The Congregation of Merchants
The Congregation is an old organization in Halruaal that have "guarded" the nation's economy. Its longevity and resilience are largely due to its underlying wealth, shrewd business practices, secretive nature, and the political blackmailing of Senate officials. The Congregation is a large confederation of independent councils which govern a multitude of tradesmen and guilds. Every year the Merchant Princes interact and share information in a mutually agreed upon city. This event, which is known as "the conclave", draws in a number of new businesses and mercenaries - all looking for coin.
Every major city in Halruaal host a Merchant Prince who sits at the top of the local guilds. Beneath them work a collection of guilds and lone operatives. The Congregation's ideology is amorphous depending on the prince in charge of the city state. If the prince is honorable, usually the guilds and common people prosper. More shrewd or ruthless princes that specialize in wealth hoarding tend to keep the money in the guilds and host a tight collection of elite underlings. The Congregation does not seek political power or glory, but their influence can either create or cripple the regions where they work.
Congregation agents are trained to act independently or with large/small guilds. But there is little reliance on each other. When business ventures go south, agents or guilds don’t count on their fellows to rescue them. Nevertheless, certain guilds are dedicated to helping one another in times of need (and cashing in on the favor further down the line).
Most of the Princes despise and are fearful of each other and the power that they control through trade. A healthy ounce of paranoia exist among each of them. Should Prince muscle in on another's territory battle lines can cause wars in the streets or at least through crippling sanctions. Rumor has it that somewhere in Halruaal there is a Merchant King, having achieved a level of control over multiple regions run by other Princes. If this has happened, the King is extremely good at maintaining secrecy with the Princes believing they have absolute control.
Beliefs:
1. One can never have too much information.
2. Money is power and power can control a nation.
3. Peace and War are good for business.
Goals:
To expand trade and control throughout Halruaal, discern the political dynamics within each region or realm, and promote favorable conditions for the Princes. One only act rashly as a last resort and every member should try to thwart methods to control trade by the governments. If a group grows too powerful, the the organization as a whole should secure the Congregation's bank.
Rank within the Congregation:
Ways to gain renown:
| Renown | Level Req. | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Tradesman |
| 5 | 3 | Merchant |
| 10 | 6 | Guildsmen |
| 25 | 10 | Guildmaster |
| 50 | 14 | Merchant Prince |
Ways to gain renown:
| Gains | task |
|---|---|
| +1 | Carousing |
| +3 | Completing a faction mission |
| +5 | collecting 20k in gold |
Type
Consortium, Business
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Comments