Messenger's Guild

Summary

Inexplicably the most widespread and powerful of the guilds on Vrashyn, the Messenger's Guild carries messages too sensitive to be trusted to spells. The guild is sometimes referred to as "the adventurer's stipend" because they provide what is essentially free money to those who already travel for a living. Additional benefits include ignoring border taxes and immigration restrictions in many countries, making membership worth the upfront cost for many adventurers. Though the guild reaches across Vrashyn, it is most prominent in the Satyr kingdoms, where it operates out of temples of Hermes .

Services

Sending a letter through the guild costs 1 CP per mile with a maximum cost of 5 GP. Sending a carryable package costs 5 CP per mile with the cost capping at 25 GP. The price of shipping a larger item varies, but the base cost is 1 CP per pound per mile. All of these services are potentially subject to additional fees, though this rarely occurs for letters and packages unless the area they go through is dangerous.

Full Membership

Full membership costs 50 GP annually. Full members get access to the highest-paying and most prestigious assignments and are protected if their packages are stolen or destroyed by others. Additionally, they get a golden signet ring that allows them free access to any country where the guild is present and use of the guild's private stables. Finally, they get the privilege to weigh in on internal guild affairs. Due to the size and influence of the guild, these meetings are often led by influential political figures, some of whom treat these meetings as a social club and don't seem to do any deliveries. Many of these politically powerful members are seen sporting platinum signet rings as a mark of their status within the guild.

Partial Membership

Most messengers, particularly adventurers, are partial members. They pay nothing but must provide collateral for their first delivery and do that delivery for free. Upon the completion of their audition, partial members receive copper signet rings that waive bridge and gate tolls in most countries and cities. Though they don't get access to the guild's stables, they are given basic supplies to aid them in their deliveries, including a satchel, map of the local area, a compass, and 10 torches. Messengers typically deliver multiple letters/packages in one trip and receive 1 SP per mile traveled. Tips for deliveries are customary. Unlike full members, partial members must reimburse the guild for any letters and packages they fail to deliver. Famously, the guild rarely fails to track down those who fall short of expectations.

Symbol: Caduceus
Slogan: We reach from deep to deep
Headquarters: Hermeza