Caradon Day 5 - Earth: March 3, 2020

Frank stands considering the map upon the wall of the main room of the trading post and the information Fergus the head trader provided him. The map shows three viable trading partners: two cities up the road and one village within the forest between the river and the road. The first small city, Carath, with a population of 260 is about a week travel north by wagon. Carath resides upon a grassy plain just north of the edge of the forest. The town specializes in raising animals, producing quality stone from a nearby quarry, and providing travelers with a place to stay. The trading post in Carath allows any citizen of Caradon to conduct trade by issuing a contract for available goods through Fergus or his assistant.

The capital city of the Kingdom of Thudor, Thud-un, with a population of 1,205 is an additional 5 days travel beyond Carath. The full marketplace at Thud-un lists a diverse menu of trade goods for significantly higher prices likely due increased tariffs. Fergus believes both cities are great markets for the plentiful wood near Caradon, and he assures Frank there would be many goods that could be purchased within both cities.

Frank is confident the Empire’s economy will expand rapidly with the new trade opportunities, but he worries about a city with 12 times his population less than two weeks away from his capital city. The Realm was just created, so he is not too worried about an immediate attack. His concern is about potential future conflicts more than two weeks from today.

"Your concerns are justified. The system does not make this a cake walk for realm masters. It will generate events that you must overcome or your fledgling empire will be crushed. The ruler of the Kingdom of Thudor is free to do as he chooses including attacking Caradon." Nimrod interjected distracting Frank from his train of thought. Fortunately, Frank was still the only individual that heard Nimrod.

Frank gave wry mental reply While I do not find your explanation comforting, I appreciate the confirmation.

Frank refocused on the map. He believes the small village in the forest is an opportunity that he can exploit. The population of the village is less than 60, and the village’s principal export, fruits grown in the numerous orchards surrounding the village, would provide definite nutritional improvements for his citizens. The isolation of the village creates some interesting political opportunities including absorption by the empire. He just needs to raise their opinion of his empire, but he needs to set these thoughts aside for more immediate concerns.

Frank turns to Fergus “Thank you for the detailed description of the trading post services and our potential trading partners. The next topic we must discuss the ability of the trading post to enforce the trading laws of the town. If you enter the laws that we agree upon and I approve them, is it true that the system will enforce the approved laws including applying those laws to you?”

”Tha be ta case Your Imperial Majesty!” Fergus confirmed.

“Here are the laws I am proposing. Do you have any objections?” Frank inquired.

Economic and Tax Laws There is a 10% tax on all trades/economic activity paid by the seller. Charity and gifts are maxed at 20% of economic activity as defined by the Empires current price for the items given. The system tracks all activity and imposes tax on gifts that exceed the 20% threshold. A 4% tariff is imposed on the buyer for all trades transacted with other kingdoms or locations. Merchants that buy goods at other locations that are sold locally avoid the tariff because the local tax is paid by the seller during the trade. Fractional coppers will be tracked as debt for the party (citizens, traders, or the government) owing the fractional amount.

"Weel, ta tax rate might be a wee problem foor your lordship here abouts, but I hav noo problem with it. It just be a part of doin buizness. I will define your laws within ta system as soon as we agree on ta serveeces contract.” Fergus replied.

"Very well. You will admister both my payroll for 1% of the distributed amount and the economic trading for 3% of the taxes collected.” Frank stated definitively

"Tha naught gon ta work, Your Imperial Majesty!", Fergus replied. "I culd do it fa 5% of both tho"

A very loud growl issued from Branthor’s throat where he lay on the flor near his master; the sound was met by elevated anxiety from Fergus yet the trader held his ground. Frank smirked at Branthor’s antics. Easy big guy! We need this man’s expertise. This type of weasel like behavior is in his nature. Frank sent to his familiar.

He does not show you the proper respect Great One! I should make him pay for his insolence. Was the angry response he received.

Yes, but I do not want everyone to know at this time. It is not to my advantage, so he gives no offense. Frank instructed.

”Listen good you greedy scoundrel! The max I will go is 2% for payroll and 4% for taxes.” Frank growled out and continued to speak without giving Fergus a chance to interject. “Please enter the laws with start date of Day 8 and your service contract into the system interface now, I will review and approve them." Frank waited for Fergus to comply. After a few more minutes a ding announced the completion of the tasks.

"Oh, one more comment. My citizens and I will be placing orders For the next three days. I would like the first trade convoy to leave three days from today. I realize that there will be portage fees that you will charge. Write them into the service contract, and I will approve them unless I feel you are chargin too much. Do not make me come here to discuss it with you.” Frank turned and left the building before Fergus could complain or try to gain more concessions.

As Frank walked out, a quest notification appeared.

Quest (Town, Rank D): Trade Convoy I Reward: 10 Town Points (TP) Complete a round trip trade caravan to a town or city that is not part of your kingdom.