9.9 Making use of city and village banks.

Within the halls of a bank you may DEPOSIT <gold> to start up an account, after which you can WITHDRAW as much as you wish. Money banked is generally taxed by the Council of that city in order to finance the municipal budget at a rate decided upon by the financial leaders of the city. It is wise, in the long-run, to investigate what fee is levied by other cities to ensure that you are not being over-taxed. The amount of gold coins held in the three royal banks of Mercinae, Thakria and Parrius are shown by the SCORE and QS commands.

Making use of the banks has its distinct advantages. Gold that you have banked is not liable to be pilfered from you, nor are you likely to lose it through any mishap you might suffer. Alternatively, to avoid the fees imposed by the banking institutions, you may opt to simply lock it away in your own home or in a lockable strong-box. Should you choose this method though, ensure that you have paid for a sturdy lock or a trap to guard its safety, for if its whereabouts become commonly known, it is much more likely to be stolen by a meddlesome thief.