The Tramontano&Kotts Company

**The Tramontano&Kotts Company (T&K Co)** is a Venthalian maritime trading company founded in 1042 AV, during the reign of King Georgos II, by the then Lord of Ousurferia, Rolf Isch Esbrandt. It was originally formed to trade in the Aurem Sea region, initially with the Free Trade Cities, and later with the rest of Venthalia. The company has bought, merged, or seized control of large parts of the Free Trade Cities and Ousurferia, and colonized parts of the Aurem Coast and southeast Venthalian Coast. Today, the company conducts maritime business across all corners of Daunt, and the company is currently the largest private corporation in the world. The T&K Co has its own armed forces in the form of the Company Army and the Company Fleet, rivaling the size of the Althean royal army and navy. The operations of the company had a profound effect on the continental balance of trade, almost single-handedly pushing the wealth of House Esbrandt near the levels of the current Althean royal family, House Sylis. The T&K Co is currently owned and operated by Lord Josor Esbrandt, who also acts as CEO. Lord Lucas Henigburd is the current acting CFO.

## History

Founded by Lord Rolf Isch Esbrandt in 1042 AV, T&K Co initially concentrated on trade with the Free Trade Cities. As the company grew, it extended its reach to encompass the rest of Venthalia. Over time, T&K Co established new trade routes and partnerships, becoming a dominant force in maritime commerce throughout the region. The company also invested in cutting-edge technology and innovations, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. Under the leadership of Josor Esbrandt, the current Lord of Ousurferia and son of Rolf Esbrandt, the company experienced significant growth and expansion. Josor's commitment to state-of-the-art shipyard construction and the development of new naval warship fleets propelled the Company Fleet to a level of maritime power comparable to that of the Royal Navy, the Confederation of Free Sailors, or the Great Fleet of Klans.

## Operations

T&K Co engages in a wide range of maritime business activities, including growing, manufacturing, processing, trade, shipping, and exploration. The company's primary plantation exports include sugarcane, hemp, tobacco, fairy stool, citrus, cocoa, red amanita mushroom, tea, coffee, rum, and spices. The company is also involved in the import and export of goods such as textiles, spices, metals, and other valuable commodities, efficiently selling imports to buyers from all across the Kingdom of Althea and Venthalia at large. The T&K Co's extensive network of trade routes and partnerships enables it to conduct business throughout Venthalia and beyond, reaching all corners of Daunt. To protect its interests and ensure the security of its operations, T&K Co maintains its own armed forces, consisting of the Company Army and the Company Fleet, valiantly led by Cmdr Bernt Neyhart. These forces rival the size and capabilities of the Althean royal army and navy, providing T&K Co with a formidable presence in the region. The Company Fleet is particularly renowned for its state-of-the-art shipyard construction and advanced naval warships, which have played a crucial role in the company's defence against both Confederation and Klans pirate raids. The operations of T&K Co have had a profound and lasting effect on the economic and political landscape of Venthalia. Its success in maritime commerce has contributed to the rise in wealth and influence of House Esbrandt, which now rivals that of the Althean royal family. T&K Co's commitment to innovation, technology, and strategic foresight has cemented its reputation as a leader in maritime commerce, while its armed forces have played a significant role in shaping the balance of power in Venthalia.

## Controversies

The corporation, despite its economic success and influence, has been embroiled in numerous controversies, primarily due to its aggressive expansion strategies. The company's predatory expansion into rival businesses and small settlements throughout Ousurferia and the Free Trade Cities has been a significant point of contention. Critics argue that T&K Co's practices have stifled competition and led to the economic marginalization of smaller entities. One of the most notable instances of this predatory expansion was the company's aggressive takeover of the smaller trading companies in Ousurferia and Monkton. These companies, which had been integral parts of the local economies, were either bought out or driven out of business by T&K Co's aggressive tactics. This led to a consolidation of power within the company, effectively creating a monopoly within the Free Trade Cities. With the CEO, Lord Esbrandt, also serving as the Lord of Ousurferia, the company has near complete control of Ousurferia in the current day, with the vast majority of the city being employed by the company, either directly or indirectly. To much dismay within the city, the T&K Company Army have taken the place of the city guards in Ousurferia, functionally making the city Venthalia's largest company town. This has resulted in a significant imbalance in the economic landscape of the region, with T&K Co holding a disproportionate amount of power and influence.

The company's expansion has also extended to smaller settlements throughout the Free Trade Cities. T&K Co has been known to establish operations in these settlements, often without the consent of the local populace. This has led to numerous conflicts, with local communities resisting the company's encroachment. Despite these conflicts, T&K Co has continued its expansion, often leveraging its economic power and influence to quell any resistance. Another major controversy surrounding the company is the assassination of it's CEO, Lord Rolf Isch Esbrandt, the founder of T&K Co. Rolf's death in 1087 AV under mysterious circumstances sparked widespread speculation and controversy. Some theories suggest that Rolf's death was a result of internal power struggles within the company, while others point to rival businesses or political entities as potential culprits. The truth behind Rolf's death remains a mystery, adding to the aura of controversy that surrounds the company. Despite these controversies, T&K Co continues to be a dominant force in the economic landscape of the Free Trade Cities. However, the company's aggressive expansion and the mystery surrounding Rolf's death continue to cast a shadow over its success.