Fantasy Isekai Aerth- Restag’s Song

[Heyitsjiwon]

James smiled and nodded at the two others who were apparently going to join him. "Please, please. Call me James. Pleasure to meet you two, Logan and Kull. I'll be under your care for a bit while I learn of Aerth and the evils that plague the lands. Yes, going somewhere to purchase some proper clothes and equipment would be appreciated. Please, lead the way!" James said as he followed the two companions assigned to him. As the type of person who likes taking time to get along with his co-workers, since it makes work much more bearable, James began to make small talk as they made their way to where ever it was that Logan was leading them. "Tell me about yourselves. Are you natives of Dunwel?"

 

[NeonFlow]

Logan seemed compliant to answer questions and talk as they strolled the night through the city. Passing many buildings one might see if you traveled to Europe in the renaissance period. However it all seemed magical, cleaner then it should be.
James learned that yes, Logan and Kull are native of Dunwel, logan was born in the city and raised here. The blonde man spoke of being a soldier in the kings army, apparntly he had performed admirably in his last skirmish and was allowed a leave of absence for rest. It was at Leo's request he is working again. Not that he minds "showing the ropes to a God sent hero aha"

Kull however wouldn't speak, barely showed emotion. He followed quietly behind with cold dead black eyes.

Eventually they reach a store, it takes Logan a bit of smooth talk and Kull giving a cold stare but the owner held off on closing the store to let the three enter.
James would notice all sorts of armour and weapons as well as some casual clothes. Nothing fancy to wear mind you, but that didn't mean the stock here was bad quality.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James looked around the store. While nothing was extremely fancy, he wanted to keep a low profile and not buy anything too eye catching. Logan's armor, while protective, would make a few eye brows raise. Not to mention, James only had limited funds. Thus, James picked out some normal looking clothes and a chain mail shirt, which he would wear under a leather jerkin. He then also picked out three hooded cloaks for the three of them. He didn't know how cold it would be during nights, but they could serve as blankets if needed and more importantly let them blend in with people a bit better. With his purchases in hand, James walked over to Logan and discreetly asked him "How does money work in the Kingdom? I'm not familiar with how much to pay." as he pulled out the pouch of coins that Ains had handed to him.

 

[NeonFlow]

Logan replied just as quietly when giving the answer. "Restag, uses gold coins and barter. You can haggle if you think your stubborn enough or smooth enough but if that pouch is full of gold I don't think you'll need to barter."
Pointing at each item Logan gave a estimate as to what he'd pay..
All up he thinks the cost would be around eighty or ninety gold pieces.

The owner stayed quiet, he wasn't getting paid overtime and the mage creeped him out. Kull seemed to have bought a few things, he didn't speak however. Just the shop keeps cautious voice could be heard. "Just uh. Those huh?... hows... thirty gold sound to you."
A small thud followed by coins hitting the counter happened.
"hmm thanks for your business."

Kull quickly left. Logan being his helpful and friendly sort was pointed out some dark crystals on a shelf "that's a shadow stone, it uses shadow mana to hide yourself, it eats a small bit of mana as you crush it but it's a quick trick to escape prying eyes."
His smile seemed to widen a tad as he explained things to him. Imagine not knowing how coins work.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James nodded in appreciation as he went over to take a backpack as well. The crystals seemed useful, but James didn't have the coin to spare other than getting basics. With all his purchases set, James brought it over to the counter to pay for the items. It wasn't anything crazy. Some clothes, a chainmail shirt, a leather jerkin to wear on top of the mail and hide it, three hooded cloaks and a backpack. He didn't want to spend the money to buy plate armor especially since plate armor was the exact opposite of casual and discreet. Plus, having a couple of coins left over would be nice to buy food and other basic supplies. James called out to the shop owner "Thanks for staying open a bit longer; hopefully we're helping you get rid of a lot of your inventory and putting coins in your pocket, Shopkeep. How much for this lot right here?"

 

[NeonFlow]

The shopkeep looked at all brought to him and did some math in his head, what caught his attention more however was the halberd at James back. It was stuck at his back like a magnet. "Say stranger, what sort of weapon needs no sheath or harness?" It seemed like curiosity as there was just confusion and wonder in his eyes. "I can't tell what that pole-axe is made of... it seems like steel but it's colour seems off... The wood in the handle seems like it's made from a Life-tree but there's not a lot of things that can harvest such a resource"

Logan cleared his throat "less questions more barter please"
"Ah sorry, sorry... truly that weapon is one of a kind, maybe buy something to cover it up. Don't want someone trying to steal it right?" The shopkeep went back to math...

"I'll give you everything here for eighty five gold, but only if you answer my questions. Otherwise ninety five"
If James did some counting real quick he would find he has two hundred and twenty gold coins.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James smiled and said "You seem very knowledgable about weapons. Unfortunately, I know even less than you do about this halberd. Anyways, thanks for the heads up. I'll get an addition blanket or tarp to keep it wrapped up and safe from the elements." He then counted out 100 coins and placed them on the table. "This should suffice, no? Won't even try to haggle with you since you've been extremely generous with your time and very accomodating to us despite it being this late." Assuming that was sufficient money, James would put on his new clothes and equipment and hand his two companions a hooded cloak each as a gift to "help keep you warm and comfortable during chilly nights".

 

[NeonFlow]

Shopkeep accepted but looked a tad disappointed at the answer. "Hahahh thats fair i guess but next time your in here I expect a proper look at that, not much a chance to appraise something that looks heaven sent."
The man smiled and gave a small wave to the three as they left.

Logan accepted the cloak and put it over his armour with the hood over his shoulder. Kull just closed his eyes and shook his head slightly. Maybe his robes and hat was sufficient enough...
Logan ignored the social ineptitude of Kull and began making suggestions.
"What say we go outside Dunwel and test out that weapon on your back... I am more confident with a spear but I can give you the basics..."

Kull made his first bit of sound since meeting James at that moment. "orcs are a problem all over Restag, but nightspawn have also been spotted outside villages and on roads. If we travel at night I'd suggest we stay along the coast, avoiding the roads... monsters and creatures weaker then orcs reside there"
He sounded as creepy as he looked, a raspy voice one might instantly assume was put on. Or just damaged beyond repair from smoking.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James smiled back at the shopkeep and replied "Farewell, friend. Until next time." as he turned to leave the shop. One they left, James nodded at their suggestions and advice "That sounds wonderful. Nothing quite like first hand experience. To the east we go? That's where the coast is, right?" James would then begin to walk and speak at the same time. "I'm familiar with what Orcs are roughly, but... what are Nightspawn? I've never heard of them before." as he turned to Kull to ask him a question and finally get the man to speak a bit. He then stopped in his tracks and looked around. A lot of the stores were closing, but remembering how slavery was legal in the Kingdom... James grew increasingly curious. He then asked "Odd question... but are slaves traded in the Capital? I was curious about the market, but it looks like everything is closing."

 

[NeonFlow]

Logan seemed a tad worried when nightspawn was brought up, but answered as Kull seemed to be done speaking. "No one knows exactly what nightspawn are... They come in all sorts of forms but they usually have a dark slick almost wet skin. Some are weaker then children but others have strength that rival ten men.. They appear from the air and the ground... usually a really low hum or buzzing noise is heard before they become visible"

Kull turned his hairless face away from the two as James began to ask something else. "Yea..." Logan answered reluctantly the topic of slavery being a touchy one to him. "...Criminals can be bought as slaves, there is a auction house we passed earlier. Not that i recommend it but you could probably find a black market or two in Dunwel as the name suggests it is not sanctioned by the kingdom, criminals selling whoever they can to whomever..." a giddy look appeared on his face as Logan got closer to speak softly...

"you didn't hear it from me but... I heard Ains looks for these markets sometimes. What magi supreme needs a slave for is beyond me... The rumours say he needs test subjects"

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

"The Nightspawn sound pretty spooky. Wouldn't want to bump into one in the dark for sure." He lightly joked to lighten up the atmosphere. Seeing their reactions, the Nightspawn seemed to be much more dangerous than Orcs. Where did they come from? It almost seemed like that they were a bigger threat in James' mind seeing how mysterious and unknown they are. James then frowned slightly as Logan confirmed his fears. Slavery was rampant in the region. He said that they only sold criminals, but James bet that was only in the auction houses. The underground markets were probably filled with illegal slaves. He wanted to see them with his own eyes, but seeing how late it was... it was probably better to come back tomorrow morning or something. "Ahh, well... that sounds interesting, but too bad it's already late. All the stores are closing, so I might as well come back tomorrow morning since there's going to be nothing to really look at around here." as he continued to walk.

 

[NeonFlow]

Kull couldn't help but chuckle somewhat ominously. It might have been the smokers cough in it though "eheheh.. if one finds the black markets interesting, I'd suggest taking a look now... The markets don't stay in one place for long, dealing with slaves illegally is something done in secrecy. You wouldn't just pop down to the slave stand like one would to buy a snack. Heheheh... ooghhfg offfghh acchk!"
Kull had to spit at the end, it was dark for phlegm, how you can tell at night is probably a sign of how unhealthy it seemed.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James' eyebrow rose. Kull seemed to be one heck of a person. As Kull went into a smoker's cough, James said "I don't know if you're still smoking anything, but if you're trying to cure your cough, then after stopping the smoking you should try and go to a sauna or a hot bath often and just inhale the steam. The water will help clear out your lungs quicker. Drinking more water and eating leafy vegetables and fruits should make it quicker as well, but after 3 months, you should see some pretty good progress. By 9 months, it'll pretty much be completely gone." Though he secretly suspected that the "phlegm" was blood and soot mixed together. A long term smoker literally had black soot build up in their lungs, and often coughed up all sorts of greys and black phlegm. If it got much worse, then Kull would probably develop some sort of lung disease or cancer... if he didn't already have one.

That said, seeing that Kull was seemingly able to walk around without too much issue, James didn't think that he was in terrible condition, yet. "But, yea... try to stay away from smoke. Clean air is best and will help make sure you're breathing for decades to come. Maybe take a vacation to a mountain villa or something. A hot spring resort sounds pretty nice too." The Doctor within James couldn't help but try to offer some sort of health advice at the very least. He didn't have a hospital to operate from, so there wasn't much he could do for anyone other than try to suggest lifestyle changes to prevent horrible things from happening.

James then took out the cloak that he bought for Kull and passed it over to him. "I'm a bit too curious. Let's see if we could find ourselves one of these markets. Best to cover yourself up and not stand out too much in a place like that. So, where DOES one start to even try and find a black market like that?"

 

[NeonFlow]

Kull literally ignored almost everything James said. Pushing the cloak back to James saying... "i stand out less then you assume warrior. do not forget that it is us who have been tasked with looking after you..."
The hairless man with black eyes grinned though
"finding slaves is easy for one such as i... with this staff I can filter emotions to search for a specific one, fear... loathing... despair... the largest concentration of these feelings is sure to be of a dirty mongrel in a cage. What is harder then finding them is gaining entry. Criminals often use magic spaces to hide in plain sight. If one invites us in to said space you can enter, otherwise it would be a waiting game to find a caster. Though if we had someone with a mana to detect or open spaces this would make my concerns non existent"

"I guess Ains doesn't have this mana in his collection, otherwise this conversation wouldn't be happening." Logan thought out loud.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James shrugged with a smile. "If you say so." He merely replied to Kull as he put the cloak back into his backpack. "So, you have some sort of emotion mana? Sounds interesting! Never heard of anything like that before. Then again, neither have I heard of space magic, but the more I think about it, the more useful it seems. Wouldn't have to lug this thing around the entire time" James said as he patted his backpack. He then looked back at Kull and said "Well... I don't have that kind of magic either, so... I guess we might have to wait for someone if you guys don't mind?" James in the back of his mind was a bit relieved at Kull's little outburst. It seemed like they felt like they were babysitting him, making it easier for him to pretend to be simple and ignorant, though the latter was pretty much true since he was new to the world.

But, he wasn't naive and dumb. They would eventually report everything that they saw to the King, but James hoped to use the time with them to learn more about the people of this Kingdom. So far, he didn't like what he had seen, the racism was blatantly present but he had barely spent anytime with them. People were never all good or all evil. The better question was to ask if a person was good enough. So, James held his tongue and continued to simply ask questions and observe everything around him.

 

[NeonFlow]

Logan was quick to point out how fruitless it would be to lurk about hoping to catch the eye of a slave trader. Instead he opted to show James around and answer what he could. Some common knowledge learnt.
Everyone except elves and orcs can only use one mana, artefacts such as Ains rings or Kull's staff can allow one to use a different mana at the cost of their own.

Dwarfs like humans have no problems in the human cities of Restag. Elves and beastkin however are seen as a pest. Elves live hundreds of years and receive open disdain for their ancestors creating the green plague.

Beastkin are seen as animals that walk on two legs by the general population. Most encounters one has had with a beastkin was unpleasant to say the least as many are known to steal and murder from travelers. If this is a result of retaliation or simply actions made from desperation depends on who you ask...

The seafood in Dunwel is said to be the best.

Do not attack giant frogs with blunt force.

Aerth is said to be so large that no one person has sailed across it.

An island fell from the sky off the northern coast of Restag, you can see it during the day with a telescope or magic. None have been successful in reaching this island and returning...

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James listened attentively as Logan explained a lot... he wasn't sure if the facts were getting more and more ridiculous or not. They were walking to the coast as discussed before when James replied "An... island? Fell from the sky?" for a second, James entertained the idea that maybe this island was actually the lost city of Atlantis that had also been isekai'd to this world for some unknown reason, but of course that was just a conspiracy theory that he randomly thought of and shook the idea from his head. "Well, thanks for the advice, especially about the one about giant frogs... that sounds like you learned from personal experience." James said to Logan as he continued to head towards the coast with his companions.

However, what interested James the most was the fact that apparently Elves and Orcs could use more than one type of mana... the Elves MADE the Orcs... did that mean that the Elves knew a way to teach others how to use more than one mana? Or... perhaps... Orcs are actually part elf? Either way, James wanted to meet the elves and ask around a bit. The Gods did say he could only use his god given weapon, but they never said anything about potentially learning how to use other manas. Still, that was a long term goal. For now, he had to keep learning about the world, and how to defend himself. He barely knew how to use his own magic at this point anyways.

 

[NeonFlow]

The three spent most of that night training outside the walls of Dunwel.
With Kull able to sense killing intent it was quick to find suitable opponents for a starting adventurer. Horned wolves were the most apparent enemy as they travelled towards the coast, it was a small trip taking a bit over two hours but at least thirteen of the beasts died to Logan's blade or James efforts.
Logan couldn't give a demonstration as the halberd couldn't leave James possession nor could Logan grasp it. But with verbal cues, a demonstration with stances and some beginning tips for safety. The three are unharmed as they make their way. What bothered the two escorts was movements from what looked like small humanoid creatures.

Goblins by Logan's guess, Kulls only words was a dry tone confirming that whatever the creatures are they had killing intent. As they seemed to be following ahead Logan made the decision to return to Dunwel.

It was easy to find a place for food and rest, by the gates of Dunwel just outside what could politely be described as... a bit of a slum by the walls.
A few streets past these slums was a fantastic tavern with rooms upstairs for rent.
Cooked Claw was it's name. Famous for its unique crab soup, all ingredients hunted fresh off the coast. Expensive food as giant crabs can be a terrifying creature to face, but the cooks and bartender claim giant crab meat when cooked with it's innards grant boons to your mana.
Results are inconclusive if you ask the patrons...

As Logan and Kull paid for themselves James still had a bit of gold the next morning.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James paid the innkeep for the room he rented last night. He was getting the hang of using his halberd. It coulc be used as a spear AND as an axe, making it a very versatile weapon that has both range and power. Now that it was morning, James wanted to visit the market to see what kind of goods were sold there, not to mention, James did his best to take some loot and goods to sell. He packed as much of the horns and good wolf skins. A lot were well... ripped, so he only focused on skinning the clean kills with minimal stab wounds on them. James hoped to sell the horns and decent wolf fur he gathered to make some more coins. He had 120 gold coins after buying his gear. The inn cost a few coins as well, so James figured that this was a modest way to make some money on the side while he continued to learn. With his companions by his side, James headed off to the market to see if he could sell his loot from last night and to see if there were any interesting stores or items to buy.

 

[NeonFlow]

With the knowledge that wolf horns are worth gold, "all living creatures have mana, horned wolf's have wind and thunder stored in those horns, though only mature wolves pose a real threat." James was shown the vendors and stores that would buy monster/creature parts by Logan. Kull like usual was quiet and sullen, following close behind with careful eyes.

The pelts net a small profit of fourteen gold, better pelts from more suitable creatures are worth more. From the vendor James learns...
"Yea horned wolf pelt Isn't the best for crafting but they do hold residual mana, we buy them to make armour and clothes with certain resistances"

The horns gain more profit with fifteen gold coins each. They are used in weak artefacts and armour, similar to the pelts but more effective. As far as special items and interesting wares Logan had no real insight, somewhat bland despite his friendly persona...
After pointing out a certain food stand cooking squid on a stick, a enchanting melody from a stringed instrument captures James attention. It was... A hairy child, upon closer inspection it is a humanoid monkey. He sits crosslegged playing what looks like a guitar out the front of a store in the market place. A store with instruments inside of various sorts. A human man with grey hair is propped up behind the counter barely awake.

The monkeys music almost seemed magical. Ains words ringed in James mind "I unfortunately can't teach you bardic magic, it requires a instrument and lyrics most of the time"

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

With all the goods sold, James counted his coins. 120 coins left from Ains, the cost of the room was covered by the 14 coins from the wolf pelt. But, more importantly, the horns were worth quite a bit. 15 gold each meant that James made 195 gold. He divided up the coins and handed both Logan and Kull 65 gold. He didn't kill the wolves alone. The advice of Kull to go to the coast to fight the wolves AND Logan's teachings helped James learn and fight. By himself, James wasn't sure if he would have been able to fight so many wolves. Thus, with 185 gold coins left, James continued to look around the market. There was some odd things here and there, but nothing that really caught his eye. Instead, it was his ears that heard something that caught his interest.

James approached the small humanoid monkey and listened to it's performance. It seemed magical for some reason. There was a small voice in the back of his head that said that this was no regular song for some reason. After the song ended, James gave an applause and asked the humanoid monkey. "What was that song? I've never heard it before, but it was enchanting..."

 

[NeonFlow]

The monkey child didn't answer back, it flinched when talked to and quickly went back to playing music. If you was to look closer you would see signs of abuse and malnourishment. Faint scars, patches of hair missing, if the boy had no hair you could probably assume he would be covered in bruises.

Logan approached James from behind to give some advice. "Ah that's a beastkin. Poor child, he was probably found and sold... monkey men make notorious thieves. His parents were probably caught and killed... best not to worry about music, God sent soul like you needs to practice how to survive in the wild and such. That means preparation James my boy."
His smile seemed put on, his tone forced. He didn't want to be around the pitiful beastkin. Or maybe Logan was real excited about the supplies in the next store.

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James smiled at Logan and replied "This is preparation." as he then continued to watch and listen to the beastkin play its instrument. He was listening to the beat and the rhythm of the chords that the child was playing . Back in Earth, James and some of the other doctors spent time with the patients. Playing with them, listening to songs and singing along. Really, almost anywhere they went, there were songs that everyone seemed to have heard and loved to song along to even if they didn't really know the lyrics. To James and a lot of the doctors, they weren't just singing and playing with the patients. Often times, a lot of them were refugees who suffered from wounds that could not be seen by the eye. A lot of them were kids who had watched their families die before their eyes. Stuff like the old term "Shell Shock" or what was now known as PTSD couldn't be treated with some antibiotics and bandages. No, souls had to be healed, which was a long process. Yet, songs seemed to be something that transcended languages and cultures. No matter who, music helped nurture the soul. Then, following the pace of the guitar like instrument, James began to sing one of the songs that he held close to his own heart and soul.

Step one, you say we need to talk
He walks, you say sit down, it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left, and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
You begin to wonder why you came...​

 

[NeonFlow]

The monkey child slowly stopped moving his fingers as James began to sing, his eyes met James with a sign of curiosity as he bit his lip in a hesitant manner. It was a tense thirty seconds of silence before the monkey said "You the same as Tarot. Magic in words, you not know right words but..."
The old man in the shop had wobbled to the door as he couldnt hear his favourite tune, he smacks the monkey over the head with his cane. "Stupid monkey! play the strings don't speak nonsense"

The boy grimaced in pain but quickly went back to playing that enchanting sound.
"Welcome lads, might you be interested in the bardic arts? War drums or a
battle-lute? I even have wind instruments I'll have you know" the immediate switch from anger to customer service was jarring even to Logan and Kull. Enough to make Kull chuckle anyway.

Logan scoffed "I haven't heard of a single decent bard in battle, most likely the reason each tale you hear sung is a myth or legend"
"your wrong."
A voice mumbled as the music begins to speed up.
"NO!" If the old man hadn't struck the monkey again who knows what would have happened. But with how quick the old man fell over to strike the child, Kull again chuckled. Logan helped the old man up as he twisted his ankle cussing out the child the entire time "none of that mumbo jumbo just play the strings! Stupid monkey stupid monkey!! Argh!!!"

 

[Heyitsjiwon]

James frowned slightly at the outburst of violence. No wonder there were no customers around despite the music. The Old Man was beating and frightening them off. As Logan was helping the old man, James quickly and discreetly gave the monkey a wink. James then said "Well, shopkeep, I was interested in your muscian who seems to be causing you problems." as he went over to grab a chair for the old man to sit on since he twisted his ankle. "Say, how much for the child? Surely, if he's causing you more pain than good, it's better to sell him for some coin? Use the coin to take a nice week or two off work, take a nice cozy nap in the sun. You've been working so hard and so long, why let your slave bring you so much trouble and torment?"