I think a merchants guild would be a great idea. However, it should
probably be aimed at smaller factions to help them compete with the
larger factions that specialize in trade. Some information could be
shared with the larger factions in exchange for lower taxes/tariffs on
trading in their cities. The recent post "Kingdom of Cragstan Trade Laws"
declares a 15% tax on trade of rare goods in the Cragston cities, the
guild might be able to work a deal to lower or remove that tax for
members.
Guild members could set-up stores that sell to other members at
discounted prices. Membership fees and/or Nobles donated for periods of
time could be the basis for producing a "Guild Warehouse" which would
stock harvested/mined/manufactured/recruited items for sale to members at
below cost. Of course the guild would need a home and protection, which
provides an opportunity for one of those large factions to make a sweet
deal with the guild right from the beginning.
The addition of a merchant's guild could and would enhance the overall
economic stability of Olympia on the whole.
Zazatith Taam - The Golden Lions