Trade in Ivlon

**Trade in Ivlon** has expanded greatly since the end of Elvekian rule and continues to develop into the 1520s SY. Trading, albeit in a rudimentary form, has existed in Ivlonian societies since practically the beginning of time. By 1 SY, a handful of international trade routes had been established. These trade routes fostered the growth of powerful merchant lords and companies dealing with goods from around the world.

## Ivlon

### Maritime

Most of Ivlon's trading is done by sea. This fact has come about simply due to the fact that most Ivlonian countries have a coastline, and that the more inland Ivlonian countries (like Aketcha and Raivon) happen to participate less in trade. Despite this, much overland trade does happen, but the routes and trading centers are far less established.

#### Centers of Trade

The earliest trading cities in Ivlon were those established by the Zedians. These cities developed at a much faster rate than their naturally-founded fellow cities, and grew in an enclave of civilization established by the early Zedian kingdoms. Some of these cities no longer exist, and some do. Some of the these are still influential till this day - such as Sagda (founded Sugdius) and Itiom (founded Itios).

In modern times, port cities form some of the greatest urban centers overall. The two largest cities in Ivlon are both port cities. A route going north-south down the Ivlonian coastline is the most common route taken by trading vessels. Many ships take off from a port and begin to sell their goods as they travel up or down this route - oftentimes establishing relationships with local merchants in those cities who can take the ships' goods and begin to sell them within the local market. If not, the goods usually sit in a warehouse until buyer(s) purchase the goods.

A huge factor in where to trade is the country the port is in, as the harshness of taxes on the shipments varies between countries. For this reason, some countries are generally avoided by international vessels (like Grecoa). The countries of Ivlon going north to south along this route are Lietuva, Ahremia, Birgolon, Cisalia, Iremia, Grecoa, Valaui, and Elvekia.

The main centers of maritime trade in Ivlon are Nazka, Euritas, Sagda, the Port of Au-De-Jure, Aure, Lon Miera, Corposia, Tuskamon, Kastovia, Alexavena, and Pocamietra. Out of these, Aure is the largest in terms of amount of economic traffic. Many of these cities have factors that have led to their placement on this list. Some are national capitals (of which almost all of them are), some have existed since ancient times (Sagda mainly), or have favorable taxes and/or populations that are friendly to internationals and have well maintained trade infrastructure (wharfs, market areas, etc.) or an ample supply of translators.

#### Goods

Many different goods are traded between the cities of Ivlon. In the context of trade by sea, perishable goods are rarely traded. The most commonly traded goods include cereal grains, timber, pottery, types of alcohol, luxury items, spices, fabrics, pottery, precious gems and ores, oils, and dyes. For example a large vessel from Ermikas landing in Nazka on the 3rd of Frost's End, 1527 SY was listed as carrying:

> "A hull filled mainly (perhaps one half) fabrics, along with 14 vessels of oil, 10 of dye, and 3 racks carrying small vessels of spices from Trellos." (Port of Nazka, 1527)
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This description is very typical of trading vessels. More common goods, like basic foodstuffs and common ores are done overland and usually by independent merchants.