I've posted this a few places before, but one of the reasons Ul'dah is so economically-centered is because the city revolves around their worship of Nald'thal. While it isn't as greatly represented in 2.0's version of Ul'dah, Ul'dah's architecture, layout, politics, and society are heavily influenced by the religion of Nald'thal.
Nald, the patron deity of Ul'dah, is the god of life and commerce. This is no coincidence. Ul'dah didn't pick Nald as their patron deity because his values fell in line with theirs, Ul'dah's values were forged because of their worship of Nald. They believe that to not strive for wealth and social status is to waste the blessings of Nald. Coin is an intrinsic part of their belief system, as coin is what buys you and your family good fortune in life (Nald) and secures your safe passage to a good afterlife (Thal).
Back when Ul'dah and Sil'dih were founded about 600 years ago, Ul'dah was actually a city physically divided in two to mirror the twin aspects of the Traders. It wasn't until the War of the Sisters 400 years ago, that Ul'dah was rebuilt upon the ashes of Sil'dih that the two halves of the city were united. But even today, that duality still persists. Milvaneth Sacrarium vs Arrzaneth Ossuary, Royalists vs Monetarists, Gate of Nald vs Gate of Thal, Steps of Nald vs Steps of Thal. Two Gods in one, two ideals in one. Wealth for now and after. Coin and Country.
Nald, the patron deity of Ul'dah, is the god of life and commerce. This is no coincidence. Ul'dah didn't pick Nald as their patron deity because his values fell in line with theirs, Ul'dah's values were forged because of their worship of Nald. They believe that to not strive for wealth and social status is to waste the blessings of Nald. Coin is an intrinsic part of their belief system, as coin is what buys you and your family good fortune in life (Nald) and secures your safe passage to a good afterlife (Thal).
Back when Ul'dah and Sil'dih were founded about 600 years ago, Ul'dah was actually a city physically divided in two to mirror the twin aspects of the Traders. It wasn't until the War of the Sisters 400 years ago, that Ul'dah was rebuilt upon the ashes of Sil'dih that the two halves of the city were united. But even today, that duality still persists. Milvaneth Sacrarium vs Arrzaneth Ossuary, Royalists vs Monetarists, Gate of Nald vs Gate of Thal, Steps of Nald vs Steps of Thal. Two Gods in one, two ideals in one. Wealth for now and after. Coin and Country.
