Guild of Royal Minters
Structure
- Grand Master of Mint: The highest authority in the Guild, the Grand Master of Mint, is renowned for their unrivalled expertise in coin crafting and die carving. They handcraft the most intricate coin dies and hold a revered position.
- Guild Elders: Below the Grand Master are the Guild Elders, seasoned experts with decades of experience. These Elders serve as advisors to the Grand Master, preserving time-honoured traditions while encouraging innovation. They vote in a new Grand Master from among their ranks.
- Members: The core of the Guild comprises its members, each specialising in various aspects of coin production. Apprentices operate machinery for sheet creation, blank cutting, and pressing. Metallurgists focus on alloy creation, while capable members handle the finishing touches. Senior members oversee quality control, and the Mint Guild Master crafts the essential coin dies. Notably, those in indentured service contribute significantly to ore mining and metal production but are prohibited from direct involvement in coin minting, underscoring societal distinctions in this craft.
Culture
- The First Coin Tradition: The Guild's rich heritage includes the "First Coin" tradition, dating back centuries. When apprentices complete their training, they embark on a solemn ceremony known as the "First Coin." During this rite, the apprentice is tasked with crafting a coin entirely from scratch, including carving the die, pressing the metal, and finishing it to impeccable quality. While not legal tender, these initial coins are highly sought after, especially when created by apprentices who later become influential guild members.
- Camaraderie and Guardianship: Guild members share a profound camaraderie rooted in the ancient belief that they are the custodians of Favont's financial stability. This shared responsibility for the nation's currency fosters unity and a sense of duty among its members.
- The Minters' Ball: An annual highlight in the Guild's calendar, the "Minters' Ball" is a grand event where guild members and their families come together to celebrate their craft. This extravagant affair features edible statues of historical coins. It offers the opportunity to win rare coins, further reinforcing the Guild's unique culture.
Public Agenda
The Guild's primary mission is to uphold the integrity of Favont's currency and, by extension, the nation's economy. They prioritise ventures that increase metal production, support apprenticeship programs for new members, and engage in diplomatic relations that can bolster the wealth and stability of their coinage.
Assets
- Knowledge Repository: The Guild houses an extensive knowledge repository that encompasses ancient techniques, historical records, and intricate coin dies used in production. This repository is a treasure trove of expertise.
- Guild Headquarters: The Guild's headquarters, known as the The Royal Guild House of Minters, stands as an architectural marvel and symbol of their authority. This Genvivian-style structure boasts fluted columns, gothic arches, and gargoyles representing each guild member from its construction.
History
- Origins in King Leric's Era: The Guild of Royal Minters traces its roots to the year 0, during King Leric's reign, known as the Dispeler. King Leric aimed to unite his realm through a standardised currency. Local blacksmiths formed the initial Guild and took on the monumental task of minting Favontille coins.
- Challenges in 264: In 264 the Guild faced its first significant challenge during the Silver Uprising when miners in the Black Mountains demanded higher wages, threatening the currency's integrity. The Guild responded firmly, suppressing the uprising and executing dissenters.
- Innovation in the 5th Century: The 5th century brought innovation as the Guild embraced steam-powered presses, transforming coin production. However, craftsmen, threatened by automation, sabotaged the machines. A compromise was reached, preserving machines while continuing to hand-carve coin dies.
- Coinage Revolution and Chamberlain Uprising: During the 600s, a pivotal era in Favont's history, the Guild played a covert role in the Chamberlain Uprising. Jan Chamberlain initiated this revolt due to religious differences with the King. The conflict escalated into a civil war that divided the nation. The Guild crafted coins used by leaders of both factions for identification, contributing significantly to the resolution.
- Structural Changes: In 766, a structural shift occurred as Elders gained the power to vote in the Grand Master of Mint, balancing tradition and innovation. During his tenure, Eli Morris-Mahabe, renowned for intricate coin dies, marked a new era in currency artistry.
- Indentured Service Reform: In 941, the Guild underwent a significant transformation when the introduction of indentured servitude allowed low-skilled tasks to be completed by an indentured workforce. While these individuals contributed to mining and ore extraction, they remained barred from direct involvement in coin minting, addressing societal distinctions.
