14.6 Loremaster - the profession of creation.

Those who choose to become a Loremaster tend to be the creators, the makers and the practical folk. The profession learns the skills of forging armour and weapons, of creating magical items, of fashioning runes of power, and of mixing up elixirs of enchantment. Alchemists are not combat orientated, though many are brave. They have no particular alignment, no group morality or ideals. An Alchemist is an individual craftsman trained in specific arts of creation. They provide services for the other guilds, earn gold and fortify their friends from harm. The wise know that the friendship of an Alchemist can prove the difference between life and death, for the creations of an Alchemist can enormously enhance strength and harm ones enemies.

The Guild of Loremasters was founded under the patronage of the goddess of wisdom late in the seventh century. Their home has always been in the city of Thakria. Their founding guildmaster was Raghallach the Golden, ably aided by Davros Bloodaxe. Davros, it was who, in the time of his long-gone leadership, led the Loremasters into prosperity and under his guidance, the guild has become strong and surpassed its sister Guild in Mercinae as the foremost source of magical items, potions and runes. Loremasters tend to be members of the Thakrian society and their guildmaster has traditionally found themselves a place on the council of leadership which governs the city. Over the years the Loremasters and the Alchemists Guild have built up a steady friendship, despite the often volatile relations of Mercinae and Thakria. Such an alliance has proven fruitful, and those considering the Alchemists or the Loremasters should realise that members of this profession will be exposed much less to the danger found in other, more battle-orientated roles.

The Guild of Alchemists is the oldest guild associated with this illustrious profession. They are based in the city of Mercinae and were originally brought into being by the god of time. Their guildhouses are found on the Royal Walk and along the Alchemists Walk in the centre of the city. The modern era of the Alchemists Guild was founded by Aredhel, first-lady of Mercinae and Elof of Old. Together they led the guild through a period of thriving prosperity. Though firmly allied to the city of Mercinae, the Alchemists pride themselves on individualism and freedom of choice within the guild. No member is bound to follow the path of their guildmaster. Should you consider the Alchemists Guild as an option for your character, you should know that their emphasis is upon creation rather than destruction - that they are not creatures of battle, but rather at home among the forge and the workshop.

The Artisans is based in Parrius, and was begun by Procyon, Bringer of Light. They develop the same skills as the Loremasters and the Alchemist, tempering their actions with kindly benevolence and producing goods for the renowned Parrian stalls of Chapman's Square. Fourth and by no means least of the Loremaster professional guilds is the Craftmasters. Based in Springdale and renowned for their fiscal and economic prowess, they are a wealthy and influential guild far beyond expectations when they were humbly founded by Occam some century or two ago. The Artisan Guildhouse is public and can be found upon Consort Way, just north of Hellespont Square. The Craftmasters are by the riverwalk in southern Springdale.