Editing Mercantile

{{Infobox location
| name = Mercantile
| world = Alpha Centauri
| coords = -564, 71, 782
| type = City-State
| builder = Lordnine, Goldfenix
| era = 2013–2016
}}

'''Mercantile''' was the capital of the '''Free Trade Nation''', a sovereign city-state in [[Alpha Centauri]] governed by elected Ruling Magistrates. It was one of the most politically sophisticated settlements on the server — enforcing formal trade law, maintaining armed customs checkpoints, and offering a residency programme to travellers.

== Government ==

Mercantile was governed by two '''Ruling Magistrates''': '''Lordnine''' and '''Goldfenix'''. Their names and titles were carved into the entrance gate at -564 to -562, 71, 782.

Official edicts posted at the gate:

* '''"Smuggling and theft are punishable by death"'''
* '''Ask about Residency''' — the city offered formal residency to newcomers

The '''Bailiff''' and a staff of '''Mercanguard''' (Merchant Barracks Hall) maintained order inside city limits. A separate '''Grounds Keepers''' and '''Waitstaff''' corps served the Magistrates' compound.

== Ravenport Terminal ==

The primary goods hub and rail connection lay in the '''Ravenport Terminal''' district (approximately -803 to -765, 14–72, 693–728). The terminal operated as an underground warehouse complex accessible from multiple surface lifts.

=== Warehouse Inventory Signs ===

The terminal's warehouse bays were labelled by category:

{| class="wikitable"
! Category !! Notes
|-
| Nether Goods || Imports from the Nether via the [[Alphac Nether Hub]]
|-
| Rail Supplies || Minecart stock (multiple minecarts found in storage)
|-
| Gold / Iron ||
|-
| Lapis / Redstone ||
|-
| Wood ||
|-
| Armor ||
|-
| Snow ||
|-
| Wool ||
|-
| Sand / Glass ||
|-
| Fancy Slabs / Smooth Stone ||
|-
| Planting Supplies ||
|-
| Cobblestone ||
|}

=== Notes from the Dock ===

A handwritten sign left by a visitor at -635 to -634, 64, 695:

:''"I was exploring and a creeper blew up part of the dock. I used wood from this chest to fix it. Sorry."''

== Customs Gates ==

All travellers entering Mercantile passed through multiple '''customs checkpoints''' at approximately -682 to -650, 64, 716. Signs at every gate read:

* '''"STOP! Declare Trade Goods"'''
* '''"Present All Weapons to Attendant"'''
* '''Customs Information''' boards were posted at both the north and south lanes

A separate weapons check operated at -591, 69, 777:

:''"Present all weapons to the attendant"''

The [[Public Bathhouse]] ('''Heated Baths''' — -645, 72, 778) was located just inside the customs perimeter, with a shoe deposit at the entrance.

== Magistrates' Compound ==

The Ruling Magistrates occupied a large compound at approximately -831 to -790, 71–82, 742–790. Rooms and their signs:

* '''Master Kitchen''' — with a full spice rack labelled: Rosemerry Chime, Basil, Nut Meg, Garlick, Red Pepper, Salt, Pepper; two cookery stations ("Clean Cookery" / "Dirty Cookery")
* '''Master Chef''' suite (upper floor)
* '''Cold Storage''' (×2)
* '''Management''' and Bathroom
* '''Servant Sleep Quarters''' and '''Servant Quarters'''
* '''Grounds Keepers''' (upper)
* '''Waitstaff''' (upper)
* '''Merchant Barracks Hall / Mercanguard''' — the city guard barracks
* '''Bailiff''' office
* '''Main Audience Hall''' — '''Mercantile''' signage above the entrance at -790 to -789, 74, 755

== First Bank of Mercantile ==

A bank building was located at approximately -639, 72, 805, labelled '''First Bank of Mercantile'''. No further records survive.

== Azure Sheeps ==

A building labelled '''Azure Sheeps''' at -762, 65, 774 — likely a wool merchant or animal pen connected to the wool warehouse.

== Oyeng's Homestead ==

At the southern edge of the region (-557 to -559, 63–68, 990):

* '''Oyeng's Dogs''' — a dog pen containing a dog named '''Cujo'''
* '''Oyeng's Secret Stash''' — a labelled chest at -559, 63, 990

== Notable Residents ==

* '''Lordnine''' — Ruling Magistrate
* '''Goldfenix''' — Ruling Magistrate
* '''Oyeng''' — Southern-district resident; dog owner

== Transport ==

Mercantile was connected to the server rail network via the [[Ravenport]] terminal. [[Sher Central Station]] operated a direct '''Ravenport Express''' service. The Nether highway at [[Alphac Nether Hub]] provided overland routes to [[Babel]] and all major cities.

== See Also ==

* [[Ravenport]] — the terminal district
* [[Alpha Centauri]] — parent world article
* [[Alphac Nether Hub]] — hub directional signs reference Mercantile
* [[Sher]] — express rail connection

[[Category:Locations]][[Category:Alpha Centauri]]