Guildmaster

Guildmaster is the generic term for the head of a guild.
In New Z'hrat, "master" is a gender-neutral term, normally used as a polite form of address to someone non-family who is your elder or senior that you have a close working relationship with. The master, formally or not, passes down the knowledge gained from time and expertise in the workplace. The Guildmaster, then, is the person who serves to mentor or guide the entire guild.
Because every guild has different requirements and criteria for becoming Guildmaster, and each Guildmaster leads differently based on the needs and values of their guild, it's difficult to make sweeping statements about their role or everyday duties.

• On one end of the spectrum, the Guildmaster to the Sentinels of Thunder , General Julia Whiteflame is extremely strict and oversees most troop movements herself.
• On the complete other end, you have Guildmaster Sadiyah of the Church of Gold, the Prophet of Platinum, who is rarely seen and delegates most of the day-to-day running of the guild to the Gilded Hierophant.
• The Guildmaster of the Transit Alliance  has little more power than the average member, and can do almost nothing without popular vote.
• The Centurion Council, all of whom serve as Guildmaster to the Z'hratian Regulatory Council, work almost entirely in secret until it's time to pass down a ruling.

Qualifications

Varies. However, all the guilds agree that you have to be very experienced, well-educated, well-connected, and politically-minded to thrive in the role. Guildmasters typically represent and display the values of their guild.

Requirements

• The Guildmaster to the Church of Gold is always the current prophet. This seat can be empty for long periods of time.
• The title of Guildmaster in Brimstone's League of Visual and Performing Artists is hereditary.
• The Guildmasters of the Sentinels of Thunder, the Greensoul, and the Shadowweavers are immortal, so succession isn't really a concern.

Responsibilities

Varies, but all Guildmasters are tasked with both leading the guild and representing it politically on the global stage. They will frequently be in talks with the other Guildmasters.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Varies. The guild can usually remove someone from power if enough of them band together to force the issue, but they tend to avoid doing so. Schisms and not having a Guildmaster are major signs of weakness that may inspire other guilds to attempt to swoop in and fill the power vacuum.

History

The title has been around for as long as there have been guilds- and the founding of the earliest three guilds is considered Year 0 and the birth of civilization itself.

Cultural Significance

Guildmasters are the figurehead of their guilds, both politically and socially. This makes them popular choices for features in tabloid magazines, where the paparazzi overanalyze the brand of robes they wear and who they've been seen with. They're deeply influential of the culture of their guild, often inspiring others to dress or behave like they do.

Notable Holders

• General Sophia Thunderwolf, of the Sentinels of Thunder
• The Centurion Council of the Z'hratian Regulatory Council
• Brimstone, of Brimstone's League
• Lady Willow, of the Greensoul
• Spider, of the Shadowweavers.

Type

Professional

Form of Address

Guildmaster [first name]

Source of Authority

Guild

Length of Term

Varies

Related Organizations

• The Shadowweavers
• The Z'hratian Regulatory Council
• The Genesis Research Center
• The Greensoul
• The Sentinels of Thunder
• The Centurion Council
• Brimstone's League of Visual and Performing Artists
• The Rangers
• The Church of Gold
• The Recycling and Decay Union