Guildhall of the Carpenters
Walking south along Brick Lane toward the New City Fountains, one passes one of the most beautiful structures in all of Greyhawk, the Carpenters’ Guildhall. This long, rambling three-story wooden building runs the entire length of a city block, rising above all neighboring structures as if to announce the mastery of its residents, the carpenters of the Free City.
The building is admittedly wondrous to view for the great detail of its exterior, though it does seem overdone. It is made, naturally, entirely of wood and its expertly carved façade composed of a dozen different types of wood, serves as a museum, shop and classroom for the members of the guild and their apprentices. An ornamental carved façade frames each story. The shutters, doors, and trim wood all show the attentions of skilled carvers.
The interior is no disappointment. Like the architects, the carpenters maintain a museum open to the public, occupying the entire ground floor of the hall. The museum here serves as a classroom for apprentices as well. Its displays include examples of the carpenter’s tools, diagrams of their use, and examples of finished work. The museum is a loose circle of interconnecting rooms. and each room is done with a different type of wood, in a different style.
The second floor of the guildhall is the social center and meeting area featuring a private bar and a collection of plans for not only buildings in Greyhawk, but also wooden marvels from throughout the Flanaess.
The upper level of the carpenters’ hall, however, contains a dormitory and classroom. Here up to 12 apprentices live, working on crews for various master carpenters during the day, and studying techniques by night. Guildmaster Pax Teros also lives on the third floor, is an ardent supporter of the loggers of the Gnarley Forest, most of whom pay dues to the guild.
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