In this episode, Rob asks for Don’s help in brainstorming the setting for a story about caravan guards – the unspoken heroes of the fantasy world whose job it is to keep the goods flowing despite attacks by monster, bandits, and rats. Lots of rats. Along the way, the duo discuss real caravan guards in history, the importance of trade, and the tactics caravan guards would use to get their cargo to where it’s going. All this, and the importance of ox poop, is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.
Closing Music:
Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt
Things Discussed:
Caravans
Where There’s a Whip There’s a Way (from the Rankin Bass Return of the King)
Chinese Armed Escort Agencies
High Arctic Haulers
Vampire Hunter D
Merchant Marines
Azumi Manga
Hideyoshi’s Invasion of Korea
Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army, 1978, Donald W. Engels
The Dragon, the Hero and the Courier Manga
Discworld
Sutler – definition
Earthshaker! D&D Module
Murder Hobos DNA Episode
Aubrey-Maturin Novels (Master and Commander)
Paid GMs
Empire of the Petal Throne
Talislanta
Prof. M.A.R. Barker