The Vertiglobuli Family
The Vertiglobuli Family is a quite young family. The name already is highly unorthodox - Vertiglobuli received his name in his youth, a reference to his inexperience that was supposed to mock him, but he wore it with pride even after he had proven himself time and again. His rise to wealth raised lots of questions, and people treated him with suspicion all his life, but he took this with pride - for him it was a sign he was doing something right.
He was always on the hunt for opportunities and had no qualms breaking with traditions if it meant he could outplay his rivals, be it business or elsewhere. The family motto "Never Rest." summarizes his philosophy - no matter what you have reached, if you don't keep working hard and seeking out opportunities it may be gone again in a heartbeat. Always be one step ahead of the game.
Yet, they never did. Rumors still abound when it comes to Vertiglobuli's life before wealth and fame. Some claim he was a criminal escaping punishment and trying his luck in the Sea of Pearls as a pirate. Others believe he was the son of a prostitute and is trying to conceal that with colorful stories. Again others say it was a lot more harmless - he was born poor and just trying to make ends meet as part of the crew of a sailing vessel. No one has any proof to their claims.
Most seem to agree though that he had some function on a ship at some part in his life, and that he did spend some time outside of the Council lands. Upon his return to the Seat, he tried to make ends meet with odd jobs as they arose, until he met Irim and accompanied her on the expedition to the Northern Reaches.
Again, stories disagree. Some say he was a criminal and the expedition was just an excuse to finally be able to officially use the illicit money he made. A few even claim he financed the expedition. Others believe he and Irim were lovers and that's why he went north with her.
Vertiglobuli himself never bothered to address those rumors. If someone told him about it or even went as far as to question him about it, he would just smirk and give vague answers that could be read either way.
These days, Vertiglobulis son Aldaeus is still leading the family. The critics have to begrudgingly admit that he seems to be not half as colorful as his father. He married young, lost his wife early, and mourned her deeply, focusing his energy on the business to compensate. Unlike his father, he has caused no scandals, only a few surprising decisions when it came to his private life - no one expected him to be so set for only one woman of dubious reputation, but his short marriage with Tiphaine seems to have been one of the happiest and most genuine people have seen.
Unfortunately, his second marriage to Laëtitia seems to not be as blessed. People were surprised to see him consider marriage again at all, but they agreed that if anyone could warm his heart again, it would be the sweet, innocent, dreamy Laëtitia. Just like Tiphaine, she soon bore him another child, but things seem to have changed since then. She did not become pregnant again, and rumors state that she and Aldaeus grew apart while she spoiled their son Cyamus.
When he disappeared on his mission in Utopia, it broke her heart. News of his reappearance left her overjoyed, and she immediately took the trip to Utopia to see him, against the advice of her husband. Laëtitia arrived in Utopia only to find him recently deceased, and she has been a shadow of herself ever since.
Anaïs and Preben both seem to be as reputable as they come. Preben is following his fathers footsteps and has become the treasurer in the Merchant's Guild, while Anaïs has become an important partner to her father in the Vertiglobuli Trading Company. Some quiet whispers come up every now and then, regarding Anaïs' private life, but no one of the Vertiglobuli family comments on it, least of all Anaïs. She is rarely seen at social events, and if so, only as a representative of the VTC, making it easy for her to deflect all questions with a laugh and guiding the conversation back to business.
Preben, on the other hand, did not pick a bride in the merry season of dances as is usual among the Seat's elite. He met his wife while learning his trade in the VTC, where she worked as a clerk. It took many people by surprise to see that Aldaeus did not intervene, since clearly Maybelle was not of the same status, but Aldaeus both knew Maybelles character and knew what it meant to be in love, so he was more than happy to give his son the family's blessing.
Interestingly enough, it only took Aldaeus' family to turn the disreputable outcast family into a well-respected member of the social elite of the Council. The ongoing financial success probably contributed to no small extent.
Aldaeus inherited both his people sense and his instinct for opportunities, and with the decline of the Timber Keep he approached the lumberjacks and encouraged them to make use of the scrap wood and carve "magical" items out of it. Together, he and the lumberjacks claim that there is inherent magic in those carvings, and that it is an ancient secret that mages try to keep under the rug, because it threatens their monopoly. Utopians with their incurable desire to study everything, especially magic, are practically ripping this from their hands, ensuring profit for the VTC and an income to live from for the carvers.
"Never, ever, rest, my son. Remember - no matter how hard you worked for your money, a twist of fate might take it all away. If not, a jealous rival surely will. Never rest, and always keep your back covered."
He was always on the hunt for opportunities and had no qualms breaking with traditions if it meant he could outplay his rivals, be it business or elsewhere. The family motto "Never Rest." summarizes his philosophy - no matter what you have reached, if you don't keep working hard and seeking out opportunities it may be gone again in a heartbeat. Always be one step ahead of the game.
The Founder
- "Does he really believe his money entitles him to a place among us honest merchants? I tell you, he is delusional... Wait, what? The Master accepted his application?!"
"There was nothing he could do. No one has ever been able to prove that tramp did something wrong. He smells like trouble, but unfortunately the statute does not account for common sense and we have to let him in. Don't worry, though - I have my best men on his tails. We will find something!"
Yet, they never did. Rumors still abound when it comes to Vertiglobuli's life before wealth and fame. Some claim he was a criminal escaping punishment and trying his luck in the Sea of Pearls as a pirate. Others believe he was the son of a prostitute and is trying to conceal that with colorful stories. Again others say it was a lot more harmless - he was born poor and just trying to make ends meet as part of the crew of a sailing vessel. No one has any proof to their claims.
Most seem to agree though that he had some function on a ship at some part in his life, and that he did spend some time outside of the Council lands. Upon his return to the Seat, he tried to make ends meet with odd jobs as they arose, until he met Irim and accompanied her on the expedition to the Northern Reaches.
- "Irim! My lovely rose, age just can't seem to harm you, does it? You become more beautiful every time I see you! Here, give this dottery old man the pleasure to hug a beautiful woman once more!"Laughing, Irim hugs him.- "Oh Verti, charming as ever. Will you ever grow up and start thinking about what other people think?"
- "Never, my dear. And if I do, please kill me immediately!"
Again, stories disagree. Some say he was a criminal and the expedition was just an excuse to finally be able to officially use the illicit money he made. A few even claim he financed the expedition. Others believe he and Irim were lovers and that's why he went north with her.
Vertiglobuli himself never bothered to address those rumors. If someone told him about it or even went as far as to question him about it, he would just smirk and give vague answers that could be read either way.
The Current Leader
These days, Vertiglobulis son Aldaeus is still leading the family. The critics have to begrudgingly admit that he seems to be not half as colorful as his father. He married young, lost his wife early, and mourned her deeply, focusing his energy on the business to compensate. Unlike his father, he has caused no scandals, only a few surprising decisions when it came to his private life - no one expected him to be so set for only one woman of dubious reputation, but his short marriage with Tiphaine seems to have been one of the happiest and most genuine people have seen.
"I have to admit, Aldaeus, I was not happy with your proposal, given your family history. I only accepted because Tiphaine managed to wreck her reputation thoroughly - but it was the best decision I have made. I have never seen her that happy, or as much of a proper woman as with you. And obviously, I quite lacked judgement with you - please accept my sincere apologies!"
Unfortunately, his second marriage to Laëtitia seems to not be as blessed. People were surprised to see him consider marriage again at all, but they agreed that if anyone could warm his heart again, it would be the sweet, innocent, dreamy Laëtitia. Just like Tiphaine, she soon bore him another child, but things seem to have changed since then. She did not become pregnant again, and rumors state that she and Aldaeus grew apart while she spoiled their son Cyamus.
When he disappeared on his mission in Utopia, it broke her heart. News of his reappearance left her overjoyed, and she immediately took the trip to Utopia to see him, against the advice of her husband. Laëtitia arrived in Utopia only to find him recently deceased, and she has been a shadow of herself ever since.
- "I really feel bad for Laëtitia... He probably should never have married again. But I get why he got infatuated with her, she was such a sweet, innocent girl... I wonder why he got fed up with her so quickly."
"Well, she never had quite the same fire Tiphaine had. They do look alike, but she was never able to step out of Tiphaine's shadow... Really a tragedy, especially what happened to their son then."
"Truth be told, I never really liked him, -"
"Absolutely! I don't know anyone who did, except his mother. I don't even know what Aldaeus thinks of him. After Anaïs and Preben, he must have been so disappointed in him..."
The family heirs
Anaïs and Preben both seem to be as reputable as they come. Preben is following his fathers footsteps and has become the treasurer in the Merchant's Guild, while Anaïs has become an important partner to her father in the Vertiglobuli Trading Company. Some quiet whispers come up every now and then, regarding Anaïs' private life, but no one of the Vertiglobuli family comments on it, least of all Anaïs. She is rarely seen at social events, and if so, only as a representative of the VTC, making it easy for her to deflect all questions with a laugh and guiding the conversation back to business.
- "Anaïs! So nice to see you! My wife was so disappointed you could not make it to our dinner party the other day. Tell me, when are you free? She would really love to meet you! My son is on leave from his ship as well, I'm sure you two would be fast friends! He's the captain of the Windsbride, one of the fastest cargo vessels you'll see!"
Anaïs greets the man with a measured smile."Rhydderch, what a pleasure meeting you. I would love to talk more about this, but I really don't want our company waiting - and just today I don't have much time either. There's a Utopian merchant vessel that we are contemplating to hire, and father wants me to join him in the negotiations..."
Preben, on the other hand, did not pick a bride in the merry season of dances as is usual among the Seat's elite. He met his wife while learning his trade in the VTC, where she worked as a clerk. It took many people by surprise to see that Aldaeus did not intervene, since clearly Maybelle was not of the same status, but Aldaeus both knew Maybelles character and knew what it meant to be in love, so he was more than happy to give his son the family's blessing.
"I have to admit, this ball is somewhat decent. Truly a surprise, if you ask me, given the background of this woman."
The lady huffs."Let's hope the dinner can keep up. I just hope Laëtitia taught her what people expect from a member of the Vertiglobuli family!"
Interestingly enough, it only took Aldaeus' family to turn the disreputable outcast family into a well-respected member of the social elite of the Council. The ongoing financial success probably contributed to no small extent.
Business
- The Vertiglobuli Trading Company
"Say what you want about him. He does look out for us. The prize he offered us for the work is generous, especially given that in the beginning no one even believed us! No, good sir, you won't hear a bad word about the Vertiglobulis from me!
Aldaeus inherited both his people sense and his instinct for opportunities, and with the decline of the Timber Keep he approached the lumberjacks and encouraged them to make use of the scrap wood and carve "magical" items out of it. Together, he and the lumberjacks claim that there is inherent magic in those carvings, and that it is an ancient secret that mages try to keep under the rug, because it threatens their monopoly. Utopians with their incurable desire to study everything, especially magic, are practically ripping this from their hands, ensuring profit for the VTC and an income to live from for the carvers.
- The Vertiglobuli Academy
- "Pelka! Why are you still up? You are grown-up now, you should know you need your sleep!"Today, the Vertiglobuli Academy employs the brightest and most innovative minds that are willing to teach, and the Tarassyr they do business with get offered a number of spots every year. But the Academy also takes paying students from the Council lands who are interested in a different kind of knowledge than the five orders have to offer, and what started as a favor to their favorite business partner has turned into a flourishing business itself. Others who have realized this try to jump on the bandwaggon, but thanks to the money the trade business brought in and the respect Aldaeus and his children show the teachers, the VA always gets the brightest minds.
Pelka makes an unhappy face."Moooom, I know that! But how can I sleep when I get to travel to the Vertiglobuli Academy tomorrow?! Also, I'm a grown-up now, so I'm old enough to decide that I don't want to sleep!"
"Never Rest."
Type
Family
Preben Vertiglobuli (b. 3479)
Anaïs Vertiglobuli (b. 3481)
Maybelle Vertiglobuli (b. 3475, m. Preben 3500)
Frederic Vertiglobuli (b. 3503)
Mercédès Vertiglobuli (b. 3505)
Therezije Vertiglobuli (b. 3508)
Estele Vertiglobuli (b. 3510)
Arlette Vertiglobuli (b. 3506, m. Frederic 3524)
Aaron Vertiglobuli (b. 3525)
Cyamus Vertiglobuli (b. 3495, dec. 3518)
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