Runesmith's Guild
The Runesmith's Guild is the official guild for the study and practice of runesmithing and rune magic. Founded in Gauntlgrym during the Age of the Proud Peoples, today the guild is headquartered in the city of Neverwinter with a presence in many major settlements throughout the Realms. This section presents an optional framework for incorporating the guild into your campaign.
Joining the Guild
Any character proficient with a set of runesmith's tools can become an apprentice of the Runesmith's Guild by registering with a guild union representative and paying a registration fee of 10 gp.
Increasing Your Standing
You must pass exams in order to increase your standing within the guild. For each exam, candidates are tasked with crafting the test item specified in the Guild Exams table. Exams are scheduled at the end of every month.
Guild Exams
| Rank | Test Item |
|---|---|
| Journeyman | Warrior runestone |
| Craftsman | Bound weapon runestone |
| Artisan | Chalice runestone |
| Master | Overshield runestone |
| Grandmaster | Volant runestone |
To be eligible to sit an exam, a character must have paid for that term's tuition. Tuition time and cost varies depending on the level of instruction, as shown in the Guild Tuition table. Tuition is undertaken for the next level of guild advancement. For example, a craftsman will receive tuition at the artisan level in order to prepare for advancement to that rank.
Guild Tuition
| Instruction Level | Tuition Term | Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Journeyman | 1 workweek | 10 gp |
| Craftsman | 2 workweeks | 20 gp |
| Artisan | 4 workweeks | 50 gp |
| Master | 6 workweeks | 100 gp |
| Grandmaster | 10 workweeks | 500 gp |
Candidates sitting an exam must supply their own gemstone, or they can purchase one from guild stocks. Exams are invigilated by a master or grandmaster and last for two hours, during which time all forms of magic and magical effects are suppressed as if by an antimagic field spell. At the end of the period, make a craft check using your runesmith's tools, following the normal rules for crafting a runestone. You make this check with advantage if you have attended a full tuition term (taken as a downtime activity). On a success, you pass the exam and your new rank is recognized. Runestones created during exams are withheld by the guild to pay taxes levied by the local lord or governor, often by supplying the nearest garrison.
Rank Benefits
The following benefits are immediately conferred to members on attaining a new rank. All rank benefits are cumulative.
Journeyman. You have demonstrated the basic care and competencies expected of a runesmith. As a result of your studies, you gain a +1 bonus to checks you make to craft runestones of common rarity.
Craftsman. You are recognized as a full member of the guild. You gain a +1 bonus to checks you make to craft runestones of uncommon rarity. Full members are able to perform guild work during downtime (see below).
Artisan. You have demonstrated the capabilities of a veteran of the guild. You gain a +1 bonus to checks you make to craft rare runestones. Guild artisans are eligible for the Runesmithing Adept feat.
Master. Through diligent study, you have achieved the status of a master runesmith. You gain a +1 bonus to checks you make to craft very rare runestones.
Grandmaster. You have ascended to the rank of grandmaster. You gain a +1 bonus to checks you make to craft legendary runestones. Grandmasters are invited to attend meetings of the council, and often head local chapters.
Guild Downtime Activities
The downtime rules presented in this section are intended to compliment and expand on the "Downtime Revisited" section in chapter 2 of Xanathar's Guide to Everything.
Guild Work
Members of the guild can spend time in the workhalls filling orders placed by clients.
Resources. Guild work requires at least one day's labor. Equipment and materials are supplied by the guild.
Resolution. Standard remuneration for guild work depends on your guild rank as follows:
| Guild Work | |
|---|---|
| Rank | Earnings |
| Craftsman | Modest lifestyle for the week + 5 gp per day of work |
| Artisan | Comfortable lifestyle for the week + 10 gp per day of work |
| Master | Wealthy lifestyle for the week + 20 gp per day of work |
| Grandmaster | Aristocratic lifestyle for the week + 50 gp per day of work |
Complications. Performing guild work rarely results in significant complications. Still, working for the guild is not without risk. Each workweek spent filling orders brings a 10% chance a complication.
| d6 | Complication |
|---|---|
| 1 | A customer cancels an order, reducing your earnings for the week by one category. |
| 2 | You work a lucrative contract, increasing your earnings for the week by one rank category. |
| 3 | Your tools are damaged or stolen, forcing you to buy new ones.* |
| 4 | An incident occurs in the workhall for which you are blamed (justified or not, as you choose). You are barred from the workhall for the next six workweeks.* |
| 5 | You are accused of selling runestones outside of guild channels by a colleague.* |
| 6 | A runestone bearing your magical signature was used to commit a crime.* |
* Might involve a rival.
Tags
References
- 5e - Supplemental - The Complete Armorer's Handbook v2.pdf