Silk Trade

Levels at a glance

	Level	Cost	Build time	Minimum settlement	Upgrades to		Level	Cost	Build time	Minimum settlement	Upgrades to
	Silk Trader (Urban)	2,500	2	large town	Silk Caravan (Urban)		Silk Caravan (Urban)	5,000	5	city	Silk Market (Urban)
	Silk Market (Urban)	12,500	8	large city	Silk Trade Route (Urban)		Silk Trade Route (Urban)	19,000	12	huge city	—

Costs in denarii, build time in turns.

Silk Trader (Urban)

Trader of otherworldly fabrics for the world’s wealthiest.

A rare breed of merchant, the Silk Trader brings forth treasures so soft and shimmering they practically glow under the Mediterranean sun.

Silk from far-off lands captivates nobles and commoners alike, though only the wealthiest can afford it.

This trader is not just selling fabric, he’s selling mystery, magic, and a hint of envy. As he hawks his goods, the city’s coffers swell, and its reputation for opulence shines.

Requirements: all of these must hold before this level can be built.

• Local Barter or a higher level is built here
• The region has Silk
• Only one urban industry building allowed
• Government Building (Dependency, Indirect Rule, Direct Rule or Homeland)

What it does

• +1 trade income

Silk Caravan (Urban)

A caravan of shimmering cloth and tales from afar.

The Silk Caravan, a moving marvel, snakes its way across blistering deserts and treacherous mountains, bearing shimmering bolts of silk from lands so distant they might as well be on the moon.

With each journey, it brings more than just fabric; it carries stories of exotic lands, odd customs, and food you wouldn’t dream of eating.

The caravan is a glimpse into the mystical East, with tales and treasures that enrich the city almost as much as the silk itself.

Requirements: all of these must hold before this level can be built.

• Local Market or a higher level is built here
• The region has Silk
• Government Building (Dependency, Indirect Rule, Direct Rule or Homeland)

What it does

• +3 trade income

Silk Market (Urban)

A market of silk, wealth, and dreams slightly out of reach.

The Silk Market, where bolts of silk hang like the dawn sky and feel like water flowing through one’s fingers. Here, tailors haggle, noblewomen gaze, and merchants do their best not to drool over colours only the gods themselves could create.

Amid the barter and banter, the city’s economy flourishes, with the market’s prestige attracting wide-eyed admirers who marvel at these far-off luxuries that they can’t afford, but are certainly happy to gawk at.

Requirements: all of these must hold before this level can be built.

• Forum or a higher level is built here
• The region has Silk
• Government Building (Dependency, Indirect Rule, Direct Rule or Homeland)

What it does

• +5 trade income
• +1 public order (happiness)

Silk Trade Route (Urban)

The city’s veins run rich with silk, and wealth.

With a steady Silk Route, the city stands tall, glittering with a wealth that is as delicate as it is expensive. The mere mention of a silk trade route elevates the city’s standing and its citizens’ taste for the finer things in life.

Nobles strut in shimmering attire, commoners whisper of riches beyond reach, and the economy practically gleams as silk flows in, a symbol of luxury, power, and a dangerously comfortable life.

Requirements: all of these must hold before this level can be built.

• Great Forum or a higher level is built here
• The region has Silk
• No Silk Trade Route (Urban) is built anywhere in your empire
• Any Government except Dependency (Indirect Rule, Direct Rule or Homeland)

What it does

• +6 trade income
• +1 public order (happiness)

Traits and retinue

Traits

Retinue