Introduction
This document describes a system of merchants and tradesmen that richer players can interact with. This sytem allows players to give large quantities of items to merchants, who then "embark" on a voyage to sell the goods overseas. All funds earned from selling are then returned to the player(s) from whom the items came.
Purpose
The purpose of the merchants is to provide a way for late-game, richer players to spend their money and earn more without using farms and mass-selling.
Concept
Merchant NPCs set up post where they request a certain amount of stock, always in large quantities. Players then give these NPCs stock. And after a certain time, or after their order has been filled, the NPCs embark and
As will be mentioned in the later Regional Differences section
Regional Differences
Depending on where a player participates in trading, different outcomes are possible.
Latium
For players trading in Latium, trade goods are taxed, as such, players will never earn 100% from the goods they trade. There is a minor risk of the cargo being taken by pirate's when out at sea. But these ships are protected by the Imperial Navy, so the risk is, minor.
The tax rate applied to the goods varies. It is controlled by both the senate and the current emperor.
Calavera
For players trading in Calavera, trading is more lucrative, as Pirates don't pay taxes. But the risk of the shipments being seized by the Imperial Navy is greater.
To combat this, players can pay a Protection Fee for armored ships to accompany their ships and keep them safe from the imperial fleet.
In Calavera, it will also matter which merchants you trade with. This is because some merchants will have a tendency to scam you. Take your goods, maybe even your protection fee, and run, never to return.