Senator Bianca Corti

Bianca Corti is the eldest daughter of Giorgia Corti, and head of the house since 627. She grew up with all the trappings of wealth that being a Corti brings, and from the moment she reached adulthood, received a place on Gela's city council in one of its sham elections, then a place on Thasen's senate from 601 onwards, with House Corti's dominance of the Republic at that time. Giorgia was praesens during House Corti's involvement in the Greenwood War of 617, although Bianca had a significant role in pressing for the house to leverage its wealth to effect change beyond its own borders.

Although House Corti was ejected from its pre-eminent position by the other houses in the following election, wary of foreign adventurism, the house's coffers burgeoned. Bianca took on more of a role in its operation over the coming years. After her mother died in 627, Bianca became head of house by general acclaim of her family - arrangements had been made well in advance to ensure it went smoothly.

In the years since, she has occupied herself primarily with the expansion of Corti's influence within and beyond the empire. She leaves the administration of Gela to family members, though the city is ailing.

For Bianca, the world is driven by money and material wealth. Placing such importance on money is common in Thasen, but she applies it not only to the Republic, but far afield too. To her, it is the enabler of the ambitions of imperial nobles, or non-imperial nobles for that matter, provided the Cortis have some way of ensuring a return on their investment; since the Republic pays significant taxes to the Imperial Crown, its houses can rely on the Crown as a guarantor. House Corti may have some difficulties with the loss of trading partners due to RIn's expansion, but it can find more, she is sure.

Bianca is exceedingly acquisitive. While she can present herself warmingly, even charmingly, she is not even remotely generous. She does not offer help without requiring a price. She facilitates funds for her own family, but that is about the limit of it. She is known to have a close watch kept on any investments that House Corti makes to ensure they are used according to the specification she agreed. She has scant regard for anyone who is not monied.

Bianca has a sound grasp of politics and keeping up on Corti's investments.