Dongui Trade Reader

Those who would become Trade Readers must first undergo a lengthy apprenticeship. Any potential apprentice would be graded on literacy and mathematics. The best of them become apprentices. The first tasks they are given is to maintain the detailed records on all the trading done by their caravan or flotilla. Over time they will be trusted with greater duties and along the way receive personalized instruction from one of the Trade Readers. Every aspect of finance and Trade is covered. They are taught the Trade Laws and how they set up the foundation for the entire Culture of The Dongui. To live free to trade where one wishes is what it is to be Dongui. It is only through profitable trade can they continue and only through the Trade Readers can sustainable profit be found.   The Trade Readers are demanding of their apprentices. Only the best and brightest will become full Trade Readers. Those who fail are found other duties.

Trade Reader's are forbidden to engage in trading. Their needs and wants are seen to by the Master Merchant of the Caravan or Flotilla.

The more accurate and benificial their market forecasting is then the wealthier their caravan or flotilla becomes. With that wealth comes a higher standard of living that can be afforded by the Master Merchant.

The Dongui live or die by the profits of their trading. The Trade Reader cannot, by Dongui Law, participate in direct trading. This gives them a necessary separation so their forecasts can be trusted not be biased for personal gain. The Trade Readers must be proficient because if they fail in their duty then the Caravans and Flotilla shall fail. If that should pass then the Dongui way of life would be doomed. Trade Readers regard their duty as sacred. This makes them proficient at their task of finding the best trading for the Dongui who then have arguably the greatest ability to engage in market forecasting.

Trade Readers are respected and venerated members of Dongui society. It is through them their way of life and philosophy are able to endure.

At least one Dongui Wagon is maintained for Trade Readers among the caravans and each ship on the flotilla's have space for the Trade Readers. They maintain their records and prediction models in these spaces. Most might confuse their work-spaces for a small library but the books are almost all ledgers of the caravan's and flotilla's trades.

Trade Readers can provide advice on which trade goods will fetch the best prices at specific times. They can furthur forecast based on region and current events. Every conceivable variable that could affect the trading of The Dongui is utilized to maximize profits as well as the quality of life for the Dongui