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The Merchant Houses?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Adamaro23
Aug 22, 2010 4:49:36 Dark Sun is my new favorite setting I've decided, after loving Eberron for so long. And I've noticed (alot) that it continues mentioning the Merchant Houses. Now in Eberron, the Dragonmarked houses were my least favorite thing about the setting, and I'm hoping it won't be the case here, but I can't say it sounds interesting to me.

I've recently gotten the Campaign Setting, and my initial plans were to read it from cover to cover. I've more or less done that, still need to read the crunch, and I kinda skimmed over the info on the cities. But I still have yet to find something that details the merchant houses in length. It seems they're very important in the setting, yet somehow I've missed where they're detailed... Did I miss it in the campaign setting?

Also, if anyone here could shed some light on the houses it'd be cool too. From what I do know, I gather the merchant houses don't like each other all too much and that they're merchants... that's about it....
#2
JayDarkson
Aug 22, 2010 5:10:32
The Merchant Houses are more or less left up to the DM's imagination and campaign. In the latest issue of Dungeon Magazine, there are two merchant houses mentioned but these were created for the adventure in mind.

There was a second edition adventure published; DSM2: Merchant House of Amketch. But I can't remember exactly what it was based on.

I would imagine specific merchant houses will be seen in future Dragon and Dungeon Magazines.
#3
Adamaro23
Aug 22, 2010 5:57:57 Ah, so it isn't like a set number of important houses like in Eberron. Instead there are bunches of merchant houses, some large and prominent, and others small and almost not worth noting?
#4
visanidethdm
Aug 22, 2010 6:19:00 The Merchant Houses are detailed in decent dept in the description of Tyr. Of course DMs are left free to expand, improve and invent on the theme.
#5
JayDarkson
Aug 22, 2010 6:47:01
Ah, so it isn't like a set number of important houses like in Eberron. Instead there are bunches of merchant houses, some large and prominent, and others small and almost not worth noting?

Pretty much. Every city has Merchant Houses, their influence of power varies and some come and go due to constant "house wars". It's not uncommon to see two houses attempt to eliminate each other with assassins and mercenaries just to corner the market in their area on livestock, food, fine goods, etc. Visanideth is correct though, there are Merchant Houses described on pages 138-139 of the Campaign book but these can be tailored to fit your needs.
#6
mouthymerc
Aug 22, 2010 7:59:02
Also, if anyone here could shed some light on the houses it'd be cool too. From what I do know, I gather the merchant houses don't like each other all too much and that they're merchants... that's about it....

If you wish for more material, try to track down a copy of 2E Dark Sun Dune Trader.
#7
Larni
Aug 22, 2010 13:37:00 Or go to www.athas.org and take a look at their official 3.5 Trade Lords pdf.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Adamaro23 Aug 22, 2010 4:49:36	Dark Sun is my new favorite setting I've decided, after loving Eberron for so long. And I've noticed (alot) that it continues mentioning the Merchant Houses. Now in Eberron, the Dragonmarked houses were my least favorite thing about the setting, and I'm hoping it won't be the case here, but I can't say it sounds interesting to me. I've recently gotten the Campaign Setting, and my initial plans were to read it from cover to cover. I've more or less done that, still need to read the crunch, and I kinda skimmed over the info on the cities. But I still have yet to find something that details the merchant houses in length. It seems they're very important in the setting, yet somehow I've missed where they're detailed... Did I miss it in the campaign setting? Also, if anyone here could shed some light on the houses it'd be cool too. From what I do know, I gather the merchant houses don't like each other all too much and that they're merchants... that's about it....
#2 JayDarkson Aug 22, 2010 5:10:32	The Merchant Houses are more or less left up to the DM's imagination and campaign. In the latest issue of Dungeon Magazine, there are two merchant houses mentioned but these were created for the adventure in mind. There was a second edition adventure published; DSM2: Merchant House of Amketch. But I can't remember exactly what it was based on. I would imagine specific merchant houses will be seen in future Dragon and Dungeon Magazines.
#3 Adamaro23 Aug 22, 2010 5:57:57	Ah, so it isn't like a set number of important houses like in Eberron. Instead there are bunches of merchant houses, some large and prominent, and others small and almost not worth noting?
#4 visanidethdm Aug 22, 2010 6:19:00	The Merchant Houses are detailed in decent dept in the description of Tyr. Of course DMs are left free to expand, improve and invent on the theme.
#5 JayDarkson Aug 22, 2010 6:47:01	Ah, so it isn't like a set number of important houses like in Eberron. Instead there are bunches of merchant houses, some large and prominent, and others small and almost not worth noting? Pretty much. Every city has Merchant Houses, their influence of power varies and some come and go due to constant "house wars". It's not uncommon to see two houses attempt to eliminate each other with assassins and mercenaries just to corner the market in their area on livestock, food, fine goods, etc. Visanideth is correct though, there are Merchant Houses described on pages 138-139 of the Campaign book but these can be tailored to fit your needs.
#6 mouthymerc Aug 22, 2010 7:59:02	Also, if anyone here could shed some light on the houses it'd be cool too. From what I do know, I gather the merchant houses don't like each other all too much and that they're merchants... that's about it.... If you wish for more material, try to track down a copy of 2E Dark Sun Dune Trader.
#7 Larni Aug 22, 2010 13:37:00	Or go to www.athas.org and take a look at their official 3.5 Trade Lords pdf.