After Voice of Freedom was published, more and more Professionals came to Free City because of its reputation.
They arrived by sea or from the Empire, hoping to help, but inadvertently caused plenty of trouble.
There were rude Warriors, arrogant Mages, Rangers who liked climbing walls, and thieves who could never keep their hands to themselves.
Dean Bu Lai Breichim, who held the fort in Free City, nipped many problems in the bud: crime, brawling, theft, groups relieving themselves wherever they pleased... The closest call was a plague that nearly broke out. Fortunately, Free City's tradition of cleanliness stopped it before it could spread.
Annan hated to admit it, but in a magical world where power belonged to individuals, the Musketeers were only as intimidating as Free City itself. People thought twice before kicking a dog only because of its master.
Never mind that some of the veterans had killed more Ratfolk than those people had ever seen.
Annan had Ingrid make some handbooks and distribute them to every Professional and Mercenary who set foot in the temporary port. At the very least, they needed to understand personal and public hygiene.
Ultimately, Free City didn't have much for Professionals to do. Annan wanted Warriors to carry timber, Mages to mix Cement, and Bards to provide entertainment, but none of them would agree. Only when he hired Rangers and thieves to harass the Mad Dog Duke did they accept with delighted faces.
If only the Elemental Legion were still here...
"Copperbeard! How much longer until my Mountain Copper flowers are ready?" Annan called as he ran into the Blacksmith Shop.
"You think Mountain Copper is easy to shape?" Copperbeard grumbled about how hard it was to deform the toughest material of all—
"Why don't we ask our supplier to send us