The Grand Arcade

The Grand Arcade is home to the largest conglomeration of merchants and traders within the plains of the Opes federation. Officially, the Grand Arcade is a title rather than a location, belonging to the group with the greatest number of members, but in practice it has belonged to the same nomadic tribe for the past 50 years.
The Ael'tiesh tribe, consisting of some 160 caravans, is one of the more sedentary members of the Opes Federation yet they still trail from location to location, depending on weather, resources or merely the whims of the caravan Lords. The great expanse of tents, the aromas of exotic spices and the sound of thousands of busy voices intoxicate the souls of the travellers who frequent this greatest of market places.

Demographics

The Caravan Lords are largely human, however their entourage consists of hired mercenaries, travellers and diplomats from all over the world.

Government

The Grand Arcade is run as a quorum, with decisions being made individually by each caravan lord. These lords often meet to discus future plans and business opportunities, but no one caravan holds authority over another. Should disputes arise, a selection of 11 caravan lords is randomly selected to determine the outcome.

Defences

Each caravan employs its own mercenary band, and while individually they may not comprise much of a force, together they could compete with a small army. The longer standing mercenary companies are used to working with each other, and many train and strategise together. Many of the items found within some of the darker tent flaps would be enough to deter most aggressors in any case.

Assets

It is said by some that anything can be bought from the tent lined streets of the Arcade, and while this may not strictly be true, there are few things that cannot be procured from the right vendor. Jewels, precious metals and beautiful ornaments can be found in some of the more mundane stalls, whilst other less ornate tents house mineral rights or deeds to properties across the globe. Still more, hidden in the sprawling and chaotic streets offer mysterious artefacts, magical items or spell laced surgeries for those who wish to change themselves.

Type

Large town

Population

7,500