Implementing Historically Accurate Thieves' Guilds

If you ask me, the Chandlers are a thieves' guild, with these prices! Criminy! And the Coopers! And the Masons! They're insatiable! And what does it cost to bury someone these days? I can't even afford dying!

Another Marketing Failure

I don't see cooper as a fantasy profession too often, and I suspect the reason is that it doesn't sound at all like what it is. Contrast that with smiths or vintners. Admittedly I don't see many vintners, but I think we should all ignore that for the time being.

Royal Selection

The chancellor addressed the assembly. "The king is dead without issue, and we must select another who will rule wisely, justly, and bravely. Since we've never had a king like that and have no idea how to get one, we'll listen to arguments and vote on it. Yes, you can go first, Fernid."
Fernid the buyer and seller stood. "All know that I am the most prosperous in the kingdom because of my cunning and foresight. Make me your king that I might enrich the realm as a whole."
Heddick the judge stood next. "All know that I am the most learned in the kingdom because of my principles which demand I make fair judgments based on the law and the circumstances which surround the case. Make me your king that I might ennoble the realm as a whole."
Third, Yimnon the cooper stood and flexed. "All know that though my finances are middling and my education limited, I could beat up any of you and take everything you have. However! I won't."
His speech greatly cheered the people and persuaded them, for they did not know what Fernid or Heddick might do with power once given it, and moreover, they were doing excellent service already, while Yimnon could let his apprentices take over without disruption to his business. It was not an ambitious kingdom, and under King Yimnon, it stayed that way.
Finis