Magisterium of Torith
The Torith Magisterium is a realm populated mostly by humans, though with statistically significant populations of half elves. Within the Magisterium, magic determines social rank, and the members of the government itself are selected based on magical ability. In most cases, this comes through wizardry, as inherent magical ability is still extremely rare in the population. It is rare in Torith to find someone who does not have some form of Elven ancestry, as breeding with Elves is a highly encouraged pursuit, under the impression that Elven blood encourages magical potential. The extent varies, in some bloodlines finding Magisters with clearly elven features such as pointed ears, while finding no evidence in others.
The Magisterium was founded before the arrival of the Empire on the peninsula, as one of the earliest examples of human civilisation in the region. When the Empire did arrive, however, they bowed in submission, offering the vassalage of the Magisterium in exchange for benefits. These benefits included extended lands, insight to the magical knowledge of the Empire, and large numbers of immigrants whos Imperial blood was believed to have high magical potency, leading to swift interbreeding with Magisterial families and their challengers. With the Magisterium now ruling a large portion of the peninsula, as well as being rivalled only by the College of Arcane Technique in magical competency - not counting the Elves in Galaed Vala, whos capabilities are unclear - as well as the capital city of Torith itself being one of the most populous cities on the peninsula, it is apparent that the Magisterium benefitted massively from their submission to the Empire.
The Magisterium is led by the Torithian Assembly, fifty powerful mages that elect a Lord Magister as the figurehead of their government every five years. Families may only have one member sitting on the Assembly at any one time, which often causes conflict within larger families, and similarly, as many seats are not guaranteed, there is much social movement due to prodigal mages being born to low ranked families, or no suitable heir with magical ability in powerful families.
Every five years there is a tournament within the Magisterium, in which only magic can be used. Ten seats are reserved in the Assembly, one for the Lord Magister himself, and nine for the nine great families in Torith. As the Lord Magister is often a member of one of these families, there are usually fourty one seats available. The top fourty (or fourty one) contestants of the Tournament are given seats in the Hall, though there are strict requirements to enter the tournament, which somewhat restricts the shifting of the Assembly. The Assembly is also known at time to overrule the top fourty grouping, and will replace 'victors' with someone of lower ranking, due to whatever reason - family, breeding, perceived cheating or something else. If anything like this is determined, the contestants are either disqualified or further duels are arranged.
Structure
The Hall of Magisters refers to the body of mages which rule the Magisterium. They are named for the literal Hall within the Citadel of Torith where the mages meet, debate, and discuss matters of magic and politics. Magisters are elected through the Trial of Torina every five years.
The Lord Magister ostensibly rules the Magisterium, though only through the power of the Hall of Magisters as a whole. Within the Hall, while all are supposedly equal, there is an unofficial power hierarchy amongst members, especially in those seats that are not inherited.
The Hall is comprised of fifty Magisters. Within that fifty is the Lord Magister, a role elected from the ranks of Magisters every five years, as well as Magisters from each of the nine founding families of Torith.
The other forty, or forty one, Magisters - dependant on who the Lord Magister is - are comprised of three main groups, with a few outliers. The first group is 'Established' Magisterial families, which are generally old families with a history of Magisters being from their ranks. Often Established families will have had a member of the family within the ranks of the Magisters consistently for many generations, and have power almost equivalent with one of the founding families. They are the second largest portion of the Magisters, with their political support mostly divided between the two Seredir factions.
The second group of Magisters are from 'Acknowledged' families. These are families which do not have the same history of Magisterial families, but are considered important families in Torith regardless. These are often rich families, or perhaps have had a Magister or two in the history of their family. These families make up the bulk of the Magisters numbers, usually occupying around half of the available seats - twenty. They are also the most divided politically, with a wide range of views and differences in their ranks.
The third group of Magisters are affectionately known as 'Prodigy' families, though the more derogatory term is 'Unknown'. These are Magisters coming from families with no history of Magisterial candidacy, or less resources available to them, as well as families who might have had a Magister in their past but have fallen from power. This group make up most of the supporters of Magister Dauphine Altumir in her campaign to become Lord Magister, but they are fewer in number than the other two groups.
There are outliers from these groups, such as Magister Ector Oriboros, who would be considered a 'Prodigy'/'Unknown' due to his lowborn origins, but is not generally included when referring to that group due to his political observances and position.
Within the Hall, there is not an official heirarchy beyong the Lord Magister, and other Magisters, however the unofficial heirarchy does generally bow to the founding family Magisters firstly, followed by Established families, Acknowledged, and Prodigy Magisters in that order. There is also something of a Seniority system, with Magisters who have held their position for many years often carrying more weight in their words and actions, and taking newer Magisters under their wings, almost like apprentices.
Type
Geopolitical, Magocracy
Capital
Alternative Names
The Magisterium
Demonym
Torithian
Leader
Government System
Magocracy
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Comments