Industry and Trade in Thyatis City
by James RuhlandThe greatest single marketplace in Mystara, Thyatis City has long been a centre of commercial activity. It's great ports bristle with a forest of masts. The shipyards of Thyatis build not only strong warships, but merchant ships that ply the trade lanes, shipping Thyatian wares throughout the world and returning with the produce of a thousand exotic ports.
But Thyatis City is not only a hub of consumption, but of production as well. The following lists the products Thyatis City is most famous for, but almost any item can be found in its markets and forums, if one has enough gold. Transactions are regulated by the Urban Praefect of Thyatis through the various guilds charged with supervising the various crafts and trades. These guilds are somewhat similar to those found in Minrothad, but are (usually) not controlled by a specific family or clan. They are charged with maintaining quality standards and the like, in accordance with the Praefect's regulations.
Weapons and Armour: Thyatian factories are known for producing cheap but solid military equipment. Most of Thyatis' arms production is geared towards equipping its legions of troops, but large shipments are sold throughout the world. Thyatian weapons are not as renowned as those of Dwarven make, but are of consistently good craftsmanship.
Tools: The quality of Thyatian engineering can be seen in its roads and architecture. Thyatian
builders require standardised tools, and these are mass produced at a good price in the City. Like its weapons and armour, Thyatis may lag behind the Dwarves in reputation, but none the less Thyatian tools are sold widely beyond its borders.
Mounts: The armed forces and elites of Thyatis use a variety of animals as mounts, making this, the greatest urban centre in Mystara, the centre of a pastoral trade. Almost any sort of mount can be bought in Thyatis City, at a remarkably good price.
Textiles: Thyatis City is a leader in the production not only of textiles, but of cloth and silk. Most of this is produced for domestic consumption, for use by everyone from the workers of the city to the courtiers of the Imperial Palace. Thyatian wares are not only of low price, but excellent quality.
Textile mills such as the Mesonian Millworks churn out goods at a rate that rivals the industries of the Streel valley in Darokin, and use innovative methods to produce complex weaves and patterns. Thyatian tailors are world renowned, and many wealthy people have their cloths fitted in Thyatis.
Glassware: You can find glassware at lower prices than you'll get in Thyatis in many ports. But the glassblowers of Thyatis compete not on the basis of price, but of quality. Smoother glass with fewer flaws cannot be found, and the iridescent coloured goblets and decanters of Thyatis are used on the tables of many a noble and wealthy merchant.
Artworks: Most notably marble statuary. Especially with the disappearance of Caurenze, Thyatis City is one of the foremost exporters of marble works in the region.
Finished Goods: In general, Thyatis City produces any finished object one can imagine. Thyatis' economy runs by importing raw materials and exporting finished products.
Imports
Those seeking their fortunes through trade will not only find opportunities to buy goods in Thyatis City to sell elsewhere, but plenty of opportunities to sell goods to eclectic Thyatian buyers. Thyatians have a penchant for the exotic, so almost any unusual or unique object will find a buyer in Thyatis, especially those from a culture that is in vogue at the time. The tastes of Thyatian society are fickle, however, and many a merchant has lost his shirt trying to sell last year's fashionable items. It takes a crafty merchant to keep up with the ever-changing Zeitgeist. But there are standard goods which will always find a market in Thyatis:
Dyes and Pigments: The Thyatian cloth & textile industry uses an incredible variety of dyes. Though magical colouring is used for some garments, many prefer more traditional methods.
Sumptuary Goods: The jewellers and gold- and silversmiths of Thyatis who supply the nation's elites are always in the market for gemstones, precious metals, and furs. You can't go wrong bringing a shipment of such items into Thyatis' harbour. Thyatian trade regulations make it difficult to sell jewellery and cut gemstones, but the raw metals and uncut gems face fewer barriers.
Oil: Used as fuel and for lighting, oil brings a good price in Thyatis.
Coal: Used to fuel Thyatis City's iron and steel foundries, vital to The City's armaments industry.
Spices: Used both as a preservative and to flavour food, spices, especially exotic ones, are much sought after in Thyatian markets.
Raw Materials: In general, raw materials can be sold easily in
Thyatis City, used to feed its mills and craft shops.