TRE’VOLOS CARAVANS

There is hardly a day that goes by, sometimes even on major holidays, that at least one caravan is entering the city, and one leaving the city.

There are six short-term caravans to the six provincial capitals that owe fealty to Emperor Sedmon.

1 = The First is to Shardis Province. It has always a need for Caravan Guards, because it goes to one stop where they will pick up one of the most valuable items on the entire planet. When this caravan stops at Millio Fortress, it picks up a new wagon with two Dwarven Drivers and several containers of Shards. These incredibly hard-to-get crystals can store magical spells. Although there are other types and other items that store spells, none are as good for this purpose than a Shi’Ral Crystal. There is also a stop at Glass Mountain, to pick up glass items that were made the by those Dwarves.

2 = The Second goes to Eaffernath Province. The caravan that will be leaving Tre’Volos soon is going to go to Caer Caedwean, the capital of Eaffernath Province. Sedmon has finally found a suitable person to rule in Eaffernath, and is also sending along teams of investigators (read: PC’s) to discover what happened to the former Pasha of Eaffernath. A few of the stops on the way back will pick up wagons with meat, vegetables, and grain from the many farms in this province. There will be a lay over in Shelter Haven because the residents there are famous for making many types of food and drink.

3 = The Third goes to Smyrsis Province. This caravan is going to the Obsidian Citadel, the home of the Pasha of Smyrsis Province. People that have never been to this city are frequently almost overwhelmed by the Obsidian Citadel, which has a large castle, constructed totally of Obsidian Blocks, and Obsidian Bricks, and mitered together in such a way so as even on close inspection it is almost impossible to see the seams between the slabs. Were it not for Sedmon’s Castle, the Obsidian Citadel would be one of the most impressive that anyone has ever seen. There will also be a stopover at the Starcrag Mountain Mines, one of the only places known that mines metal ore and smelts metal. Another stop will be at Taell Qua, a mostly Muslim city. You may get lucky enough to be in one of the caravans that is going to Shimmertree, the capital city of the Laendoli Elves. You may get lucky enough to be in one of the caravans that is going to Glint Valley, the capital city of the Sylvain Elves. You may also get very lucky and travel to both.

4 = The fourth goes to Thygamus Province. Thygamus has the distinction of being one of the larger concentrations of Mnoken in the world. Many different tribes of Mnoken live in Taek Shire, and that village/town serves the Mnoken people as a meeting place where they can settle their differences without bloodshed. These humble people produce items that here on Terra would be similar to Native American wares.

5 = The fifth goes to Lycophiath Province. The first town the caravan visits on this journey is Northport, one of the two large cities that flank Tre’Volos, that provide docking facilities for many different types of ships. It will also stop in Tragnol, the largest Durin city that exists on the surface of the world. Another stop is at Thistledown, a small city of the Fae where trading for Fae made objects is at a high pitch. Another stop is at Taanyrisner, the largest know Monk training facility. Taanyrisner is one of the only training centers for Monks that can teach almost every known Martial Art. You may get lucky enough for the caravan to be traveling to Aves, and catch a rare glimpse of an Avion.

6 = The sixth goes to Gomranth Province. Grimlion Castle is the provincial capital city. It is almost totally surrounded by farms of many types. It is in and around the area of Castle Grimlion that thousands, if not millions of Hoaries. Meat, Milk, Furs, wool, and other items from the cattle will be picked up. This caravan also passes through Southport, the southernmost city of the two large cities that flank Tre’Volos. This city also is most well known for its docks and areas for ships. If you are very lucky, you may catch a look at one of the Harcunai, who will visit the caravan on occasion to buy, sell, and trade horses.

There are a number of caravans both arriving and departing Tre’Volos for many locations, but there are two that are very well known.

1 = The First is the Northern Caravans, also called the Suda Caravan. It travels from Tre’Volos to Sudantir, the capital city of the Suda people and the Suda region. It stops several times along the way from Tre’Volos, including a stopover in Northport.

2 = The Second is the Southern Caravans, also called the Hosira Caravan. It travels from Tre’Volos to Hosira, which is also the name of the capital city of the Southern Regions. It stops several times along the way, including a stopover in Southport, and a major stop in Españia. There is a breakup of the caravan in Hosira – quite a few will eventually turn back to return to Tre’Volos, but a small part of that caravan will continue south to Frigia to pick up wares from the residents there. It, too will return to Tre’Volos.

There are several caravans that head west.

1 = The first goes to the Laendoli Woods to trade with the Laendoli Elves.

2 = The second goes to the Sylvan Forest to trade with the Sylvan Elves.

3 = The third goes to both the Laendoli Woods and the Sylvan Forest.

4 = The fourth goes to Hammersfall, which is a Dwarven city on the surface that acts as a trading center between the Dwarves there and anyone interested, especially the caravans.

5 = The fifth caravan travels to either Northpass, or Southpass to reach the next City-State. It only stops for large trading groups, or when it reaches (The City-State of the Invincible Overlord), and returns.

6 = The sixth caravan travels to either Northpass, or Southpass to reach the next City-State. It only stops for large trading groups, or when it reaches (The City-State of the Invincible Overlord). The it continues to Viridistan (The City-State of the World Emperor), and returns.

7 = The seventh caravan travels to either Northpass, or Southpass to reach the next City-States. It only stops for large trading groups, or when it reaches (The City-State of the Invincible Overlord). The it continues to Viridistan, and finally to Alastair, the City-State of the Elves, and returns.

8 = Of the western caravans, this is the most well-known. This caravan is called “The Long Haul Caravan” for good reasons. It travels to either Northpass, or Southpass to reach the next City-States. It only stops for large trading groups, or when it reaches (The City-State of the Invincible Overlord). The it continues to Viridistan (The City-State of the World Emperor), and then to Alastair, the City-State of the Elves, and finally continues to Westeros, on the West Coast of the continent, and returns. This is by far the largest, longest, and most time consuming caravan. The last good estimates (barring any unusual weather and/or attacks by enemies), is that the trip to Westeros takes at least a good six months. ONE WAY! The return trip is no shorter.

All eight caravans are well-known and attract many travelers, merchants, and various guards and personnel. All are looking to hire help for just about any reason you can think of. Especially people familiar with caravans.

GM’s Note: I am going to try to start the game with the City-State of Tre’Volos in view from a caravan that the player characters were members of.