Cartographer's Guild Headquarters
An unassuming building hidden in the market district, and nestled between larger storefronts and housing blocks, the Cartographer's Guild is often lost in the noise and bustle of the rest of the city, but can be identified by the swinging sign which hangs above its door, a lovingly carved and hand-painted crest depicting a sextant and compass rose. A well-polished glass windowpane offers passersby a view into the storefront. Glittering in the window are a number of brass and metallic clockwork contraptions, including complex-looking chronometers, ornate astrolabes, and expensive and heavy looking globes and 3d models, past which are rows of bookshelves.
Purpose / Function
Originally built as simply another row house, the Cartographer's guild was recently purchased by Darwyn Timbergrottle, and was established to cater to the needs of Whiteport's many adventurers and seafarers, and serves a center for scientific inquiry and investigation. The guild does most of its business creating and selling maps, navigational equipment, and the occasional adventuring tack. It houses the Guild's impressive collections of maps and charts, a sizable library of encyclopedic books pertaining to the world of Kethenicaea (with special focus on the natural world), cartographers studios where existing maps are copied and commissioned maps are created, Darwyn's living quarters, and a makeshift observatory on the top floor. The building also serves as the Guild Headquarters, and hosts adventuring parties and contractors to expand the Guild's collection of maps and charts.
Alterations
Originally built as housing, the Cartographer's Guild has since converted itself to a storefront and archive. While from the outside the building is modest, and offers only some insight into its contents, entering the building it is clear extensive renovations have occurred. A small shopkeepers counter sits along a side wall, in front of rolls of scrolls and map cases. Rows of bookcases two stories tall rise through the floors, while wrought iron spiral staircases and sliding ladders offer access to the higher stacks. Towards the back of the building are a number of studios, where some half finished maps lay on easels and a few novices work copying maps. The third floor of the building is largely unchanged, and contains Darwyn's living quarters, a personal studio, and a consultation room, and features a nice view over the Bay, while a ladder and trapdoor leads to a makeshift observatory on the roof, which features some of Darwyn's homemade telescopes sheltered under tenting, added once Darwyn purchased the building.
Architecture
The Guild Headquarters is similarly constructed to many of Whiteport's other row houses. It stands three stories tall and is made of wood, though Darwyn's makeshift observatory adds a fourth floor, and the wooden wall on the street level has been replaced with a store window. Inside the building, the typical support beams have been replaced with stacks of bookshelves, and the wooden walls are almost completely covered with pinned up charts, maps, and flags.
History
The Cartographer's Guild was set up by Darwyn Timbergrottle in 1525 AC using his share of the treasure from his old adventuring days. Still young by Gnomish standards, Darwyn devoted his life to cataloguing the natural world of Kethenicaea. Beginning the Guild using his own personal collection of maps and notes, the Cartographer's Guild has become a center of inquiry and scientific collection and discussion. Recognizing the value such a collection posed to the various adventuring parties and naval voyages- as well as the need to continue to fund Darwyn's increasingly expensive passion project- the Cartographer's Guild branched into the incredibly lucrative business of selling maps, natural guides and treatises to those in need of them, as well as sponsoring expeditions to improve its own records.
Tourism
The Cartographer's Guild generates a surprising amount of traffic and business. The vast majority of its patrons are seeking charts and maps prior to naval expeditions, though the Guild also caters to the occasional governmental or military venture, as well as the odd adventuring party or true tourist, and generally one or two can be found browsing at an particular time. High profile visitors occasionally arrive to commission specific maps or a particular book. These visitors are ushered to Darwyn's office or one of the studios. Finally, contractors for the Guild and Guild members often visit the Guild, either receiving new commissions and contracts or reporting on the findings of the past. Many naval officers in Whiteport maintain a cordial relationship with Darwyn, frequently visiting, and as a show of support Darwyn offers them his latest maritime charts free of charge.
Founding Date
1525 AC
Type
Guildhall
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
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