FrozenEcstasy said
This is true.But I also said they have had very bloody disputes in the past, and are to be considered very dangerous to pirate and bandit types. And to have such a large group spanning all races and countries, even continents, you'd think they'd have political sway as well, considering they could make trade routes very inhospitable, ironic considering they themselves are traders if they're traveling in a caravan.
Sure, but even monkey colonies have bloody disputes; and due to safety in numbers, I think any large gathering would pose a threat to bandits and pirates through numbers alone. And absolutely, I don't doubt they have huge political sway, some areas more than others, especially the more 'cultured' parts of Enduwin, but looking at this from a solely intimidation standpoint, their very nature would probably not be outwardly threatening to anyone. For example, compare what it would be like to see two groups walking down the street: a group of 1000 singers and dancers, some of whom may have had martial arts training (not that you'd ever know by looking at them) and a group of 30 well armed soldiers with rifles, grenades, the whole works. At first glance, i'd definitely be much more afraid of the soldiers because they look more likely to just shoot me in the face and be done with it. Both groups would be capable of skinning you alive if they wanted, but i'm always going to run away from the scariest first.
