Tinker's Society

The Tinker's Society is an organization primarily made up of, though not exclusive to, gnomish tinkers. Headquartered in the gnomish cityship Mechakagnozer, the Tinker's Society is a tight-knit group whose main purpose is the exploration of technological sciences. It maintains several chapterhouses across Arnen, with its largest being located in the dwarven capital of Steelmaar. It is largely due to the efforts of the Tinker's Society, that the gnomes have earned their reputation as masters of technology.

Membership
For those familiar with the gnomish way of life, the word 'tinker' conjures up images of a gnome huddled over their next invention. While the Tinker's Society is not exclusive to gnomes, very few races have managed to count themselves among the ranks of the Society. Dwarves are by far the most common non-gnome to join, as their penchant for technology and wonder is surpassed only by the gnomes themselves. Very few humans, and even less elves, show interest in joining the Society, and those that do rarely pass the exams and rigors of application.

Joining the Tinker's Society is a tough challenge, that a great many gnomes fail. A larger number tend to drop out due to the extreme workloads placed upon its members. Gnomes do not leave the workforce upon joining, and are in fact expected to maintain a steady job in addition to whatever work is expected of them by the Society.

Subcommittees
The Tinker's Society plays host to several inner organizations known as Subcommittees. They are as follows:
 * Advisory Council ─ The job of the Advisory Council is to handle all internal and external legal matters, up to and including the punishment of members, settling of any and all lawsuits placed against either the Society or one of its members, and so on.
 * Steam Troopers ─ In the unlikely event that the Tinker's Society finds itself in armed combat, it maintains a cadre of heavily armored soldiers known as steam troopers. These soldiers stride into battle encased in steam powered armor. To date no steam troopers have met their death at the hands of an enemy.
 * Assessment Board ─ The Assessment Board's job is to assist the High Tinker in managing the expense and financial operations of the Tinker's Society. While in theory they have no authority over the Society, in practice they are able to exert significant influence on the day-to-day operations.
 * More to come...

Ranks
At the top of the Society is the High Tinker. The High Tinker's job is to maintain expenses, dole out assignments to otherwise unoccupied members, and to oversee dealings with external parties. In addition, the High Tinker sits upon the Advisory Council to break ties in the event a stalemate has been reached.