In the images below there is a summary of the "global" trade network showed in the maps of the whole (or so) official supplements.
I used the usual "superposition" technique: when two maps show two slightly different trade routes I kept both of them, supposing that they represent two distinct way of moving goods across lands and seas.
The first map shows the "rough" data, exactly as they are represented in the official maps. (Note: the layout and the style is not very refined: consider the picture as just a "data archive" about the official trade network). The image below is in low definition, the hi-def map may be downloaded in the link below:
http://it.geocities.com/lutetius00/Mappe/Mystaran_trade_routes.JPG
The second map is a little bit more refined than the map above: among the modifications I made I extended the interrupted sea routes to faraway lands (Cestia, the Jungle Coast and possibly the western coast of Davania and Izonda). I also completed a couple of routes around some of the Alatians and the Pearl Islands.
About land routes I highlighted the paved roads with respect to the unpaved ones and I addes some minor contribution stated in canon material (for example a trade route in Esterhold which is not explicitly shown in the maps but is cited in the PWAs, or the trade route along the Yalu river, which is stated in "Tortles of the Purple Sage" adventure).
Anyway, most of the data come from official supplements.
In my opinion paved roads should account for a more advanced society and possibly, more populated areas.
http://it.geocities.com/lutetius00/Mappe/Mystaran_trade_routes_ext.JPG
Please notice again that the Equator, Northern Tropic and Arctic Circle are not in the right position.
In my opinion we can infer a couple of things from these maps:
- Some of the so called "faraway" places such as the Thanegiot archipelago and the western Savage Coast seems to be thriving trade hubs for the nearby regions;
- The Known World is one of the most "civilized" region, in terms of trade connections; the same is true for central Isle of Dawn, northern Ochalea and SE Alphatia;
We could also determine or modify the Port Classes of most of the sea cities by counting the number of sea routes connecting the city to other destinations. The same might be done for land-based cities in order to state their importance as a merchantile hub.
Next step would be to list the major import/export of the varuious nations of these maps and see if there is some equivalent of the Silk or Spice Roads in Mystara. This is not a very easy task, anyway, but who knows... ;)
I wasn't able to download the first map, but hopefully that is just a temporary thing.
A couple of comments:
How do you see trade around Hule? I see Hule being a major obstacle in trade between the "Known World" and the Savage Coast. I was surprised to see so much trade on the western side of the Serpent Peninsula, but I suppose there could still be trade routes even if they are heavily controlled by Hule.
I think the portrayal of western Thanegioth is interesting. IMC I was thinking of placing Freeport on one of those islands, which would make the Thanegioth a kind of Carribbean region. At first I was going to have Ierendi fill that role, but IMO it fits better to have it a bit farther away from the Known World. I am probably going for the Greek-ish Ierendi.
So much trade around the eastern Thanegioth seems a bit odd though. I always considered the Isle of Dread to be located in a very remote part of the Oceans...?
Havard
What is the country with the little blister of trade in the Seattle/Vancouver area?
It's a geographically small but economically robust nation under the rule of a long line of Tzars. The trade routes focus especially on the production and distribution of savory drinks made from a rare waterfowl not found in any other part of Mystara. Although few rumors that have spread to the Known World, those that speak of this odd sort of drink translate it roughly as:
Tzar's Ducks
Rumors also have it that the drink vendors will be on every corner of every major city across the face of Mystara.
What is the country with the little blister of trade in the Seattle/Vancouver area?
That's the old Sylvan Realm.
Wow, very nice Michele!
I wasn't able to download the first map, but hopefully that is just a temporary thing.
the map is at http://it.geocities.com/lutetius00/Mappe/Mystaran_trade_troutes.JPG
the map is at http://it.geocities.com/lutetius00/Mappe/Mystaran_trade_troutes.JPG
Thanks Shawn!
Havard