GUILD

Guild Rank Structure

With a strict hierarchy installed to ensure the economic stability of its members individual businesses and encourage both status within the guild and an individual's proficiency in their chosen field its nine ranks are

separated into three Houses. The Associates and the Initiates of the Gate House, the Apprentices, Adepts, Masters and Stewards of the Master's House and the Ministers, Warden and Custodian of the Lodge House, however, whatever their trade, the members of the Lodge serve to facilitate a healthy economic environment throughout Yliakum and in turn provide favourable vicissitudes for all.

The Gate House

The Gate House consists of two ranks, Associates and Initiates. Here the most recent of our members are given the opportunity to make friends and engage in the guilds community.

While there are no specific requirements for the rank, of Associate other than a brief audience in order to ascertain suitability for both parties, are expected to meet the requirements for promotion to Initiate promptly. Although it is important that members of this rank have a particular profession they wish to pursue their first consideration should be familiarising themselves with their fellow guild members in person. Associates that are absent for more than a year may have their guild membership terminated.

Members within the rank of Initiate are required to have one or more specific professions that they intend to pursue. They should also be known among their fellow guild members and have become active within our community. Initiates are not expected to engage in any guild matters if they do not wish to do so and are free to concentrate on their own interests. However they are encouraged to utilise the permissions that come with this rank, communicating with other members and accommodating each others needs is the key to further promotion. Initiates are encouraged to request promotion to apprentice if they feel they have met the requirements so a preliminary meeting can be arrange.

THE LODGE HOUSE

The guild is managed and administered by the members of the Lodge House, the Ministers ensuring that clear communications are maintained between the guild and the Warden or Custodian. These final two positions are held to prevent any one member having complete administrative control over our fraternity.

In its origin the Lodge's Custodian was appointed by the guilds founding Members, a tradition that manifests itself today with the Custodian being appointed from the ranks of the Lodge House by the members of the guild. This solitary rank acts as the guilds figurehead with the responsibility of presiding over the guilds traditional ceremonies. The rank is not subject to the strict notice of absence regulating the lower ranks. However, the Lodge House can begin proceedings to replace the Custodian if absent for more than one year with the assistance of the Octarchy. The member in question should only then be demoted to the rank of Initiate by the newly appointed Custodian.

The rank of Warden is a solitary position acting as Custodian in their absence on behalf of the Lodge House. The Warden carries the same responsibilities as the Custodian, the guilds figurehead, and acts as ambassador to The Lodge among Yliakum's citizens, guilds and organisations including the Octarchy.

Our Ministers are the administrators of the guild, those that hold the ethos and traditions of the Lodge close to their hearts. Working closely with the Stewards they should make themselves familiar with the strengths among the guilds membership and make arrangements accordingly. They are responsible for ensuring members that may be of advantage to each other are introduced. While already being masters of a number of professions they are noted for their imaginative approach to business, they might be described as the entrepreneurs of the guild. Their added responsibilities include the arrangement of the guilds traditional ceremonies and events, they, being privy to a great deal of the guilds business, are also expected to protect the integrity of such information. Any Minister that, intentionally or otherwise, is deemed by the Lodge House to have failed in the protection of the guilds privacy will be demoted or, in extreme cases, be removed from the guild immediately.

Ministers or Wardens that are absent for more than three months without prior notice may be demoted to the rank of Initiate.

The Master's House

The ranks of the Masters House are made up of the Apprentices, Adepts, Masters and Stewards. While the Apprentices. Adepts and Masters have their own affairs to attend to the rank of Steward carries additional responsibilities regarding guild matters and they are required to work closely with the Lodge House.

A member of the Initiates will be required to demonstrate a rudimentary knowledge of their preferred profession or such services that they might provide before being promoted to Apprentice. They are expected to trade within the guild whenever possible and are obliged to do so when required by the Lodge House.

A member of the Apprentices will be required to demonstrate a proven record of success with their preferred profession or for the services that they provide to join the Adepts. They are expected to trade within the guild whenever possible and are obliged to do so when required by the Lodge House.

The rank of Master is a highly regarded position among the members of the Lodge and applicants must provide evidence of the mastery of their profession. In addition they must be prepared to engage in markets outside of the Dome by means of access to the Hylaa Winch. Adepts are encouraged to request promotion into this rank once they are able to meet the requirements.

The members among the Stewards hold an important position within the guild, not only have they mastered two or more professions but have shown a certain loyalty to The Lodge by their actions. Their added responsibilities include the role of mentor to the members of their own House and those of the Gate House and are able to recommend the promotion of members by consulting with the members of the Lodge House. They are also expected to assist in any guild matters such as traditional ceremonies and events.

Any member of the Masters House that are absent for more than six months without prior notice may be demoted to the rank of Initiate.

Published by The Lodge, Hydlaa, 750 AY.