Masters of Metal

They aren't as powerful as they claim to be. Else Sur wouldn't style itself "Iron Lady". Still making the Masters your enemy would be stupid beyond belief.

— Genrik Randred, Master of Coins

There are many powerful guilds that battle for power and influence among the cities of the Summer Coast. Hatera Vatrinis, the Masters of Metal, are among the youngest. Yet they have managed to become one of the most powerful if infamous organizations of the modern age.

All Things Earthen

As the name implies, the Masters of Metal deal with all kinds of metal and the products that can be made from said materials. From ordinary Iron to Albalis and Valkite, there is no area where the fingers of the Masters do not extend. Gathering, refinement, transport, and trade of any such material are within their jurisdiction.
Within the boundaries of the Most Serene Republic of Vylon and its colonies, the Masters are the only ones allowed to engage in this trade. Even the sale of something as simple as a nail must be authorized and compensated with a percentage of the earnings. A fact that has not earned them many friends.

Step by Step

Like most other guilds, the Masters of Metal are organized into several chapters, each of which deals with a specific type of metal. Thirteen exist in total and act largely independent from one another on a day-to-day basis. Cooperation between several chapters is usually guided by the Inner Council. Composed of the thirteen chapter directors and four more high ranking Guild members, it deals with matters concerning the entire organization.
Within the guild there are multiple ranks one can achieve:

• Apprentice: The lowest rank for those wishing to learn the craft of the tradesmen.

• Tradesmen: One who has successfully finished their education. Depending on age and experience they are included in the various dealings of the Guild.

• Senior Tradesmen: Tradesmen with at least 7 year's experience. In charge of larger ventures and/or guild houses.

• Master: Highly proficient in their craft and with at least 12 years of experiences these people may call themselves the Master of their respective metal.

• Chapter Director: After 15 years of service and possessing the rank of Master, one may be elected Director of their respective chapter.

• Company Director: In charge of the entire guild, these four deal with all manner of court politics, always intent on furthering the Guilds goals.

While age and service length requirements exist for all these positions, it is largely experience that determines how quickly one advances. Of course, connections, influence and personal wealth also play a role. Less so than in most other organizations, however. Money is the end goal and if one cannot show success then they do not belong to the Guild.

Valkite is Power

Founded in 2722 DA, the guild would share the fate of its hometown for nearly four centuries: middling success and influence. In 3103 DA, it nearly went bankrupt after its main operating area in northern Vardania was disrupted in the aftermath of the Northern Collapse. The Masters seemed done for.
Then came the coup of Alios Vestaris and the victory over the rival power of Ainach. All of a sudden, the Masters found themselves in control of Karnhem and the world's largest deposit of Valkite. In a single night, they gained a monopoly over the second-most valuable metal in existence.
In the centuries since, the Masters and Vylon have kept an iron grip on the material and the resulting profits have made them beyond wealthy. The Hatera Vatrinis have grown to become one of the most powerful and extensive guilds, ruthlessly fighting anyone wishing to tread on their territory.

Our methods may be...a bit extreme, I admit that. But in the end we are just businessmen doing business.

— Rodrik Astodes

Enduring as Steel. Maleable as Gold.

Founding Date

2722 DA

Type

Guild, Merchant

Leader

Rodrik Astodes

Leader Title

Magister Waneum

Parent Organization

Most Serene Republic of Vylon

Location

Vylon - The Mistress of Spices

Masters of Valkite
In the century after Vylon acquired Karnhem, the Masters have become exceedingly proficient in gathering, processing and trading Valkite. Their product is the best one can find on the Divide which at least in part explains the monopoly the guild holds over the market.
The Inner Council recognized the importance of this new development early. Expansive facilities in Vylon are used to conduct experiments on Valkite, the goal being the discovery of new uses for the material. The results have spoken for themselves as Vylon's Valkite Manufacture produces items of a quality that has been unmatched as of yet.
Vultures
Even amongst the guilds of the Summer Coast, the Masters of Metal enjoy an infamous reputation as vultures. Many an assassination and coup in the past century have been connected to the Masters. The financial collapse of several Illigara nations is directly linked to the guild's influence over western banks. Using the chaos following the Brightflame Hour, they spread their influence into Anidara, forcing desperate survivors into slave-like work contracts. The Masters are utterly ruthless in their pursuit of power.

by Mauro Belfiore