The Ethereal Conclave

In the heart of Sawhya, the capital of Hiburn, stands the true seat of power within the kingdom — the Ethereal Conclave. While the king officially reigns as the supreme ruler of Hiburn, the Conclave's collective influence often surpasses his own, creating a delicate balance of power. Though the monarch may bear the crown, he cannot ignore the voices of the Conclave without risking chaos, for it is this council that truly shapes the destiny of the realm.

The Ethereal Conclave is composed of eight archmages, each a master of one of the foundational schools of magic: Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, Necromancy, and Transmutation. These archmages are not merely skilled spellcasters, but living embodiments of their respective disciplines, wielding powers that can reshape the very fabric of reality. They command vast networks of apprentices, lesser mages, and magical institutions, their influence extending into nearly every corner of Hiburnian society.

Magic is the lifeblood of Hiburn, its flow as essential to the kingdom as rivers and roads. Those who master its secrets rise to positions of immense prestige and authority, their words carrying the weight of arcane might. The Conclave, as the pinnacle of this power structure, acts as both the protector and arbiter of Hiburn’s magical heritage, guiding the kingdom’s policies, shaping its laws, and defending its borders through a combination of arcane force and political cunning.

While the king is technically the highest authority in Hiburn, he must walk a fine line, balancing his own will against the combined might of the Conclave. In practice, this means that while the king may decree and rule, it is often the Conclave’s whispered counsel that truly sets the course of the nation, their decisions rippling out to influence everything from trade and diplomacy to war and peace.

The Archmages of the Ethereal Conclave

1. Auria Thalyn (Female Elf, 312 years old) - Master of Abjuration
Auria is a serene, ageless beauty whose mastery over protective magics is unmatched. She is the Conclave’s shield, dedicated to the preservation of Hiburn and the defense of its people. Wise and soft-spoken, Auria’s words carry the weight of centuries, and she is known for her patience and unshakable calm, even in the face of catastrophe. Despite her gentle demeanor, her barriers are said to be unbreakable, capable of withstanding even the mightiest of siege spells.

2. Orlon Stonereaver (Male Dwarf, 185 years old) - Master of Conjuration
Orlon is a gruff, stout figure, with a thick braided beard streaked with silver and eyes that gleam like polished onyx. Known for his practical mindset and straightforward manner, he values loyalty and strength above all else. He commands the elemental forces of the earth, summoning creatures of stone and fire to crush his foes. Though he often grumbles about the Conclave’s politics, his loyalty to Hiburn is unquestioned.

3. Sariel Moor (Female Half-Elf, 64 years old) - Master of Divination
Sariel is a mysterious figure, known for her piercing gaze and unsettling ability to see through both the present and the future. She moves through the halls of the Conclave like a ghost, often appearing at precisely the moment she is needed, as if guided by some unseen hand. Though she is relatively young for a half-elf, her insights have saved the kingdom from countless threats. She often speaks in riddles and veiled prophecies, frustrating even her fellow archmages.

4. Calvus Arrol (Male Human, 52 years old) - Master of Enchantment
A charming and manipulative figure, Calvus is a master of words as much as spells. His honeyed tongue and charismatic presence make him a natural diplomat, often serving as the Conclave’s representative in foreign negotiations. Though he can be vain and self-serving, his loyalty to Hiburn is absolute. His enchantments can sway even the most stubborn of minds, bending kings and warriors alike to his will.

5. Braska Flameborn (Female Dragonborn, 87 years old) - Master of Evocation
Braska is a towering figure of crimson scales and fiery breath, known for her explosive temper and even more explosive spells. She wields raw, destructive power with a precision that belies her fierce exterior. Though many fear her, Braska is fiercely loyal to the Conclave and respects strength above all else. She often serves as the Conclave’s enforcer, bringing swift, fiery judgment to those who threaten Hiburn.

6. Myrra Whisperwind (Female Gnome, 132 years old) - Master of Illusion
Myrra is a whimsical, mischievous spirit who delights in bending reality to her whims. She is a trickster at heart, her illusions so convincing that even the other archmages occasionally find themselves questioning their senses around her. Despite her playful nature, she is fiercely protective of her homeland and uses her powers to cloak Hiburn’s secrets from prying eyes.

7. Varek Blackthorn (Male Tiefling, 71 years old) - Master of Necromancy
Varek is a solemn, brooding figure, often shunned by the common folk due to his dark art. He views death as simply another part of the natural order and holds a deep respect for the cycle of life and death. His eyes are pools of dark crimson, and his presence often makes others uneasy, yet none question his power or loyalty. He is a quiet, calculating strategist with a deep sense of duty to the kingdom.

8. Selara Drift (Female Aasimar, 158 years old) - Master of Transmutation
Selara is a graceful, ethereal figure, her golden eyes shining with an inner light. She is known for her calm demeanor and a deeply philosophical approach to magic, viewing transmutation as a form of spiritual enlightenment. Selara often serves as a mediator within the Conclave, her insights into the ever-changing nature of the world providing a unique perspective on the kingdom’s affairs.