As you continue branching out further, you find a well-worn dirt road about a mile from the cabin. No one is here at the moment.
May as well follow the road for a while.
*flips a coin*
§
After about half an hour's walk, you see the high walls of a castle's keep in the distance. It will probably be a couple more hours' walk from here.
We'll approach the castle cautiously.
You're overtaken by a horsedrawn wagon. The farmer on the back of it is wearing faded denim jeans, a flannel shirt, and a tweed hat.
"Whoa," he tells the horses, reining them in.
"You folks need a lift?"
"That would be most agreeable, thank you. Are you heading to the castle? We are relative strangers to this place, and would know more of it should you be so inclined to share."
Opps.
"Well, sure! Hop on in!" When you climb in, he urges the two horses onward.
"Well, you're in Richland. The castle just over there is the seat of Lord Orpheon. Where are the two of you coming from?"
"The mountains. A cabin up there. What is this Lord Orpheon like?"
"Well, they say he is nearly the wisest in all Kingsland."
"I see. Good to know." We'll ride to the castle and see what's next.
You arrive at the gates to a city, and the guard, wielding a spear, nods to the farmer and allows the three of you to pass.
"Happy to help," the farmer says to you, waving.
I'll look for the local smithy. I'll assume there is one, since this seems to be a midevil setting.
You find the blacksmith, toiling away at his business in the hot forge.
"Pardon me, sir. Might you be looking for help? I am a smith of considerable skills and I can make arms to armor, locks, chain, well, just about anything you can think of, and perhaps some you can not. If you need an audition, just loan me an apron, and give me a project. All I ask is a chance to prove myself capable and worthy of working here with you."
The smith looks you over, and he says to you, "I'm not looking for a partner. If you want to found a smithy and don't have the money, you should visit a bank."
"Well then, does one need any sort of permit to open a business, or is it just kind of a free for all?"
"Well, you need the money to buy the property and materials to run it; what do you mean, a permit?"
Hmmm. I'll look to sell the extra sword I have on my hip. I'll see if I can get any offers for it.
None that are worth it.
You do, however, find a bank.
A bank, eh? Well, I'll go inside and see about a loan, I suppose.
You walk in and see several comely young ladies serving as tellers.
You get the impression that this may be a brothel as well as a bank.
I'll walk over to one of the girls. "And which one of you lovely young ladies do I speak to about a loan?"
"I can help you," a young brunette tells you with a smile.
"How much were you looking to borrow, sir?"
"I was looking to borrow enough to build a smithy. "
"Starting a business? We have very competitive rates! How does a one hundred thousand platinum loan with a five percent interest paid back over a ten year plan sound?"
"5% is nice, 3% would be better."
"You certainly drive a hard bargain, sir!
"Done!
"Now, if we could just see your identification, we'll be all set here!"
"I have no ID. I am new to these parts."
"Well, sir, you'll need ID to take out a loan," she says in a matter-of-fact everybody-knows-that tone.
"Let's pretend I don't come from here. How do I go about getting ID?"
How'd I miss you? =o
§
She tells you, "Well, take your proof of citizenship to the courthouse and I'm sure they'll provide you with an identification."
"And if I do not have proof of citizenship? What do I do then?"
She laughs.
"Well, if you didn't have proof of citizenship, you're be in quite a pickle, now, wouldn't you?!"
"Well, then, consider myself in quite the pickle. Who do I have to see to earn citizenship?"
She looks a little nervous now in your presence.
"Well, the courthouse would be the place to go -- or to meet with Lord Orpheon."
"You seem a tad nervous. Is there something wrong?"
"No, not at all, sir; it's just I've never actually been in the presence of anyone who was not a citizen. Please come again, sir."
We will exit and ask for directions to the courthouse. We will go inside and ask for directions for filling out paperwork to become citizens. I will inform them that we have no ID, and that any help would be welcome.