The Astedian Cyclopedia - Volume VII: On the Reorganisation of the Guilds

The Astedian Cyclopedia - Volume VII: On the Reorganisation of the Guilds is a book discovered within the library of the Guild of the Lilac Vine.

## Description

One of many in a collection detailing the sweeping changes enacted by means of decree, edict and law following the Astedian Ascension, Volume VII details the reorganisation of the structure and heirachy of the Ten Guilds in further detail.

## Reading

### Completed by Bren

*It has been said in tomes other than this and on the lips of nearly all that few could have predicted the Astedian Ascension, or more particularly the speed and furiosity with which it occurred. In less than fifty years, Astedia transitioned from a minor Realm nestled between those far more storied and prosperous to an Empire greater even than the Empire of Raq in respect to scope, scale and success. Beyond the Realms of the Hoarfrost Expanse - Courrakey and Lylcairn - all bowed before them, monarchs, governors and all others rulers still as before, but with additional rungs on the ladder above them. Appointed Ethnarchs watched over each Realm, and in turn paid fealty to the Emperor and the Increscent Six. Life in most of the Realms did not change significantly when the symbol of the Astedian Empire was displayed proud atop flagpoles and banner mountings, but for the Ten Guilds, it overhauled their traditions, cultures and individuality - all becoming simply subordinates of the ever-present High College of Claxinns.*

*Of the Ten Guilds, three were immediately closed with the capitulation of the Realm in which they were situated. Two of these were in Atralran, specifically the Guilds of the Crimson Blossom and the Bronze Oak, deliberately done so as to further suppress the likelihood of an uprising in the Realm that had stood stalwart against the Astedian advance for so long before finally breaking at the Siege of Iron. Atral military efforts, while famed for their knights and other mounted soldiers had been heavily supplemented by Wandslingers trained at both, with particularly troublesome evokers from the formermost amongst the more elite units in the Atral army. The story behind the third closure, the Guild of the Golden Grain is less laden with conspiracy by far, a simple decision owing to the extensive damage to the structure shortly after the Realm of Anorcor fell with the disappearance of the Dustlords many years prior.*

*Conversely, a few amongst the Guilds grew to proliferate further and further under their new management. While the individualistic cloaks and uniforms of the Ten Guilds were discarded in exchange for the slate and charcoal greys of the High College, the Guilds of the Wistful Willow, Speckled Aspen and Lilac Vine all maintained unfettered freedoms in their research, provided copies were made and transported to the High College grounds for dissemination and further study. Considering the peaceful transition of their respective Realms into the Empire, such freedoms are hardly surprising in retrospect, but quickly forgotten by many scholars. Regardless of the Realm to which they found themselves directly and indirectly involved, the High College of Claxinns was open handed with their offers of membership, assigning positions within their organisation for nearly all - be they newly-induced acolytes or long-standing archmages. Whether serving as arcane consultants in the vast fields of Desir, Lernce and Ambis or overseeing the ongoing construction of the Great Conduit, there was a place for any that sought it.*

*Despite it, a few refused the tides of change - setting off to make their own way in the Realms. Most maintained low profiles, assisting on local levels or keeping to themselves, but some amongst instead turned to hostility. Most notable among these is undoubtedly that of the once-archmage of the Guild of the Crimson Blossom, Ealwant Besculus, who to this day continues to stir dissent alongside his loyal apprentices and allies, known collectively as the Sealed Tome.*