5001-HârnWorld/3rd Edition/22

Although the custom varies, most guilds have three ranks: apprentice, journeyman, and master.

Apprentices
Apprenticeship is deemed a privilege, usually granted to the eldest son of an existing master. The guild may also permit or sell additional apprenticeships, mostly to the younger offspring of masters or to non-guildsmen able to pay the most. An apprenticeship lasts 4–7 years, varying by guild. Apprentices are rarely permitted to serve under their own fathers. Typically, two masters in nearby settlements will exchange their apprentice children. Wealthy guildsmen often try to place their sons with highly skilled and respected masters, paying such mentors a fee for this privilege. The treatment received by apprentices varies; frequent beatings and long hours of menial labor are considered normal. Apprentices receive only room and board, although some get pocket money from generous masters.

Journeymen
The rules governing promotion from apprentice to journeyman vary by guild. The candidate may have to pass a practical and/or oral examination before a group of masters or the simple vouching of his master may suffice. Some masters will intentionally deny advancement to their apprentices because of the cheap labor they represent but the guild will usually step in to prevent this from going on too long. A few guilds do not have the rank of journeyman.

Journeymen are entitled to room and board and a small wage, typically between one third and two thirds of the bonded master rate, depending on experience. They usually travel from one location to another working for different masters. After a prescribed period (usually 3–5 years) the journeyman may apply to a chapter’s Board of Syndics for promotion to the rank of master. This

generally requires the recommendations of at least three masters under whom the journeyman has served and often some kind of oral and/or written examination.

Masters
Most guilds have two kinds of masters: freemaster and bonded master. A freemaster is one who holds a franchise, which is simply a license granted by the guild to own and operate a business in a particular location. A bonded master works under contract for a wealthy person or institution. Unemployed masters who do not hold franchises are called simply masters. All masters pay 10 percent of their income to the guild as dues.

Franchises must be inherited or purchased; they are not automatically granted to new masters. Many masters work alongside their fathers until they inherit the family franchise, while others seek employment as bonded masters until they can afford to purchase a new franchise. The fees to buy a new franchise are stiff, ranging from two to ten years’ income of a master, plus the customary bribes. Many masters, either by choice or financial circumstance, never obtain a franchise.

Most guilds seek to preserve the security of their masters by limiting the number of franchisees and establishing “fair price” guidelines for wares of specific qualities. A master who sells high quality wares cheap, or low quality wares dear, will receive a visit from guild officials. They will no doubt remind him that fines can be imposed and, ultimately, a franchise can be revoked.

Guildmasters and Syndics
All masters are members of the local guild chapter with one vote. Where a chapter has many masters, they may elect a board of syndics from among their number who then appoint a guildmaster from among themselves. Guildmasters are responsible for whatever administration the chapter requires and, except in the case of very wealthy guilds, continue to be practicing masters. They usually receive a stipend for their administrative role. The guildmaster represents the guild in the local Mangai chapter and at any regional conventions the guild may hold. The way in which a specific guild chapter is actually run depends mostly on the personalities involved.

Unguilded Occupations
Most townsmen do not, however, belong to guilds. Anyone may enter an unguilded occupation, but these tend to be insecure, unfulfilling, and unprofitable. Some unguilded freemen are common soldiers and a few are successful scribes, artists, or toymakers, but most are common laborers who are typically worse off than the serfs of the countryside.

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