1st contact

1st contact

Greetings, sir. I see you have founded a little outpost here, without a permit I might add. The Traders Guild regulates all trade activity and all merchant fees must be paid forward. Surely you are aware that you have been building within Traders Guild territory?

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It's a free world.

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Sorry, I was not aware of that.

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I'm not a merchant, this isn't a trading post.

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1st contact

If you're trading within Traders Guild territory I'm afraid you need to register for membership with the Territorial Division. Either you can speak to Yamdu at Lord Longen's headquarters in Heng for a permanent membership, or you can pay myself via a weekly fee of 4000 Cats. As a member of the Traders Guild this will entitle you to military protection, patrols will be sent out daily.

1st contact

Well, sir, your outpost looks very much to me like a potential hub of trade activity, and so I can only assume pre-emptively that you will be trading basic supplies, consumables and such on your premises.

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Okay, I guess I'll pay then.

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And if I don't pay?

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You can go fuck yourself sonny.

1st contact

Excellent, a collection agent will visit you periodically, please make sure you keep the funds available in order to keep up payments.

1st contact

In the case of non payment you will be unable to benefit from our exclusive merchant bronze member protection service. A modest hub such as yours will be sure to attract much unwanted attention, it would be a shame to see such accidents befall your little party here.

1st contact

[The agent seems taken aback for a moment, then his expression hardens] Do you understand that I represent the Traders Guild? Think very carefully about what you say next, sir. I suggest you learn your place and quietly pay your dues.

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I'm sorry, but we're not paying any of your "fees".

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Erm, I guess I was maybe a little hasty there, I'll pay, I'll pay!

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Do you understand that I am about to stab you? I suggest you learn your place and run like hell.

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Look, I appreciate what you are saying but this is free land, I don't owe the Traders Guild anything.

1st contact

I'm sorry to hear that sir.

1st contact

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1st contact

[He pauses and turns back to you with a hardened expression before walking away]... Terrible things happen in the outlands when people don't have protection. I sincerely hope you do not come to regret your decision.

1st contact

Your hostility towards an official of the highly respected Traders Guild will be reported!

1st contact

I bid you farewell, sir!