==Joining a village==
Joining a village can be a great experience. Village life provides safety, community, and the ability to learn from others with higher skills if you are a new player. There are several ways to find a village to join. Golden Valley has [[recruitment Recruitment board]]s that list villages that are open to taking in players. These boards can also be found in at starter towns once you join a server. The forums can also be a good place to look. Each server has a recruitment page where you can read about villages to join, and many have detailed descriptions of each village, along with pictures. Another way to look for a village is to ask in the Freedom channel if there are villages accepting new villagers.
The benefits to joining a village are many. A sense of security, friendships, getting help with projects. Most villages do not charge a fee to live in them, or may ask that you do some work in exchange for living in them, so it can save you some silver. Some villages provide tools, food, and raw materials to their villagers, which can be a big help to newer players.
*Guard monthly salary (per 1): Freedom = 1 silver / Epic = 3 silver coins
Benefits of having a deed are many. You can set [[permissions]] on your deed to allow other players access anywhere from full, to none. You can hire [[spirit guards]] to protect your land. If you have at least 30 days upkeep in your coffers, you will be protected from decay on buildings, fences, and decorative items on deed, and you will also be protected from losing items in bulk storage. If your character dies, you will be able to respawn at your deed. You can [[branding|brand]] animals, which offers protection for them on and off deed. Branded animals can also be named, and equipment can be put on or taken off without having to tame them. Mobs will not spawn on deed, so having a deed can make play safer.
Disadvantages to owning a deed are few. You are responsible for paying the monthly upkeep on a deed.