Artisan
“They build the empire’s beauty—and bury its secrets in gold.”
DEFINITION
An Artisan is a high-skilled commoner whose craft is so refined it earns them elevated social standing, economic power, and in rare cases, noble patronage. They are not nobles, but unlike peasants or servants, they hold prestige through mastery rather than blood.
In a world of cruel hierarchies, artisans are one of the few paths for a commoner to earn real influence.
TYPES OF ARTISANS
| Artisan Type | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Enchanters | Infuse objects with magic—used by nobles for weapons, glamour, security | Very high; often secretly courted by powerful houses |
| Alchemists | Create potions, poisons, beauty elixirs, or forbidden brews | High, feared, sometimes persecuted |
| Blacksmiths | Forge weapons, armour, magical relics | Highly respected, especially in wartime |
| Tailors/Weavers | Create noble fashion, enchanted garments, symbolic robes | Respected, especially by the court |
| Scribes/Calligraphers | Copy spellbooks, sacred texts, and magical contracts | Trusted but tightly controlled |
| Architects | Design noble estates, temples, or magical prisons | Elevated in prestige; some may be knighted in rare cases |
| Jewelcrafters | Create enchanted heirlooms, daemon-seal rings, memory-lockets | Very exclusive clientele—often swear secrecy oaths |
GUILD SYSTEM
Artisans are usually members of powerful Guilds, which act as:
- Regulatory bodies (e.g., quality standards, fair pricing)
- Political unions (e.g., lobbying, strikes)
- Secret societies (e.g., hiding forbidden practices)
Guildmasters can wield massive soft power—some are richer than barons.
PRIVILEGES & LIMITATIONS
Privileges:
- Travel rights (guild pass overrides town restrictions)
- Property ownership in cities and towns
- Apprenticeship rights to pass on their craft
- Audience with nobles—sometimes summoned to court
Limitations:
- Can’t hold titles
- Subject to noble whim—a Count can cancel a commission, destroy a workshop, or take credit
- Can be arrested without trial if their work is declared “blasphemous” or “dangerous”
- Guilds may be infiltrated by spies or blackmailed by noble houses
REPUTATION
- Admired by merchants and city dwellers
- Tolerated by lower nobles—seen as “useful but vulgar”
- Used by higher nobles—especially for enchanted items or discreet services
- Feared if they deal in taboo magic or create tools too powerful for their class
NARRATIVE POTENTIAL
Artisans can be:
- Rein’s allies—someone from her past life (or father’s contacts) might be hiding in plain sight as an enchanter or scribe.
- System exploiters—selling hidden upgrades to villains, saints, or rebels.
- Targets—Rein might protect or blackmail a famous artisan to gain rare magic items.
- Revolutionaries—a guild rebellion could be a powder keg under the capital.
SAYINGS ABOUT ARTISANS
- “A noble’s word builds laws. An artisan’s hand builds empires.”
- “They sell spells like wine and carve power into gold.”
- “Never trust a smith without scars or a tailor without secrets.”
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