Consorti Aquamutus

The Consorti Aquamutus, or the Consorti for short, are the rulers and guild operators of Qorte. They are based out of the colonial town and have led it for thirty years.

Structure

Disciples is the lowest rank of students at the Consorti that are trained, tested and evaluated on the various higher Disciplines. Disciples are subject to corporeal punishment, forced fasting and public humiliation to 'wrench open' the bud. 
Hands are assistants, scribes, ingredient gatherers and menial labourers that form the second lowest Discipline within the Consorti. Many are left at this rank if they show little aptitude and may be cast out without warning when they grow old or infirm.
Minus, or Consortia Minus, are the first level of professional alchemists in the guild. They usually have a mentor within the higher Disciplines and study hard to replicate and build upon their mentors' work. They are gradually given more responsibility before undertaking the gruelling Devoted Scholastic Evaluation at the end of their studies, whereby students are flogged as they work for twelve hours straight on a series of formulae. Once they pass this test, they qualify to advance; otherwise, they are demoted to Hands.
Majorus, or Consortia Generus, are the graduates of the Minus class. Majorus usually focus in one area or another depending on their performance in the DSE. They are responsible for generating a profit for the Consortia, as well as training a Minus in the harsh ways of the Consorti. 
Preferus, or Consortia Preferia, are those selected by the Consuli to be considered and groomed for leadership. Preferus may lead shops in other cities, lead expeditions, or even be generals in battles. Once they distinguish themselves enough or earn enough money, they may be appointed to a seat on the Consuli if one becomes available.
Consuli, or Consortia Alchemia, is the ruling council of the best of the Preferus. There are nine Consuli seats and each Consulus has his or her own department to lead. Within Qorte, the Consuli are treated as royalty and take the lion's share of the profits.
Rexus, or Consortia Regus, is the leader of the Consuli. Their word is usually final in the matter of ties, but they often wield significant power to manipulate, threaten or blackmail the other Consuli into doing what they want. They are theoretically under the direct rule of the Monarch of Red Veil, but in truth rule like kings unto themselves. Because of this vassal relationship, they are also the Governor of Qorte. There have only been two Rexus in history: Sinesto Salamander, the current ruler, and his mentor.

Public Agenda

Gather knowledge for the betterment of Qorte.

History

Colonial Period (1013-1028)

As the Kingdom of Red Veil built an outpost here, word of the area's verdant flora spread. Its relative isolation made it an ideal haven for those magic-talented who wished to leave Red Veil. In return, Red Veil turned a blind eye, seeing the migration of poisoners and magicians as a boon. These magicians, alchemists and Freeders bound together in the shadows of Qorte to ensure each others' survival and share knowledge of the New World's mysteries. 
Eventually the Consorti established itself as a proper guild of alchemists, which earned Red Veil a neat profit. The Consorti however brewed potions and magical poisons that went against Red Veil's rules, so had to trade them in private. This filled their own coffers far more than it did the homeland's. 

The War of Northern Independence (1028-1030)

The Consorti are accused of fanning the fires of independence and funding the rebel movement. They eventually did so openly, supplying Qorti warriors with poisons and healing potions far stronger than that of the Colony of Kehl could find in their forests. The strength of the Consorti tipped the balance of the war in Qorte and the Chevry's favour. Eventually Sinesto Salamander, the Consorti founder's protege, earned enough respect and fear amongst the rebels as to become their leader. 
In 1030, the Consorti ratified a treaty with the Kingdom of Red Veil that gained them partial independence as a vassal state. The Free City of Chevry won full independence, but the Consorti were ultimately swayed by fears of retaliation due to being in a more vulnerable location physically. Additionally, the war had drained the Consorti's coffers and slowed their research.

Modern Period (1030-1060)

The Consorti grew more powerful in the thirty years since the war, due to the fact that the Kingdom of Red Veil was always more occupied with the raids and battles near the Colony of Kehl. With its master away, the Consorti could flourish.
Now they openly break the rules set by the treaty in 1030, and only nominally pay homage to Red Veil. Their successful trading across the Frontier, and defensive alliance with Chevry, has meant that the Consorti essentially dictates a loose system of laws subject to change, as most know those written in ink and signed by the king mean next to nothing.

Founding Date

1013

Type

Guild, Mages

Alternative Names

The Consortium; the Alchemists' Guild.

Government System

Technocracy

Location

Qorte

Controlled Territories

• Qorte

Related Ethnicities

• Frontier Folk
• Veilan