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PAGE 42
Folder: Factions
Title: The Merchant Consortium
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# The Merchant Consortium
## Overview
The Merchant Consortium controls much of Ashenveil's economy.
Although officially neutral, kings often depend upon Consortium loans, caravans, and trade agreements.
Some rulers fear the Consortium more than neighboring kingdoms.
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## Organization
Each kingdom elects Merchant Representatives.
Together they form the Grand Trade Council.
Major economic decisions require council approval.
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## Responsibilities
• Maintain trade routes
• Negotiate tariffs
• Protect caravans
• Establish marketplaces
• Regulate merchant licenses
• Resolve commercial disputes
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## Wealth
The Consortium owns:
Banks
Warehouses
Caravan companies
Shipping fleets
Market districts
Trade offices
Its financial resources rival several kingdoms combined.
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## Security
Professional caravan guards defend Consortium property.
Elite escorts accompany especially valuable shipments.
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## Influence
Merchants often possess information before governments.
Prices, shortages, wars, and political unrest affect trade almost immediately.
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## Adventure Hooks
• Escort a priceless caravan.
• Investigate missing trade shipments.
• Expose counterfeit coin operations.
• Protect negotiations between rival kingdoms.
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## Related Pages
• Currency & Trade
• Goldport
• Stormwatch
• King's Road