Merchants' League

The Merchants' League is the largest organization of merchants in Vorith. Based in Riverdrown, the League's ambitious leadership has allowed it to dominate a large portion of Vorith's markets. To do business within Riverdrown, one must abide by the guild's policies and pay a monthly fee. Sometimes, merchants from rival towns are turned away altogether.

Early Beginnings
The Merchants' League was founded in Riverdrown in 534 ABW, at a time when the city was still overcoming its criminal roots as a pirate outpost. Corruption and disease were rampant, and fierce gangs ruled the streets with impunity. Where others saw a cesspit of crime and villainy, however, the League saw untapped opportunity.

Growth and Expansion
By 557, the League had used its wealth and cunning to subdue Riverdrown's gangs and dominate the city. This led to widespread reforms over the following years. Just laws and codes were introduced, decrepit buildings were renovated, sanitation was drastically improved, the Ravenwing Bridge was built, and a professional city guard was created from the remnants of veteran mercenary companies. In time, Riverdrown transformed from a seedy backwater into a splendid hub of commerce. The League continued expanding, forming guild chapters within other cities and involving itself in regional politics.

A century after its founding, merchants of the League could be found as far south as Gantou and as far east as Tianjor. Despite this, its reputation only grew darker as it expanded: while some appreciated their high standards for quality, others believed them to be greedy, exploitative, and arrogant. For years, local merchants faced rising pressure to either join the League or fiercely compete with them for the control of certain markets. In 673, after a lengthy war, the Dragonwind Cities banned all League merchants from doing business within their walls.

The Council of Twenty
The Council of Twenty is the ruling body of both the Merchants' League and Riverdrown. Each of the Council's twenty councilors serve a term of 10 years (up to a maximum of 3 terms) and are elected by the League's various members across Vorith. Fulfilling both legislative and executive functions, the Council is responsible for running the League, creating new laws, managing specialized committees, and representing the League in diplomatic matters.

Mercenary Employment
Although Riverdrown has its own standing army in the form of the City Watch, the League still employs mercenaries to defend its caravans, secure its interests across the wastes, and ocassionally deal with matters in the city itself. Mercenaries, after a certain number of completed contracts, are promoted to the rank of Enforcer and given an emblem signyfing their authority. If an Enforcer ever falls out of favor with the League, their privileges are revoked.