Azorius Senate

Ravnica's Government and Legal Sector

Overview

Founded by Parun Azor I, a sphinx lawmage who authored a majority of the original Guildpact, the Azorius Senate functions as the government of Ravnica, creating and personally enforcing Ravnican laws.

The Senate are characterized as being aloof, bureaucratic, excessively formalistic, and fastidious, spending hours upon hours with legal documents and ensuring action, if any should occur, stringently adheres to protocol. For such reasons, the Azorius can be deeply disdained by other Ravnicans. Those who decry the Azorius often say that they prefer to act through inaction.

Purpose

The Azorius Senate works alongside the Boros Legion, the Selesnya Conclave, Guildless factions such as the Hazda, and most of the other guilds to a much smaller extent, in order to see to the enforcement of the law. In addition to serving as the judges in Ravnica's judicial sector, they work alongside the Orzhov Syndicate to provide Advocates and Lawmages for accusers, claimants, complainants, plaintiffs and defendants.

Core Values

Ultimately, the Azorius advocates for harmony, peace, and the status quo, doing so via their intrinsic and intrusive involvement in all affairs on Ravnica and with their legions of knights and paladins as well as mages adept in countermagic, magic to disable and hinder those who would break the law, and other forms of law magic. Believing that their legislation is the singular force that prevents Ravnica from descending into chaos, the Azorius Senate mediates and regulates the activities of all of the other guilds and the general populace despite their numerous decrees being ignored in areas that they have too little a foothold in.

Goals

The Senate's ultimate goal is the perfection of society. They want to protect the people of Ravnica and foster a community of peace and harmony. A society's values, they contend, are reflected in the laws it creates. Something is good if it is lawful. To the Azorius, the highest virtue is a society built on stability and order, and the guild's elaborate system of laws is structured to prevent wrongdoing first and foremost, even at the expense of certain liberties. The Azorius can act as a benevolent and proactive force that keeps evildoers in check, but it can also act as an oppressive bureaucratic force that stifles freedom and expression.

In the Absence of the Guildpact , the Azorius are uncertain who is supposed to maintain the balance between the guilds. As a group, they are convinced that the system can't be disrupted, but they are challenged by the reality that the most essential part in that system is now broken. The Senate is invoking emergency powers with increasing frequency, and the Lyev Column's Enforcers are wielding an ever-growing amount of influence.

This Guild embraces the belief that Ravnican society has come too far to succumb to the chaos. Civilization can be saved only through the guidance of a strong safety-focused government. In the mind of the Azorius, chaos is imminent. They believe it is time to face facts and do whatever is necessary to protect the people and preserve the force of law.

Now more than ever the Azorius view agents of disorder as their greatest enemies. They have cracked down on the Gruul Clans and imposed a variety of creatively written laws outlawing the guild's presence in as many public places as possible. Additionally, they believe the abhorrent shows that the Cult of Rakdos perpetrate are detrimental to pristine societal values (in part because the Azorius are frequently ridiculed by Rakdos Satirists) and attempt to curb them with new decrees about public performances. In response to attempts by other guilds to to edge their way around the system, usually the Orzhov Syndicate, the Azorius routinely create new laws to support or countermand the old ones.

Organization Structure

The rigid hierarchy of the Azorius Senate is reflected in the guild's triangle-shaped crest; most Azorius functionaries report to one superior, and are reported to by two subordinates. The Senate is supported by three branches called Columns, each lead by an Arbiter. The Arbiters of the three Columns form the Triumvirate, which advises the Grand Arbiter, otherwise known as the Supreme Judge and Guildmaster. The current leader of the Triumvirate is Supreme Judge Isperia, an ancient and wise Sphinx.

The Sova Column (the Judiciary)
This Column acts as judges and the extensive legal apparatus surrounding them. It is tasked primarily with adjudicating and arbitrating the effects of the law. To do so, this column employs legal aides, pages, librarians, experts on precedent, advocates for the accused, public prosecutors, and judges. Becoming Arbiter of the Sova Column is considered to be one of the most powerful positions anyone in Ravnica can hold next to being a Guildmaster, in fact, there have been multiple Azorius Guildmasters, including the current one, that have come from this Column.

Led by the Arbiter Leonos II, a wise and kind Human Judge and Lawmage who takes pains to consider all perspectives before issuing a judgment - even the perspectives of the spirits of the dead, with whom he can communicate. He is patient and utterly loyal to the guild.

There are a great number of Sphinx that support the Senate in this column. The Azorius revere these wise beings as embodiments of the law and their place in the guild has been a cornerstone of the Sova Column since Parun Azor I founded the guild.

The Jelenn Column (the Legislative)
This Column acts as Scribes and Elocutor. The term Elocutor covers all communication functions, from simple messengers — who are often spirits — to conflict mediation. The Jelenn write and enact the laws of Ravnica, involving the efforts not just of the designated legislators but also a network of bureaucrats, aides, writers, researchers, lobbyists, clerks, and so on. These folks may be simple scribes or clerks, but their ability to speak and connect with people coupled with possessing a few tricks to survive outside of Azorius territory makes them ideal to be the face of the guild alongside the very pronounced Lyev Column.

Led by a eccentric Vedalken Lawmage named Uzana. She is renowned for a nearly perfect memory, and has memorized every statute of Azorius law, down to the letter. Most of her speeches are littered with quotations from those statutes.

The Lyev Column (the Enforcers)
The most prominent face of the Senate present themselves in the ranks of the Lyev Column where the Azorius martial force resides. Present in this Column are a vast number of different ranks and specialties that make an Azorius task force a very real threat to criminals trying to edge into Senate territory or airspace.

Led by the Human Hussar Commander Agmand Sarv who, despite never seeing combat, has earned himself a reputation as a brilliant military strategist, the Lyev work as Lawmages, Investigators and Enforcers in the many-leveled hierarchy of the Column.

Lawmages and their various ranks make up close to half of the Azorius military force with the other half consisting of various forms of Arresters. Lawmages and Arresters both can be assigned the rank of Hussar, which means they are given a mount and are considered distinguished among the others. The Senate primarily uses Griffins as their Skyknight mounts and Horses as their ground based mounts.

The Lyev Column is also venturing into the work of managing surveillance and precognition, creating another special form of Lawmage, the Precognitive Mage. With the growing surveillance and the addition of precognition to their arsenal, the Senate feels it more than makes up for its overall military size being much smaller than the Boros Legion's.

The senate also has general contractors, builders and architects on retainer and boast about them being among the best in the world. These Konstructors, as they were designated, are those who enhance and/or accelerate their building projects with magic.

Recruitment

The Senate both actively scouts handpicked specialists and allows volunteers to sign up as well, provided they are in some way useful. Once scouted or enlisted, members are quickly immersed in the law. They usually spend most of their early time with the Senate as a form of intern either clerking for a legislator or judge, studying rhetoric with diplomats, learning precedent from prosecutors or advocates, training with a superior on live patrols, or serving any other assisting position where you can observe and learn.

As the training comes to an end, no matter how long that takes, recruits must choose whether to focus on law enforcement or operate in the much larger bureaucratic sector of the guild and, from there, the paths up the ladder vary in both time and intensity.

Public Relations

As far as the Azorius are concerned, every other guild in Ravnica is hastening along the road to anarchy. Even other guilds that are inclined toward order are ignoring or exploiting the law. Even guilds that are inclined toward order such as the Boros, Orzhov, and Selesnya can ignore or exploit the law when it suits them. Of course, whenever the members of another guild decide to operate within the law, they are potential allies for the Azorius. Even some members of the Cult of Rakdos can be pragmatic enough to stifle their impulses for a time in order to join forces against a common enemy.

Ravnica's Opinion of the Senate

Out in the field and away from their establishments, the public only sees a few select sides of the Senate, and being the multifaceted axis of Ravnican law creates a great deal of varying opinions about them. Most places that dislike the Azorius will dislike any member, but in neutral territory, there is more nuance to the situation.

Lyev: Though citizens who deeply resent the Senate will say this side of the guild perpetuates their corruption, the vast majority of Ravnica appreciates the work that the martial side of the Azorius do in keeping the city safe, as long as they aren't on the receiving end of a ticket. On the right side of the tracks, citizens will downright worship the ground you walk on. In seedier parts of the city, however, this opinion turns on its head. If you're in a rough enough neighborhood, criminals will openly attack these members of the Senate if they feel they can get away with it.

Jelenn: The general public are mixed when it comes to this side of the guild, and the reasons for this difference in opinion usually comes down to what laws are preferred to others and an individuals stance on the recent policies this side of the Senate has been churning out lately. Because they usually choose to represent the guild in a more mild fashion than Lyev Column members, those in this Column rarely have to fear physical persecution by the populace in rough neighborhoods.

Sova: More than likely, members of this Column you meet on the streets are just pages on their way to deliver court documents, but when the members of this Column are in the spotlight, it is usually due to the extremely negative sentiment towards prosecutors. Advocates soften the public view the Sova, but even they can face public retribution if they fail to properly defend their client. On top of this, the public eye is always directly on the judges of this Column, ready to rebuke them if they feel justice hasn't been properly carried out in the most recent case they have seen.

The Senate's Opinion of the Other Guilds

Because of its authoritarian, overreaching grasp, the Azorius Senate's relationships with other guilds are rarely entirely positive. Senate members tend to view members of other guilds as dangerous threats to order, while other guild members see the Azorius as rigid and tyrannical.

Boros: "Their vigilantism is tremendously dangerous without a hand to control it."

Dimir: "A perennial thorn in our side. Though they were once our greatest foes, not even the masters of espionage can hide from our watchful eyes."

Golgari: "Their underground structures break numerous building regulations, but at least they fulfill their duty as garbage collectors."

Gruul: "The Gruul are dangerous anarchists with no interest in furthering the development of civilization. They serve no useful purpose."

Izzet: "Eccentric and occasionally explosive, but generally harmless, for now. In their paranoia they have enlarged their weapon stockpiles, but they lack the clarity of vision to put them to use."

Orzhov: "Their brazen exploitation of our laws will be their downfall. They are an insidious threat that could tear society apart from the inside."

Rakdos: "An absolute blight on Ravnica. They are clowns who know nothing of culture and exist only to torment the functioning members of society."

Selesnya: "The Conclave plays by the rules and keeps to itself. Until its members become too numerous, they are of little threat to us."

Simic: "The Simic experiment with matters that disobey the laws of nature and the laws of Ravnica. We must not let them gain influence."

History

Where many people saw tragedy and doom in the Guildpact breaking 75 years ago during the Decamillennial, the Grand Arbiter at the time, Augustin IV, saw opportunity. In a bid to forcibly reshape Ravnica into a plane of pure order and law, he murdered and forcibly enslaved the ghost of House Dimir's Parun and current Guildmaster, the Vampire Szadek, who was sitting helpless in an Azorius prison, under magical nullifying effects, after being arrested by Agrus Kos, and set his ghost to work killing the Boros Legion's Guildmaster and chasing down leads on how to destroy the others. After biding his time for over a decade, another Guildmaster, Momir Vig of the Simic Combine, met their end after attempting to seize control of Ravnica. Capitalizing on the feeling of unease and fear creeping up through the people of Ravnica as guild after guild attempted to take advantage of the Guildpact, Augustine IV made his move and called for a vote to grant him emergency powers. The vote was a success due to the help of Augustin's powerful illusion magic, but his victory was cut short when the flying Boros garrison known as the Parhelion was flown into Prahv and detonated, but not before Szadek caught up to him and sucked his soul out, thanks to some unlikely help from Agrus Kos.

When all the dust settled, the Senate recognized the corruption of their former leader and sentenced him posthumously. The following year was fraught with uncertainty as the position of Guildmaster wasn't filled immediately. When they finally convinced the reluctant Isperia to step into to role, the wheels of the Senate began turning and New Prahv was erected. Since then the Azorius have done their best to repair the image of the guild, primarily through openly decrying Augustin's policies and duplicity while making it absolutely clear that no one else in the Senate knew what was going on. The results have been...mixed.

Culture

Senate society is less eclectic than those of other guilds due to their guild's clear cut task and purpose. Most people of the Senate are upright and respect / revere the rule of law, and are mindful of the work that everyone has to put in to maintain it. Industrious folks are more respected than idle ones and being wise with ones money is a common practice. Families set aside funds to help their children start out, but might withhold them from a child that has become idle or unlawful. Promotions and new jobs are celebrated more than birthdays, and marriage values are determined by how stable a partner's life is. Devout and religious folk among the Senate usually worship the law itself. Although values can vary from person to person, traditionalism runs deep in this culture and people might be expected to adhere to their family's traditions or values.

Fashion: Whether it's a sterling set of plate armor or a pure white robe with deep blue inseams, the Senate have always been garbed in silver, white, and/or a bold azure blue. The rest of Azorius society tends to dress in similar tones, albeit on more day to day items such as shirts, tunics, robes, blouses, doublets, dresses, slacks and belts / ribbons. An average citizen who supports/works for the Senate might wear a silver, ankle length, cotton or silk robe brought in at the waist by an ornate white ribbon with decorative blue stitching, or a blue cotton shirt and silver slacks with black belt and loafers. Any outfit is very likely to be accompanied by triangular designs, or incorporate stylized law runes. Their overalll style is sophisticated, preppy, and well groomed, but the older generation sometimes comes across as stuffy compared to the sleek modern style of the younger generations.

Diversions: The Senate is host to a diverse flock of people with various interests and, as such, wide variety of legal diversions are found acceptable by the guild. Most socially acceptable folks enjoy physical competition such as the Sky Games or mental challenges such as Clans & Legions. Members of Azorius society partake freely in the diversions of the other guilds and guildless associations as well, be it newspapers, television programs, or most popularly, books. However, they are quick to look down on any hobbies or pastimes that involve illegal activities or gambling away money.

Demographics: Although there are people of all kinds in the Senate, the largest demographics are Vedalken, Spirits, and Sphinx, along with the biggest group in almost every guild, Humans. Automatons, Homunculi, and Golems of various kinds are also used as clerical workers, guardians, and groundskeepers. The Senate most commonly uses Griffons, horses, and various kinds of big cats as their companions, both in and out of the military.

Making an Azorius Character

As a recruit to the Azorius Senate, you were quickly immersed in the law. You might have clerked for a judge or legislator, been an apprentice to a practitioner of law magic, studied rhetoric with diplomats, or trained to patrol the streets enforcing the law and investigating wrongdoing. As your training comes to an end and your adventuring career begins, you must decide whether to focus on law enforcement or to operate primarily within the bureaucracy of the Senate.

Azorius Classes

Many different kinds of life inhabits the Senate and each of them do their part for the guild. The Azorius utilize a menagerie of characters and people that each have a different way of approaching the system of law and order their predecessors have put in place. These are the roles that the various classes traditionally play in the Senate.

Barbarian - Contrary to what some of the more high and mighty members of the Senate might have you believe, sometimes the law just can't be upheld without force. As long as members follow all regulations and their rage is only for those who trample on the law, Barbarian Senate Members are welcomed with open arms. For obvious reasons, they're almost exclusively in the Lyev column where they are properly trained as enforcers and arresters. Those with the aptitude can ride mounts or even wield magic weapons and armor.

Bard - This class of character is wildly valuable to the Senate. As Bards are smooth talkers and jacks of all trade, you might find one most often in the Jelen Column as elocuters or in the Sova as judges, but because of their wide range of aptitudes, it's possible to find this class anywhere in the guild and in almost any role. Many Bards also occupy places of leadership within the Senate, using their clever speech to both rouse and quell riots and sway opinions.

Cleric - Because of how they are intensely connected to the Law Magic that binds Ravnica, Clerics of the Azorius Senate are famous across the Great City. Many Azorius Guildmasters have been this class, usually presiding over times when Ravnica had more religious fervor within its masses. After the infamous Augustin, there are many who keep a wary eye on Clerics as they use their Law Magic to help the guild within each of the different columns. Sova Column Clerics are usually judges that use their magic to discern the scales of justice; on the other hand, Lyev Clerics are powerful arresters, enforcers, and even precognitive mages that can detect the intent to break the law.

Druid - Because this class is at home far away from the sleek marble halls of New Prahv, they aren't a very common sight within the the guild or even the greater part of the city itself; however, this does not mean there have never been any or that there are rules against any joining. As long as the Druid believes that the Law of Ravnica is an extension of the Law of Nature, they wouldn't be opposed to taking one into their fold. In this case they would most likely request some form of pledge or show of devotion to make sure the Druid is like-minded with the Senate.

Fighter - Just because they're the most common class in Ravnica as a whole and in most of the guilds doesn't mean that each guild doesn't have their own unique version of this consistent and stable class. Azorius Fighters fill the ranks of the Lyev, but many retired fighters enter into diplomatic service so it is not at all uncommon to find Fighters in a leadership position such as a Judge or Elocuter. Some fighters and other trusted and specialized individuals can even find themselves being put to use as important bodyguards or escorts, perhaps sometimes even riot control.

Monk - You may not think it at first thought, but the monastic way of life shares a lot of values with the Azorius Senate. The principles of chastity, restraint, and focus fall in line with this guild's values. Additionally, they are usually wise or intuitive by nature, and that keeps them useful in a variety of diplomatic situations. Although the Senate doesn't have any Monasteries or Monastic Traditions specifically built into its infrastructure, on the occasions that monks from any variety of studies across the city are like minded and keen on joining, the Senate welcomes them, usually taking the reputation of their home monastery as reference for their character, at least until a full interview.

Paladin - Second only to Clerics in connection to the leylines of Law Magic woven throughout Ravnica are the Paladins. Built sturdier than most Clerics, these mighty warriors usually carry the role of "Tank" on their shoulders. Despite that heavy nomenclature, Azorius Paladins are famous for their Hussar Squadrons; ranks upon ranks of well trained Paladins and their trusted Griffin Mounts. Needless to say, as long as a Paladin can follow the rules (it helps if their Oath aligns with the Senate) and wants to promote Law in Ravnica, the Azorius Senate accepts an addition to their ranks with open arms.

Ranger - In a way quite similar to the Druid, the Rangers natural skillset and location of choice don't exactly adhere to the Azorius way of life but that doesn't prevent the Senate from looking to take Ranger's into the fold. Looking to make use of their supreme street-smarts, tracking ability, and combat ability, the Senate uses Rangers with a strong sense of Law and Order as Hussars, Arresters, and even personal body guards or other specialty squadrons.

Rogue - This class may seem like the antithesis to a statute of Law and Order, but a rogue is simply an individual who uses their own cunning to advance above their adversaries; their mental wit and natural social wiseness makes them not only a common class within the city as a whole, but also among the ranks of Azorius Bureaucrats and Ambassadors. They can also serve as Judges, Elocuters, bodyguards, specialists, arresters, commanders, and anything in between! As long as the rogue's views aligns with the Senate (and sometimes even when they don't..), the Azorius will cherish their contribution.

Sorcerer - Although this class is technically a more rare occurrence than a full fledged Cleric, Sorcerers have a general reputation for being savants in their chosen fields. The truth is no different from within the Azorius Senate. The introduction of a Sorcerer to the fold often sees them climbing the ranks quickly, excelling in Law Spellcraft and, if their attitude and intentions are Lawful, growing in favor with the leadership of the guild quite early in their career within the senate. The beauty of Sorcerers is that they can find a niche within almost any facet of the Guilds, and once again, that truth is no different in the Azorius Senate.

Warlock - This is another class that is infrequently seen in the Senate, but when they are, they are usually connected to an integral facet of the Guild. As a class that functions because of a pact, most Azorius Warlocks are the product of a link between an ancient Sphinx or a sovereign Felidar; but there have also been warlocks of the Senate bound by a written pact of law to the Guildpact itself, although this and the circumstances around it are rare. Whatever the circumstances of the pact, Warlocks usually excel in whatever part of the Senate their specialties lend the most aid.

Wizard - Some call Wizards the Backbone of the Senate. Most Clerics and Paladins are born out of a mix between training and a natural connection to the leylines of Law Magic in Ravnica. Bards share a similar natural affinity in their wide range of proficiencies. Wizards have to work and earn every single spell through blood sweat and tears. With the great educations that can be afforded and sponsored, many Wizards exist in Ravnica today, and a vast multitude of them flock to the structure of the Senate to improve their grasp on Law Magic. In recent days the Wizard has been even more prolific in the Senate due to the Augustin incident and Clerics being viewed with less honesty. Many high level wizards occupy the various hierarchies of the Guild.

Artificer - This class has an affinity for building tools, weapons, and knowing how machines tick. This is obviously not the Senate's wheelhouse, but that doesn't mean that there have never been Azorius Artificers. There have been Artificers that also have an affinity for building laws, edicts, and judgments and that possess knowledge of how the intricate Law works as well as machines. These rare cases are usually welcome within the Senate and, when they are, they thrive.

Blood Hunter - Another rare case in the Senate, Blood Hunters with a very strong sense of Justice can easily find themselves working as Hussars or Law Officers, and other high ranking martial titles; however, the Senate usually wants to enter a Pact with them to make sure they have no ill intent.

Senate Background: Azorius Functionary

The brutes are at the gate, chaos is looming, and the only thing standing in the way of disaster is the foundation of law and order - as embodied in the Azorius Senate. You're a member of the Azorius guild, which both enacts and helps to enforce the laws that make Ravnican society function smoothly and safely.

Taking this background means that you are already a member of the Senate, and have been for some time. Regardless of what position you served in, you know the law and know the proper recourse to take for a variety of situations. Whether you display it proudly or take a more minimalist approach, people around you can recognize that you are a member of the Azorius Senate.

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Intimidation
Languages: Two of your choice
Equipment: An Azorius insignia, a scroll containing the text of a law significant to you, a bottle of blue ink, a pen, a set of fine clothes, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp (Azorius-Minted 1-Zino Coins)
Feature: Legal Authority
You have the authority to enforce the laws of Ravnica to a degree (or at the very least know how to contact the people who do) and that status inspires a certain amount of respect and even fear in the populace. People mind their manners in your presence and avoid drawing your attention; they assume you have the right to be just about wherever you are. Showing your Azorius insignia gets you an audience with anyone you want to talk to (though it might cause more problems than it solves when you're dealing with incorrigible lawbreakers). If you abuse this privilege, you can get into serious trouble with your superiors and even be stripped of your position. You are also paid a salary of 10 gp (Ten Azorius minted one Zino coins) per week, which (combined with the option of free lodging in the barracks or commons of whatever Senate department you're in) allows you to maintain a mid income (comfortable) lifestyle on your off time.

Senate Spell List

As a member of this guild you have access to the following spells. They are added to the list of spells you can choose from when deciding which ones to learn. The power of the Guildpact courses through your mana and your magic often takes the form of blue or golden runes floating and glowing in the air in triangular patterns of shimmering azure barriers of magical energy. If you cast ensnaring strike, for example, for example, the vines created by the spell might appear as rune-inscribed glowing bands that wrap around the target and hold it in place.

Cantrips