Social Groups

Adorai's Merciful
The goddess of life has one commandment: save life. Thus her acolytes devote themselves to healing the sick, and the study of medicine. Where there is illness, the Merciful gather to provide what healing they are about, asking nothing in return.

Gnexus' Keepers
Devout servants of the god of knowledge, these archivists work to preserve and spread knowledge, with their vast library temples welcome to all seekers... who are willing to do a little scribing for the good of all. While the Keepers are dependent on patronage and donations to continue, they often find themselves in disrepute with nobles and the wealthy for their tradition of spreading knowledge to everyone... including scandalous secrets proven to be true.

Catassian Fine Arts Society
Composed of actors, bards, poets, dancers, and artists of all types, the Catassian Fine Arts Society is a royal endowment for promoting Catassian culture. While their patronage can propel a former starving artist into high society, the stipulations and scrutiny that come with it has led many a young star to premature burnout. Their seasonal masquerades are the social event, with highly coveted invites being seen as a ticket to a better life.

Grim Harriers
The Grim Harriers are a mercenary band infamous not only for their tenacity, but also their bloody ferocity. Whoever purchases their services ensures their loyalty until their target is destroyed...or until they're unable to meet a counter offer from their desperate targets. Often employed by the merchant cartels of Catassia, the Grim Harriers will use any available method to ruin their target, but generally favor sudden brutal violence.

Guard Militia
A tough group of citizens sworn to uphold order, the law, and peace. Generally armed, trained and paid as... efficiently as possible, they range from enthusiastic justicars to jaded watchmen who just watch. While it does demand a minimum of martial competence from its members, corruption and apathy are frequent problems in some districts.

International College of Mages
Headquartered in Vusteah's Tenebb Forest, the ICM not only organizes magical research and education, but also negotiates treaties regarding magical warfare. Most people don't care too much about these bureaucratic functions, and instead know the ICM for its annual Tournament of Thaum, a prestigious showcase of arcane talent with nations sending their most skilled to compete in a variety of categories. While Vusteah generally sweeps the Arcane Innovations category, competition for the aesthetic and ritual combat categories is fierce, with nations seeking to showcase their culture and martial prowess.

Beggar's Union
A surprisingly cooperative group, the destitute in the city do their best to ensure the scraps they beg for are enough to feed even their less successful members. Perceptive members are known to trade in gossip and observations, although some simply enjoy telling tales. If someone has nowhere to stay and nothing to eat, the Beggars will do their best to keep them safe for a night, trusting they'll repay the hospitality when able.

Craftsman's Guild
Composing of masons, carpenters, smiths, artisans, weavers and more, the Craftsman's Guilds are concerned with receiving proper contractual payment for an agreed standard of work. Basically, they make sure they get paid, but also ensure their members don't cheat customers or produce shoddy work. While dues can be onerous for budding merchants, the quality and safety they provide is considered necessary insurance by many.

Thieves' Guild
A loose hierarchy of bandits, pickpockets, thugs, forgers, and all the various criminals who support illicit enterprise in the city. While devoid of strict leadership, its various gangs and freelancers make informal arrangements to avoid getting in each other's way. A common rite of passage is paying the for and passing the legendary entrance exam. It's definitely not a scam.