The Scarlet Vault

The Scarlet Vault is the preeminent financial institution of Nova Indomitus and a major economic power in its own right. It is so named due to the bright red stones that make up its headquarters—a splash of color in a city otherwise constructed largely of obsidian. The Scarlet Vault has a presence on all three continents, with deep roots in the Illian mainland. It is overseen by the Praesidium; five appointees who answer ultimately to the Tribune. The vault is responsible for minting Nova Indomitus’ currency, setting fiscal policy, and managing the city’s numerous overseas investments.

Ordinary citizens are certainly welcome to deposit their money in its treasury and make use of its services, but the Scarlet Vault also deals with powerful clients that would be beyond the purview of smaller, more traditional mercantile banks—by extending credit to fund wars or finance large-scale capital projects, for instance.

In many ways the affairs of the Scarlet Vault are indistinguishable from the affairs of Nova Indomitus, often acting on behalf of the Tribune through proxy. The Scarlet Vault serves as an unofficial intelligence arm of Nova Indomitus—its agents are constantly updating the Praesidium on the status of debtors, potential clients, and market events. Darker whispers suggest that the Scarlet Vault also engages in the assassination—either political or actual—of individuals who do not meet their obligations.

Foreign branches of the Scarlet Vault enjoy a great deal of autonomy in order to maximize profit, but still report to the Praesidium in Nova Indomitus. Branch executives are, within reason, free to structure their organization however they like. However, accidents befall those who fail to meet the Praesidium’s lofty quarterly projections by too wide a margin—or too frequently.