Tea, spices, coffee and silk are commodities that are widely consumed in Europe and their price of purchase and sale is closely linked to supply and demand. Fortunes can be made and gambled according to circumstances. In East India Companies, players run a large shipping company that trades with the far-flung trading posts of India. They must manage their ships and invest in buying shares in their own company and those of their competitors. And most importantly, players must keep an eye on the constantly fluctuating market rates! Is it better to invest your money in the stock market or in buying goods? Do you prefer to use fast ships with low tonnage or slower ships with larger holds? Whatever players choose, their strategy will influence that of their opponents.