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Appendix Z: Smugglers

or, "Could You Please Open This Case, Sir?"

by Michele Armellini

Wherever and whenever authorities try to control trade, there will be those who want to circumvent the controls, and the duties: smugglers. Playing characters might well be full-time smugglers (or customs officers!) and have a string of exciting, far-reaching, diverse adventures; or they might get involved in smuggling on a one-off basis.

While the concept is straightforward (cross the borders avoiding the law enforcers and deliver the goods), the GM might make use of some help in determining the details of this profitable, although risky and illegal, business. While a historical background should make it easy to decide who is smuggling what and where, if your game setting is fantasy or SF, you might find these suggestions useful.

Why Are The Goods Illegal?

The smugglers' activities are determined by the laws in force and by demand. The attitude of the customs officers and the severity of the penalties, and, therefore, the price of the goods and the risk for the smugglers will also depend upon this key question: why is this traffic illegal? The examples don't mention specific places or times but they should be clear enough.

These merchandises are:

  1. perfectly legal in the country of destination, but there are customs duties on them. Thus the smuggled goods can be sold at a lower price, becoming more attractive for the locals. E.g., tobacco, alcohol, high-end consumer . . .

This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.



Article publication date: May 31, 2002

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