Loksenta has few formal educational institutions. Its citizenry is, for the most part, both literate and numerate. However, children are generally trained in their letters and numbers by their family or by tutors paid for by their family or community. The Academy is the only institute of higher learning. In Freyk’s Wall and some of the larger towns, guilds fill the need for vocational training.
The guilds are the professional organizations of Loksenta. Those who belong to a guild benefit from the guild’s influence and the opportunity to network with fellow guild members and the members of associated guilds. In return, a guild sets rules of behavior and product quality. And, of course, requires dues.
Someone who tries to practice a guilded profession without belonging to the guild will find success difficult. Initially, the guild will politely invite the offender to join the guild. If they decline, the guild will increase the pressure. No members of that or any other guild will do business with them. No one who does business with any of the guilds will do business with them. Some guilds employ bully boys to threaten and intimidate them. A few are even willing to carry through with those threats. Few remain guildless for long.
Freyk’s Wall has nearly as many guilds as identified professions. Here is a small list of the most prominent or interesting.
Arcane Collegium - All who practice more than the most minor magiks belong to this guild. Most are graduates of the Academy. Some are from Glorien. Foreigners must be accredited by one of a small list of mage schools. Of course, such accreditation can be forged.
Honorable Fraternity of Arms - Mercenary companies are not known for fraternal cooperation between each other. Many are not that honorable, either. They are required to belong to the guild to be allowed to carry weapons in the city.
Ancient Order of Publicans - Guild members are proud of being the second guild founded in Loksenta. Members include owners and managers of restaurants and cafes, as well as public houses.
Needleworkers Union - The oldest guild, founded by members of the oldest profession.
Most Magnificent Society of Thespians - Many guild members are as flamboyant as the name of their guild.
Ethical Association of Clerks - The work of members of this guild enable other, more prominent guilds to succeed. And who knows all the secrets but the clerks?
Industrious Brotherhood of Hammer and Anvil - The guild of blacksmiths has recently expanded to include many of the workers in the new factories in the Fan.
Dockworker’s Union - Members of this guild are infamous for levying unofficial fees for loading and unloading ships in the Docks.
Honorable Order of Merchants - This guild regulates the wealthiest businesses in Freyk’s Wall.
Trade Association - Traders make the deals between merchants and their suppliers and customers. Many credit the guild with the fact that few are known to have abused this position of trust.
Rancher’s Union - This guild is one of the few whose members live and work outside the city. The guild sets standards for raising sheep and cattle to be sold through the mercantile system.
Shipwrights Guild - This guild has classified trains as “ships of the land”. It has absorbed the nascent union of locomotive builders.
Brewers and Vintners Association - Many members of this guild are trying to get the right to sell to members of the Ancient Order of Publicans and the public directly, rather than being forced to sell to the merchants.
Den of the Red Wolf 