Guilds of Galyndor

Prologue
The nation of Galyndor is filled with wonders. With the high peaks of its mountains, the lush green of its valleys, crystal clear lakes and hot windy deserts, Galyndor is full of a variety of landscapes to please the tastes of all who visit. Galyndor is governed by a Ruling Council comprised of twenty-three officials: the elected King or Queen and their Vice Ruler, the Governor and Deputy Governor of each of the ten Provinces, and the Head of the Guilds of Galyndor. This nation is ruled primarily by humans; nevertheless in this world there are a variety of beings, creatures, and forces that are seen and unseen, many of which exist in this country. Among humans the ones with the highest regard are the Masters of the Guilds of Galyndor.
Guild Masters have the special ability to access some of these forces, depending on which Guild discipline the person is a member. At the age of sixteen a person advances from school, most with the intention of working or apprenticing in their chosen vocation. On the day of testing, which takes place across the country of Galyndor on one day each year, a select few are identified and accepted to train for four years to become Masters in the Guilds of Galyndor.
To be brought into any Guild is a great privilege; however why one person has the ability while another does not, is still one of the world’s great mysteries. There are four Guild disciplines in total, each one different in their abilities and fighting styles, nevertheless the same in their intentions: Guild members serve as peacekeepers and protectors of the land or whatever duties the council requires of them, even as warriors, should the need arise.
The Shogun Guild is thought of by many as the fighters. They have the ability to enhance their physical attributes. They can increase their speed, strength and perform amazing acrobatic feats. They can heighten their senses increasing their sight and hearing. Beyond this, Shoguns can tap into a 6th sensory perception, giving them a great advantage during battles.
The Elemental Guild is considered as the thinkers, for what they do can have consequences beyond what is immediately before them. They have the ability to manipulate the basic elements that make up the world- water, fire, lightning, earth and air. They can control each element, intensifying their properties and moving the elements around on command. Elemental Masters can even make such elements part of themselves.
The Ethereal Guild is thought of as the gatherers of information. They have the ability to manipulate light and darkness. They can control their own shadow, making them move and perform tasks. They can use mirrors to communicate and transport objects. Ethereals also have extraordinary abilities to create illusions and disguise.
The Shaman Guild is held as the explorers and healers. They have the ability to manipulate plant growth and cause them to become mobile. They also communicate with, command and take on the characteristics of animals. They can turn mental thoughts into physical manifestations. Most notably, Shamans have the ability to positively affect the heath of others.
The school and headquarters of the Guilds is in the village of Faywood in the Province Ryuu. The Guild is a place of learning, training and inspiration for the people of Galyndor. Every citizen has access to the help and knowledge of the Guilds; nonetheless, only those who show they have a full connection to one of the four Guild disciplines have the potential to master them.
The Guilds of Galyndor begins on what is called Finishing Day, which is the final day of school for all those who are or will shortly turn sixteen. This is a bitter-sweet time for most as they are sad about having to no longer go to a place they have attended their entire life; yet also happy they will soon be able to choose a vocation and work towards the life they want for themselves. What the owners of shops, factories and other businesses look for when taking on a young graduate is their vocation report. This report is an assessment of the person’s physical capabilities and knowledge along with a list of local and distant professions that typically use those skills.
The report is by no means an absolute for what a person can or will do, nonetheless it is an excellent measuring stick. Coupled with the emotions of ending school are the illusive dreams of becoming a member of the Guilds of Galyndor. After a day of celebrations there comes a day of testing, this for a select few will be the making of a new way of life.