Ad aspera

"Thank you for the offer, Roberto," Unus said, paying the captain. "Usually, I earn a living through alms for preaching or by teaching literacy and writing, but the GM said I can't do that; I need the Teacher skill. It's always good to try something new. May the All-Holder keep you, captain!"

Having paid, taken the permit, and bid farewell to the guardsman, Unus headed toward the church of the All-Holder.

-- Don't do anything stupid.

Leaving the city walls and crossing the bridge over the Mortlah, Unus finds himself on the right bank. The suburb of the right bank resembles a village more than anything: shacks are built without any planning, small livestock graze right in the streets, everything is uneven and disorderly, though not exactly filthy. Most of the men have gone to work, some in the city, some in the fields; only women argue lazily, and boys run about on errands understood only to them. The church, the only notable place, stands some distance from the settlement — whether people shun it, or the priest himself demanded it.
The abode of the All-Holder looks very unimpressive compared to the Ardor temples, especially against the backdrop of the majestic Tirren — a small stone building from which the plaster has long since peeled away, and the wind blows through the gap of a crooked door. The priest stands outside, gazing thoughtfully at the high walls of Tirren. Seeing Unus, he first smiles reservedly at a fellow believer, but a second later his face takes on a stern and almost distrustful expression.
-- The All-Holder bless you. An inspection?


Added after 27 minutes

Planning to go to church with some righteous Christian women?

Even worse. The guys and I will take long, hard objects and hit and poke first at rubber, then each other. Morning and evening. For over two hours. In special suits...

The verbal offensive of the law enforcement officers almost caught Kotori off guard, but fortunately, the lieutenant resolved the situation before she had to fend off a legion of unexpected questions.
— Correct. — Confirming the correctness of the name mentioned by Fabris, Kotori bowed again. — I am searching for my husband, Keichi Shinomiya; he was supposed to arrive in your city three years ago...

-- Three years, hm? -- the lieutenant suppressed a smile. -- If he acquired housing here, the town hall should have information. If he knows a trade, you can ask the guild master... All this provided that he stayed in the city, of course. Very well. In that case, you need to know the following about our regulations: most laws are the same for locals and newcomers and should be obvious given that every citizen, except for a slave, is considered a free person and any harm caused to them is punished accordingly. A private individual is not subject to any taxes by default. As for restrictions — the nobility quarter and the Stronghold are closed to you except by personal guarantee. You cannot independently appear in court, own real estate, or organize your own enterprise of any type. As for basic principles, I believe that's all... Do you have any remaining questions?
Marked:
City Center, town hall
East Quarter, guard post
Nobility Quarter
Stronghold
Artisans Quarter

Added after 15 minutes

- Nope, - the Knight took the container and took a sip of the drink. - So what's the deal? Or rather — where can a fighter make some coin?

The wine in the skin is not too tart, but strong, spicy and slightly dries the throat. Invigorating.
-- The herald sometimes announces a job at noon where people capable of holding a sword are needed, whether it's a request from a merchant, some village elder, or even a big shot. But that depends on luck. If you want something more reliable — every time I arrive, they call me into the guard, but I know what kind of rot that is. Still, it'll do for extra cash, better than being a bouncer in a brothel. Also, in the Stronghold, Knights sometimes hold competitions and may even invite a foreigner, but you understand those people — words, honors, vague prospects, but the purse is empty... And finally, there are various competitions for civilians, but they are rare. On the other hand, they aren't stingy with the winner's reward and there's no shortage of girls afterward. But Tirren is just that kind of place for a warrior — earnings depend on luck, but expenses — please, as many as you wish...
Marked:
City Center, square
East Quarter, guard post
Stronghold

Added after 3 minutes

-- Morning, -- said Knud, as if stating a fact. -- I'd like to rent a room.

-- Easy. One silver per day. Or five coppers in the common room.
10 copper -- 1 silver
10 silver -- 1 gold