The Overguild
A ubiquitous part of Dwarven society, the Overguild is the be-all-end-all of Dwarven commerce. Part regulatory-body, part-union, any and all Dwarven businesses must register with the guild to be seen as legitmate enterprises. Goods produced are inspected and approved by Overguild assessers, and annual guild dues must be paid. Those who do not register (or worse - disgrace themselves by being blacklisted by the Overguild) will find very few Dwarves who will deal with them.
An Overguild seal of approval is seen as unimpeachable to potential customers. Trade disputes are arbitrated centrally. Goods caravans enjoy protection by Overguild guards, as well as insurance against theft. Membership also opens unparalled networking oppurtunities for up-and-coming businessdwarves.
Conversely, those who operate outside of the guild's authority will often find their businesses shunned by local Dwarves. An Overguild membership is seen as the norm, and those trading publicly without one are looked upon as, if not breaking the law, at least undesirable fringe members of the community.
From the outside, the way that the Overguild operates may seem strange, but to a Dwarf, the Overguild provides a sense of unity and security within the community, connecting together all of the far-flung outposts of Dwarfdom in a brotherhood of commerce. A guild license is seen as the first step on the road to success, and the benefits are prodigious.
The Overguild is headed by a Grand Master. Such is the power and ubiquitousness of the Overguild within Dwarven society, that the Grand Master is often a prominent member of the Dwarven King's Royal Council.
Structure
The Overguild is led by a Grand Master, who heads The Council Of Trade - a gathering of the most influential High Masters of the guild.
Each Dwarven settlement throughout the lands will have their own High Master, who leads the local chapter of the Overguild. In some cases, the settlement itself will be owned and operated by the Overguild, and in those cases (e.g. Shalefast), the High Master will also act in a mayoral capacity.
In each settlement, the local chapter will administer any and all guild business, including applications for membership, collection of guild dues, inspections and approvals, and financial services. In many towns, the chapter will run a Trading Hall - part trading-floor and auction house, part administrative facilty.
Public Agenda
To administer and advance commerce within the Dwarven kingdoms and beyond.
Type
Guild, Merchant
Alternative Names
Dwarven Trade Guild
Leader Title
Location
Notable Members
Comments