Category:Yaralon Merchant Empires

The Merchant Emperors and Empresses of Yaralon are the secondary source of income. However, they are crucial as they provide the majority of food and raw material imports. These wealthy businessmen front many of the other businesses within Yaralon. They own vast swaths of neighborhoods, docks, ships, shops and the like. One merchant emperor may own all the businesses around his home, which may include everything from a fruit stand, to the local baker, to a nearby tavern or brothel. Additionally, as not every crafting business can be a member of the crafting guilds, often the Merchant Emperors and Empresses will back workshops as well. So while the quality will not likely be anywhere near as good as a Crafting Guild backed workshop, they often will have a lot more work due to being cheaper. These are the 'local' workshops, so to speak.

Additionally Merchant Emperors and Empresses conduct most of the foreign trade of Yaralon. They own most of the ships, caravans, docks and warehouses. However, due to the extreme dangers of traveling through the region, they are often reliant on hiring mercenary companies to serve as protection. And reputation means everything to a merchant emperor, just as it does with mercenary companies and craft guilds. If it is discovered that a merchant is conducting in extremely poor business practices, often their businesses are shunned, or worse, people begin lining up to challenge them to a duel.

Finally, Merchant Emperors and Empresses tend to be the only individuals willing or able to give out loans to individuals.