Commodities and trade

The economy of Helerin is underpinned by a diverse array of materials and commodities, each essential for the various industries that thrive across the archipelago. Merchants make their fortunes trading a range of goods including food and drink, jewellery and building materials.

Type of commodity

Agricultural produce

Agricultural produce forms the backbone of local diets and trade. The fertile lands and coastal plains of Helerin's islands yield grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are essential not only for sustenance but also for trade with neighboring territories. Grain is particularly significant, serving as a staple food and a crucial commodity in markets across the islands. Other crops, such as herbs and spices, are highly sought after, adding flavor and variety to the local cuisine and attracting trade from more distant lands.
See also: Farming

Construction materials

Construction materials are vital for building and infrastructure across Helerin. Timber from the Boswood, Callason Forest, and Gilrim Forest is highly valued for its strength and versatility. It is utilized in everything from homes to ships, supporting the region's maritime industries. Stone, particularly from quarries in Remon and Teros, is another key construction material. Its durability makes it ideal for fortifications, public buildings, and artistic sculptures. Clay, often sourced from riverbanks, is used for pottery and bricks, essential in both domestic and commercial settings.
See also: Building materials

Textiles

Textiles play a crucial role serving both practical and decorative purposes. Towns like Olbrint, Ashanok and Gathansin are known for their textile production.
The cultivation of fibers is a vital activity, with sheep farming particularly prominent in areas with suitable grazing lands. In addition to wool, fibres such as cotton and linen, are cultivated, and hides and pelts are obtained via hunting.
See also: Clothing

Manufacturing materials

Manufacturing materials encompass a wide range of goods necessary for producing tools, weapons, and crafts.
Metals such as copper, iron, and tin are pivotal in the forging of implements and armor, with specific towns specializing in metalwork. For example, the communities around Bostin are renowned for their skilled smiths, creating high-quality metal goods that are traded extensively.
See also: Mining and metallurgy

Gems and precious metals

Gemstones and precious metals hold a significant place in Helerin's economy, not just for their inherent value but also for their role in trade and craftsmanship. Locally sourced gemstones, including jade, amber, and precious metals like gold and silver, are highly sought after for their beauty and rarity. Artisans in towns like Gathansin and Gilrimmon have built reputations on their exquisite jewelry, which is highly valued in markets across the archipelago. The extraction of these resources, particularly in regions like Teros and the Mar Mabon Townships, fosters trade relationships with neighboring territories and elevates local economies.

Trade and transportation

Trade is the lifeblood of the Helerin Archipelago, facilitating the exchange of goods and services among its diverse nations. The methods of transporting goods vary significantly depending on the type of commodity, geography, and local infrastructure.
Rivers serve as critical arteries for trade, with major waterways like the Dayn and the Oln functioning as natural highways for transporting agricultural produce, raw materials, and manufactured goods. Barges and boats navigate these rivers, connecting inland towns to bustling coastal ports.
Maritime trade is equally essential, enabling the movement of goods across the archipelago. Coastal towns such as Ashanok and Penstrarn act as vital hubs where goods are loaded onto ships bound for distant regions. The Sea of Fair Winds is a major trading route, facilitating exchanges between the Realm of Forbin, the League of Mar Miskun, the Mar Mabon Townships and Teros. Ships departing from ports like Olnath and Elinann carry fish and minerals to markets in Forbin and Mar Mabon, while returning with grain, timber, and luxury goods.
The interconnected trade relationships among the nations of Helerin are crucial for economic stability. For instance, the League of Mar Miskun frequently engages in trade with the Seynan Islands, exporting agricultural produce and craftsmanship while importing spices and textiles. Ports like Penstrarn, strategically positioned to face the Sea of Fair Winds, act as gateways for goods moving between eastern Forbin and southern Teros, facilitating the flow of iron, gems, and metalwork.
Key trading routes are established through these ports, with vessels navigating the waters of the Sea of Fair Winds and surrounding straits. Forbin’s ports, particularly Holdras and Mintrass, are major destinations for trade, receiving goods from Mar Mabon and Teros. In return, the Mar Mabon Townships import essential resources, including metals and food, to sustain their local economies. In the western archipelago, the ports of Harsann, Jaltra, and Hapros are major hubs.
See also: Travel and transportation

Markets

Markets play a central role in the trading system, serving as venues where buyers and sellers convene to negotiate prices and exchange goods. Local markets, often held in town squares, are vibrant centers of activity, with traders displaying their wares. In larger cities, such as Holdras and Ashanok, regular fairs and festivals attract merchants from various regions, fostering the exchange of a wide range of commodities - from foodstuffs to precious metals - while promoting cultural interaction.

Trade organisations

Merchant guilds and trade groups in Helerin serve as the backbone of commerce, regulating markets, protecting their members’ interests, and securing profitable trade routes.
While some guilds operate as cooperative coalitions, others function as ruthless monopolies, using bribery, tariffs, and political influence to dominate their industries.
See also: Merchant guilds and trade bodies

Prices

The table below shows typical prices for many commodities and materials, although these may vary depending on quality, local availability and demand.