Downtown in the megacity of New Persidia looks the same as always. Millions of bright lights to guide a metropolis that is busy at all hours. In an underground world, there is no concept of "day" or "night," just various work periods. While Earth may have "the city that never sleeps," Persidia is "the world that never sleeps."

The central square is loaded with kiosks and carts, a sort of unending bazaar. Alas, you don't have much money on you, and it would be foolhardy to return home to get some, or to take some from your account at the bank. Wanted criminals can't do such things.

Looks like you can't afford anything here. This place also makes you uneasy; it's way too public. The cops come through here regularly, so this isn't the safest place for you. Then again, this place has plenty of merchants and businesspersons who have to pay Xerxes' "protection tax" to keep their stands open. The square has lots of people who don't like Xerxes, even if they're afraid to say it.

Hmm... could you actually find some allies here? Maybe if a protest was strong enough, Xerxes would have to repeal the tax. You'd be a hero, and nobody jails heroes.

Perhaps you'd better stick around, and look for some opportunities...

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