Imperial Guilds
The 115 Imperial Guilds are the 115 guilds comprise the ancient and modern trade associations and unions formally recognized by the House of Lords and Emperor of Spirit of Hope. The Imperial Guilds play a significant part in the House of Lords as they appoint 50 of the 250 seats.
Originally responsible for training in their respective trades, as well as for the regulation of aspects such as wage control, labor conditions, and industry standards. Guilds often establish guild halls in major cities to support their members and advocate for them. Ancient guilds, who's trade are no longer regularly practiced, have adopted newer trades, e.g. plastics replacing use of horn or ivory. Modern guilds are mainly represented by today's professions and industry and operate in close association with these. Many ancient crafts remain as relevant today as when their guilds were originally established. Some still exercise powers of regulation, inspection and enforcement, while others are awarding bodies for professional qualifications. Several guilds restrict membership to those holding relevant professional qualifications, e.g. the Solicitors' Guild and the Guild of Engineers. Over 60% of the population of Spirit of Hope is a member of one of the guilds.
Purpose
Training and Industry
The companies were originally formed, starting in the 12th century, to guarantee that a member was trustworthy and fully qualified, and that the goods they produced were of reputable quality, the two-fold aim being to protect the public and to protect members from charlatans. Following the Unification of Spirit of Hope city and kingdom level guilds were organized into Imperial Guilds, with 63 recognized at the time of the unification. New guilds continued to be added until the mid 19th century, by which time the industrial revolution in Spirit of Hope upset the normal understanding of Guild relations. Following the Revolution of 1888 and the subsequent major alterations to Spirit of Hopes government in 1901 Imperial Guilds took on new prominence, with ancient guilds adapted to modern industries and workers unions admitted as guilds.
Governance and the House of Lords
Each guild has its own system of elections and internal governance to appoint the head of the Imperial Guild. The heads of the Imperial Guild in turn vote every 4 years on the 50 Guild representatives to the House of Lords, with each Guilds vote proportional to their members. Kingdom and City branches of Imperial guilds often have some political power in their respective kingdoms and cities, such as approving sheriffs, inspectors, judges, or other positions.