The CGA strives towards nothing but the great and noble goal of perfecting the art of cartography. Practiced designers, proficient calligraphers, and mathematicians all reside and work in these halls. For centuries the Guild has been an expert and renowned purveyor of quality maps without equal. What sets them apart from other guilds with similar purpose (if the lack of their expertise) is the fact that the Allirian guild also employs certain mages with select skillsets that aid in creating that indomitable, trademark CGA map.

Despite its good reputation far and wide, the Guild has never held a particularly impressive number of members, and thus doesn't possess much of a hierarchy beyond the basic master-apprentice relationship that defines most craftsmen's guilds.

The Master Cartographer is typically the eldest or most skilled of the members (the two often go hand in hand). They are responsible for directing the operation, delegating particular duties, and handling the clients of the Guild. The current Master of the Guild is Erida Vergesso-Avellini.

Their right hand is the Treasurer, who handles the accounts and finances of the Guild, and is also the one who makes the necessary reports to the Merchant Council if bills aren't paid in time.

Journeymen and Apprentices are the ones who are most involved in the actual cartography. The only requirement to join is that the applicant be literate and numerate, as both skills are drawn upon heavily in design ing the maps.

The Guild was established in AE 14 to facilitate the growing need for reliable and durable cartography. As explorers and merchants alike departed with greater regularity from the port of Alliria, it soon became obvious that in order to make the trade routes safe, viable, and efficient, someone would need to document the way.

Thence enter the Cartographers' Guild of Alliria – to this day one of the best of its kind, and almost certainly the oldest. Some of the most exact and detailed maps have emerged from these lamp-lit halls, steady lines drawn in enchanted ink that never fades. Neither the buffeting winds, the erosion of saltwater, nor even the greedy lick of flame will destroy the map. The genuine article is easily recognizable by the inimitable stamp of CGA.

• Image Credit: Netherworld