The Economy of Raiaera

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Raiaera's economy is primarily driven by the export of fine products and processed goods. Although the country produces a substantial amount of lumber, high tariffs in Alerar prevent it from providing much income to Raiaera and the lumber production of Corone itself cuts into the Raiaeran lumber market; as a result, Raiaera is better served producing goods from its lumber than it is exporting its lumber. Horses are another primary export of Raiaera; Raiaeran breeds are high-quality and sought after in the world market.

The swordsmiths of Raiaera are among the finest in the world, surpassed in skill only by the Elvensmiths of Haidia. Due to a lack of metal mining sites in Raiaera, except for a few sparse locations in the northwest, most of the raw material for this work comes from Kachuck. Due to extensive tariffs levied by Alerar against goods coming into Raiaera from Kachuck, elven blades are quite expensive. Although among the best blades that can be found, they will not come cheap.

Raiaeran bows are also expensive. Not only are they finely crafted, but the very best come from the trees that grow in the Red Forest. Due to the extremely dangerous nature of this forest, woodcutters in the region can charge higher prices. Not all Raiaeran bows are expensive, as bowyers can get wood from elsewhere, but the best cost a pretty penny.

Due to the intense focus on magical arts within Raiaera, Raiaera does a brisk business in enchanted items. Although most enchantments are short-lived, useful for only a couple of times before wearing out, it is possible to permanently enchant a weapon. Such permanent enchantments are restricted by the High Bard Council. Not only is the cost generally prohibitive, but enchanters are banned from selling permanent enchantments except to those who the High Bards declare as having given Raiaera a great service.

Other exports of Raiaera include fine wines and fine art. Raiaeran architects, sculptors, painters, and musicians are in demand among the cultural elite throughout the known world -- even upperclass Dark Elves will sometimes have a Raiaeran bard in their retinue, although they will probably try to keep it quiet. Raiaera regularly imports much of its meat supply and seasonal fruits and vegetables to supplement the wheat-and-potato staples grown within the country. Hard liquor, primarily to serve the Trenycë area, is also imported, generally at a steep price, from Alerar.

The currency of Raiaera is the Raiaeran Mark. Made of mythril, marks come in a variety of sizes, from coin-sized pieces worth small amounts to the larger mythril plates worth up to 1000 gold. Smaller Raiaeran Marks often contain an iron center -- a novelty introduced after a number of elves complained that the light mythril pieces were blowing away in the wind. The larger plates, although still light, have enough heft that they do not need iron cores. Although this is the main currency of Raiaera, elves will still use other forms of exchange generously and eagerly.

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