All games are episodes. Each episode spans an area during a time period, such as trade along the Silk Road between the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty. With each new episode comes a unique list of available products and technologies ranging from the silk, bronze and jade idols of Ancient China to the steam engines, iron plows and rum of the Industrial Revolution. The time period varies dramatically from one episode to another. Consequently, time passes at a different rate in each episode.
Some episodes cover a relatively short time period, depicting a historical situation.
Other episodes cover a longer period with more dramatic technological advances. The longest episodes depict periods over 1,000 years. Start out simple, with one merchant and his donkeys. Gradually build up your merchant empire until you control a vast trading web. Manipulate the supply and demand economy to dominate the other merchant families.