The Five Oceans Company (VOC) is no doubt a dominating mercantile force on all five oceans of Toril. Once a simple yet ambitious trading company, the VOC has been uplifted by a golden history of riches and splendor spanning two centuries until now. It has become the backbone of Great Balduran's maritime empire, spreading its mercantile influence in nearly every civilized land which meets the sea.
While the VOC isn't as wealthy as the Amn, it has the benefit of being a union of privately-owned businesses. In other words, it doesn't bid to the interests of domestic royalty, but rather to its own trusted and experienced members on the field. The VOC originates from Great Balduran, and its primary headquarters is based in the kingdom's capital: Baldur's Gate— it is allegedly the largest city in the Mortal Realm. However, the company has both merged itself and forged contracts with many foreign commercial groups. Its contemporary form is that of an international conglomerate, perhaps the first of its kind.
In Kara-Tur, the VOC appeals to professional merchants who wish for naval protection in pirate-infested waters. The company often organizes military-commercial-hybrid convoys, enlisting hundreds of privateers-for-hire to combat threats such as the Jeweled Fleets. Unlike the Golden Legion, the VOC's services are available to merchants of any nationality; it is not a colonial power.
Beliefs
- May we bring the five oceans together as one.
- May the worthy deserve profit.
- A contract, signed and sealed, must be observed.
Goals
To forged a trading empire that which the sun may never set upon, and bring wealth to all those who participate.
Activities
WIP