All mercantile houses follow a strict code of behavior, known as the Merchants' Code. Anyone wishing to join a merchant house must accept all aspects of this code and abide by them or face immediate expulsion. The code varies from house to house, but in most cases it conforms to the following principles:
1. Recognition that by joining a merchant house, an agent forsakes citizenship in any city or membership in any tribe.
2. An oath of allegiance to the merchant house.
3. A promise to perform in the best interests of the merchant house in return for a salary.
4. A promise to deal honestly with stranger, friend, and foe alike.
5. A promise not to flaunt any wealth gained through employment with the house.
6. A promise to uphold the laws of the city in which the agent is stationed, and to do nothing to bring down the wrath of the sorcerer-king or his agents upon the house.
7. A promise to cooperate with other merchants to make life very expensive for any person who unjustly imprisons, blackmails, or otherwise harasses any merchant.
