There are three distinct ranks within the Merchants Guild: Wood, Iron, and Diamond. Rank implies skill and experience, and higher-ranking members frequently benefit from an improved business reputation and profit margin.
Every business belonging to the Merchants Guild has a symbol on its sign or door to publicly convey its ranking. Wood Merchants use the symbol of a hatchet, Iron Merchants use the symbol of an anvil, and Diamond Merchants use the symbol of a diamond gem.
To move from one rank to the next, your character must contact the Merchants Guild and ask them to send a representative to review your business. Upon review, they will determine if your character is eligible to move to the next level. This must be played out IC in a thread (solo or moderated), and all skill and experience requirements must be met.
Post
here to apply rank up in the Merchants' Guild of Rharne!
Once you have posted the Claim Form, a local prophet will review your thread(s) and ensure that you met the criteria of joining the Merchants' Guild.
There is no limit to the number of guild members at each rank, with the exception of Trade Master. The Merchants Guild only has one Trade Master at a time. In addition to meeting the prerequisites, this individual must be formally voted into power at a seasonal Guild meeting. If your character meets the requirements, you must request a moderated thread from a local Prophet in order to attain this special rank.
The very first rank for novice members of the Merchants Guild is that of the Wood Merchant. At this rank, the member is often just starting out on their business ownership journey. They may have newly started a business, having never run one before, or they may be new to Rharne and starting fresh with years of business experience under their belt. Whatever the case may be, these merchants can be easily identified by the symbol of the hatchet that hangs either outside of their business or on their door.
Wood Merchants are frequently mentored by Iron Merchants, and have easy access to a wealth of business advice and knowledge. They are encouraged to attend the seasonal Guild Meetings, though their advice or recommendations may not be taken as seriously as that given by higher ranked merchants.
Skill Requirements:
- Business Management (Novice)
Experience Requirements: N/A
An Iron Merchant is recognized by the anvil symbol that hangs from their building or door, and is expected to have a strong level of experience and skill when it comes to running their business. Customers know that they can trust the Iron Merchant to be professional and reputable in their dealings, which tends to have a positive impact on their ledger.
Iron Merchants are frequently mentored by Diamond Merchants and are often called upon to be mentors themselves. When they attend the seasonal Guild Meetings, consideration is made for their experience and their input is given more thought and consideration than Wood Merchants. At this rank, Iron Merchants may deduct -5% from business-related purchases and may add +5% to their seasonal business profits.
Skill Requirements:
- Business Management (Competent)
- Socialization or Intimidation (Competent)
- Leadership (Novice)
Experience Requirements: Business must be active for 2 consecutive seasons.
Level 3: Diamond Merchant
Rharnians hold Diamond Merchants in the highest regard. The diamond symbol comes with the expectation that the merchant is very experienced, sells only the highest quality product or service, and is especially reputable in their dealings. Whether or not this is the reality is almost irrelevant. Status alone gives these business owners significant sway, and they will often find that they have a consistent and loyal customer base.
Diamond Merchants are often called upon to be mentors for Iron Merchants, and some may even be asked to be advisors for the Trade Master. Their advice carries much weight at seasonal Guild Meetings, and their needs tend to be prioritized when it comes to making guild-wide decisions. At this rank, Diamond Merchants may deduct -10% from business-related purchases and may add +10% to their seasonal business profits.
Skill Requirements:
- Business Management (Expert)
- Socialization or Intimidation (Expert)
- Leadership (Competent)
- Logistics (Competent)
Experience Requirements: Business must be active for 4 consecutive seasons.
At any given time, there is only one Trade Master leading the Merchants Guild. In addition to meeting the requirements, the Trade Master must have previously been a Diamond Merchant and be voted into power by the other guild members at a seasonal Guild Meeting. The Trade Master is guaranteed one arc as the guild leader. Beyond that, a vote may be called at any time by challengers and the Trade Master may keep their power only if they have kept the trust and confidence of the guild.
The Trade Master’s responsibilities include hiring employees to look after the administrative details of running the guild, leading the seasonal meetings, sitting on Rharne’s Council, and petitioning the Council to make decisions or changes that are in the interest of the guild’s members. The Trade Master also weighs in on decisions related to the guild’s coffers and typically has several friends and advisors at the Diamond Merchant rank from whom to gather guidance or advice.
Skill Requirements:
- Business Management (Master)
- Socialization or Intimidation (Master)
- Leadership (Expert)
- Logistics (Expert)
- Politics (Competent)
Experience Requirements: Business must be active for 6 consecutive seasons.
