Economies of the Moonshaes

Written by Hellfell

While each Moonshae kingdom is relatively self-sufficient, a certain amount of trading nonetheless serves to supply goods that a particular nation does not produce. This trading occurs via overland transport between kingdoms on the same island, and overseas trading of goods between the various islands and the lands along the Sword Coast. Trading partners of the Moonshae kingdoms include Calimshan, Amn, Tethyr, and Waterdeep.

The economic map shows the most common trading routes to and from the Moonshaes, as well as the most common products of the productive parts of the islands. Each route is detailed below, with a listing of the daily probability of a ship being encountered along the route, as well as descriptions of the probable vessel types and cargoes.
If the PCs are traveling along a route, they will only encounter vessels traveling in the opposite direction; those going the same way remain ahead of or behind the PCs' ship.
The probability listed for each area applies only to summer. The probabilities should be reduced in half during spring and autumn and drop to zero during the winter months.

Route A: Callidyrr to Waterdeep

This is one of the most active trading routes into the Moonshaes, since Caer Callidyrr is the largest and most accessible port on the islands.
The route takes approximately 8 days, given average winds and a reasonably fast boat, when traveling from Callidyrr to Waterdeep. The current, which flows northward, lengthens the return trip to 10 or 11 days. From Waterdeep, encountered vessels are likely to be longships of the northmen that have embarked on trading missions. The northmen may offer spice, oil, or cloth in exchange for the fine steel of the Ffolk.

Route B: Callidyrr to Calimport

This searoad leads from the High King's city to exotic Calimport, site of the Pasha’s palace. Imports from Calimshan include silks and other fine fabrics, spices, parchment, and horses. These goods are carried in high-decked galleons, slow-moving but relatively unsinkable ships that are common all along the Sword Coast.
From Callidyrr, the Calishites trade for weapons and the metal to make them, furs, and timber. The tall pine forests of the Moonshae heartland are the only nearby source for the timbers needed to build masts for the huge galleons.

Route C: North Kingdoms to Waterdeep

The ports and fortress cities of Rottesheim, Norheim, Iron Bay, and Gnarhelm provide the major stopping points to the lands of the northmen. From here, longships strike northward to the distant port of Waterdeep, and the nearer isles of Ruathym.
The trip to Waterdeep requires about 8 days when sailing north, 10 days when sailing south. From the Moonshaes, the northmen send slaves and weapons of the Ffolk that they have gained through combat or trade. In return, the northmen receive the amenities of life from more civilized lands -- oil, gold, woven cloth, and exotic liquors.

Route D: Callidyrr to Sea of Moonshae

This route avoids the swells of the high seas, providing safe passage for even the clumsy coracles of the Ffolk. The journey from Caer Callidyrr takes about 12 days in good weather; storms sometimes double this time.
From Callidyrr, the armorsmiths of the High King export weapons of fine quality. In return, the Kingdom of Corwell sends ales, livestock such as sheep and horses, and able-bodied workers. The kingdom of Moray receives the same products, sending in turn coal and iron ore to the forges of the High King.

Route E: Corwell/Moray to Calimshan

This route is an alternate passage used by the Calishites when trading with the Ffolk and the northmen. Although it takes an extra week for the journey, whether sailing north or south, the searoad is used to carry the same types of goods as are taken to Callidyrr.

Route F: Callidyrr to Mintarn

This route leads to the island of Mintarn off the Sword Coast. The shipbuilders of Mintarn have long since exhausted the timber upon their nowbarren island, but they still pride themselves on their work. They have now turned to the vast forests of the Moonshaes for raw material.
A crew of shipwrights will book passage to Callidyrr, where they will spend a year building a ship. They then load the vessel with enough timber for a second ship, and sail the vessel and its cargo to Mintarn. They build the second ship, sell both to any of a dozen buyers along the Sword Coast, and sail back to Callidyrr to start again.