The "Friends of the Nine" is a small collection of merchants and traders, idealistic and ambitious, who wish to establish trade routes throughout Eriador, akin to the Hanseatic League of medieval and renaissance northern Europe. Should their plans reach fruition, they may rename themselves to the Eriadic League.
"Nine" refers to nine regions and peoples that are the cornerstones of the hopeful trade routes, deemed essential for having: population centers, unique goods, areas with a rumour of population center, and should that fail, areas that have the potential for development.
The merchants are mostly Breelanders. They chose Elkhelm's Court for their headquarters, as a means to observe burgeoning development, and so that they could establish themselves outside of the main population centers to maintain neutrality in their politics.
The Friends of the Nine motto is "Commerce for one, is commerce for all."
The Nine
Men of Bree: A strong population center at a crossroads. What more could we ask for?
Hunters of Cardolan: Yes, we occupy this space, but Cardolan is large, and the Hunters of Eryn Vorn are more what we are looking for. A woodland by the shore shows potential for many hunters, and thereby many goods of game. The hobbits of Bree speak of a land called the Shire, as well, yet we remain wary of the potential of hobbits for trade.
Eglain of Weather Hills: It must certainly be admitted, they do not show much potential. The Eglain are a dwindled people, but they reside along a great road, and though they occupy ruins they still maintain small crofts. They have marshes, should marshes ever produce trade goods.
Dunlendings of Dunland: Here is a wide area that is widely populated. Different clans within the area already trade with one another, so they should provide a wide variety of goods, through a wide variety of geographical landmarks.
Hillmen of Rhudaur: The Hillmen have allied with Angmar in the past, and it's said that some still do. Nonetheless, they have dwindled less than the Eglain, and there is a rumour that the hills of Rhudaur have a good supply of iron.
Rangers of Arthedain: It is difficult to tell if the Rangers have a population center, as they are known to be wanderers. In any case, these nomads occupy the lands that were once the capitals of Arnor. Relics, treasures long gone, perhaps even secrets from the descendants of Numenor may lie there.
Lossoth of Forochel: This possibly has the greatest potential as a trade resource. Ivory is something that has not been available to the Free Peoples since there was trade between the Haradrim and Gondor. Their northern climate and adjacency to frozen waters promises oils, fats, and furs. The Lossoth are an untrusting people, which means diplomacy with them may take much longer than with others. Their lands are more harsh than most, and lack proper roads, so this trade route is a long-term goal at best.
Dwarves of Lindon: It is not a region of it's own, but if their settlements in the Misty Mountains were still alive we would choose those instead. Dwarves should provide precious metals and minerals, and their skill in working such is unrivaled in modern Men. The Dwarves are a fine resource, and already maintain their own trades.
It should also be noted, that "Moria" as it is called, was abandoned. These mines, we should think, should hold far greater potential than the ruins of Arnor in Arthedain, but will require expeditions. There is tell that dwarves have begun an effort to reoccupy this land already and face opposition: should they find aid from other folk, the riches of Moria may enter Eriador.
Elves of Lindon: These are a people who have readily provided aid to the Free Peoples in the past. They are shipwrights who posses a port- something we will not find elsewhere. Elven crafts and goods are unique and honed through their ancient years, yet it is unknown if they posses many natural resources. In any case, the Elves of Lindon provide unique benefits to a circulation of commerce, but their ways are alien. As with the Lossoth, diplomacy may require additional steps.
I, Fusavda of Pelennor, have begun this effort, so that the Free Peoples may share their resources, and so that we may all benefit from a friendship in trade. I must admit that I have ulterior motives- we face enemies who grow bolder, and we remain a divided land. Growth begins with industry, and with trade, and should we succeed in establishing relations between the peoples of Eriador, perhaps we will grow stronger together against the threat of evil.
Perhaps, we will find a better world to live in.
Here shall be listed the duties befitting those who join our cause, based on title.
Leader: The leader shall preside over meetings, and oversee all matters of diplomacy. The leader is provided with authority over guardsmen.
Treasurer: The treasurer will maintain the Friends' shared resources. The treasurer will keep stock of such resources, and keep them safe. The treasurer will only lend resources with the Council's seal of approval.
Councilmen: Councilmen are to act as diplomats between established trade routes, and to potential trade sources. Councilmen may grant seals of approval when two or more have signed the document awaiting approval. Councilmen are provided with authority over guardsmen. Councilmen attend meetings to settle trade disputes, hearings for merchants and cities, and meetings to plan for future developments.
Guardsmen: Guardsmen may be assigned to caravans for trade, and to diplomats. While they act under the authority of the Friends, this is only a temporary measure until the proposed trade routes can provide their own protection. Guardsmen take orders directly from Councilmen and the Leader, who may also assign them to others.
Merchants, Traders and Caravans: While associated with the Friends, these are more akin to clients. They may receive Guardsmen for protection or bring their disputes or pleas to the Friends, but they have no set duties unless a contract is provided.
Due to the trade-tax implemented by our benevolent land-lords, visiting traders and caravans shall be granted a five per cent bonus to the value of any goods they sell. This is to provide visiting traders with enough funds to cover their trade-tax when they leave the Court, so that they do not have to suffer on our behalves, and we may encourage them to continue trade in the future.