Shield Trading Company

The Shield Trading Company was a merchant house, headquartered in Voonlar, that did business throughout the Dalelands and Moonsea regions of north Faerûn. It was owned by Zaravron Rarthree, an elderly and somewhat reclusive cloth dealer, and was in business some years before the Year of the Shield, 1367 DR, through at least the.

"It's about the only pie in Voonlar that isn't filled with Zhentarim fingers. They'd love to control us or run us out of business, but we bring too much gold into the Bron's coffers in the form of taxes for them to take action. For the moment, at least..."

- Halanther Dayne

Activities
The Shield Trading Company ran caravans between various cities in the Dalelands and the Moonsea, most of which either began or ended in Voonlar. The company was known to hire adventurers as caravan guards as long as they were not known to have ties with the Zhentarim. The company also owned and operated the Sign of the Shield, the largest and most luxurious inn in Voonlar.

Base of Operations
The company headquarters were located on the north side of Shind Road, northeast of the intersection with Daerndrean Street, in Voonlar. It was directly across the street from the Sign of the Shield. The headquarter's main hall was used as a storefront and guarded by an intimidating metal shield guardian golem.

Relationships
The Shield Trading Company was independently owned and not under the influence of investors in league with or belonging to the Zhentarim.

Notable Members of the Shield

 * Halanther Dayne, the aging merchant who ran the Shield's offices in Voonlar in the late 14 century DR.
 * Madoc the Uncouth, a successful merchant who sold trade goods on behalf of his Zhentarim allies through the Shield Trading Company in the late 14 century DR. He did business across the Moonsea, the Dalelands, and as far as the land of Sembia.

Appearances

 * Video Games
 * Neverwinter Nights: Tyrants of the Moonsea