Circle of the Seventeen

The circle of the seventeen is a secret society comprised of numerous individuals of high standing in the Argonian Empire  and beyond. Their goal is to collect as much influence as possible, with some even advocating to overthrow the Argonian and Palamos empires. 
The circle has many methods of spreading its influence, including trade, politics, and local rule. Yet most efforts of this hidden society have gone into constructing a secret military force. At first, they intended to do so by "reserving" mercanary warbands and installing members in high military positions. Yet, recent efforts have focused more on developing methods of creating enhanced soldiers that can be controlled by the circle. Most experiments to date were aimed at creating enhanced assassins, however, upon the success of these experiments, the development of combat units has begun in earnest.
The seventeen do not refer to any of the members of the organization, rather, the number refers to a set of demons that are of interest to the circle. These demons have mostly no individual association. What sparks the circle's interest is the potential of these demons to be used as assets. All seventeen are higher or greater class intelligent demons who have been sealed in a statue. The circle's original goal has always been to unseal these statues and gain control of the demons, which, according to their beliefs, would allow them to easily take control of the continent. The order is split, however, on how to treat the demons; with some suggesting that they should be seen as potential members who can help the order control society from the shadows, while others see the demons as nothing but weapons of mass destruction.