The Trust of the Fellows Orthi

The Supreme Bank of the Realm...

Even kings need a place to store their treasure. To this end, several banks have risen to satisfy the needs of royalty and nobility. The most prominent institution in all the west (and indeed in the east of Golthien as well) is the "royal" Trust of the Fellows Orthi.
Founded by a wealthy noble family with direct ties to the (later) founders of the Club Masters, the Orthi clan was one of the first to initiate the mere concept of banking, and thus became pioneers within the burgeoning industry. They quickly stamped out any sizable competition, and have a virtual monopoly on the industry itself. This is not to say that there aren't other independent banks, however none have ever approached the size and reach of the Fellows Orthi.
The headquarters for the company (and largest of the banking institutions) is the "Golden Block" in Angleport. The structure is so named for it's massive, block-spanning size, as well as the gold it both contains and exhibits throughout the actual architecture of the looming building. The bank is more fortified than any prison, and is guarded by elite forces, day and night. The soldiers tasked with protecting the Golden Block are elite former mercenaries, now under the permanent employ of the Fellows Orthi. They are loyal to a fault, and most would die to protect their charge.
The shadow of the institution is both literal and figurative, as even the realm itself borrows from the bank. It is even rumored that the kingdom of Wyeth is in massive debt, and owes its very continuance on the "mercy" of the bank officials.
Apolitical in nature, the bank often services both sides of a conflict during wartimes. None challenge this, as in most situations, the bank holds all the cards. There is even rumor that the Fellows Orthi have ties to the dread Lentokki god kings, as it seems even the "divine amongst us" need money, and lots of it.

Structure

The institution is run by a Board of Directors, with a President at the head. The board consists of eleven permanent members, with new initiates only being incorporated after the death of a former board member. The President has veto power over the board, as long as there isn't a "strong majority" in opposition. At least, that's the way it's supposed to work.
The current President of the Orthi, called the "Lord Purveyor," is one Archibald Burgess Orthi. The position of Lord Purveyor has always been traditionally held by a direct descendant of the bank founders.

Culture

The culture of the bank and its "accessories" is one of abject fear. There is a coldness, something only a stone-faced juggernaut can produce. The bank is feared more than an invading army, and many wars have in fact been initiated on behalf of Orthi's interests.

Public Agenda

"To safeguard the assets of both crown and noble."

Assets

It is, by design, unknown as to the exact wealth of the bank, but it's safe to say that it outstrips any other institution by a wide margin. Beyond physical money, the bank also owns portions (if not a totality) of multiple gold and silver mines throughout the realm.
The Fellows invest in many operations beyond the obvious, and a complete list of its holding is also quite unknown. They are involved in practically everything, including "The Arts," which they are a known patron of.

History

The bank is as old as Angleport itself, having been formed as one of the initial structures produced by the burgeoning city, thousands of years ago. It was, and still is, supported by the Club Masters, and cross-over between the two organizations is deep and plentiful.
The bank is responsible for the foundation of many settlements as well. Not the least of which being the capitol city of Markhan.

"Ever Watchful. Ever Vigilant." "We are the Impenetrable"

Type

Financial, Bank

Capital

Angleport

Alternative Names

"The Fellows" "The Bank of Orthi"

Parent Organization

Wyeth

Location

Angleport