Byronos Corii

~15 AD

Forum Tindrem inn, 2nd floor, note on a desk in the hallway.

Fabernum library, 2nd floor on a table.

Mortalitas

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This is the first installment of my series of books: “A Guide to Visiting Tindrem: For Provincales and Others”.

If you are reading this book then you wish to be prepared to participate in the bountiful glories and opportunities that the capital of Tindremic society can offer to an outsider.

It is true what you have heard: Tindrem and her people are complex and multi-facted, as is to be expected of any highly advanced society. An outsider may feel shocked and overwhelmed, unsure how to proceed or who to trust for a helping hand. It is for these unfortunate souls I have written this book, so that it may serve as a guiding hand in an uncertain place.

—

It is imperative during your first few months in Tindrem to be keenly aware of your surroundings. The risk comes not from pickpockets or other petty thieves but instead may approach you in the form of liars, vagrants, and opportunists who would exploit you for all you're worth.

You may be approached by a strikingly beautiful woman with hair the color of nyx falling in perfect coils around her face dressed like a beggar in need, or you may see a pitiable old man who seems to be ignored as he lays on the side of the road in what surely are his last breaths. Both are the descriptions of individuals who have been arrested for crimes against newcomers to this grand city.

Although the city guard do what they can to round up these individuals, the greatest grandeur draws in the low lives like moths to a flame.

To protect yourself, you should appear confident as if you know where you are going. Do not wander aimlessly staring at things the average citizen would not think to notice. Approach your destination with intent, and any who observe you will assume you have been here before. Although tempting, speaking with the guards stationed near the gate is another way to be quickly identified and tracked.

If marked by one of such individuals, they may follow you for quite some time—particularly if you seem rather wealthy or well-connected. If you are unsure if you are being followed or not, you should make nonsensical paths, such as walking in a circle around several buildings.

If the individual in question is still behind you when you complete this circle, you can assume you are being followed.

I must add that this plan is not foolproof by any means. Many pickpockets operate in small packs that may communicate your description with other members.

The most common pickpocket group tactic is where one will get in your way so you're forced to suddenly stop, and another from behind will bump into you as if it was your fault. When you check your pockets after, however, you may very well find your coin purse missing.

Be mindful of obvious distractions such as someone shouting or asking you to read a map or letter for them.

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