The Rules of Acquisition. A Halflings guide to profit - Callum Sarek

When you've travelled all over O'l Andem, especially if you're an established trader like myself, you learn more than you might want to know about clothing. Every province- even every city- has its own tastes, styles and unspoken rules. Since you've wisely chosen to purchase this book, you know fashion is more than just a pastime of the idle rich. Understanding which colors and styles mean what and who wears them can help you blend in, get better deals and even save your life.
First, the obvious: if you're traveling in Aridell during the tumultuous time of this writing, be careful what you wear! Only don the colors of one of the warring familied if you know for sure the status of your destination- towns and keeps change hands so frequently. Once when I was porting a cart of fine casks of Velvet Aimer from Loudwater to Alderfell Keep, knowing the Unburden forces there would appreciate, and pay well for, a good drink- but by the time I had arrived, they'd been driven out by the Blackash Amalgam. Already in view of the outpost, I knew I'd been spotted in my brilliant yellow tabard, so I made no move to flee when a band of Blackash soldiers began to approach. Luckily for me, my silver tongue and quick wit managed to convince them that I was indeed no Alderfell spy. They were in a festive mood when I told them that I would sell my wares to them for cheap and not tell my fake but wealthy Merchant Lord of Sleetsted that they had interfered with my travels. They drank my wine and let me leave with my life and a great lesson.
For those who dream of vivid sky filled riches but with little to no know how- I have comprised a few rules, that, if followed lightly, with keen mind will grant you whatever your heart desires.
The Rules of Acquisition
#1: It never hurts to suck up to the boss
Whenever you have the opportunity to gain the good graces of a person of high rank or order it never hurts to learn their likes and dislikes. Teach yourself to become whatever ideal they hold and show them that you and them, by happenstance, think alike. Connections and references like gold or platinum is a valuable commodity, that when used correctly improves profit.
#2: Never trust a man with a better suit than yourself
People who's clothing rivals or succeeds your own often come off as smart and trustworthy. Never trust them. Learn from their ways and when time allows for it make way for their failure. Healthy competition is an illusion created by those who followed this rule before you.
#3: Expand or die
Expansion of wealth is one thing, but expansion of future profit through investment is another. Future profit is always worth x times original investment based on the climate of the time when the original investment was made plus the rise of value of said investment. Invest 500 gold in a lumbermill and over the course of 10 years you will have made back double the original investment even accounting for non-foreseeable inflation.
#4: The riskier the road the greater the profit
This rule is false and if you immediately believed it just because it was written on paper you should seriously rethink your whole worldview. Risk is only worth it if it is safe. Never gamble with your last gold piece and always invest in easy safe outcomes. When you have excess wealth, you can start to take greater risks.
#5: Free advice is seldom cheap
When someone gives you free advice, don't trust it.
#6: Every humanoid has its price
Everyone is for sale for the correct price. Now, don't think for a second you can buy every soul in the verse for copper or gold. Some humanoids will care more about certain other valuables like: Knowledge, miscellaneous commodities, safety or favours.
#7: Never have sexual relations with the boss' sister
This one is personal. No need to ask for further explanations.
#8: Knowledge equals profit
Perk your ears. Hear all trust nothing. Every last detail might be someone's key to profit. Keep said knowledge tight to the chest until you find the right time to use it. Giving away knowledge about the knowledge you possess may lead to certain painful outcomes. Only play your royal flush when everyone's all inn.
#9: Peace is good for business
Traversing the material world in times of peace makes for happy merchants. Larger shipments and caravans might be exported for more profit. Invest in luxury commodities as in times of peace the rich flourish and the middle clash imitate the rich. There is nothing more rewarding than exporting jewellery, wine and silk to wealthy land barons and duchesses' when they've got nothing else on their mind than trying to outclass the other high class snobs. Remember rule 1.
#10: War is good for business
When the good times come to an end and the northern fat cat decides it is time to kill the southern stray dogs, your kind shines. Peace may be safe and fruitful, but true profit dances upon the windcast leaves of war. When war is brewing, be the first to pull out of luxury markets and invest in weapons and warfare. Being the first on the weapons market when war strikes is the easiest way to the top, especially if you invest in two different weapons markets that sell to both sides. The longer the war rages on the further your profit arise and supporting both sides, though risky is well worth it when your pockets sing with evergold.