Quote Originally Posted by Papewaio
Hail Colovion-Sama

I think governments influence the creation of the merchant caste quite dramatically (Just think about the caste system in STW and where the merchants sit). Taxes would have a much more significant effect on merchant growth then population growth and it would be competitive... relative low taxing cities would have a surge in mobile merchants.


I didn't actually give the Trade section the effort I think it deserved. You are totally correct. I hinted towards my inclinations at the beginning when I mention that "though Trade and War are more risky, they bring more income" and by the time I got to the subject at hand, I'd forgotten. I believe I was hinting that merchants aren't something you can force out of a society - some people actually want to do it, similar to in these days how not everyone works on Wall Street. In primitive societies you haven't the need or possibility for Merchant Level Trade. However, it's definite that once there is a burgeoning economy, encouraging merchants can help rise the society to gain new heights.

Quote Originally Posted by Gregoshi
I'm not sure about the Income Variables section Colovion - there is a lot to consider in there.
I realize it isn't completely fleshed out, as it's the first time it's ever been written down. Any suggestions? I realize this is all just fantasy at the moment; but it would be interesting if such a conversation on possibilities of implimenting such things in future Total War Games (such as MTW 2) could draw out some developers to talk shop.

screwtype, those ideas are great; those are the kinds of things I"m talking about. It was that little discussion in that thread with you that spawned this posting.

I appreciate the comments.