The clerk shrugs, “Maybe it is not the same everywhere, but a large part of what is seen as making a noble competent, is the ability to plan ahead and predict what is to come. Which means asking for help now instead of for something in the future is seen as gauche.
“Don’t get me started on how this has affected our leisure time! 3-step chess is way too common despite the fact regular chess is already about thinking ahead. They had to add a performative extra bit of predictive nonsense to it.”
Rosha, “Well, that is off-topic, but I really have to ask because my father was heavily into chess as well. What is 3-step chess?”
The clerk sighs, “It is chess, except your moves are, I’m not really sure how to describe it? So, I’ll just tell you how it’s played. Everything is still turn-based, except when you decide how to move a piece, instead of directly moving it, you write down the move on a tile, place it face down, and pass the turn.
“This goes back and forth, nothing actually happening on the board, until you have 3 tiles. Instead of using a fourth tile, you flip the very first tile and follow the orders on said tile. If the move would be illegal, you skip the move. Then, once that is done, you erase the move from the tile and write a new move.
“So you’re technically forced to think 3 steps ahead. My personal view is that it creates an overdependence on a more ritualistic dance. Instead of playing chess, it feels more like both sides are trying to make sure they’re following the cues of the other so they don’t embarrass themselves by having moves that fail. That it is better to lose after a long game which is basically a replay of so many past games, than it is to actually try something and embarrass your opponent or yourself.”
Rosha rolls her eyes, “Yeah, I can see how that would happen. I bet the variant was actually originally made by someone clever, but bad at chess.”
Courtney laughs, “I could see it being an interesting take, but only if people met with the concept honestly. Which does not seem to be how they’re handling it.”
The clerk gestures with resignation, “That is almost certainly the shape of it.
“But back to business. What do you want?”
Rosha nods, “There is not actually much we need, overall.”
The clerk smiles, “Is there something You need?”
Rosha smiles back, “Well, now that you mention it? We’ll be staying in this city for a while. Got a place to stay while handling this and a few other tasks. I figure a few introductions. Also, the man with us has a particular need for equipment. He doesn’t need or want stat bonuses; rather, he is looking for gear that provides effects. So maybe you could have someone talk to him and help him find some upgrades for his stuff. Not anything too expensive, but then again, his needs aren’t exactly common, anyway. Most want good stats over powerful effects.”
The clerk takes a moment to respond. “Okay, that last bit is an odd request. Some specialized gear obviously exists for the effect. Though those mostly focus on one powerful effect to survive a specific hazard. High resistance to poison gas for someone entering a swamp known for said gas, or a hat packed with effects focused on desert survival.”
Rosha nods, “People don’t turn down a good effect, but even masterful crafters have a hard time making sure they get exactly the effect they want. Enchantments help, but the base effects can muck things up. Kind of hard to put an effect on something that already has an effect that doesn’t play nice. All while stats are simply a show of how well crafted and enchanted the gear is.”
The clerk sighs, “Crafting is just such a gamble. Every new piece of gear a box of potential. If even the stats were random, I don’t think there would be all that many crafters at all.”
Rosha laughs, “All except for those rare magical items with a proper guide. Though even they can end up with an altered effect occasionally.”
The clerk nods, “There was a recent shift in crafting. Deities above and below, that caused quite a bit of havoc. Anytime the System goes and flips the tables on people it is a hard time all around. Thankfully, accessory crafting is already so random, it doesn’t tend to affect us.”
Rosha laughs, though it is slightly strained. “Dependability is such a hard thing to secure.”
The clerk flashed a weak smile. “Ain’t that the truth. Anyway, we should have some gear for the guy. Because even the dependable can’t be too dependable. So yeah, I have access to a bunch of ‘failed’ gear.
“Though don’t assume all stat-less gear is going to be cheap. The term ‘best in slot’ might have been introduced by you travellers, but we certainly knew the concept since forever. And sometimes? An effect is worth more than anything else.”
Rosha waves his worries off, “Don’t think we’re trying to grab anything too valuable. We aren’t looking for a weapon and definitely not gear to help with using one. This is about light armor with interesting effects.”
The clerk smiles, “Well, that is a relief. Weapons are one of the few things where people do care more about effects. After all, a stat boost from a weapon is only active while wielding it.
“Useful, don’t get me wrong. Being able to hit hard isn’t ever going to be turned down and a pure stat boost adds to the base damage being done. You might get more from an effect that makes the blade fiery, but it is a lot easier for your enemy to throw down resistance to fire.
“To specialize your gear? That is just asking to be countered. Better to be stronger and then have someone cast buffs, especially since buffs might not always stack with effects.”
Rosha, “Well, good for us, I guess.”