For many years I have been very slightly annoyed by various player interpretations of a trader caravan in DragonRealms. The main reason for my annoyance is because these interpretations have conflicted with mine. <grin vazaelle>

Ahem.

My vision of a 'caravan' would include a train of wagons or beasts of burden, guards, laborers, skilled tradesmen such as wheelwrights - (although I would like to think that that position may fall to us one day), many pack animals to carry goods or draught animals to pull the wagons, and the drivers and of course the Trader herself who is Mistress of Commander of all of the above.

Many people tend to casually toss around the image of a single wagon with a driver and the trader themselves. Like we are some sort of common waggoner! Perhaps appropriate for those traders who have such low self-esteem that they refer to themselves as haulers or teamsters.


This is a definition I have researched -

caravan

\Car"a*van\ (k[a^]r"[.a]*v[a^]n or k[a^]r[.a]v[a^]n"; 277), n. [F. caravane (cf. Sp. caravana), fr. Per. karw[=a]n a caravan (in sense 1). Cf. Van a wagon.] 1. A company of travelers, pilgrims, or merchants, organized and equipped for a long journey, or marching or traveling together, esp. through deserts and countries infested by robbers or hostile tribes, as in Asia or Africa.

I believe the word 'caravan', as referring to a single vehicle is a very modern evolution of the word.

I also have evidence ingame that tends to support my vision of how a caravan is defined -

The driver of the two mule caravan gets tired of waiting on the return of their master and orders the caravan disbanded and the goods distributed among the guards and workers as payment for their services.

Admittedly, it does refer to a single driver. Must be a typo. <grin vazaelle>

I have no idea how far along POC's are. This is probably all old news.But...

-I would like to see a much more complex display (in text) of all the work going on behind the scenes as a caravan travels.
-I would like to see interaction between more than just that single driver who currently seems to be the most mundane individual in all the lands. I had always pictured teamsters as a very colorful sort.
-There are times where the caravan becomes the focal point of what is going on and the interaction is very, very simple and really doesnt help paint a picture of what that caravan is - other than a simple wooden wagon, two mules and 'the driver'.
-I had always thought I was doing a service to the ambience of life in the realms as a trader as I travelled the lands with my caravan. But, I think the only folk that seem to care are predators who are not interested in the spectacle - of which there is none anyways. Why not make the passing of a caravan led by more powerful traders something to behold!?


I could continue to complain every day about this petty issue or I could be appeased if Godrich or Arnimas would come and post that he agree's complety with my views and that caravans are what i say they are. <giggle vazaelle>


--V.V.
'I want it all.'

Part of the problem is probably the various folks involved in the traders guild over the years had different idea's. Hence its simple appearance vs the more detailed event that i posted. If i recall correctly the basic caravan appearance has not changed since pre-dating the wholesale fee implementation. When they slapped the trader guild together, I doubt much thought was put into what the caravan looked like and we didnt care either. It was new and exciting. But it hasnt changed. What i'd like to see is an official definition of the caravan - This guarantee's some serious thought is focused on the caravan's appearance beyond just the functions (Godrich obviously put alot of thought into the technical functions of the caravans and beyond already).

The way caravan's 'appear' right now DOES make one think a simple wagon. But it shouldnt, and somewhere along the way other trader personel have agreed.

V.V.

You just don't want people making fun of your little red wagons.

Steel.

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YOU HAVE <insert ability here>!! YOU ARE OVERPOWERED!! DIE GUILD DIE!!!

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>Would you poke fun at a train of 12 little red wagons?!

Only if it were being pulled by 12 terriers all named Scraps.

Steel.

---

YOU HAVE <insert ability here>!! YOU ARE OVERPOWERED!! DIE GUILD DIE!!!

Now with combat move charts!
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Hello all,

I like the sound of caravans being more of a spectacle. Perhaps this can be something based on skill, or cost of the caravan. For example, Apu should have around 900 staff in his team just to handle his goods.....a new guild member may have only a driver. Another example would be an extravagant caravan (with verbs and intereaction etc) may cost 4000 copper, not 400 of a standard.

Anyways, I dont know if its a new idea or not. Nor am I interested in trying to define a fantasy game via Real World methods......I just think its a great idea!!

Having said that the answer will be wait for DR2.........Im not even sure why we bother posting until this famed release ("coming soon") is available.

Muleskinner Elsulose

only version around is those that lay chocolate eggs

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