Guild of Ratcatchers and Associated Trades

The Guild of Ratcatchers and Associsted Trades is a professional organisation that represents anyone who handles flora and fauna presenting a public health hazard, from typical inner-city species such as rats, cockroaches, or bloodvine, all the way up to risen un-dead, arcane infections, and gigapredators. Due to the variety of species that the 'Associated Trades' are qualified to manage, the remit of the Ratcatchers' Guild is one of the largest of any professional guild in Erwā, and their entrance exams some of the most stringent.

Structure

The guild operates a typical Apprentice-Journeyman-Master structure. A new member joins as an Apprentice, typically between the ages of 13 and 16, and progresses through a structured education overseen by a Master. This typically takes ten to fifteen years and involves practical and, when appropriate, classroom education. The Apprentice is slowly given more responsibility and harder duties, under the oversight of their Master, until they are deemed competent enough to take their Journeyman's exam.
After successful completion of their exam, a guildmember is qualified to set up their own business and work independently, thought it is normal for a newly-qualified Journeyman to continue to work with or for their former Master for a number of years before setting up their own business, and this is especially common for those in the 'Associated Trades', who work with dangerous subjects. Many Ratcatchers remain Journeymen all their professional lives. A Journeyman may employ other Journeymen, though they may not train Apprentices.
A Guildmember who wishes to train an Apprentice must graduate as a Master, proving their competence in their trade and their ability to instruct a student. During the Apprentice's education, the Master is themself subject to additional oversight and examination. If a Master is found to be negligent, incompetent, or abusive in their guardianship of their Apprentice, a guild comittee may reassign the Apprentice and the Master may be subject to discipliniary measures and/or criminal charges where appropriate.

Type

Guild, Professional

Alternative Names

Ratcatchers

Leader Title

Guild Leader

Related Traditions

• Master of the Hunt