Merchant's Guild

Masters of the Craft

Most men dream of finding their fortune, but in the Merchant's Guild that dream can easily become reality. Many skilled craftsman, artisans, and suppliers seek to join the guild and go to great lengths to do so. But becoming a member is no easy feat. Only those who prove to be of potential benefit to the guild are given consideration.
The lengthy process generally takes about 6 months where the applicant must provide thorough documentation of their trade manifest. Business ventures which have shown significant growth, innovative ideas, large financial backing, and high public interest give an applicant the highest likelihood of joining the guild as a Master, though not many fortunate enough to reach this tier of the guild. However, the lack of these criteria does not entirely exclude the possibility of joining the Merchant's Guild.

The Tiers of Membership

The hierarchy of the guild is simple with only three tiers defining the members' roles.

Master

The highest title given to individuals who are considered a cut above the rest. Master merchants have a proven business model and are already established in their current market. They are permitted to own businesses and establish in locations affiliated with the guild, obtain guild loans, and operate as independent members. A master merchant may hire any number of journeymen and assistants to run their business.

Journeyman

Becoming a journeyman is a worthy goal, though it provides less independence and status than the master. Typically, an individual attempting to join the Merchant's Guild only meets one or two criteria for joining the guild. In this case, the guild may refer the applicant to a current master within the guild who can elect to hire them. In this way, they become affiliated with the guild by proxy and are given the title of journeyman.
A journeyman is permitted to run the business of their master with some independence and are generally in charge of apprentices. Most journeymen are hired for their innovative ideas, which are bought by and sold under the master's business.

Apprentice

Apprenticeship is the easiest method of joining the Merchant's Guild when an individual has little experience beyond a strong desire to be a merchant. Apprentices tend to be younger children or relatives of the master who show some promise in being able to take over the family business but require time to grow into their own. An apprentice is not permitted to run a business but may assist the journeyman or master in this endeavor.