Overview
The Potion Masters Guild was formed in the 14th century due to the rapid spread of the bubonic plague. An international organization, Potion Masters from all over the world worked tirelessly to create potions to protect wizardkind from this rapidly growing and violent disease. As these wizards worked together they shared ideas and learned things that, without this tragedy, they wouldn’t have been able to share. After this year long seclusion, this tightly knit group figured out a protective potion for the wizards to fight the plague, they decided that this would not be a one-off situation. Starting a newsletter, it wasn’t until an older wizard Giancarlo Gismondi opened up his villa to a symposium for traveling Potions Masters that the Guild truly began. Casa de Gismondi is a large villa in Tivoli, and remains the modern day headquarters for the Guild.
It took decades, but together the wizards formed requirements and standardizations for levels of mastery. The group agreed there was a need for this sort of regulation to ensure that budding international potion makers were up to a high standard in order to provide the best quality potions for the populace. They began a small school in which they tested potion master initiates, and began large meetings every six months so they could share information internationally.
There are two ways to gain a potions mastery. One is to train under a Potion Master with at least the Gold Cauldron level. The other is to attend any institution of higher education and apply for mastery at Casa de Gismondi. All levels below Silver are not required to be given by the council at the Casa. Private Potion Masters are able to apply for Pewter and Bronze cauldrons for their apprentices by turning in proctored exams and potions for the council to judge. Students who have successfully completed their O.W.L.s (or equivalent exam) may join the Potion Masters Guild while still in school.
Guild Structure
There are six levels of mastery. These levels take a few years to climb. Each mastery is denoted by a cauldron-shaped pin on the collar of the potion masters robes.
PEWTER CAULDRON
The first level of mastery, these are the apprentices. This level can be handed out by Gold Cauldron level potion masters. These students are taught the basics of potions brewing and study international requirements. Pewter Cauldron holders are unable to sell any potions, but are able to prepare ingredients for brewing.
BRONZE CAULDRON
The second level of mastery, these are the journeymen. They are allowed to travel to other masters/institutions to gain further knowledge.They are able to reproduce simple potions and sell them under the seal of their instructor.
SILVER CAULDRON
The third level of mastery, this is the first step towards independence as a potions master. Tested by the council at Casa de Gismondi, people who pass the rigorous exams gain their own seal for their potions. They must be able to create a useful improvement on an already established potion. They can create and sell potions of their own, as well work in institutions (such as medicinal facilities) to provide essential potions.
GOLD CAULDRON
The fourth level of mastery, the jump from Silver Cauldron to Gold Cauldron is one of the more rigorous journeys. Most masters remain Silver Cauldron holders for many years before ascending to Gold Cauldron. Gold Cauldron is only achieved by creating a new and useful potion that is deemed worthy by a large group of Gold Cauldron guild members. Unlike the smaller promotions, earning Gold Cauldron is a widely celebrated success. The news is sent to the press and recognized with an awards gala. At this level, Masters are able to take on apprentices and teach at schools.
PLATINUM CAULDRON
The fifth level of mastery, Platinum Cauldron is among the hardest levels to obtain and is rarely earned before the age of 50. Potions required to gain this level must make a substantial contribution to the Wizarding world, such as Wolfsbane or Veritaserum. When masters gain this level, they are introduced in a public ceremony to the ICW. The ICW is the International Confederation of Wizards. This lawbody polices the Wizarding World internationally, and Potion Masters introduced to the ICW are noted for being skilled and talented beyond measure.
NIMUE'S CAULDRON
The sixth and final level of mastery, Nimue's Cauldron is a trial by fire. The rarest achievement of all, less than ten Potion Masters hold this title. To earn this level, Potions Masters must create a potion to help in tragedy, a plague, or a situation in which many lives were in danger. Receivers of this mastery are also awarded with the Order of Merlin First Class to celebrate their courage and skill.
