Walraven Counting House
  1. Locations

Walraven Counting House

Upper District in Seregon

The Walraven Counting House is a prestigious and heavily guarded banking and storage facility located in the Upper District of Seregon. Positioned strategically in a triangular area between The Citadel, the embassies, and The Palace, it has a long history, dating back to a time before the Walraven family expanded into a full-fledged consortium.

This venerable institution serves as the financial heart of Seregon, where the business ledgers and financial books of the city's prominent enterprises are meticulously kept. It is also the central hub for merchants and businesses to receive appointments, handle correspondence, and manage demands for payment, ensuring the smooth operation of the city's vibrant economy.

Originally established as the private counting house for the Walraven Consortium, it has since opened its services to the public, becoming the primary location where merchants can safely count and deposit their money. The facility is equipped with various count rooms for this purpose, alongside a range of secure storage options. Small safes are available for clients with modest needs, while massive underground vaults, some as large as small homes, cater to the wealthiest and most powerful patrons.

The Walraven Counting House is built atop a complex network of subfloors that extend deep into the earth beneath both the Upper District and the neighboring Starfire Hill District. These subterranean levels add layers of security and storage capacity, making the Counting House an impenetrable fortress of finance.

On the top floor, the Counting House houses the government’s exchequer, the official department responsible for collecting and managing the kingdom’s taxes and revenues. The exchequer also handles payments on behalf of the sovereign and audits the official accounts of various state departments. In addition to its financial duties, the exchequer plays a crucial judicial role, overseeing legal cases related to revenue, ensuring that the kingdom’s financial matters are conducted with the utmost integrity.

The Walraven Counting House stands as a symbol of stability and power in Seregon, its long history and central location underscoring its importance to the city's financial and governmental operations.

Head Banker

The head banker of the Walraven Counting House is Evandra Silvertome, a meticulous and highly skilled wizard with elven heritage. Known for her sharp intellect and unwavering attention to detail, Lady Silvertome ensures that every transaction, no matter how small, is handled with precision. Her deep connection to magic allows her to safeguard the Counting House with powerful wards, making her both a formidable financial authority and a guardian of the city’s wealth. Despite her non-human origins, she commands great respect among Seregon’s elite, known for her fairness and strict adherence to protocol.

Reasons to Visit

  1. Guild Artisan (Merchant)

    • Connection: A character with ties to a prominent guild or trade network might frequently interact with the Counting House to handle their accounts, secure loans, or safeguard valuable goods. They may have a working relationship with the head banker, Evandra Silvertome, or rely on the Counting House's count rooms for their transactions.
    • Potential Role: This character could visit to negotiate a trade deal, secure financing for an ambitious project, or audit their books after rumors of embezzlement arise.

  2. Noble

    • Connection: A noble family might use the Counting House to manage their estates' financial holdings, store family heirlooms in the vaults, or collect revenue from their lands. A noble character might have grown up hearing of the Counting House as the backbone of Seregon’s economy.
    • Potential Role: The character could seek to uncover discrepancies in their family’s finances, forge political alliances through strategic donations, or investigate rumors of corruption in the exchequer.

Reasons a Character May Wish to Visit the Walraven Counting House

  1. Secure Wealth or Valuables

    • The Counting House’s underground vaults are legendary for their impenetrability. A character may wish to deposit personal wealth, safeguard rare items, or retrieve a family heirloom stored deep within the facility.

  2. Audit or Resolve Financial Disputes

    • With the exchequer located on the top floor, the Counting House is the place to address disputes over taxes, debts, or revenues. A character might need to contest an unjust ruling, pay overdue levies, or seek official audits for suspected financial mismanagement.

  3. Seek Financial Assistance or Loans

    • The Counting House provides loans to merchants and nobles alike. A character might visit to secure funding for a new enterprise, military expedition, or even personal debts, possibly negotiating with Evandra Silvertome herself.

  4. Investigate Suspicious Activities

    • Rumors of theft, embezzlement, or even magical tampering with the vaults could draw a character to the Counting House. Whether acting on behalf of a patron, employer, or personal interests, they might uncover hidden conspiracies within the walls of this financial fortress.

  5. Conduct Espionage or Retrieve Hidden Information

    • The Counting House’s extensive ledgers and archives make it a prime target for espionage. A rogue or spy character might infiltrate the facility to steal sensitive financial information, uncover trade secrets, or expose the dealings of a rival house or guild.

The Walraven Counting House embodies wealth, power, and secrecy, making it a vital location for high-stakes intrigue and financial dealings in Seregon.

November 17th, 2024