In antiquity, the Walled Cities south of the High Passes had been constructed as a network. Not alone. Well, antiquity was a relative term.<\/p>\n
If you looked, you could clearly find a time when the High Passes weren\u2019t so\u2026high. When Harpies were an indigenous race. When there were more than six Walled Cities.<\/p>\n
But that was before Rhir had been taken and lost and taken and lost and\u2026and certainly before the Demons<\/em> and the Blighted Kingdom.<\/p>\n Long ago, Fissival\u2019s teleportation network had reached every Walled City. It was based on the idea of the cities being besieged, sometimes for years. But if Oteslia grew crops and Fissival managed the magical network and Pallass supplied them and so on and so forth\u2014you\u2019d have linked<\/em> Walled Cities who could instantly reinforce and resupply each other.<\/p>\n To destroy one, you\u2019d need to have a force capable of taking on multiple armies from each Walled City\u2014or besiege all of them at once. And good luck with that.<\/p>\n But Fissival\u2019s magical teleportation network did not last. To [Historians], [Students], or just the interested, the downfall wasn\u2019t some great event. It was just Fissival quarreling with other cities, refusing to perform maintenance regularly when the political winds shifted\u2014until the networks broke down beyond repair.<\/p>\n First in Pallass, then Zeres, Manus, Oteslia\u2026until Salazsar and closer city-states were the only ones with access to the much more limited teleportation network, which had developed flaws and errors.<\/p>\n There was some kind of lesson in that. But it was still history. And Fissival still did<\/em> teleport stuff around. Erin Solstice\u2019s magical door was, in fact, of little interest to Drakes compared to Humans. They\u2019d long held what was new to her.<\/p>\n So\u2014the routine was standard. The [Cargomaster] and a single worker prepared the teleportation nexus. The magical inlays in the floor, maintained by Fissival\u2019s [Mages], had to be perfectly clean. Anything in the way might suffer\u2026entanglement.<\/p>\n Now, a message via magical lodestone; cheaper than [Messages]. A five minute wait\u2014the two Drakes relaxed. There were empty crates waiting for the packaged goods to be loaded into; when teleported they were spared packaging if possible to reduce the mana cost.<\/p>\n \u201cBulk transfer one commencing, [Cargomaster].\u201d<\/p>\n The younger Drake called out. The [Cargomaster] nodded. The [Laborers], [Porters], and so on weren\u2019t needed. He had a cushy job, overseeing the teleportation so he didn\u2019t hurry as he waved a claw.<\/p>\n \u201cTransfer one. Produce. Let\u2019s see\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A flash. A hum,<\/em> so deep that it ran through stone and the enclosed building. The younger Drake set his teeth against the sound, and his white-blue scaled body tensed. The [Cargomaster] was used to the sound, though, and barely noticed.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see. Pumpkins? Bah. Hm. Looks like two thousand pounds alright. We\u2019ll compare weights.\u201d<\/p>\n He noted the shipment. Pumpkins.<\/em> Well, people ate them and all kinds of produce that weren\u2019t sourced locally got shipped here. These days bulk-goods were shipped via the network. Anything expensive or living didn\u2019t get sent. Mainly because\u2026of the leakage.<\/p>\n \u201cWe might have lost some pumpkins, [Cargomaster].\u201d<\/p>\n The worker anxiously pointed to a pile. It was inconceivable that Fissival\u2019s side would have stacked the goods carelessly. But the produce had slid over; only half of a pumpkin had appeared.<\/p>\n \u201cTeleportation loss. Make a note of the location and amount.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Cargomaster] sighed. But this was normal. He made another note.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy pumpkins? [Cargomaster]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re going to Oteslia, Pallass, and Zeres. Some big project. Not food. But Salazsar\u2019s willing to send it on its way.\u201d<\/p>\n That was trade for you. Salazsar was further west so Fissival was expediting the shipment. The [Cargomaster] waved his claw.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, bring in those lazy scale-sacks and furbags and get this cleaned up.\u201d<\/p>\n The helper went trotting and after some shouting, there came the laborers. They knew the job; they loaded the pumpkins into crates and had them rolling out of the teleportation room in short order on wheeled transports. The [Cargomaster] paid no attention to that.<\/p>\n More transfers were coming.<\/p>\n \u201cBulk transfer two. Ink\u2026Ancestors!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A break in a crate as it was teleported. The spell must have smashed the crate by giving it some kind of momentum. Black ink ran across the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cGet the [Cleaners] in here!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Cargomaster] cursed at his helper and the workers. What a setback! It was thirty minutes before the floor was cleaned.<\/p>\n However, if those two minor incidents were bad, the other four teleports went flawlessly. No dropped items, nothing cut in half or lost. The [Cargomaster] sighed with relief; some days were bad where you worked overtime for hours<\/em> if something went wrong.<\/p>\n The teleport spell could overheat something until it was practically explosive, or impart physics to the things teleported in dangerous ways. Which was why he and his assistant waited for the teleport behind an enchanted glass barrier. At least they didn\u2019t teleport animals anymore. He\u2019d heard stories\u2026from his superiors.<\/p>\n But now he was the boss. And there were perks to the job.<\/p>\n For instance, he now had half a pumpkin. Which er\u2026wasn\u2019t that great. And if he\u2019d wanted to, he could have saved some of the ink. However, the real find came with the last shipment.<\/p>\n A flash. A hum. The assistant braced, but everything was fine. This was the smallest batch, but the most expensive. The [Cargomaster] stepped around the protective barrier and eyed the neat stacks of small, lacquered boxes. They had an odor about them, but not an unpleasant one. He nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cBulk transfer complete. Eighteen hundred boxes of puffers from Titem\u2019s port city. Whoops\u2014seventeen hundred<\/em>. Must be a glitch in the system. Again.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake bent down and selected a line of boxes to put aside. His assistant looked excited and nervous.<\/p>\n \u201cA hundred<\/em>, [Cargomaster]?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith the way the teleportation grid\u2019s been going, we\u2019re lucky we didn\u2019t lose the rest. Hurry up and put them over there, you idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n The two Drakes grabbed at the boxes before they summoned the transporters. They were hurrying over to a little cache near the office when someone coughed.<\/p>\n The sound was loud and it didn\u2019t come from them. There was a murmur\u2014and two Drakes appeared. The [Cargomaster] and his assistant froze.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd there you have it, Tasilt. Alrric was right on the money.\u201d<\/p>\n The first Drake was tall, distinguished. He carried a sword, enchanted armor, and he turned to his companion. The other Drake was less sharp; a family man and drinker. Nevertheless, Tasilt also looked quite good. The two were Wall Lords. And the suddenly pale [Cargomaster] stared in horror as Tasilt cricked his back.<\/p>\n \u201cDid we have to wait the entire time,<\/em> Ilvriss? I\u2019m stiff!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe had to see the entire thing. It\u2019s a pity, really. [Cargomaster] Dukss?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord Ilvriss! I can explain. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake extended a sword. The [Cargomaster] froze as the enchanted blade aimed at his chest. The Wall Lord smiled as Tasilt waved an axe at the trembling apprentice.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are under arrest for charges of theft and corruption, Cargomaster. Don\u2019t resist.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake thought about running. He thought about prison, penal sentences\u2014which meant forced mining. He would lose everything. So he thought about running. But he was pretty sure he\u2019d be stabbed through the back before he got halfway down the corridor. So he raised his claws and surrendered.<\/p>\n He could have been a hero or done something unpredictable. But sometimes things just went by the books.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Later that day, Wall Lords Ilvriss and Tasilt were being feted as heroes of the hour for uncovering the corruption in the teleportation network. They gave modest speeches to the crowds, enjoyed the accolades of other Lords and Ladies of the Wall, accepted thanks from the Watch Commander, and were in general much the envy of their rivals and competitors.<\/p>\n \u201cA neat little victory. But couldn\u2019t you have shared it with me,<\/em> Ilvriss?\u201d<\/p>\n Wall Lord Brilm, more portly, jovial, was toasting Ilvriss in his tower. Ilvriss Gemscale, drinking a juice, took a gulp before replying.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat makes you think it was a certain thing, Brilm? Tasilt and I just happened to be suspicious\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t give me the same twaddle as in your speech, Ilvriss. You don\u2019t \u2018just\u2019 get suspicious of our [Cargomaster]. You two had to have planned that.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Drake raised his brows, looking at Ilvriss. The [Lord]\u2019s lips quirked up.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I suppose I was tipped off. So I did Tasilt a favor. We took some invisibility potions for Tasilt\u2014I have a ring\u2014and waited. It wasn\u2019t certain<\/em>, but it was close.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow? Who told you? A conspirator? Come on, Ilvriss! I could use some popularity! Take me along next time, at least!\u201d<\/p>\n The Wall Lord refused to answer, no matter how much Brilm pressed him. But it was true; this little scene had helped his already sterling reputation on multiple levels. And while he had taken credit for it, it was not his<\/em> mind that had conceived of this scheme.<\/p>\n There was a Human saying that went \u2018behind every great man is his wife\u2019. Or something like that. There were variations, and in the Reinhart Family, it was more of a cautionary tale\u2014better check if the wife has a poisoned dagger.<\/p>\n But it held true for Drakes, who had the same sentiments in large. However, Ilvriss wasn\u2019t married. So the person behind him was a Gnoll. His name was Alrric. They weren\u2019t married.<\/p>\n Look, at some point the analogy fell apart. The point was that what Ilvriss did was backed up by his second-in-command. Who saw it all and did more than people thought.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Alrric Kerrfa was a Gnoll. Also, an [Administrator]. A rare class for a Gnoll, and his position as a manager of a Wall Lord\u2019s company in Salazsar meant he was only one of two<\/em> Gnolls in the entire Walled City with that kind of power.<\/p>\n He was quite pleased with himself, the next day. Even then, Ilvriss\u2019 arrest of the corrupt [Cargomaster] was the talk of the city. No one mentioned Alrric, but a few people in the know gave him credit.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, Alrric.<\/em> I don\u2019t suppose Wall Lord Ilvriss owes anything to you?\u201d<\/p>\n The question came from a female Gnoll [Consultant]. She was strolling up the steps towards the tall, shining towers of Salazsar. From the ground floors. The poorer classes lived nearest to the bottom, the [Lords] and [Ladies] in their towers.<\/p>\n So the Gnolls were used to the climb and those of a certain rank tended to walk together and talk as they climbed. Alrric saw the other fellow Gnolls\u2014mostly [Consultants], [Secretaries], or [Accountants] in bureaucratic classes like his\u2014glancing at him. They were all well-dressed. Few as well as he was; the Gnoll was wearing a custom-tailored suit, his fur was a matte chestnut; oiling one\u2019s fur was a bit too<\/em> sycophantic and it made things sticky, but extremely well-combed.<\/p>\n Unlike Gnoll [Miners], these Gnolls were sharp.<\/em> Also\u2014ridiculed, but not to their faces. They were the image of City Gnolls, those who worked paw-in-claw with Drakes. Traitors? Pets? Again, no one said it to their faces.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Alrric? Don\u2019t just grin, spit it out, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Secretaries] growled. He adjusted his clothing uncomfortably; dress codes for those in the employ of Drakes were more stifling than among other Gnolls. Alrric just smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cFissival\u2019s magical teleportation network has issues. But not as many as were reported. I noticed the discrepancy and alerted Ilvriss. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Gnolls snorted or growled.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you didn\u2019t alert anyone yourself? You could have taken credit, Alrric.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI doubt the city would be making such a big fuss if I did, Zeshi. No, let Ilvriss take the credit. I\u2019ll enjoy his gratitude. Which isn\u2019t just empty words.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Administrator] rubbed two furry fingers together and the others nodded. It was a universal gesture. He saw the others glancing at him enviously, admiringly\u2014or with a difference of opinion. Not everyone liked that sentiment. But they began breaking off.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish I had your job, Alrric. You\u2019ve got a Wall Lord, a rank second to none\u2014don\u2019t mind the whispers.\u201d<\/p>\n Zeshi, the [Consultant], saw the others leaving for lower points on other towers, crossing the zig-zagging bridges. Even this was un-Gnoll-like. They were not a species used to heights from the times of their primitive ancestry, like Drakes or Humans. Only a few walked higher, where their careers had taken them.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been lucky, Zeshi.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Administrator] was modest. Zeshi glanced at him again.<\/p>\n \u201cMore than that. I don\u2019t know how you have the time to comb your fur and look like\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t get my fur to lie down. How do you manage it? Some cream, an alchemical thing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all. My wife and daughter help me each morning. You\u2019ve met them, haven\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Ah, that would do it. Well, here is my stop. If you need a good [Consultant]\u2014I don\u2019t think Wall Lord Helliten wants me around much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSend me a note if you can\u2019t find work within the week.\u201d<\/p>\n The two Gnolls exchanged a cordial farewell as most began walking towards their floors. The little promise made Zeshi relax noticeably. It was a common thing, among the Gnolls in higher employment. They looked out for each other. You had to.<\/p>\n Alone now, Alrric summited the last flight of stairs. It kept him in good shape. When he reached the office\u2014he was alone.<\/p>\n Not alone<\/em>, alone. The Drake [Secretary], a young man, Josial, greeted Alrric with everything in order. And there were other employees. Five more Drakes, two Gnolls. But in this place, Alrric was the boss.<\/em> He didn\u2019t fraternize. He ran a tight ship. Desk. Whatever.<\/p>\n There was just one thing, though, that Zeshi had gotten wrong. Alrric was the most important Gnoll in terms of the Wall Lord\u2019s companies, only matched by his counterpart under Wall Lord Tasilt, another \u2018progressive\u2019. But he wasn\u2019t all-powerful. He was\u2026second-to-one.<\/p>\n Wall Lord Ilvriss was waiting for him. In his office; the Gnoll checked his reports before going to see him.<\/p>\n \u201cAlrric, good morning.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIlvriss. I noticed the trap went off well.\u201d<\/p>\n The two greeted each other. Ilvriss gestured to a chair.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease, sit. Is there anything new in the company I haven\u2019t picked up on?\u201d<\/p>\n It was the little things that mattered. The way Ilvriss asked, rather than told. Alrric\u2019s use of the Wall Lord\u2019s name sans title. It had been a delicate, difficult dance of establishing mutual respect, oh, years ago. But seven years later, coming on eight, the two were used to each other.<\/p>\n However. Ilvriss had changed since coming back from Liscor. And the Gnoll found the new Drake sitting across from him at his desk\u2014entirely different in many ways. Not unwelcome, however. No, not at all.<\/p>\n \u201cNothing to bring up at the moment, Ilvriss. I was<\/em> thinking I\u2019d call on one of your Skills for the new seam. Later this week?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Keep me appraised. I do have something for you, Alrric. Aside from my thanks over the teleportation scandal. Would you like instant remuneration for that, by the way? Or deferred?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll inclined his head. Drakes were refreshingly straightforward about that.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take an increase to my pay at the end of the month. And a few of those cigars that would have been stolen wouldn\u2019t go amiss.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss made a note.<\/p>\n \u201cDone. How does\u2026six boxes sound?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine by me.\u201d<\/p>\n Another note. The two had no time to waste. Ilvriss\u2019 company, the Gemscale family\u2019s holdings in mining, gem processing, and more, employed thousands of Drakes and Gnolls and even a few other races in Salazsar. Ilvriss steepled his claws.<\/p>\n \u201cI want you to begin recruitment for Operation Periss. Take the lists we drew up\u2014begin making the offer. Can I rely on you? Do you need anything?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Administrator] considered this. This was incidentally, not<\/em> checking budgets or directing [Miners] to new places to search for gemstones, managing the refinement of said ores and gems dug up\u2014his normal routine. This was something different. But Alrric did more than just make money for Ilvriss.<\/p>\n \u201cI can do it. I\u2019ll wait until they\u2019re returning from their shifts. And I\u2019ll advance the pay for those that sign up. Also\u2014give me at least\u2026yes\u2026fourteen more cigar cases.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDone, and done. Josial!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Wall Lord rang a bell. The [Secretary] opened the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSecure twenty cases of cigars for Alrric, on his desk in the hour. If you can\u2019t get enough from the shipment, replace it from our stores.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll nodded. Neat as you please. The door closed; Ilvriss looked at the Gnoll.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many do you think you can recruit, Alrric?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can only speculate. Let\u2019s say thirty percent?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Try to make it forty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMany have families, Ilvriss. It\u2019s not easy to get them to sign up for more<\/em> danger, even with gold.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we shall make do. I need to consult with the [Weapon Master] and [Trainer] who are coming in today. I will be out of the office, Alrric. I leave it in your paws.\u201d<\/p>\n And that was that. Alrric was used to being given command. And Ilvriss was<\/em> a Wall Lord. He would pull all-nighters in the company\u2019s headquarters at need, but Alrric knew Ilvriss was busy.<\/p>\n With Operation Periss.<\/em> The Lords and Ladies of the Wall had voted to secretly create an elite fighting force to deal with the Antinium threat. Of course, it was top-secret<\/em>, such that not even Manus or other Walled Cities knew.<\/p>\n Alrric knew because Ilvriss trusted him and needed him to help coordinate the affair. It was one of those things Alrric kept secret. He was good at keeping secrets. He<\/em> had a few himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Back at his desk, Alrric checked himself in the mirror. He produced a fine comb, ran it over his arm, and got to work. He had one eye on the sky; he\u2019d be going downstairs after the morning\u2019s paperwork was done.<\/p>\n But halfway through his daily inspections of figures and sums\u2014which he could do without an abacus or other calculating device\u2014the Gnoll had a guest.<\/p>\n \u201cEnter.\u201d<\/p>\n Josial entered, with a bag of holding containing the rich puffers that the nobility loved so much\u2014straight from Baleros.<\/p>\n \u201cSomeone to see you, Alrric. Captain Shieldscale.\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cLet her in.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake with bright, teal<\/em> scales entered the room and hesitated for a moment as the Gnoll sat at his desk.<\/p>\n \u201cAdministrator Alrric?\u201d<\/p>\n She did not salute, despite being a [Soldier]. Nor did Alrric rise to greet her.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Shieldscale. How may I help you? More instructions from Ilvriss?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll saw the female Drake\u2019s face change. She was new to Ilvriss\u2019 employ, and a bit uncomfortable at how he addressed the Wall Lord. She was\u2026a mystery. Ilvriss had bodyguards, aides\u2014but never one he\u2019d taken into his confidence and relied on as much as this Drake.<\/p>\n Except for Periss.<\/em> But that had been a different matter. Alrric waited, surreptitiously investigating the female Drake. He was almost certain she wasn\u2019t Ilvriss\u2019 lover. He would smell it\u2014and also, know.<\/em><\/p>\n Half the [Gossips] wanted to know if they were entangled<\/em>, or if she was the Drake who\u2019d kept Ilvriss in Liscor for so long. But Alrric had been more than aware of Periss and Ilvriss\u2019 romantic affairs in secret. It had happened once in his office. He\u2019d smelled it the next day and called for a [Cleaner].<\/p>\n No, Captain Shieldscale wasn\u2019t a lover. But then what? She hesitated for a second.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m carrying out Wall Lord Ilvriss\u2019 duties, Adm\u2014Alrric.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdministrator Alrric, Captain Shieldscale. And I am as well. What seems to be the matter? Ilvriss<\/em> has asked me to help you in any way I deem fit.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll was rather satisfied by the way the Drake pursed her lips at that.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2026I\u2019m missing one of our people. Shriekblade. They were supposed to report to me this morning, but\u2026they\u2019re nowhere to be found.\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric\u2019s fur stood up a tiny bit at that. He stopped nettling the Drake and sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cAh yes. Shriekblade.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n One of two Named Adventurers currently resident in Salazsar. And of the two\u2014the more dangerous one and more unpredictable, by far. The other, a Gnoll, was steady. Akral the Adamantium. Or was it Adamantine? He lead his heavily-armed Named Team as Salazsar\u2019s top adventurers in charge of security on a lucrative retainer for the city itself.<\/p>\n But Shriekblade\u2026Shriekblade was very different. Alrric thought for a second.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe Shriekblade may have wandered off, Captain Shieldscale. I can attempt to locate them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Captain] reddened. She wasn\u2019t used to people lacking military discipline. Alrric rang for Josial.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need to find Shriekblade. Ask Street Runners to bear word of her\u2014a four-silver reward. Tell them to check around [Alchemists] or [Healers]. I assume you checked her quarters?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCheck the prison as well. She may have been arrested.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake shifted nervously. Alrric let Josial hurry out. He gestured towards the door.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you take a seat, Captain Shieldscale? If Shriekblade is present, I\u2019m sure she will be found soon.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake sat. After a moment, Alrric looked up from his paperwork.<\/p>\n \u201cOutside, Captain? Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As it happened, Shriekblade wasn\u2019t found in the next hour. Captain Shieldscale went to search for the Named Adventurer herself. Alrric doubled the finder\u2019s fee.<\/p>\n He went back to his paperwork. He was just<\/em> about to head downstairs to meet with a [Chief Miner] when he noticed a smell in the air.<\/p>\n Blood.<\/em> Alrric frowned. He sniffed himself. Then he looked up.<\/p>\n Shriekblade was holding onto the ceiling above his desk.<\/em> The Gnoll leapt backwards with an oath and nearly hit the glass windows. The Drake stared down at him, like some gigantic, demented gecko.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were looking for me.\u201d<\/p>\n She landed on his desk, as light as a cat. She stared at Alrric. The Gnoll looked for his bell.<\/p>\n \u201cI was. Adventurer Shriekblade, Captain Shieldscale was looking for you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He reached for the bell. The female Drake twitched<\/em> and he stopped.<\/p>\n Shriekblade, the Named Adventurer did not have a name. Or rather, she had a name. Tessa. It was just that she and everyone else preferred not to use it.<\/p>\n Her nickname was more appropriate anyways. Alrric had met Akral the Adamantium. He\u2019d even shared drinks a few times, Gnoll-to-Gnoll. Akral was an adventurer through and through; his armor was powerful, and the maul he used\u2014also adamantium\u2014could crush a Gargoyle\u2019s head with a single strike, but he had few quirks.<\/p>\n Shriekblade was all quirk. She had long, tight-clinging black silk or some other high-quality clothing. No armor. The cloth was probably enchanted, but it didn\u2019t cover her gray-green scales perfectly. And everywhere her scales were exposed\u2014there were scars.<\/p>\n Split scales, which didn\u2019t regrow and showed scar tissue. Sword wounds, spell damage, monster injury\u2014and cuts. Many self-inflicted.<\/p>\n The female Drake was younger than Alrric. A prodigy of an adventurer, they called her. She turned her head to stare at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI am going to call for my secretary.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll slowly reached for the bell. He put his paw on it.<\/p>\n \u201cAaah!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She screamed at him. The Gnoll nearly jumped through the enchanted glass panes. He saw Shriekblade collapse onto the desk, laughing.<\/p>\n For a second. Alrric rang the bell, glaring, and Josial opened the door.<\/p>\n \u201cAdministrator\u2026oh.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease inform Captain Shieldscale that we\u2019ve located Shriekblade, Josial.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Administrator.\u201d<\/p>\n The door shut hurriedly. The Drake laughed\u2014and then abruptly, disconcertingly, stopped. She sat on the desk, and stared at Alrric.<\/p>\n \u201cIs something the matter, Adventurer Shriekblade? You are<\/em> on retainer.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll adjusted his suit and produced his comb again, mainly to hide his nerves. Shriekblade was\u2026unpredictable. He\u2019d been against Ilvriss hiring her, but she was a good mercenary. If you wanted to kill something, Shriekblade would do it. Everything else though\u2014no. She had a terrible record of failure and success.<\/p>\n And she had been imprisoned twice for murder. <\/em>Both times had been counted as self-defense, but\u2026Alrric felt his fur standing up despite the comb\u2019s best efforts.<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I was supposed to go. But I don\u2019t feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake sat there. She shuddered. It was a full-body motion. Alrric eyed her.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Your potions have worn off, Shriekblade?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI want to visit the Healer again. But I\u2019m out of money.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake whispered. One second she was laughing, mocking his fear of her, the next, she looked tired. Drawn.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord Ilvriss has provided you with several high-quality calming tonics. I have some here.\u201d<\/p>\n Just in case<\/em>. Alrric slowly went to a cupboard and produced a vial. Shriekblade stared at it.<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t help. Not enough. I want the Healer.<\/em> She makes me feel better. For a month. Then it\u2019s worse.\u201d<\/p>\n She meant the Healer of Tenbault, one of the most expensive and powerful sources for healing in the world. Most Gold-rank adventurers, if they were lucky, could visit her once, <\/em>and perhaps cure a terrible affliction. If they were luckier, even reattach a freshly-severed limb.<\/p>\n But Shriekblade had visited the Healer of Tenbault many times. It seemed whatever the Healer did didn\u2019t stick, though. Alrric knew her record.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a calming tonic, Miss Tessa\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He was offering the uncorked bottle to her. She looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! It doesn\u2019t help!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She drew her weapon, a long dagger. She slashed at Alrric so fast he only reacted to the blur as she sheathed the blade. The tonic fell onto the carpet as the enchanted glass fell down.<\/p>\n Alrric backed away. Shriekblade was breathing hard. She stared wide-eyed at him and then clutched her head.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t feel right.<\/em> When do I get paid?\u201d<\/p>\n Shakily, Alrric took a step back. Then caught himself. He was an [Administrator]. He adjusted his clothes again, and spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord Ilvriss cannot send you to the Healer constantly, Miss Tessa. The potions do<\/em> work. You\u2019ve tried them yourself. What is wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEverything.\u201d<\/p>\n The young Drake\u2014a girl compared to Alrric\u2014sat there. She looked miserably around.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. It\u2019s all bad. Does Wall Lord Ilvriss have someone for me to kill yet?\u201d<\/p>\n When she said that, Alrric\u2019s concern for her turned to ice. Shriekblade asked it like she wanted to know if Ilvriss wanted his garden weeded. Killing people or monsters was all the same to her.<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay. Can I have a potion? I need one. I lost the others. No\u2014I drank them.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By the time Captain Shieldscale returned at a jog, Shriekblade was calm.<\/p>\n \u201cReporting for duty, Captain. Apologies for the absence. What do I do?\u201d<\/p>\n She saluted, her face blank. She\u2019d taken three<\/em> tonics, despite Alrric trying to stop her. Now\u2014she was completely without emotion. Captain Shieldscale hesitated, but motioned towards her.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord Ilvriss wants you to test the [Weapon Master] coming on his or her abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo I kill them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026No.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going.\u201d<\/p>\n She marched out of the room, a flicker. Not a [Rogue], or [Assassin], as Alrric understood it. Just\u2026a close-quarters combat specialist. She\u2019d seen more combat than Captain Shieldscale, four times over, despite being younger.<\/p>\n When she was gone, he rang for a cleaner and took a moment. Then, the Gnoll got up from his desk.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to meet with the [Chief Miner], Josial. Hold my appointments until I get back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Administrator\u201d.<\/p>\n The encounter with Shriekblade had not<\/em> been fun. But it was the hazard of the job\u2014even if a new and unwelcome one. And despite her madness, Alrric would have almost preferred her to\u2026well\u2026<\/p>\n Gnolls.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chief Miner Ikrr was an angry Gnoll. He strode about the smaller office thirty levels down where Alrric had met him. Better that than making the other Gnoll climb all that way.<\/p>\n Besides, he had a good complaint, even if it came out in the form of growling, swearing, and pacing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s every<\/em> shift! Not just one! Not just once a day\u2014my Gnolls come to me and tell me that both of them are on their backs! My teams.<\/em> Not anyone else\u2019s, Alrric!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019re certain?\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric heard the snarl, but he glowered<\/em> and Ikrr stopped pacing back and forth in front of the desk. Alrric adjusted his posture, although he didn\u2019t reach for his comb.<\/p>\n \u201cChief Miner Ikrr, when you make an assertion about a fellow Chief Miner, it is a serious matter that I and<\/em> Wall Lord Ilvriss take seriously. Do you have witnesses who would testify under truth spell?\u201d<\/p>\n The other Gnoll folded his arms. He didn\u2019t have combed fur. His was unkempt, dusty; he worked side-by-side with his [Miners] at need be. He barely suppressed the growl in his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cEyewitnesses from every shift who will testify, Administrator.<\/em> The other two Mining Chiefs\u2014Yesh and Nis\u2014they\u2019re on us<\/em> hardest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGnolls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey overwork us. We get less breaks, they put us in the harder areas even if we\u2019ve excavated better tunnels the day before\u2014and they\u2019re always calling my [Miners] furbags. Telling them to stop shedding. As if fur<\/em> gets in the way of work!\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric tapped a claw on the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cIkrr\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd before you say anything, I have<\/em> brought it up. They deny saying it to my face, but when I\u2019m not around I hear them saying it, or muttering it and denying it. You have to do something! Fire them or get them off<\/em> our shifts!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll slammed his paws on the desk. Alrric rose.<\/p>\n \u201cIkrr, calm yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at the door, beyond which the other [Chief Miners] of their shifts or higher-rank employees were doing paperwork, relaxing, or preparing to go to work. The door was thick, but he was conscious of Gnoll hearing.<\/p>\n The other Gnoll sat, glaring. Alrric sat down as well.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t just fire them.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric held up a paw.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I did, they\u2019d have half the Drakes working with them protesting. Chief Miners Yesh and Nisshail both have contracts that end this quarter. I promise you, they won\u2019t be renewed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not good enough! Drag them in and ask them whether they said those things under truth spell!\u201d<\/p>\n Ikrr growled. Alrric nearly growled back.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if I did, Drakes shout the same at their underlings.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not the same.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.<\/em> But if I fire them now, the other Drake [Chief Miners] will call it favoritism by species.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs opposed to letting them kick us around? So you\u2019re doing nothing, is that it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not listening to me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Chief Miner] was on his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cI came to you as a fellow Gnoll! I should have known you City Gnolls don\u2019t listen. You think I\u2019m the only one? We\u2019ve had enough<\/em>\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSit down!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Administrator] thundered. Ikrr hesitated\u2014but he slowly sat.<\/p>\n Every combed hair had gone up on Alrric\u2019s body. It was going to take copious combing. He growled, but it had produced an effect. Ikrr waited as Alrric looked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cI do not take sides, Chief Miner Ikrr. And before you say anything, yes.<\/em> I know what it\u2019s like working under Drakes like that. I also believe you. You think I\u2019ve never had those kinds of shifts?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not a [Miner]. You\u2019re a City Gnoll. How are we supposed to believe you have our backs?\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric slapped the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cCity Gnoll? As opposed to what? A Plains Gnoll?<\/em> What difference does it make? Listen to me, you idiot. If you\u2019d asked the older Gnolls, they would have told you.\u201d<\/p>\n He jabbed a thumb at his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cI worked in the mines since I was twelve, Ikrr, and I lied about my age to get in a crew. I went from there to my desk at the top of a tower. If the \u2018crews\u2019 have something to say about me, they can say it to my face and I\u2019ll teach them a lesson about who\u2019s a better miner and<\/em> fighter.\u201d<\/p>\n He waited, tense. Angry. Ikrr eyed him. But he didn\u2019t take the bait. Instead, he just settled deeper into the chair.<\/p>\n \u201cSpoken like a Drake, sir. A Gnoll would prove it without smacking us furbags around.\u201d<\/p>\n That stung. <\/em>Alrric\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not about to fire two Drakes, no matter how credible the claims are, Ikrr. There are more Drakes than not who resent how many Gnolls are employed here. My job is to prevent fights and protests.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy stepping on us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy being tactful. <\/em>Listen. Those two won\u2019t be fired. But their contracts will not be renewed.<\/em> And in the meantime\u2014they\u2019ll be assigned to all-Drake crews. I\u2019ll see to it their shifts don\u2019t overlap with Gnoll crews.\u201d<\/p>\n Ikrr\u2019s fur settled down a bit. His ears also lifted and Alrric would have ventured a guess that his tail was doing the same. Alrric himself showed no visible signs; it was a trick he\u2019d learned.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2026could work. Yes. We\u2019d be happy with that, Administrator.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. In that case, I\u2019ll see to it. And both Chiefs Yesh and Nisshail will receive a private<\/em> reprimand. I don\u2019t want you or the crews rubbing it in. Drop it.\u201d<\/p>\n A tighter nod. Time to bring in the sweetener. Alrric reached into his bag of holding and produced something.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, this is for your crew, and all the crews who\u2019ve lodged this joint complaint. [Earmarked Funds \u2013 Recompensation].\u201d<\/p>\n He drew from something. The bag of holding was just for show. But if Alrric had reached for empty air, he still would have produced the fat, gold coins. They did not come from nowhere<\/em>, of course. But they were his to play with.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ikrr jerked at the small pile of gold. Alrric sat back.<\/p>\n \u201cA monetary Skill. Haven\u2019t you ever seen one? Take this gold and buy all the crews a night out in the city. A big one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut that\u2019s\u2014that\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n It was a lot<\/em> of gold. Ilvriss paid well, and a [Chief Miner] earned a lot, but Ikrr stared at the pile of gold coins. Alrric glanced at him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s project-dependent, Ikrr. Unable to be spent unless it\u2019s used in certain ways. I generate<\/em> it with enough profits by the company itself. I can\u2019t increase your pay with it. A night on the town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf\u2014of course, Administrator.\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric nodded, smiling tightly. He had no doubt that Ikrr, well-meaning as he might be, would have been tempted to just spread around the wealth rather than use it on a night on the town, and kept a percentage himself.<\/p>\n \u201cTell the crews that the matter\u2019s settled. Remember\u2014not another word.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Administrator.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll relaxed. And when he stood and Alrric grasped his paw, he looked more respectful. When he was gone, the money hidden in his belt pouch, Alrric sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a mess. Those Drake idiots.\u201d<\/p>\n Most of his job had been to listen to the Chief Miner vent his understandable fury. Alrric himself wouldn\u2019t have hesitated to fire the two Drakes for his part, but it would<\/em> breed resentment. So he waited a beat to calm down, and then opened the door to the smaller office.<\/p>\n \u201cGet me Coordinator Calrida please.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [Coordinator] was a rank below [Administrator]. In theory, Alrric could have left the entire job to Calrida, his subordinate. But he wanted his face and thus authority known at the ground level, rather than being the top-floor\u2019s faceless orders. No one respected that.<\/p>\n Besides which\u2014Calrida was a Drake. So Alrric called for her. Because<\/em> she was a Drake.<\/p>\n Wall Lord Ilvriss was a Drake. But he\u2019d hired Alrric, a Gnoll, to manage his company. A lot of Drakes didn\u2019t like<\/em> that. Of course, the Gnolls did which was why they worked hard for the company and preferred Ilvriss\u2019 employment over more lucrative offers when the job market was bullish.<\/p>\n But Drakes didn\u2019t like reporting to a Gnoll. Some, like Josial, didn\u2019t mind, but there were a lot for whom Alrric was intolerable. And you couldn\u2019t fire all<\/em> of them and replace them with Gnolls.<\/p>\n \u2026Well, Alrric had considered it, but Ilvriss would object. So he\u2019d done what Ikrr wouldn\u2019t have thought of, and what you needed to succeed in running a company like this. He\u2019d compromised.<\/p>\n Calrida was the only Drake willing to work directly under Alrric. A female Drake willing to be his liaison to troublesome Drakes. Alrric outlined the situation.<\/p>\n \u201cIkrr\u2019s taken care of. I want these two Chief Miners on alternate shifts, working with Drake teams.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat will take some doing, boss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThen do it. I don\u2019t care if it messes with their schedules. They\u2019re not coming back.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll experienced a bit of vicarious joy at that; Ilvriss\u2019 company was a good one. Calrida sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll do it today. Any chance of something to sweeten their moods?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026I can walk behind the stables and dig something up.\u201d<\/p>\n She sighed again. But Alrric paid her to deal with this kind of thing and paid her well, so she nodded and left. Alrric waited there a beat.<\/p>\n This wasn\u2019t an uncommon job of his. But Ikrr had rankled him a bit with that jab about showing his background to the other Gnolls.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t been in the shafts for a while. Hrr.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll drummed his fingers on the desk. He came to a quick decision. Tomorrow. <\/em>Until then, he had to deal with hiring the [Miners]. He rose, and checked himself. Then his eyes narrowed. His pulse raced.<\/p>\n \u201cClose.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n When had that happened? The Gnoll caught something in the hand-mirror he produced. Ikrr hadn\u2019t noticed, nor Calrida. At least, they hadn\u2019t shown it. Sweating, Alrric reached for a vial in his bag of holding. One quick application and\u2014he waited a bit for it to dry. Then, satisfied, he left the office.<\/p>\n He had to be very careful. Slip ups like that could cost him\u2026everything.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMiners. Thank you for coming after a hard day of work.\u201d<\/p>\n Later, Alrric addressed a crowd. Mostly split between Drakes and Gnolls\u2014which was rare for a company in Salazar. In terms of gender, far more male than female\u2014a 2-1 ratio. And age?<\/p>\n \u2026Closer to thirties, with variations older or younger, but few as old as forty. Each one was tired, having come off a long mining shift. They had breaks of course, but they would trek into the mines that stretched into Salazsar\u2019s mountain and exploit a seam, working on a shaft for hours in turns.<\/p>\n It was hot work. Dangerous work. Alrric knew from experience that cave-ins, magical gemstones with unpredictable effects, monster nests<\/em>, as well as any number of other concerns plagued the crews of [Miners].<\/p>\n However, the rewards were valuable gems, ore, and any number of other materials from Salazsar\u2019s mountain. It was unique in that it didn\u2019t run out of goods for the [Miners] to find. Allegedly, some extremely high-level [Geomancer] had cast a spell which had concentrated the wealth of millennia into the mountain when the Walled City had been made. A grand ritual which would ensure prosperity for generations to come.<\/p>\n Well, another generation now stood in one of the ready-rooms for the mining crews. Usually it was reserved for an adventurer team, ready to go address a monster attack, or [Healers], or the various other classes that enabled mining.<\/p>\n Alrric had reserved it for 5th<\/sup> shift as they trudged back upwards, towards the main areas of the Walled City. He knew they were sweaty, tired, and wanted nothing more than to rest, not endure a lecture from \u2018the bosses\u2019. So the first thing he did was open a box.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m aware I\u2019m cutting into your time. Rest assured\u2014this is marked as working hours. And this is a compliment. Take one, please.\u201d<\/p>\n He went around the group of twenty or so and the [Miners] blinked. Expensive puffers, the very same that had nearly been purloined by the [Cargomaster], were sitting in the case Alrric was passing around.<\/p>\n He began handing out cigars from the glossy wood case. The [Miners] eyed the expensive puffers. Some lit up at once, with spell or borrowing fire from the candle on the desk for that very reason.<\/p>\n Alrric saw a few of them surreptitiously pocket theirs. He made no comment. That would be a nice bonus on a [Miner]\u2019s salary if sold. Besides, the free cigar was meant to impress on them there was money here, and it did.<\/p>\n He walked back to the front of the room and clapped his paws together. The [Miners] looked at him, in his suit and combed fur. Alrric spoke briskly.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t waste your valuable time. You\u2019ve been asked to report to me by your [Chief Miners] because all of you have a Skill or Skills that are deemed valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded to them and saw them glance at each other. Skills and classes and levels were considered private, but Drake companies in Salazsar mandated that their employees inform them of Skills\u2014they incentivized it for recordkeeping.<\/p>\n In this case, all twenty [Miners] had a Skill that Ilvriss had desired and Alrric had gone down the lists of every employee in his company\u2014and the companies of other Wall Lords and Ladies who\u2019d provided the records. Not all were as meticulous as his, but these were pulled from every shift.<\/p>\n [Enhanced Strength]. [Greater Toughness]. [Piercing Swing]. [Extreme Reaction: Dodge]. <\/em>That one was a passive, very useful if a rock was about to fall on your head. [Cleaving Blow].<\/em> A room-clearer if you held a pick.<\/p>\n But they weren\u2019t here to mine.<\/em> Not if they took his offer. Alrric produced contracts.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one has to sign. You have a week to mull it over. But I\u2019m authorized to pay gold<\/em> up front. For one year\u2019s service? Twenty gold. And that\u2019s your signing bonus. You\u2019ll make more than any [Miner], I promise you. And you\u2019ll be geared up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdministrator, why\u2019re we <\/em>being picked? I\u2019ve never swung a sword or axe in my life!\u201d<\/p>\n A female Gnoll raised her paw. Alrric smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry\u2014your training will be paid for. You\u2019re receiving top-class instruction; you won\u2019t be thrown into a battle without months of training. Make no mistake. It will<\/em> be hard. But you\u2019ll emerge from it with gold in your pockets, combat training and experience\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd if we die?\u201d<\/p>\n That came from lower down. Alrric realized he\u2019d missed a half-Dwarf Human who\u2019d come late. Not all of Salazsar was two species. He handed a cigar out.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you die, Mister Dwarf, your family will be awarded your pension. Or next-of-kin. You are going to be seeing action.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAgainst whom? Other Drakes? Other cities?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Miners] were thinking, inspecting the contracts which Alrric had drawn up himself. The Gnoll rested his paws on the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t say. You\u2019ll know more if you accept. Just think over my offer. Don\u2019t rush. Think<\/em>. You\u2019re not being asked to be rank-and-file [Soldiers].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo we\u2019re not front-fodder?\u201d<\/p>\n A Gnoll asked bluntly and the other Gnolls in the rooms looked up. Alrric bared his teeth in reply.<\/p>\n \u201cNever. If that was the case, I wouldn\u2019t have asked you.\u201d<\/p>\n The other Gnolls nodded, reassured by that. That was one of the reasons Ilvriss had asked Alrric to meet with them personally. They wouldn\u2019t have trusted Drakes. Not with how other cities used their Gnoll [Soldiers].<\/p>\n In the end, eight signed on. Ilvriss\u2019 40%, right there. And another two told Alrric they needed to think it over.<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t waste time. The eight who signed up were told to report to an area under the Gemscale family\u2019s control. They owned entire levels<\/em> of Salazsar. Alrric accompanied this group.<\/p>\n What he found was Wall Lord Ilvriss consulting with the Watch Commander, a [Weapon Master]\u2014a half-Elf with several bruises\u2014Shriekblade, Captain Shieldscale, four Wall Lords and Ladies, and a [Trainer]. To be precise, a [Field Trainer], who knew how to whip recruits into shape.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014not going to be adopting shield-walls or pikes, Watch Commander. As I informed my peers, and you\u2019re free to do the same, I want them armed with axes. Shields, yes. But this won\u2019t be a formation-driven force. Ah, Alrric! There you are!\u201d<\/p>\n The Wall Lord looked up. The previous recruits were already being drilled by the [Weapon Master] and [Trainer]. Alrric motioned the [Miners] towards the lines and walked over.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t get it, Ilvriss. Drake formations have stood the test of time!\u201d<\/p>\n That comment came from Wall Lady Messele. She was younger, but taking an interest in this task-force. Ilvriss explained.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s true that we haven\u2019t needed to change our phalanx-tactics. A wall of Drakes with pikes or spears can fight Humans well, or battalions with military discipline in battle. But those are standard<\/em> [Soldiers]. Captain Shieldscale?\u201d<\/p>\n She saluted.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord Ilvriss is correct. Low-level [Soldiers] capitalize on their ability to fight as a unit, Wall Lady. However, these recruits are hand-picked for their existing Skills.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c[Enhanced Strength]. [Greater Toughness]\u2014there\u2019s no uniformity in it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCorrect. So they\u2019ll fight more individually. [Warriors], not [Soldiers]. We\u2019ll provide enchanted arms, training\u2014they\u2019ll be shock troopers. Meant to take down hordes of enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n Like the Antinium.<\/em> Alrric shivered and saw the others doing the same. The half-Elf [Weapon Master] nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAntinium are thick. Their bodies are like thick, cheap armor. Swords and even spears don\u2019t have enough force. Axes are the correct option, like if you were fighting undead. The Skills complement the fighters.\u201d<\/p>\n He shot a glare at Shriekblade as she yawned openly. Alrric guessed from the half-Elf\u2019s bruises that even the famed longevity of half-Elves hadn\u2019t prepared him for a duel with a Named Adventurer. But Ilvriss seemed pleased.<\/p>\n \u201cElites, Messele. Elites. <\/em>And remember\u2014these will be the rank-and-file. This is the base upon which I want to form our task force.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t it be better to train up [Soldiers] with less levels? These\u2026[Miners] will level slower.\u201d<\/p>\n The Wall Lady looked at the [Miners], who were indeed decently high-level already. Level 15 at the lowest. Ilvriss and Wall Lord Tasilt shook their heads. Tasilt, the renegade who\u2019d married a Gnoll<\/em> looked pleased.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about combat theory, Messele. You want the most first-class of [Soldiers]? Sure, train them from childhood. But if you want fast<\/em>, reliable fighters, take a bunch of [Farmers] and train them. A Level 5 [Warrior] with [Enhanced Strength] will take down a Level 15 [Soldier] in a single swing if you use him right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014fine. But what about archers? <\/em>I assume we want those. And [Mages]?\u201d<\/p>\n The others laughed and Ilvriss stepped back as Tasilt explained.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is infantry, Messele! One step at a time!\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll walked with Ilvriss a short ways. The Wall Lord nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cAlrric, we\u2019ve already got a good base. More than I expected.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTwenty gold is a lot for a [Miner]. We may come up with your two thousand soon, Ilvriss.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, let\u2019s aim for four, then. Although that might be stretching how many we can gather.\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric nodded. Even for Salazsar, finding that many [Miners] or individuals with the kinds of Skills and hiring them would be a challenge. But Ilvriss was willing to comb other cities. Ilvriss nodded to him. Alrric went back to recruiting.<\/p>\n Secret task forces to fight the Antinium. <\/em>If he were one of the tribes, even those who came to the cities to work, like Chief Miner Ikrr, Alrric would have been secretly telling his Chieftain. Although the Gnolls had no reason to like the Antinium\u2026<\/p>\n He sighed later, walking back down from his tower with the remaining cases of cigars. They\u2019d make great gifts to his fellow Gnolls he walked with on his morning ascent. Yes\u2026that was a funny thing.<\/p>\n Dealing with his fellow Gnolls was never fun for Alrric. He was a City Gnoll to them. A sellout, never mind that they were here to work as well. But how annoyed it made him when they said he didn\u2019t understand what it was like to be a [Miner]! Well\u2014Ilvriss had acceded to his request. Tomorrow.<\/p>\n The funny thing was that Ikrr was wrong. Alrric had only lied to Ikrr once.<\/p>\n He\u2019d been a Plains Gnoll. And that mattered, so much.<\/p>\n And it didn\u2019t at the same time. Alrric checked out after nine hours of work. His mind was taxed. He was tired. He was also seriously considering upgrading office security after the Shriekblade incident.<\/p>\n But therein lay one difference between him and Ilvriss. The Wall Lord was still bustling about, overseeing the new private army; the company headquarters even had overnight staffers just in case he needed assistance. Because Ilvriss\u2019 job was his life: Wall Lord of Salazsar. Sworn protector, Son of the Walls, all that.<\/p>\n Alrric was different. He checked out and walked down the floors. Not all<\/em> the way down; he stopped at a quite lovely district\u2014mostly Drakes\u2014and entered his home. Then he sighed, relaxed, and took off the stuffy suit.<\/p>\n He saw and heard a laughing Gnoll woman coming to meet him. His daughter had been working on something with her mother. A toga-like piece of clothing, hand-dyed for an upcoming party among Gnolls. They had some on their fur. She raced out and he caught her.<\/p>\n Alrric laughed too. A family Gnoll sat down for a dinner with his family. He listened to stories about education, the woes of itchy dye\u2014and he considered himself a lucky Gnoll. He knew<\/em> he was happier than his employer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The next day, Alrric had a surplus of energy. He led the way up the stairs with the other Gnolls.<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you have this much energy, Alrric?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHomemade breakfasts, Zeshi. Have a cigar.\u201d<\/p>\n He still had his favors to pass out. The other Gnolls sniffed at them; some didn\u2019t even bother lighting up. They just liked the smell<\/em>, so they\u2019d chew on theirs all day. Or address their Drake counterparts with the expensive puffers in their mouths.<\/p>\n But Alrric was in a good mood for another reason. He\u2019d scheduled a bit of\u2026fun.<\/p>\n It happened at around 10 AM, if you were counting by someone else\u2019s standards. For Alrric, the shadow-clock he preferred using over a fancy magic tool was close to midday. He stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord? It\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p>\n Ilvriss was in his office. He rose, adjusting his clothing.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. Josial? Hold down the office. Summon all the [Chief Miners] and corporate ranks below them. We\u2019re headed for the tunnels.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake [Secretary] bobbed a nervous nod. Alrric, Ilvriss, both strode down the stairs as he sent an urgent message via speaking stone.<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord Ilvriss and Administrator Alrric are heading down!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The Gnoll smiled. He was checking his suit; he\u2019d taken extra care this morning to dress up. Ilvriss glanced sidelong at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re determined to make an impression, aren\u2019t you, Alrric?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am indeed, Ilvriss. It\u2019s a matter of respect. <\/em>Among Gnolls and Drakes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Well, I\u2019ll stay out of the way.\u201d<\/p>\n It was odd for Ilvriss<\/em> to ever say that. But this wasn\u2019t his field. The Wall Lord, who was an accomplished swordfighter, scholar, buisnessDrake, leader, and all those other things\u2014wasn\u2019t a [Miner].<\/p>\n And Alrric was. The lower floors got the news about the descent of the bosses and were in a flurry to turn out. Gnolls and Drakes began to follow the march downstairs. The other towers and companies noticed the movement and entered a flurry of their own.<\/p>\n There was energy here. <\/em>Alrric lead the way with Ilvriss. The others knew what was coming and were getting their crews in order. Of course, this was a surprise inspection of the company\u2019s capabilities as well as\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cWall Lord descending! Get the crews ready! Adventurer teams on standby!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n By the time they reached the Gemscale family\u2019s shafts with the new seam ready to be exploited, there were fresh mining crews lined up. Alrric had donned protective gear; the expensive stuff like helmets designed to stop your head from imploding no matter what was dropped on it. That was a nod to his status. But he carried a pick, shovel, and his bag of holding as he walked past the crews.<\/p>\n \u201cListen up, you stone-lizards and dust-dogs! You\u2019ve had an easy week so far, but I want all your effort today! It\u2019s time to mine<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric bellowed at the startled crews of [Miners]. It was the same pithy language as a [Chief Miner] would use. Ilvriss stood back. The Wall Lord waited for Alrric to take his place. Then he raised a hand. His eyes glinted.<\/p>\n \u201c[Productivity Spike]! <\/em>All crews, to work!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Miners] straightened. Alrric felt the nervous energy rush through him. He strode forwards, and a flood of personnel followed.<\/p>\n [Productivity Spike]. A Skill for an economic-focused [Lord]. It was one of those beautiful corporate Skills, like Alrric\u2019s own [Earmarked Funds], for instance. It relied on organization.<\/em> It took the best day the company had and ensured another day of the same level of quality. On a poor company, it was a poor Skill. But this one?<\/p>\n \u201cClear the way! Administrator coming through!\u201d<\/p>\n Alrric ignored the shouting. He took his place at the \u2018front\u2019 of the mine, which was all stone. He lifted the pick and swung it into the wall. He saw stone shear away as if his enchanted pickaxe were running through butter.<\/p>\n \u201cDead Gods, Administrator! What kind of pickaxe is that<\/em> and when do we get one?\u201d<\/p>\n A [Miner] stared as the Gnoll calmly inspected the detritus, decided it wasn\u2019t useful, and took another swing. He glanced at her as he set to work.<\/p>\n \u201cSame as the [Chief Miners] get. This is all Skill. <\/em>Try to keep up.\u201d<\/p>\n He heard laughter. And the Gnoll grinned too. But then he was in motion.<\/p>\n Mining wasn\u2019t a one-man, or one-Gnoll task. Not at the level Salazsar operated at. [Miners], including Alrric, widened shafts, hunting down gems or ore with Skill, intuition, or just dogged determination. Other members of the crew scrambled to remove the useless debris. Anything good went into bags of holding to be processed. More set up supports, checked existing work.<\/p>\n In a year, this shaft would be excavated and [Builders] and [Architects] and [Masons] would move in, to turn this into part of the city. But here, in this moment, with sweat running down his fur and dust on his suit, Alrric and the other [Miners] were moving stone with their strength and determination alone.<\/p>\n And oh, the stone moved.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAdministrator! I think we just hit Ancestors-damned Adamantium!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The roar came from up the tunnel. Alrric dropped the geode he was inspecting. The other [Miners] let up cheers or redoubled their work. The Gnoll bellowed up the shaft.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d better be right, Chief Miner Yesh, or I\u2019ll bury you down here! There\u2019s a bounty<\/em> on Adamantium!\u201d<\/p>\n Every [Miner] knew that. The crew and especially the [Miner] who\u2019d uncovered the vein would receive a prize the more valuable the ore. And Adamantium?<\/em> That was rare, even in Salazsar.<\/p>\n Alrric strode up the tunnel and followed the excited Drake. Even Ikrr was there, with other [Miners], [Appraisers]\u2014inspecting a deep red substance mixed with rock.<\/p>\n \u201cWe went right through it, Administrator. But we stopped to investigate and it didn\u2019t match the other standard metals of that consistency and color. That\u2019s when we thought it had<\/em> to be\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Drakes and Gnolls were milling about. Alrric\u2019s fur lifted as he knelt. One of the [Appraisers] was muttering about quality, but was too nervous to give an official proclamation.<\/p>\n But Alrric had mined for years, working up the ranks. He picked up a chunk and tapped it with his pick, sniffed it, even tasted the soft ore. He looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cChief Miner Yesh? Tell your crews they just earned drinks on the company\u2019s coin all night. This is Adamantium.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The tunnel exploded into wild, quiet<\/em> cheering. Drakes and Gnolls, forgetting the enmity that divided each other, hugged each other or celebrated for a moment. Just for a moment; they were cautious about cave-ins. But they were [Miners] in the end. And this<\/em> was the mother lode.<\/p>\n \u201cGet more crews over here. I want them digging in this sector! And I want the ore moved to the front of the queue! If it\u2019s Adamantium, I want it processed today!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t have a buyer for Adamantium! Who can process it, Administrator?\u201d<\/p>\n One of the corporate Drakes followed Alrric. The Gnoll shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cLeave that to the [Negotiators]. Pallass has a Dwarf, right? Let\u2019s see how big this vein is! Get moving!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n They weren\u2019t [Smiths]. Or even [Smelters] or [Gemcutters]. They were [Miners]. Their job ended at finding the treasure. Let someone else find out what to do with it.<\/p>\n That was the good moment. The bad one came two hours later, as the [Productivity Spike] was ending\u2014it lasted four hours. Alrric heard the shout from less than sixty feet away.<\/p>\n \u201cMonster nest!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBack up! Back up! Call the adventurer teams in!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Chief Miner Ikrr bellowed. The [Miners] broke off what they were doing and moved back. Not in a single rush; they had to see what it was. Alrric ran out of his area. He saw the huge, lumbering forms. A beam of light; a scream. He bellowed.<\/p>\n \u201cStone Starers!<\/em> Move it!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Miners] ran. The huge, eye-based stone monsters could be evaded. Something else\u2014like Crelers or Rockmites needed different tactics.<\/p>\n But the angry Stone Starers, whose magical eyes were a product of the magical gemstones, advanced. Alrric saw one of the [Miners] trying to crawl away; the beam had gone through a leg.<\/p>\n \u201cGet your emergency potion!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Administrator] raised his pickaxe. When it came down, the midriff-high Stone Starer\u2019s head imploded around the tip. Gray-blue blood gushed forth. The [Miner] fumbled for the quick-release potion, drank it. Alrric grabbed him.<\/p>\n \u201cGo! Go!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He whirled. Something hit<\/em> him. But his protective equipment flashed. One of his rings glowed and the Stone Starer\u2019s beam barely singed his suit. Alrric snarled. Two-handed, he brought down the pick again and another died. But there were at least eighty, coming out of a nest\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cAdministrator! Run!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll backed up. More beams were crisscrossing the tunnel now, brighter than the safety-lanterns. He ran as they exploded chunks of the ceiling and walls, threatening a cave-in.<\/p>\n \u201cBlockades set!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A shout from above. Alrric and the [Miner] ran. The others had metal barricades, like the ones adventurers used, ready to seal the shaft.<\/p>\n \u201cNot yet! The Administrator\u2019s below!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWatch out! They\u2019re coming!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The [Miners] were shouting. Alrric felt two more beams hit his back and his ring gave out. He howled<\/em> as something singed him in the back but kept running. He saw the crews waiting, ready to seal the gap\u2014<\/p>\n Someone screamed.<\/em> The sound came from above and the [Miners] clapped their hands to their ears or earholes. A figure leapt past Alrric as he halted, for a moment feeling primal fear. But he recognized the blur.<\/p>\n