The Silk Merchant Plot

Please, why would I want your crown? Sure, you have a power that that the rest of us can't match on our own, but look what we're able to accomplish! We're free from scrutiny, my Sultan. The scrutiny of the public most of all, but also from your court, and the others like it. As long as prices remain tolerable, and you get your taxes, does anyone care if we fete for days, or organize bacchanals for only the most wealthy elite; so luxurious that the peasantry whisper about them like we're cultists?

A more practical question: Does anyone care if we place ourselves in charge, so long as their food remains available and we leave their lives well enough alone? Judging by the lack of the crowd outside, I'm inclined to simply say no.

Lucky for you, Sultan, I have no interest in your thrown or crown, so don't give me such a dirty look. I did want to discuss a business opportunity with you, however. I've always wanted to get into banking, you see, and I can't help but notice that this sultanate doesn't have one.

While the Djinn sultanates have stood for the majority of Djinn history, it is no secret that they have waned somewhat in recent decades. There are many factors for this, foremost of which is simply societal shift over time, but even that shift is partially a response to a series of backroom deals known as the Silk Merchant Plot.

Despite the name, it was not solely silk merchants that perpetrated the Plot (though they did make up a notable percentage). The name is simply emblematic of the general makeup of the participants.

The wealthiest Djinn merchants met in the dark of the night to complicate seizing control of the Djinn governments. In the end, they decided against seizing complete control for fear of a royalist revolt following hot on their heels, but they were willing to attempt a near-complete takeover, ending with the kidnapping of the dozen or so royal families across Dhalazzam. In short order, they started putting out requests for mercenaries from across the Empyrean. Elven hussars, Goblin irregulars, Minotaur grenadiers, and even a few human Godyard cults, all purchased at a premium.

Unfortunately, the merchants had underestimated the state of many of the militaries across Dhalazzam, and met stiff resistance. Even the wealthiest merchant did have an unending source of money, and so expenses started to mount. They needed to complete their tasks soon, or they would lose everything.

In an effort to control the narrative going forward, the merchants opened up negotiations with the Sultans and Sultanas. They spoke of how, despite their actions, the merchant's army had actually provided a service. You just had to squint to see it. Obviously, if an army like this, at their behest, could nearly bring the capitals low, wouldn't it make more sense for them to be on the same side as the Sultan?

Many of the Sultans were unconvinced, but enough blinked so as to get a foot in the door. Merchants have been afforded greater flexibility and wholesale permissions to exploit the resources of Dhalazzam. Because of this very notable mark against the authority of the Sultans, it has lead into a sharp decline of the publics opinion and support of the Sultans has waned.