Society of Aetheric Navigators
The Society of Aetheric Navigators straddles the thin line between a guild for magical practitioners, a merchant cartel, and a criminal syndicate. Though their headquarters is understood to be in the city of Darb Houma in Maradatha, they operate across the known world, particularly in Azarach and on the continent of Kataris. Their prinicipal business is that of providing international transportation through magical means such as the teleportation circle spell.
The Society is considered a criminal organisation in several nations, most notably Aldernord, Imrat al-Dhul, and Vaalus.
Structure
The society is open to any magician capable of casting the teleportation circle spell, in exchange for a modest annual fee. Members must swear to abide by certain agreements as a condition of their membership, which include adherence to particular minimum fees for any teleportation magic that they cast for profit, non-interference in the business of other members, and strict secrecy regarding information that the society provides them. The society also expects a percentage of a member's income from the use of teleportation magic, typically 10% though with some substantial variation depending on seniority and other factors. In exchange, members gain four main benefits: use of the teleportation circles that the society operates or otherwise has access to; collective bargaining for preferential rates of taxation and fees in some nations; a ready supply of customers; and a certain degree of protection, as the society takes an extremely dim view of anyone who attempts to rob or harm their members, and has few compunctions against retaliating in kind.
The society will accept the membership of apprentices - magicians who have not yet mastered the magic of teleportation - provided that they are sponsored by an existing member; it is also known to run a school of magic in Darb Houma for this purpose, providing tuition in exchange for a contract of service with the society following its completion.
The society's leadership consists of a panel of fifteen mages, elected annually by their peers, who are granted authority to arbitrate on disputes between members and to set policy for the society as a whole.
Culture
Whilst the society presents a professional face to its clientele, it does have a darker and more ruthless side, and those who are familiar with its operations are quick to point out the ways in which it considers itself to stand above the law of the nations in which it operates. The society is known to routinely approach unaffiliated magicians whom they consider to be encroaching on their business with threats and ultimatums, that unless they join the society they will face severe repercussions; this is most commonly wielded against any magician who dares to undercut the agreed fees that the society imposes on its members.
The society as a whole has little compunction against offering its services to criminals, provided that they are willing to pay their fees, and in a few cases have been known to act as mercenaries. Their willingness to offer services to Balthan and Savuran rebels during the Long War led to their being declared a criminal organisation in Aldernord.
History
Prior to the revolution of 1035AK, the nation of Maradatha had been a vassal state of Imrat al-Shalanin in which the practice of magic was strictly regulated in accordance with the philosophy of Qaswartism; nontheless, there were a number of illicit magical societies which existed at the time, particularly in the coastal cities where contact with the sea-elves of the Copper Isles was more frequent. During the revolution, a number of these societies sided with the rebels, and were instrumental in overthrowing the hegemonic rulers and destroying the Academy of Devastation where the elite war-magicians of the occupying Taghmata were trained.
Following the revolution, many of these societies began openly operating as guilds, trading in magical education and spellcasting services. The Society of Aetheric Navigators was founded in 1170AK by the union of several such guilds, under the leadership of the Guild of Mage-Couriers of Darb Houma. Since its founding, the society has extended its reach across much of Azarach, particularly the Kingdom of Zabaria and the Hegemony of Parath, as well as to Kataris; it is not thought to have any significant presence in Maddur, Aaranak, or Volsanger.
Founding Date
1170
Type
Illicit, Cartel
Alternative Names
Guild of Mage-Couriers, Darb Houma Cartel
Location
Comments