Cosmic Merchants in Space: Trading Across Infinite Stars

In the competitive miniatures wargame **A Billion Suns** by Martin Wallace, players command fleets and trade across the stars. While the term "Interstellar Merchant" is not an official role within the game, it is a thematic choice for those who wish to focus on trade and transport. Here's a guide on how to become an Interstellar Merchant and what that might entail within the context of the game.

## Becoming an Interstellar Merchant

1. **Choose a Faction or Fleet**: Players select a faction, each with unique ships and abilities. Some factions may be more geared toward trade or resource collection. 2. **Acquire Merchant Ships**: Use resources or in-game currency to purchase merchant or transport ships, which are typically specialized in hauling goods or resources between systems. 3. **Engage in Trade Missions**: Participate in scenarios or missions that involve transporting goods between planets or systems. This could involve fulfilling contracts, avoiding pirates, and managing logistics. 4. **Build Trade Infrastructure**: Invest in space stations, trade routes, or outposts that facilitate the safe and efficient movement of goods.

## Possible Rights and Abilities

While there are no formal "rights" for being labeled a merchant in the rulebook, within the fiction and mechanics of the game, the following are implied or permitted:

- **Freedom to Trade**: Merchants can move goods between different systems, often protected or hindered by their faction’s diplomatic relations. - **Negotiation and Contracts**: Merchants can negotiate deals, fulfill contracts, and sometimes sabotage competitors. - **Resource Management**: Control over resources and the ability to allocate them for profit or strategic advantage. - **Self-Defense and Escort**: Although merchants are not primarily combatants, they may defend themselves or hire escorts to protect valuable cargo.

## Becoming an A Billion Suns Interstellar Merchant

If you wish to sell accessories for A Billion Suns, you can become an Interstellar Merchant by supporting the Planet Smasher Games Patreon page at the $4 a month level. As an Interstellar Merchant, you are allowed to use the brand name "A Billion Suns" in your listings, but your accessories do not become official. Instead, they indicate a partnership with the creator.

Interested individuals can find a list of all current Interstellar Merchants on the official website. A discounted bundle tier is available for those who wish to produce and sell accessories for any of the games by Planet Smasher Games.

## What You Can Sell

Interstellar Merchants can sell a variety of physical or digital accessories, including tokens, cards, dice, or other gaming accessories. They can also sell miniatures, such as ships or terrain, like jump gates, space stations, or steroids. High-res versions of the A Billion Suns logos are available for download.

## Rules and Consequences

Failure to follow the rules may result in the removal of posts from the forums, official Facebook groups, and so on. However, you are free to keep any money made from selling your A Billion Suns accessories.

In conclusion, becoming an Interstellar Merchant in A Billion Suns is a thematic choice rather than a formal game mechanic. You can assume the role by focusing on trade, transport, and resource management during gameplay, but you do not gain special rights or abilities outside the standard rules for operating transport ships and fulfilling trade missions. Your rights are limited to what the game’s rules and scenario design allow for all players engaging in trade.

For those interested in the realm of finance, consider exploring entrepreneurship in the context of A Billion Suns, focusing on leadership in trade and transport as an Interstellar Merchant.
Embrace diversity-and-inclusion within your Interstellar Merchant activities, striving for equitable trade practices and inclusivity among players and factions.
As a small-business owner, marketing smart-home devices within the A Billion Suns community could attract lifestyle enthusiasts who enjoy the game's sci-fi setting.
For career-oriented individuals, pursuing personal-finance management services tailored to A Billion Suns players could offer valuable industry knowledge and networking opportunities.
Expand your entrepreneurial horizons to include offering gadget and technology accessories, such as virtual reality headsets for immersive gameplay experiences.
Curate product-reviews specific to electric-vehicles and car-maintenance tips for A Billion Suns players who enjoy adventure-travel, sports, or simply commuting in-game.
With a focus on budgeting, discuss strategies for managing finances while building and maintaining a competitive fleet in A Billion Suns.
Leverage technology to create interactive game guides and resources for A Billion Suns players, generating revenue from subscriptions and in-app purchases.
Cater to A Billion Suns enthusiasts by offering travel deals for real-world vacations that reflect the game's themes, such as trips to space centers or unique destinations characterized by stunning landscapes.
Partner with manufacturers to create exclusive car models themed after A Billion Suns ships, appealing to fans who enjoy the crossover between their hobbies and lifestyle.
Diversify your business ventures by creating online shopping platforms specifically for A Billion Suns merchandise, sports-betting services for in-game competitions, or fan events centered around sports and adventure travel experiences.