Race: Humans, Halflings
Government: Mercantile Republic
Theme: Wealth, contracts, influence through trade rather than conquest
The Gilded League emerged during the late Second Era when several powerful port cities realized that coin could command what armies could not. While empires bled themselves in endless wars, these cities grew rich by financing both sides, insuring cargo, and controlling access to vital sea lanes.
Over time, shared commercial interests led to formal union. The League rejects noble bloodlines and divine mandates alike, believing that value is proven through profit and reliability. Stability, not morality, is the League’s highest virtue. Peace is desirable—but only insofar as it enables trade.
The Gilded League represents power through commerce, shaping Andorea not by banners, but by contracts, debt, and supply.
The League is governed by wealth, influence, and reputation rather than territory.
Key elements of governance:
The Grand Ledger Council
Representatives of the wealthiest merchant houses and trade cities
Seats are purchased, inherited, or won through economic dominance
Controls tariffs, coinage standards, and trade policy
The Coin Regent
Elected from among the Council during periods of crisis
Acts as chief negotiator and coordinator of League policy
Authority ends when stability returns
Chartered Houses
Semi-autonomous trade dynasties
Control fleets, banks, and mercenary contracts
Rivalry between houses is constant and encouraged
Citizenship within the League is tied to economic participation. Those without coin have limited rights.
The Gilded League avoids standing armies, preferring deniability and flexibility.
Heavily armed merchant vessels capable of naval combat
Crewed by professionals and privateers under contract
Used to protect sea lanes and enforce embargoes
City-based police and contract enforcers
Protect warehouses, banks, and ports
Trained to suppress unrest quickly to preserve stability
Land forces hired from Ironhold, Skyrend, or independent companies
Loyalty enforced through payment and binding contracts
Deployed when trade interests are directly threatened
Intelligence and counter-smuggling division
Tracks piracy, sabotage, and contract violations
Especially active against the Free Isles of Kharos
Allied with:
Ironhold Compact – Metal supply and industrial cooperation
At War with:
Verdant Tide Circles – Overfishing and ecological exploitation disputes
Free Isles of Kharos – Persistent piracy and trade disruption
The Gilded League does not wage war for ideology or territory. It fights only when profit, stability, or trust in contracts is threatened.