Caravan Company

Also known as the Caravan Co. or the merchant guild this institution is one of the most wealthy and powerful factions of the Concordia. Dominated by the greedy Asfarians the Caravan Co. controls most markets, bazaars and trade routes within the Concordia. Throughout the last two or three centuries the Caravan Co. have formed an elaborate network of trade routes tying the known world together by numerous fortified trade stations called Caravan Zirahs. Each zirah has its own defence – usually consisting of Nenning, Tethar and Norgil mercenaries – acting as small independent militia groups guarding the surrounding area from bandits. Although they are officially a subject of the Concordia many zirahs appear as small societies of their own, and word has it they deal swiftly and harshly with criminals. The zirah is a Khalen invention and they work as resting places where caravans and travellers can seek refuge for a small fee.

To support their complex trading network the Asfarians have built zirahs along all of the major trade routes placed within a days travel distance of each other to allow safe journey for merchants. A zirah is usually ruled by a Sikot, which is a leading merchant acting as a local lord controlling one or more zirahs depending on his power and influence. The Sikots are notorious for their immoderate lifestyle, their taste for power and influence, and their everlasting blood feuds. Although the Caravan Co. is organised from a headquarter in Askuhir most Sikots are independent rivals willing to fight their neighbour over a mule. Some of them have fought each other for generations tracing back so far that no one can remember why the feud began. Town gossip have it that some of them have ties to groups of organised crime, while others have bribed their way into the Zilc administration allowing them to control entire cities.

In general the Caravan Co. seldom involve in politics and see themselves as a neutral faction of the Concordia - willing to trade with both Norgil and Gjurons – which allows them to enter even the most hostile regions in search of rare goods and exotic luxuries sold at a high price on the markets of the Concordia. This lack of resolution when it comes to boycotting the enemy has often lead them into conflicts with The Radiant Scimitar who think of them as potential traitors, and the Order of the Tome who dislike their weakness for worldly wealth and simple pleasures. Members of the Caravan Co. can be easily recognized on their yellow robes and taste for jewellery, especially by their Sikots who like to wear golden robes, and are often seen parading through the smaller towns with their harem and servants.