Trade Goods from Müden

[Raesene Andu]

I'm running an adventure on Sunday where the players have to sneak aboard a roundship recently arrived from Müden to steal a particular item bound for Avanil (part of an intrigue organised by Diemed, but that's a whole other story).

As my PCs are a very inquisitive lot so to help flesh out the ship's interior a bit, what sort of trade goods do you think a large trade ship from Müden would be bringing to the Imperial City of Anuire in the height of summer?

I've already decided on a few small items of particular value that will be stored in the room they have to rob (silver bars, glassware, weapons, paintings and other artwork), but what sort of bulk items would Müden export to Anuire in the main hold?

I've already been through the Brecht & Müden sourcebooks looking for ideas but I'm at a bit of loss now. Anyone have some good ideas for me?

[Fizz]

As my PCs are a very inquisitive lot

Aren't those types the worst? Damn curious bastards.

so to help flesh out the ship's interior a bit, what sort of trade goods do you think a large trade ship from Müden would be bringing to the Imperial City of Anuire in the height of summer?

Interesting question. HotGB says that lumber, cotton and food are the major exports. So lumber and cotton are easy to include. Food is a broad category- what food would they export- something that couldn't be found in Avanil.

Perhaps a particular type of fish (or other seafood) that swims in the Krakennauricht. Or maybe some sort of local berry. I could see either packed in barrels of salt for preservation during the trip.

Also, i'm sure Brecht beer is renowned throughout Cerilia.


-Fizz

[rugor]

I would say anything that grows in that region of the world that does not grow in the heartlands would be in big demand (whether for spell components or for eating).

Ivory Carvings, rare animal skins... again, something not found in southern Cerelia that may be considered valuable or a delicacy.

[AndrewTall]

The Brecht trade a lot, and are reasonably technological, so perhaps:

A telescope (as navigators they would be interested in the stars, but Anuirean astronomers and astrologers also want telescopes)

A crate of mirrors set in scrimshaw

Fine wines (Frost Wine and Champagne perhaps, be careful with the latter as the bottles may explode due to imperfections in the glass)

The latest in High Muden fashions ordered by the noble ladies if Anuire.

Vos goods traded on to Anuire such as Varsk leather and "barbarian art"

An Orrey of the Cerilian system

Some commercial magic items made to order by the mercantile wizards amongst the Brecht (non-adventuring stuff but possibly useful to a small ruler)

Parts for the clock built for a clock tower.

[Fizz]

A telescope (as navigators they would be interested in the stars, but Anuirean astronomers and astrologers also want telescopes)

I really like that one. Seeing as i'm currently studying astronomy, i'm rather annoyed that i didn't think of that.

You could throw astrolabes and sextants in there too- unless you think the Brechts might not want to trade away their navigational superiority.


-Fizz

[Sorontar]

I really like that one. Seeing as i'm currently studying astronomy, i'm rather annoyed that i didn't think of that.

You could throw astrolabes and sextants in there too- unless you think the Brechts might not want to trade away their navigational superiority.

-Fizz

That could easily be used as a teaser.
1. The party finds the content.
2. The party tracks down the new owner.
3. The party finds the owner has better navigation items.
3a. The party finds that one of the items uses a mebhghail stone or somehow is calibrated to Deismaar (or maybe a place other than Deismaar, like a place in the Shadow World)
4. The party identifies why these items are required.
5. The party goes off to find out more information relating to this purpose.

Sorontar