Copper Coffers Merchantile

"Aye, we trade in Copper Coffer goods exclusively. But that also means if you want it, we have a way of getting it. For a price.

— Aradell, Caravan Mistress

  Among the many merchant houses, there are a few which stand out. The Sebile Trading Partnership is a grouping of smaller companies, and is the sole provider of goods from that part of the world. The Broken River Trading Company handles most of the trade east of the Rhyliss Empire, specializing in curiosities and oddities. For most other goods there are dozens of companies which can fill the need with varying prices and an unknown degree of success. Copper Coffers Merchantile exists to fill these needs with a reliably stable set of prices and a well-known degree of success.

Founded in 1425 AF, the Copper Coffers made their debut trading goods between Imperial provinces for a rather slim profit margin. The first owner chose to portray it as "bringing you things from distant places for mere coppers of profit", something which is still said about the company today. But due to the questionable quality of goods, it has changed tone to be more derogative than inspiring. For a long period, the quality was less of a concern as there was very little competition outside of commissioned merchants. In the last thirty years, enough merchant houses have risen to offer other options and yet the Copper Coffers remain quite busy due to being entrenched in local minds.

There are two ways the company operates, depending on whether they are entrenched or not. In towns and cities where the company has limited influence, they will work at offering large sums of money to local businesses to help them broaden their offerings. Over time, the Copper Coffers begin to provide most of the goods being sold, and thus have secured enough influence to behave as they wish. Having influence, the Copper Coffers begin manipulating events so locally-sourced goods are sold at a loss but the company's goods are still profitable.

Despite underhanded behaviors, there are several goods which they trade in which are reliably accessible to common folk due to the Copper Coffers. For an example, people in the Empire can buy moon-woven silk from the Moonweavers, despite being nowhere near the source. Being able to move specific goods across Erisdaire, even with all the other associated strings and costs, allows the Copper Coffers a considerable amount of influence on locations. A few other merchant houses have begun warily eyeing their competitor, uncertain of what the end goal may be for the current owner of Copper Coffers Merchantile.

---