The Merchants (Patreon)

We continue our visual exploration of the cursed realm, this time with a look at traveling merchants.

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Roads are almost nonexistent these days in Tenehu, and what little remains of the great elven roads from before the Cursing is poorly maintained—if at all. This, combined with the prevailing dangers that roam the wilds and the harshness of the landscape itself, makes long-distance travel extremely difficult and dangerous.

Now imagine trying to transport heavy goods as well, and you have yourself quite the conundrum.

Some merchants have partially solved this by employing the great Umantus in their service. These lumbering and docile giants are an excellent—if not invaluable—aid on long treks through the cursed realm. Few beasts can match their strength and size, except perhaps for mammoths. While the Umantu’s skittish nature makes them unsuitable for warfare, they are reliable enough as beasts of burden.

Merchants often attach a one-wheeled carriage to the animal to transport large quantities of goods. The central axle keeps these carriages balanced when attached and eases the burden on the animal. The single solid wheel also helps prevent them from getting stuck. In this way, the merchants can slowly cross vast distances. Often, there will be more than one Umantu in the party, and the merchants will bring their entire families along—it is, after all, a family business.

The men are tasked with protection and wear brightly coloured, practical clothes. They are often recognised by their long knitted socks with elaborate patterns, tied just below the knees. The women wear garments that protect against the elements but also display the family’s wealth. The jewellery they carry is often an outward sign of the merchant’s skill and success.

“As convincing as a merchant’s wife without earrings” is a saying in Tenehu, used when someone clearly doesn’t know what they’re talking about.

When travelling, the women and children often sit atop the carriage, while the men take turns patrolling beside them. At night, they detach the carriage and hang their tents from it, forming a makeshift shelter.

Upon arriving at a village, both men and women take part in buying and selling. The most common goods they carry include large amphorae of oil, wine, and beer, as well as copper and tin ingots for bronze production. However, they also trade in other valuables, which vary from region to region.

A good merchant caravan follows a precise route, knowing exactly what to sell where, and what to buy in order to maximise profits. These routes and the knowledge that guides them are often passed down through generations. It can be a devastating blow for a merchant to arrive at a destination only to find ruins instead—a tragically common occurrence, especially after the devastating arrival of the Sea Raiders, whose invasion has sent cascading ripples throughout the cursed realm.