Eskarinian Printers Guild

Formed in the early 3000s the Eskarinian Printers Guild (E.P.G) began as a coalition to develop the artform and technology. With the advent of paper based pents the industry saw a massive boom. It became mutually beneficial for peoples across regions to form chapters within their cities and kingdoms. The trade agreements offered across the borders allowed each member of the guild to line their pockets particularly well until the knowledge of printers and their use became well known. After this the E.P.G. chapters began to see steady decline in profits throughout the regions. This was caused by smaller local shops who were willing to provide cheaper alternatives. Upon determining the focus of their losses the guild began to strategize. One solution seemed most effective. After a hundred years of growth and financial gains the E.P.G. used all the weight of their capital and political influence to pressure the lords across every land. This was done in a famous ultimatum, The Demands of the E.P.G.
For the next dozen years the regions that refused these demands were ostracized by the chapters within every region. Some of these regions had large emigrations of their printers and even those who intended to become but were not yet printers. Many letters were published about the lords of those lands. Since the publications came from without the lands there was little that could be done outside of costly wars or requests of extradition. Worse yet the regions who denied found trade difficult without official E.P.G. pents or in solid coin with accompanying documentation, documents that needed certification from a printer. Eventually each land yielded to the will of the guild, determining it was easier to accept their demands than deal with the seemingly insurmountable consequences.
The E.P.G. leadership of today is made up of minor nobles and merchants who are nearing the cusp purchasing, or have decided not to purchase, the title of lord. It is said nobility cannot be purchased and it is only through deed attained, but for the leaders of the E.P.G. who have connections through many channels "deeds" are not in short supply. The main speaker of the guild sits at the head of a college within the city of Townsville. Surprisingly for most, especially the E.P.G. no member sits within the Theshian Academy of Literature. The reason behind this is as of yet unknown. The three main chapter houses are set within Townsville, Stendusdale, and Fathomsport. The natural borders and difficulty in travel to Url'Thiir have made it inhospitable to house a major chapter.

Type

Guild, Craftsmen