Commerce Division

Role and Focus

The Commerce Division focuses on:

• Trade and Revenue Generation: Establishing marketplaces, trade routes, and guilds to bring wealth to the bastion.

• Resource Management: Ensuring goods flow efficiently through the bastion.

• Economic Synergy: Supporting other divisions with the necessary funds and materials.

• Prestige: Building the bastion’s reputation as a center of commerce and prosperity.

Key Features and Upgrades

1. Marketplace

   • Description: Establishes a central hub for trade and commerce within the bastion.

   • Effect:

     • Generates 10 gp per week as base revenue.

     • Adds +1 to Commerce Checks.

   • Cost: 500 gp, 2 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Expand to a Grand Market (+20 gp per week, +2 to Commerce Checks).

2. Guild Hall

   • Description: Attracts skilled laborers and artisans to the bastion.

   • Effect:

     • Provides specialized services, such as blacksmithing or enchanting.

     • Adds +1 Prosperity and +1 Influence.

   • Cost: 1,200 gp, 4 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Form exclusive trade guilds that generate 50 gp per week.

3. Caravan Routes

   • Description: Establishes safe trade routes with nearby towns and cities.

   • Effect:

     • Generates 50–200 gp per week depending on the route’s scale.

     • Adds +1 to Commerce Checks.

   • Cost: 1,500 gp, 5 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Secure with guards or magical protection, reducing losses from banditry.

4. Bank

   • Description: Offers secure storage for valuables and facilitates loans.

   • Effect:

     • Adds +1 to Prosperity and Influence.

     • Generates occasional revenue through loan interest (10% of loan amount).

   • Cost: 2,000 gp, 6 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Expand to a Merchant’s Bank, increasing Influence by +1 and generating 50 gp per week.

5. Toll Roads and Bridges

   • Description: Constructs roads and bridges that generate revenue through tolls.

   • Effect:

     • Generates 50–200 gp per week.

     • Adds +1 to Commerce Checks.

   • Cost: 1,200 gp, 4 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Add magical barriers to increase security and attract more merchants.

6. Trade Port (if near water)

   • Description: Establishes a port for shipping and trade by sea or river.

   • Effect:

     • Generates 100–300 gp per week.

     • Adds +2 to Commerce Checks.

   • Cost: 3,000 gp, 8 weeks.

   • Upgrade Potential:

     • Expand to a Harbor District with warehouses and shipyards.

Revenue Streams

The Commerce Division is the bastion’s primary source of income, generating funds to fuel other divisions.

1. Marketplace Revenue:

   • Weekly passive income (10–50 gp depending on market scale).

2. Caravan Routes:

   • Regular income from trade agreements (50–200 gp per week).

3. Guild Hall Services:

   • Rent paid by artisans or income from specialized services (50–100 gp per week).

4. Tolls:

   • Fees collected from merchants and travelers (50–200 gp per week).

5. Bank Loans:

   • Occasional income from interest payments (up to 10% of the loaned amount).

Synergies with Other Divisions

The Commerce Division boosts other divisions by providing resources and funds:

• Defense Division: Finances guards, traps, and fortifications through toll revenue.

• Infrastructure Division: Funds roads, bridges, and housing expansion.

• Research Division: Provides materials and funds for magical advancements.

• Diplomacy Division: Attracts merchants and dignitaries to build Influence and forge alliances.

Potential Random Events and Challenges

The Commerce Division must navigate various economic and logistical challenges:

1. Merchant Complaints:

   • Disputes arise over high tolls or taxes, threatening trade revenue.

   • Requires a Charisma (Persuasion) check to negotiate terms.

2. Bandit Raids on Caravans:

   • Trade routes are attacked, reducing weekly income by half until resolved.

   • Requires a Defense Check to secure the route.

3. Economic Boom:

   • A neighboring region’s prosperity increases trade demand.

   • Increases weekly revenue by 50% for a month.

4. Market Collapse:

   • Overproduction or external competition reduces the value of goods.

   • Weekly income decreases by 50% for 1d4 weeks.

5. Rare Trade Opportunity:

   • A wealthy merchant offers an exclusive deal for rare goods or services.

   • Requires a Commerce Check (DC 15) to secure a lucrative contract (500–1,000 gp reward).

Unique Opportunities

• Exotic Goods Market:

  • Introduce rare items or magical goods to the marketplace, increasing weekly income by 20%.

• Merchant Festivals:

  • Host seasonal events, attracting merchants and dignitaries. Generates one-time revenue (500–1,000 gp).

• Custom Currency:

  • Mint bastion-specific coins, increasing Influence (+1) and generating revenue through exchange fees.

Commerce Division Gameplay Impact

The Commerce Division directly impacts the bastion’s Prosperity and Influence by serving as its financial hub. Success in this division ensures sustainable growth, provides vital funding for upgrades in other divisions, and establishes the bastion as a powerful economic force in the region.