The Malcom-Ezrin Company

The Malcom-Ezrin Company was a trading company based in Westaranis. The largest of its kind, it operated from 6,301 DC to 6,532 DC and is widely regarded as one of the most powerful organizations of its time.

History
Founded by Dendalus Malcom and Yaro Ezrin, the Malcom-Ezrin Company was the single largest trading company in the developed world. It owned and operated ports in Estoria and Midland, as well as mines and farms throughout Estoira. While trade was the primary means of income, eventually the company took an interest in Westaranian relics, and sponsored many expeditions to collect or secure sites and items of interest.

At it's height, the Malcom-Ezrin Company had an estimated annual revenue of over 32,000,000g, making both Malcom and Ezrin the two most powerful individuals in the financial world at the time. The company also employed what some considered the sixth largest military force, with roughly 18,000 armed men and 78 warships and privateer boats, all ready to defend trade. However, these figures are up for dispute, as the forces were officially considered private security and mercenaries.

Criticism of the abject monopoly on trade the Malcom-Ezrin Company had established came from nearby kingdoms and other Noble houses or industries, claiming that the company was a threat to the stability of the kingdom or to the success of one's business. The Estorian Noble Houses and Estorian Monarchy denied many of these claims, drawing much criticism due to the fact that they had a vested interest in the success of the Company. Conversely, the Nobel Houses and Estorian Monarchy pushed for tariffs and regulation on trade targeted at the Company. In reality, these did little to slow the growth of the Company, and are now seen as efforts to placate the peoples and their increasing unrest.

Since a large majority of the Company's revenue came from the direct trade between Midland and Westaranis, the Ruination of Midland sent ripples through the trans-oceanic economy that primarily affected the Company. Combined with a surge in piracy and the War for Westaranis, the Malcom-Ezrin Company declined and finally collapsed when Dendalus Malcom was assassinated. Only eight years later, Yaro Ezrin was found dead miles north of Wormwood in Jern Dal.