Haberdasherists of Hanthum

The Haberdasherists of Hanthum were one of the earliest and most powerful guilds to exist in Bemton. They were the first to seize power following the fall of the First Republic in 1683. They are also the topic of many a conspiracy theory.

Like most Haberdashery guilds, the Haberdasherists of Hanthum came into existence during the First Republic as part of a desperate effort to satisfy Republic's need for fashionable hats. The guild functioned to streamline the haberdashery process, train apprentices, and spread the latest haberdashery technology. Over time, the guild expanded to control various aspects of everyday life.

Hanthum in particular was organized as a secret society. Its success can in large part attributed in its frequent violent confrontations with other guilds and its embrace of Krumboian principles (whatever those may be).

Creation of the Second Republic
Following the fall of the First Republic, the Hanthum guild impertinently declared themselves to be the true government. This claim was challenged by certain members of the House Vestule and other guilds, such as the Hatmakers of Dan. All these factions held control over their own private armies. In the ensuing civil war during the Period of Very Bad Feelings, these opposing guilds formed alliances against Hanthum and nearly crippled its haberdashery capabilities. The resulting truce and the rise of the Second Republic left Hanthum with severely restricted power. However, Hanthum never remained out of fashion for very long.

Legacy
The renowned Hanthum University was originally a trade school affiliated with the guild.

The feared Hanthum Horse-and-Zebramen, a regiment instrumental in the annexation of Bemton territories during the 18th century, was created as the military arm of the Hanthum guild.

The Hanthum Holyhatters are an order of monks supported and financed by the guild, for the purpose of selling Krumboian values... and hats.

It is speculated that the Haberdasherists of Hanthum also have a secret network of hackers. Go figure.

Hanthum has drawn the ire of various groups, but none of which is powerful enough to damage it in any way. Most critics have either been devout D'Vowchanians, or cranky academics who don't really have a clue about the world anyway.

Due to its wide-ranging political clout, Hanthum has been blamed for possible every disaster or civil problem to plague Bemton. Most of these conspiracy theories probably have some basis in reality. It should be obvious even to the densest of dunderheads that Hanthum played no small role in the Mimulacrum infiltration of the government.