A guild is traditionally an association of artisans with a common trade joined together in a fashion similiar to a Trade Union, Cartel, and Secret Society for protection of their common interests. Guilds have a system of ranks, and often opperate in compliance with the practice of Apprenticeship (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master, Grandmaster usually). They can become very powerful entities by recieving patients, and exclussive trademarks by monarchs, and other rulers.