02 - Iron Kingdoms W.. - Captain Spud Is Amazing

108.1.141.197
92 Iron Kingdoms
some of these companies do exist on the back roads,
and the Ordic throne employs at least half a dozen
independent companies to collect their tolls, which
is less expensive to them than maintaining manned
Cygnar’s a decent enough place. They done a fair
job keeping their roads in order, I can tell you that.
I’ve made runs along the King’s Highway a few
times, and while there’s the usual perils one might
expect, I’d say there are a few too many bloody tolls
for my liking…nowhere near as bad as along the
Great Northern up there in Llael, though. Honestly,
if the bridge trolls don’t get you, the bloody tolls
will! Ah, but I expect those gits don’t give a toss how
a caravaner makes a living these days!
stations with their own militia. Complaints come
in by the score regarding rough treatment and
ridiculous fees, but the powers that be have rarely
looked too heavily into the matter. There have been
some incidents of crooked toll company owners
facing criminal charges, but normally as long as
the coins continue coming in, the independent
companies appear to be relatively safe behind their
walls and gates.
Winds of War
—Gunner Wadock, Cygnaran tradesman
in addition to taxation, tolls are an effeCtive means of
supporting the military. in khador, llael, and Cygnar,
travelers are shelling out extra Coin to toll ColleCtors
these days in order to fund the War effort and Compensate
for damage infliCted by marauding troops on the loCality.
not only that, but border guardhouses previously used for
toll ColleCting have also noW beCome military CheCkpoints
at best and fortified hot zones at Worst. if one intends to
Cross the borders these days, he is often subjeCt to the Whims
of loCal garrisons and their sometimes-dubious searCh and
seizure orders.
typiCally, tWo or more squads of trenChers and/or long
gunners are assigned to eaCh border Crossing and harbor,
serving as Customs offiCials, toll offiCers, and a first line
of defense. aCCommodated in several small buildings, or
border outposts, the guards thoroughly sCrutinize eaCh and
every traveler, Cart, CoaCh, or ship entering the kingdom.
papers are CheCked, tolls are enforCed, and travelers are
usually sent on their Way—so long as everything CheCks
out. Without the proper letters of request, travelers and
Cargo are detained, property is ConfisCated, and Word is sent
to the nearest settlement or offiCial in Charge that further
investigation is Warranted. if there is suffiCient evidenCe, the
Commanding offiCer has the suspeCt and his property detained
indefinitely until the matter is Cleared up. travelers Who
make it through a CheCkpoint reCeive notarized Writs
delineating their property, identifiCation, and purpose Within
the kingdom. these doCuments must be safeguarded and
shoWn to any soldier, road Warden, gatekeeper, WatChguard,
harbormaster, or magistrate Who requests them.
Crossroad communities are also found where
roads and rail lines cross. The enormous steam
locomotives that traverse the iron rails need to be
replenished with water and coal at regular intervals,
so there are way stations located along the lines where
one can find coal repositories and water towers. These
two necessities require roads to reach the stations, so
rail crossroads are born. Some of these rail crossroads
begin as simple way stations for the railroad and grow
to accommodate homes and general stores for the
families of rail workers.
Roadhouses, Road Wardens, and the Trade
Board
Another locale where weary travelers stop to shake
off road dust is the ever popular roadhouse. These
roadside structures come in all shapes and sizes and
serve many a purpose. Some are little more than supply
shops with outlying areas where one can camp in relative
safety, while others serve as inns, taverns, brothels, or a
mix of each. Others are posts for road wardens that may
also double as royal messenger relay stations.
These establishments crop up anywhere and
everywhere, sometimes just outside of towns and other
times far from any settlement. They provide waystops
where travelers can replenish supplies, re-shoe horses,
repair carriages or wagons, or see to other sundry
necessities. Remote roadhouses are often fortified with
walls, for in the kingdoms desolation usually translates
to lawlessness, not to mention the many unsavory
critters that lope or slither abroad in the wee hours.
When visiting a privately-owned roadhouse travelers
are well-advised to remember that the proprietor’s
word is law, and whether his justice is fair or not, one
must take heed or chance being tossed out often with a
lump or two on the noggin for good measure.