Framed Document

James: I was looking down to that frame about you wanting service of my Redsmith's and you asked …
Sable: Do you miss being a Redsmith, James?

Sable interrupts.

— From Hammer and Tongs

  Among business owners there is a document that is highly prized. This document is the Framed Document, also known as just "a frame." When a business receives this document it means that a House Leader wants items from that business. It is similar to how items in the UK are marked with a coat of arms detailing that the item is bought by the British monarchy, or a "Royal Warrant."   The Framed Document can be called "a frame" as the frame it comes with looks impressive.  

Culture

The Framed Documents are mainly used within House Lapin. However, other Great Houses may use them when trading with businesses within the Lapin Protectorate.  

House Ailurus

An exception is with House Ailurus, which has a marketplace of their own, with stalls for the other Houses. It is through House Lapin that James Woodwright's copper items are sold, not through House Ailurus.  

The Effects on Businesses

The effect on business is to give status, as it is the Mother of Bunnies that approves of your items being bought by her House, and therefore must be of high quality.   Known businesses that have a House Lapin Framed Document are James’ Redsmithy, Carpentry, and Brownsmithy, and Crocoade sports drinks.  

Size

Framed Documents from Major Houses tend to be larger than those from Minor Houses. If a House ascends to being a Major House or descends to a Minor House the document is not required to be reissued.   Framed Documents from Major Houses are A3 while those from minor houses are A4.  

Legality

Without this document selling items directly to Major or Minor Houses is impossible. However, members can still purchase items from businesses that do not have Framed Documents, as is the case with James Woodwright buying blacksmithed items from a business that has not had the Framed Document from House Lapin.   Both Minor and Major Houses can give these frames to businesses. Most famously, House Lapin Leader, Queen Sable Aradia, has given the Framed Document to James Woodwright before he became a member of her House, his business being a Redsmithy.