Founded approximately one hundred and fifty years ago, the Cartel began as a loose collection of human ferrymen struggling against the erratic mana surges of the Atrix Web. During the Great Resonance of the Riverine Heartlands, a merchant named Silas Vane noticed that the mist rising where the river met a dense mana conduit was physical and sweet-tasting. He realized he was seeing the physical manifestation of the Web's energy. Over three decades, Vane used his growing wealth to buy out every independent barge and dock along the western river, effectively creating a monopoly. The Cartel evolved from a simple transport service into a high-stakes resource operation when they mastered the art of 'Drizzle-Catching'. Today, they are the undisputed masters of the river trade, controlling the flow of both goods and magical energy into the capital city.

A massive complex built on several interconnected stone platforms in the center of the western river, just ten miles outside the capital. It is adorned with silk banners that shimmer with mana and guarded by turret-mounted ballistae.