While not necessary, Guild Members may wish to increase their rank within the guild. Rank doesn’t signify that the Guild Member is more important or more knowledgeable than those of lower rank but shows what steps they’re trying to achieve and their path to getting there.
Guild Ranks
There are 5 ranks within the Guild.
Rank 1 – Assistant
This rank is awarded as soon as a member joins the Guild. This is a generalist rank (see rank 2-4 and streams).
Rank 2 – Researcher / Practitioner
This rank shows that the member has participated, shown interest and contributed to the Guild. An example of this might be, but not limited to: Starting a new Guild-related project; entering an A&S competition with a Guild-related entry; assisting the event/group chirurgeon in their duties.
Rank 3 – Investigator / Craftsman
At this point the Guild Member should be comfortable in their role in the Guild. While the previous rank taught assisting and helping, this rank teaches more independence, as well as expanding the comfort zone into leadership. Examples of this are: Be the chirurgeon-in-charge at and event; write up a research article of their studies; or teach a class at an event.
Rank 4 – Scholar / Specialist
This shows that the Guild member not only push themselves to excel in their field and stream, but also willing to sustain it. Examples of this are: Become a Group chirurgeon or Arts & Science Officer; teach classes on their Guild-focus based on their research; or creating an object based on their research. This is the last stream-specific rank.
Rank 5 – Alchemist
This is the pinnacle rank (other than Chief Alchemist) in the Guild. The Guild Member has demonstrated all the tenets that the Guild was founded on. Upon reaching this rank, the Member may choose a term of their choice to add to their rank to differentiate themselves from other Alchemists within the Guild. This term may or not be related to the work that the Alchemist focuses or achieves in but is completely up to them.
Guild streams
From Rank 2 to Rank 4, the ranks are divided into two separate fields, but both have equal standing within the Guild, just different in how the rank was earned. The two streams are Theory and Practical.
Stream – Theory
This stream is for the research and teaching aspect of the Guild. Students of this stream are more likely to be studying historical texts, article writing, and teaching classes. The ranks that cover this stream is Researcher, Investigator, and Scholar.
Stream – Practical
Unlike the Theory stream, this stream is the hands-on and interactive aspect of the Guild. This stream covers the physical experimentation of any science or medical area, practice of medical aid, or construction of anything in a Guild field. The ranks that cover this stream is Practitioner, Craftsman, and Specialist.
Guidelines of Ranks and Promotions:
- The activities listed under each rank are just suggestions and guidelines, and don’t reflect the only way to achieve a promotion.
- A Guild Member must hold a rank of a minimum of six months before is assessed for another promotion ((with the exception of Rank 1, Starting Rank (see below), or Chief Alchemist’s discretion). There is no limit to the number of promotion assessments as long as the 6-month mark for the next rank has passed. The assessment is conducted by the Chief Alchemist or their designated Guild Member.
- For a Guild Member to be promoted, evidence of their deeds and/or research must be provided to the Guild, be it in the form of research notes (which can be uploaded and shared, if the Guild Member so wishes it), vocal or electronic commentary from the activity officer in charge (e.g., The Chirurgeon-in-Charge if the Guild Member assisted in their duties), a higher rank Guild Member, any member of the populace, or self-promotion via social media (posting on the Alchemist’s Guild Facebook Group Page). General commentary (eg. Promoting, displaying the tenets, and recruiting of the Guild amongst the populace) is also considered at the next promotion. This list is not exhaustive.
- Upon joining the Guild, a Guild Member is assessed for their Starting Rank, which is based on what they’ve done before they joined that would merit a higher rank, both mundanely and within the SCA. A Guild Member who has taught numerous classes and published articles on Guild-related fields will start at a higher rank than those that just currently showing an interest or has just started to branch out into Guild-related areas. Those that hold professions or qualifications related to the Guild also qualify for higher Starting Rank (with Chief Alchemist’s discretion).