Chapter 4.7 - Rulebreakers

Crowds of people waiting to be admitted to the gate. All of them in teams of at least 5 people, but some as large as 10. Some had custom ramshackle carts made from various items from traders. Some carried large bags. One group had actually purchased a wagon off the trade caravan. Now they were all waiting to be approved for entry.

Jasmin was mostly there as a guard for bold younglings, as Serin's decree was taken seriously by all the townsfolk. But the townsfolk, especially the changelings, were growing restless. Serin asked Elder Merrin to work in his stead to issue permits to the dungeon and create a board to track teams entering and leaving. It seemed prudent, as the last thing Serin wanted was for people to go missing and him not know. For entry, Serin put the minimum requirements of being plated and either being a member of the protectorate, being level 20, or having two skills above level 50. This covered almost everyone in his town.

***

Serin with the last of the bracelets in hand, met with Shurik, who was continuing to care for his people. He looked better, albeit a bit frail in stature.

Serin took the last of the bracelets and placed them on. Serin knew from previous use that the bracelets took about thirty minutes to remove any lingering effects. Serin looked at Shurik. "I know it has been several days, and I promised you answers. I would like all of your people to meet with me and the town council so we can discuss those answers."

Within the hour, Serin had the majority of the representatives present from the Humans, Demis, Changeling, and Planetouched. Some had excused themselves to attend to various tasks. Bilol was tending to his class of younglings and preparing for the influx of new students. Serin realized there would be an additional wage requirement for the additional teachers they would need. But that was a problem for tomorrow.

Serin stood on stage at the town square and gathered the newest refugees close. "Welcome to our town…"

Although Serin had given this speech four times before, it still felt amazing. Serin explained that the dark masters could not find them here. Serin explained that they were the last of their kind. And finally, Serin explained that they would all have a home here if they wanted. Additionally Serin explained that since they were all unplated, they would be placed into the academy at the expense of the nation.

Just like all those before, the Gole people readily accepted the offer. Serin had Lady Eris walk them to the newest wing of the dormitory and had the necessities they would need to live there.

***

After the Gole were escorted away, Serin met with the town council. He was unaware how to pay for the massive influx of new students.

"I know we just recently implemented a tax on use of our Nation's newest asset. But the current tax on materials recovered from the dungeon is just that, materials. Copper and Rabbit meat doesn't pay teachers. Mana and Credits do."

Serin continued, "We have just had an additional 90 younglings added to the nation's school system. And it would be unfair to levy this additional charge to only those that have children of their own, although that IS most of you."

There was a little bit of a chuckle.

"This influx of students was never expected. We were planning on having some appear, but not 90, and especially with no additional workforce added to offset the cost. We have a place for them at the academy, and we are far from struggling to produce food for our people. The issue is increased staff, increased meal preparations, increased expenditure of consumable housing goods. It seems that since the traders started bringing scented soap, we have lost the ability to bath with normal herbs and hot water."

Again there was laughter. Serin looked at his [kingdom management] screen. "I have recently upgraded my ability to view the various economic issues within our nation. Currently, we are slowly growing our treasury, but if the nation alone pays for the entirety of the bill for these new students, we will run out of funds to pay out the teachers before the year's end."

The situation was dire, and everyone knew it. They knew only a dark future followed those that failed to foster the youth. That was when Ephraim stepped up.

"I don't make much. In fact most of the contracts I get are through the town council for unique pieces we don't wish to share with the outside world. Because divines forbid they all smell better." This elicited a laugh. Serin had made a decree to add their greenhouse technology and public baths to the list of state secrets. Everyone knew why. But most did not want to admit to it. "But I understand the need for childcare. Although I have no wife, I am pretty sure at least one of the changeling children is mine."

This elicited even more laughter. "So I propose this. Today, we all set up an endowment fund. This fund will be managed by the council. It will cover the additional expenditures needed to care for all future younglings to become citizens. Today we all pitch in what we can. I am willing to put 10% of my current savings towards this endeavor, and I will ask that all Demis do so as well."

At this point Serin watched as the projection of his economics screen showed a new line for the "Safe Haven Endowment fund" started by "Representative Ephraim" and 400 credits get added to the account.

From one of the other Demis traders in the back Serin heard a cat-call of "By the Divines, you are poor!" Then Serin watched as more and more Demis instantly transferred credits to the account. It was growing, albeit slowly.

Laughter rioted throughout the tavern. Bilol stood, "I won't let my fellow councilman take the spotlight. Today is when we, the changelings, declare that we can out breed, and out donate, our fellow city dwellers. Changelings will devote 15%."

Cheers were heard all around. Jericho stood up, "I know that humans are the smallest population of the town, but today I will ensure that everyone is aware it is not the size that counts. 20% donation from humans." Both cheers and laughter came through. Everyone was aware that the humans had the greatest wealth, as traders tended to trade more with those of the same race.

It was then that Sute and Uriel stood up, this time Uriel bowing and taking a seat. "We the Planetouched do not feel that even 50% of our wealth would meet that of the other great races present tonight. So we will instead volunteer two of our own to be teachers." This elicited a cheer. Everyone knew that credits could be earned easily, but giving up time was difficult. "We only ask that they be paid just like the other teachers, so that the sacrifice of their years is worth it."

Although most wanted to enter the dungeon for power or wealth, Serin knew that both the Lybringers and Skygge people's weakness was their vanity. He knew that all of the Planetouched coveted the endurance 50 perk Timeless Body, which nearly halted natural aging. That is why every planetouched protectorate that joined made sure that the second attribute they brought to 50, regardless of class, was Endurance.

Everyone had their quirks. Serin smiled.

Serin then made a comment. "An endowment fund, no matter how big, will eventually run out. So I propose a fee. Within a day of having the dungeon opened, 97 people have entered. I understand that these are mostly Changelings wanting to hunt. But initial reports state that dependent on which hour you enter, you enter a different part of the dungeon. And so far every group that has come out has met different enemies in their area. This means that there are possibly 24 different zones on level one alone. What I propose is a charge of 10 credits each time someone wishes to enter the dungeon. It is a small amount, but it will ensure that the endowment fund is able to grow. In case we decide to throw another festival."

Serin realized that the state was also taxing a percentage of materials brought out of the dungeon. But he needed raw credits.

Serin then spoke. "Right now we have only Elder Merrin and one guard on duty. This is to keep the younglings, looking at you Bilol, from trying to sneak into the dungeon. We cannot have Elder Merrin awake all day, so he will be present for two hours at 8am for signups for the dungeon. We will slot one team per hour. I say it is very important you stick to your hour. If you go missing, we need to know when you entered so we can send a rescue team the following day." People murmured in agreement. "And for divines sakes don't go lower than what has been approved for your team. I swear if people break this one, and my team has to go rescue you, I may just kill you myself." Laughter was heard, but was quickly interrupted by a disturbance.

Jasmin burst into the room. "Serin, we have a team that hasn't come out and it's been 14 hours!"

Serin then shook his head as he said to himself, As if on cue. Serin then sighed, "Since we only have one recovery team, the dungeon is shut down until further notice. Jericho, Rachel, Allister, and Olma, grab your gear and meet me at the dungeon in 3 hours."

***