Central Bank of Kalzasi
Pressed against the eastern edge of the Commons, the Central Bank of Kalzasi rests off of the main road leading toward the Cloudhaven district. The bank is said to be as old as Kalzasi itself, once a much smaller establishment at the founding of Kalzasi it has since grown significantly since the onset of the Sundering. The bank's founder Finius Mellhaven, a gnome from the Republic of Cathena, once struck a bargain with the head of House Veyl, some say over a rather expensive game of dice. This original wager is what earned the bank its advantageous position near the Cloudhaven District, and later lead to its expansion as the wealth of Kalzasi grew. After the Sundering House Briathos was petitioned to help outfit the bank with the latest in artificial lighting and magical security. As Finius would later be quoted as saying, "it was the most profitable game of dice I have ever played".
The bank itself rests at the top of a long staircase said to possess over 1000 steps. The lights that mark its progress are all magical and powered by dragonshards mined from the Warrens. As one enters the main entry area one is met with a large open space and high ceilings. A long row of wooden alcoves set into the wall directly across from the entrance. Each alcove contains a single desk of exceptional workmanship with one teller at each with a large book. A single chair rests in front where a person can sit. A shimmering half-circle of light resides around the entrance to each alcove, blocking out the sound for that inside. These alcoves are where most who visit the bank spend their time. The lines to each tend to reach to the entrance, each person moving one at a time into the alcove to deposit or withdraw their coins, or request banknotes. When coins are withdrawn the teller will exit through a half-hidden door behind the desk, disappearing for some time before returning with the requested currency. Some have attempted to force their way into this backroom when the teller has made to leave, however, there is a second invisible barrier between the teller and the person in the alcove. Should one attempt to leap the table, or act aggressively toward a teller, they will be immediately ejected from the alcove with force. This has resulted in several broken bones, and the guards are often quick to come soon after.
To the right of the entrance is a tall desk where a single woman sits, writing in a large ledger book. Those who have more specific questions, or who wish to take out a loan will be directed down one of the long side hallways to a private room where a trained banker will assist them further.
At first glance it would appear that the bank is unguarded, however, should one truly inspect the upper reaches of the bank one will see the balcony and ledges high above. Aviale guards stand watch there, overseeing those who come to do business at the bank, and for the most part remaining out of eyesight. Should one attempt to get rough, however, they shall swoop down in force to remove the threat.
Barton Longbeard
Once Barton was a well-known dwarf adventurer, stubborn as a stone and nearly as unbreakable. His early life was spent as an adventurer in Karnor, seeking riches and adventure before settling into Kalzasi and becoming a part of The Slayers Keep. It was his intention to live, and to die, as a warrior. Unfortunately, this was not mean to be. After an accident in The Outerwilds that took his leg Barton was left with no way to keep adventuring. For many years he struggled to come to grips with this reality, and eventually with the help of an old friend from House Novalys he took an apprenticeship with the Central Bank. Because of his age he was teasingly called 'Longbeard', and over the years the name simply stuck. Now the other employees of the bank simply call him Longbeard.
Barton is now the head banker over the Central Bank of Kalzasi, and his skill and expertise are recognized even by the higher echelon of the city. He handles a large number of special cases involving loans and deals with the bank, especially those where businesses are concerned. He is grumpy, ill-tempered, and stubborn to a fault. Negotiating with him is like negotiating with a rock, but he has a soft spot for retired adventurers and is known to be fair in all his dealings. His office is located in the farthest corner of the right hallway, his name 'Longbeard' plated in gold across the large oaken door.
