The Exchange

The Exchange

The Exchange is an elegant, columned temple located in the Market ward of the Merchant District of Aelyria Prime, and is the seat of the Aelyrian Stock Exchange. Originally built by the Hriemalans as a place to worship their pagan goddess of wealth, Pecunia, the Ancient Aelyrians under King Constantine turned it into the First Bank of Aelyria, stripping it of its idols and melting them down into the gold used to mint the first Gold Crowns at the dawn of the Kingdom. As guilds of adventurers were formed, they turned to the Exchange as a place where they could obtain financing and patronage from wealthy nobles to fund their expeditions and exploits. At this time, most exchanging was done in the front portico of the Exchange house, out in the open for all to bid and witness.

It was not until the Second Empire, under the reign of High Queen Melody de Lylles, that the Bank of Aelyria finished construction of its ornate Royal Bank, emptying the old temple and creating the space that would quickly be used by the merchant guilds to buy and sell shares to finance their business ventures. On the upper floors was installed the circular balcony offices of the Stadtholder, the official responsible for overseeing the daily activities of traders on the floor below.

The Exchange is renowned for the alabaster and stone statues of twin winged lions guarding the portico leading to the building, and are considered an example of Classical Architecture.