>>5893358The mayor wears a small, genuine smile as he hands you the contract to sign. "Well then. Sign here, here, here, and here, son." Your race, age, and name are filled in, sealing you into a five-year contract. "Now, follow me, let's see that land of yours."
You walk with the mayor, leaving the small town behind and stepping into the proper frontier. A wooden trail unfolds, leading to small shacks and cottages marked by wooden poles, indicating the different plots of land. About twenty distinct farms come into view—some fully cultivated with proper houses, those closest to the town, while further away, you spot more recent tenants and vacant lots, perhaps abandoned. Only fractions of lands are plowed and seeded, and on one plot, a lone woman works with a hoe, breaking up the soil.
"We've arrived," announces the mayor. "The land's been marked so you know where your land ends and the neighbor's begins." Your plot is immense, you realize, sprawling and entirely wild, surrounded by trees. You've been given the land farthest out, right where the trail ends, bordering the forest and wilds.
"It needs a little work," the mayor remarks casually. A little work? You're facing the task of clearing 50 acres of trees and organic material. Panic sets in, but the mayor reassures you. "Valerian, calm down. You've got years, even decades, if you need to cultivate this land. The baron, in his ever-kindness, has granted every pioneer a tax exemption in the first year and a progressive tax of around 5%, paid in produce thereafter."
The mayor tries to tap you on the back but settles for tapping your leg. "A good friend of mine, one of the first farmers here, knows everything you need to know about farming." He points at the closest farm. "Give him a visit, ask for advice, and he'll give you a rundown. He's happy to help."
"That's all there is to it. Success, young farmer!" With that, the mayor disappears, leaving you to contemplate the vast, untamed land that is now yours.
What are you going to do?
>Visit the elderly farmer.>Visit Drew and give him his money.>Inspect your parcel of land>Visit the other farms you have seen 