User blog comment:Doctor Ibrahim/Ask the Doc and his Family!/@comment-28718853-20170426082120/@comment-28358106-20170428142052

"Oh no, no. It doesn't obligate you to anything.  It's good for the entire realm, if that's what you're asking," Havers starts.

"Look, kid," Mel steps forward and leans on the table. Micah can now see the myriad scars that criss cross her face and arms, showing her veteran status. "I know all this bureaucracy is a lot of bullshit. You don't need to tell me.  I was a freelancer till I earned my share of cash and scars, and this is how I spend my retirement.  Trust me, you don't want to go out there and start picking fights for money without a license.  You'll lose your cash AND your freedom.  The Rangers don't take kindly to freebooters.  All this agreement does is keep you in line so you won't go around blowing shit up or knocking people down that don't deserve it.  We don't know you, you got no cred, so this is the only way we can keep sellswords in line."

She straightens up. "It might seem like a bad deal, but it'll get better. Trust me.  Build your reputation, stick around, earn a name for yourself.  If you're looking for a high road to a quick buck, this ain't it.  But if you want to actually become somebody, this is the best way.  I've dealt with my share of mooks who thought they could game the system, and you know what they're doing now?  Busting rocks and kicking themselves for being dumbasses."

Havers pauses. "Um, yeah, pretty much what she said. But listen, if you take the license, there's no obligation for you to stick around the realm.  This is just your ticket to make money as a mercenary.  Personally, I wouldn't go without it, if I were looking to sell my skills as a sellsword.  And besides, even with this amount held back, you'll still be making money."