Caravans and Trade Routes

If you want to make money while you sleep (or besiege a castle), Caravans are the answer. Unlike Workshops, which are safe but slow, Caravans offer high potential profits but come with the risk of destruction.

Caravans require a companion to lead them and an initial investment.

Setting Up a Caravan

To start a caravan, visit any town and speak to a local merchant (Notable).

• Cost: ~15,000 denars (Standard) or ~22,500 denars (Elite).

• Requirements: One Companion and the gold.

• Daily Cost: You pay the wages of the guards (200-500 denars/day).

The Caravan Leader (Companion)

The success of your caravan depends entirely on the leader.

• Trade Skill: Increases profit margin.

• Scouting Skill: Helps them spot bandits and avoid trouble.

• Tactics Skill: Improves their chances in auto-resolve battles.

Best Companions: Look for wanderers with "the Spicevendor" or "the Swift" suffixes.

A companion with high Trade skill can double your caravan's income.

Standard vs. Elite Caravans

When creating a caravan, you can pay extra for better troops.

• Standard: Cheap, weak guards. Good for safe areas (e.g., Vlandia).

• Elite: Expensive, elite guards. Essential for dangerous routes or wartime.

Elite caravans can fend off large bandit parties.

Protecting Your Investment

1. Don't declare war blindly: If you are at war with the Aserai, your caravans in the desert will die.

2. Check the log: If your caravan is attacked, it might be time to change its route or declare peace.

3. Re-form quickly: If a caravan is destroyed, your companion returns to a town. Hire them back immediately to minimize downtime.

Summary

• High Risk, High Reward: Caravans can make 1000+ denars/day or nothing.

• Skill Matters: Train your companions in Trade and Scouting.

• Go Elite: The extra cost is worth it for the survivability.

For specific routes, see our Caravan Routes & Safe Paths Guide.