No kingdom is an island unto itself, and
in Ravenloft, the Vistani provide an important function often overlooked
by many DM's. Introducing trade goods and goods available in certain
lands will add a bit of realism and a touch of interest to your campaign.
The appearance of traders, caravans, wandering tradesmen, and peddlers will
add a bit of mystery and fun to the game.
Let's talk a bit about the type of person who would run a caravan through
the mists of Ravenloft, and the perks involved in such an action.
Number One: Wealth! You can ask whatever price people will
pay. What costs 4 s.p. in Lamordia, say, a good pair of boots, may
bring a price of 1 g.p. in Sithicus, for nice little markup that is wholly
pocketable.
Number Two: Lack of competition. Not too many want to
brave the mists and run the risks of ending up somewhere like Shadowborn Manor
or the House of Lament, ending their trading career.
Number Three: Vistani Gypsies. They are naturals to fill
a major portion of this niche, since they have an uncanny ability to choose
their destination once they enter the mists. With their wide range
of contacts and skills, they have advantages over the common trader.
This little bit will will explain why the gyspy's are tolerated even if they
are disliked so badly.
While there may be big gaps in the items,
many traders are drawn in from other lands, sell their goods, and depart,
returning to their own lands by the powers of Ravenloft, unaware what kind
of brush they had with true evil.
OK, here's the breakdown of what ships.
BAROVIA-Tuika, a plum
brandywine, is the primary export from Barovia,
and is actually a big seller in Darkon, of all places. It is bought
for around 12 s.p. a bottle, and sells for around 5 g.p. a bottle.
Another export is coal, and some metals, but with the predations of Jezra
Wagner, the amount of mining has began to trickle away. There is a
limited timber export.
BORCA- Poison, of course, is the big export
from Borca. Fine clothing is another, mostly modeled after the fashions
of Il Aluk, with some competitive fashions. Much of the jewelry that
comes from Borca have poison resivors and such in them. Another export
is timber.
DARKON-Metalwork is a big export from Darkon.
Fine, intricate craftsmanship on jewelry, beautifully engraved pottery, and
the metal components of farming implements and harnessing. Small, and
easily portable, metal components of tack and harness, buttons, pins, ect.
all sell good, and thanks to the melting pot of (demi)human races, much fine
work comes out of here. Cut gems is another export, along with fine
cloth and tailored outfits. Think of Il Aluk as the Paris of Ravenloft.
Fashions for the big cities are set in Il Aluk. Timber and metals from
the mines are good exports of this country.
DEMENTLIEU-Set on the ocean, Dementlieu exports
caviar, fish oil rendered into lamp oils, fragrant oils, and fine netting.
One can also buy small boats here.
FALKOVNIA-As expected, weapons are this domains
primary export. While it may be illegal for foriegners to own or carry
weapons and armor inside this domain, a steady trickle of arms and armor
stills flows out of this domain. The quality of weaponry and armor
is excellent, and of course, sells for a high price. Not much else
really comes out of this domain, with the possible exception of slaves, some
of which are sold to vampiric groups for blood donors.
FORLORN-Surprise-None
HAZLAN-From this domain, not much actually flows,
and traders themselves rarely pick up anything, or even stop in this realm.
What does flow out are potions and spell components. Some are experiments,
others were traded for components available on the caravan.
INVIDIA-Out of Karina comes rugs, woven, decorated
rugs that while bulky, so sell good to the local populace. Also what
ships is dried, salted salmon.
KARTAKASS-Peach Brandy, musical instruments,
meeklebrau and fine crystal are this domain's primary exports. Harkon Lucas
keeps a close eye on the amount of goods that flow through his domain, and
keeps the taxes reasonable and provides the caravans immunity as long as
they do not move enemies through his realm.
KEENING-None. Traders do their best to
aviod this domain.
LAMORDIA-This is one of the few mining domains
(Barovia, Darkon, Tepest and Nova Vassa are the other ones) in Ravenloft.
As such, they export metals, fish oils, coal and lumber. A favorite
export is Lamordian boots, comfortable, warm, a good, gripping sole and waterproof.
Another favorite is Lamordian wool, often sold in large bolts. Lamordian
wool is always grey, since it will not take any die.
MARKOVIA-None
MORDENT-Glassware is shipped from here, along
with blackberry schnapps and crystal figurines. Lumber is another export.
NOVA VASSA-Horses. Some of the best horses
in Ravenloft come from Nova Vassa. They export stone, blocks and shale,
along with bricks. They import lumber, since a local fungus causes
lumber harvested within Nova Vassa to rot away within a few years.
RICHEMULOT-Nothing is imported, and not much
rolls out. Mostly household neccessities.
SEA OF SORROWS-None. They mostly provide
transportation
SITHICUS-Elven artwork, boots and clothing.
The elves of Sithicus may also sell bows, arrow, and best of all, a delicate
brandy that sells expensive, but is considered well worth it.
TEPEST-Livestock and caviar.
VALACHAN-Thick, rich, red ale is exported from
here, along with timber, food, and engraved crystal. Much of the work
that comes from here is graceful and elegant
VERBREK-Weasel fur and wood carved implements
BLUETSPUR-None, except insanity
DOMINIA-None, although some find out that they
may 'dispose' of a party member who managed to get ahold of a Bluetspur export
here.
G'HENNA-Finely wrought bone figurines.
Many purchasers have no idea that the bone is actually human bone. Some
do, and sell the bone to necromancers
HAR'AKIR-Dates, trained monkeys, and coconuts
are the only export, along with, believe it or not, sand. Craftsmen
in other countries made exquisite, tinted glass from the various sands of
Har'Akir, the color of the glass moderately depending on the color of the
sand. A handfull of blackish-blue sand results in a sea green glass.
THE NIGHTMARE LANDS-Duh. Nightmares.
ROKUSHIMA T'AIYOO-Oriental style weaponry, philosiphy
and items are what flows from these islands. Tattoos are a favorite,
with once and a while a tattoo artist making a round with the caravan and
bringing back goods.
SOURAGNE-Goats, snakeskin belts, blueberry schnapps
are the only exports of this swampy domain.
SRI RAJI-Silks and crossbows are an export,
along with the pelts of wild animals such as puma, tiger, lynx. Some
furs are from were-cats who displeased Arajini. Rice paper, inks, and
fans are another export (Think of it as medival Japan for exports)
ZHERISIA-Not much flows from this urban domain,
although metalworking does come from this place. It's not exactly one
of the most profitable domains. They must import a lot of food, but
traders here must be careful, because a big food shipment is worth killing
over. Printing press books, carpets, glass, and small items come out
of various shops for shipment.
As useless as this list may seem to some,
it is actually quite useful, and provides plenty of detail to a campaign.
It can also get the PC's a few extra bucks if they use foresight.