"YOU are the hero" : The Fate of Faraway 19

19

The Old Road, which connects the Dwarven kingdoms to the Human kingdom of Faraway, is arguably the only reasonably reliable route linking the interior of the Boût mountain range to the outside world. Used since legendary tis, it terminates at the fortified city of Borfor. Hundreds of Dwarves co to this trading hub every day to trade with Humans, generally exchanging handcrafted goods of sotis dubious quality for abundant quantities of precious provisions from the Human fields.

Built long ago with the help of Dwarven artisans to protect Faraway from the dangers of the mountains, the sturdy structure still stands, despite its less-than-stellar state of repair. Nurous advanced structures, often rather crude due to their Human origins, complete the fortifications and allow Borfor to serve as a chokepoint in the event of a massive monster attack. Of course, nowadays only the Dwarves would be powerful enough to pose a real threat, but this place also prevents the passage of small tribes of raiders.

You arrive at the vast barbican that protects the entrance to the city. Many other Dwarves and a few Humans are waiting in line to pay the toll and any applicable customs duties. After a long wait, it's your turn.

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The customs officer is ridiculously dressed but seems to think he's important. His table is covered with piles of coins. Giving you a quick glance, he tells you the toll is 6 Coins. You're fairly certain the Human rchant who went through before you paid three tis less, not counting the customs duty.

Will you refuse to pay, turn back, and try to find a back way into Faraway? If you feel up to it, try 21 (morize 19).

You can also protest loudly and make a scene at 45 (morize 180).

Is negotiation even possible? You can always try 185 (morize 180 and Recall 19).

Of course, it's also possible to simply pay to enter 180.