The Merchant Guild

Description
The Merchant Guild is an affluent and highly influential mercantile organization that has chapterhouses in many cities and towns across the civilized nations of Aldarun, and trade posts in many other locations. Originally an association of merchants that regulated trade and currency rates between the various regions and nations, it has since expanded its activities far beyond that. For example, it organizes trade caravans which affiliated merchants can partake in for a percentage of their profits, receiving insurance and the protection of hired mercenaries in return. But most notable, the Merchant Guild manages the first and only international banking system.

Beside dealing in trade and banking, it also offers numerous other services of a financial nature, including investment opportunities in rising (though sometimes also plummeting) businesses, the appraisal of non-magical valuables and the subsequent purchasing of said valuables at fair rates. Although it must be said the reason its rates are always fair is that the Merchant Guild effectively determines the definition of fair. Few ever disagree.

The Merchant Guild is led by the wealthy de Medici family, whose patriarch Cosimo serves as the current Chairman of the Guild in general and its banks in particular. His eldest son Manifico is his right hand man.

The Merchant Guild First Bank
This large, stern-looking building of spotlessly clean white and black marble in Onkh-Morpark is the main headquarters of the Merchant Guild and the seat of its Chairman, Cosimo de Medici. It also serves as the city’s national bank and mint, and much money, both legal and fraudulent, passes through its vaults. As such, the First Bank is protected by the finest mundane and magical security with numerous competent guards on site at all times, with an even more powerful reserve on call in case that is not sufficient.

The Merchant Guild Second Bank
This large building in Mirthala is the second largest bank of the Merchant Guild at about half the size of the First Bank. Run by Manifico de Medici, it offers almost all of the same services as the First Bank. Given the nation it is located in, most of the money that flows through it is actually completely legitimate. Most being the key word here.

Notable People

 * Cosimo de Medici
 * Manifico de Medici