The traditional caravan route between New Pavis and Dragon Pass goes from Swenstown to Pimper’s Block and then along Caravan Alley to Bigglestone, from there up to the Paps, and then on to New Pavis. It takes about 12 days for a caravan to travel that distance, not counting any days spent trading.
This route allows the caravan to trade with the Praxians, to hire guides and bodyguards, and to easily feed and water the mules. The Goldentongue priests had long-established relationships with the Praxian khans, often cemented by marriage alliances, and the trade with the Animal Nomads was often as or even more lucrative than the trade with New Pavis.
When New Pavis fell to the Lunar Empire in 1610, the Empire built a dirt road across the north of Prax, running from Torkan’s Last Fort to New Pavis. Called the Pavis Road, this route is faster – it takes about six days to cross. However, this route lacks oases, meaning that the caravan must take the maximum amount of water and fodder it can carry (about four days worth) and water and feed whenever possible. Fortunately the toughest part is just from the Sleeping City Hills to Pavis County, so as long as there are no raids from nomads or trolls, it works.
The Etyries cult does not have established relationships with the nomads outside of the Sable Nation. And given the general hostility of the Waha and Storm Bull cults for the Lunar Empire, trade with the Praxians is hard and rarely lucrative. The Etyries cultists are most important for bringing in goods and coins from the Lunar Provinces for the Lunar soldiers, and returning with high value trade items from New Pavis.
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In general, experienced Goldentongue merchants eschew the Pavis Road in favour of the safer and more lucrative oasis hopping.
Now this also gives an idea of the smaller scale of Prax. Don’t think Central Asia or the Sahara – think the Mojave or other North American deserts. Prax is a different ecosystem from the River of Cradles, which is different from Vultures Country, which is different from the vast Genert Wastes. This is the scale it has ALWAYS been.