The Rhymsmere Trading Syndicate

One of the larger trading groups that has managed to gain exclusive access to Gates, the Syndicate is not well regarded on Ardach. Their practices are cut-throat, the turn-over high, and the use of force is extensive. On Ys the Syndicate has been prolific in regards to claiming territory, exhuming relics, and gathering raw resources.
The staff, goods, and mercenaries are all known by the company crest: cobalt blue lotus on a white field. It is enameled on the armor, burned into the crates, painted on every building, and is the standard ink in missives.
In 8765 the Syndicate took a Portal by force in a hostile takeover, lead by the omnipresent Guard, killing or subsuming the then waning Woven Triumvirate. The fallout from the attack put the Syndicate at war with several countries and two faiths. It was another three years of skirmishes before peace was tacitly established.

Structure

CEO - The Lady - Head of Ys operations
Board of Directors - Albrecht De Rollo - Head of Acquisitions Laura K'Vane - Archminster of Magical Research Olga Breakmane - Master At Arms Duello Brivare - Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Lota'Hillian Smith - Head of Services Mathias Mercer - Master of Games
Department Manager Project Managers Associate

Public Agenda

Profit at any cost.

Assets

Three batallions each with 2,500 troops Keep Title of Duke and the right to levee troops 47 Outposts in Ys 13 ore mines 100 'Acquisition Experts' 300 company farms on Ys 3 frigates on Ys 10 Frigates on Ardach 1 Airship on Ardach 23 Contracted Magi on Ys 57 Contracted Clergy 2,000 Support Staff (traders, wagoneers, handlers, etc.) 2 Settlements on Ys, 500+ staff each

History

Originally a merchant's league, the Syndicate formed a hundred years back in response to increased raiding on trade routes and nations seizing goods. The Syndicate pooled their considerable resources, bought lands and a title in the Alliance, and established an armed presence protecting their caravans. They were so successful that they were able to establish routes in hostile territories and charge high prices for the otherwise unavailable goods.
They have since offered expanded to full mercenary operations with entire battalions up for rent. The contracts prohibit both sides in a conflict from hiring RTS troops.
Since the gates opened the RTS used their might to prey on on the weak and isolated Orthrodan city state. Under the auspices of an Alliance annexation, the RTS attacked the city and seized the Gate. The Alliance accepted the city in exchange for allowing the RTS unrestricted access to the Gate and the resources it provides.
The Alliance tolerates this joint custody for a tariff on the goods the RTS brings through.

Demography and Population

Mixed races, nations, and languages. Anyone who wants a job and can keep their mouth shut.

Foreign Relations

Openly Hostile - Killing in Settlements or on foreign soil is discouraged, but more than a few Managers are known to pay bounties on soldiers or agents. Farms and civilians under Contract, who are not armed or hostile, are not acceptable to kill or harm. The official line is 'We don't trade with you.' The unofficial line is 'We'll fuck you up if no one is watching, and we don't think we'll get caught.'

The Thessalian Directive

Hostile natives of Ys (most orcs, most giants, all ogres, all trolls, all goblins)

Mildly Hostile - We'll charge you double. We'll always keep an eye on you because we don't trust you.

Aramich Resource Group

Botavian Merchant's Alliance

Selipnir Trading Guild

Vashtic Empire

Kolohaven City State

Porstic City State

Clan MacCreedy

Steve in Accounting

Neutral - You get full price. I might not remember your name but hey, coin is coin. For a price we'll do something odd. No butt stuff though.

Non-hostile natives of Ys (lizardmen, some orcish tribes, some giants, some kobolds)

The Holy Order of Byron

The Church of Wadjet

The Church of Lissala

The Church of Milani

The Church of Kurgess

The Church of Gozreh

The Church of Iori

Good Terms - Discounted goods and services. Can expect and are expected to assist when in need.

The Red Wizards of Hathia

The Church of Szuriel

The Church of Hanspur

The Church of Feronia

The Church of Birgh

The Church of Alseta

The Church of Erecura

The Church of Apsu

The Church of Easivra

The Church of Norgorber

The Church of Nethys

The Church of Desna

Extremely Friendly - Open and good terms. Go out of their way to help each other. Share camps, rations, staff, and resources for nominal fee's.

Mortant Alliance

The Church of Abadar

The Church of Irori

The Church of Erastil

We can get you anything, for a price.

Type

Consortium, Business

Capital

Balarian Plains

Alternative Names

The Blues, Flower Girls, Dick-Ates

Formation Type

The Cobalt Guard

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Government System

Oligarchy

Power Structure

Dependent territory

Economic System

Market economy

Currency

Company Scrip or Gold

Legislative Body

The Board of Directors

Judicial Body

Master at Arms

Location

Balarian Plains

Controlled Territories

• Ilvilli Mine

Neighboring Nations

• The Mortant Alliance

Notable Members

• The Lady