The Merchants Guild
No trade may take place in the Autumn Hall without a licence from the Merchants Guild. It is needless to say that this licence is a great deal cheaper to purchase for those who are members of the guild already. Some feel that this policy stilts trade and prevents an open and competitive market. The guild believes that it prevents traders who would attempt to peddle substandard and illegitimate goods. It has not escaped the more intelligent that this also allows them to keep close track of the city’s more precious commodities, such as Lalenthrium.
Entry into the guild is bought, plain and simple. The sum is five gold leaves and a years worth of accounts to be audited by the head of the guild. The only requirement that the guild has is that its members submit accounts to the chief auditor once a year, and that these accounts may also be subject to inspection at any time with only twenty four hours notice given.
For a large sum of money a member of this guild may purchase the exclusive rights to a certain product and become the only tradesman in Lalenth permitted to deal in it legally. For example, Ekron Advanta’s recent success in the Wastelands on lalenthrium expeditions has enabled him to purchase the rights to the Larkwood’s famous mead. He has re-named the mead “Autumn Gold” in reference to the trading hall and grows wealthier by the day. Times are good for the Advantas. Ekron’s brother Rameau is head of the Merchant’s Guild and Rameau’s daughter has recently married into the Larkwood family.
An offshoot of this guild, although one that still comes under the same jurisdiction is The Banking House. All those who work in this section of the guild, must have been members for at least three years and have a clean track record. The house is responsible for the production of all monies and also offers a variety of services ranging from basic accounts to loans and safe holding of valuables. They also officiate over the three-yearly “Fresh Leaf” ceremony. Also on their mandate is overseeing the collection of tithes and taxes. The Merchant’s Guild is very jealous of their control over The Banking House and has already undergone legal wrangling to maintain their hold. Six years ago, the Larkwood household made a half-hearted attempt to assume control, saying that a group that had so much power should at least be monitored by an independent source. The attempt was unsuccessful, but every now and again the topic is raised.