Profit Priests
Overview
For the Profit Priests, money is the name of the game. They are opportunistic and cautious, running the economy like a well-oiled machine. Although they are often labelled elitist and exploitative, they are necessary to fund complex projects, manage international trade, and allocate limited resources. The commoners often use them as scapegoats, but the wise know not to oppose the fortune.
Origin
The land known as Intermarium lies in the rough highlands between three seas. The local people have always faced an unfriendly climate and ever-changing weather, making their lives uneasy. Moreover, the lack of fertile lands and abundant resources taught them to work hard and make the most of very little.
Around the early second millennium FS, due to the "Great Mapping" event, the major continental powers finally came into close contact with each other and began considering the best trade routes. Suddenly, a seemingly useless piece of land nobody bothered to conquer became the heart of international trade. Numerous caravans and ships would come from all over to exchange goods on the neutral territory of mountain tribes. The smartest quickly realized the benefits of being in the middle of complex supply chains connecting the world.
Since they had few goods to offer their guests, the Intermarians began learning foreign languages and customs to act as intermediaries. Over time, they deeply understood the many layers of making money and building lasting business relationships. By the third millennium, the Intermarians had transformed their homeland into the most vibrant financial hub, offering foreigners simple and transparent legislation and low taxes in return for a small portion of business equity.
Such a dramatic shift in the level of well-being made the Intermarians seek an explanation beyond the rational. Many considered it a form of divine intervention. The central philosophical book supporting this worldview, 'The Great Flow', was published in 1921 FS. It described all economic activities as streams that often encounter obstacles. Removing obstacles and turning many streams into a river is the greater purpose. Its followers call themselves the Profit Priests.
Present
The Profit Priests are a powerful faction in the world of Solar Dale, known for their ability to attract large amounts of capital to fund ample opportunities. They were instrumental in financing the early expeditions to Pandorah and building the first settlements on the new continent.
The Profit Priests are believers in 'The Great Flow', and many of the banks and enterprises in Solar Dale are wholly or partially owned by them. They actively seek opportunities to trade with the Old World, leveraging their resources to benefit Solar Dale. They also sponsor the relocation of prominent scientists from other continents to Solar Dale, further advancing their scientific and technological progress.
Although the Profit Priests are viewed as conservatives by the other citizens of Solar Dale, they take their time to assess ventures before deciding whether to fund them. This approach can lead to frustration from impatient scientists looking for funding, but the Priests believe it is necessary to evaluate opportunities properly.
The internal hierarchy of the Profit Priests is dynamic and based on the financial results of three-year business cycles. Those who make the most money are elected as advisors of common funds to support risky breakthrough projects.
While the Profit Priests generally try to avoid unnecessary competition within a city, they do not have similar "peace treaties" with major settlements. This means that bankers from other settlements, such as Crimson Rock, may challenge the Priests' capital city in various areas.
Despite their frequent investments in new technologies, the Profit Priests have a strange fear of zeppelins and other flying machines. They prefer to travel by sea and land whenever possible, although this superstition has no clear explanation. Many modern members choose to ignore it.
Notable figures
Aurel Aeneas is not only a member of the Profit Priests but also represents them in the Council. He comes from the wealthiest family in Solar Dale and has unparalleled connections in the Old World. While he may have become less willing to take risks as he aged, he can still secure moderate investment returns.
However, Aurel Aeneas has a strange superstition regarding zeppelins despite his success. He has never used them and considers them omens of bad luck. This fear is a source of amusement to some of his colleagues, who view it as an outdated superstition.
Glenn Hughes, on the other hand, is a young and successful investor from Crimson Rock. He has gained a reputation for his willingness to take risks and has invested heavily in new airships and research into gravity-defying packs. He dreams of making his hometown the financial capital of Pandorah and is seen by many as reckless.
To mock his counterparts from Solar Dale, who he sees as somewhat retrograde, Glenn travels there only on his private zeppelin, the first model R01 in the series. This choice is both a display of his wealth and a statement of his belief in the potential of air travel. It also sets him apart from Aurel Aeneas, who prefers to avoid zeppelins altogether.
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