1
The Caravel
His coins were loud, no doubt this
merchant would be easy prey, so
encumbered as he was with the great
wealth carried. Dabra signaled to his
fellow thieves. He leaped from behind the
crag onto the road with his bow drawn.
Within an instant, he felt his ribs give way
to the crushing weight of the moneybag.
The merchant moved far faster than he
had anticipated. Looking about to his
fellow thieves, each of them where
similarly incapacitated by unknown means.
“Time is money friend” - said a gentle
voice from beneath the wide-brimmed hat, which for a flickering instant was
illuminated by a smoldering pipe. The face beneath was feminine, beautiful, and
feline. Dabra caught a glimpse of a fanged grin.
“The way I see it, you’re going to pay with your life, the question is, will it
be in your final breaths, or in service to me if I spare you this day?”
- Chronicle of Insela Firegrin
Overview
Also referred to as The Caravel Trade Company, it was formed from the some of the most
adventurous hearts brave enough to dare the Wasteland. The Caravel has brought civilization,
culture, and stability to a wild frontier fraught with danger. Not mere tradesmen or merchants,
but a distinguished network of diplomats, travelers, crafters, and informants. Heroes seeking
fame and fortune have found their cause funded by this organization. Few in fact have the
resources to spread themselves so completely across Memora. Without them, recovering from
thousands of years of darkness and the Epochs of the Primordials would have been impossible.
Their cunning membership provides resources so desperately needed to keep the far reaches of
the world moving. Following a code of ethics and system of honor, the Caravel serves as the
infrastructure by which the Concordant Council relies upon to get things done. Those within the
Caravel come from every background seeking to make a name for themselves. The Caravel’s
reputation has made even the most nefarious of scoundrels, privateers, courtesans, bards, fixers,
2
sell-swords, and made-men into heroes. All seek to join the Caravel’s highest ranks so that their
names will be known far and wide. Heroes from the Caravel are known for their ability to adapt,
manage resources, and leave with a legendary reputation.
Sigil
Three sails of an approaching ship
Oaths & other Words
See the The Caravel Code of Ethics
Salute
“May the wind always be at your back.”
…and the casual more familial response, “…and the bandits off your arse.”
Mission Statement
To encourage and facilitate fair and stable economic transactions;
To encourage and promote co-operation between the Caravel and other organizations
representative of merchant interests;
To do all such things as would appear necessary and proper for the benefit or advancement of
members of the Caravel.
That the Caravel shall not transact any monies, goods, or services that are deemed inappropriate
by law or the Caravel.
Origins & History
From what were humble beginnings as a loosely organized group of warriors, tradesman, and
artisans, the Caravel has developed mercantile practices and garnered influence throughout all of
Memora. Now, with a membership larger than ever, the Caravel boasts associate members in
even the remotest of villages.
Referred to as “The Fire and Sword Trade Caravel,” during the Age of Mystery, its purpose at the
time was mainly as a source of funding for exploration and trade. Many heroes found currency in
their pocket and fresh boots on their feet due to work with the Fire and Sword. With the Great
Vanishing, times turned tough once again. The Fire & Sword broke apart. Some areas suffered
tremendously as coffers ran dry due to the War of the Dead. Demand for resources and the ebb
and flow of the Epochs wreaked Havoc upon Memora. Although at times becoming fractured
into separate entities, the organization remained true to its original creed.
Additionally, the Caravel, and the strange society of the Mercari, have had a complex
relationship over the past decades. Both vying for civilization, order, and trade, though both
being unable to corner the world’s markets singlehandedly. There is an uneasy truce between the
3
two that was won out of tithes of flesh. The Caravel was almost completely wiped out by the
Mercari until this peace was struck. The Caravel, more than any other Organization, understands
the danger of crossing the Mercari.
Finally, during the Epoch of Silence, an Ishan known as Master Lippus (later to be called Grand
Master Lippus) stepped forward and reunited the various companies into the what is now known
today as the Caravel. Many of these smaller organizations and offshoots of the Fire and Sword
had spread out and become entrenched in many different communities. The leaders of the eight
largest companies united under Lippus and formed the Master Assembly who would come to
govern the new organization.
Leadership, Hierarchy & Advancement
The Caravel is governed by a Master Assembly of eight seats with a Grand Master at its head.
Each year the membership re-evaluates and nominates new members to this Assembly. Below
the Master Assembly members are the Delegates. These appointed individuals serve as liaisons
and representatives of the Master Assembly in their absence.
Before they could become Master Assembly Members or Delegates, everyone had to be a full
member of the Caravel. These are the business owners who have proven that they follow the
Code of Ethics and maintain the Caravels reputation with pride.
Associate members are individuals who petition to become full members. Associate members
must behave and show their loyalty to the organization before they are granted all the privileges,
benefits, and negotiating power of full members.
The Grand Master
This is nominated for a life-time by the Master Assembly. This person makes up the ninth
member of the Master Assembly and serves to break all voting ties amongst many other duties.
Master Assembly Membership
Requires the following criteria:
Must be a full member of the Caravel
Must be elected by optional preferential ballot for each office
This is a very prestigious position and does not come easily. It is highly unlikely that newcomers
will make it into this upper echelon. However, the aspiring Associate Member can serve as a
delegate to earn favor for such a position.
Delegate of the Master Assembly
This is an appointed position that the Master Assembly chooses for the purpose of chairing subcommittees and assisting in other areas that do not demand the attention of the entire Assembly.
4
Full Membership
Requires the following criteria:
Sponsorship by a member of the Master Assembly.
Be approved by a majority of the Master Assembly members.
Associate Membership.
Active for a period of not less than 6 consecutive months as an Associate Member.
Associate Membership
This is granted to those who are sponsored by a full member and have proven to possess a
marketable skill. Crafters are often asked to make something for approval before being granted
the rank of Associate.
Notable Members
Grand Master Lippus
No one knows his name other than Master Lippus. His stock and trade seems to be in good
fortune and in kindness. He has brought together a fractured organization back to its power and
now enforces their quality and fair business practices with fervor. He has his detractors, but the
public favor him greatly. He lives up to his heritage on the surface well. His Master Assembly
that advises him sometimes says otherwise though.
Vladmir Von Klaus
A dangerous member of the master Assembly of the Caravel, he manages some of the most wide
spread trade in textiles and wine. Fine clothing and the most exotic of fermentation practices put
this once elder lith now turned master vampire into an economic powerhouse.
Dohguro FlameHammer
A Deepbeard inheriting his father’s fortune, but no newcomer to the Master Assembly, he is a
master of forging anything metal. Most thing he creates have a fiery finish to them—some
actually radiate heat and have been known to save the wearer from the dire cold. Mostly his
family’s business has thrived on making specialized weapons.
Lady Sansa Wingale
This charming Emberheart has made a fortune in teaming up with her former partner in selling
building supplies to the emerging world. After the wars and epochs, there was much devastation
and the Wingale and Kroninfure families teamed up to offer relief. They started a distribution
system of lumber, stone, and metals to distant pocket communities that desperately needed help.
5
Their benevolent nature quickly earned the attention of the Caravel’s leadership. Both Wingale
and Kroninfure were invited to join the organization, but Kroninfure was killed in a bizarre
accident shortly after they departed to meet with the Assembly for the first time.
Merv Zingleberry
This weasel-like entrepreneur has spent a few decades in the organization already, but rose to
notoriety through his implementation of a network of trade routes that has carved new means of
travel across Memora. Many rivers and streams have been made into navigable means of
transportation. Roads and dedicated fugue-hubs have been supported by Zingleberry’s efforts
creating outposts in regions all across Memora..
Headquarters & Places of Notes
The city of Rosado still tends to be the headquarters for this organization once again. There are a
few hubs around Memora where many of the Master Assembly will convene to discuss future
matters, but the Master Assembly always meets in Rosado at least twice a year.
The Dustboot’s Crossroad
Formed during the Age of Mystery, this cross-point cache is of immense value to the Caravel.
The Ruins there were home to the worst battles fought during the War of the Dead. Though the
Vault discovered there was of immense value. It is believed to be the last resting place of the
Folkmar King Leaf. The place is dangerous enough, though the Caravel have some of the only
means to enter these ruins near the Inn they’ve built and access the Vault within. The halls of this
place are rumored to hold so much wealth that would make Rosado blush. Though it is guarded
by forces that even the most otherworldly antagonists wouldn’t dare to enter.
Pageantry & Practices
Special cabinets for the Caravel are held on occasion and everyone is accepted to wear the
symbol for the caravel. Most special cabinets are formal occasions. Only rarely do the warriors
get away with not dressing for the occasion. Bodyguards are expected to look intimidating so
their “pageantry” is often one of personal flair.
Also, see The Caravel’s Code of Ethics
Areas of Influence
There is no doubt that the Caravel has become one of the most influential organizations in the
world. It has been in its fair share of trouble. In fact, during the epochs, it broke apart. However,
many of its traditions lasted long enough to rejoin most of these factions into one company that
is able to provide services to all of its members.
Joining this organization has become a great challenge and thus there are other smaller
organizations that are trying to compete. Their lot tends to lie with other unsavory business
practitioners and so the Caravel has become very wary of those that wish to join its ranks.
6
There is little doubt that the Caravel has done much to bring order and discovery to the land.
Those among the Caravel that have joined the Wayfarers bring exotic goods from faraway
realms. These members seem to exemplify some of the Caravel’s interest in acquisition and
trade. To some, they are those who can get nearly anything under and above the face of Memora,
though always at a price.
Finally, the Caravel is influential for the brave. Unlike most trading groups, the Caravel has
succeeded in the combination of talents and variety of adventurers. It’s their choice in versatility
that has put this elite group farther than any other attempt at commerce. This, above all other
reasons, is why they have gained such a reputation, and such recognition from the Concordant
Council. Without which they would not have been able to recapture Drake’s Fount from the
overgrowth of the Ages. This location, the Caravel understands, is more than an important
historical site. The Wells that border the scar are the place where the battle for civilization will be
won. As such, they have dedicated their resources, manpower, and knowledge to turning this
former frontier back into the trade hub they hope it to become.