The Tradeport is one of the most vital parts of Cove, it is the heart of the town. It is the Tradeport that turned Cove into an important part of the North and gave the town's rulers the opportunity to expand their influence beyong the fortified walls of their small community. Unlike the Nobles, the High Merchant and Lord of the Tradeport are loved by the peasantry, not feared. Thus it is that the influence of the rulers of the Tradeport matches the very power of Cove's nobility - to the great anger and unhappiness of the nobles.

Traders and Artisans of the Tradeport

Traders make their living by trading goods and making great deals for themselves and the Tradeport. The ability to talk and haggle to make excellent deals is the key of their success. One must not also forget that the traders are often more educated than average peasants, thus mastering such skills such as writing, reading and counting. However with their constant dealing of gold they make themselves as a favourite target of brigands, and this is why they often have guardsmen to protect them.

All trade transanctions are strictly governed by the Tradeport rulers and only merchants with special licences may sell goods inside and outside of Cove. Once a trader has a proper license he must obtain the wanted wares from the local artisans.

Artisans are people dedicated to a specific trade to produce very fine items in such fields as carpentry or smithing. Artisans work closely with the merchants and are their suppliers. They must rely on the merchants and traders to sell their goods as artisanship is a very time consuming and requires all of their attention.

Out of character concept:

• New characters only.
• They are peasants.
• Merchants and Traders are crafty and clever and often well-liked by others for their sweet-talking.
• Merchants and Traders always haggle about prices and sometimes even resort to small and secret trickery to obtain wanted wares at a better price.
• Artisans are honest and hard-working.
• Artisans may set the price at which they sell their goods to merchants and traders.
• Artisans may not sell their goods on their own.
• Merchants may sell goods even without a licence, however that is considered smuggling.
• Merchants may leave Cove in groups only. The group must have atleast 2 merchants and atleast 2 guards for protection. This does not apply for smugglers.
• Merchants must report whenever they leave Cove. This does not apply to smugglers.

Apprentice Merchant/Artisan

The apprentice has just begun his work as a merchant or artisan, and serves under a master of his chosen trade or craft. They are to wear very simple dress, showing their low level. They strive to earn the respect of their master who can then promote them. Apprentices gain one fourth of the amount of gold their Master earns from their service.

At this point a Merchant may become independant and work on his own without serving a Master. He may obtain an Internal Trading licence which grants him the ability to buy crafted goods from local artisans and sell them inside Cove. If a merchant chooses to stay with his master, he receives one third of the profit the master gains from his services and may use the Master's licences with special permission.

An Artisan is still supposed to serve under a Master. At this point he receives one third of the amount of gold that his Master earns from selling the goods made by him. They must prove that their work is adequate enough to be sold outside of Cove before being promoted.

At this point the Merchant has shown good haggling and trading skills and may obtain additional licences:
• Licence of the North - allows a merchant to trade with Minoc and Vesper. He may also import goods from those cities.
• Licence of the Alliance - allows a merchant to trade with Moonglow and Magincia. He may also import goods from those cities.
• A merchant may also take Apprentices and Journeyman as his pupils at this point.

  After proving his talent to the Tradeport's rulers, an Artisan may choose to become independant and buy a proper license which will allow him to sell his own wares to merchants of Cove. Should he remain to serve under his master, he shall receive half of the amount of gold that his Master earns from selling the goods made by him.

Cunning and sly, the holder of this position is an expert in monetary transanctions and deals. Right hand of the leader of the Tradeport, this person is loved by the peasants as much as the Lord, yet less powerfull.

High Merchant may obtain the Global Trade licence which allows him or her to sell his wares all over Britannia.

High Artisan oversees all other artisans of Cove, ensuring they treat their apprentices well, and also observes the prices of goods, making sure that one artisan doesnt have a 'monopoly' in Cove.

Achieved not only for expertise but charisma, this position grants an individual great power and influence in the town of Cove. The peasantry loves him and respects him, thus granting power in Cove, but brings jelousy and hatred from the Nobles, seriously bittering the life of the Lord/Lady of the Tradeport.

It is this person's duty to give or take away licences, regulate the prices and ensure the well-being of Coves trade.

These are various high ranking people whom perform a specific duty at Cove.

Scribes