Ruby Crown
"Why does this itch. It's not supposed to itch."
Sagolicus Brightpowder, Grandmaster Jewelcrafter, Ruby Crown, studying his Ruby Crown
Qualifications
Expert before assuming Ruby Crown.
Appointment
There is no fanfare surrounding the ascension of a new Ruby Crown. Indeed, the etymology of the word is based in this tradition; it's simply a new item crafted by a new head. Nothing for any outsiders to get too concerned over so that business can resume as normal. Within the guild, it's the equivalent of deferential mountains going about their business as they crash into one another.
The Ruby Crown is the holder of secrets and the one who chooses the agenda the Gem Cutters Guild pursues. The most politically devious, or depending on how you look at it, accomplished, Expert - Jewelcrafting will have maneuvered themselves into power through back channels, arm twisting, bullying, bribes, threats, and assassinations. When a new Ruby Crown is forged and a new person assumes the title, it is no surprise to anyone because they have likely been forced to accept this new status quo. It becomes a relatively trivial event under these circumstances with no one speaking as to how they were forced to agree to the change in affairs.
Duties
The Ruby Crown has a duty to their guild members first and foremost. The reputation of the guild must be maintained so that profits may be healthy for all members. The general public is not often considered beyond whatever money Journeyman - Jewelcrafting can squeeze from them.
Responsibilities
Day to day operations of Crossings are under the purview of the Ruby Crown. This means, specifically, supporting coronators, questers, and grandmasters in their craft as well as their schemes. The Crown uses the strength of the guild to establish trade routes between kingdoms so that materials and wears can be sold between the two markets, increasing the profitability of the Jewelcrafters in both nations. It can hire privateers to harry the trade ships between two continents, creating a shortage of goods in one kingdom, forcing prices to skyrocket, and creating a surplus in another to take advantage of cheap prices of materials in the other. The Ruby Crown will have competitors priced out of the market in a certain city. If that is not enough, a dagger is none too hard to hire for stubborn threats.
This support extends to the mundane as well, keeping Gemmed Coves well stocked and protected, keeping research projects questers are working on secret, and capitalizing on the ingenuity of its grandmasters.
Benefits
Extreme political power is wielded by The Ruby Crown. It may not be explicitly acknowledged, but courts the world over understand the benefits of acquiescing to the whims of the guild.
Accoutrements & Equipment
The Ruby Crown is as much a title as it is an item. To assume the mantle, the incoming Crown must create their own ruby crown that they will wear until they are deposed. This is the only sign of office required of any position within the guild.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
More often than not, Ruby Crowns are supplanted before they retire. It's never expressly stated why one steps down and hands the position to another, but one can be sure it's because the new Ruby Crown has shown them a good reason to step aside. Less often is assassination. Guild members who have other members killed are immediately ostracized making this an extremely risky method to grab power. A Jewelcrafter would have to keep a secret from a guild built around master sleuths and liars; no easy task even for one as skilled as a Ruby Crown.
Type
Professional
Alternative Naming
The Crown
Source of Authority
The source of power comes from the exhaustive pressure points secrets afford The Crown.
Length of Term
Hold office until they retire or are deposed.
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Related Professions
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