Caravanserai Courtyard Scene - Free Version (Patreon)

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This illustration is part of a series of fully hand painted interior and exterior scenes based on my maps to help you set the scene for your players and add an extra level of immersion and atmosphere to your games.

Which of my other existing maps would you like to see painted scenes of in the future?

This illustration is part of the Samarahd series.

The accompanying battlemaps can be found HERE 

Patrons can access the hi-res variants HERE 

This free version is 1920x1100 pixels @ 300dpi

Background

The Caravanserai primarily serves as a smaller marketplace for those who are hoping for a bargain or the chance to pick up some hard-to-find imported goods, but it is also the main trade hub for goods coming into the city from elsewhere. Although it is ostensibly run by the Tajir Guild, the day-to-day management is handled by Zenit Thar, a former trader who made his wealth through business loans and it is believed by many that he holds some sway over the Tajir, perhaps due to debts owed or secrets held.

All goods bought into the city to be sold must first be offered here to be purchased by the local sellers. Anything not sold after two days can be taken to the Zayir’s corner in the much larger Grand Souq. Traders will rent stall space and display a sample of their produce, some of which will be picked up citizens looking to get a good deal on rare items, but most traders are hoping to offload their entire stock to a local seller quickly, so as not to have to spend too long in the city before making the arduous trek back home.

The fortified structure also contains Thar’s Rest, a hotel and entertainment venue for wealthier visiting traders. Due to the ever-present flow of outsiders, this is one of the best spots in the city to get news of the outside world before it filters out into the rest of the city, often with vital details being changed or skewed as the information is passed by word of mouth. This also means that most of the city’s different factions have agents stationed here, in order to get a head start on their rivals if news from the far regions is likely to benefit them. However, none have a greater grasp on the dealings of the outside world than Thar himself.

Artist

This piece was created for Tom Cartos by Eduardo Nonato. You can find more of his work here:

Artstation - https://www.artstation.com/nonato
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/edu.nonatocavalcante/