Lucky and the Villagers' Adventure

This was the last place I wanted to be.

The marketplace. The worst place in Munderin for a goblin to be. It was just too much, too fast, and there were too many people to get lost in. There were also too many guards and nobles who would punish us without question.

“I can handle this.” My boss, Laispe, said with confidence as she adjusted her ink-stained smock. Her eyes, like mine, were black and empty of pupils. We were both born with a curse of sorts, but it made us who we are today. She brushed back a strand of dark hair and adjusted her hat further down on her head to cover as much of her face as possible. “You stay hidden and watch over the goods while I deal with the customers. Don’t steal anything unless they try to take something from us first, those are the rules.”

I sighed and slumped down further behind the crates we had set up at the edge of the marketplace. There was no way I could argue with that logic, so I merely grunted in approval and watched as Laispe went to work. She approached one of her old friends from school who happened to sell ink brushes and paints at their stall and proceeded to tease them about their latest fashion choices while she inspected some of their products at the same time. Then she turned around and greeted a noble couple who wanted to buy some of her more expensive wares, including me.

“This is Lucky, my most loyal assistant!” She said cheerfully when she returned from dealing with the noble couple, who left with a small bag containing four tiny bottles of blue ink made in our secret workshop, after we had gone rogue from society due to our strange appearance that caused children to run away screaming every time they saw us. “She may look scary but she means no harm! Don’t let her scowl fool you!” She then turned towards me and gave me an encouraging nod before moving away again and continuing to sell her merchandise while I sat crouched behind the crates, looking disgruntled and glaring at anyone who got close enough for me to reach out and touch them.

As expected, it didn’t take long before someone tried to take something from us without paying for it first. A young girl walked up behind another customer who was inspecting some of our ink sticks without paying us any attention whatsoever. My heart sank into my stomach when I saw the girl sneak two small vials into her pocket, after exchanging them for one fat coin which she put into her small purse. She left as casually as she had arrived, while the other customer simply continued shopping, oblivious to the theft that had just occurred.

Everyone knew we couldn’t do anything about it if someone stole something from us here at the market, as it was outside our territory where we had no control. However, lucky for us, we had friends in high places like Laispe did, meaning we could count on their help in case something like this happened.

The situation served as a reminder that theft was a precarious game involving risk and reward. Individuals attempted thievery knowing that they could face dire consequences if caught. Goblins were notoriously difficult to contend with, even experienced warriors or monsters often chose not to engage due to the potential danger. Additionally, goblins would frequently negotiate deals or establish personal relationships before attempting any attacks. Consequently, most people found it best to deal directly with goblins rather than their bosses whenever possible. It was essential to exercise caution when interacting with goblins – don't wait around for a change of heart once you've given them everything you have.