Sørtarnland Company

The Imperial Sørtarnland Company (ISC), also known as the Sørtarnland Company and informally referred to as the Black Flag or simply The Company, was a historic Aedelish state-owned enterprise. It was established by a charter from the Aldsegian Althing in 7287 to pursue imperialist interests in the Ovestan Sea and monopolize trade in the Phasian Ocean. The company played a significant role in Aedelish colonial expansion and trade from the 8th to the mid-76th centuries, before its eventual dissolution.

History

The formation of the company was motivated by rumors of immense wealth in the Zalelsan region, which spurred a group of Aedelmen to seek permission from the Aldsegian Althing to engage in international trade. Initially, the company faced significant challenges due to fierce competition with foreign colonial powers, leading the original investors to abandon the endeavor. However, the company was resurrected as a state-run enterprise and redirected its efforts towards the Tzarakan Umoja in 7281, while also establishing a modest dye trade on the Tauraine island of Aretias in 7287.

In 7287, representatives of the Auresian Consul, acting on behalf of the Imperial Curia in Ephesus, approached the company with a proposal to address the Ephesian bondemen problem, which had become a significant issue following the Frostmoth Treaty. A secret Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed in 7289 at the Consul Officiorum at Sobrik by representatives of the Curia and the company. According to the treaty, in exchange for relocating dissatisfied bondemen from Ephesus to colonize central Tzeraka, the Curia would grant the company favored status, including special tax exemptions and an unlimited fixed low-interest line of credit through the Bank of the Imperium. As a result of this agreement, the company moved its international offices to Sørtarnland House at Impport in 7291.

By 7421, the company had fully developed the challenging central Tzerakan overland trade route to the Phasian. This route allowed the transport of slaves, spices, raw resources, and finished goods from the Phasian region to Anarian markets through the port of Ushusha. The same year, exclusive agreements with Chaim granted the company privileged access to Auresian colonies. With Chaim's assistance, the company opened the Østzeraki Mines in Ephesus and expanded into Shangti markets.

In 7459, the Aldsegian Althing authorized the creation of a private army known as the Væringet to resolve ongoing trade disputes with Halland. The Væringet played a crucial role in securing control of the Zalelsan Channel and its dye trade. Moreover, gaining control over Tauraus enabled the company to dominate trade to and from the Zalelsan Sea.

During the Pan-Anarian War in the mid-75th century, the company capitalized on its strategic position and began to open factories in Tauraus and central Tzeraka to supply finished goods to war-torn Anaria. The company's ability to adapt and expand its operations during times of conflict contributed significantly to its profitability and influence.

However, by the late 75th century, the company's power began to wane. Several factors, including changing political dynamics, competition from other colonial powers, and increasing scrutiny over its controversial practices, led to its decline. In 7578, the company's aggressive expansion into Ithrieni-controlled Haniyyahs as an alternative trade route led to prolonged conflict, further straining its resources and political alliances.