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Background
A man of once humble means, whose family endeavoured to rise above all they had been given and take advantage of all that Four Corners had to offer.
Born in the year 1818, Mattias Thynne was fortunate in that his family was one of those few who had the groundwork laid for wealth and success. Mattias was certainly blessed, his father Harold Thynne was a merchant of some importance, travelling, trading, building connections between towns, villages and cities. His Uncle aiding in establishing routes in Aequor which soon linked with those routes in Galenthia. Guards were hired, wagons were ordered and as the years rolled by, both Harold and Ernst Thynne found that they were blessed. Harold more so, for his wife Esme gave him five children, the eldest Mattias would spend the better part of his early years being schooled in the family business. Travelling with his father or his Uncle on the shorter runs and waving off his relatives as they left on longer journies.
From the age of five, Mattias spent his days running about the storehouse that started it all, gazing upon bales of Galenthian wool that would be sold to weavers far north, beside piles of furs that had been traded for to keep the southerners warm in the colder months. Jars of honey from monasteries, bundles of dried herbs, grain from farming communities soon destined for more distant locales. The family business grew. The Thynne's were a family on the make. Their wealth begat wealth. Mattias' two younger brothers, Ulric and Hans were squired at an early age, in their late teens both had been knighted. Though they both died fighting in the Succession War in 1835. Mattias' other three brothers would die during the war in the years 1836, 37 and 39 as archers and men-at-arms. Throughout, Mattias threw himself into his work alongside his father and Uncle.
The years were bloody and trade was hard, though the merchant family managed well enough and with the profits that had been made through better times, they moved and settled within Four Corners when it was founded in the year 1844. The city state becoming the base of their operations and within a couple more years they soon had enough to purchase a trading vessel with which they set about changing their fortunes with a great deal of energy. Mattias having aided his father and Uncle, found that he was dealing with matters more and more, learning the family business and with their wealth came a good many ways to further increase it.
The family traded through the various ports, their ship safer for most coastal journeys with the over land routes slowly fading till finally they withdrew from the routes that other trading families continued to take advantage of. Their withdrawal from the landed trade routes saw them invest more heavily in becoming an Exchange House, dealing with the various currencies of each competing land and taking a small percentage for their efforts. Such was the dip in profits forestalled by the move into dealing with large quantities of coin. This rise as steady as it was saw the family move into larger and more secure premises and soon offering banking services alongside those of the exchange. The two seemingly working well enough side by side and leaving the former trade of their house to fade.
It was however as their various contracts remained that Mattias escaped the Bank and took it upon himself to at least oversee the winding up of the sea trade that their family had once governed rather efficiently. His thirst for knowledge, for experiences and for anything to occupy his mind and provide some measure of excitement. It wasn't the easiest life, Mattias took some time getting used to travel by sea, the frigate that had served the family so well cutting through the very waves as they splashed against the fore. But as the days passed, Mattias found his sea-legs and found that perhaps in another life, he could well have enjoyed the freedom such a command could offer.
It was this journey that was destined to take months, upon which Mattias broadened his horizons. From Vir Sidus trading ports to barbarian outposts. His language skills at first limited began to flourish as he followed the captain's lead and learnt of these cultures, their ways and their needs. Even as the Banking house back in Four Corners flourished, the final trading run notched up excellent profits of its own. From one port to another, from one meeting of the rich to another of those of dubious virtue. Mattias was soon acting as the Captain's second and working many a deal to his own advantage. Mattias had known for a good while that his Uncle had been skimming profits, endeavouring to bolster his own position within the bank to the detriment of Mattias and his father. And it was with this in mind that Mattias sought to make this final voyage one that would stand him in good stead.
It was upon this voyage that one task slid into another, goods were transported, people equally so, passengers ranging from the Holy to the desperate. One such passenger, a priest gave Mattias his first instruction in the Old Tongue, the language hard to grasp at first, yet by the time the Priest had left, that instruction had ensured that Mattias would seek to further his learning. For time spent aboard ship was often spent learning, not to much the ways of the vessels themselves, but to command men with an air as if born to it and eventually in the delightful practise of hand cannons. The journey was the making of Mattias, a confident traveller who found that his manner was pleasing to a good many people he encountered. From barbarian merchants on frost-bitten coasts, to Notherners and Southerners and Vir Sidus traders and more. It was a smorgasbord of people from all walks of life that shaped Mattias.
From one mouth he would glean information and sell it to another, it proved that alongside trade in physical merchandise, information, the mere weight of words was often a worthy commodity. And so Mattias' 'warchest' grew with each stop, a good many stops soon added to the others as Mattias ensured that the crew were well paid from his efforts and so from the trade of various goods and information along the coast and further beyond, Mattias ensured that upon his return, his Uncle would be unprepared for his arrival.
The journey was at times interrupted by the threat of pirates and only twice did two vessels come within range of their cannon, each battle hard fought, though Mattias was fortunate in that his Captain was skilled at naval warfare, each time the pirates were repelled, the first sent the pirate vessel to the depths and the second as the ships clashed together, Mattias' right hand was crushed by one of the boarders, a fierce looking mace shattering his hand and putting an end to whatever skill he had with a blade. Mattias determined not to die and proceeded to take the boarder by surprise, bludgeoning him to death with what was soon a very battered hand cannon. Rising from his gory task…
…Mattias took command of one group and lead them across to the other vessel. His hand cannon useless but good enough to point and stem any assault as the men swarmed after him, more men followed as they beat back the rather poor and slovenly pirates, and before long the vessel was captured and the surrendering crew knelt in horror as Mattias calmly walked up behind the wounded captain and blow a hole through his head with his second hand cannon, the slow match applied by a member of the crew. With the faintest twitch of his features, he calmly gazed to those pirates who still lived and shrugged before issuing the order to kill every other pirate. This in turn decimated the enemy crew and also showed his resolve. The remaining crew, rather than suffer a further lesson, soon joined the crew of the Captain who served him. With two vessels, the trading voyage was extended to further fill the second hold. His wounded hand though set as best as possible, was simply covered within a thick glove, hiding the scarred and battered hand and crooked fingers, always left unseen.
Though as with all things, the voyage soon came to an end and back to Four Corners the vessels sailed. Mattias had long promised that the vessels would be signed over to the Captain for his loyalty and service and it was with a certain swagger that he walked down the gangplank and to the old banking House of Thynne, Thynne and Thynne. With the crew unloading the wealth gleaned from the final voyage of the Thynne's trading enterprise, Mattias stalked into the banking house and headed on through to the offices in which business was often done. There sat his Uncle, somewhat smug and behind him the portrait of his father was respectfully be-ribboned in black. Without a hint of emotion, Mattias simply drew one of the hand cannon from his brace of three, aimed and touched the slow match to the touch hole and blew a hole within his Uncle's head. The smile that had greeted Mattias was if anything a grimace of horror. Though within half an hour, the body was soon tucked within a large weighted down chest and delivered back aboard the vessel Mattias had travelled on for so long.
Thynne, Thynne & Thynne became simply Thynne. The shift from land and sea trading to money-exchanging and banking was finalised with the two vessels that had docked with Mattias being gifted to the Captain he had sailed with for so long. In return, a certain chest would be dumped at sea and a relationship of mutual benefit would arise. Mattias settled for the duration, hardly ever leaving the banking house in which coins clattered across palms with ease and wealth was inevitable. The wealth was put into making the Thynne's banking house a fortress. Walls thickened. Doors bolted with locks made by different locksmiths with each key assigned to a trusted member of the Banking House. Windows were removed, if anything the thin slits of glass that permitted light within were more akin to arrow-slits. But each change ensured that the wealth within was utterly secure.
During the great raid of 1865, the Thynne's Banking House was scorched and scarred, but the doors thick as they were remained unbreached. The bank's employees and families found themselves ushered through those great doors before the trouble began and as the doors closed, they were sealed safe within a well stocked fortress of the modern age. Though guards were posted, the sight of them merely helped keep many a highly strung spouse or employee calm. The raid for the last remaining Thynne and his employees was pleasant enough, Mattias stalked the bank looking confident and inspiring those about him with kind words and tales and calm settled even as the occasional noise breached the banking house walls. The only moment of brief panic arose when one of the thin windows was shattered, though the guards present took the opportunity to fire their crossbows out into any enemy they could see and the bank was given something of a wide berth thereafter.
The banking business remained profitable, delightfully so in Mattias' own words and even as they repaired was little damage was done to their building, Marttias sought to put some of his profits back into Four Corners, aiding in the reconstruction and reaching out to those contacts he had made throughout his voyage and his business. And through this charitable act, he also gathered informants, the poor and the destitute, as ever the eyes that are all too often overlooked. Promising re-numeration for information that was worthy of a coin or two should anything occur within Four Corners, or if anything is heard from beyond its borders. As ever seeking information on raiding parties, pirates and even blackmail on various sorts who really should know better and might well at one time or another, be in need of twisting to one agenda or another. Those worthies of Four Corners and their predilections for whatever vice they relished, investigations into those most pious of the religious, Mattias quite happily funded all efforts to ensure a wonderful network of contacts both willing and not quite so willing. For information was as ever an exquisitely fluid commodity and the world of banking certainly gave his efforts a sheen of respectability.
From discovering which pirates raided which vessel, which clan of raiders pillaged and burnt so and so village, to which group of bandits is gallivanting about the countryside harming crops and who is seeking to hire whom. All such measures sought by Mattias for his own interest and that of ensuring greater profits for the Thynne's financial enterprise. He might not ever be a Lord or a Knight, but Mattias knew all too well that titles aren't what maketh the man in most cases, but adventure, intrigue and the courage to do what is utterly necessary to ensure ones survival.
Though he may venture out of Four Corners when it is deemed necessary, he is always protected by his own guards, never quite trusting of mercenaries. Often, given his lame hand, enjoying the comfort of a coach if required. But each time he is always clad in scale armour and armed with a brace of three hand cannons. Though a knife may well sit on his belt, it is more often than not used for eating and little else, at least that is the impression given. His battered right hand always hidden away within its thick glove, though the tale of how he got such a wound is hardly ever spoken. But for a banker, the armour and three hand cannon often worn about his person speak of a well-travelled man indeed.
A man who in the later months of 1865 finally decided to do more with his wealth, to raise himself and his establishment. And so with the family's name now linked to the exchange of money and banking, the old building in which the family business toils standing tall and proud like a fortress amidst many (to Mattias' mind) lesser buildings, Mattias sought to rise within the ranks of the Guild. With his grasp of information, even going as far as to remain in contact with raiders and barbarians, alongside all the usual sorts from the lowest of the low, to the mightiest in need of his services, Mattias endeavoured to continue to raise his reputation, ensuring the best security for those who sought to bank with Thynne's, the as ever incorruptible service of money-exchange (given the Thynne's hoard of foreign coinage) and at times if the numbers were right, a loan or two with the utmost discretion ensured. The Banking House of Thynne was set to stand the test of time, even more so given Mattias as its Head was more than willing to travel to any extent or length to meet with those who might well seek to store their funds within if the need arose.
It was with some measure of sorrow that the Guildmaster of the Banker's Guild passed, Mattias took the opportunity to further his standing and after a good deal of wining, dining and plenty of whoring, secured the position and elevated himself to the Council of Four Corners. With the interests of Four Corners at the fore, coupled with his own financial and information gathering interests a close second, if not a joint first, Mattias as ever sought to strengthen his grip upon the position he held, finding those little moments of weakness amidst those who could possibly challenge his position within the Guild, storing them as securely within his bank as the very gold left within his care. Kept ready to weaken those who might otherwise weaken him. But not only that, those who would dare bring the reputation of banking within Four Corners into disrepute, those are the sort whom Mattias would seek to crush. For if there is on thing in this world worthy of keeping pure it is the world of banking. And the methods deployed by Mattias to ensure such a reputation are undoubtedly quite deadly when all else fails.
On the Grid
- Overview
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- Physical Description
- Quirks and Personality
- Gallery
- Logs
- Memoirs
- Salary
- Songs
- Wine Cellar
- Notes
- Loans
- Equipment
The Banking House of Thynne
Having started as a merchant house in the year 1800, the Merchants Thynne grew and prospered until the founding of Four Corners in the year 1844, at which point it restructured and with its wealth became the Banking House of Thynne, Thynne & Thynne and so its fortunes grew ever larger. Though the family line has since been pruned and as such there is but a singular Thynne. Having stood resolute through the great raid of 1865, the Banking House of Thynne seeks to remain impervious, impartial and as ever incorruptible. From the storage of gold for merchant and noble houses or individuals of high station and wealth, to discreet loans and the exchange of currencies, the Banking House of Thynne stands as a testament to the banking prowess of Four Corners.
Riches are found. They are all around. You live in a kingdom, nay an Empire of them! However despite this wealth, can you truly live with yourself? Fire consumes, and if you are not careful, those whom you love will be burned by both your fires. - Prophecy
Mattias owns two dobermen pinschers, two wonderfully loyal and beautiful dogs, named Fritz and Klaus. They have free reign of the bank, and pad after their master rather happily as he goes about his business.
Standing tall at just over six foot, his build is sturdy and firm. His shaven smooth brown hair is neatly clipped to say the least, a velvet finish with grey lining the temples. His pale features stern, though yielding to age with lines about the eyes and mouth. His dark brown eyes are bright and clear, while over them his thin brown eyebrows are arched. His nose juts lightly above his lips, clean shaven as he is, this only serves to draw attention to a faint scar running against his chin and throat.
His figure is clad in armour, the scaled armour in good condition and concealed somewhat by the heavy black velvet cloak that hangs heavy about his shoulders, clasped by a single gold brooch bearing the crest of Four Corners. His arms are protected by the same interlinked scales that are dark and stained over the leather upon which they are set, while his right hand is concealed with a thick glove, the left remains bare. About his waist a thick leather belt is fastened and wrapped. Upon it a single black velvet pouch hangs, while in a brace against his chest, three hand cannon are holstered. The heavy black velvet cloak falls about his legs, each protected by leather breeches, scaled as they are, while his feet are shod with fine leather boots.
A story from every land - It is known that Mattias Thynne has travelled extensively and should the moment call for it, there is often a tale to be told.
Unphased - Mattias Thynne may well be a banker of some renown, though he has seen much and done much in his time and there is little that could disturb him. Perhaps a touch cold, even a touch distant at times. But blood and gore isn't something that disturbs this functionary of finance.
Wealthy - Mattias Thynne is one of those middle class upstarts, blessed with wealth that gives him a touch too much power for one so lowborn. But in Four Corners, such wealth is a measure of the man's success.
Well-travelled - Mattias Thynne has seen much of this world. From barbarian outposts to Vir Sidus trading posts. From having sailed far and wide to having travelled on land just as far, Mattias Thynne is a veteran traveller.
Information Network - Mattias Thynne has ensured that his wealth works for him in a good many respects, one such manner is keeping a coin or two ready for those eager to provide information. The destitute, those who would never be looked at twice, the crew of ships freshly docked in Four Corners and those who might travel far and wide as merchants, guards or guides. All are offered a good price for what information they bring to him.
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- 1875-11-02: The Tinderbox That Is Tirth
- 1875-10-02: A Godly Undertaking
- 1875-10-02: A Godly Request
- 1875-09-16: Dark Places Pt. 1
- 1875-09-16: Four Corners Summons its Soldiers
- 1875-09-11 Endings pt 1
- 1875-09-03: Repeating Crossbows Issued
- 1875-08-29: Lien on Me
- 1875-08-20: A Reward is Offered
- 1875-08-14: Four Corners
- 1875-06-15: Galenthian Rascals
- 1875-05-22: Against the Grain
- 1875-05-20: Arcadian Letters
- 1875-05-19: Regards from the Chancellor
- 1875-05-16: The flow of Grain
- 1875-05-15: Pompey's Work
- 1875-05-14: A private request
- 1875-05-11: Letters Out
- 1875-05-09: Sorcerous Support in 4C
- 1875-04-26: Of War and Wine
Do note that this is little more than Mattias' monthly wage from his Banking House after most reasonable IC expenses and taxes have been taken into account. No salary from his role as Guildmaster of the Honourable Guild of Bankers, nor indeed his position as Chancellor, is taken. Sizeable donations to the poor are made by his Banking House.
- A dip in profits during Novembre occurred as Mattias gained a further two banks hit by the plague of 1866. Profits overall dropped by 1/8th throughout the month only to rise by back to the previous amount the following month.
- Profits for the Banking House of Thynne rose each successive month till Juin of 1867. Thereafter profits settled after a rise of 75% in overall profits and thus Mattias Thynne's own income rose accordingly with the fortunes of his enterprise.
- Due to the expanding nature of Mattias' efforts, profits rose by 30% during Janvier, 1868.
Mattias considerable income rests at about 291 crowns per month, and has remained steady for a number of years.
Date Delivered | Item | Quantity | Reference |
1866-09-25 | Ghost Hills Apple Brandy | 9 Bottles | A gift for Mattias Thynne |
1868-04-27 | d'Armaz Gin | 1 Bottle | Letter to Mattias |
1875-09-14 | Earl Grey Tea | 1 Box | Tea Time |
Property in Four Corners - Mattias' most recognisable property is the fortress-like bank located within the Market of Four Corners, an imposing edifice that speaks of security and strength. Though as to houses, it is generally assumed that he might very well own such a property, though for the most part the banker resides within the bank. (OOC: Should Mattias sleep outside of the security of the bank, it can generally be assumed that he shall never sleep at the same place twice. Mansions, hovels and other delightful locales have all paid host to Mattias Thynne.)
Property in Firen - Mattias was granted a Manse (alongside a knighthood) within Firen by the Queen of Galenthia.
Royal Charter - Mattias was granted a Royal Charter by the Queen of Galenthia allowing him to 'open a business in the field of banking within Firen' on the 15th of Octobre, in the Year of the One 1866. The bank is open for business.
The Rikton Branch - The Banking House of Thynne has a branch in Rikton. A white stone edifice with red tiles and a fortress like look. Though initially stalled by the Sealing of Rikton, it is now in operation.
The Alezzo Branch - Mattias' business interests have been welcomed within Alezzo and given that all accounts previously used by those who fled to Alezzo remain untouched and ready for the return of said merchants, there is a certain goodwill to the banks of Four Corners. The bank has been completed and is open for business.
Information Network - Mattias has Agents reporting to him from Aequor, Icenalia, Rikton, Kentaire, Galenthia and even from White Hall and Partharia. There is no nation from which the Chancellor doesn't have information winding its way from.
Date | To whom | Amount | Repayment by… |
- Sir Mattias Thynne's equipment
- Everyday equipment
Black scale armour/robes often worn with his Chains of Office.
(3) Exquisite hand cannon of Kentairish design
Dagger
Clothing worn beneath is often finely made and stitched with lightsilver stitching
- Other equipment Mattias has access to
Ornate musket with an exquisite Partharian scope
A sturdy yet finely made Coach & 4 Horses
Pocket scales, weights and measures.
Ink, quills, parchment
Sundry rings of various gemstones
Relationships - The Coast, Aequor, Galenthia & other such places.
To be determined.
To be determined.
Master Guillaume Tyres : TBD. |
Lady Elaine Cassomir : The wife of Lord Henric and a devotee of pastries. We met at the Peace Ball and her company is to be enjoyed. |
Lord Eisen d'Geroux : An Aequorian noble whom I met at the horse racing event I sponsored and though we both wagered and both found our choices lacking, I am sure we'll wager again. |