Commerce and Trade in Belestar

Belestar is important, commercially, in many ways. It is primarily maintained as a base of operation for the Atlanteans. Its location, so close to Rhutalath, Cymuria and even Edhelnore, means that the Imperials have a base from which to conduct trade from, rather than just relying on shipping. This is particularly useful for the Xenophobic Elves, who restric shipping along thier coasts. Also, Fort Belestar serves as a friendly haven for those ships which have come from Atlantea to trade; whilst the Rhutalathians are welcoming enough, there are those Imperials who would prefer to dock at a port where their own customs and food dominate.
Belestar, despite its harsh environment, as several useful resources, which the Atlanteans make good use of- the two colonies, for example, provide coal, gems, oil and ebony, all of which are useful to the Atlanteans. The gems and ebony naturally provide great wealth, the former fron the Cymuria and the latter from the Elves. Belestar is a relatively unexplored land with a lot of potential and untapped resources. The plants and many of the creatures are useful for medicinal reasons (and other more sinister effects) and are highly sought after by healers and apothecaries. Spices, perfumes and even fine silks are often created from the Belestar resources.
The Vultani do not concern themselves overly much with trade, and are generally self-sufficient (save for the more Imperialized tribes). The same is true for the Ursani, and the Pachacaca. The Belestari and the Imperials, however, rely heavily on trade from Atlantea and over Imperial provinces. Despite the abundance of potential food, the Imperials prefer food and wine from their homeland, and ships arrive every week bearing salted meats and Atlantean wine. Other ships bring iron or steel or other useful materials, though these are often imported from nearer places, such as Rhutalath.
Several trading embassies have been established, particularly in Angletown. The members are from all over the Imperial provinces, including Ardadain, Malidor and even, more recently, Pandarat. The Rhutalathians are also permitted to join. The trading embassies extract taxes from members, but allow the nations to trade with any of Belestar’s inhabitants, and to purchase any of its natural resources. Trade is major industry in Belestar and is essential for its survival; should its riches suddenly deplete, the Imperials would lose interest quickly, and the Belestari would be left to their own devices.
Category:Belestar
Category:Trade