|
The great Östlaed-Pyrencia Trade Route
In the days before fast travel, trade was of course important to the Mercurian Empire. It was sort of like a soft glue, keeping bonds between distant realms with a small trickle of mostly luxury goods, only occasionally resulting in large scale raw materials trade. The spread of horses from the far west of the 1st mercurian Empire in the Old World increased trade significantly, as it allowed great caravans to move from neighboring nation to neighboring nation. Overland trade retained the lead position for large volume trades for some time, right up to the advent of safe maritime travel routes. The safe maritime travel routes encouraged the use of international naval trade via routes protected by combined Imperial and various national armed vessels. This has encouraged a growth in trade, collaboration, and prosperity like none other in the Mercurian Empire.
The Cycle of the Tide, we call it. Yes, that is a good name. The Tides of the major seas of the Mercurian Empire have brought enormous increases in naval trade, and massive changes in population. The port cities of Acholm, Port K’Valsaer, Arah, Oakland, Gallen, Aesthamm Kaltamerri, Isenwich, Akaria, Glas Claddach, Alcona, Concordia, Secara have all seen huge growth and increases in wealth. Some have received more benefits than others - and some have become the anchor for the largest trade route this Empire has even seen.
Acholm and Port K’Valsaer grew to be the largest towns by population during the early 500s, with a particularly strong boom occurring during the 530s. Emperor Myron Azarn-Blodh’s unfortunate shipwreck as a young man lead to the formation of strong relations, diplomatically, then militarily, then ultimately economically. As the early main hub of the safe maritime travel system, Acholm grew by leaps and bounds as many Östrons moved to Acholm, both from around the empire and from Östron controlled/inhabited lands. Port K’Valsaer grew as well, as the first major village of Pyrencians on the Valyrian Sea, it opened up the the large population there to the rest of the Empire.
Emperor Myron introduced many luxury Pyrencian items to Östrons, of which they were willing to pay much to acquire, such as spices, rare woods, and dried fruits from Cerebal; Pyrencian luxury food items from Calarin; rare gems from Edrenan; Pyrencian cloths, art, and Pyrencian alcohol from Sorel.
Obviously any kind of large trade like this would result in items sold by the Östrons as well: various aged Ostron Ales, artwork, smoked fish (mostly cod, herring, and catfish) cured and salt pork from Acholmshire; gold and rare gems from both Entshire and Gelderlond; luxury wool clothing and leather from Frithengestshire.
As this trade continues to grow, traders from both realms seek shorter routes. The current status of needing to maintain escort fleets through the Khabranthian canal is unacceptable. With the creation of the Dwarven realm of Ardol, a land route using great caravans may be possible, safe, and cheaper than boat transport around the Perthian-Isilian continent. One thing is for sure - there is no larger trade pact between two realms as what exists between Pyrencia and Östlaed.
_________________
Ealdorman Cerdic Beoden Accynnafon of Östlond
Runner Up of the Glas Claddach Boat Building Competition
Minister of Justice
|
