Options, Stocks, Funds
The first recorded and publicly offered stock was in 1611, when the Golden Eagle Trading Company was formed. The founding members offered stock options in order to raise funds to establish new trade routes between Eisen and the Summerlands. The initial returns on the investment made the stock certificates extremely valuable and they became regularly traded.
In 1642, a wizard specializing in weather magic forecast heavy storms that would negatively impact the crop harvest of Avalon. His sister, Alenia Ilikas, upon learning this sought out farms her brother predicted would be least impacted and purchased the options for their harvest at a set price, offering a smaller amount for the overall harvest, but providing gold up front. When the predicted storms devastated the country's harvest, Alenia resold the harvest, setting her sale price just below the cost of importing produce. The venture was profitable enough that, despite having no magical talent, Alenia was able to purchase a noble title. This was the first recorded Option purchase.
The success of the Golden Eagle Trading Company and Alenia’s venture into farm options have led to a new area of commerce. Today, most major cities have a Trade House where options and stocks can be purchased and sold. This has, in turn, led to individuals who specialize in managing funds buying and selling at the trading houses for their clients. Though commonly used by well-to-do merchants and the middle class, many noble houses have started to take part in Trade Houses.
Though such Trade Houses are not directly run by of The Association of Bankers and Moneylenders, the guild always maintains a presence at the Trade Houses and its members are often employed there.
Primary Related Location
Important Locations
Related Organizations