I couldn't find a picture I liked I will add one if I find one, so here is my late and hastily written entry into this contest
Marius Von Spur, first son of Otto Von Spur heir to the headship of the White Star Trading Company and a seat on the Marienburg Merchant Council. Motivation: With his father Otto health on the decline, Marius is under increasing pressure to take a wife so he will in a position to step forward and take charge of the White Star Trading Company upon his father’s death. Himself age 29, Marius has traveled extensively with his father’s company and was pivotal in the reconciliation of his distant relative Marcello Alfonti (see Alfonti Principality Timeline to find full details). Following the reconciliation Marius traveled to Araby just prior to the first Arabian Civil War and witnessed the horrors of that war firsthand before being expelled following the Arabian Reclamation Pact victory and their embargo on foreign trade. Upon returning to Marienburg he spoke out against Dann Van Der Gast and his call for aggressive action against Araby and their Bretton allies.
Although the Barony of Sonnefurt is relatively minor compared to some of the other places in the White Star Trading Network both Marius and his father agree that it is time for their company to turn inward and attempt to strengthen trade connections with various parts of the Empire and a marriage to a local lady would be a logical first step. The Barony’s location would potentially allow the White Star Company to open overland routes through the Black and Grey Mountains as well as establish a foothold in Southern Wissenland.
Baroness Gains: A marriage with Marius would result in major investment in the Barony by the White Star Trading Company. After his arrival in the barony in the days leading up to the ball, Marius met with various local trading houses CEOs as well as various Dwarven Guild members and Mayor Gunter Funk. Although only rumour exist on what was discussed almost all signs point to the establishment of a new trading company office or the possibility of the buying out of an existing organization. The establishment of a White Star trading company office would offer ties to Altdorf, Nuln, Marienburg, Grodvin Kislev and Origianzo Tilea for both the export and import of goods and services. The Baroness would also receive shares in the White Star Company in her name with which she could do with as she sees fit.
Militarily, Marius has little to directly offer the Baroness other than the ability to supply coin to help fund the Barony’s defense. The White Star Company does employ mercenaries to protect it shipments and in times of dire straits these men could be hired to augment the town’s defense. The size and composition of these forces would vary depending on the time of year and various shipments arriving and leaving the Barony. In addition all of the White Star river boats do feature some sort of armament and could be used to close the river if needed. Finally Marius travels with a small escort of 10 mercenary guards who accompany him on his travels; an additional 20 men would be hired and would augment the protection around the Baroness.
From a lineage standpoint the Von Spur family is a well off member of the Marienburg merchant class which can be traced back nearly three centuries. This has resulted in the intermarriage with various minor and moderate ranking noble families within Marienburg and other areas as well as some intermarriage with other merchant or trader families.
Finally the Von Spur family have a number of holdings in Marienburg and in almost every location where the Company has established itself. Should the Baroness be interested in travel, these holdings would be open to her use but they do not provide any sort of tangible land gain for the Barony.
Baroness Loses: A marriage with Marius would result in a few direct consequences for the Barony but there may be a number of ripple effects that could cause some unintended turmoil. The investment from the White Star Company could result in pressure being places on local trading companies as their market share is cut into by the new arrival. This of course could result in unemployment and local political discontent within the Barony.
A second possible consequence could come from the presence of groups of mercenaries traveling with the White Star shipments. The presence of moderate numbers of mercenary forces within the Barony could be seen by some within the military as an insult to their ability to protect the local roads and a direct challenge to their authority.
Third, due to the Von Spur’s position within the Marienburg trading hierarchy, should tensions arise between Marienburg and the Empire as a whole (not without historical precedent) it could place the Baroness in an awkward position of choosing between husband and land.
Finally, due to the commitment to the company, Marius would likely not be spending much time in Sonnefurt. If the Baroness was looking for her husband to be active in the ruling of her lands Marius may not be the ideal match.
Other Considerations: A young maid who works at the Gilded Mare Inn claims to have cleaned the room of Marius Von Spur and seen a trunk full of exotic Arabian silks and spices in his possession. Additionally his rather extravagant spending in the inn's common room has won him many admirers.
Nuptial Agreements: The marriage would result in little direct change in how the barony is currently ruled. Due to his commitments with his company, Marius would likely spend much of the time traveling to various locales establishing or maintaining trade routes. After his father’s death, Marius would also be required to sit on the Marienburg merchant council or to appoint a proxy to sit in his seat in his stead. As a result the Barony would remain under the direct rule of the Baroness.
The White Star Company would establish themselves within Sonnefurt and some of the surrounding villages which includes: providing funds for infrastructure improvements, providing funds to the local military garrison and the bulk purchase of local good for export. The Nuptial agreement would allow a short term provision of tax exemption for a period of 2 years while the company establishes itself and an agreement to allow White Star mercenaries to operate in a defense capacity within Barony.
The Baroness would also receive a 10% share in the White Star Trading Company but the controlling stake would remain with Marius and his various other siblings.
Marius would take her name in addition to his own but would primarily use it only within the Barony.