I (and I believe other clanmates) was not aware that trading with other cities would hinder plans to take them, and I'm sure that was not anyone's intent. I haven't been following much in the strat general discussion, but looking at some of chadz's posts I did not see anywhere that trading increased prosperity which in turn increases defenses etc.
One thing I DID see from chadz's posts though:
"How am I supposed to take castles or towns? They have so many troops!
You are not supposed to take them yet. They will be updated with appropiate numbers in some time. "
..so it is quite possible that this is not going to be doing you any damage.
Still as I said before there is no malicious intent in our caravans; I'm sure if you hop into our TS and speak to Sittingbull Callous Jeff Jesse(Ragnarok) or I we can come to an understanding.
I understand the point you are making, but it is just the fact that we are going to be cautious about it until chadz does make an official announcement. On a side note we will be looking for trade in the near future with anyone who would be willing to trade with us, well as being fat and happy with in our taverns.
(Another quick side not If I am not mistaken I believe chadz fixed the populations for towns castles and villages
) The main point I was stressing was that we were not contacted as we were from the Imperium.
King Robert of Veluca