Merchants' & Traders' Guildhall and Livery
A sprawling complex within the Old City, the Merchants' and Traders' Guildhall and Livery serves as a vital hub for Greyhawk’s bustling mercantile elite.
The large corral and expansive yards provide ample space for horses, mules, and oxen to rest between journeys, while a secure barn houses the guild’s freight wagons, reserved exclusively for guild members.
The stables and servants' quarters accommodate the guild’s 20 horses, 30 mules, and 12 oxen, though at any given time, many are out on trade routes. Meanwhile, the center wing of the Guildhall is a grand structure, reflecting the prestige and wealth of its powerful merchant class.
The Merchants' and Traders' Union
Arguably the most important economic institution in all of the Flanaess, the Merchants' and Traders' Union wields tremendous influence within the Free City. Membership is open to those who do not qualify for more specialized guilds, such as the Jewelers’ and Gemcutters’ Guild, ensuring that most of Greyhawk’s traders fall under its vast purview.
The Guildhall itself is a colossal edifice, incorporating:
- A secure hostelry for visiting merchants
- Vaulted storage chambers for valuable goods
- Private warehouses for bulk cargo
- Barracks for the guild’s own mercenary guards
- Shrines dedicated to Zilchus and Xerbo
- Numerous offices and private meeting rooms
- Expansive courtyards where transactions unfold daily
The courtyards hum with activity from dawn to dusk, filled with merchants displaying wares, investors seeking profitable ventures, and guild representatives brokering deals. The day’s trading ceases at sunset, at which point clerks meticulously record transactions, post daily prices, and prepare for the next day’s dealings. Large caravans and shipments often arrive under cover of night, when the streets are less congested.
The dwarven administrator, Stimtrin Cannasay, oversees the Guildhall’s daily affairs. All membership applications and admissions are handled through his office.
Membership Benefits & Requirements:
- Affiliate Membership (for non-residents): 30 gp per year (grants access to Guildhall facilities)
- Full Membership (for Greyhawk citizens): 15 gp per year (includes tax benefits and trade protections)
The Union also holds considerable political sway, with four members seated on the Directorship:
- Guildmaster Ren o’ The Star
- Laup Cobrun (covertly influenced by Janziduur of Trithereon)
- Carmen Halmaster
- Deman Nathane (both staunch supporters of Nerof Gasgol and allies of the Thieves’ Guild )
Ren o' the Star
Master of the Merchants' and Traders' Union
A half-elf of 94 years, standing 5’9” and weighing 180 lbs, Ren o’ the Star is a man of ambition and fortune. With raven-black hair, upswept eyebrows, and a prominent mustache, he carries himself with the confidence of a seasoned merchant.
Born into wealth and privilege, Ren o’ was already a successful trader before arriving in Greyhawk. His vast knowledge of trade routes and elven connections made him an obvious candidate for leadership, and when he ascended to the rank of Guildmaster, he achieved one of his lifelong ambitions.
Yet, for all his business acumen, Ren o’ possesses a fatal flaw—his insatiable thirst for gambling. With little else to entertain him in the Free City, Ren o’ has thrown himself into reckless wagers at the Wheel of Gold and beyond. His extravagant losses have caused great concern among his allies, and whispers of discontent now stir within the Union’s ranks.
How long Ren o’ can maintain his grip on power before his vices consume him remains to be seen...
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