Dice Goblin

Day 2 of the Adventure Calendar 2024!

Today’s task:

Day 2: Leadership and Commerce

• Village leader, founding, history
• Economy & Trade:
  • Which resources are mined and/or refined here
  • What is imported & exported, and by who
  • What is the abundance & scarcity

My partial task is to keep things relatively minimal; we’re not going for word count, we’re going for efficiency. Minimalism is a skill I definitely need to refine, especially when not writing rules.

I might do an editing pass later, at the end, to streamline things and keep only the essential nuggets, but for now, I’m also permitting myself some note-taking for later.

Today’s addition is below; I’m not uploading the full document each day (we’ll figure it out as we go!)

History

The Empire has existed in some form for as long as recorded history shows – though what exactly constitutes “The Empire” has shifted like sand in the desert winds. It expands and contracts in a centuries-long cycle: periods of aggressive expansion are followed by decades of internal strife, only for several powerful houses to eventually band together and begin the cycle anew.

The water source at present-day Limentis has been a waystation for desert nomads since time immemorial. Roughly 500 years ago, the Empire established a formal outpost here – Limen Orientis, the Threshold of the East. The outpost was meant to be the first step in a greater expansion into the desert regions.

These ambitions were cut short when, a century later, the Empire’s attention turned inward. The roads leading to Limen Orientis fell into disrepair, patrols became infrequent, and eventually ceased altogether. The outpost’s inhabitants were faced with a choice: return to the Empire’s heartland or remain. Many chose to stay, having formed bonds with the local nomadic peoples and grown accustomed to the harsh but free life on the frontier.

Over time, Limen Orientis became Limentis, and the settlement developed its own unique identity – a haven for those seeking to escape Imperial oversight, particularly magic-users unwilling to submit to the Empire’s strict controls. The village became known as a place where the Empire’s rigid structures began to dissolve into the chaos of the untamed desert.

Now, after centuries of relative isolation, Imperial interest in Limentis has rekindled. A successful military campaign in the Western regions has secured those territories, and the Empire’s ever-hungry gaze turns toward the desert once more. The old roads are being cleared, patrols have resumed, and Imperial merchants arrive with increasing frequency. The question on everyone’s minds: Will Limentis maintain its independence, or will it once again become the Empire’s Threshold of the East?

Leadership

The village isn’t led by a single person but rather a loose council of three “Voices” – traditionally one representing the permanent residents, one representing the wandering magic-users who use it as a waystation, and one representing trade interests.

Current council setup:

• Voice of Hearth: Marika val-Limentis (her family has been here for generations)
• Voice of Winds: Currently disputed/empty after previous Voice disappeared into the desert
• Voice of Trade: Dorian Manus-val-Noveris, an Imperial merchant who sees opportunity here

The council meets at each full moon at the Circle of Voices, a simple stone circle on a hill overlooking the village.

Voice of Hearth

Marika val Limentis represents the practical, day-to-day concerns of running a frontier settlement. She’s adaptable and mediating, focused on keeping the village functional. Deals with immediate issues like water distribution, housing and local disputes.

Voice of Winds

A currently disputed/empty position. Traditionally represents the wandering magic-users, spiritual traditions, and connection to the desert. Tends to advocate for preserving the village’s role as a sanctuary for Unmarked magic-users. The previous Voice disappeared into the desert recently.

Voice of Trade

Dorian Manus val Noveris represents Imperial structure and commercial interests. Pushes for more formalized trade agreements, proper documentation and Imperial standards. Sees great potential in “legitimizing” Limentis as a proper Imperial trading post. Dorian is currently working on establishing more regular caravan schedules and proper tariffs.

Economy

Resources

• The village’s main resource is its permanent water source, making it a vital stopping point
• Unique desert crystals form in nearby caves – these are valued by magic-users and Imperial scholars alike
• Desert herbs that only grow in this harsh climate are gathered and processed into medicines
• The village processes hides and meat from desert creatures hunted by nomadic groups
• A small number of hardy goats are kept for milk and cheese

Trade Dynamics

• Import. Imperial caravans come through about once a month, bringing:
  • Grains & produce
  • Textiles
  • Tools and weapons
  • Imperial bureaucratic document and missives
• Export. They leave with:
  • Desert crystals
  • Processed herbs & medicines
  • Information about the frontier
• Scarcity. Fresh produce, refined goods, Imperial currency, formal education
• Abundance. Water (relatively), desert herbs, crystals, local knowledge
• Training. The villagers of Limentis can offer desert survival skills, in exchange for needed resources
• Monthly Supplies. Weapons, gear and armor are available once per month (1 every 4 weeks). This is also the time to offload valuable treasure.