A Living, Breathing Mediterranean
Dominus Orbis Maris 1400 is not just a game; it is an academic-grade economic simulation running underneath a tactical naval interface. We moved away from hardcoded prices to build a truly dynamic world where every barrel of fish and every ounce of gold is tracked.
Vectorial Wind Physics & Navigation
The sea is not a flat canvas. Navigation is governed by rigorous vectorial wind physics. Your ship's speed and turning radius are dynamically calculated based on the angle of your hull against the real-time wind direction. Get caught in the "bolina morta" (dead wind zone) and your galleon will stall, leaving you vulnerable to pirate swarms. Only the oars of a Galley can defy the heavens, providing a tactical thrust independent of the sky.
The Ricardian Model of Trade
Cities do not magically produce goods. Production is strictly tied to comparative advantages. A coastal city with abundant fish and salt will naturally export these to inland hubs in exchange for refined tools. As a merchant, your job is to identify these Ricardian inefficiencies and bridge the gap. By establishing trade routes, you literally shape the geopolitical wealth of nations.
Malthusian Population Dynamics
Prosperity brings population growth, but resources in the 15th century are finite. If a city's population outgrows its food supply, prices will skyrocket, leading to starvation, emigration, or revolt. You can save a city from a Malthusian trap by importing cheap grain, or you can ruthlessly exploit the famine by selling bread at exorbitant prices to the local Patricians. The moral choice is yours.
Colbertian Protectionism & Mercantilism
Trade does not happen in a political vacuum. As you rise through the societal ranks, you will encounter Colbertian state intervention. Major cities enforce strict protectionist policies: heavy import tariffs (dazi), port taxes, and restricted trading licenses for luxury goods like African Gold and Silk. You must navigate these mercantilist blockades through diplomacy, smuggling, or by securing your own monopolistic charters.
Substitutable Goods & Social Classes
Society is divided into three classes: The Poor, The Bourgeoisie, and The Patricians. Every citizen has daily consumption needs. If Olive Oil becomes too expensive due to a blockade, the Poor will substitute it with Animal Fat, dynamically shifting the entire market demand across the board. Every action you take ripples through this interconnected web.