Summary

Generally, there are three different types of Guilds: Legal, Dark, and Independent. A Legal Guild is one that has been approved and registered by its respective Kingdom while a Dark Guild is one that has not been approved by any Kingdoms and is treated as a criminal organization. An Independent Guild is one that is not approved by the Kingdomsl, but at the same time is not considered a criminal organization. Very little has been shown about Independent Guilds, though it appears that they can do whatever they please as long as the Kingdoms don't disapprove of the actions.

Aside from Magic Guilds, there are variety of other guilds, such as merchant, mercenary, treasure hunter, and even bandit guilds. Happy once implied that there are workmen guilds, too. In general, guilds are formed for individuals to take Jobs and earn Jewels, and also for them to train and grow stronger. Legal Guilds also work to defend against Dark Mages and other criminals; this can go the same for Independent Guilds, as well. Guild Wars are common as Legal Guilds fight over commercial rights, land and establishments.


Government

The main power on the continent of Veneficium is the High King and his Seven Kingdoms. Under his order, these Seven Kingdoms enforce rules over the guilds to uphold lawful employment of Mages and other forms of employment while making sure they do not cause trouble. When Guilds cause destruction or other disturbances to the peace, it’s the responsibility of their respective Kingdom. The rulers of each Kingdom is a very powerful Mage, all of which have the power to legalize or disband Guilds.


Organization

Legal Guilds are under recognition by the High Royalty and are all connected to one another. Guild Masters are members of a Local Guild Master League and they meet at various meetings. There is more than one league, and during the meetings they have fun and talk about their own guilds.

The hierarchy within Guilds typically ranks from the most powerful to the weakest. From top to bottom, it starts with Guild Master, S-Class Mages, and then Mages. There are usually many teams formed within guilds; these teams are composed of various members of their Guild and can vary in strength.



Guild Ranks


Guild Masters

A Guild Master is a Mage who is the head of the guild that he or she is affiliated with. Typically, Guild Masters are very powerful, often being the strongest Mage in their guilds. Occasionally, they are even members of the Ten Wizard Saints, as with the case of Makarov Dreyar. As the heads of their own respective guilds, they virtually have complete authority over their subordinates, and can thus dictate their actions. As such, they are able to excommunicate members of their guilds or even reappoint them as an official member, as seen with Laxus. They also have the power to decide who the next master of the guild will be.

S-Class Mages

An S-Class Mage is a powerful Mage that is recognized by the Guild Master and is able to undertake S-Class Jobs. The jobs they take are so dangerous that even the simplest mistake can cost them their life. However, the pay for S-Class Jobs is good. The overall strength of S-Class Mages differs from guild to guild. In some instances, an S-Class Mage is considered the strongest within their respective guilds, as with the case of Jura.


C~A-Class Mages

C~A-Class Mages are simply users of Magic that are able to undertake Jobs. These Mages are not allowed to undertake S-Class Jobs unless they are under the supervision of an S-Class Mage. However, it is possible for them to become an S-Class Mage. Usually through a tournament of some kind.



Extra Notes

Guilds came into existence roughly 50 years ago in Veneficium, long after they appeared in various other continents. This was due to the main rulings of the Church of Cielos and the Church of Gerges as the source of Mages in Veneficium. Around thirty years ago, Guilds were pressured into near non-existence by these Churches, and very few have existed since then. It wasn't until twenty years ago that the last High King created an Independent Guild, and got it made a Legal Guild by his own father that Legal Guilds (and, as a consequence, Dark Guilds) came on the rise once again. Although in this day and age, they are treated as "rebel organizations" (whether Legal or Dark) by the Churches, and are usually aimed for destruction by the Churchs' members.