The Kla ra di'neri Caravan is the primary trade organization that runs goods overland from the eastern seaboard of Lower Seari to the western shores of the Amberjacen Sea.
The name loosely translates from Catak into Jonnese as "Always Moving".

In this document:

All artwork by Shade Melodique unless otherwise stated

History

The Kla ra di'neri Caravan began as a shop in the Rakan city of Kathar di'omo, run by a so vara nediki man named Ri'om. His family, the Kilen'dika, had owned a small shop of one kind or another in Kathar di'omo for millennia, even though they did not receive much business, as the so vara nediki tribal affiliation did not bring wealthy contacts with it.
Annoyed by family and tribal prospects holding him back, Ri'om traveled to the other tribal countries, Baq and Teral, and then made his way to the Siodame-speaking Yohne. He personally nosed about for contacts, and managed to secure a deal moving semi-precious stones from the Yohne ports to aki n'di ori artists.
So the Kla ra di'neri was born.
While ambitious, and while he did expand his caravan to Jonnta and Soline, his son Ikadoro created the trade empire. He broadened its horizons, sending family members far and wide to secure contracts. His son, Lekedi, even moved to Merren and continues to manage the Midem and Western Country contracts from the city of Tindrel. They made large promises on delivery of goods, and kept them, despite traveling overland rather than by boat. Local governments from Rakan to Amberfar made exclusive deals with the caravan, and Ikadoro and his immediate family became very, very rich.
Several smaller caravan units popped up under the Kla ra di'neri banner. Many had a specialty they transported, which included books, precious stones, dried fruit, etc. Some even chose to work throughout Grey Hills, Frozen Air and the Melting greater seasons, bringing supplies to rural settlements when they normally would not have access to goods until the Greening months. While not as profitable, the goodwill these forays bring can make the difference in a large contract being accepted.

The smaller caravans are referred to as the sececondary caravans. They run under both the specific caravan's flag and the Kla ra di'neri banner.

Lekedi saw an opportunity for direct trade with the Illenan crown when his second cousin, Sikode, showed up in Tindrel in the company of Lieutenant-general Iavan. He abused his relationship for all it was worth, and Sikode reluctantly went along with it because Lekedi and his father were very close.
The Kla ra di'neri has agreements to courier correspondence for King Shiel, and has hired special messengers to carry them. These assignments are considered secret.

The Kla ra di'neri invests large sums in kick-portal research, with most of the money going to the Borda ka di School in Kathar di'omo. As a trade caravan, being able to move cargo across the continent so quickly would be an asset, if mystery artists could figure out how to make portals large enough for wagons and keep them open long enough for a caravan to get through.

Ikadoro believes strongly in charity. He personally donates the most of any wealthy individual in Kathar di'omo to help feed the poor and house orphans and abused children. The caravan also donates across Seari, often in small, rural settlements that would normally not have access to such funds. The goodwill this brings paves the way for extended contracts with these communities.

While Lekedi is Ikadoro's first-born, his younger sister Modoma is better suited to inherit the caravan's leadership.

The Caravans

Kla ra di'neri caravans range from a handful of wagons to long trains of over a hundred. Each has a caravan master, who is responsible for the safety of goods and people during travel. They are authorized to conduct some business for the Kla ra di'neri in general, though an official representative is preferred in most instances. A thousand caravans run per year.
Each caravan has wagoneers, who are in charge of their specific wagon. Guards, on horseback and on foot, patrol the length of it. Larger caravans have scouts that travel further away from the wagons, searching for potential bandits. Mystery artists are hired for magickal offense and defense, and those who are very gifted receive a good salary for their efforts.
The wagons are pulled by either oxen, horses, or nebben. Nebben are used to pull tremendous loads, and have been known to have three wagons, one after another, attached at once. During the snowy seasons, the wagoneers exchange wheels for wagon skis, which slide over the cold earth and make travel better.
Wagons are protected by a canvas or wooden top. Those meant to house personnel are wooden and brightly painted. The wagons where employees sleep are fondly called huts, and hold up to four individuals. One, larger than the others and painted with mythic scenes, is used by the caravan master for official business. It has plush seating, a nice desk, magelights, glassware and alcohol.
Caravans run throughout the year, though those who choose to travel during the snowy seasons get hazard pay. Short-haul caravans run two of the eight greater seasons at a time, and complete two trips a year. Long haul caravans accomplish one trip and normally take six greater seasons to complete their tour, one way.
Once the destination is reached, merchandise is stored in warehouses under physical and magickal guard before locals courier it to the purchaser. A few double-serve as storefronts, and sell items not normally had in their locales.
While the caravans are primarily a goods-carrying service, they have been known to accept travelers who wish to traverse Seari in company. Ikadoro is serious about security, so there is no safer overland travel than with a Kla ra di'neri group--and they charge accordingly.

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