journey will go well. Good luck.”
“Thanks, old-timer.” She turned to address the rest of the group. “So. Adventuring and ruin-delving. Sounds like fun. When do we get started?”
“We get started in the morning. I’ve had more than enough walking around today.” Ulgrin replied, shaking his head. “For now? We feast! A celebration is in order.” He grinned and was met with happy cheers all around.
Soon, their journey would begin in truth.
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The final party has joined and the group is ready to go. Technically there's a fifth in the form of Wreath, the adorable pachy. I took inspiration from the Kestodons from Monster Hunter for the 'Thornshields'. Side note, Saezz still speaks in a hissing accent, but I'll refrain from typing it. It'd get rather annoying to keep putting 'sss' everytime for potentially dozens of chapters.
Lexicon of Words and Terms Used:
Hrakshak - Lizardfolk term for 'he who falls into pits'. It makes more sense from a cultural standpoint.
Bulette - A more fantastical creature originating from d&d. Called 'land-sharks' for their sleek build and ability to tunnel through the ground as if it were water.
Paraceratherium - One of the largest known land-mammals to ever exist. Stands around five meters tall. Related to rhinoceroses. Lived during the Oligocene.
Thornshields - A member of the ornithischians family of dinosaurs. Characterized by their skull crests and bipedal forms. Typically their growths are used for mating displays but are quite useful for headbutting and warding off attacks.