The Congregation of Merchants (also known as the Merchant Congregation or simply the Congregation) is an Old Continent nation of merchant families who command a great deal of commercial power, so much so that they can maintain neutrality between warring factions. The Merchant Congregation is a nation originally formed of several city-states that united commercially while maintaining a certain autonomy. The Congregation is currently comprised of numerous city-states, but the known ones consist of Serene, New Serene, and Peran. It is currently unknown how large the Congregation is or how far its territory extends into the continent in comparison to Thélème or the Bridge Alliance. However, it is implied that while the other two nations seek to dominate the continent through force of arms and ideology, the Congregation is more content to expand its economic power. Therefore, it can be assumed that the Congregation is not an expansive nation, though it is still powerful enough to be guaranteed a voice among the larger powers.
History[]
While the Congregation may no longer seek open conquest and now instead prefers to dominate economically, it appears that there was a time in its history when the Congregation was more militant and focused on direct conquest. This is shown in the actions of the Congregation during the first discovery of Teer Fradee. Based on stories and ruins, it seems that the first arrivals to the island were far more destructive and cruel to both the natives and their own citizens. It is unknown why the culture of the Congregation shifted away from military conquest to economics. However, it is possible that the destruction of the first colonization attempt claimed the lives of the more militant members of the Congregation, or that it was so damaging that they were persuaded to focus on less violent and bloody means of securing their power. Resolved to remain neutral in the many clashes between the other nations of the continent, it has positioned itself as a necessary intermediary for commercial and diplomatic exchanges in the Old World and has long drawn wealth and significant cultural influence. However, the deterioration of their relations with the natives and the ravaging malichor have gradually undermined its power—something it hopes to renew thanks to its new colony on Teer Fradee.
Geography[]
The known city-states of the Congregation are Serene, New Serene, and Peran. It is unclear how far its influence extends across the Old Continent. However, the Congregation’s reach is implied to be substantial due to its vast network of trade routes and economic partnerships. The Congregation's national banner symbolizes its devotion to commerce: a blue flag with golden coins emblazoned within its design.
Politics[]
The Congregation is ruled by the Congregation Council, made up of the chosen leaders of the city-states that compose the nation. Each city-state is ruled by a Merchant Prince, who acts as their city's representative on the Council. The prince of the largest and richest city-state (currently House d'Orsay of Serene) acts as the unofficial leader of the Council. While the council is theoretically a gathering of equals, in practice, the Prince with the most money and influence dominates decision-making and determines the Congregation’s policies.
Culture and society[]
An Island to govern. Treaties to sign. Riches to Expedite. — Constantin d'Orsay
The Congregation is a merchant principality that prides itself on its neutrality. It takes a dim view of warfare or open violence of any kind, seeing conflict as bad for business. They prefer to resolve disputes through negotiation, deals, or payments rather than through force of arms. The Congregation relies on the Coin Guard for its military defense and the Nauts for naval transportation, preferring to outsource such services rather than maintain their own standing forces. The Coin Guard, while including some Congregation-born citizens, owes its loyalty primarily to payment rather than patriotism. Similarly, the Nauts’ reputation for honor and reliability ensures that trade and shipping remain secure. The Congregation maintains generally positive official relations with the native tribes of Teer Fradee, though they have earned a reputation among the natives for “never giving anything away for free.”
Despite their distaste for open combat, the merchant families of the Congregation are not pacifists. Among the nobility, intrigue and manipulation are common tools of advancement. Diplomats and legates are highly respected, as negotiation and persuasion are seen as superior to martial prowess. Most nobles receive at least basic training in swordsmanship, primarily for ceremonial duels rather than warfare. However, some nobles pursue mastery in combat or even magic, viewing these as additional tools for influence.
The Congregation’s focus on wealth and diplomacy has allowed it to remain relatively untouched by the wars between Thélème and the Bridge Alliance, though the latter seeks to annex the Congregation through peaceful means. Despite this neutrality, the Congregation seeks to establish a strong foothold on Teer Fradee in hopes of discovering a cure for the Malichor.
Legal System[]
While little is directly known about the Congregation’s legal structure, its governance appears heavily influenced by mercantile law and the protection of trade interests. Wealth and contracts serve as the foundation of authority. Families who fail to uphold their prosperity may lose their titles, suggesting a quasi-meritocratic element tied to commerce.
Intrigue, blackmail, threats, assassination, deceit, and poisoning are all common among the upper echelons of power—particularly among the House de Vespe. However, all ruling families participate in these forms of manipulation to some extent, including House d’Orsay, which has been implicated in the death of Constantin d’Orsay’s older brother by his stepmother’s order.
Current known members of the Council include:
- Prince Claude d'Orsay of Serene
- Prince Alexander de Vespe of Peran
Although the ruling merchant families of the Congregation practice hereditary power and respect noble lineage, each generation is expected to maintain and expand their family’s wealth, prestige, and power. Should a ruling merchant family fall into decline or poverty, they can be ousted from power by a rival family—either within their own city or from another.
Involvement[]
GreedFall[]
During the events surrounding Teer Fradee, the Congregation plays a major role through the establishment of New Serene under the governance of Constantin d'Orsay. As a central power among the Old World nations, it interacts with Thélème, the Bridge Alliance, and the native tribes of Teer Fradee through trade, diplomacy, and conflict mitigation.
GreedFall 2[]
... WIP
Notable Members[]
- De Sardet
- Princess de Sardet
- Constantin d'Orsay
- Sir de Courcillon
- Madame de Morange
- Aurélia De Vespe
- Sybille De Vespe