Introduction:
On the continent of Sirene, a vast land encompassing great civilizations and rugged wilderness, one faction stands out as indispensable among those who travel both treaded and untreaded paths—the Cartographer's Guild. Comprising skilled cartographers, explorers, trackers, seafarers, and adventurers, the Guild is a beacon of knowledge and exploration.
History:
The Cartographer's Guild traces its roots to the ancient days when the need for comprehensive maps and knowledge of the world became evident. The founding members, a group of visionary cartographers and adventurers, sought to unravel the mysteries of Sirene and provide accurate navigational aids for the ever-expanding realms. Initially established as a small association, the Guild steadily grew in both influence and expertise.
As explorations increased, so did the demand for accurate maps. The Guild, recognizing the potential in their endeavors, devised various ways to fund their operations. They diversified their income sources by selling discovered goods and treasures, offering services as caravan guards and navigators, and producing their highly sought-after Guild-Stamped Maps.
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Cartographer's Guild is to explore and map the far reaches of Sirene. They seek to unveil hidden landscapes, uncover forgotten civilizations, and chart uncharted territories. Their meticulously crafted maps serve not only as navigation tools for adventurers but also find applications in trade, military campaigns, and scholarly pursuits.
The Guild takes on the responsibility of ensuring that the knowledge of the world's geography remains accurate and up-to-date. Their members are well-versed in a myriad of skills, from cartography and tracking to combat and survival, making them a versatile force in the realms of exploration.
Funding and Services:
To sustain their ambitious endeavors, the Cartographer's Guild employs a multifaceted approach to financing. Their exploration parties are adept at recovering valuable artifacts and treasures during their travels, which are then sold to interested buyers. Additionally, the Guild provides services such as guarding caravans through treacherous terrain and offering navigation expertise to those embarking on perilous journeys.
The cornerstone of their financial stability, however, lies in the creation and sale of Guild-Stamped Maps. These maps are renowned for their accuracy and detail, making them the preferred choice for merchants, sea captains, and military strategists. The income generated from these maps not only funds ongoing expeditions but also supports the infrastructure of the Guild, including training facilities and research endeavors. The reputation of Guild-Stamped maps and travel guides is such that they have a near monopoly on such goods, and forgery tends to be punished harshly by the Guild, often through extrajudicial means.
Function as an Adventurer's Guild:
In certain regions, the Cartographer's Guild operates as an unofficial adventurer's guild. They serve as a nexus for hiring skilled individuals to clear out monster-infested locations, eliminate threats to trade routes, and tackle other perilous tasks. This dual function not only enhances the Guild's reputation but also fosters collaboration between adventurers and cartographers, creating a network of diverse talents.
Ranks within the Guild:
The Cartographer's Guild has a hierarchical structure designed to accommodate the diverse skills and roles of its members. Each rank comes with its own set of responsibilities and privileges, with promotions based on a combination of experience, skill proficiency, and contributions to the Guild's goals. The ranks within the Guild are as follows:
Apprentice
Apprenticeship typically lasts between 4-6 years. Apprentices are taught reading, writing, cartography, and navigation, as well as skills specific to their branch.
Journeyman
Journeyman status typically lasts 10-15 years. Journeymen of the Cartographer's Branch can have their maps or guides approved by a Journeyman or Master of the Administrative Branch, and will recieve a commission for their work at the time of approval.
Master
Masters of the Guild typically either lead a Guildhall if in the Administrative Branch, coordinate multiple groups of Guidesmen if in that branch, or are tasked with the most dangerous and far-reaching expeditions if in the Cartographer's Branch.
In addition, there are three subsets within the Guild, each with their own focus and purpose:
Cartographer's Branch
This branch comprises the majority of those who explore, creating maps, guidebooks, books of flora and fauna, and histories. Typically operate in small groups or alone. This is the smallest, yet highly skilled branch of the organization.
Guideman's Branch
Operating as guides, caravan guards, and navigators, the Guidesman's Branch is the largest branch of the Guild. Many of its members are military trained, and their services, while not cheap, are highly sought after by merchants.
Administrative Branch
The Administrative Branch performs double duty as both clerks and merchants, operating the various Guildhalls as well as providing verification and sale of Guild-Stamped maps and books. If injury or age prevents a member of another branch from performing their duties, they are often moved to the Administrative Branch instead.
Secret Purpose:
Beneath the surface of the Guild's noble mission lies a clandestine agenda known only to the highest echelons of its leadership. While the public face of the Cartographer's Guild is dedicated to exploration and mapping, a select group within the organization seeks to uncover ancient relics and arcane knowledge hidden throughout Sirene.
This secretive faction believes that certain maps hold clues to powerful artifacts, forgotten spells, and hidden realms that could reshape the balance of power in Sirene. Operating discreetly, they conduct covert expeditions to retrieve these artifacts, all while maintaining the Guild's facade of being a benign mapping organization.
Important Members:
Tannian Geldraal
Guildmaster and visionary leader, known for her exceptional cartography skills and strategic foresight. Conducts operations from the first Cartographer's Guildhall in the Borderlands.
Takk
Master of the Northport Guildhall, a Daku who was formerly a respected explorer before transitioning to administrative duties after losing his leg to a drake attack.
Serafina Syrdani
Chief Seafarer, renowned for her navigation expertise and daring voyages into uncharted waters. Manages the Guild's small fleet of ships from the city of Sarthon.
Kael 'Stonehand' Naglor
Senior Guidesman, responsible for Guild security.
Conclusion:
The Cartographer's Guild stands as a testament to the synergy between knowledge and adventure. As they map the far reaches of Sirene, their Guild-Stamped Maps serve as both a symbol of excellence and a source of income, funding their noble pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of the world. Behind the scenes, a select few members delve into secrets that could shape the fate of the realm, blending exploration with a hidden agenda. In a world where information is power, the Cartographer's Guild holds the key to both discovery and the unknown.
