Explorers' Guild
The lands of Insulera are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. In 2380S, Elpida was established, but fear grew as the great wilderness beyond the walls held many secrets. The Senate attempted to fund expeditions, sending what few colonists they had into the fray. Some went missing, others hunted by the animals cloaked under the brush’s shadows. However, one politician under the house of Metus saw the profit that could be wrought in these desperate times. Augustus Papinius noticed the settlers plight on his own journey into the shambled town. The population of wolves kept all progress at bay. By 2381S, he acquisitioned Senator Pertentus to supply whatever resources that were available, even some soldiers provided support. What was gathered were a handful of soldiers from the mainland, along with five settlers known as Potitus Valerianus, Canus Minicius, Cossus Loreius, Servilia Bradua, and Viria Aurelia. Their numbers seemed small, but their courage spoke volumes. This nameless group took it upon themselves to clear what they could of the feral beasts plaguing their new lands. The efforts were not without their glories, for it took only two years until the settlers felt safe to expand and develop.
New colonists began to venture further and further away, some taking it upon themselves to explore. Thus resulted in the great race for discovery. Dozens of settlers sought wealth and glory in the wake of fame. However, the original group felt that this was a test by the gods. They wanted to be the first, the discoverers, the explorers and mapmakers of this new land. And so, the Explorer’s Guild was born. The original group of 10 grew to 15, and so on and so forth until they represented the singular sources of new discoveries within this land. Some took up mentoring, even writing down their travels. The expanse brought on wealth beyond imagining, until rumors of the center of the island became audible.
Rumors spoke of a treasure trove of wealth, and so, the guild members began their journey. Farms were left unattended, shops closed. Elpida came to a standstill as everyone sought their wealth and wildest dreams. Yet, by 2386S, five of those members went missing. More by the next year. The mystery haunted the senate, so much so that a ban was established in the wake of those lost. This seemed to be the end of the guild, as the senior members began to return to a more civil lifestyle.
However, some members remained, and still remain a pinnacle of Elpidan society. They are always looking to expand their numbers and provide a means of mystery and intrigue.
