House Calcenet is an old noble family in Ishgard, though it’s unclear what High House they supposedly draw their lineage from. They’re well respected despite the inconclusive accusations of heresy against them, a reputation owed partially to their total cooperation with Church authorities. Their fortune is made through the acquisition, sale, and display of aged and ancient artifacts, and art — particularly in their Musée de Calcenet.
All objects on display at the Musée have in depth paper trails for their acquisition and origin, as do any objects they sell. The museum is staffed entirely by members of the family and their personal servants. Visiting is free, but donations are more than welcome. One is also able to pay a small fee for a personal tour by one of the Calcenets.
The Calcenets are rather old-fashioned when it comes to the familial structure. They are headed by a patriarch. The current patriarch, Remontrain de Calcenet, took the position after his father fell mysteriously ill, and was no longer capable of leading the family. The family at large currently consists of Remontrain, his two younger brothers, his older sister, and their respective families (husbands, wives, children, so on). His sister, Lucille de Calcenet, has also taken on a ward of sorts — Astreaux (formerly Myste) de Calcenet.
Unbeknownst to most, thanks to a genuine care and interest in operation security, the Calcenets run a criminal organization referred to as The Consortium. The Consortium is both a crime group and a neutral ground in its own right, offering parley and connection between crime organizations. Precautions are taken to preserve the anonymity of guests who should like to do so — the Consortium highly suggests that such guests wear a mask to cover their face, and aliases are encouraged as well.
The Consortium’s hideout is deep within the bowels of the Ishgardian undercity, while any external meeting spaces are rotated for security reasons.
The organization is run by the Board. Board members are always masked, and always referred to by their title alone — granted in accordance with their role. They may be from various factions participating in the Consortium, but 3 of the 12 seats are reserved for representatives of House Calcenet. These 3 seats, along with the Calcenet patriach’s, form what is referred to as the Founding Stake. In addition to his normal role, the patriarch takes on the title of Board Director, making the 13th seat, and the only one not subject to election.
The Consortium is rather lacking in morals, but not so much in rules.