Introduction ------------ Approaching Menorb is simplicity itself. Most of the traffic consists of regular 5,000 Tdisp cargo ships, coming in for Menorb's agroproducts, mild Vargr alcoholic beverages, and Vargr entertainment products. Only during the 30-day festive season of Kengrogarz (a Vargr religious occasion, celebrated every six years) does traffic become impossible, and many starships are forced to conduct operations in close orbit, instead of loading up on the starport. Despite the low tech level, the port itself is well equipped (to TL D standards) and well-run. Trade law is "8" - expect to get most of your lots past customs, but don't expect it to happen quickly. The local customs officals are well-trained Regency Vargrs, and have a master's understanding of smuggling pratices. If you are here strictly as a stopover, there is a nice TL D hotel attached directly to the starport, with all the amenities. Because of high demand, though, lodgers may only stay for a week. If you can get in, though, the price is quite reasonable. If you judge only by the population at New Menorb Starport, you'd think that Menorb is a Vargr world. And you'd be wrong: only about 22% of the population is Vargr, the rest is human [typically local-born, and vaguely Solomani-looking (Indonesian? East Indian?)]. However, the Vargr tends to be the progressive element on Menorb: they dominate local business interests, and are the main reason why Menorb's tech level has risen from TL 6 (back in 1050) to TL 7 (1116) to TL 8 (from 1180 to today). There are several items to be checked off before you leave Startown (locals use the Vargr term of Anosarr). A) Stow all weapons away. B) Be sure to obtain a Murk vaccine shot. C) Obtain a "Visitors ID Card"; looking like a TL 8 credit card, it will make dealing with the authorities much easier. D) Change your Regency currency to local Verba Script ("Verba Currency" is a form of money used by the Verba Trading Block of Menorb, Yres, Pixie, and Boughene): local merchants cannot use Regency credits. Monorail lines can bring you swiftly to most important cities on Menorb; hiring a driver (taxis or chauffers) is not recommended in the cities (too expensive), but vital in the countryside. Buses are the only alternative in the cities, but are usually crammed and - depending on the line - can be the site of thieves and hotheads. In the countryside, trains (electric or steam) and helicopters (for those with money) are favoured. In the Rough, transportation is by foot, jeep, or by animals (typically, the triped Bro-Ckok, capable of carrying one or two people, is favoured as a riding beast. Not very fast, but capable of enduring without water for three weeks.)