Urizen economic interests
Urizen is not an economic powerhouse. There are a number of mines that produce magical materials, but there is rarely a surplus of anything else. The individual monastaries tend to be a little self sufficient, and the mountainous terrain makes the transport of bulk goods very difficult.
The crafting of magical implements and treasures is a high calling in Urizen. The masters of these professions are figures of influence and prestige in Urizen. While they rarely master the Realm Lores, the prevalence of wizards in Urizen means there is a constant demand for wands, staves, rods and ritual accoutrements of all sorts. Further, trinkets, amulets and talismans are popular with all levels of society –they represent tangible pieces of magical power that can mark status and wealth more effectively than any number of jewelled rings or necklaces. While a Spire might have a craftsman or two among its population, it is also common for a Spire to focus all its efforts on creating beautiful and useful items for sale to other Spires.
Urizen makes some effort to export education and wisdom. Their history of supplying advisors and teachers has developed over time into the role of the Pedagogue – a dedicated teacher who travels outside Urizen to advise and teach. Pedagogues often affect the dress and mannerisms of the people they live amongst, while maintaining accents that speak of their Urizen roots.
The academies of Urizen are seen as being some of the best in the Empire, and actively seek students from other Nations. There is a belief that by putting the children of influential families together it if possible to create bonds between them that they will carry into their adult lives. This has the dual purpose of exposing them to peers from other Nations forming an understanding of their similarities and a respect for their differences, as well as creating “networks” of individuals who know one another from school. An Urizen personal tutor is a symbol of prestige in some Nations, and any formal university is likely to have an Urizen professor or two in its faculty. By influencing and shaping other places of education, the Urizen philosophy can be presented to young people of other Nations.
Some Urizen make a study of economics, the way that money moves around and influences the world. These scholars see money as a powerful tool for influencing people, in line with the Net of the Heavens. They study economic trends, and either amass money themselves or more commonly assist others to do so. Through investment and mercantile activity they seek to change the world around them.
We've discussed that where Urizen excels is in gathering infromation - their technical and philosophical understanding of economic factors is very good. Not sure how to implement this in text though.