He started as part of the Imperial Inquisition, but he didn't have the stomach for it. He requested a new form of Service to the Empire & was tested for his more mundane skills. He was found to have a knack for finance & was moved to the Ministry of Finance instead, where he flourished, quickly rising to rank fo Secretary to the Minister, where he became the true power of the Ministry.

Ever since coming to power, the financial strength of Maraddon has increased a thousandfold. The money problems of the last 100 years or so vanished as he put his genius to work for the crown. He quickly took advantage of the power as well--he has bankrupted more than one of his enemies, usedhis power to acquire rich assets, & curry favor with the right nobles. He is one of the ten richest men in the world, unofficially.

He now seeks the throne, believing mostly that he is the most capable ruler, seeing the world purely through the eyes of money & power. He is rich enough to buy much support, shrewd enough to gain some more. His claim is weak, but his support is strong, & he is very close to being one of the most powerful contenders.