Nubian merchants are NOT 50%cheaper (except the first one)

[Fearitself]

Cost of Merchants (timber cost/wealth cost)
.
....Nub....Other
1. 15/05 30/10
2. 25/15 40/20
3. 35/25 40/30
4. 45/35 60/40
5. 55/45 70/50
6. 65/55 80/60
.
Now, wood cost remains steady.
.
7. 75/55 90/60
8. 85/55 100/60
.
And so on until the 16th merchant. The 16th merchant and all further merchants cost 165/55 & 180/60, not that anyone would make that many.
.
Average # of rare resources on some maps:
Small map, Amazonian, 1 opponent: 12.5
Small map, Amazonian, 7 opponents: 19
Big Huge, Amazonian, 1 opponent: 17
Atlantic Sea Power, 1 opponent: 6
.
Typically, when a Nubian player starts the game, 1 but sometimes 2 rare resources will be seen on the map within his territory.

[Skanky Burns]

The 50% cheaper stat refers to the first merchant only. It doesn't take into account ramping.

You will see the same with any units/buildings that are discounted, such as the Turkish Citizens.

[Lord Sun Ce]

That kinda stinks.... I was thinking about being Nubia, too

[Sarxis]

Its still a good bonus. It just doesn't negate ramping costs.

[Bridger]

Yes, the base cost for merchants is still 50% cheaper, but ramping is add on afterwards.