Mage Circles

In the Oligarchy, the practice of arcane magic is tightly regulated by The Laws on magic . Any non-noble who wishes to legally study the arcane must belong to an officially sanctioned Circle. The term "Circle" was originally meant to symbolize equality, with members envisioned as peers sitting around a round table. In reality, the name better reflects their insular and self-reinforcing nature.

While it is said that any individual with the Gift may join a Circle, the reality is quite different. Noble influence permeates every significant Circle, ensuring that most members are either Nobles themselves or loyal lackeys approved by the houses. True access to the deeper mysteries of magic remains firmly in noble hands.

Each Circle typically has a focused area of study. Some dedicate themselves to the arts of necromancy, others to alchemy, the crafting of magical devices or even the study of monsters and magical beasts. The largest Circles pursue ambitious, kingdom-spanning projects, while smaller Circles often stick to more modest, local purposes.

Despite their differences, every recognized Circle is entitled to a seat on The Circle of Circles, a council that in theory speaks with equal voice to the Great Noble Houses in matters of politics. In practice, however, the Great Houses ensure that the Circle of Circles remains fractured and weak. By pitting the Circles against one another, infiltrating them with their own nobles, and withholding funding/privileges, the Houses maintain their dominance over the politics of the oligarchy.