Ustrarian Gild of Craftsmen
The Ustrarian Gild of Craftsmen was founded in 550AC on the centennial celebration of Korzhûn's founding, and is one of the oldest non-Cartel gilds in Icalar. Its current membership is twenty-three members.
For much of its history it has been regarded as a semi-secretive fringe group of quirky -- or even unstable -- individuals who could not otherwise mesh with the rest of society; this prompted a stern 'toning-down' of its activities and more stringent admission criteria in 801AC by the then-leader, which led to a homogenization of its members and, ironically, a lack of true innovation but broader acceptance by the community. Many of its members became teachers (especially in higher education institutions) under the Korzhûn Education Initiative of 750AC, and the gild further supported Ustraria's growth in general by contributing to significant advances in industry, helping it earn its moniker "the land of ideas".
Despite the homogenization of its membership, 'fringe' members did begin to creep back in. One such member was Yerga'renona Iatix, a former Cleric turned insightful alchemist; she was generally regarded with skepticism by other members due to her field of chemistry -- not strictly-speaking a 'craft' -- and her erratic behavior as a result of spending too long working with agokil, with any any remaining respect being given to her due to her past work and high regard from her time as a Cleric. She took a risk in taking on Devatska Acosaphaura -- a relative nobody from the steppes of Kiva -- as her apprentice, but was impressed by her production of Enstreng. Iatix was perfectly-placed to recognize Devatska's brilliance and they brought the powder to the Gild in late 951AC; not only did this restore faith in Iatix and earn Devatska an honorary membership, but would prove to be the Gild's key to restoring its respect and power.
Types of craftsmanship included: architecture, stone-masonry, metallurgy and blacksmithing, alchemy, woodworking, textile work, leatherwork -- anything made via exemplary skill that demonstrates both creativity/innovation and function, with function being the primary purpose.
Structure
A Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary are elected yearly by all members. The Chairperson is responsible for general supervision of the gild and acts as its liaison with the community; the Treasurer and Secretary report to the Chairperson and assist with its day-to-day functions.
Public Agenda
"The sharing and exploration of ideas and technology, the acknowledgement of the brightest minds and most skillful hands in craftsmanship of all kinds, and the voracious acquisition of knowledge with which to support our communities."
Education
Its members tend to have high education levels, either from formal education or self-teaching; some members, however, are simply gifted craftsman with little to no education.
"What are we but sacred machinations ourselves?"
Founding Date
550AC
Type
Guild, Craftsmen
Capital
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Notable Members
Comments