Welcome to Baaskqir.
Tollkeeper- Vol.1:Iss#001
Hello hello hello glad to have you back for another installment from the Realm of Solo. I can’t do this without you so please remember to share.
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Last week
I got sucked into my Mythic Game and the fantastical world of Sorg. I vaguely remember Wiktor the system admin and his attitude. Like he said this world can be pretty cruel.
This week
«First Session <Previous session | Next session> Last session»
I have memories from times and places that don’t exist or maybe every world we make is made reality somewhere. Doesn’t matter, because here I am now a Guide of Baaskqir.
Story
“Welcome to Baaskqir! The first and last bastion of civilization. We are more than happy to have you basking in the sun with us. My name is Ptehu I’ll be your guide for as long as you need, for whatever you need. So, what's your fancy? Adventure, sightseeing, or perhaps something more... lucrative? “
It’s what I always say now. Seems to work best. Hey, don’t let my horns intimidate you. They're just for show. As for my Intent Blindness, well, it's a gift and a curse. It's landed me in more awkward situations than I care to admit. But hey, at least it keeps things interesting. I know more about this city than any map, it’s alley ways and streets my courtyard, I the unknown queen. People on the other hand that’s a different story.
The young Liphan standing before me looks me up and down, clearly unsure of what to make of me. I don't blame him, really. My toothy smile widens as I meet his gaze.
“I heard you're more than a tour guide… Tollkeeper.” He said matter of factly and I feel a pang of pride.
I quickly checked my status bar to make sure everything's in order before giving him a bow, one far deeper and lower than necessary. Taking a second to compose myself. An unofficial title though it was, it still came with its benefits.
I gave him a once over watching his body language as best I could. He seemed harmless enough, though a bit skittish.
“You got a name kid?” I asked.
"It's Turkhan," he said, with a nervous stutter.
Alright then, step into my office," I said with a smirk, motioning for him to follow me into the alley. He trailed behind me like a puppy, his excitement palpable.
“So, you're the Tollkeeper?" he asked eagerly.
"Calm down, kid," I replied, holding up a hand to stop him. "Nothing is done without shells."
He gave a grin “I can do you one better I’ve got 50 pearls for the one they call the Tollkeeper.”
“Fifty pearls?" I scoffed. "What could possibly be worth that kind of money?"
"The Flintgarde Dungeons," he said simply.
“The Flint... the... you must be insane!"
“Keep it down!” he hissed, glancing around nervously.
“Do you know what kind of risk you're taking?" I asked in a low voice. "If we're caught, it could mean-“ he cut me off.
“Torture, possible exile and/ or death…. You mean that?”
“And that's worth 50 pearls?" I scoffed, turning to walk away.
"50 now, 150 after," he called after me.
I stopped in my tracks and turned to face him. "Who are you, kid?"
"A healer, with a patient," he said quietly. "And you're the only one who can get me there from what I hear."
I sighed heavily. "600?"
"500," he countered.
“575.”
“480," he replied, hoping to haggle me down further. I sat and thought about it for a second and before I could respond he interrupted my thoughts.
“You know you are going to do it.” He said smirking. “The minute I said I knew the risk, you knew. So call it 250 to get me in 250 to get me out.”
"Well played, kid," I said with a begrudging smile. "They better be worth it, this patient of yours."
Turkhan simply nodded, looking pleased with himself.
What we were going to attempt was insane. I motioned for him to follow as my mind raced.
I couldn’t help but think this was a setup. I glanced around, searching for any sign of Vahssik, my loyal companion and protector. But the streets were quiet, and the only sound was the soft shuffle of Turkhan's footsteps beside me.
Turkhan’s eyes darted back and forth as he gave me a sheepish grin. “When do we start?” He asked.
“Do you know why they call me the Tollkeeper kid? Because every road has a price and yours? Well, yours requires more than pearls. We've got some favors to curry before we can even think about pulling this off. Come, let me show you a different side of Baaskqir.
I led him through a series of dark, winding alleys, past secret taverns, gambling dens, and brothels. We passed groups of rough-looking men, huddled together in whispered conversation, but none of them paid us any attention. Our first stop the Hexad Theatre an oddity of entertainment in the heart of the Baaskqir slums. Just as I finished the thought a new notification flashed on my status bar!
*CLATTER OF DICE*
New Quest Received!
Acquire a Coral key. One of the keys to the city. Priceless.
Reward: Title- Key bearer
Story pt2.
The Hexad Theatre was an awe-inspiring sight to behold, a true gem in the heart of Basskqir. It’s grand arch way carved and encrusted with Aiyut stone. Built by Seldah Alsorna only two years ago, this marvel of architecture was unlike any other building in the city. Made entirely of Ocsan wood, imported all the way from Ivory Reach, the theatre was rumored to have the power to amplify sound tenfold. Whether that was true or not, one had to buy a ticket to experience it for themselves.
As I led Turkhan into the theatre, his eyes widened in amazement at the sight before him. The dark green bark of the Ocsan wood seemed to vibrate with a life of its own, giving off an otherworldly hum that sent shivers down the spine.
Once inside, the theatre revealed its grandeur in all its glory. The six-story structure was an architectural masterpiece of suspended wooden balconies and stages, stretching up towards the heavens above. The audience seating was arranged in a crescent formation around the central stage, which hung suspended in mid-air above us all.
The performances held within the Hexad were just as impressive as the theatre itself. From heart-wrenching tragedies to uproarious comedies, the Hexad had it all. The theatre was also known for its experimental shows, pushing the boundaries of what was considered conventional theatre.
“It’s so big.”Turkhan said
I led Turkhan to the side of one of the lower stages in the back, away from the grandeur of the Hexad Theatre. Stopping at a heavy wooden panel, I kicked it twice and whistled a long two-second blast.
“Tolls come collecting!” I shouted. I turned to Turkhan. “Keep it shut while we're in here. Seldah may be the owner of the theatre, but don't let that fool you. She'll kill you where you stand.” A small slot opened on the panel.
“You.” Said a gruff voice with a bit of disgust.
“Me and a friend. Seldah in?”
“She want no parts of you.”
I leaned in closer. “Now,Konyel. She doesn't need to deal with me, but she does need to answer the summons. She knows the rules, or do I have to do the whole friends in low places thing?”
Another voice from behind the panel said, “Let her in.”
“Seldah!” I exclaimed with faux excitement. “So good to hear your voice!”
The panel slid back, revealing the Coblyn Bodyguard, who hefted his axe in one hand while the other was a prosthetic mace. Seldah's office was smaller than I remembered, but every inch was packed with art both local and exotic.
“That's a new one, Konyel, decided you needed a better way to wipe your arse, huh?” I quipped.
Konyel growled and took a step forward, his hand on the axe grip tightening.
“Easy, Konyel,” Seldah said calmly. “You know she only wants to get under your skin. What do you want, Ptehu?”
“Not what I want but what you owe. I’m going into the Flintgarde Dungeon.” I said.
“You want to go into the Flintgarde Dungeon?" Seldah's Iret eyes glared at me. "You have one request from the Hexad, and you choose to squander it on a fool's errand?"
I shrugged, trying to hide my unease. I knew Seldah had a reputation for ruthlessness, and I didn't want to be on her bad side. Besides, I was the keeper of all the passages of Baaskqir, the best at what I do. But there were places even I couldn't go if I'd never been there before. “What I choose to ask for is of no concern of yours," I retorted. "I told you one day I would come knocking. That is today."
Konyel, the Coblyn bodyguard, snorted from his post by the door. "She's finally lost it, boss. Let her go and be done with it."
I shot him a withering look and turned back to Seldah. "I have my reasons, can you help me or not?"
Seldah stared at me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she nodded at Turk. "And what about him?"
“My client for the day," I replied, without missing a beat.
Seldah's eyes narrowed, but she didn't press the matter.“Head to the Lingering Mirage. When the Owner ask what might you be looking for. You tell him ‘Sight for that which can’t be seen, boots to walk the unwalkable path, a key to unlock the open door.’ He will point you in the right direction.”
“Thank you Seldah.” I turned to walk out.
“You know this is a bad idea don’t you?”
“When do I ever have good ideas?” I said with a wave over my shoulder.
We set off for the Lingering Mirage, Turkhan silent by my side. Every so often, he would gaze around with the same wide-eyed wonder that I'd seen in so many of my clients. I searched the streets for any sign of Vahssik, and eventually spotted him perched atop a nearby rooftop, keeping a vigilant watch.
I slowed as we neared the door of the shabby looking building. The sign barely legible and hanging from one chain.
“If you want to turn back, we still have time," I offered Turk, but he was resolute. "I must see this through. My patient needs me." He said.
“So be it.” I opened the door of the rickety building. The shop was a far cry from the Hexad, with cracked walls and sparsely-stocked shelves. The sun filtered in through the window, I couldn't help but notice the thick layer of dust that hung in the air.
“Hello!” I called out.
Silence was the only response to my greeting. Turkhan looked doubtful, leaning in and whispering, “Are you sure this is the place?”
“Seldah is ruthless, but she's no liar. We're in the right place.” I called out again, “Hello!”
A corpulent, elderly man peered up from behind the counter, adjusting his monocle and squinting at us as if we were specks in the distance. “Yes, one moment please,” he grumbled, struggling to rise from his chair. It was a struggle for the massive man, but I could see why. He towered over us, at least four heads taller and as wide as a horse. We took a step back involuntarily, dwarfed by his bulk. The monocle looked ridiculous, perched precariously on his nose. Clearing my throat, I announced, “Seldah sends her regards.”
He raised an eyebrow, his breathing still heavy from getting out of his chair. "Regards? What might you be in search of?" he asked.
I looked at Turkhan, my brain going blank. "Seldah sent us here for... something," I stuttered.
Turkhan stepped in, "We're looking for Sight for that which can't be seen, boots to walk the unwalkable path, and a key to unlock the open door." I gave a quiet nod of thanks.
A wide smile crept across Morii's face, revealing yellowed teeth. "It's been a while since someone has come seeking that which cannot be seen. But what you seek is not here, it is buried between realms," he said, his voice laced with intrigue.
My eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "Enbis?" I muttered, my voice shaky.
"Aye, Enbis," Morii confirmed, nodding his head.
“What’s that?” Turkhan piped up looking back and forth between Morii and I.
“An artifact from before the Bolting supposedly, that’s an Enbis.” I said lowly understanding now why Seldah was so irritated to begin with.
“I thought that was a myth?” Turk said in disbelief.
Morii chuckled. "Oh, it's real, all right. This particular Enbis was buried with its last wielder for a reason," he said, a hint of caution in his voice.
I nodded my head as Turkhan looked at me his mouth hung open. I did another survey of the shop. Seldah always knew how to hide her people in plain sight. “You said it was buried between places. What do you mean?”
Morii clapped his hands together and waddled from behind the counter, fumbling with a set of keys. "Come, come, I have what you need to retrieve the Enbis," he said, motioning for us to follow him. We trailed after him as he made his way to a bookshelf, and he put a key in the lock of a book spine. With a loud bang, hidden mechanisms fired up and the bookshelf slid back, revealing a small cubby.
In the cubby, encased in glass, was a mirror. It was an extravagantly carved bone mirror, a singular black diamond set into the top. Morii lifted the glass case with care, his fat fingers making it look like a toy. "Take this to Hillreef graveyard. I'm sure you can figure out the rest," he said with a grin.
I took the mirror from him and handed it to Turkhan. "Is there anything we should know about this?" Turkhan asked.
Morii's grin faded. "Others want what you seek. Always have, always will. Be warned."
With Morii's warning ringing in our ears, we headed east towards the Hillreef Graveyard. I wasn't too familiar with the place, but I knew it was a popular destination for scholars and history buffs. The graves were ornate and gaudy, each one more ostentatious than the last. It was a small city unto itself, a place where the dead lived on in grand mausoleums.
We stood at the gates overlooking The Necropolis sprawled out below us. A few lonely souls visiting past loved ones, I turned to Turkhan. "This could blow a whole other storm our way. Are you sure about this?"
“It’s only for this one job, we could put it back after right?” He asked
I nodded, but couldn't shake the feeling that we were walking into a trap. We entered the graveyard, and it felt like the dead were watching us, judging us for our intrusion.
“One job.” I echoed as we stepped into the sea of endless mausoleums.
Next week
Finding this Enbis and getting into the Flintgarde Dungeon is the goal. But I don’t like the sound of what Morii said. People are always looking for this particular Enbis and that could cause issues.
Bones and Mechanics
You maybe wondering about why we are heading to so many different places instead of where we need to go. That is because our Mythic GME gave us three locations we need to go before we can get into the dungeons.
Our rolls were as follows.
60 24 mysterious delightful
6 26 new bleak
13 92 cold tranquil
67 86 open storage
can you tell which rolls are which?
Thank you
Fellowship
This week I wanted to make sure you guys checked out the amazing PTFO. I know I shout out his sub stack often enough but I didn’t realize how much the story has developed. I am currently doing a catch up read and encourage you to do the same if you haven’t already. Remember to drop a comment and let me know what you think so far.