Even the most powerful and magnificent city must take into account its neighbors. And it’s not just about making alliances or declaring wars. Many believe that trading is one of the fastest ways to earn significant wealth and gain promising influence 👑 This statement may turn out to be true… as long as several important conditions are met.
Today, we’re going to tell you all about the advantages and challenges of trading with other city-states. If you prove to be a skillful merchant, fame and wealth await you. If you don’t prepare properly, however, your city may soon run out of many essential goods. The stakes are high! 💰
Basics of trade and exchange of goods
The basis of trade is adequate infrastructure. No caravan or merchant ship will come to your city unless you prepare a place for them to stay and present their goods. That being said, make sure your Polis has no shortage of Trading Posts and a Harbor. Additionally, the mentioned Trading Posts must be connected with roads that will allow foreign merchants to reach your city.
Now that you have built the necessary buildings, you can invite traders from other kingdoms. To do so, sign a commercial contract with your neighbors. Be careful! Only those with whom you have a good relationship will agree to make such a commitment 🤝 If all goes to plan, the first merchants will soon appear on the horizon.
How to get rich?
When a merchant ship enters your harbor, or a caravan arrives at your Trading Post, you will be informed by a special notification. And this is where the magic begins! After opening the notification, you will see the trade panel. Thanks to this panel, you will learn what kind of wares the merchant offers, what he requests in return, and what amount of goods he has in stock.
The trade panel is divided into two parts – one representing your goods and the other showing the trader’s goods ⚖️ By using special arrows near the wares symbol, you can decide what kind and how many goods you want to buy or sell. Will you sell planks this time? Or maybe lamps? Is it worth buying fish? It all depends entirely on you! Remember that different traders will be interested in different offers – for example, some kingdoms will be willing to pay more for tools, while others may not pay attention to them at all.
Once you have decided what goods you want to exchange, you will see a summary of the transaction cost at the bottom of the panel. Make sure the exchange will be to your advantage (whether in commodities or in drahmas)! 😉 Once you master the art of negotiation, you can simply use the auto-trade option.
Benefits for your treasury and subjects
Now it’s time for the most enjoyable part – the profits! Your subjects will undoubtedly appreciate the exotic, coveted goods that you acquired by trading. Their constant influx can raise citizens’ level of satisfaction and improve their life in general. In addition, thoughtful, wise trading can be the source of great wealth. If you produce a surplus of a certain commodity, don’t hesitate to put it on the market – instead of wasting in your warehouses, it can turn into valuable, shiny coins! 😁