The Gilded Hand
The Gilded Hand is a confederation of powerful guilds, each led by a Guildspeaker - an elected voice who represents their guild on the Gilded Council, the ruling body of the faction. Decisions affecting market laws, port fees, trade licensing, and foreign contracts are made by vote within this council.
Each guild operates autonomously in its craft but relies on the Gilded Council to ensure city-wide economic standards and inter-guild cooperation.
Members of the Gilded Hand wear clothing embroidered with gold thread—some subtly, some ostentatiously. Each Guildspeaker wears a formal gilded glove on their right hand during council sessions.
Guilds
Guild of Revelry
This guild manages the heartbeat of Y’Matara’s festivals, performance halls, and public entertainment. Its members include musicians, dancers, illusionists, and pyrotechnicians. They are experts in crowdcraft and joy-mongering, often sought after for noble galas and citywide celebrations.Guild of River's Bounty
Representing the fishmongers, netmakers, and traders who work the riverfront, this guild controls much of Y'Matara’s food trade and transport barges. Their goods range from fresh catch to salted delicacies and fish-skin parchment. Rugged and proud, they are closely tied to the Dock Quarter and the Harbour of Ashet.Guild of Hide & Stitch
Tanners, leatherworkers, and artisans in dyes and fabrics form this guild. From everyday sandals to intricate ceremonial attire, they transform raw materials into functional and fashionable wares. Their dye-houses are located near the Worker Quarter and known for their bold colours.Guild of Obelisk & Stone
Comprising masons, quarrymen, and sculptors, this guild builds the bones of Y’Matara. They are responsible for temples, bridges, and monuments throughout the city. Often stoic and traditional, they hold strong to generational craftsmanship and stone rites.Guild of Timber & Craft
Guildspeaker: Anwar Sahari These are the carpenters, joiners, and builders of finely made wooden goods. From chariots and furniture to elaborate temple doors, they provide structure and elegance. Their Guildspeaker, Anwar Sahari, is known for his meticulous work and strong voice in council matters.Ranks & Roles
The leader of a guild is known as the Guildspeaker.Guild Functions
Price Regulation
The Gilded Council meets weekly to adjust prices on rare imports, prevent price wars, and ensure fair monopolies.Trade Oversight
They oversee licensing for vendors and traders entering the Great Bazaar or Harbour of Ashet.Mercenary Hire
Though not a military faction, the Hand contracts private mercenaries to protect goods, enforce trade contracts, and retaliate against theft.Craft Guild Standards
Each guild enforces training standards and apprenticeships, with journeymen and masters officially registered.Player Options
Diplomatic Ties
Mission Statement
Type
Guild, Merchant
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Notable Members
Founding
Allied
The Gilded Hand ultimately reports to the Council of Voices
Cooperative
Trade and magical identification keep relations stable. They occasionally advise one another. Philosophical indifference—economic pragmatism vs academic guardianship.
Cooperative
The Jackals grease the wheels of Y’Matara’s economy from the shadows. The Gilded Hand tolerates their presence so long as profits flow. Risk of exposure. If the Jackals draw too much attention, the Hand may publicly disown or turn on them.
Cautious/Neutral
The Templars enforce law; the Hand controls wealth. Both want a stable city.