RPG Maker Forums

Hi everyone,
after vastly overestimating the time I have (working full time really doesn't leave me with too much time to spare ^^') and thinking that I can make an entire life simulator, I've decided to narrow things down a bit and then maybe go from there.

I'm looking for some tips on making a 'merchant' themed game. As in choose a background, choose a nation, get a cart and a measly sum to start with and then embark on a grand capitalist journey to become the richest man in the land and reclaim your righteous position... or overthrow the ruler with your massive army of mercenaries. Or just forget about that and set up a Merchant Republic in the wild lands, or something. Or just retire in your massive palace.

I'm hoping to get some help brainstorming the key mechanics, as it's been a long time since I last made a game.

Atm I'm looking at those basics:
1. Travel. I'm thinking of a post apocalyptic steampunk medieval fantasy world - a mouthful, I know. That keeps populations small and scattered, unregistered merchants a reality and generally leads to a nice, dangerous world. Go from place to place, talking to locals and exploring the place and, most importantly...

2. Buy stock. The amount you can carry depends on the size of the caravan. Some locations are naturally better, while others will still sell that item for a much worse price you don't want to buy wheat in the desert only to sell it in the farmlands. Most locations will only sell SOME items and buy SOME items, but it's up to you to keep track of what's where. Events may change things.

3. Ah yes, events. The key to making a game like this interesting. As you go from place to place, all kinds of random events pop up. Here's where your character steps in. The 6 stats don't matter too much in combat (though look at 3 for info about that), but they're key in determining whether or not you can solve those encounters. Think of blurry tracks leading to a cache, potentially poisonous raspberries, helping a wounded passenger, etc.

4. Combat. There are few people around and even fewer are willing to work, so it's up to you and your hardened mercenaries and friends you've made to protect your goods. Other than spending money on stock, you should also stock up on gear, ammo and the like. Levels don't matter as much as good gear. Occasionally you can also stumble into lairs, so if you're willing to risk your hide for some hide it can make some extra cash too.

5. Overarching, optional plot with choice-based gameplay. You can just make money and then once you satisfy one of the victory conditions, retire. Then replay the game and do things differently. Or, connect the dots together and discover the truth behind the whole setting, though that may be a bit tough and, depending on how good of a detective you are, take multiple breakthroughs. Then again, I like giving the player the choice, so you can be a cruel, greedy man taking every penny from starving peasants and raid unprepared villages, or just be the hero the world needs.

So, thoughts? What do you consider essential for a trader themed game? Maybe adding crafting would be good? Any games I should have a look at?
Thanks!