The Alchemists Guild
The Alchemists Guild is the oldest and most secretive guild in Lalenth. When Lord Evron discovered the methods of creating golem, he quickly realised that just like the knowledge of the Threads, they had to be restricted and monitored. Lord Evron insisted from that point on a member of his own family would always hold the position of guild master. Furthermore, junior guild members were required to live within the walls of the guild, under strict curfew, until they reached the third rank within the guild.
Young boys and girls enter the guild at the age of 7; their apprenticeship bought by their families for the sum of 2 gold leaves. Until the age of 16 they are educated in the sciences of chemistry, physics, biology and anatomy. Then, after a series of exams to prove their competence, they either become full members of the guild or leave with a good education behind them. Only those who remain are allowed to see the process of golem creation. The first few years will be spent simply carrying out menial tasks in the laboratory, or helping with research. Some will find themselves producing the simple products that help with the guilds day to day running costs, such as coloured inks and acidic solutions used in metal working. Eventually, having proved themselves, these young men and women will be taught how to extract lalenthrium from its ore. Those who excel here also, may be fortunate enough to be invited to learn the methods of golem creation.
The scholarly lifestyle of the Alchemists tells on their bodies. They are rarely physically very strong and receive no martial training in the guild. Like the Smiths and Thread Weavers, those working with lalenthrium stain their fingertips blue. As a rule they tend to wear long robes to protect them from the dangerous substances they are required to handle. Dark colours prolong the life of the robes, as chemical stains don’t show up as quickly. It is unusual for them to accrue personal wealth, as the majority of commissions are made through the guild, who then provide for the needs of its residential members.
The current head of the guild is Jaime Evron. He is unmarried and a rather slight young man. Rumour has it that there was some disagreement over his appointment, the young man himself being unwilling to take the role. There were also objections from within the guild. They feel that the traditional appointment of an Evron as their head is an outdated one and that it restricts them. The general opinion is that it prevents them from giving the post to the most able alchemist. However, Jaime fulfils his role diligently and since the appointment there have been no further complaints made.