Wealth and Power in Amber

The Pattern itself gives Amber certain natural benefits. As a center of reality, Amber is naturally a crossroads – all roads tend to lead toward Amber eventually. In addition, the land itself is continually enriched, such that agriculture can continue over hundreds and hundreds of years without the soil losing its richness. Mining is not similarly sustainable though, at least not on a constant basis. A great deal of ore is imported.

Much of Amber's wealth comes from mercantile trade through the Golden Circle and other shadow paths. Amber acts both as a trans-shipment center and as peacekeeper on inter-shadow trade routes, and the Crown benefits financially from both roles.

Amber's position as a shipping center combined with the Pattern's suppression of significant magical effects make it ideal as an inter-shadow banking and financial center.