With all the military factions and conversations I decided to take a different approach. Tell me if you like it or not, [@GreivousKhan]. (also no worries, I got a Templar faction and a combat mage faction in a draft so Makau won't be entirely defenseless. On the subject of Makau, I'll make the holding as soon as my creativity allows it.)

[hider=Artificis y Elysium]
[center][img]http://fantasyartdesign.com/free-wallpapers/imgs/mid/17fantasy-landscapes04-m38.jpg[/img]
[b]Name[/b]
Artificis y Elysium

[b]Size[/b]
2.000 active members, including apprentices & novices

[b]Hierarchy[/b]
Grandmaster
Master
Adept
Journeyman
Apprentice
Novice

[b]Culture[/b]
The Artificis y Elysium, or commonly named: Elysianites, are a guild of magical craftsmen. Most have followed an education in magic at one of the many sanctioned Guilds within the Empire. However, for one reason or another, they decided to leave said guild in favor for the Artificis y Elysium. Within the guild magical skill is still valued. However, within the guild everyone focuses on creation and alternation. Alchemy and geomancy are two disciplines are almost all Journeymen within the guild have learned for example.

Novices are taught the bottom basics like writing, reading, magical theory and many other courses. One can advance from novice to apprentice upon completing an exam. Once you've received a sufficient grade, a novice must request an apprenticeship at one of the few masters. A master is under no obligation to accept any novice so it is the novice's task to make it worth his while. Apprentices work with but mostly under the master at their creations. Though generally, they won't get the subtle tasks. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, they become a Journeyman. This caste forms the workhorse of the Guild. Journeymen work in team on construction projects, together with a handful of adepts. Examples of projects are: the construction of a mansion or creating a fort in the cliffside. One becomes an adept when they have participated in several projects and gains the blessing of a Master. Who, in a way, takes you under his wing then. Adepts continue to work on projects. However, they are tasked with the finer points like sculpting statues or making sure the wooden floor is exactly right. Not everyone gets the chance to rise up to Master. Those who do generally created a masterpiece. A work of art. The Council of Masters, seated by the Grandmaster, will judge the art and choose whether or not to make the adept a Master. Masters are true artists. Generally having studied many disciplines. They produce the most beautiful pieces of art one can imagine. Though, obviously, it costs quite a bit. A grandmaster is chosen once every 10 years from among the masters. Grandmasters rarely produce a piece or work on a project. They are generally concerned with the administration of the Guild. However, in rare cases and with lots of gold (forget money, you need chests of the shiny stuff) a Grandmaster may be convinced to make a piece. The result often takes up the better part of 2 years. But it is well worth both the time and expense.

The Elysianites have a close bond with Alexander. Even though the Magister was never a member of their group, he has become a patron of their Guild. Offering various projects and opportunities. Alexander does so because for he enjoys the idea. Instead of using magic to destroy or ward off, it is used to create. Of course, outside projects give Makau a hefty boost of taxes and creates even more influence for the Exarch of Sorcery. It is simply enough a mutually beneficial relationship that continues to pay off.

[b]Goals[/b]
As for most Guilds, the initial goals are rather straightforward: to general profit and grow the Guild simply to generate even more profit and spread out their influence.

There is, however, a deeper philosophy as well. Elysianites, at leas the ones that hold on, seek to create beauty and try to grasp perfection.

[b]Specialization[/b]
They specialize in various magical studies with one common point: each study is focused on creation or alteration. Further, the guild is specialized in the construction of various buildings (citadels, towers, fortresses, walls, etc) and the Masters have a special, artistic touch that can either be employed to make a palace absolutely stunning or craft a piece of art unrivaled by any other common artist.

[b]History[/b]
There have always been artists amongst the various guilds within the Empire. Alchemists that created lamps instead of dragonfire bombs or naturamancers that make perfect hedges. Ironically, in a rather war-fueled world, these crafters were ridiculed for their will to create. As the Guilds started to flock towards Makau, a great many different mages discovered a common interest: to create beauty. They searched support and it come from the most unexpected corner: Alexander. Who had heard of their plans. From early on he was a patron and a great help for the little guild that, rather surprisingly, grew explosively. With no direct competition, the Guild started racking in money. After many years it developed into what it is now. A powerful player within the city that starts to spread its influence.

[b]Military capabilities[/b]
Almost none. Ancient knowledge is not yet forgotten and the interesting art of Golemancy can be used to make warriors. However, many Elysianites will prefer to stay away from any fighting. They could be used as engineers technically. But still, don't expect it to happen unless they truly have to.

[b]Warcry[/b]
N/A

[b]Note[/b]
For those well versed in some ancient language, the name might sound rather familiar. It literally translates to Worker/Artist of Paradise. Yes, the Guild is rather vain.[/center][/hider]