Smuggler Bazaar System

1. Smuggler Bazaar System​

• Smugglers craft and place Smuggler Bazaars in player-run cities or remote locations.
• Restricted Items Only: Jedi contraband, spice, stolen goods, illicit weapons, and high-demand illegal mods.
• Hidden Market: Items in Smuggler Bazaars do not appear in the main bazaar search. They would be searchable within the system.
• Passive Income for Smugglers: Smugglers earn a cut from all sales, with optional taxation by player-run cities.

2. Bribing Authorities & Factional Alignment​

• Smugglers can bribe either the Empire or the Rebellion for protection from NPC crackdowns.
• Bribing the Empire: Imperial-aligned Smugglers avoid Imperial inspections and NPC raids but may be targeted by Rebel-aligned bounty hunters.
• Bribing the Rebellion: Rebel-aligned Smugglers avoid Rebel-aligned NPC harassment but risk exposure to the Empire’s stronger enforcement.
• Bribes cost credits, acting as a credit sink and requiring periodic upkeep to maintain protection.
• Faction Influence: Smugglers contribute small amounts of planetary GCW control to their chosen faction through ongoing bribes.

3. City Policies & Contraband Regulation​

• Player-run cities can allow, tax, or ban Smuggler Bazaars.
• Crime-friendly cities benefit from economic growth but risk Imperial or Rebel NPC action.
• Strict cities may choose to ban Smuggler Bazaars outright, forcing Smugglers into more remote locations.

4. Bounty Hunting & Law Enforcement Mechanics​

• Bounty Hunters and player-driven law enforcement could track Smugglers with high heat if they fail to maintain their bribes.
• Imperial-aligned cities may conduct raids if they detect an unaffiliated (non-bribing) Smuggler Bazaar.
• Smugglers could employ countermeasures, such as bribes, disguises, or hidden bazaars to avoid capture.

What Problem Are We Solving?​

• Players Already Circumvent the System – Many trade contraband via Discord, backpack descriptions, and out-of-game workarounds.
• Smugglers Lack Meaningful Economic Power – This system creates a true black market, making Smuggling a profitable and immersive profession.
• No Risk/Reward for Illicit Trade – The current economy lacks player-driven crime and enforcement mechanics that could expand emergent gameplay.
• GCW Feels Disconnected from the Economy – This adds an economic front to planetary control mechanics, tying Smuggler activity into the war effort.

How This Enhances the Game​

• Creates a Player-Driven Underground Economy – A structured black market trade system enhances the game’s sandbox appeal.
• Gives Smugglers Unique Power – Smugglers own and profit from the illicit economy, offering real incentives for the role.
• Encourages Player Governance & Conflict – Cities can choose to embrace, tax, or suppress contraband, allowing for dynamic law vs. crime interactions.
• Ties Economy to GCW Mechanics – Smugglers become key players in planetary influence, as their bribes contribute to Imperial or Rebel planetary control.

• The current workaround (Discord/backpacks) is immersion-breaking and exploits out-of-game mechanics.
• Smugglers’ earnings via mission content are much more limited compared to Bounty Hunters, making this an alternative income stream that is thematically appropriate.
• Jedi contraband and illicit goods need a structured economy instead of chaotic Discord trades.
• Contraband and illicit goods should feel risky yet rewarding, giving bounty hunters, law enforcement, and criminals a role in shaping the economy.
• GCW planetary control lacks economic influence, and this system creates a trade-based contribution model.