Not fully sure if this is a bug, but when you deconstruct a trader post while it's being used by a caravan, they will drop a bunch of their items on the ground and they don't take them back. Essentially giving you free stuff once they leave the area.
#Deconstructing the trading post when it's being used by traders
fallow ermine
old arrow
I believe this is intended, as the merchants will know that their items are stolen when they leave the map (at least according to Toady's explanation when this happened on the first beginner stream from Kitfox). You can also take them by force through the trade interface, this is just another way to do that.
fallow ermine
Oh interesting, will they get mad at me for it?
flat elm
yeah, they might not show up next year, or if they do they might bring a lot less to trade
fallow ermine
Oof, well I guess that's a learning experience lol, odd that it works like that but fair enough.
magic sparrow
experienced this today, wonder if could maybe be changed? it was the only way i could get my stuff out of the depot after being rejected for trading (by accidentally offering the elves wood)
devout meadow