The Silk Road | Medieval Trade and Warfare

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The silk road was an ancient route for trade across the vast lands of Eurasia, spanning all the way from the ancient Chinese Empire, to Persia, and to Europe.

This Add-On, the Silk Road, adds these ancient trade routes to Minecraft, and the powerful empires that controlled it.

Wilderness Areas

East Asia

Song Dynasty (Generates in the Plains)

For millennia, a land of unparalleled wealth lay hidden behind the mountains and deserts of the East—China the Middle Kingdom.

It was here that the most coveted treasure of the medieval world, silk, was born, spun into delicate threads that would stretch across continents, tempting empires to wage endless wars for its possession.

A lady, taking her morning stroll

A scholar-official hard at work in the academy

China remains a kingdom of immense power and prosperity, where the air hums with the whispers of merchants and the clinking of porcelain, silk, and tea.

A palatial complex

A fortress

Yet, the serenity of this realm is shadowed by the ever-present threat of invasion. The Mongols, with their relentless horse archers and devastating gunpowder troops, descend like a storm from the steppes.

In this land of boundless opportunity and lurking danger, you must tread carefully. The wealth of China awaits, but so too do its enemies.

Goryeo (Generates in Cherry Biome)

Goryeo, a kingdom nestled between rugged mountains and vast plains, stands as a beacon of resilience and culture.

Known for its fortified mountain strongholds, Goryeo’s fortresses are impenetrable, designed to fend off the relentless waves of nomadic invaders.

The kingdom thrives on its thriving trade routes, exporting fine silk, ceramics, and ironworks, while also importing rare goods from distant lands.

Despite its tranquil appearance, Goryeo’s military prowess is unmatched—its warriors, skilled in both archery and cavalry, defend the borders with honor. Here, the winds of commerce and the shadows of battle intertwine, creating a land of both wealth and strength.

The Mongol Empire (Generates in Ice Plains)

The Mongol Empire, the largest the world has ever seen, stretched from the steppes of Mongolia to the heart of Europe, uniting vast lands under its fearsome rule.

Born from the vision of Genghis Khan, its armies were swift and ruthless, conquering kingdoms with unmatched cavalry tactics and terror. The Mongols transformed the Silk Road into a thriving artery of trade, where merchants from China to Persia traveled safely under the Pax Mongolica, exchanging silk, spices, and knowledge.

Yet, the Mongol Empire’s power was not just built on warfare. Its leaders were masters of diplomacy, forging alliances and assimilating the cultures of the lands they ruled. They welcomed scholars, engineers, and artisans from across the world, fostering an unprecedented exchange of ideas.

But behind the empire’s grandeur and wealth, the once-nomadic Mongols were growing distant from their roots, as internal divisions and the sheer scale of the empire began to fray its unity. What was born in conquest now faced the slow decay of its vast, sprawling dominion.

Southeast Asia

Majapahit (Generates in the Jungle)

The Majapahit Empire, seated in the lush, fertile lands of Java, flourished as a hub of trade and culture. Its bustling ports overflowed with spices, silks, and precious gems, drawing merchants from across the seas.

Majestic temples and royal palaces dominated the capital, a symbol of the empire’s power and its Hindu-Buddhist roots.

However, its early history was forged in the fires of conflict. In the late 13th century, the Mongol Empire, the most fearsome force in the world, sought to bring Java under its dominion.

When Kublai Khan’s fleet arrived on Java’s shores, they were met with unexpected defiance. The Javanese, led by the future founders of Majapahit, turned the invaders’ strength against them, luring them into traps and guerrilla battles in the dense jungles.

This victory against the Mongols cemented Majapahit’s legacy, forging a unified empire from a land that had resisted even the greatest empire the world had ever known.

The Islamic World

Delhi Sultanate (Generates in the Savanna)

The Delhi Sultanate was a realm of immense wealth, where vibrant markets brimmed with exotic goods from across the world, and the grand city of Delhi stood as a symbol of Islamic glory, its mosques and palaces reaching toward the sky.

Yet, this prosperity was built on violent conquest. The Sultanate’s armies clashed with the defiant Rajputs in the north, their fortresses soaked in blood, while in the south, the Vijayanagara Empire fiercely resisted subjugation.

Despite the splendor of the Sultanate, the land echoed with the cries of Hindu resistance, as ancient kingdoms fought to preserve their faith and freedom.

The Delhi Army

A Delhi War Elephant

Central Asia (Generates in Sunflower Fields)

Central Asia, the heart of the ancient Silk Road, is a vast expanse of desert and steppe, where cultures, goods, and ideas have met for centuries.

A land of great traders and conquerors, it serves as the vital link between East and West, where bustling caravans travel along its arid plains, exchanging silk, spices, and precious metals.

The nomadic tribes that roam its rugged terrain are both fierce warriors and savvy merchants, shaping the region’s ever-changing history.

From the grandeur of ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara to the windswept deserts, Central Asia thrives as a crossroads of fortune, conflict, and culture.

Abbasid Caliphate (Generates in the Desert)

The Abbasid Caliphate, once the heart of a vast and enlightened empire, stands as a beacon of wealth and the guardian of the Islamic Golden Age.

Abbasid scholars searching for books in the library

In the bustling streets of Baghdad, scholars and merchants alike revel in the riches of knowledge and trade, their voices mingling with the call to prayer that rises from grand mosques adorned with intricate patterns.

Yet, beneath this veneer of splendor, the caliphate’s power wanes. The once-mighty state, once the unrivaled leader of the Islamic world, now feels the grip of time tightening. Its influence slips away like sand through fingers, as distant provinces assert their independence, and rival powers loom.

A Muslim Army

A camel archer standing guard by a field

Devotees atop a mosque

On the horizon, a new and ominous threat emerges—the Mongols, relentless and unstoppable, poised to sweep across the land like a shadow, bringing with them the promise of devastation. The Abbasid Caliphate, rich in history and treasure, now faces the twilight of its greatness.

The Timurids (Boss)

The armies of Timur, known for their unparalleled brutality and strategic genius, swept across the lands with a relentless thirst for conquest. Fearless and devastating, Timur’s forces left a trail of destruction in their wake, toppling empires and cities alike.

His warriors, skilled in both cavalry and siege warfare, were unmatched in their ability to overpower any foe, while Timur’s own ruthlessness ensured no mercy was given. Yet, his campaigns were not solely driven by violence—he sought to leave a legacy of power and dominance, creating an empire where the blood of his enemies would mark the earth, and his name would echo through history as both a destroyer and a conqueror.

The Mediterranean

Eastern Roman Empire (Generates in the Mesa)

The Eastern Roman Empire, heir to the legacy of Rome, no longer commands the unstoppable legions of its ancestors.

Instead, it has become a master of survival, relying on shrewd diplomacy, cunning alliances, and calculated maneuvers to maintain its precarious hold on power.

At the heart of this resilient empire lies Constantinople, a city of unparalleled wealth and splendor, where golden domes glitter under the sun and the scent of spices fills the air. Yet, this jewel of the East is ever under siege, its walls threatened by forces eager to claim its riches.

Foremost among these dangers are the Seljuks, whose ambitions stretch toward the very gates of Constantinople. In a world where the empire’s glory fades but its determination endures, the Eastern Roman Empire stands as a testament to resilience, its survival a delicate dance on the edge of ruin.

Venice (Generates in Mega Taiga)

Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, was a city of shimmering canals and bustling marketplaces, where merchants from all corners of the world traded silks, spices, and precious stones.

Its wealth was unmatched, built on the mastery of Mediterranean trade routes and a powerful navy that dominated the seas. The city’s palaces and churches, adorned with Byzantine and Gothic splendor, stood as monuments to its grandeur and influence.

Yet, Venice’s rise was not just through commerce, but through shrewd diplomacy. Once a staunch ally of the Byzantine Empire, Venice began to drift away as it saw greater opportunities with the rising powers of the West.

Its leaders, ever calculating, balanced alliances and betrayed old friends when necessary, ensuring the republic’s survival and prosperity. Slowly, the Serenissima turned its back on Byzantium, seeking to carve its own path in the ever-shifting tides of Mediterranean power.

Gameplay

In The Silk Road, players engage in a dynamic trading system where valuable resources like spices, silk, and tea flow from Asia to Europe. To succeed, players must secure control over trade routes, fend off enemies, and safely transport goods to markets.

Asia produces these sought-after resources, while (not yet implemented) Europe buys them at highest prices, allowing players to earn high profits by mastering the flow of goods across the old world.

Coinage

In The Silk Road mod, the coinage system features three denominations: 10, 90, and 180 coins. Players can break coins into smaller values by placing them in their crafting GUI, making it easy to manage transactions.

To upgrade two 90 coins into a 180 coin, simply place them in the crafting GUI.

However, converting (9) 10 coins into a 90 coin requires a full crafting table.

This system allows for flexible currency management as players trade across the Silk Road.

Trading

In The Silk Road mod, markets are key trading hubs found in various nations where players can exchange goods for cash, sell items, or take on jobs.

Each region’s market offers unique items—from food, tools, clothes, and armor to rare goods like astrolabes and coffee. Chinese merchants are especially important, as they exclusively sell essential resources for production, like tea plants and silkworms.

Advanced weaponry, including naphtha bombs and thunder crash bombs, can also be purchased, alongside everyday necessities, making markets essential for both trade and survival across the world.

Recruiting Soldiers

In The Silk Road, you can recruit friendly soldiers by using a 90-coin payment. Simply right-click on the soldier to recruit them, and toggle between having them follow you or stay in place. These loyal soldiers can assist you in your adventures, offering protection and support as you explore the vast trade routes and dangerous lands.

Ores

Cobalt

Cobalt Ore in The Silk Road mod is a rare resource found only in Middle Eastern regions, such as the Abbasid Caliphate. When mined, it drops cobalt powder, a valuable material used to craft cobalt blue porcelain. This vibrant, prized porcelain can be sold to Islamic countries for a significant profit, making cobalt a highly sought-after resource for players involved in trade across the Silk Road.

Pyrite

Pyrite Ore in The Silk Road mod is a crucial resource for advanced crafting. When mined, it drops pyrite powder, an essential ingredient in the production of gunpowder for explosives and weapons. Additionally, pyrite powder can be easily converted into blaze powder on a crafting table, making it invaluable for activating brewing stands and other essential recipes. Its versatility makes pyrite a key component for both warfare and trade.

Silver

Silver in The Silk Road mod is a precious metal with promising potential for crafting and trade, though it currently has no specific use. In future updates, players will be able to craft silver into exquisite jewelry, which can be given as gifts to earn favor from officials.

Pottery Clay

Pottery Clay in The Silk Road mod is a valuable resource found exclusively underground in East Asian biomes, particularly within the territories of the Chinese Song Dynasty. This rich, malleable clay is essential for crafting exquisite porcelain, a highly sought-after trade good known for its beauty and durability. Players will need to venture into the depths of these biomes to gather pottery clay, unlocking the potential to create fine porcelain items that can be sold or used for various purposes in their trading ventures.

Resource Production

Silk

In The Silk Road mod, silk production begins with purchasing rare and expensive silkworm eggs from Chinese merchants, with prices reaching into the thousands.

Once hatched, silkworms produce silk cocoons every 2 minutes.

These cocoons must be cleaned in a furnace, and when you gather 9 of them, you can craft raw silk in a crafting table.

Raw silk can be taken to a seamstress to create clothing or accessories, but to maximize profits, dyeing is key. Combine dyes in a crafting table to make mixed dye, then use a brewing stand with blaze powder (crafted from pyrite) to dye the silk.

Once dyed, your silk is ready to be sold to merchants for a high price.

Tea

Tea production in The Silk Road mod begins with purchasing a tea plant from a Chinese merchant. Once planted, the tea plant will periodically drop leaves, which are essential for crafting tea. To prepare the tea, players must dry the leaves by placing them in a furnace.

Once dried, the tea powder can be packaged by combining the leaves with paper at a crafting table.

Players can sell the packaged tea for profit or brew it in a brewing stand for personal consumption. Additionally, players can brew tea for customers in markets to make a profit.

With 9 tea leaves, players can also create new tea plants.

Gunpowder

Gunpowder production in The Silk Road mod is a vital process for crafting powerful weapons like early bombs and fire lances.

To create gunpowder, players must first collect poop from pigs, which drops every 2-3 minutes. This organic material is then placed in a furnace to produce hardened poop.

Next, players need to mine sulfur from Pyrite Ore. Once both ingredients are gathered, combine the hardened poop with pyrite and charcoal or coal to create Chinese gunpowder.

This explosive substance is essential for manufacturing bombs, which require gunpowder for use, and fire lances, which need bullets to function. Mastering gunpowder production is key to advancing in warfare and trade within the game.

Steel

You can use steel to make weapons with the help of a smith recruit. Go to a Chinese market to find a recruiter from whom you can hire smiths and silk seamstresses.

Porcelain

In The Silk Road mod, making porcelain begins with mining pottery clay found underground in East Asian biomes. Once gathered, players can use the clay at a crafting table to create raw vases, plates, or cups. These raw products must then be placed in a furnace to harden into beautiful porcelain items.

To enhance the value of their porcelain, players can mine cobalt ore in the Abbasid Caliphate or purchase cobalt blue from Arab merchants. By combining cobalt blue with the hardened porcelain at a crafting table, players can create exquisite cobalt blue porcelain, which is especially sought after by Islamic countries, significantly increasing its market value and making it a lucrative trade item.