The Castle

Guilds and Organizations in Castle Marrach:

In their search for comradeship and occupation, many members of the castle society in the Outer Bailey join Guilds, groups of people with shared interests. Most guild events (and other castle events) are listed on the Castle Marrach event calendar. The Guilds and organizations in Castle Marrach include (but are not limited to):

• The Awakeners: A chartered Guild of castle guests who devote their efforts to helping orient the Newly Awakened: assisting them in finding appropriate clothing, instructing them in castle societal options and etiquette expectations, etc. Members are recognized by the gold or silver necklaces they wear, with a medallion displaying on one side the words "The Awakened", and on the other an engraving of a castle. Also, a complete list of Awakeners is written upon the noticeboard in the Sunset Room, to the south of the guest room corridor. Joining is fairly easy: simply attend one of the guild meetings (see the Castle Marrach event calendar for dates and times) or speak with a member of the guild to learn more.
• The Battle Guild: A chartered guild which focuses on teaching the art of the sword. Joining is easy: simply attend one of the guild meetings (see the Castle Marrach event calendar for dates and times) or speak with a member of the guild to learn more.
• The Chroniclers: A chartered guild which maintains on ongoing, objective record of castle life, in order to share the experience of notable events with those who were not in attendance themselves. For information about joining, contact Lord Chamberlain Launfaul directly, preferably with an example of your work ready for his inspection.
• The Counsel: This chartered guild has as its primary mission the official mediation of disputes among the guests of the Outer Bailey. Joining is quite difficult: prospective counselors must submit a letter of intent, along with five petitions from castle guests, recommending them for the position.
• The Courtesy Circle: This chartered guild has as its primary mission the promotion of courtesy -- respect and consideration for others -- in the Outer Bailey. In pursuit of this goal, the guild offers various lectures and informal talks. Joining is easy: simply attend one of the meetings (see the Castle Marrach event calendar for dates and times) to learn more.
• The Dancing Academy: An unchartered organization which offers classes in dancing. For more information, contact ser Sansamor or sera Mintle.
• The Duelists' Circle: Only those with a passionate commitment to honor and the sword may join this chartered Guild. Members are recognized by their pins (in the shape of a white feather plume with silver vein) and cavalier hats with white plumes. Duelists wear swords in scabbards. Joining is quite difficult: prospective Duelists must impress existing members of the guild with their honor and trustworthiness, and must also join in groups of three (triads) to whom they swear an oath of commitment. (Those seeking triads might want to consider asking various questions of potential oath-siblings.) For more information, speak directly with a current Duelist.
• The Friends of the Muse: A chartered guild. According to its leader, sera Maria Despoina, "The Friends of the Muse is a Chartered Society of Castle Marrach, dedicated to providing uplifting entertainments and artistic productions for the enjoyment of all Castle residents." The Friends of the Muse sponsored the Poets' Convocation. For information about joining, attend a meeting (see the Castle Marrach event calendar for dates and times) or send a scroll to sera Maria.
• The Garden Society: This chartered Guild focuses its attentions on the few plants in the Outer Bailey. Members are identified by a green shawl. Note: Though the Garden Society proper is a female-only guild, there is also an Auxiliary of the Garden Society, in which both men and women are welcome. For information about joining, attend a meeting (see the Castle Marrach event calendar for dates and times).
• The Keepers of the Unveiled: An unchartered guild dedicated to defending Her Majesty Queen Vivienne and her realm against supernatural threats. Most members of this guild prefer to keep their membership secret, and therefore do not wear their badges openly, but the symbol of this guild is a silver badge with a watchful eye. For information about joining, contact anyone openly wearing the guild's badge, or wait for a member to contact you.
• The Sorceress's Apprentices: Not truly a guild, but rather the students of the Sorceress, Lady Serista. For more information, contact Apprentice Elea. Joining is extremely difficult: Initiates must follow a six-week series of steps, including a potentially fatal binding which severely weakens them physically, before they may even discover if they have the talent necessary to study sorcery. Potential rewards are great, but so is the cost. The first step is respectful attendance at one of the introductory sorcery classes listed on the events calendar.
• The Poets' Brotherhood: A chartered guild of poets who devote their efforts to the composition and recitation of poems. Members are recognized by the purple rosettes they wear. Joining is relatively easy: simply attend a meeting and recite poetry of an appropriate caliber, then speak with the guildleader.
• The Rememberers: This chartered Guild attempts to help castle guests recover memories from the past. Members are recognized by their pins in the shape of a plume with quill. For information about joining, contact any member.
• The Seekers: Not truly a guild, but rather a religious order, the Seekers are followers of the faith of Natura Balanus, led by Priestess Nadira. For information about joining, contact any Acolyte.
• The Winter Watch: The Watch is not truly a Guild, but rather is the Outer Bailey's branch of the Queen's peace-keepers. They keep order in the castle, assisting the Royal Guards in enforcing the castle laws. Members of the Winter Watch are easily recognized by their distinctive clothing, including the Winter Guard grey leather jerkin, a grey wool cloak with the Winter Watch insignia on the back, and a scabbard with its leather silhouette of a white ermine. Watch officers also wear a pin which shows a standing ermine in silver, with large black eyes. Joining is quite difficult: prospective Watchmen and Watchwomen must impress existing officers of the Watch with their honor and trustworthiness, and then go through a series of interviews with an Armsman and the Corporal.