So first things first , are you an adventurer or a trader ?

The correct answer is both . You may not be one of though over muccled types who trapes around dungeons swinging big swords about . But a life of trade is an adventurer in it's own right . and the risks are just as great .

What should I buy at the first trading post ?

Are the million gold coin question . to which there is no simple answer . But if you think about where you are it should give you a clue as to what is cheap in them parts and what is over inflated . Location is the key to knowing what to buy .

so your started your carear at lional , prince of cities

Lional , a lovely old city . famous for it's thatched roofs and dislike of fire sprites . But more important to the average trader it is within throwing distance of the great swinderlog swamp . and goods from the swamp are cheap to buy . Reptile skins , and dried fish may not sound like a great investment , but they have buyers out there in the world . and they are in abundance here .

So you started your carear at Torlia Sunbaked city of the north

Torlia , my own home town . Famous for it's dippy duchess and fine wines . But more important to the average trader it has the finest silver mines in the kingdom short of Poldoon . Now silver is an expensive commodity , but if you want to risk the journey it is well worth the selling price .

So you started your carear in Poldoon , The city of the east

Poldoon , not a place to play in the sewers . And the undead don't seem to have much time for pottery , but again , to a trader a gold mine , well a silver mine is a blessing , and silver is cheaper here than anywhere else in the kingdom . It's a long haul to the best markets , but well worth the journey . But for the new trader pottery is well worth the investment , the famous Glaze family Glaze makes the best pottery in the kingdom , and it fetches a fine price at lional .

So you started your carear in Hasjan . City of the western lakes

Two words , Dried fish . Not as exciting as silver I will grant you , but the profit on these is amazing these days . Hasjan is a great market for selling silver as well .

So what is next , where do I sell my goods ?

well the world is your market , head off into it . but remember to keep coins spare to pay them guardsman , they can be awfully nasty if they don' get paid . Also it is a good idea to keep so cash for other goods as you move along .

What do I but on route ?

an other of those 1000000 gold coin questions . As ever you will discover what you should have bought far too late in the day to buy it <g> but if you keep track of prices you will soon spot when you see a bargain . Always check prices at every trading post ., timber at 10 gold is a bargain when you know that the last 3 posts would have bought it for up wards of 50 gold .

What else can  do ?

As you walk along the highways of the kingdom you will see the odd farm house , Drop by and ask the farmer about exclusive deals , they will not make you rich but a steady income from them sure helps on the long road to success .

So great buying and selling , but what else ?

The highways of the kingdom are dangerous . As I am sure you will soon find out . but along the way , with well trained guards you should be safe , and killing the odd bandit or ten is a service to us all . not to mention the money that they carry you can pick up . and he goods . nice little side line in goods there to be made a profit with . Don' think of your little band of wagons and guards as alone in the world . You more of an mobil army , with monsters a plenty to dispose of . mind you , remember your a trader not a warrior . there is always a good time to run .

How many guards should I have ?

simple question , hard answer , as many as you can afford , but remember they cost , and too many cut into the profits . But the more you have the better you are prepared .

What skills should I learn ?

Learn o know the road ahead ( awareness ) and if you can keep your self fit ( athlete ) after that then the choice is yours , though been good in a sprint is always advisable ( running ) and remember those guards can learn a lot too .