A Century Ago: The Merchant's Revolt and Genesis The Golden Chain was forged from the fires of the Merchant's Revolt a century ago, a time when a failing monarchy demanded exorbitant war taxes from its prosperous trade princes. Rather than concede, these merchants united, refusing to yield to the crown's demands. They pooled their vast resources, hiring a formidable legion of sellswords to protect their interests and challenge the established order.
This coalition orchestrated a bloody coup, systematically slaughtering the tax collectors sent to enforce the monarchy's will. Their ambition did not stop there; they skillfully bought the loyalty of the King's own disillusioned generals, turning the very pillars of royal authority against itself. From this violent overthrow, The Golden Chain emerged, no longer just a group of wealthy traders, but a formidable power in its own right.
Evolution: From Guild to Financial Empire In the aftermath of the coup, The Golden Chain rapidly evolved beyond a mere guild of merchants. They transformed into a predatory financial empire, meticulously consolidating wealth and power through ruthless business practices. Their core belief solidified: traditional governance was inherently inefficient, and the world would function optimally if managed like a cutthroat enterprise.
Over the ensuing decades, their history became paved with a series of hostile takeovers, often involving literal hostilities. They were notorious for burning villages to strategically lower land values before purchasing the blighted properties for pennies on the dollar. The Golden Chain also perfected the art of funding wars, supplying weapons and resources to both sides of a conflict, ensuring profit regardless of the outcome.
Present Day: Aggressive Expansion in the Capital In recent times, The Golden Chain has intensified its aggressive expansion, focusing its formidable resources on the very heart of the realm. They have successfully established a fortified trade hub within the capital's sprawling slums, solidifying their physical presence and operational base. This strategic move allows them direct access to the city's underbelly and its lucrative illicit economies.
Their influence now openly corrupts local authority, as they are actively bribing city guards to overlook their extensive racketeering operations. This blatant disregard for law and order signals The Golden Chain's growing confidence and its deep-seated conviction that wealth can purchase impunity. They continue to operate with a cold, calculated efficiency, expanding their empire one ruthless transaction at a time.
