## Description

A locket engraved with the insignia of the Fulcrum. (Image Generated using Dall-E 3. Prompt: “Cinematic oil painting of a circular gold pendant. Engraved on it is a perfectly balanced weight scale, with special focus on its fulcrum. The background is a soft, dark velvet.”)

The Fulcrum is a powerful confederation of wealthy merchants and business owners united in their pursuit of market dominance within Marcandria. Their reputation is marked by ruthless strategies, such as supplier poaching and market manipulation, aimed at bankrupting competitors. The Fulcrum's influence is most prominent in major settlements surrounding Merchant's Bay, but its presence extends throughout Marcandria. Smaller settlements discovering valuable resources often find themselves dominated or exclusively engaged in Fulcrum-driven industries.

The Fulcrum itself lacks specific goals beyond facilitating its members' pursuit of wealth and market control. Members leverage the organization to reach their personal objectives, with the Fulcrum functioning as a supportive vehicle. As long as members adhere to the organization's rules and do not disrupt its operations or reputation, their individual motivations are inconsequential. The Fulcrum highly values its reputation, particularly in maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders such as suppliers, customers, and government entities that impact its profitability. They do not necessarily aim for universal admiration, as those they force out of business are unlikely to hold them in high regard. Instead, the Fulcrum prioritizes upholding a generally positive public image, particularly in the larger coastal settlements, where they view a negative reputation among the general populace as potentially troublesome.

The Fulcrum is led by the Board of Nine, composed of the organization's wealthiest and most influential members. Seven committees operate under their leadership, each chaired by a Board member. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board oversee the Fulcrum's day-to-day affairs. The selection process is unique, with no elections for the Board of Nine. Instead, members undergo evaluations before each election cycle. The top-scoring nine members automatically assume seats on the Board of Nine. Subsequently, two of them become Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Fulcrum, while the remaining seven head the organization's committees. Committee members, apart from the chairpersons, are elected from the broader membership during these cycles.

Faction symbol/insignia: A spherical disc with a thick border, depicting a perfectly balanced weighting scale. Commonly made in platinum or silver, depending on size.

## Members

The Fulcrum is comprised of wealthy merchants, business owners, and artisans. Membership in the Fulcrum is rather exclusive, open only to individuals with both the financial means and market influence that benefit the organization. The Fulcrum considers factors such as the potential member's market influence, the increased revenue other members gain through this influence, and the membership fee. These factors must, in the Fulcrum's evaluation, outweigh the resources required to support the new member.

The Fulcrum is impartial regarding its members' backgrounds or origins, as long as they abide by the organization's rules and do not jeopardize its endeavors or reputation. Potential risks include causing tensions with existing members, legal issues with authorities, or damage to the Fulcrum's integrity and reputation.

The Fulcrum provides protection and assistance to its members during difficult times. However, if a member repeatedly struggles to revive their business, they may face expulsion. The Fulcrum is not inclined to carry unproductive members and risk wasting significant resources. It is also unhesitant in removing members who fail to comply with its rules and regulations.

Membership in the Fulcrum is extended solely to business owners, artisans, and merchants themselves. Workers and employees under a member's business, though technically under the Fulcrum's umbrella, are not considered Fulcrum members. Additionally, a distinction is made between being a member of the Fulcrum and being employed by it.

It is possible for a business to have multiple members in the Fulcrum. This is for cases where a business is jointly run by multiple people, or for when it's a family business that involves multiple members of the family. For the family business scenario, any member of said family that's involved in the running of the business can be considered members of the Fulcrum. Each business will nonetheless have one single person that acts as the primary representative to the Fulcrum.

A business may have multiple members within the Fulcrum. This arrangement applies when a business is co-operated by multiple individuals or when it is a family business involving several family members. In the case of a family business, any family member participating in the business's operations can be considered a Fulcrum member. Each business designates one individual as the primary representative to the Fulcrum. This member is the sole individual eligible for higher positions within the Fulcrum and is the only one authorized to cast their vote on Fulcrum matters. It's important to note that having multiple members from the same business within the Fulcrum does not provide any advantages beyond this. The business still holds only one vote, and only one member can potentially serve on the Board of Nine or on one of the Committees.

Family members and close associates are often honored as honorary members of the Fulcrum. This designation is out of respect and to maintain positive relations among Fulcrum members. However, honorary members do not possess decision-making authority within the Fulcrum, except when authorized as a proxy for a member. In cases where a member cannot attend Fulcrum meetings or activities, they can appoint an honorary member as their proxy, granting them the authority to represent the member's business interests in their stead.

### Visual identifiers

Fulcrum members are easily distinguishable by the presence of the Fulcrum's emblem, often worn as a chest pin or incorporated into their clothing's intricate details, such as silver buttons. They are known for their sartorial elegance, dressing in high-quality attire that's designed to impress, particularly when engaging with business partners, both current and prospective. While the specific clothing styles vary, they generally adhere to Marcandria's typical fashion. Men commonly wear a combination of cloak, doublet, vest, and shirt, while women opt for fine dresses paired with a cloak or overcoat. Some female members choose the more practical male attire of cloak, doublet, vest, and shirt for their business dealings. In addition to their clothing, Fulcrum members may accessorize with gold-trimmed pince-nez or lorgnettes, especially if they have visual impairments, or embellished canes. In essence, Fulcrum members attire themselves in the fashion expected of upper-class Marcandrian citizens, often striving to mirror the noble elite.

### Members list

- Board of Nine:
  - Emido Vahr DiVeno – Vahr DiVeno Enterprise
  - Endymion Benetti – The Benetti Family
  - Pelliccia – Pelliccia's Furs and Hides
  - Gaelean de Cadro – The Celadon Mercenary Company
  - Francesca Gambachini – Gambachini Spices
  - Colina de la Mare – de la Mare Ensemble
  - Zaccherio D'Ascia – D'Ascia Shipbuilding Enterprise
  - Khiden Gaeldaire/Brightbrow, the Jewelsmith – The Brightbrow Company
  - Liona Ondarra – Ondarra Family
- Other:
  - Jacobe Capelli (Luferi) – Capelli Lumbering
  - Ridol Acolti (Fillighera) – Acolti Honeymead Destillery

## Beliefs

The Fulcrum's members do not share a set of religious beliefs that bind them together. The organization's primary concern is not the origins or beliefs of its members but rather whether those beliefs pose challenges to the organization's operations. While members of Marcandrian nationality tend to have a close affinity with the Marcandrian Diostri, especially the goddess Meranzi, who embodies commerce, trade, and exceptionalism, religious beliefs are not a central focus. The Fulcrum generally adheres to meritocratic principles, holding individuals who have achieved success and demonstrated exceptional skill in high regard, often recognizing them as peers.

The Fulcrum's core purpose revolves around enhancing the wealth and influence of its members. Individual members may have additional personal goals beyond amassing wealth and market influence, with the aforementioned often being the means to their other goals, though the Fulcrum itself does not concern itself with what these additional goals are so long as they do not pose a threat to the Fulcrum's endeavors. Many members subscribe to the Marcandrian concept of striving for the pinnacle of society, with most members of the Fulcrum viewing economic power as the most effective means of achieving this goal. Economic power is considered the most versatile form of power by Fulcrum members, often surpassing other forms in its ability to enact their will.

One of the fundamental tenets of the Fulcrum's belief system is that securing an undisputed market dominance or even a complete monopoly is the most effective way to safeguard their positions within the market. This conviction leads them to make strategic decisions, even at the cost of operating their businesses at a deficit for a period, to bankrupt competitors and establish market supremacy

Image holds immense importance for the Fulcrum. They aim for respect from others and often desire that their competitors view them with a degree of fear. They also value their public image, though not in a universal sense. The Fulcrum strives to maintain positive relationships with business partners and seeks to sustain at least a satisfactory rapport with customers, ensuring they do not shy away from their products. As for those businesses that fall victim to the Fulcrum's aggressive pursuit of market dominance, they are often perceived as failures by Marcandrian society. This societal perspective is fortunate for the Fulcrum, as it results in minimal public backlash against their practices, provided they remain discreet and that their actions do not negatively affect the general customer base.

## Goals

The Fulcrum's organizational goals are clear and direct. Its primary objective is to enhance the wealth of its members and to establish unrivaled economic dominance throughout Marcandria. To achieve this, the Fulcrum often strives to secure undisputed market control, or even outright monopolies. This is typically accomplished through aggressive competition, which involves the displacement of rivals and the domination of suppliers, effectively leading to markets wholly dictated by the Fulcrum's influence. While the organization itself does not hold specific goals beyond this economic pursuit, it serves as a means to its members' individual ends. Consequently, the Fulcrum is dedicated to advancing its members' interests and wealth, without prescribing how that wealth should be employed.

Within the Fulcrum's diverse membership, individuals have varying reasons for amassing wealth and pursuing market monopolization. The only stipulations set by the Fulcrum concern members' objectives not endangering the organization's position or reputation, nor causing unnecessary discord among other members. This doesn't preclude rivalries or competing interests within the Fulcrum; in some cases, members may compete for similar goals. However, direct opposition, such as two members vying to create competing monopolies, is discouraged as it is deemed counterproductive by the Fulcrum.

Members' objectives span a spectrum. Some aspire to political power, aiming to surpass noble titles and utilize Marcandria's meritocratic values to bolster their claim to replace existing nobility. Others seek to establish long-term security and stability, securing the well-being of their descendants for generations to come. Some are driven by the prestige that accompanies recognition as the best in their field, while others pursue ever-increasing wealth to attain the carefree, joyous, and fulfilling life promised by Marcandrian society's pinnacle. There are are also members whose deep passion for their craft leads them to expand their pursuits purely for the love of it. A few are driven to control the practice of their craft, driven by an unwavering dedication that cannot tolerate half-hearted competitors defiling the artistry of their field.

## Organization

The Fulcrum's structure can be distilled into three main components: the Board of Nine, the seven committees, and the wider membership base. The Board of Nine consists of the nine most affluent and influential Fulcrum members. Among these nine, a Chairman and Vice-Chairman are elected by the entire Fulcrum community, occupying the organization's highest-ranking positions. Their responsibilities encompass the general management, administration, and oversight of the Fulcrum. While the collective Board of Nine holds ultimate power, the Chairman and Vice-Chairman play pivotal roles in daily decision-making, especially when the Board isn't in session. Additionally, they serve as official representatives when dealing with external entities and governments.

The remaining seven members of the Board of Nine each head one of the Fulcrum's seven committees. The assignment of committee chairpersons is determined through negotiations among the nine Board members. Their duties include presenting committee matters for Board decision, supervising committee members and task delegation, and collaborating with other committees to ensure cohesive work. These chairpersons are also responsible for managing their committee's budget. The Board of Nine collectively shapes the Fulcrum's overarching direction and strategy and holds the authority to overturn or modify committee decisions. Decrees and regulations proposed by the committees usually undergo a review by the Board of Nine before taking effect.

Committee members are elected following a similar process as the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board. All members are eligible to become committee members, and they choose which committees they intend to potentially join, provided they garner enough votes. If a member qualifies for multiple committees, the runner-up in line for the remaining committee spot ascends to fill the vacancy. Committee members receive specific responsibilities and tasks and are often assisted by personnel directly employed by the Fulcrum.

Elections for the committees, Chairman, and Vice-Chairman of the Board are held every two years, precisely three months before the current term concludes. At this juncture, the Fulcrum completes member evaluations, quantifying each member's perceived affluence and market influence. The nine with the highest scores will compose the Board of Nine for the forthcoming term. The Fulcrum also compiles lists of members interested in specific committee positions, and the results of everyone's evaluations are provided to inform each member when casting their votes. Members have just under three months to ensure their votes are registered with the administration under the direct purview of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Importantly, during the election period, the Fulcrum treats matters related to the Board of Nine, committee candidates, and eligible voters as fixed, unless extraordinary events occur. This means that members who join after the election period begins do not get to vote until the next election cycle, and further changes in terms of wealth and influence are not considered in the completed evaluations.

Meetings for both the Board of Nine and the committees occur bi-monthly on an alternating basis, typically spanning several days. Given the great distances and slow transportation means, committee members often utilize proxies for these meetings. However, the first post-election meeting and the one-year mark meeting require mandatory in-person attendance, barring extraordinary circumstances. These gatherings typically transpire in either Vessina or Revanna, Marcandria's two busiest trade ports, and play host to the larger strategy discussions and decisions for the upcoming year.

### The Fulcrum's Seven Committees

1. Personnel Committee: Responsible for overseeing the Fulcrum's workforce, including hiring, training, compensation, and general employee well-being. This pertains to personnel working directly for the Fulcrum organization itself, not those within individual member businesses. This committee also manages day-to-day operations through its staff.
2. Membership Committee: Manages Fulcrum membership, encompassing new admissions, rule compliance, and conflict resolution among members.
3. Finance Committee: Oversees the Fulcrum's financial affairs, including budgeting, investments, and financial stability maintenance. Responsibilities extend to collecting dues and fees, investing in ventures, and providing loans and financial assistance to members.
4. Relations Committee: Handles external relations, such as negotiations with governments, collaboration with other organizations, and fostering positive relationships with customers and suppliers. This committee often collaborates with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board in critical meetings.
5. Production Committee: Manages the Fulcrum's production activities, including supply chain management, quality assurance, and product development. Responsible for making sure the Fulcrum's members adhere to the organization's quality and reliability standards.
6. Trade Committee: Manages trade-related activities, including trade agreement negotiations, partner coordination, and market monitoring. Trade agreements encompass the transportation of goods, whether among Fulcrum members or external partners.
7. Legal Committee: Ensures Fulcrum compliance with laws and regulations, handles legal disputes, and represents the organization in legal proceedings.

## Operations and endeavors

The Fulcrum is an organization primarily concerned with increasing its own wealth and the wealth of its members. Most of the Fulcrum's endeavors and operations serve to support and further these goals. While the Fulcrum's members engage in a wide range of business ventures, these typically fall into one or more of the following categories:

1. Trading of goods such as spices, silk, cloth, wine, and other luxury items from other countries or regions.
2. Engaging in long-distance trade by shipping goods over sea or land routes.
3. Engaging in local trade by selling goods in markets and fairs.
4. Manufacturing and selling finished goods from raw materials, including clothing, textiles, and metalwork.
5. Financing and investing in various ventures, such as shipping, mining, and agriculture.
6. Owning and operating inns, taverns, and other establishments along trade routes.
7. Owning and leasing property, such as warehouses, shops, and apartments.
8. Engaging in banking and moneylending activities.

The Fulcrum's own ventures are meant to support and expand the ventures of its members. Typical examples of this would be by making trade agreements with new partners — thus adding suppliers and/or opening new markets for its members. They may similarly make agreements with partners to get premium prices on goods for its members or first-priority on purchasing goods. At the same time, the Fulcrum will engage in self-regulation by guaranteeing consistent quality and reliability when engaging in trade with members from the Fulcrum. The Fulcrum is always engaged in negotiations with both potential new and existing business partners and governmental figures in order to maintain good relations customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

The Fulcrum's own ventures aim to support and expand its members' businesses. For example, the Fulcrum may negotiate trade agreements with new partners to add suppliers or open new markets for its members. They might also secure premium prices on goods or priority purchasing for its members. Simultaneously, the Fulcrum maintains self-regulation to ensure consistent quality and reliability in its trade, which enhances its reputation and allows for more favorable negotiations with potential business partners and government officials. This commitment to quality and reliability reassures customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies of the Fulcrum's trustworthiness. The Fulcrum is continually involved in negotiations with potential new business partners and government officials to maintain good relations with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

Managing public relations and relations with partners can be complex. The Fulcrum aggressively seeks to expand its reach and market share, often pushing out competitors to achieve undisputed market dominance, or even a monopoly. They may gain control over their competitors' suppliers, effectively forcing them out of the market. The Fulcrum is also willing to lower prices to the point of operating at a deficit temporarily, financially supporting the members it affects while bankrupting competitors. While the Fulcrum doesn't concern itself with being liked by competitors, it does care about maintaining relations with local authorities and other business partners. To balance these dynamics, the Fulcrum offers favorable negotiations and concessions to partners negatively affected by their dominance strategies. This ensures that partners enjoy a net gain, even as the Fulcrum gains control over a new market.

The Fulcrum leverages its vast resources without hesitation. If a small town discovers precious metals, the Fulcrum might invest considerable funds to claim the supply, generating industry and job opportunities but making the local economy entirely reliant on the Fulcrum. Similarly, a local noble house might experience a significant income boost, but it risks losing authority if it becomes too dependent on Fulcrum business.

The Fulcrum avoids engaging in illegal trade, seeing it as detrimental in the long term. However, it does push the boundaries of what's considered legal. A dedicated committee ensures Fulcrum members comply with local laws and regulations while lobbying with governing figures to expand their permissible activities. The legal committee also manages disputes arising from the Fulcrum's aggressive practices, ceasing any operation deemed illegal and expelling members found in violation.

Each committee within the Fulcrum has distinct tasks and responsibilities, outlined in the Operations chapter. Committee members typically employ front-line workers, such as information gatherers, who play a vital role in various operations. For example, they might inspect a facility run by a Fulcrum member to ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards. While a committee member oversees the site and conducts inspections, front-line workers handle most of the actual inspection work.

## Locations

The Fulcrum's members are predominantly concentrated along the bustling Merchant's Bay, spanning the area between Vessina and Revanna, as well as in other major coastal settlements across Marcandria. In simpler terms, they gravitate towards regions with the most vibrant commercial activities. However, this does not mean they do not extend their presence further inland or in smaller settlements. Members whose businesses focus on inland trade typically establish their operations in the largest commercial hub of the region, serving as a central convergence point for their goods before they are dispatched to distant markets. Additionally, it's common for Fulcrum members to have ventures in smaller settlements, even if they are not personally based there. These serve as additional sites for their operations, with some remote hamlets entirely reliant on the industry provided by Fulcrum-affiliated businesses. Goods produced in these locations are typically transported to the member's primary hub.

Fulcrum-affiliated businesses are characterized by their opulent and extravagant design, meticulously crafted to impress partners, customers, and convey an image of prosperity and competence, aligning closely with Marcandrian societal values. The level of luxury and intricacy varies based on a member's wealth and location. Extraction sites in remote rural areas may prioritize functional facilities over extravagance, whereas establishments in bustling coastal trade hubs often feature gold-encrusted furnishings and priceless artworks—anything that elevates their perceived wealth and success.

Prominent members within the Fulcrum are undoubtedly wealthy, and their lifestyles reflect this affluence. They reside in lavish mansions adorned with valuable items, including art pieces and historical relics. Many affluent members regularly organize events, some doing so almost continuously. These gatherings serve the dual purpose of increasing their local presence and showcasing their wealth and success to their peers. These events encompass private parties and exclusive masquerades, as well as public celebrations, although these are seldom acts of charity; they primarily aim to enhance their public image and notoriety.

The Fulcrum operates two grandiose meeting halls—one situated in Vessina and the other in Revanna. These establishments serve as meeting venues and joint headquarters for both the Fulcrum and numerous members. They host discussions, meetings, and serve as focal points for the social, economic, and political activities involving the Fulcrum. These opulent venues also play host to banquets, celebrations, and are the primary locations where the Board of Nine and the committees convene. They serve as central hubs for members to conduct their business, particularly for those engaged in trade within Vessina or Revanna but are not permanently based in these cities. These guild halls are renowned for their grandeur, symbolizing the vast wealth, power, and prestige of the Fulcrum.

## Relations with other factions

The Fulcrum is widely recognized for its longstanding rivalry with the Wayfarer's Union, which was originally established as a counterbalance to the Fulcrum's ambitious industrial expansions. This complex relationship is characterized by a multitude of deals and trade agreements between their respective members. However, beneath the surface, both factions harbor a deep desire to outmaneuver and surpass the other in order to gain dominance within the Marcandrian economy.

Similarly, the Meranzeum occupies a unique position as both a rival and a business partner to the Fulcrum. Given the Meranzeum's status as a religious organization with considerable influence among Marcandrians, it acts as an imposing entity that may oppose the Fulcrum's initiatives in one aspect while providing support in another. This duality hinges on the Meranzeum's perspective of each specific endeavor. Consequently, the Fulcrum regards the Meranzeum as a somewhat intricate business partner, with decisions contingent upon predicting the Meranzeum's stance on their various undertakings.

The Fulcrum vehemently condemns any affiliation with organizations involved in the black market or the trade of illicit goods and openly refuses to engage in business with them. This unwavering position is rooted in pragmatism, recognizing that Marcandrians generally despise illegal dealings. The Fulcrum fully understands that any hint of involvement in illicit trade would lead to substantial public backlash and potential boycotts. Consequently, they consider the risk far too great to even contemplate engaging in such activities. While a few Fulcrum members clandestinely engage in unlawful transactions, the organization swiftly expels any members caught participating in such activities.

## Stance on Succession conflict

The Fulcrum's official stance is that of neutrality when it comes to the Marcandrian succession crisis that started in the wake of the royal family's murder in the winter of 1349 AD. However, as the crisis progressed, an increasing number of Fulcrum members have started voicing their favor of de Vesci's claim.