The Guild Arcane

Magic, it is said, is a precious resource. Not for its rarity – indeed, there seems no end to those able to work magic though one means or another – but because of its utility. Those able to call forth light from darkness, make the poisoned waters drinkable, and mend broken tools with a few nonsensical words and a mystical pass could surely command respect and their weight in treasure. In that regard, it is perhaps understandable that a great Guild was formed, such that all of that political and financial power might be better organized…

Cleo of Fiona, A Few Thoughts on the History of the Guild Arcane (written 1903, listed as expurgated by the Guild Arcane, 1904.)

The First Grand Guild of the Arcane

Although it is likely that wizards have worked in conjunction since before recorded history, any documented evidence of an organization known as the Guild Arcane from before the First Age of Reason has been lost to history. Institutions of learning, such as the great University of Deepwood were founded and built up while resources were available in the period of relative peace between 490 A.T., and 1100 A.T., allowing for further collaboration between scholars, many of whom focused their interests in matters of arcane magic.

The first Guild of the Arcane was therefore likely something of an inevitability, although it took some time to find its feat. Established in 1105 A.T., the group was open to any who studied or used arcane magic. Headquartered in the area of the University, there was a concerted effort to advance arcane knowledge, as well as to control who worked with this knowledge professionally. Some writings remain that suggest that there was a distinct problem with charlatans and shysters claiming to sell magical tonics that were merely coloured water, or ‘magical swords’ that failed to withstand the usage that even a mundane sword might well endure.

In the following century, the guild waxed and waned: writings suggest that they suffered a significant setback when invading armies of D’shunn targeted guild leadership as priority targets for assassination, likely to deprive opposition forces of the magical support the Guild could have afforded. Although this invasion was eventually repelled, the universal nature of the Guild suffered as the local kingdoms and empires squabbled between themselves, leading to the eventual dissolution of the Grand Guild in 1206 A.T. While individual guildhouses survived, many were reduced to ruins, and none of the surviving houses had overseeing leadership; it may be fair to say that at this point, the original Guild was quite extinct.

The Second Grand Guild of the Arcane

In the wake of the chaotic dissolution of the Empire of Lannick, individual nations in the Lakes Region once again prioritized the study of the arcane arts as a defensive measure. Many of the raiding groups that had taken advantage of the chaos following the Empire’s fall had little understanding of magic, and the new nations that were feverishly establishing their borders wished to take advantage of this apparent lack.

Although not as high-minded as the original Guild, a new organization began to arise, born of military alliances and generous nations seeking any advantage in what proved to be a tumultuous century. The University of Deepwood once again proved a nucleus for this international cooperation, where scholars of the Arcane met in its hallowed halls to discuss obscure theory and devastatingly potent applications. There are records suggesting that this pursuit of knowledge was bolstered by then-supportive sects of the Sashan and Fionan faiths.

Perhaps born of this indulgence, the War of the Twins – an ambitious power grab by the elven Twins Sarna and Tivolous – sprang forth in 1502 A.T., proving the power of arcane magic, but to terrible cost. This perhaps ironically formed an inciting moment; the War of the Twins led to the nascent Guild Arcane welcoming all who would stand fast against the twins and their infernal and necromantic forces.

Some of the greatest scholars in the known world came together in the formation of powerful magics to bind and contain the Twins when they could not truly defeat them. Although the defeat of the Twins came at a great cost, the Alliance mages that had joined forces continued to collaborate, forming a more structured and scholarly approach that would persist for several centuries.

The Guild Arcane Reformation

By 1689 A.T., the Guild Arcane’s home had substantially shifted from the still demon-plagued woods of Deepwood to Eldersire, where elven scholars had constructed the Whitestone Library, a repository of arcane works, with grand meeting rooms and lecture halls. Ostensibly an independent body, the Guild Arcane’s leadership nevertheless was well-populated by representatives of the noble houses of Eldersire, who had helped to fund the construction of this home to the Guild.

When Harodom was founded in 1705, one of the first emissaries sent out by King Haro I was not to Eldersire, but to the Guild. A student of history, Haro knew that having magic helping to secure his borders was essential to the success of his fledgling nation. Indeed, some have even suggested that sending this emissary was essential to the establishment of the peace and trade between the known Kingdoms that Haro I was able to negotiate; in most such kingdoms, highly placed court wizards, sought for their wisdom and scholarly knowledge, may have been encouraged by the Guild to support this endeavour. Haro I’s efforts led to the declaration of a Second Age of Reason, where the magical arts were able to flourish, as resources became available and more freely traded between nations.

This reformed Guild established an order to all guild chapters and to the overall guild. The Council of Eight, elected guild leaders that represented the various functions of the Guild, was created to divide the responsibilities of the Guild, and was mirrored in every national guild house that grew to sufficient power, membership, and complexity. In areas where the Guild Arcane held power, arcane magic was restricted to Guild Members, with national governments allowing the Guild to perform enforcement action, including the death of ‘Hedge’ wizards, and licensing the sale of magical goods not produced by churches. In exchange for this authority, the Guild agreed to investigate magical mysteries and to take responsibility for the safe handling of items and artifacts.

The Breaking of the Great Guild

As internationally powerful as the Guild became, the ties between the Guild Arcane and the nobility of Eldersire grew stronger as the years passed. Now holding a great deal of wealth and temporal authority, the Guild Leadership became inexorably tied to the government of Eldersire, still nominally an independent body, but – as the saying went – as bent the branch, so grew the Silver Tree.

This came to a head in the wake of the Eldersire/Harodom conflict of 2016 A.T. With the government of Eldersire at war with what had long been an allied nation, the Guild Arcane’s authority was broken in Harodom, where excesses and orders coming from the Eldersire headquarters had long rankled some of the local wizards. Now, with no way to distinguish between the legitimate orders of a governing body and the influence of a hostile national government, Harodom began the process of unfastening itself from the Grand Guild – and Eldersire’s – influence.

As Harodom broke from the Guild, other nations where Eldersire’s influence had rapidly grown concerning also began to remove their ties to the Grand Guild in its current incarnation. If Eldersire could make war with Harodom, it was reasoned, the elven nation might well make war with any of its other allies as well. Perhaps not a pressing worry, but with so many wizards highly placed in positions of governance, not one that could be safely ignored.

Now, there are Guilds Arcane in most every nation in the Lakes Region, but it may be safely said that the Grand Guild is – for now, and once again – finished. If its authority could be re-established as a truly independent organization, it may once more flourish in the lands of the Lakes, but trust once broken is difficult to rebuild.

Authored by: Andrew Dunlop
Fantasy Alive Lore Team 2026
Copyright © Endless Adventures Ontario