The Aurum

The Aurum is a semi-secretive social club containing many of the wealthiest citizens of Esseas and the Meridian Concord. Officially they attract those with an interest in history and artifacts of the past, but many are also attracted by the access to many of the wealthiest and most influential of individuals.

Humble Beginnings

The Aurum started as a fraternity of wealthy and powerful Dragonborn, Elves and Dwarves who sought to rebuild portions of their people's past. Blaming Humans predominantly for the woes of their people, they staunchly refused their entry for hundreds of years. But unable to deny their rise in power and wealth, they began to allow human and other species into the fold. Today, with a great degree of varying objectives and interests among its members it's original objectives are now as much as thing of the past as what they sought to rebuild. Today, the Aurum is a powerful fraternity of rich and influential nobles from across Esseas, spanning all the races of the world.

The Concordians

Chapters of the Aurum across the world are known as "Concords", and members of the Aurum, are known as Concordians. They wear rings of a varying metal (copper, silver, gold, electrum or platinum) at all times, a tradition derived from the dwarves. These rings bear either a symbol or a word etched on the inside of the ring, which correspond to their Concord, and denote their rank within the Aurum.
Social position determines at what level new members join, but station is not determine solely by wealth or social position. Other factors such as access, information, skills, etc. are weighed when determining a prospective members station, and their progression through the ranks. In theory any Concordian can ascend through merit to the Platinum Concord given time, merit, and other traits.
As with any elite organization, rumors continuously circulate about membership, intentions, rituals, and activities. Some believe there is a secret conspiracy within the Aurum that operates separately from the Concords. Others believe there is a Shadow Cabinet which has plans to rule the continent of Esseas. But, few know their true intentions, save for those in the highest echelons of the organization.