Kametta Ice Company

Though many companies rose to prominence in early 12th century Aposfabr, none were as prolific and aggressive as the Kametta Ice Company which wielded a good deal more power than its name implied.

Humble Beginnings

The company was founded in 1101 by Nilofauran immigrant Fasne Kametta and his brother, Jottad who saw value in the exportation of natural ice from the glaciers of the south to the peaty lands of the north. Fasne dreamed even of delivering ice to desert Marzeine and the humid tropics of their homeland.
The company got off to a rocky start as the two men faced discrimination and wariness of their product: why, indeed, would anyone want a reminder of the horrid winter during the glorious summer months? In 1106, the operation finally took off with orders in Mimonoy and Hirz and the men quickly grew rich off of easy profits.

Shift in Focus

In 1116, the brothers came to a disagreement over the future of the company and Fasne quit, taking most of the company coffers with him. Jottad hired a board and laid out his plans: to acquire every company along the Aposfabrian coast and control the trade routes. With no government resistance, the Ice Company fulfilled its aims swiftly and expertly and in 1128 owned 90% of every entity that traded a scrap of anything.
On the company's dime, water trade tripled and new technology was pioneered in ocean navigation and cargo shipment. However free trade was stymied by the company's heavy tariffs and the smallest of fishing vessels suffered under its unabiding rules. Tensions rose in Abspofabrian towns between the company and its supporters and those who rallied against its oppression.

Death from the Outside

The Company's downfall was the Marzenian war of 1170 in which the lords of the northern desert sent their legions into the peninsula in conquest. Trade routes flipped and half the company board fled the country. The town governments, quiet in the face of the Comapny's growth thus far, demanded funds for munitions and men.
Though Jottard and the Company outlasted the war, by 1176, both were old and frail and held little sway over the Aposfabrian economy. With Jottard's death in 1183, his two daughters liquidated all assets of the Ice Company and its flag was never again flown over an Aposfabrian ship.

Monopoly Towns

In most of the continent, where magic flourishes, sorcerers and governments wield most of the power. However in the icy peninsula of Aposfabr, a deadland of magic, enterprise and trade flourish and are the basis of rule. In the 1100s, a number of "monopoly towns" founded on a single business or export sprung up along the coast. Among these was the Ice Company.

Type

Corporation, Commerce